A constant temperature and humidity box suitable for small animal treadmill exercise and feeding intervention

Abstract

The utility model relates to a constant temperature and humidity box suitable for small animal running track movement and feeding intervention, include: box, box one side is equipped with the box door and control panel, be equipped with lighting device in the box, and temperature and humidity control device and air circulation device, set up at least one set of small animal exercise equipment in the box, still include with the temperature, humidity sensor of control microcomputer connection, heater, refrigerator, humidifier, dehumidifier, the utility model adopts internal space design to meet the size requirement of small animal running track, to accommodate a small animal professional running track or runner, make small animal in the experiment process can move according to the requirement, the air vent is set up on the box, guarantees the normal breathing and activity of small animal in the inside, the high accuracy temperature and humidity regulation can maintain the constant of temperature and humidity in the selected range. The constant temperature and humidity box not only can provide good feeding experiment environment, effectively carry out movement intervention operation, satisfy the need of scientific research.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a constant temperature and humidity chamber suitable for small animal treadmill exercise and feeding intervention. It is an experimental device for observing and testing the movement of small animals. Background Technology

[0002] In scientific research fields, such as environmental and materials science, temperature and humidity chambers are widely used tools. However, existing chambers are mainly used for placing static substances, such as for low-temperature performance testing of certain substances, or for petri dishes. Their application in live animal experiments remains unexplored. Most existing temperature and humidity chambers are completely sealed, meaning the inside and outside are completely isolated. If a small animal, such as a mouse, is placed inside and forced to move, it will feel constricted, affecting its movement and ultimately the accuracy of the experiment. Because the chamber door needs to be frequently opened to interfere with the animal's movement in small animal experiments, the temperature and humidity of existing non-specialized small animal exercise chambers fluctuate significantly, are easily affected by external factors, and are difficult to control. Therefore, providing small animals with a temperature- and humidity-controlled, well-ventilated, and comfortable environment with precise temperature and humidity control is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems of existing technologies, this utility model proposes a constant temperature and humidity chamber suitable for small animal treadmill exercise and feeding intervention. The chamber has a side door and at least two wide observation windows. The chamber can accommodate at least two treadmill tracks or wheels for small animals. The high-precision temperature and humidity control, as well as good ventilation, provide a good environment for small animal experiments.

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is achieved as follows: a constant temperature and humidity chamber suitable for small animal exercise and feeding intervention includes: a rectangular box with glass observation windows on at least two sides, a door on one side of the rectangular box, a control panel on the outer shell of the rectangular box, a lighting device inside the rectangular box, a temperature and humidity control device with a temperature control range of ±2°C and a humidity control range of ±3%, and an air circulation device controlled by temperature and humidity; at least one set of small animal exercise equipment is installed inside the rectangular box; a shooing hole is also provided on the rectangular box; the temperature and humidity control device includes an electric heater for heating and a circulating cooler for cooling, an ultrasonic humidifier for increasing humidity and a desiccant dehumidifier for decreasing humidity, as well as a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; the electric heater, circulating cooler, ultrasonic humidifier, desiccant dehumidifier, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor are connected to a control microcomputer.

[0005] Furthermore, the outer shell of the rectangular box is constructed of a composite of a metal outer layer and a heat-insulating material.

[0006] Furthermore, the glass observation window is made of double-layered heat-insulating glass.

[0007] Furthermore, the expulsion hole is located on the double-layered heat-insulated glass observation window.

[0008] Furthermore, a glass observation window is provided on the box door.

[0009] Furthermore, the air circulation device is provided with an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel, and the air inlet channel is provided with an electric heater, a circulating cooler, and an intake fan.

[0010] Furthermore, an exhaust fan is installed in the exhaust duct.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned small animal exercise equipment is a specialized small animal treadmill or multiple small animal exercise wheels.

[0012] Furthermore, the small animal-specific running track is equipped with multiple tracks, and the tracks are covered with perforated covers.

