A layered automatic excrement cleaning device for experimental mouse cages

Abstract

The utility model discloses a layered excrement automatic cleaning device of experimental mouse cage, including the multilayer bearing assembly of setting in the inside mouse cage, the bottom of multilayer bearing assembly is equipped with excrement collection subassembly, the top of bearing assembly both ends is equipped with excrement cleaning subassembly, and the excrement cleaning subassembly both ends moves in the top of bearing assembly, and excrement is cleaned to the middle part of bearing assembly, and falls in the excrement collection subassembly of bottom, the utility model discloses a multilayer bearing assembly can be used, and the layered feeding of multiple groups of mice can be realized in the same cage, and the vertical space is fully utilized, and the feeding quantity is increased, and the excrement of different layers of mice is prevented from mixing, the excrement cleaning subassembly moves to the middle part through the synchronous movement of cleaning rod driven by motor, and the V type inclination design of bearing plate can automatically scrape excrement and gather to the middle part, and manual cleaning is not needed, and the workload of experimental personnel is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model specifically relates to a layered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of biomedical research, laboratory mice are important model organisms, and the cleanliness of their breeding environment directly affects the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. Among these, fecal cleaning is a core part of the daily maintenance of laboratory mouse cages. If cleaning is not timely or thorough, it can easily lead to an increase in ammonia concentration and microbial growth in the cages. This can not only interfere with the physiological state of the mice, causing stress responses or diseases, but may also significantly affect the stability of experimental data.

[0003] Currently, the cleaning of feces from laboratory mouse cages mainly relies on manual operation or traditional semi-automatic equipment, which has many limitations. Manual cleaning requires keepers to regularly disassemble each cage, change the bedding, or wash away the feces. This is not only labor-intensive and inefficient, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale laboratory animal husbandry, but it may also increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission due to frequent contact with mice. In addition, the randomness of manual operation can lead to inconsistent cleaning results.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to invent a layered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] (a) Purpose of the utility model

[0006] To address the technical problems existing in the background art, this utility model proposes a layered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages, which can quickly clean the feces of multi-layered mouse cages.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a layered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages, comprising a multi-layered support assembly disposed inside the mouse cage, each multi-layered support assembly having a feces collection assembly at its bottom, and feces cleaning assemblies at both ends of the top of the support assembly. The feces cleaning assemblies at both ends move on top of the support assembly to clean the feces to the middle of the support assembly and drop them into the feces collection assembly at the bottom.

[0009] The mouse cage has a support groove on the opposite outer wall for installing the bearing component. The other two sides of the bearing component are provided with cleaning grooves on the mouse cage for installing the feces cleaning component. The bottom of the support groove is provided with a positioning groove for installing the feces collection component. The adjacent side wall is provided with a pull hole for pulling out the feces collection component.

[0010] Preferably, the bearing assembly includes two sets of symmetrical bearing plates, with the bearing plates on both sides inclined towards the center, forming an overall V shape, and a telescopic plate provided in the center. The telescopic plate is connected to the bottom of the bearing plates on both sides by a cylinder. Positioning plates extend from both sides of the telescopic plate. One end of the cylinder is fixed to the positioning plate, and the other end is fixed to the bottom of the bearing plate. The top of the telescopic plate is inclined to both sides, and the feces cleaning assembly moves synchronously towards the center on the surface of the bearing plate.

[0011] Preferably, the feces cleaning assembly includes movable motors fixed on both sides of the mouse cage outside the cleaning groove, two sets of cleaning rods are provided between the two movable motors, the two cleaning rods move synchronously toward the center of the support plate, and the moving surface of the cleaning rod is provided with a scraping groove, the cross-section of the scraping groove is triangular.

[0012] Preferably, the fecal collection assembly includes a support plate, which is inserted through the pull-out hole and pushed along the positioning groove. The top of the support plate is provided with a pull-out groove, and a pull-out plate is installed in the pull-out groove. The pull-out plate is inserted into the pull-out groove through the pull-out hole. The end of the pull-out plate is also provided with a pull-out handle. The top of the pull-out plate is provided with a collection groove, and the depth of the collection groove is less than the depth of the pull-out groove.

[0013] Preferably, the telescopic length of the telescopic plate does not exceed the installation height of the fecal collection assembly, and after the telescopic plate moves downward, it at least ensures that the feces on the support plate fall into the fecal collection assembly.

