Animal care chamber

Abstract

The present invention relates to an animal care chamber. In particular, the animal care chamber comprises: a chamber body forming a space in which an animal is accommodated; a care module that is detachably coupled to both sides of the chamber body by a locking means and is provided with at least one device for regulating the environment inside the chamber; and a tray that is withdrawably inserted into one side of the chamber body and supports an animal accommodated inside the chamber body from below. In the animal care chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention, the care module and the tray are detachably coupled to the chamber body, various functions can be performed depending on the combination of care modules attached to the chamber body, and a chemical in aerosol form is suctioned into the chamber body via a nebulizer.

Description

Animal Care Chamber

[0001] The present invention relates to an animal care chamber, and more particularly, to an animal care chamber in which a care module and a tray are detachably coupled to a chamber body, and various functions can be performed depending on the combination of the care modules coupled to the chamber body, and in which an aerosol-type medicine is inhaled into the chamber body through a nebulizer.

[0002] An incubator for animals is a device that protects animals from the outside world and provides a recovery space while they recover from surgery or treatment. These incubators consist of a chamber sealed from the outside environment and components that properly regulate the temperature and humidity within the chamber.

[0003] Conventional animal incubators, such as those shown in Korean Patent No. 10-2639998, had a chamber unit for housing animals and a chamber air environment control unit for controlling the environment of the housing space formed as one unit, which increased their volume and weight, making them difficult to produce, transport, and repair. Later, an incubator for pets was developed in which the control assembly is configured to be detachable by sliding from the case in a drawer-like manner, as shown in Korean Patent No. 10-2039368, making maintenance easier. However, since these incubators are still produced as one unit, there is a problem in that one cannot select the functions to be installed in the incubator, so one must purchase a product that includes unnecessary functions or does not include necessary functions at a high price.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an animal care chamber with improved production efficiency, including a care module and a tray that are detachably coupled to a chamber body.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an animal care chamber in which care modules having specific devices on one side of the chamber body are combined to enable a combination of various functions.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an animal care chamber equipped with a chamber air circulation device and a nebulizer so that a sprayed medicine is inhaled into the chamber.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an animal care chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a chamber body forming a space in which an animal is accommodated, a care module detachably coupled to both sides of the chamber body by a locking means and having at least one device for controlling the internal environment of the chamber, and a tray removably inserted into one side of the chamber body and supporting an animal accommodated in the chamber body from below.

[0008] Here, the care module is characterized by including at least one device selected from the group consisting of a humidifying device, an oxygen supply device, an air circulation device, a heating device, and a cooling device, and an operating device for controlling the operation of the device.

[0009] And the above tray is characterized in that a concave portion sunken in a downward direction is formed on the other end of the tray.

[0010] Furthermore, a load cell is mounted on one side of the care module, and a sliding part is formed on one side of the tray with a pressing protrusion protruding on one side to press the load cell.

[0011] Meanwhile, the air circulation device is characterized by including an air box through which air is circulated inside, a circulation fan provided on one side of the air box and moving the air inside the air box to the other side, and a ventilation port formed through the other side of the air box and having its opening and closing controlled according to the carbon dioxide concentration in the chamber so that the air in the air box is discharged to the outside.

[0012] Furthermore, the air box is characterized in that one side thereof is provided with a nebulizer having one end connected to one side of the air box so that an aerosol-type drug can be inhaled into the chamber by the air flow inside the air box.

[0013] And the oxygen supply device is configured to include an oxygen valve that controls the supply of oxygen according to the oxygen concentration inside the chamber, and the oxygen valve is characterized by including a valve body having an outer shape, a supply path formed on one side of the valve body and connected to an oxygen supply source, a first path formed on the other side of the valve body and connected to the inside of the chamber, a second path formed on the other side of the valve body and connected to the outside of the chamber, a cam disc provided inside the valve body and controlling oxygen introduced into the supply path to be supplied to one of the first path and the second path, and a valve motor provided on one side of the cam disc and providing power for rotation of the cam disc.

[0014] In addition, the humidifying device includes a water tank detachably mounted on one side of the care module, and a connecting means provided on one side of the care module to supply water from the water tank by pressurizing one side of the water tank, and the water tank is characterized by including a water tank body that contains water, a cap that covers one end of the water tank body and has a connecting hole formed therethrough into which one end of the connecting means is inserted, a disk provided on one side of the cap that opens and closes the connecting hole of the cap, and an elastic member provided on one side of the disk that elastically supports the disk.

[0015] An animal care chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a care module and a tray detachably attached to the chamber body. Accordingly, each component is individually produced, packaged, and transported on each production line, thereby reducing the volume and weight of each product, thereby reducing the physical load on workers and improving production efficiency.

[0016] An animal care chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a care module equipped with a device performing a specific function. Accordingly, various functions can be performed depending on the combination of care modules coupled to the chamber body.

