Animal rearing unit and animal rearing unit system

Abstract

To reduce stress to be applied to an animal to be bred and, when the animal to be bred has an infection, inhibit its pathogens from being transmitted to other animals.SOLUTION: An animal breeding unit 1 comprises: a chamber 2 for separating the internal space from the outer space; a transportation unit 8 that is disposed in a travelable manner in the internal space of the chamber 2 and moves a storage cage for an animal; a plurality of placement booths which have an opening facing the movement space of the transportation unit 8 and on which the storage cage can be placed; and a partition wall disposed between the placement booths.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to animal rearing units and animal rearing unit systems. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, animals such as rats are kept in research facilities. Patent Document 1 discloses an animal keeping system that automatically keeps animals. The animal keeping system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a rack, a transport robot, and a camera, and uses the hand of the transport robot to transport cages for keeping animals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-226086 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in facilities for breeding multiple animals, such as the animal breeding system disclosed in Patent Document 1, multiple cages containing animals are generally placed adjacent to each other. However, from the viewpoint of animal welfare and from the viewpoint of managing the physical condition of the animals, it is necessary to reduce the stress on the animals. In addition, if an animal housed in one of the cages becomes infected with a pathogen, it is necessary to prevent the pathogen from being transmitted to the animals housed in the other cages.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to reduce the stress on animals in an animal rearing unit and animal rearing unit system capable of rearing multiple animals, and to prevent the transmission of pathogens to other animals if an animal becomes infected with an infectious disease. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an animal rearing unit comprising a chamber separating an internal space from an external space, a transport unit arranged to be movable within the internal space of the chamber and for moving animal containment cages, a plurality of loading booths each having an opening facing the movement space of the transport unit and in which the containment cages can be placed, and partitions arranged between the loading booths.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the first aspect, the loading booth is provided with a lid portion for opening and closing the opening, and the transport unit is provided with a cage moving portion for moving the storage cage and a lid holding portion capable of detaching and holding the lid portion.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention employs a configuration in which, in the second aspect, an environmental adjustment unit is provided that can individually adjust the environment of either or both of the movement space of the transport unit and the loading booth.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, employs a configuration in which the environmental adjustment unit includes an air conditioning unit that supplies clean air to the movement space of the transport unit, and an air passage is provided that allows ventilation from the movement space of the transport unit to the internal space of the loading booth when the opening is closed by the lid portion.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect, employs a configuration in which the environmental adjustment unit includes an exhaust unit that is arranged in the loading booth and exhausts air in the internal space of the loading booth to the outside of the chamber.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention employs a configuration in any one of the second to fifth aspects, in which the lid is made of a material that is transmissible to infrared rays.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, employs a configuration in which the transport unit includes a covering portion that covers at least a part of a side surface of the containing cage when the containing cage is moved.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention is based on the seventh aspect and employs a configuration in which the transport unit includes a lower surface support portion that supports a lower surface of the containing cage from below when the containing cage is moved.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, employs a configuration in which the transport unit includes an imaging section that images the animal in the internal space of the placement booth.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, employs a configuration further comprising an operation unit that is provided next to the chamber and allows operation on the storage cage to be visually observed from outside.

[0017] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is an animal rearing unit system comprising a plurality of animal rearing units according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. Effect of the Invention

[0018] In the present invention, the housing cage can be moved within the chamber using a transport unit. Therefore, if an animal in the chamber develops an infectious disease, it is possible to prevent pathogens from leaking out of the chamber, and to prevent the pathogens from being transmitted to other animals in a research facility or the like. Furthermore, in the present invention, partitions are arranged between the loading booths. Therefore, the partitions can prevent the movement, sounds, and pathogens of animals in other loading booths from being transmitted. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce stress on the animals kept, and to prevent the transmission of pathogens to other animals if the animals kept are infected with an infectious disease. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an animal breeding unit according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an animal breeding unit in one embodiment of the present invention, with the inside of the chamber exposed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rack provided in an animal breeding unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view and (b) is a horizontal cross-sectional view. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a transport unit provided in an animal rearing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the traveling direction. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is an enlarged oblique view including a transfer unit of a transport unit provided in an animal rearing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram including a light-shielding plate portion and a lower support plate portion provided on an animal rearing unit in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram including a loading booth provided in a modified example of an animal rearing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of an animal breeding unit system according to one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an animal rearing unit and an animal rearing unit system according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] The animal breeding unit 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, in a research facility or the like as an apparatus for breeding an animal X such as a mouse or a rat in a cage Y. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the animal breeding unit 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the animal breeding unit 1 of this embodiment with the inside of a chamber 2 exposed.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the animal breeding unit 1 of this embodiment includes a chamber 2, a cabinet 3, an air shower 4, an air conditioning unit 5 (environmental adjustment unit), a rack 6, a lid unit 7, a transport unit 8, and a control unit 9.