[0014] Preferably, the mouse cage is a cube with a top cover, an observation opening on the top cover, and multiple ventilation holes inside the observation opening.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model are:

[0016] This invention utilizes a multi-layered support component, enabling the stratified rearing of multiple groups of mice within the same cage. This fully leverages vertical space, increases the number of mice to be reared, and avoids the mixing of feces from mice on different layers. Each layer of the support component is independently equipped with a feces cleaning and collection component, allowing for precise cleaning of different layers and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. This invention is particularly suitable for groups of mice that require individual observation or experimentation.

[0017] This utility model's feces cleaning component uses a moving motor to drive the cleaning rod to move synchronously towards the center. Combined with the V-shaped inclined design of the support plate, it can automatically scrape off and collect feces in the center, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and reducing the workload of experimental personnel. The cleaning process does not require opening the cage top cover; the operation is completed solely through the mechanical structure, reducing stress responses in mice caused by human intervention and minimizing interference from the external environment on the cage environment.

[0018] This utility model's bearing assembly adopts a V-shaped inclined bearing plate and a central telescopic plate design, combined with the triangular scraping groove of the cleaning rod, which can closely fit the surface of the bearing plate to thoroughly scrape away the feces and guide them to the center; the telescopic plate is controlled to open and close by a cylinder, and when opened, it can form a feces drop channel to ensure that the feces fall completely into the bottom collection component and reduce residue; the top of the telescopic plate is inclined to both sides to further guide the feces to gather in the center and prevent the feces from accumulating in the gap between the bearing plate and the telescopic plate. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[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 disassembled structure of the bottom feces collection component of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the mouse cage of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the bearing component and the feces collection component of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the feces collection component of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the load-bearing component of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the feces cleaning component of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cleaning rod of this utility model.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 1. Mouse cage; 11. Support slot; 12. Cleaning slot; 13. Positioning slot; 14. Pull-out hole; 15. Top cover; 16. Observation port; 17. Ventilation hole; 2. Bearing assembly; 21. Bearing plate; 22. Telescopic plate; 23. Cylinder; 24. Positioning plate; 3. Feces collection assembly; 31. Support plate; 32. Pull-out slot; 33. Pull-out plate; 34. Pull-out handle; 35. Collection slot; 4. Feces cleaning assembly; 41. Moving motor; 42. Cleaning rod; 43. Scraping slot. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] This utility model provides, for example Figures 1-8 The illustrated layered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages includes a multi-layered support component 2 installed inside the mouse cage 1. Each multi-layered support component 2 has a feces collection component 3 at its bottom and feces cleaning components 4 at both ends of its top. The feces cleaning components 4 at both ends move at the top of the support component 2 to clean the feces to the middle of the support component 2 and drop them into the feces collection component 3 at the bottom.

[0032] Specifically, the mouse cage 1 has a support groove 11 on the opposite outer wall for installing the support component 2. The other two sides of the support component 2 are provided with cleaning grooves 12 on the mouse cage 1 for installing the feces cleaning component 4. The feces collection component 3 is installed at the bottom of the support groove 11 and has a positioning groove 13. The adjacent side wall has a pull hole 14 for pulling out the feces collection component 3.

[0033] Reference Figures 4-7 The bearing assembly 2 includes two sets of symmetrical bearing plates 21. The two bearing plates 21 are inclined towards the middle, forming a V shape. A telescopic plate 22 is provided in the middle. The telescopic plate 22 is connected to the bottom of the two bearing plates 21 by a cylinder 23. Positioning plates 24 extend from both sides of the telescopic plate 22. One end of the cylinder 23 is fixed on the positioning plate 24, and the other end is fixed on the bottom of the bearing plate 21. The top of the telescopic plate 22 is inclined to both sides. The feces cleaning assembly 4 moves synchronously towards the middle on the surface of the bearing plate 21.

[0034] Reference Figures 6-8 The feces cleaning component 4 includes a moving motor 41 fixed on both sides of the mouse cage 1 outside the cleaning groove 12. Two sets of cleaning rods 42 are provided between the two moving motors 41. The two cleaning rods 42 move synchronously towards the middle of the support plate 21. The moving surface of the cleaning rods 42 is provided with a scraping groove 43. The cross section of the scraping groove 43 is triangular.