[0017] An animal care chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an air circulation device for circulating internal air and a nebulizer provided on one side of the air circulation device. Accordingly, a medicine sprayed from one end of the nebulizer is drawn into the chamber body by the flow of air circulating within the chamber.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an animal care chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a chamber body according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a chamber frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a locking means according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a care module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 is a side view showing the exterior of a care module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 is a side view showing a tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a load cell according to one embodiment of the present invention being pressurized by a tray.

[0026] Figure 9 is a side view showing the inside of a care module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 10 is a bottom perspective view showing the inside of a care module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an air box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 12 is a front view showing an air box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an air box according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an oxygen valve according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 15 is a side view showing a water tank mounted on a connecting means according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the inlet structure of a water tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings 1 to 16.

[0035]

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] An animal care chamber (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a chamber body (100) forming a space in which an animal is accommodated, a care module (200) detachably coupled to both sides of the chamber body (100) by a locking means (132) and having at least one device for controlling the internal environment of the chamber, and a tray (300) removably inserted into one side of the chamber body (100) and supporting an animal accommodated in the chamber body (100) from below.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, an animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a chamber in which an animal is accommodated, and is composed of a chamber body (100), a care module (200), and a tray (300) assembled therein.

[0039]

[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a chamber body (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a chamber frame (130) constituting a chamber body (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a locking means (132) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, a chamber body (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a chamber case (110), a chamber door (120), a chamber frame (130), a chamber profile (140), etc.

[0042] The chamber case (110) forms a space for housing an animal that is blocked from the outside, and is installed between chamber frames (130) provided on both sides. It is preferable that the chamber case (110) have a double-wall structure in which a vacuum space is formed inside to insulate the internal space of the chamber body (100). A chamber door (120) that can open and close the internal space is installed on the front of the chamber case (110), and a door rail (136) and a door guide (138) are formed on one side of the chamber frame (130). The chamber door (120) is made of a flexible material and opens and closes by moving along the door rail (136) and the door guide (138).

[0043] The chamber body (100) is provided with a pair of chamber frames (130) symmetrically arranged. At least one locking means (132) is provided on one side of the chamber frame (130) so that the chamber body (100) can be detachably assembled with a care module (120) to be described later. The number or position of the locking means (132) is not particularly limited, but FIG. 3 illustrates one provided at the center of the lower side and one each at the left and right sides of the upper side. As shown in FIG. 4, it is configured to include an insertion part (132b) inserted into a locking hole (hole, 212) of a care module (200) to be described later, and a locking lever (lever, 132a) that a user holds to rotate the insertion part (132b). The above insertion portion (132b) has a hook portion (132b') that extends and protrudes from the center toward the outside (up-down direction in FIG. 4) and is secured to one side of the step portion (212a) of the locking hole (212), thereby fixing the chamber frame (130) to one side of the care module (200) to be described later.

[0044] On one side of the chamber frame (130), a camera holder (139) may be formed to protrude to one side so that a camera (camera, 214) installed in a care module (200) to be described later can illuminate the inside of the chamber body (100). In addition, on the lower part of the chamber frame (130), a tray guide (tray guide, 134) to guide insertion and extraction of a tray (300) to be described later may be formed to protrude or recess to one side so that the tray (300) slides along the tray guide (134) to be assembled. At least one through hole is formed on one side of the tray guide (300) so that a part of a load cell (load cell, 250) provided in a care module (200) to be described later comes into contact with the tray (300).

[0045] At the lower side of the chamber body (100), a chamber profile (140) that supports a tray (300) to be described later is installed across the chamber frame (130). The chamber profile (140) supports the tray (300) from the lower side when the tray (300) is coupled with the chamber body (100) and at the same time limits the insertion depth of the tray (300) by interfering with the movement path of the tray (300).

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a care module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a side view showing the exterior of a care module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a side view showing a tray (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a load cell (250) according to an embodiment of the present invention is pressed by a tray (300).

[0048] The care module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including at least one device selected from the group consisting of a humidifying device (240), an oxygen supply device (230), an air circulation device (220), a heating device (260), and a cooling device (not shown), and an operating device (270) for controlling the operation of the device.

[0049] And the tray (300) is characterized in that a concave portion (320) sunken in a downward direction is formed on the other end of the tray (300).

[0050] Furthermore, a load cell (250) is mounted on one side of the care module (200), and a sliding part (340) is formed on one side of the tray (300) with a pressing projection (342) protruding on one side to press the load cell (250).

