Automatic collector of small animal feces

Abstract

The utility model relates to animal excrement collection technical field, concretely is a kind of small animal excrement automatic collector, including ethology box, excrement collection module, urine collection module and excrement storage module, ethology box is set in the top of excrement collection module, and it is separated through first silk screen between ethology box and excrement collection module, the mesh diameter of first silk screen can make animal excrement pass and animal can be freely moved above it;Urine collection module is set below excrement collection module, and it is separated through second silk screen between urine collection module and excrement collection module, the mesh diameter of second silk screen can make urine drop but cannot make excrement drop;Excrement storage module is communicated with second silk screen, for collecting excrement after filtering urine.The utility model can separate urine and excrement automatically at the same time, temporarily store excrement under low-temperature anaerobic condition, avoid environment to cause interference to subsequent experimental result, make result more accurate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of animal feces collection technology, specifically an automatic collector for small animal feces, which is an experimental device for the automatic collection, preliminary treatment and preservation of feces from small laboratory animals. Background Technology

[0002] Studies on the composition, intestinal environment, and dynamic changes of gut microbiota in small laboratory animals have significant scientific value in various fields, such as exploring the mechanisms of metabolic diseases and independent drug evaluation. However, the current mainstream method involves isolating laboratory animals in individual cages and manually collecting fecal samples. This method has the following drawbacks: 1. Low operational efficiency: Separate feeding and manual collection processes consume a lot of manpower and time, making it difficult to meet the research needs of large sample sizes; 2. Impaired sample integrity: The collection process is exposed to an aerobic environment, which leads to the rapid death of anaerobic bacteria in feces and the oxidative degradation of metabolites. Furthermore, delayed freezing will further cause microbiome structural shifts, significantly reducing the reliability of metagenomics / metabolic data. 3. Enhanced experimental interference: Frequent human manipulation can easily induce stress responses in animals, which may confuse the correlation analysis between gut microbiota and host physiological state.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to develop an automatic small animal feces collector to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an automatic small animal feces collector. While separating urine and feces, it maintains the microenvironmental homeostasis of the fecal sample through inert gas replacement and a cryogenic preservation system, significantly reducing the interference of environmental factors on subsequent biological testing results.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: An automatic animal feces collector includes: A behavioral enclosure, configured to contain laboratory animals; A feces collection module is disposed below the behavioral box, and the behavioral box and the feces collection module are separated by a first wire mesh, the mesh diameter of the first wire mesh being large enough to allow animal feces to pass through and the animal to move freely above it; A urine collection module is disposed below the feces collection module. The urine collection module and the feces collection module are separated by a second wire mesh. The mesh diameter of the second wire mesh is such that urine can fall through but feces cannot. A fecal storage module, which is connected to the second wire mesh, is used to collect feces after urine filtration.

[0006] Furthermore, a water bottle is installed on the top wall of the behavioral box.

[0007] Furthermore, a recessed groove is provided on the top wall of the behavioral box, in which experimental animal feed is placed. The outer wall of the groove has a slot, through which the experimental animals eat the feed.

[0008] Furthermore, the first wire mesh is made of metal.

[0009] Furthermore, the second wire mesh is inclined, and a collection cover is provided at the lowest point of the second wire mesh, the collection cover being connected to the fecal storage module.

[0010] Furthermore, a scraping device is provided above the second wire mesh. The scraping device includes an X module and a Y module. The X module includes a first motor, which is connected to a first lead screw and drives the first lead screw to rotate. A first slider is passed through the first lead screw, and the first slider is connected to a first brush. The Y module includes a second motor, which is connected to a second lead screw and drives the second lead screw to rotate. A second slider is mounted on the second lead screw and connected to a second brush.

[0011] Furthermore, the second wire mesh has a groove on its surface inside the collection cover, and a collection bucket is provided below the groove, the collection bucket being connected to the fecal storage module.

[0012] Furthermore, an inert gas pipe is connected above the collection hood, and the inert gas pipe is connected to an inert gas source.

[0013] Furthermore, the fecal storage module includes an ice cup, an embedded tube groove inside the ice cup, a collection tube inside the embedded tube groove, and the collection tube is connected to the collection bucket through an extension pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, the fecal storage module also includes a one-way valve, which is disposed on the upper top wall of the embedded tube groove and extends through the ice cup.

[0015] Furthermore, the urine collection module is provided with a collection plate, which is a frustum-shaped square pyramid with an opening at the top, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the collection plate gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0016] Furthermore, a through hole is provided on the bottom surface of the collection plate, and a urine collection bucket is provided below the through hole, through which the urine is collected in the urine collection bucket.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Stress minimization design: By mimicking the usual breeding environment of experimental animals, the breeding conditions of the animals are kept uniform. In addition, by setting up fecal collection modules, urine collection modules and fecal storage modules, feces and urine can be automatically separated and feces can be stored, reducing human operation and minimizing the stress of experimental animals, thus ensuring the authenticity of microbiome research.