[0023] The chamber 2 is a large container-like member that contains the rack 6, the lid 7, and the transport unit 8 and separates the internal space from the external space. In this embodiment, the chamber 2 is formed in a rectangular shape having long and short sides in a plan view.

[0024] As will be described later, the transport unit 8 travels inside the chamber 2 in a direction along the long side of the chamber 2 in a plan view. For this reason, in the following description, the longitudinal direction of the chamber 2 (direction along the long side) will be referred to as the travel direction. Furthermore, when transferring the storage cage Y described below, the transport unit 8 moves the storage cage Y in a direction along the short side of the chamber 2 in a plan view. For this reason, in the following description, the short side direction of the chamber 2 (direction along the short side) will be referred to as the transfer direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the travel direction and transfer direction will be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0025] The cabinet 3 is provided at a substantially central position in the traveling direction on the side wall of the chamber 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the cabinet 3 is provided at the lower part of the chamber 2 and protrudes from the side wall of the chamber 2 toward the outside of the chamber 2. The internal space of this cabinet 3 is connected to the internal space of the chamber 2, and is a portion on which the storage cage Y carried out from the inside of the chamber 2 can be placed. The storage cage Y stored in the rack 6 is moved and transferred to this cabinet 3 by the transport unit 8. In addition, the storage cage Y placed on the cabinet 3 is moved by the transport unit 8 and transferred to the rack 6.

[0026] Moreover, an openable and closable window 3a is provided on the front side of the cabinet 3. Therefore, with the window 3a closed, it is possible to observe the animal X housed in the housing cage Y from outside the cabinet 3. With the window 3a half-open, for example, an operator can insert only his or her hand into the interior of the cabinet 3 from outside the cabinet 3 to perform work on the animal X housed in the housing cage Y. With the window 3a open, it is possible to take the housing cage Y in and out of the cabinet 3.

[0027] The cabinet 3 is formed to have a size that allows two storage cages Y to be placed side by side in the travel direction in the internal space. An openable and closable lid 7 is provided at the boundary between the internal space of the cabinet 3 and the internal space of the chamber 2. The lid 7 is formed so as to be openable and closable by a lid opening and closing unit 8d (described later) provided in the transport unit 8. The cabinet 3 may be a clean bench or a glove box. Furthermore, the cabinet 3 may have a pass box function. In other words, the animal breeding unit 1 of this embodiment preferably includes a working unit that is provided next to the chamber 2 and allows work on the storage cage Y to be visually observed from the outside.

[0028] The air shower 4 is provided at one end side of the chamber 2 in the traveling direction. The air shower 4 is provided at the bottom of the chamber 2 and is attached so as to protrude from the side wall of the chamber 2 to the outside of the chamber 2.

[0029] The internal space of this air shower 4 is connected to the internal space of the chamber 2, and is formed so that an operator can enter and exit the internal space of the chamber 2 through the internal space of the air shower 4. In other words, the air shower 4 functions as an entrance and exit to the chamber 2. Such an air shower 4 is formed so as to be able to spray a cleaning airflow toward the internal space, and the cleaning airflow is used to remove foreign matter and the like adhering to the operator in the internal space.

[0030] The air conditioning unit 5 is disposed in the upper part of the chamber 2, and supplies clean air to the internal space of the chamber 2. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of air conditioning units 5 are provided in the upper part of the chamber 2. Each air conditioning unit 5 has a built-in filter, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) filter, in order to remove foreign matter contained in the outside air.

[0031] These air conditioning units 5 supply clean air to a travel space (movement space) of the transport unit 8 within the internal space of the chamber 2. Such clean air is supplied from the travel space of the transport unit 8 to the inside of a loading booth 6a (described below) that is provided facing this travel space. The air within the loading booth 6a is exhausted to the outside of the chamber 2 via an exhaust passage (not shown) that is provided with a filter or the like. Such air conditioning units 5 are environmental adjustment units that adjust the environment of the travel space of the transport unit 8 and the travel space of the transport unit 8 within the loading booth 6a (described below).