[0051]

[0052] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a housing (210) forming the outer shape of a care module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, an air hole (218a) penetrating the center of one side (the front side in FIG. 5) of the housing (210) is formed, and a module cover (218) is mounted at a predetermined interval in the air hole (218a) to partition the inside and the outside of the care module (200) while allowing air circulation. In addition, a camera unit (214) is formed at the upper end of the housing (210). The camera unit (214) is installed to be inclined downward at a predetermined angle with respect to one side (the front side in FIG. 5) of the housing (210) so as to be able to photograph the space where an animal is accommodated inside the chamber body (100) while minimizing blind spots. A lighting unit (216) that illuminates the internal space may be installed on one side of the camera unit (214). In addition, at least one slot-shaped hole penetrating the housing (210) is formed on the lower end of the housing (210), and the load cell (250) is installed therethrough. An air exhaust hole (211) is formed penetrating the other side (front view in FIG. 6) of the housing (210), so that air inside the animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is discharged to the outside.

[0053] At least one locking hole (212) is formed through one side of the housing (210) into which an insertion portion (132a) of a locking means (132) is inserted for assembly with the chamber body (100). The locking hole (212) is formed in a shape in which one side of a circular hole extends in one direction so as to have a shape corresponding to the insertion portion (132b) of the locking means (132). A stepped portion (212a) is formed in a step-like shape on the rear side of the circular portion of the locking hole (212). Accordingly, when the insertion portion (132b) of the locking means (132) is inserted into the locking hole (212) and the locking lever (132a) is rotated in one direction, the engaging portion (132b') is seated on the step-shaped step portion (212a) and is prevented from passing through the locking hole (212), thereby combining the chamber body (100) and the care module (200).

[0054]

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, a tray (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a support portion (310), a concave portion (320), etc. Specifically, the support portion (310) is inserted between the chamber frames (130) of the chamber body (100) to support an animal accommodated inside the chamber body (100) from the lower side. A concave portion (320) is formed on one side (left side in FIG. 7) of the support portion (310) so as to be concave downward and interfere with the chamber profile (140). The concave portion (320) enables the tray (300) to be installed in place without slipping beyond a predetermined range due to the interference of the chamber profile (140) when assembling the animal care chamber (1) according to the present invention. At the same time, it prevents the animal's body from being contaminated by the excrement by allowing the excrement of the animal accommodated inside the animal care chamber (1) to flow toward the concave portion (320) and accumulate. For this purpose, the support member (310) may be configured to have a downward slope toward the concave portion. A handle (330) is provided on the front side (left side in FIG. 1) of the tray (300) to easily remove the tray (300) from the chamber body (100), and a sliding member (340) is provided on the upper side of the tray (300) to be mounted on one side of the tray guide (134) so ​​that the tray (300) can slide along the tray guide (134) and extend outward (right side in FIG. 8). A pressure projection (342) is formed to protrude downward on the bottom surface of the sliding member (340). Therefore, when an animal is accommodated inside the animal care chamber (1) according to the present invention, the pressure projection (342) can sense the weight of the animal accommodated inside by pressurizing one side (upper side in FIG. 8) of the load cell (250).

[0056]

[0057] Below, the configuration of a care module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 16.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the inside of a care module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a lower perspective view showing the inside of a care module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an air box (222) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a front view showing an air box (222) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an air box (222) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an oxygen valve (232) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a side view showing a water tank (242) mounted on a connecting means according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of an inlet (242a') of a water tank (242) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059]

[0060] The above air circulation device (220) is characterized by including an air box (222) through which air inside the chamber body (100) is circulated, a circulation fan (fan, 224) provided on one side of the air box (222) and moving the air inside the air box (222) to the other side, and a ventilation hole (222a) formed through the other side of the air box (222) and having its opening and closing controlled according to the carbon dioxide concentration of the chamber body (100) so that the air inside the air box (222) is discharged to the outside.

[0061] Furthermore, it is characterized in that a nebulizer (228) is provided on one side of the air box (222) so that one end thereof is connected to one side of the air box (222) so that an aerosol-type drug can be inhaled into the chamber body (100) by the air flow inside the air box (222).

[0062] And the oxygen supply device (230) is configured to include an oxygen valve (valve, 232) that controls the supply of oxygen according to the oxygen concentration inside the chamber body (100), and the oxygen valve (232) includes a valve body (232a) that forms an outer shape, a supply path (232b) that is formed on one side of the valve body (232a) and is connected to an oxygen supply source, a first path (232c) that is formed on the other side of the valve body (232a) and is connected to the inside of the chamber body (100), a second path (232d) that is formed on the other side of the valve body (232a) and is connected to the outside of the chamber body (100), and a cam that is provided inside the valve body (232a) and controls the oxygen that flows into the supply path (232b) to be supplied to either the first path (232c) or the second path (232d). It is characterized by including a cam disc (232e) and a valve motor (valve motor, 232f) provided on one side of the cam disc (232e) and providing power for rotation of the cam disc (232e).