[0018] 2. Automated and efficient collection: This device achieves fully automated collection and dispensing of fecal samples through the timed activation of the sweeping device combined with gravity, greatly reducing labor costs.

[0019] 3. Ensuring the biological integrity of the sample: After entering the storage module, the feces are protected by anaerobic and low-temperature environments, as well as molecular fixation, which greatly ensures the biological integrity of the sample. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure label: 1. Behavioral box; 11. Groove; 12. Water bottle; 13. First wire mesh; 2. Fecal collection module; 21. Second wire mesh; 22. Collection cover; 23. Sweeping device; 2301. First mounting frame; 2302. Second mounting frame; 2303. Third mounting frame; 24. Inert gas pipeline; 25. First brush; 26. Second brush. 3. Urine collection module; 31. Urine collection bucket; 32. Collection plate; 4. Fecal storage module; 41. Extension pipe; 42. One-way valve; 43. Pipe insert; 44. Ice cup. 5. Collection tube. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are not all embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0023] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement and numerical expressions of the components and steps described in these embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0024] The following description of exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention or its application or use in any way. Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail herein, but where applicable, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of this specification.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an automatic small animal feces collector, including an integral rectangular frame made of wire mesh to facilitate air circulation; the frame contains: Behavioral box 1, which is configured to contain experimental animals; Feces collection module 2 is located below the behavioral box 1, and the behavioral box 1 and the feces collection module 2 are separated by a first wire mesh 13. The mesh diameter of the first wire mesh 13 is large enough to allow animal feces to pass through and the animal can move freely above it. A urine collection module 3 is disposed below the feces collection module 2. The urine collection module 3 and the feces collection module 2 are separated by a second wire mesh 21. The mesh diameter of the second wire mesh 21 is such that urine can fall through but feces cannot. Fecal storage module 4, which is connected to the second wire mesh 21, is used to collect feces after filtering urine.

[0026] A water bottle 12 is installed on the top wall of the behavioral training box 1 to provide drinking water for the experimental animals. A recessed groove 11 is also provided on the top wall of the behavioral training box 1. Experimental animal feed is placed in the groove 11. The outer wall of the groove 11 has a slot, through which the experimental animals eat the feed.

[0027] Both the first wire mesh 13 and the second wire mesh 21 are made of metal, such as iron wire mesh, which is not easily damaged. The mesh diameter of the first wire mesh 13 is slightly larger, while the mesh diameter of the second wire mesh 21 is slightly smaller. This allows urine and feces to pass through the first wire mesh 13, while the second wire mesh 21 only allows urine to pass through, preventing feces from falling in and thus separating urine and feces.

[0028] The second wire mesh 21 is inclined, with one corner of the second wire mesh 21 at its lowest point. A collection cover 22 is installed at the lowest point of the second wire mesh 21, and the collection cover 22 is connected to the fecal storage module 4. Because the second wire mesh 21 is inclined, the feces can roll to the lowest point under the action of gravity, thus achieving fecal collection.

[0029] To facilitate the automatic collection of feces, a scraping device 23 is provided above the second wire mesh 21. The scraping device 23 includes an X module and a Y module. The X module includes a first motor, which is connected to a first lead screw and drives the first lead screw to rotate. A first slider is passed through the first lead screw, and the first slider is connected to a first brush 25. The Y module includes a second motor, which is connected to a second lead screw and drives the second lead screw to rotate. A second slider is mounted on the second lead screw, and the second slider is connected to a second brush 26.

[0030] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, mounting brackets are respectively set at the four corners of the second wire mesh 21, namely the first mounting bracket 2301, the second mounting bracket 2302, the third mounting bracket 2303, and the fourth mounting bracket, with the fourth mounting bracket located inside the collection cover 22. A first motor and a second motor are installed in the first mounting bracket 2301, a second motor is installed in the second mounting bracket 2302, and a first motor is installed in the third mounting bracket 2303. Therefore, there are two first motors and two second motors. In addition, there are two first lead screws and two second lead screws. The two first lead screws are respectively set on the left and right sides of the second wire mesh 21, and the two second lead screws are respectively set on the front and rear sides of the second wire mesh 21. A first brush 25 is set between the two first lead screws through a first slider, and a second brush 26 is set between the two second lead screws through a second slider.

[0031] Two first motors are respectively connected to corresponding first lead screws. The other end of the first lead screw is rotatably connected to the opposite mounting bracket. For example, the other end of the first lead screw on the left is rotatably connected to the second mounting bracket 2302, and the other end of the first lead screw on the right is rotatably connected to the fourth mounting bracket.

[0032] Two second motors are connected to corresponding second lead screws. The other end of the second lead screw is rotatably connected to the opposite mounting bracket. For example, the other end of the rear second lead screw is rotatably connected to the third mounting bracket 2303, and the other end of the front second lead screw is rotatably connected to the fourth mounting bracket.

[0033] When the two first motors start simultaneously, the two first lead screws rotate synchronously at the same speed, which in turn causes the two first sliders to move synchronously, driving the first brush 25 to move; when the two second motors start simultaneously, the two second lead screws rotate synchronously at the same speed, which in turn causes the two second sliders to move synchronously, driving the second brush 26 to move.