[0032] The rack 6 is disposed in the internal space of the chamber 2, and includes a plurality of loading booths 6a on which the storage cages Y can be placed. In this embodiment, a running space extending in the running direction is provided inside the chamber 2. This running space is a space through which the transport unit 8 moves as it runs. Two racks 6 are provided so as to sandwich such a running space in the transfer direction. In this embodiment, each rack 6 is provided integrally with the side wall of the chamber 2. However, each rack 6 may be provided separately from the side wall of the chamber 2.

[0033] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rack 6, where (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view and (b) is a horizontal cross-sectional view. As shown in this figure, each rack 6 is provided with a plurality of loading booths 6a arranged in the vertical direction and in the running direction. Each loading booth 6a has an opening 6a1 facing the running space. A storage cage Y can be inserted and removed from each loading booth 6a through the opening 6a1.

[0034] In this embodiment, each loading booth 6a is formed to a size capable of accommodating a single storage cage Y. A pair of legs 6b on which the storage cage Y is placed is provided on the floor surface of each loading booth 6a. Each leg 6b extends linearly along the transfer direction. These legs 6b are disposed spaced apart in the traveling direction, and a gap is formed between the storage cage Y and the floor surface of the loading booth 6a into which a lower support plate portion 8g2 (described later) of the transport unit 8 can be inserted.

[0035] Although not shown in the figure, a lighting device (environmental adjustment unit) that illuminates the inside of the loading booth 6a may be arranged inside the loading booth 6a. Also, an individual air conditioning unit (environmental adjustment unit) that adjusts the internal temperature of the loading booth 6a may be arranged inside the loading booth 6a. Such lighting device and individual air conditioning unit are environmental adjustment units that adjust the environment of the travel space of the transport unit 8 and each of the loading booths 6a.

[0036] Moreover, such a rack 6 is provided with a partition wall 6c disposed between the loading booths 6a. The partition wall 6c functions as a side wall, a bottom wall, and a top wall of the loading booth 6a. By providing such a partition wall 6c, a sound insulation effect that suppresses the propagation of sound between adjacent loading booths 6a is obtained. Therefore, the partition wall 6c can prevent the sound emitted from the animal X housed in one loading booth 6a from being transmitted to the animal X housed in another loading booth 6a.

[0037] In addition, the partition 6c can prevent dust and pathogens from moving between adjacent loading booths 6a, and therefore it is possible to prevent the internal environment of one loading booth 6a from being affected by the internal environment of another loading booth 6a.

[0038] In addition, the partition 6c has a light-shielding property that blocks visible light, for example. The light-shielding property of the partition 6c prevents the animal X inside the loading booth 6a from visually recognizing the movement of the animal X in the other loading booth 6a, and it is possible to prevent the movement inside the other loading booth 6a from giving stress to the animal X.

[0039] The lid unit 7 is a member that opens and closes the opening 6a1 of the loading booth 6a. A lid unit 7 is provided for each loading booth 6a. Each lid unit 7 is detachably locked to the rack 6 by a locking mechanism (not shown) or the like. Such a lid unit 7 is provided so as to be detachable by a lid opening / closing unit 8d of the transport unit 8, which will be described later.

[0040] 3, each lid portion 7 is formed to have a size such that a gap S is formed between the lid portion 7 and the rack 6 when the opening 6a1 is closed. This gap S is used as an air passage that allows ventilation from the travel space of the transport unit 8 to the inside of the loading booth 6a when the opening 6a1 is closed by the lid portion 7. In other words, clean air supplied from the air conditioning unit 5 to the travel space of the transport unit 8 is supplied to the inside of the loading booth 6a through the gap S.

[0041] Such a lid portion 7 preferably has a light-shielding property that blocks visible light, for example. The entire lid portion 7 may be formed of a material that blocks light. Alternatively, the lid portion 7 may be formed by covering a member formed of a material that has light-transmitting properties with a member that blocks light. By making the lid portion 7 have a light-shielding property that blocks visible light in this way, it is possible to prevent the animal X inside the loading booth 6a from visually recognizing the movement of the transport unit 8, and to prevent the movement of the transport unit 8 from causing stress to the animal X.