[0063] In addition, the humidifying device (240) includes a water tank (242) detachably mounted on one side of the care module (200), and a connecting means (244) provided on one side of the care module (200) to supply water from the water tank (242) by pressurizing one side of the water tank (242), and the water tank (242) includes a water tank body (242a) in which water is contained, a cap (cap, 242b) that covers one end of the water tank body (242a) and has a connecting hole (242b') formed through which one end of the connecting means (244) is inserted, a disk (disc, 242c) provided on one side of the cap (242b) and opening and closing the connecting hole (242b') of the cap (242b), and a disk (disc, 242c) provided on one side of the disk (242c) and elastically supporting the disk (242c). It is characterized by including an elastic member (242d).

[0064]

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9, the care module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention is equipped with devices such as a humidifying device (240), an oxygen supply device (230), an air circulation device (220), a heating device (260), and a cooling device (not shown), and an operating device (270) for controlling the operation of the devices. The care module (200) may include various combinations of the devices to control the internal environment such as temperature, humidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide concentrations inside the animal care chamber (1) according to the present invention. For example, the care module (200) coupled to the right side of the chamber body (100) may be equipped with a humidifying device (240) and a heating device (260), and the care module (200) coupled to the left side may be equipped with an oxygen supply device (230) and a cooling device (not shown). Alternatively, a humidifying device (240), a heating device (260), an oxygen supply device (230), and a cooling device (not shown) may all be provided in the care module (200) coupled to one side. Accordingly, the animal care chamber (1) according to the present invention can perform various functions depending on the combination of devices provided inside the care module (200) or the combination of care modules (200) assembled on both sides of the chamber body (100).

[0066] As shown in Fig. 10, an operating device (270) is provided on one side of the care module (200). The operating device (270) is a device for controlling the operation of various devices accommodated inside the care module (200) or inputting the setting values ​​of each device in order to constantly control the environment inside the animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The user can set the ranges of temperature, humidity, oxygen concentration, and carbon dioxide concentration through the operating device (270), or turn ON / OFF the power of the air circulation device (220), oxygen supply device (230), humidifying device (240), heating device (260), and cooling device (not shown), thereby constantly controlling the environment inside the animal care chamber (1).

[0067]

[0068] As shown in Fig. 10, the air circulation device (220) is configured to include an air box (222), a circulation fan (224), and a ventilation door (226).

[0069] The air box (222) is a place where air inside the animal care chamber (1) circulates, and is formed in a hexahedral shape with one side (front in FIG. 9) open, and is installed on one side of the housing (210). A circulation fan (224) is provided inside the air box (222) to suck in air inside the chamber body (100) from one side (front in FIG. 9) and discharge it to the other side (lower side in FIG. 9). Accordingly, the air sucked into the air box (222) flows laterally along the bottom surface of the air box (222) and is introduced back into the chamber body (100) or discharged to the outside through the ventilation unit (226). A heating means (260) including a PTC heater (positive temperature coefficient heater) and a filtering means (not shown) including a HEPA filter may be further provided on one side (front in FIG. 9) of the air box (222). The above heating means (260) and filtering means (not shown) are mounted on one side (front in FIG. 9) of the air box (222) to heat the air circulating inside the chamber body (100) by the circulation fan (224) and filter out harmful substances.

[0070] A ventilation hole (222a) is formed at the lower side of the circulation fan (224) through the air box (222). The ventilation unit (226) includes a ventilation door (226a) covering the ventilation hole (222a) and a ventilation motor (226b) controlling the opening and closing of the ventilation door (226a). The ventilation door (226a) is hinged to one side of the air box (222) and opens and closes according to the operation of the ventilation motor (226b). At this time, the ventilation motor (226b) is operated according to the carbon dioxide concentration inside the chamber (1) detected by a carbon dioxide sensor (not shown) provided on one side of the air box (222). For example, when the carbon dioxide concentration inside the chamber (1) detected by the carbon dioxide sensor (not shown) is higher than a preset value, the ventilation motor (226b) operates, the ventilation door (226a) opens, and air is discharged from the air box (222) to the outside of the chamber (1). Conversely, when the carbon dioxide concentration inside the chamber (1) detected by the carbon dioxide sensor (not shown) is lower than a preset value, the ventilation motor (226b) rotates in the opposite direction, and the ventilation door (226a) closes.

[0071] Meanwhile, a nebulizer (228) is provided on one side of the air box (222). The nebulizer (228) is configured to inhale a drug, etc., sprayed in the form of an aerosol, into the animal care chamber (1) according to the present invention, and one end of the nebulizer (228) is always connected to one side of the air box (222). Specifically, an inhalation guide (228a) is provided on one side of the air box (222) (left side in FIG. 11, front side in FIG. 12) into which the nebulizer (228) is inserted so that it can be extracted, and when the nebulizer (228) is extracted outside the care module (200), the inhalation guide (228a) serves as a passage that guides the inhaled drug toward the air box (222). One end of the above suction guide (228a) is connected to one side of the air box (222) through the suction hole (228a'), as shown in Fig. 13. When the air inside the chamber (1) is circulated by the circulation fan (224), a flow of air is generated along the bottom surface of the air box (222) into the chamber body (100), and as a result, a negative pressure is generated around the suction hole (228a') so as to be sucked into the chamber body (100). Accordingly, an aerosol-type drug, etc., introduced through the nebulizer (228) is sucked into the chamber body (100) through the suction hole (228a').