[0013] The advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The outer shell of this utility model is made of high-quality heat-insulating material, which has good heat preservation performance and durability; the double-sided heat-insulating glass door design allows users to directly observe the condition of the small animals inside the chamber, and it is also equipped with a lighting system to facilitate experimental operation and observation; the internal space design meets the size requirements of a small animal running table to accommodate a professional small animal running table or wheel, allowing the small animals to move as required during the experiment; the ventilation vents are located on the chamber body to ensure the normal breathing and activity of the small animals inside; high-precision temperature and humidity regulation can maintain constant temperature and humidity within a selected range. The aforementioned constant temperature and humidity chamber not only provides a good experimental environment for small animal husbandry but also effectively enables movement intervention operations, meeting the needs of scientific research. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the device described in Embodiments 1 and 9 of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front view of the device described in Embodiments 1 and 9 of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a side view of the device described in Embodiments 1 and 9 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Example 1:

[0019] This embodiment is a temperature and humidity control chamber suitable for small animal treadmill exercise and feeding intervention, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3. This embodiment includes: a rectangular box 1 with at least one glass observation window 101 on one side; a box door 2 on one side of the rectangular box; a control panel 3 on the outer shell of the rectangular box; a lighting device inside the rectangular box; a temperature and humidity control device with a temperature control range of ±2°C and a humidity control range of ±3%; an air circulation device with temperature and humidity control; at least one set of small animal exercise equipment 4 inside the rectangular box; a shooing hole 102 on the rectangular box; and a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The electric heater, circulating cooler, ultrasonic humidifier, desiccant dehumidifier, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor are connected to a control microcomputer.

[0020] The constant temperature and humidity chamber described in this embodiment not only provides a good experimental environment for small animal husbandry but also effectively enables movement intervention operations, meeting the needs of scientific research. Based on these requirements, this embodiment has been carefully designed. The constant temperature and humidity chamber described in this embodiment is used to study the physiological mechanisms of movement in subjects under special environments (high or low temperature environments), primarily mice. This experiment requires a stable, controllable high or low temperature environment. The research subjects (mice) can exercise on a treadmill in this environment to achieve experimental intervention in movement under special environmental conditions. To meet the experimental requirements, the dimensions of the chamber accommodating the treadmill need to be determined based on its size. The dimensions of the chamber body, as well as the location of the door and the size and location of the observation window, need to be designed based on the chamber dimensions. A repelling hole needs to be provided to intervene and repel the mice. Furthermore, control settings, including a control panel, ventilation system, and lighting system, need to be added according to the experimental requirements.

[0021] The following specific measures were taken in this embodiment:

[0022] The rectangular enclosure is constructed from high-quality sheet metal and insulating materials, providing excellent thermal insulation and durability. Observation windows can be installed on four sides, three sides, or two sides (with a door on one side). These windows are fitted with double-glazed insulated glass, allowing users to directly observe the animals inside. An internal lighting system facilitates experimental operation and observation. The internal space of the rectangular enclosure is designed to accommodate at least one specialized small animal treadmill or wheel, enabling the animals to move freely during experiments.

[0023] An air circulation system is used to maintain fresh air inside the enclosure, ensuring the small animals can breathe and move normally. The air circulation system can be configured with openings to allow natural air circulation, or it can use a fan to drive the airflow. Heaters for raising the temperature and coolers for lowering it can be installed along the airflow channels to regulate the temperature inside the enclosure.

[0024] The temperature and humidity control device described in this embodiment is a high-precision control device with a control range of ±2°C and a humidity control range of ±3%. It can also control temperature and humidity over a wide range (adjustable humidity range: 30%–80%, adjustable temperature range: not less than 40°C). Temperature control includes heating and cooling functions, maintaining constant temperature and humidity within the selected range. Heating can be achieved using an electric heater, and cooling can be achieved using a circulating refrigerator or a semiconductor refrigerator. The humidity control device includes dehumidification and humidification functions to maintain constant humidity within the selected range.

[0025] The temperature and humidity control device described in this embodiment includes an electric heater for heating and a cooler for cooling, an ultrasonic humidifier for increasing humidity and a desiccant dehumidifier for reducing humidity.

[0026] The electric heater is used to heat the temperature inside the box, while the cooler uses the cooling principle of a refrigerator or air conditioner, employing a circulating cooling principle, which can both lower the temperature and dehumidify.

[0027] Dehumidification is a relatively complex process. Humidification can be achieved using existing ultrasonic humidifiers, while dehumidification can be achieved using existing desiccant dehumidifiers. A desiccant dehumidifier is a device that uses a desiccant to absorb moisture from the air, thus drying the air. The desiccant can be recycled; after absorbing moisture, it is released by blowing dry air onto it, allowing it to absorb moisture again for reuse. By adding humidity sensors and a microcomputer, the degree of moisture absorption by the desiccant can be precisely controlled, thereby accurately regulating the external humidity environment.