[0042] Furthermore, the lid 7 can be made of a material that is transparent to infrared rays. When the lid 7 is made of a material that is transparent to infrared rays, it becomes possible to capture an image of the animal X from the travel space of the transport unit 8 with the lid 7 closed using an infrared camera. This makes it possible to capture an image of the animal X without causing stress to the animal X.

[0043] The lid 7 is not limited to the loading booth 6a, but is also provided at the boundary between the internal space of the cabinet 3 and the internal space of the chamber 2. The lid 7 provided at the boundary between the internal space of the cabinet 3 and the internal space of the chamber 2 is engaged with the cabinet 3, for example.

[0044] The transport unit 8 transfers the storage cage Y between the loading booth 6a and the cabinet 3, or between the loading booths 6a. Fig. 4 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the transport unit 8 as seen from the traveling direction. As shown in this figure, the transport unit 8 includes a cart section 8a, a mast 8b, a lifting section 8c, a lid opening / closing unit 8d (lid holding section), a transfer unit 8e (cage moving section), and an imaging unit 8f.

[0045] The cart unit 8a is grounded on the floor surface of the chamber 2 via wheels, and is a part that can move on the floor surface of the chamber 2 by rolling of the wheels. The cart unit 8a is formed to be movable in the traveling direction under the control of the control unit 9 by the power of a traveling motor (not shown), for example. Such a cart unit 8a directly or indirectly supports the mast 8b, the lifting unit 8c, the lid opening / closing unit 8d, the transfer unit 8e, and the imaging unit 8f from below.

[0046] The mast 8b is erected on the carriage 8a and is used as a guide when the lifting unit 8c rises and falls. The lifting unit 8c is a portion provided so as to be able to rise and fall with respect to the mast 8b, and is formed so as to be able to rise and fall under the control of the control unit 9 by the power of a lifting motor (not shown), for example.

[0047] The lid opening / closing units 8d are provided on both ends of the lifting / lowering unit 8c in the transfer direction. That is, in this embodiment, two lid opening / closing units 8d are provided for the lifting / lowering unit 8c. One lid opening / closing unit 8d is disposed so as to face one of the two racks 6. The other lid opening / closing unit 8d is disposed so as to face the other rack 6.

[0048] Each lid opening / closing unit 8d has a vacuum chuck and uses the vacuum chuck to suction the lid portion 7. With the lid portion 7 suctioned, the lid opening / closing unit 8d holds the lid portion 7 and attaches / detaches the lid portion 7 to / from the rack 6. These lid opening / closing units 8d hold the lid portion 7 and attach / detach the lid portion 7 to / from the rack 6 under the control of the control unit 9. Note that instead of the vacuum chuck, a claw-shaped gripping mechanism may be provided in the lid opening / closing unit 8d, and a groove-shaped fitting portion into which the gripping mechanism can fit may be provided in the lid portion 7.

[0049] The transfer unit 8e is connected to the upper part of the lifting section 8c, and moves the storage cage Y between the transport unit 8 and the loading booth 6a, and between the transport unit 8 and the cabinet 3. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view including the transfer unit 8e. As shown in this figure, the transfer unit 8e is equipped with a hand unit 8g. This hand unit 8g has a pair of light shielding plate parts 8g1 (covering parts) that come into contact with the side surfaces of the storage cage Y, and a bottom support plate part 8g2 (bottom support part) that supports the storage cage Y from below.

[0050] The light shielding plate 8g1 and the lower support plate 8g2 are provided so as to be extendable on both sides in the transfer direction with respect to the base 8e1 of the transfer unit 8e. In other words, the light shielding plate 8g1 and the lower support plate 8g2 are formed so that their tips can enter both the internal space of the loading booth 6a of the rack 6 on one side and the internal space of the loading booth 6a of the rack 6 on the other side.

[0051] The two light shielding plate portions 8g1 are disposed facing each other with a space therebetween in the traveling direction. The light shielding plate portions 8g1 are spaced apart by a dimension that allows the storage cage Y to be disposed therebetween. The light shielding plate portions 8g1 are provided so as to be movable in the traveling direction by a moving mechanism (not shown). FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram including the light shielding plate portions 8g1 and the lower support plate portion 8g2. As shown in this figure, the two light shielding plate portions 8g1 can abut against the side surface of the storage cage Y by moving the storage cage Y in a direction approaching each other between the light shielding plate portions 8g1 and the lower support plate portion 8g2. Note that the storage cage Y may be supported by the light shielding plate portions 8g1 by pressing or engaging the light shielding plate portions 8g1 against the storage cage Y.