[0034] During the collection of feces, the first motor and the second motor are set to start in sequence and start at regular intervals. For example, the first brush 25 first collects the feces from left to right, and then the second brush 26 collects it from back to front. Finally, the feces are collected in the collection hood 22.

[0035] The second wire mesh 21 has a trough on its surface inside the collection cover 22, and a collection bucket is located below the trough, which is connected to the fecal storage module 4. When feces enter the collection cover 22, they fall into the collection bucket through the trough and are then stored in the fecal storage module 4 under the action of gravity.

[0036] An inert gas pipe 24 is connected above the collection hood 22, and the inert gas pipe 24 is connected to an inert gas source. Inert gas is introduced into the collection hood 22 through the inert gas pipe 24, so that the feces are collected into the feces storage module in an anaerobic environment, avoiding the oxidation and degradation of the feces and ensuring the biological integrity of the feces.

[0037] The fecal storage module 4 includes an ice cup 44, which contains ice packs or employs other methods to maintain a low-temperature environment, such as continuously supplying low-temperature air within the ice cup 44. Additionally, the ice cup 44 contains a tube-embedding groove 43, a component with a recess for embedding a collection tube 5, used to fix and facilitate the replacement of the collection tube 5. The collection tube 5 is housed within the groove 43 and communicates with the collection container via an extension pipe 41. The collection tube 5 is an EP pipe, and to allow inert gas to pass through, an opening can be provided on one side of the collection tube 5, preferably located on the upper outer wall of the collection tube 5, to prevent the internal storage liquid from overflowing.

[0038] The fecal storage module 4 also includes a one-way valve 42, which is located on the upper top wall of the embedded tube groove 43 and extends through the ice cup 44. After the inert gas follows the feces through the extension pipe 41 into the collection pipe 5, it overflows from the one-way valve 42, thereby ensuring that the inside of the collection pipe 5 is a continuous anaerobic environment.

[0039] In addition, the collection tube 5 contains a pre-filled preservation solution for collecting and preserving experimental animal feces, facilitating testing and ensuring molecular stability.

[0040] The urine collection module 3 is equipped with a collection plate 32, which is a frustum-shaped square pyramid with an open top. The cross-sectional area of ​​the collection plate 32 gradually decreases from top to bottom. The upper edge of the collection plate 32 is fixedly connected to the frame. A through hole is provided on the bottom surface of the collection plate 32. A urine collection bucket 31 is provided below the through hole, and the urine is collected in the urine collection bucket 31 through the through hole.

[0041] The above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic small animal feces collector, characterized in that, include: A behavioral enclosure, configured to contain laboratory animals; A feces collection module is disposed below the behavioral box, and the behavioral box and the feces collection module are separated by a first wire mesh, the mesh diameter of the first wire mesh being large enough to allow animal feces to pass through and the animal to move freely above it; A urine collection module is disposed below the feces collection module. The urine collection module and the feces collection module are separated by a second wire mesh. The mesh diameter of the second wire mesh is such that urine can fall through but feces cannot. A fecal storage module, which is connected to the second wire mesh, is used to collect feces after urine filtration.

2. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water bottle is installed on the top wall of the behavioral box.

3. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The behavioral box also has a recessed groove on its top wall, in which experimental animal feed is placed. The outer wall of the groove has a slot, through which the experimental animals eat the feed.

4. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wire mesh is made of metal.

5. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second wire mesh is inclined, and a collection cover is provided at the lowest point of the second wire mesh. The collection cover is connected to the fecal storage module.

6. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 5, characterized in that, A scraping device is provided above the second wire mesh. The scraping device includes an X module and a Y module. The X module includes a first motor, which is connected to a first lead screw and drives the first lead screw to rotate. A first slider is passed through the first lead screw, and the first slider is connected to a first brush. The Y module includes a second motor, which is connected to a second lead screw and drives the second lead screw to rotate. A second slider is mounted on the second lead screw and connected to a second brush.

7. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second wire mesh has a groove on its surface inside the collection cover, and a collection bucket is provided below the groove, which is connected to the fecal storage module.

8. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 7, characterized in that, An inert gas pipeline is connected above the collection hood, and the inert gas pipeline is connected to an inert gas source.

9. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fecal storage module includes an ice cup with a tube groove inside. A collection tube is installed inside the tube groove and is connected to the collection bucket via an extension pipe.

10. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fecal storage module also includes a one-way valve, which is disposed on the upper top wall of the embedded tube groove and extends through the ice cup.

11. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The urine collection module is equipped with a collection plate, which is a frustum-shaped square pyramid with an opening at the top. The cross-sectional area of ​​the collection plate gradually decreases from top to bottom.

12. The automatic small animal feces collector according to claim 11, characterized in that, A through hole is provided on the bottom surface of the collection plate, and a urine collection bucket is provided below the through hole. The urine is collected in the urine collection bucket through the through hole.

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