[0028] Humidity control method:

[0029] 1. Dehumidification system: Desiccant dehumidifier, which adopts a dehumidification-desiccant regeneration circulation mode, alternately performs internal and external circulation of dry gas to intervene in humidity changes inside the chamber, and recycles the desiccant;

[0030] The dehumidification system is the core system of the constant temperature and humidity chamber. Under the unified command of the microcomputer control system, the dehumidification-regeneration system coordinates and continuously injects dry air into the chamber, thereby ensuring that the internal environment of the chamber is controlled within the set requirements. At the same time, the desiccant is repeatedly used in a circulation manner to make full use of resources.

[0031] 2. Humidification system: Ultrasonic humidifier, which uses ultrasonic vibration to turn liquid water into water microparticles, forming mist, thereby affecting the humidity of the environment.

[0032] The chamber is also equipped with high-precision temperature and humidity sensors to detect minute changes in temperature and humidity at any time, providing a control basis for adjusting heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification. A microcomputer controls the electric heater, circulating cooler, humidifier, and dryer, thus achieving precise temperature and humidity control within the constant temperature and humidity chamber.

[0033] The shooing hole can be opened on the glass of the observation window on one side, or on the glass of the enclosure door with an observation window, to facilitate human supervision and intervention when the small animals are running on the platform.

[0034] The lighting should be low-temperature lighting, such as LED lights, to avoid interfering with the stability of the temperature inside the chamber.

[0035] Small animal exercise equipment can be either a specialized treadmill for small animals or a small animal exercise wheel. A specialized treadmill for small animals is similar to a treadmill used by humans, but smaller in size, allowing small animals (mainly mice) to run on a rotating belt for various animal exercise experiments. A small animal exercise wheel is another type of device for small animals to run on; its structure is simpler, but the experimental results are relatively poor.

[0036] Application examples:

[0037] Figure 1 , 2 3 only illustrates one rectangular enclosure arrangement: the front of the rectangular temperature and humidity chamber is the control panel and the door. A double-glazed observation window is located on the door and the right side of the chamber, with a scare hole on the right observation window. A specialized animal running track is installed inside the chamber, with six tracks on it. The tracks are covered to confine the mice and prevent them from running freely inside the chamber. The control panel is located on the front right side of the rectangular chamber; this control panel not only controls the temperature and humidity inside the chamber but also controls the specialized animal running track. This enclosure arrangement (according to this embodiment) Figure 1 , 2 3) The manufactured constant temperature and humidity chamber was a great success. The finished chamber can accommodate a six-lane running track, and the temperature and humidity are controlled with high precision within ±2°C and ±3% respectively. Specific parameters are as follows:

[0038] Dimensions: Length, width and height (external dimensions 1500*730*800mm, internal dimensions 900*550*615mm);

[0039] Technical parameters:

[0040] Voltage: AC220V±10% 50Hz;

[0041] Peak power: 1650W; Average power: 200W;

[0042] The operating temperature range of the enclosure is 0℃—40℃;

[0043] The ambient humidity range for the enclosure is 0-80%RH.

[0044] The cabinet's overall humidity control is adjustable: 30%—80%RH;

[0045] The cabinet's overall temperature control is adjustable: 0℃—40℃;

[0046] Humidity control range: ±3%;

[0047] Temperature control range: ±2℃;

[0048] Humidity fluctuation range: ±3%;

[0049] Temperature fluctuation range: ±2℃;

[0050] Temperature measurement accuracy error: ±0.5℃;

[0051] Humidity measurement accuracy error: ±3%;

[0052] Material: High-quality stainless steel throughout;

[0053] Door style: Single stainless steel door;

[0054] Casters: The bottom of the box is equipped with four sets of casters, and the casters are equipped with locking devices to prevent movement during use;

[0055] Desiccant: Dual system, regenerable and reusable more than 100,000 times.

[0056] Main components for temperature and humidity control:

[0057] 1. Cooling system:

[0058] Refrigerant: R134A environmentally friendly type;

[0059] Compressor: Danfoss compressor; Condenser; Evaporator: Copper tubing;

[0060] Electrical control system: PLC control;

[0061] 2. Heating system:

[0062] Heating: PTC thermostatic semiconductor;

[0063] Probe: SHT10 electronic probe, annual drift less than 3‰;

[0064] 3. Dehumidification system: (Desiccant dehumidification) The four systems of dehumidification and regeneration alternately operate in a way that circulates the dry gas inside and outside the chamber to ensure a constant level of dryness inside the chamber.