[0052] Such a light shielding plate portion 8g1 has a light shielding property that blocks visible light, and covers at least a part of the side surface of the containment cage Y when the containment cage Y is moved by the transport unit 8. By covering the side surface of the containment cage Y in this manner, it is possible to prevent the animal X inside the containment cage Y from viewing the outside of the containment cage Y, and reduce stress on the animal X.

[0053] The lower support plate portion 8g2 is formed with a width dimension that allows it to enter between the two legs 6b of the loading booth 6a, and can abut against the lower surface of the storage cage Y. When the storage cage Y is moved by the transport unit 8, it is supported from below by the lower support plate portion 8g2. When a light-shielding floor covering is provided on the floor of the storage cage Y, the lower support plate portion 8g2 does not necessarily have to have light-shielding properties. However, when the floor portion of the storage cage Y transmits visible light, it is preferable to impart light-shielding properties to the lower support plate portion 8g2. This allows the lower support plate portion 8g2 to function as a covering portion, making it possible to prevent the animal X from viewing the lower side of the storage cage Y.

[0054] The imaging unit 8f is supported by the lifting unit 8c and disposed above the loading / unloading unit 8e. The imaging unit 8f includes an arm 8f1 that is rotatable about a vertical axis within a horizontal plane and is extendable and retractable in the horizontal direction, and an infrared camera 8f2 (imaging unit) provided at the tip of the arm 8f1.

[0055] For example, when the lid 7 is removed to open the loading booth 6a, the arm 8f1 causes the infrared camera 8f2 to enter the internal space of the loading booth 6a under the control of the control unit 9. The infrared camera 8f2 captures an image of the animal X under the control of the control unit 9 and outputs the captured image data.

[0056] The control unit 9 controls the air shower 4, the air conditioning unit 5, and the transport unit 8. The control unit 9 is capable of inputting command signals from the outside, and moves the containing cage Y by controlling the transport unit 8 and the like based on the command signals, pre-stored programs, etc.

[0057] In addition, the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment may also be equipped with an operation unit through which an operator inputs command signals, etc., a display unit for displaying images captured by the imaging unit 8f, a card reader for identifying the operator operating the unit, etc.

[0058] For example, in the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment, when the storage cage Y placed in the loading booth 6a is to be moved to the cabinet 3, the control unit 9 controls the cart section 8a of the transport unit 8 to move the transport unit 8 so as to face directly against the loading booth 6a in which the storage cage Y to be moved is housed.

[0059] Next, the control unit 9 causes the transport unit 8 to raise and lower the lifting unit 8c, and places the lid opening / closing unit 8d opposite the lid unit 7 that closes the loading booth 6a in which the storage cage Y to be moved is stored. The control unit 9 also causes the lid opening / closing unit 8d to detach the lid unit 7 from the rack 6 and hold the lid unit 7.

[0060] Next, the control unit 9 lowers the lifting unit 8c so that the hand unit 8g is positioned in front of the storage cage Y. When the hand unit 8g is positioned in front of the storage cage Y, the control unit 9 controls the transfer unit 8e so that the light shielding plate portion 8g1 and the lower surface support plate portion 8g2 enter the loading booth 6a, and controls the imaging unit 8f so that the infrared camera 8f2 enters the loading booth 6a.

[0061] Next, the control unit 9 causes the light shielding plate 8g1 to cover the containing cage Y, causes the lower support plate 8g2 to support the containing cage Y, and causes the infrared camera to capture an image of the animal X contained in the containing cage Y. Furthermore, the control unit 9 causes the hand unit 8g to transfer the containing cage Y from the loading booth 6a to the transport unit 8. Thereafter, the control unit 9 controls the lifting unit 8c and the lid opening / closing unit 8d to return the lid unit 7 to its original position.

[0062] Next, the control unit 9 drives the transport unit 8 as necessary to face the cabinet 3. The control unit 9 raises and lowers the lifting unit 8c to position the lid opening / closing unit 8d facing the lid unit 7 provided on the cabinet 3. The control unit 9 also causes the lid opening / closing unit 8d to detach the lid unit 7 from the cabinet 3 and hold the lid unit 7.