[0072]

[0073] An oxygen supply device (230) may be provided inside the care module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The oxygen supply device (230) is a device that supplies oxygen to maintain a constant oxygen concentration inside the animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is connected to an oxygen supply source (not shown) such as an oxygen tank or an oxygen generator. As shown in FIG. 9, the oxygen supply device (230) includes an oxygen valve (232), an oxygen sensor (236), a silencer (234), and an oxygen pump (pump, 238). Oxygen supplied from the oxygen supply source (not shown) is supplied into the chamber body (100) through the oxygen valve (232) that regulates the supply of oxygen and the silencer (234) that reduces noise generated when oxygen is introduced into the chamber body (100). At this time, the oxygen valve (232) can change the oxygen supply path according to the oxygen concentration inside the chamber body (100) detected by the oxygen sensor (236). Specifically, the air inside the chamber body (100) is delivered to the oxygen sensor (236) by the oxygen pump (238), and the oxygen concentration inside the chamber body (100) is detected by the oxygen sensor (236). At this time, when the oxygen concentration inside the chamber body (100) is lower than a preset value, oxygen is supplied into the chamber body (100) by the oxygen valve (232), and when the oxygen concentration is higher than the preset value, oxygen is discharged to the outside of the animal care chamber (1) according to the present invention by the oxygen valve (232).

[0074] Here, the oxygen valve (232) is configured to include a valve body (232a), a supply path (232b), a first path (232c), a second path (232d), a cam disc (232e), and a valve motor (232f), as shown in Fig. 14. On one side of the valve body (232a) forming the exterior of the oxygen valve (232), a supply path (232b), a first path (232c), and a second path (232d) are formed, through which oxygen supplied from an oxygen supply source (not shown) flows. The first flow path (232c) is a flow path connected to the inside of the chamber body (100) to supply oxygen from the valve body (232a) to the inside of the chamber body (100), and the second flow path (232d) is a flow path connected to the outside of the chamber body (100) to discharge oxygen from the valve body (232a) to the outside of the chamber body (100). The cam disc (232e) is rotated by the valve motor (232f), and at least one protrusion (232e') is formed on one side (upper side in FIG. 14) of the cam disc (232e). The valve motor (232f) is operated according to the oxygen concentration inside the chamber body (100), and the first flow path (232c) or the second flow path (232d) comes into contact with the protrusion (232e') as the cam disc (232e) is rotated by the valve motor (232f). Accordingly, the opening and closing of the first flow path (232c) and the second flow path (232d) are controlled, and the movement path of oxygen is determined. More specifically, when the oxygen concentration inside the chamber body (100) detected by the oxygen sensor (236) is lower than a preset value, the cam disc (232e) is rotated by the operation of the valve motor (232f), and the second flow path (232d) is closed by the protrusion (232e'). At this time, since the first flow path (232c) does not come into contact with the protrusion (232e'), oxygen is supplied into the chamber body (100) through the opened first flow path (232c).Conversely, when the oxygen concentration inside the chamber body (100) detected by the oxygen sensor (236) is higher than a preset value, the cam disc (232e) is rotated by the valve motor (232f), and the protrusion (232e') comes into contact with the first flow path (232c) to close the first flow path (232c). At this time, the second flow path (232d) is opened, and oxygen is discharged to the outside. Here, a flow path blocking member (232g) may be further provided on one side (lower side in FIG. 14) of the first flow path (232c) and the second flow path (232d) to more effectively block the flow path. In this case, the protrusion (232e') of the cam disc (232e) presses one side (lower side in FIG. 14) of the flow blocking member (232g), thereby allowing the first flow path (232c) and the second flow path (232d) to be blocked by the flow blocking member (232g). A valve support (232h) is provided on one side of the flow blocking member (232g), so that when the cam disc (232e) rotates and the flow path does not come into contact with the protrusion (232e'), the paid flow blocking member (232g) can be separated from the first flow path (232c) and the second flow path (232d).