[0065] The structure of the constant temperature and humidity chamber cabinet:

[0066] 1. The cabinet shell is made of 1.2mm stainless steel, and the inner liner is filled with polyurethane high-pressure foam in one piece, which is heat-resistant, heat-insulating and flame-retardant; the cabinet door frame uses permanent magnet sealing rubber strip;

[0067] 2. Display and control module: Digital sensors acquire data, ensuring accurate temperature control and measurement with strong anti-interference capabilities;

[0068] 3.7-inch LCD touchscreen display, PLC intelligent program control. Computer-stored settings are retained even after pausing, ensuring automatic resumption of normal operation upon restart. Temperature parameters can be freely set using the function keys on the control panel.

[0069] Performance characteristics of the constant temperature and humidity chamber:

[0070] The aforementioned constant temperature and humidity chamber boasts exceptional temperature and humidity control capabilities, allowing for arbitrary setting of relative humidity within the range of 30%RH to 80%RH. The entire constant temperature and humidity control system covers the needs of almost all precision components, various optoelectronic instruments, optical instruments, optoelectronic devices, microcomputer chips, etc., making it a professional product for specific environmental temperature and humidity control. It achieves extremely stringent requirements in terms of precise temperature and humidity control. In addition, the aforementioned constant temperature and humidity chamber possesses many unique performance characteristics:

[0071] 1. The high-temperature heating element is installed in an isolated manner, which will not cause harm to surrounding objects or personnel.

[0072] 2. It adopts microcomputer control to automatically identify the humidity inside the chamber and intelligently track the set humidity value, with accuracy reaching instrument-grade standards;

[0073] 3. It adopts a touch screen, which is clear and easy to read, making both control and display very convenient;

[0074] 4. The working status of each system in the control cabinet is clearly displayed on the screen, which makes it very convenient for system maintenance.

[0075] 5. Each system is also equipped with physical operation keys, which facilitate manual operation and provide flexible and diverse control.

[0076] 6. The modular installation design of each system allows for flexible design changes to meet specific customer requirements, achieving various special performance parameter values, while also facilitating maintenance and upkeep.

[0077] 7. It has a strong affinity for water molecules: The dehumidifier material has strong chemical stability, high adsorption capacity and sufficient mechanical strength, and high thermal stability. It can be repeatedly heated and regenerated, with a regeneration count of more than 100,000 times.

[0078] 8. This equipment has functions such as heat insulation, magnetic shielding, dust prevention, low power consumption in balanced state, and long service life, and is environmentally friendly, energy-saving, and pollution-free.

[0079] 9. Safe, reliable, and low power consumption: The device is equipped with leakage protection and high-voltage short-circuit protection, making it safe and reliable to use; the functions of dehumidification, humidification, cooling, and heating are displayed intuitively; once the set humidity and temperature are reached, the entire system enters the low-power maintenance zone.

[0080] 10. High Applicability: This equipment has a large usable space, and the settings can be adjusted according to the temperature and humidity requirements of the stored items; the shelves inside the cabinet can be adjusted appropriately according to the size of the stored items. This equipment has strong versatility and practicality, and is easy to control automatically.

[0081] Example 2:

[0082] This embodiment is an improvement upon Embodiment 1, and a refinement of the rectangular box in Embodiment 1. The outer shell of the rectangular box described in this embodiment is constructed of a composite of a metal outer layer and thermal insulation material.

[0083] The outer shell is made of stainless steel sheet, and the inner liner is also made of stainless steel sheet. The space between the outer shell and the inner liner is filled with heat insulation material, which can effectively insulate the inside and outside of the box and maintain a constant temperature inside the box.

[0084] Example 3:

[0085] This embodiment is an improvement upon the above embodiment, and a refinement of the glass observation window in the above embodiment. The glass observation window described in this embodiment uses double-layered heat-insulating glass.

[0086] The double-layered glass, filled with nitrogen and combined with a desiccant, provides excellent insulation, ensuring stable temperature and humidity inside the chamber and providing a good environment for small animal movement experiments.

[0087] Example 4:

[0088] This embodiment is an improvement upon the above embodiment, specifically a refinement of the expulsion hole described in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the expulsion hole is located on a double-layered, heat-insulated glass observation window.

[0089] The deflection hole is used to intervene in the movement of small animals. At the beginning of the experiment, the small animals often do not run obediently on the track and will bump into things. At this time, it is necessary to open the deflection hole, insert the deflection stick, and drive the mice into the track.