[0063] Next, the control unit 9 lowers the lifting unit 8c so that the hand unit 8g faces the internal space of the cabinet 3. When the hand unit 8g is positioned in front of the internal space of the cabinet 3, the control unit 9 controls the transfer unit 8e so that the light shielding plate 8g1 and the lower support plate 8g2 enter the internal space of the cabinet 3, and places the storage cage Y. Thereafter, the control unit 9 controls the transport unit 8 to return the lid 7 to its original position, such as the initial position.

[0064] As described above, the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment has the chamber 2 that separates the internal space from the external space. The animal rearing unit 1 also has the transport unit 8 that is moveably disposed in the internal space of the chamber 2 and moves the containment cage Y of the animal X. The animal rearing unit 1 also has a plurality of mounting booths 6a that have openings 6a1 facing the movement space of the transport unit 8 and on which the containment cage Y can be placed. The animal rearing unit 1 also has partitions 6c that are disposed between the mounting booths 6a.

[0065] In the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment, the housing cage Y can be moved in the chamber 2 using the transport unit 8. Therefore, when an infectious disease occurs in an animal X in the chamber 2, it is possible to prevent pathogens from leaking out of the chamber 2, and to prevent the pathogens from being transmitted to other animals X in a research facility or the like. Furthermore, in the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment, a partition 6c is disposed between the mounting booths 6a. Therefore, the partition 6c can prevent the movement, sound, and pathogens of the animals X in the other mounting booths 6a from being transmitted. Therefore, according to the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce stress on the reared animals X, and to prevent the transmission of pathogens to other animals X when the reared animals X are infected with an infectious disease.

[0066] The animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment also includes a lid 7 that opens and closes the opening 6a1 of the loading booth 6a. The transport unit 8 also includes a transfer unit 8e that moves the containment cage Y, and a lid opening and closing unit 8d that can detach and hold the lid 7. According to the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment, the transport unit 8 can detach and hold the lid 7, and can also move the containment cage Y.

[0067] The animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment also includes an air conditioning unit 5 that supplies clean air to the movement space of the transport unit 8. The animal rearing unit 1 also has a gap S that allows ventilation from the movement space of the transport unit 8 to the internal space of the loading booth 6a when the opening 6a1 is closed by the lid 7. This makes it possible to supply clean air from the air conditioning unit 5 to the loading booth 6a.

[0068] Furthermore, in the animal breeding unit 1 of this embodiment, the lid 7 may be formed from a material that is transparent to infrared rays. By forming the lid 7 from a material that is transparent to infrared rays, it becomes possible to observe the animal X based on infrared rays from outside the lid 7. This prevents the animal X from visually noticing that it is being observed, and makes it possible to further reduce stress on the animal X.

[0069] Furthermore, in the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment, the transport unit 8 includes a light shielding plate portion 8g1 that covers at least a part of the side surface of the containment cage Y when the containment cage Y is moved. Therefore, when the containment cage Y is moved by the transport unit 8, the side surface of the containment cage Y can be covered by the light shielding plate portion 8g1. By covering the side surface of the containment cage Y in this manner, it is possible to prevent the animal X inside the containment cage Y from viewing the outside of the containment cage Y, and to reduce stress on the animal X.

[0070] Furthermore, in the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment, the transport unit 8 is provided with a lower surface support plate portion 8g2 that supports the lower surface of the containing cage Y from below when the containing cage Y is moved. This makes it possible to stably support the containing cage Y with the side surface of the containing cage Y covered by the light shielding plate portion 8g1.

[0071] In addition, in the animal rearing unit 1 of this embodiment, the transport unit 8 is equipped with an infrared camera 8f2 that captures an image of the animal X in the internal space of the loading booth 6a. Therefore, even if the animal X has burrowed into the bedding, the state of the animal X can be captured. Furthermore, if the lid 7 is transparent to infrared rays, it is possible to capture an image of the state of the animal X with the lid 7 closed.