[0075]

[0076] A humidifying device (240) is provided inside a care module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The humidifying device (240) comprises a humidifier (246), a water tank (242) that receives water supplied to the humidifier (246), and a connecting means (244) that pressurizes one side (left side in FIG. 16) of the water tank (242). The water contained in the water tank (242) is supplied to the humidifier (246) by a humidifying pump (28). Here, the humidifier (242) is preferably a heating-type humidifier, and in addition to the water tank (242) provided inside the care module (200), water may be supplied from an external water supply source (not shown). At this time, the water tank (242) and an external water supply source (not shown) are connected to a water supply valve (249), and a humidifying pump (248) is connected to one side of the water supply valve (249). The water supply valve (249) can selectively open and close the flow path connecting the water tank (242) and the external water supply source (not shown). For example, the water supply valve (not shown) can control the opening and closing of each flow path according to a user's setting or the water level of the water tank (242).

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the water tank (242) is configured to include a water tank body (242a) containing water therein, a cap (242b) for opening and closing one end of the water tank body (242a), a disk (242c) provided between the cap (242b) and the water tank body (242a), etc.

[0078] An inlet (242a') formed at one end (the left end in FIG. 15) of the water tank body (242a) is formed to be recessed so as to step inwardly of the water tank body (242a), and a cap (242b) for opening and closing the inlet (242a') of the water tank (242) is mounted on one end (the left end in FIG. 15) of the inlet (242a'). The cap (242b) is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, and at least one protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the cap (242b) to adhere closely to the inner surface of the inlet (242a') and thereby seal the water tank body (242a) so that water does not leak out. Here, the protrusion of the cap (242b) may be formed on the inner surface of the cap (242b), and may be mounted so as to adhere closely to the outer surface of the inlet (242a'). A connecting hole (242b') penetrating the cap (242b) is formed on one side (left end in FIG. 15) of the cap (242b). The connecting hole (242b') is a portion into which a connecting means (244) to be described later is inserted. It is preferable that the diameter of the connecting hole (242b') be formed smaller than the diameter of the connecting means (244) so ​​that the connecting means (244) is forcibly fitted into the connecting hole (242b') by the elastic force of the cap (242b). A disk (242c) is provided between the cap (242b) and the inlet (242a') to block the connecting hole (242b') of the cap (242b) on one side (right end in FIG. 16). An elastic member (242d) is provided between one side (right side in FIG. 16) of the above disk (242c) and the inlet (242a'), so that the disk (242d) is pressed toward the cap (242b) by the elastic force. Accordingly, leakage from the water tank (242) is prevented. Meanwhile, the connecting means (244) has a long tube shape with a protrusion formed at one end (right side in FIG. 15), and is fixedly installed on one side inside the housing (210) of the care module (200).When one end (the right end in FIG. 15) of the above connecting means (244) is inserted into the connecting hole (242b'), the disk (242c) supported by the elastic member (242d) is pushed to one side (the right end in FIG. 12). At this time, a flow path is formed between the protrusions and grooves of the disk (242c) and one end (the right end in FIG. 15) of the connecting means (244), causing the water inside the water tank (242) to flow out through the connecting means (244).

[0079]

[0080] Hereinafter, a series of processes for assembling and operating the animal care chamber (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described through each component of the animal care chamber (1). In addition, the operation of the animal care chamber (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0081] Inside the above care module (200), devices for controlling the internal environment of the animal care chamber (1) according to the present invention may be installed in various combinations. However, in this specification, a care module (200) equipped with an air circulation device (220), an oxygen supply device (230), a humidifying device (240), a heating device (260), etc. inside one care module (200) will be described as an example.

[0082]

[0083] First, the chamber door (120) of the chamber body (100) is opened, and the chamber body (100) and a pair of care modules (200) are assembled using a locking means (132). At this time, both ends of the chamber door (120) are moved along a door rail (136) formed on one side of the chamber frame (130), and a door guide (138) guides the movement path of the chamber door (120) so that the chamber door (120) made of a flexible material does not bend during the opening process.

[0084] The above locking means (132) is provided on one side of the chamber frame (130) forming both sides of the chamber body (100), and the locking means (132) is composed of a locking lever (132a) and an insertion portion (132b). When the insertion portion (132b) is inserted into the locking hole (212) formed through the housing (210) of the care module (200), the locking lever (132a) is pressed toward the care module (100) and simultaneously rotated at an angle smaller than 180°. As a result, the engaging portion (132b') is seated on the step portion (212a) of the locking hole (212). Here, since the locking hole (212) has a shape corresponding to that of the insertion portion (132b), the insertion portion (132b) is easily inserted into the locking hole (212), but when the locking lever (132a) is rotated by an angle smaller than 180°, the engaging portion (132b') of the insertion portion (132b) cannot come out of the locking hole (212), so it is fixed inside the locking hole (212). At this time, the rotation angle of the locking means (132) is limited by the stepped portion (212a) that protrudes in a stepwise manner toward one side (in the depth direction in FIG. 5) of the locking hole (212).

[0085] When the chamber body (100) and care module (200) are assembled, a tray (300) is inserted between the chamber frames (130) on both sides. At this time, the sliding part (340) is guided along the tray guide (134) of the chamber frame (130), and the tray (300) is inserted until the concave part (320) is interfered with by the chamber profile (140).