[0035] Specifically, the fecal collection assembly 3 includes a support plate 31, which is inserted through the pull hole 14 and pushed along the positioning groove 13. The top of the support plate 31 is provided with a pull groove 32, and a pull plate 33 is installed in the pull groove 32. The pull plate 33 is inserted into the pull groove 32 through the pull hole 14. The end of the pull plate 33 is also provided with a pull handle 34. The top of the pull plate 33 is provided with a collection groove 35, and the depth of the collection groove 35 is less than the depth of the pull groove 32.

[0036] Reference Figures 1-3 The telescopic length of the telescopic plate 22 shall not exceed the installation height of the fecal collection assembly 3, and after the telescopic plate 22 moves downward, it shall at least ensure that the feces on the bearing plate 21 fall into the fecal collection assembly 3.

[0037] Specifically, the mouse cage 1 is a cube in shape and has a top cover 15. The top cover 15 has an observation opening 16 and multiple ventilation holes 17 inside the observation opening 16.

[0038] In this embodiment, the mouse cage 1 is first fixedly placed. The support groove 11 on the opposite side outer wall is used to install the bearing assembly 2: two sets of symmetrical bearing plates 21 are embedded in the support groove 11 at both ends. Since the bearing plates 21 are inclined to the middle in a V shape, it is necessary to ensure that the inclination angle on both sides is consistent during installation to ensure that the feces naturally gather to the middle. The middle telescopic plate 22 of the bearing assembly 2 is connected to the cylinder 23 through the positioning plate 24: one end of the cylinder 23 is fixed to the bottom of the bearing plate 21, and the other end is fixed to the positioning plate 24 of the telescopic plate 22. After installation, the lifting flexibility of the telescopic plate 22 needs to be tested to ensure that its top inclined surface is smoothly connected to the inclined surface of the bearing plate 21 to avoid feces accumulating at the connection.

[0039] In this embodiment, movable motors 41 are fixed outside the cleaning grooves 12 on both sides of the mouse cage 1. Two sets of cleaning rods 42 span the cage and are connected to the movable motors 41 on both sides, ensuring that the scraping grooves 43 of the cleaning rods 42 are in close contact with the surface of the support plate 21. After installation, the movable motors 41 need to be adjusted to ensure that the cleaning rods 42 on both sides move synchronously towards the center, and that the movement trajectory covers the entire surface of the support plate 21 without any cleaning dead corners.

[0040] In this embodiment, the support plate 31 is pushed into the positioning groove 13 through the pull-out hole 14 to secure it stably at the bottom of the support groove 11. Then, the pull-out plate 33 is inserted into the pull-out groove 32 of the support plate 31, ensuring that the collection groove 35 of the pull-out plate 33 is located directly below the center of the bearing assembly 2, and that the pull-out handle 34 protrudes outside the pull-out hole 14 for easy subsequent pull-out operation. After installation, the smoothness of the pull-out plate 33 should be checked to prevent jamming and leakage of feces.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the cleaning process is started, the moving motor 41 drives the cleaning rods 42 on both sides to move synchronously towards the center of the support plate 21: the triangular scraping groove 43 closely fits the inclined surface of the support plate 21, efficiently scraping away the feces on the plate and pushing it towards the center. Because the support plate 21 is V-shaped, the feces gather towards the center under the combined action of gravity and scraping force, reducing residue.

[0042] Specifically, when the cleaning rod 42 moves to the vicinity of the middle of the support plate 21, the cylinder 23 is activated and drives the telescopic plate 22 to move downwards (the telescopic length does not exceed the installation height of the feces collection assembly 3), at which point a channel is formed in the middle of the support assembly 2. The feces accumulated in the middle slide down the inclined surface at the top of the telescopic plate 22 and fall into the collection trough 35 of the feces collection assembly 3 below through the channel. After cleaning is completed, the cylinder 23 drives the telescopic plate 22 to return to its original position, closing the middle channel to prevent mice from accidentally entering or feces from falling prematurely.

[0043] Specifically, when the feces in the collection trough 35 accumulate to a certain amount, the pull plate 33 is pulled out from the pull hole 14 using the pull handle 34. Because the depth of the collection trough 35 is less than that of the pull groove 32, the feces will not overflow from the gap between the pull plate 33 and the pull groove 32, ensuring the hygiene of the operation. After cleaning the feces, the pull plate 33 is pushed back into the pull groove 32 to complete one collection process. If thorough cleaning is required, the support plate 31 can be pulled out along the positioning groove 13 for a comprehensive cleaning of the support plate 31 and the pull groove 32.