[0072] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram including a loading booth 6a provided in a modified example of the animal breeding unit 1. As shown in this figure, the modified example shown in FIG. 7 is provided with an exhaust unit 10 (environment adjustment unit). The exhaust unit 10 includes an exhaust device 10a provided in each loading booth 6a and an exhaust flow path 10b to which the exhaust devices 10a are connected. According to the modified example including such an exhaust unit 10, it is possible to forcibly exhaust the air inside the loading booth 6a to the outside of the loading booth 6a by driving the exhaust device 10a. Also, for example, under the control of the control unit 9, the exhaust amount of the exhaust device 10a installed in the loading booth 6a that opens the lid part 7 may be increased. Also, under the control of the control unit 9, when the lid part 7 is opened, the exhaust device 10a installed in the loading booth 6a that opens the lid part 7 may be driven. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the air inside the loading booth 6a from leaking into the movement space of the transport unit 8 and flowing into other loading booths 6a. The exhaust unit 10 is an environment adjustment unit that adjusts the environment of the travel space of the transport unit 8 and the loading booth 6a.

[0074] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an animal rearing unit system 100 equipped with a plurality of animal rearing units 1. As shown in this figure, the animal rearing unit system 100 is centrally controlled by, for example, a central control device 20. According to such an animal rearing unit system 100 equipped with a plurality of animal rearing units 1, each animal rearing unit system 100 is independent, so the rearing environments of each animal rearing unit system 100 do not affect each other. Therefore, even if an infectious disease occurs in any of the animal rearing units 1 or maintenance is required for any of the animal rearing units 1, it is possible to respond without stopping rearing in the other animal rearing units 1.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the lower surface of the containing cage Y is supported from below by the lower surface support plate portion 8g2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the lower surface support plate portion 8g2, it is also possible to adopt a configuration including a side support portion that supports the side surface of the containing cage Y. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] Reference Signs List 1... animal rearing unit, 2... chamber, 3... cabinet, 4... air shower, 5... air conditioning unit, 6... rack, 6a... mounting booth, 6a1... opening, 6b... legs, 6c... partition, 7... lid, 8... transport unit, 8a... trolley, 8b... mast, 8c... lifting unit, 8d... lid opening / closing unit (lid holding unit), 8e... transfer unit (cage moving unit), 8f... imaging unit, 8f1... arm unit, 8f2... infrared camera, 8g... hand unit, 8g1... light shielding plate unit (covering unit), 8g2... lower support plate unit (lower support unit), 9... control unit, 10... exhaust unit, 10a... exhaust device, 10b... exhaust flow path, 20... overall control device, 100... animal rearing unit system, S... gap (ventilation flow path), X... animal, Y... housing cage

Claims

1. A chamber separating an interior space from an exterior space; A transport unit that is arranged in an internal space of the chamber and moves an animal housing cage; a plurality of loading booths each having an opening facing a movement space of the transport unit and capable of loading the storage cage; A partition wall disposed between the loading booths; A lid portion for opening and closing the opening of the loading booth; Equipped with The transport unit includes: A cage moving unit that moves the storage cage; a lid holding part capable of detachably holding the lid part; Equipped An animal rearing unit comprising:

2. 2. The animal rearing unit according to claim 1, further comprising an environmental adjustment unit capable of individually adjusting the environment of either or both of the movement space of the transport unit and the placement booth.

3. The environmental adjustment unit includes an air conditioning unit that supplies clean air to a movement space of the transport unit, An air passage is provided through which air can flow from a moving space of the transport unit to an internal space of the loading booth when the opening is closed by the lid.

3. The animal rearing unit according to claim 2.

4. 4. The animal rearing unit according to claim 2, further comprising an exhaust unit, as the environmental adjustment unit, which is disposed in the placement booth and exhausts air in the internal space of the placement booth to the outside of the chamber.

5. 5. The animal rearing unit according to claim 1, wherein the lid portion is formed of a material that is transparent to infrared rays.

6. The animal rearing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transport unit is provided with a covering portion that covers at least a portion of the side surface of the containment cage when the containment cage is moved.

7. 7. The animal rearing unit according to claim 6, wherein the transport unit includes a bottom support portion that supports a bottom surface of the containment cage from below when the containment cage is moved.

8. 8. The animal rearing unit according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit is provided with an imaging unit that images the animals in the internal space of the placement booth.

9. 9. The animal rearing unit according to claim 1, further comprising a working unit that is provided next to the chamber and enables work performed on the housing cages to be visually observed from the outside.

10. An animal rearing unit system comprising a plurality of animal rearing units according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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