[0086] As described above, the animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is capable of improving efficiency during production and distribution by assembling the chamber body (100), care module (200), and tray (300) in a detachable manner, and can satisfy the needs of various users by assembling the care module (200) in various combinations as needed on both sides of the chamber body (100).

[0087]

[0088] When the assembly of the animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is completed by inserting the tray (300) between the chamber frames (130), the temperature, humidity, oxygen concentration, etc. inside the animal care chamber (1) are set through the operating device (270) of the care module (200). The operation of devices such as the air circulation device (220), oxygen supply device (230), humidifying device (240), and heating device (260) mounted inside the housing (210) of the care module (200) is controlled according to the set values ​​by the operating device (270).

[0089] When the internal environment setting of the animal care chamber (1) by the above-described operating device (270) is completed, an animal is accommodated inside the chamber body (100). When an animal enters the chamber body (100), a pressure projection (342) protruding on one side (lower side in FIG. 8) of the sliding portion (340) of the tray (300) presses the load cell (250) installed at the lower part of the care module (200). As a result, the weight of the animal accommodated inside the animal care chamber (1) can be measured. When an animal excretes inside the animal care chamber (1), the excrement is collected in the concave portion (320), thereby preventing the animal's body from being contaminated by the excrement. At this time, the support portion (310) of the tray (300) may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle toward the concave portion (320) in order to facilitate the collection of excrement toward the concave portion (320).

[0090] When an animal is accommodated inside the chamber body (100), the user can observe the inside of the chamber body (100) by means of the camera unit (214) and the lighting unit (216) mounted on one side of the care module (200). At this time, the camera unit (214) is mounted at an angle so that the lens faces downward at the upper end of the care module (200), thereby minimizing blind spots. The operation of the camera unit (214) and the lighting unit (216) can also be controlled by the operating device (270).

[0091]

[0092] The air inside the animal care chamber (1) is circulated by the air circulation device (220). Specifically, when the circulation fan (224) is operated, the air inside the chamber body (100) is introduced into the air box (222) of the care module (200) through the air hole (218a). At this time, the air sucked into the circulation fan (224) passes through a heating device (260) and a filtering device (not shown) installed on one side (front in FIG. 9) of the circulation fan (224). As a result, the air inside is heated, and harmful substances contained in the air are filtered. The air discharged downward by the circulation fan (224) is guided laterally by the bottom surface of the air box (222) and introduced back into the chamber body (100) through the air hole (218a). Here, when the carbon dioxide concentration of the air inside the chamber body (100) is higher than a preset value, the ventilation motor (226b) operates to open the ventilation door (226a) covering the ventilation port (222a) at the bottom of the air box (222), and the air moved to the bottom of the circulation fan (224) is discharged to the outside through the air discharge hole (211) formed in the housing (210). When the carbon dioxide concentration inside becomes lower than the preset value due to the opening of the ventilation door (226a), the ventilation door (226a) is closed by the ventilation motor (226b), and the air inside the chamber body (100) is circulated again. A negative pressure is induced in the lower part of the air box (222), causing a flow of air to move from the air box (222) toward the chamber body (100). At this time, when the nebulizer (228) installed on one side of the air box (222) is taken out and the aerosol-type medicine is sprayed toward the nebulizer (228), the medicine is sucked toward the chamber body (100) through the suction hole (228a') through the suction guide (228a) by negative pressure, so the medicine can be easily supplied to the animal accommodated inside the chamber body (100).

[0093]

[0094] And the oxygen concentration inside the animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is controlled by the oxygen supply device (230). Oxygen supplied from an oxygen supply source (not shown) flows into the chamber body (100) through an oxygen valve (232) and a silencer (234). At this time, air inside the chamber body (100) flows into the oxygen sensor (236) through an oxygen pump (238), and the path of the oxygen supplied to the oxygen valve (232) is determined by the oxygen concentration inside the chamber body (100) detected by the oxygen sensor (236). Specifically, when the oxygen concentration detected by the oxygen sensor (236) is lower than a preset value, the cam disc (232e) is rotated by the operation of the valve motor (232f), and the flow path blocking member (232g) is pressurized by the protrusion (232e') to close the second flow path (232d). Accordingly, oxygen flowing into the valve body (232a) through the supply flow path (232b) flows into the chamber body (100) through the first flow path (232c) in an open state. Conversely, when the oxygen concentration is higher than a preset value, the cam disc (232e) rotates and the first flow path (232c) is closed by the protrusion (232e'), and the flow path blocking member (232g) that closed the second flow path (232d) is separated from the second flow path (232d) by the valve support (232h), so that the second flow path (232d) is opened. When the first flow path (232c) is closed and the second flow path (232d) is opened, oxygen is discharged to the outside of the animal care chamber (1). A silencer (234) is provided between the first flow path (232c) and the chamber body (100), so that noise generated when oxygen is supplied into the chamber body (100) through the first flow path (232c) is prevented from flowing in through a narrow tube.