[0090] The shooing hole is a hole made in the observation window glass. Normally, it is plugged with a stopper made of elastic heat-insulating material such as rubber. When shooing away small animals, the stopper is pulled out to drive them away.

[0091] Example 5:

[0092] This embodiment is an improvement upon the above embodiment, and is a refinement of the glass observation window in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, one of the glass observation windows is installed on the box door.

[0093] An observation window, similar to that of a microwave oven, is installed on the door. This arrangement of the observation window and door makes them more convenient to use.

[0094] Example 6:

[0095] This embodiment is an improvement upon the above embodiment, and a refinement of the air circulation device described above. The air circulation device in this embodiment includes an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel. The air inlet channel is equipped with an electric heater and a cooler, as well as an intake fan.

[0096] An air inlet and outlet channel is set on the rectangular box to allow the air inside the box to circulate continuously. At the same time, the temperature and humidity of the circulating air are regulated and controlled by a temperature and humidity control device.

[0097] Installing an intake fan in the air intake duct can increase the airflow into the chamber and improve the efficiency of heating or cooling.

[0098] Example 7:

[0099] This embodiment is an improvement upon the above embodiment, and is a refinement of the exhaust duct in the above embodiment. The exhaust duct in this embodiment is equipped with an exhaust fan.

[0100] The combination of exhaust and intake fans can further increase air circulation inside the enclosure, which provides better ventilation for multiple small animal movement tests.

[0101] Example 8:

[0102] This embodiment is an improvement upon the above embodiment, and a refinement of the small animal exercise equipment described in the above embodiment. The small animal exercise equipment described in this embodiment is a specialized small animal treadmill or multiple small animal exercise wheels.

[0103] A small animal treadmill is similar to a human treadmill, featuring a reciprocating flat belt on which small animals run, creating a movement experiment. Similarly, a small animal exercise wheel is a cylindrical cage in which small animals can run, also serving as a movement experiment.

[0104] Example 9:

[0105] This embodiment is an improvement upon the above embodiment, detailing the small animal-specific running track. The small animal-specific running track in this embodiment has multiple running tracks 401, and each track has a cover 403 with holes 402, such as... Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3.

[0106] The running track for small animals is designed by dividing a flat leather strap into multiple long, narrow spaces, each capable of holding only one small animal. A cover then covers the track, creating a relatively enclosed space to prevent the animals from running around freely.

[0107] Finally, it should be noted that the above is only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the preferred arrangement, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model (such as the shape of the box, the method of temperature and humidity regulation, and the form of small animal exercise equipment, etc.) without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. A temperature and humidity control chamber suitable for small animal treadmill exercise and feeding intervention, comprising: A rectangular enclosure with at least one glass observation window on one side, a door on one side of the rectangular enclosure, a control panel on the outer shell of the rectangular enclosure, and a lighting device inside the rectangular enclosure. The enclosure is characterized by further including a temperature and humidity control device with a temperature control range of ±2°C and a humidity control range of ±3%. The rectangular enclosure also includes an air circulation device controlled by temperature and humidity. At least one set of small animal exercise equipment is installed inside the rectangular enclosure. The rectangular enclosure also has a shooing hole. The temperature and humidity control device includes an electric heater for heating, a circulating cooler for cooling, an ultrasonic humidifier for increasing humidity, a desiccant dehumidifier for decreasing humidity, and temperature and humidity sensors. The electric heater, circulating cooler, ultrasonic humidifier, desiccant dehumidifier, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor are connected to a control microcomputer.

2. The constant temperature and humidity chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell of the rectangular box is composed of a metal outer layer and a heat insulation material.

3. The constant temperature and humidity chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The glass observation window is made of double-layered insulated glass.

4. The constant temperature and humidity chamber according to claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned expulsion hole is located on a double-layered, heat-insulated glass observation window.

5. The constant temperature and humidity chamber according to claim 4, characterized in that, A glass observation window, as described above, is installed on the box door.

6. The constant temperature and humidity chamber according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air circulation device is provided with an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel, and the air inlet channel is equipped with an air intake fan.

7. The constant temperature and humidity chamber according to claim 6, characterized in that, An exhaust fan is installed in the exhaust duct.

8. The constant temperature and humidity chamber according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aforementioned small animal exercise equipment is a specialized treadmill for small animals or multiple small animal exercise wheels.

9. The constant temperature and humidity chamber according to claim 8, characterized in that, The small animal-specific running track has multiple tracks, and each track has a perforated cover.

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