[0044] In this embodiment, the V-shaped support plate 21 and the top of the inclined telescopic plate 22 form a guiding and gathering structure, which, together with the tight scraping of the triangular scraping groove 43, improves the fecal cleaning rate and greatly reduces fecal residue; the synchronous movement design of the cleaning rod 42 avoids fecal accumulation caused by unilateral cleaning and further ensures the uniformity of cleaning.

[0045] In this embodiment, the pull-out feces collection component 3 simplifies the cleaning process, reducing the cleaning time of a single collection component to within 30 seconds, and eliminates the need to contact the mice in the cage, thus reducing the risk of researchers being bitten; the fixing structure of the positioning groove 13 and the support groove 11 ensures stable installation of the component and prevents the device from shifting due to mouse movement.

[0046] In this embodiment, the layered independent cleaning design allows each layer of feces to be treated separately, reducing cross-contamination between mice in different layers; the observation port 16 and ventilation hole 17 of the top cover 15 ensure air circulation in the cage while facilitating real-time observation of the mice's condition without interfering with the operation of the cleaning device, thus maintaining a stable experimental breeding environment.

[0047] The foregoing description only illustrates certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A layered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages, characterized in that: The system includes a multi-layer support assembly (2) installed inside the mouse cage (1). Each multi-layer support assembly (2) has a feces collection assembly (3) at the bottom. The support assembly (2) has feces cleaning assemblies (4) at both ends. The feces cleaning assemblies (4) at both ends move on top of the support assembly (2) to clean the feces to the middle of the support assembly (2) and drop them into the feces collection assembly (3) at the bottom. The mouse cage (1) has a support groove (11) on the opposite outer wall for installing the bearing component (2). The other two sides of the bearing component (2) are provided with cleaning grooves (12) for installing the feces cleaning component (4) on the mouse cage (1). The feces collection component (3) is installed at the bottom of the support groove (11) and has a positioning groove (13). The adjacent side wall has a pull hole (14) for pulling out the feces collection component (3).

2. The tiered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bearing assembly (2) includes two sets of symmetrical bearing plates (21). The bearing plates (21) on both sides are inclined towards the middle and are V-shaped in general. A telescopic plate (22) is provided in the middle. The telescopic plate (22) is connected to the bottom of the bearing plates (21) on both sides by a cylinder (23). Positioning plates (24) extend from both sides of the telescopic plate (22). One end of the cylinder (23) is fixed on the positioning plate (24) and the other end is fixed to the bottom of the bearing plate (21). The top of the telescopic plate (22) is inclined to both sides. The feces cleaning assembly (4) moves synchronously towards the middle on the surface of the bearing plate (21).

3. The tiered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages according to claim 2, characterized in that: The feces cleaning component (4) includes a moving motor (41) fixed on both sides of the mouse cage (1) outside the cleaning groove (12). Two sets of cleaning rods (42) are provided between the moving motors (41) on both sides. The cleaning rods (42) on both sides move synchronously towards the middle of the support plate (21). The moving surface of the cleaning rod (42) is provided with a scraping groove (43). The cross section of the scraping groove (43) is triangular.

4. The tiered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fecal collection assembly (3) includes a support plate (31), which is inserted from the pull hole (14) and pushed in along the positioning groove (13). The top of the support plate (31) is provided with a pull groove (32), and a pull plate (33) is installed in the pull groove (32). The pull plate (33) is inserted from the pull hole (14) into the pull groove (32). The end of the pull plate (33) is also provided with a pull handle (34). The top of the pull plate (33) is provided with a collection groove (35), and the depth of the collection groove (35) is less than the depth of the pull groove (32).

5. The tiered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages according to claim 2, characterized in that: The telescopic length of the telescopic plate (22) does not exceed the installation height of the fecal collection assembly (3), and after the telescopic plate (22) moves downward, it at least satisfies the condition that the feces on the bearing plate (21) fall into the fecal collection assembly (3).

6. The tiered automatic feces cleaning device for laboratory mouse cages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mouse cage (1) is a cube with a top cover (15) on top. The top cover (15) has an observation port (16) and multiple ventilation holes (17) inside the observation port (16).

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