[0095]

[0096] Meanwhile, the humidity inside the animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is controlled through a humidifying device (240). The humidifying device (240) includes a heating humidifier to prevent stains from forming on the chamber body (100) due to minerals contained in water particles. The humidifying device (240) selectively receives water from a water tank (242) mounted inside the care module (200) or a water supply source (not shown) outside the care module (200). For example, when the water level contained inside the water tank (242) is lower than a predetermined height or when the humidifying device (240) is to be operated continuously, the water supply valve (249) blocks the flow path connected to the water tank (242) and opens the flow path connected to the external water supply source (not shown) to supply water to the humidifier (246) through the humidifying pump (248).

[0097] The water contained in the water tank (242) is discharged to the outside through the connecting means (244) that is installed on one side (lower side in FIG. 9) of the care module (200) and penetrates the connecting hole (242b') of the cap (242b) only when the disk (242c) is pressurized. Here, the cap (242b) is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, and a protrusion is formed on the outer circumferential surface that comes into contact with the inlet (242a') of the water tank (242) so as to be in close contact with the inlet (242a'). In addition, the diameter of the connecting hole (242b') that penetrates the cap (242b) is formed smaller than the diameter of the connecting means (244), thereby preventing water leakage between the connecting hole (242b') and the connecting means (244). An elastic member (242d) is provided between the above disk (242c) and the inlet (242a') to elastically support the disk (242c) toward the connection hole (242b') of the cap (242b), thereby preventing water from leaking through the connection hole (242b') when the water tank (242) is not mounted on the care module (200).

[0098]

[0099] In this way, the animal care chamber (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a care module (200) and a tray (300) detachably coupled to a chamber body (100), and can perform various functions depending on the combination of the care module (200) coupled to the chamber body (100), and an aerosol-type medicine can be inhaled into the chamber body (100) through a nebulizer (228) and used usefully for the recovery and treatment of animals.

[0100]

[0101] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A chamber body forming a space in which animals are accommodated; A care module detachably coupled to both sides of the chamber body by a locking means and having at least one device for controlling the internal environment of the chamber; An animal care chamber characterized by including a tray that is retractably inserted into one side of the chamber body and supports an animal accommodated in the chamber body from the lower side.

2. In paragraph 1, The above care module, At least one device selected from the group consisting of a humidifying device, an oxygen supply device, an air circulation device, a heating device and a cooling device; and An animal care chamber characterized by comprising an operating device for controlling the operation of the device.

3. In paragraph 1, The above tray, An animal care chamber characterized in that the other end of the tray has a concave portion formed in a downward direction.

4. In paragraph 1, A load cell is mounted on one side of the above care module, An animal care chamber characterized in that a sliding part is formed on one side of the tray, with a pressing projection protruding on one side to pressurize the load cell.

5. In paragraph 2, The above air circulation device, An air box in which air circulates inside the chamber body; A circulation fan provided on one side of the air box and moving the air inside the air box to the other side; and An animal care chamber characterized by including a ventilation hole formed through the other side of the air box and having an opening and closing controlled according to the carbon dioxide concentration of the chamber body so that air in the air box is discharged to the outside.

6. In paragraph 5, On one side of the above air box, An animal care chamber characterized in that it is provided with a nebulizer that is connected to one side of the air box so that an aerosol-type drug can be inhaled into the chamber body by the air flow inside the air box.

7. In paragraph 2, The above oxygen supply device is configured to include an oxygen valve that regulates the oxygen supply according to the oxygen concentration inside the chamber body, The above oxygen valve, The valve body that forms the exterior; A supply path formed on one side of the valve body and connected to an oxygen supply source; A first flow path formed on the other side of the valve body and connected to the inside of the chamber body; A second flow path formed on another side of the valve body and connected to the outside of the chamber body; A cam disc provided inside the valve body and controlling the oxygen flowing into the supply path to be supplied to either the first path or the second path; and An animal care chamber characterized by comprising a valve motor provided on one side of the cam disc and providing power for rotation of the cam disc.

8. In paragraph 2, The above humidifying device, A water tank detachably mounted on one side of the above care module; A connecting means is provided on one side of the above care module and pressurizes one side of the water tank so that water is supplied from the water tank; The above water bottle, A water tank body that holds water; A cap covering one end of the water tank body and having a connecting hole formed therethrough into which one end of the connecting means is inserted; A disk provided on one side of the cap and opening and closing the connecting hole of the cap; and An animal care chamber characterized by comprising an elastic member provided on one side of the disk and elastically supporting the disk.

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