JP7221570B1 - head fixture - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a head fixing device that is easier to use. SOLUTION: A head fixing device for fixing the head of an animal, which includes: a cylindrical part having a trunk that penetrates in the front-rear direction and has a guide groove on a substantially circular inner circumferential surface; and the trunk part. a rod-shaped part that is inserted into the rear end and has a front tooth locking part for locking the animal's front teeth, and the rod-shaped part has a protrusion movable along the guide groove on the outer peripheral surface. A head fixing device, wherein the guide groove is provided so that the rod-shaped portion can move back and forth and rotate. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a head fixture for fixing the head of an animal.

Experiments, especially medical experiments, often use small rodents (such as rats and mice). In such experiments, animals are generally fixed using their anterior teeth (incisors) or external ear canals.

As an animal fixing device for that purpose, conventionally, there is a "animal retaining device for fixing an animal, which includes a base for fixing the animal, a base attached to the base and inserted into both ear holes of the animal. and a second fixing member attached to the upper base and hooked on the front teeth of the animal for fixing the head of the animal to the base together with the first fixing member. A restraining device for animals, characterized in that the

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-252292

In the above-described animal restraining device, it is complicated to fix the animal until imaging. For example, in order to adjust the position in the front-rear direction of the hook pin of the second fixing member hooked on the front teeth, the fixing screw must be loosened and closed, which is a complicated and time-consuming operation. Experiments often involve handling multiple animals, and it is desired to shorten the time required for fixation.

In addition, the above-described animal restraint system does not take into consideration circumferential position adjustment, that is, rotation of the animal's head, and does not sufficiently meet the need for position adjustment.

In addition, in the animal retaining device, the pin portion of the hook pin of the second fixing member extends horizontally, and the anatomical characteristics of the front teeth and upper jaw of the animal are not taken into consideration.

Medical experiments on animals and medical treatments on animals require a head fixing device that is easier to use.

An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above problems, and to provide a head fixing device that is easier to use.

One aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems is a head fixture for fixing the head of an animal, comprising a body that penetrates in the front-rear direction and has a guide groove on the inner peripheral surface of a substantially circular shape. and a rod-shaped portion that is inserted into the body and has a front tooth engaging portion for engaging the animal's front teeth at the rear end, and the rod-shaped portion has an outer peripheral surface that is fitted in the guide groove. It has a protrusion that can move along, and the guide groove is provided so that the rod-like portion can move back and forth and rotate.

Preferably, the guide groove has a portion that allows the projection to move back and forth while rotating at a predetermined angle.

Preferably, the guide groove includes a first portion that allows the projection to rotate back and forth while rotating a predetermined angle, and a second portion that allows the projection to move back and forth while rotating a predetermined angle. and a second portion that rotates in a different direction from the second portion.

Preferably, the guide groove has a starting end groove which is a portion which extends substantially linearly in the front-rear direction and which is a portion which opens at the rear end of the body portion.

Preferably, the guide groove has a terminating groove which is a portion extending substantially linearly in the front-rear direction and having a closed end at the rear.

Preferably, the guide groove has a retention portion on which the projection can be retained.

Preferably, the guide groove has two or more of the retaining portions, and the other retaining portion is shifted in the front-rear direction by a predetermined distance and circumferentially by a predetermined angle with respect to the one of the retaining portions. be.

Preferably, the protrusion is provided so that the tip forms a predetermined angle with respect to a reference plane passing through the base end.

Preferably, the front tooth engaging portion is provided such that the rear end thereof curves upward.

Preferably, the rod-shaped portion has a nose rest portion having a convex rear end in front of the front tooth engaging portion.

Preferably, the tubular portion includes an anesthetic gas supply path, an inlet port of the anesthetic gas supply path is provided near the rear end of the trunk, and the rod-shaped portion is positioned in front of the front tooth engaging portion. , a guide is provided for guiding the anesthetic gas.

Preferably, an animal bed is provided in which the tubular portion and the rod-shaped portion are slidable together.

Preferably, it comprises a fixture for attaching to a laboratory device and a connecting part for slidably connecting with the fixture.

Another aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems is a head fixture for fixing the head of an animal, comprising: a tubular part having a trunk; and a bar-shaped portion having a front tooth engaging portion for engaging the animal's front teeth, and the front tooth engaging portion is provided so that the rear end thereof curves upward.

Preferably, the rod-shaped portion has a nose rest portion having a convex rear end in front of the front tooth engaging portion.

Preferably, the tubular portion includes an anesthetic gas supply path, an inlet port of the anesthetic gas supply path is provided near the rear end of the trunk, and the rod-shaped portion is positioned in front of the front tooth engaging portion. , a guide is provided for guiding the anesthetic gas.

Preferably, the rod-shaped portion is provided with an anesthesia gas flow path penetrating in the front-rear direction in front of the front tooth engaging portion.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a more user-friendly head fixture can be provided.

Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a head fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is an external view which shows an example of a cylindrical part, (a) Top view, (b) Front view, (c) Left side view. It is a figure for demonstrating the guide groove of an example of a cylindrical part. 4 is a schematic diagram of a guide groove in FIG. 3; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining guide grooves in another example of the cylindrical portion; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of an inner cylindrical portion in an example of the cylindrical portion of FIG. 5; It is an external view which shows an example of a rod-shaped part, (a) Top view, (b) Front view, (c) Left side view (enlarged view), (d) Right side view (enlarged view). It is an external view which shows another example of a rod-shaped part, (a) Left side view (enlarged view), (b) Right side view (enlarged view). FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a rod-shaped portion; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a locking portion in an example of a rod-shaped portion; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining locking of anterior teeth of an animal; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of one example of the head fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a head fixture according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a head fixture according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a head fixture according to another embodiment of the present invention; It is an external view which shows an example of parts other than the animal bed of FIG. 15, (a) It is a top view, (b) It is a front view.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components common to the following embodiments (and modifications) may be denoted by the same reference numerals as those described above, and description thereof may be omitted. In addition, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., unless otherwise specified or in principle clearly considered otherwise, etc. that are substantially similar or similar to the shape, etc. shall include

<Embodiment 1>
The head fixture of this embodiment is for fixing the head of an animal. The head fixture of this embodiment is for fixing the head of a small rodent (rat, mouse, etc.) for experiments or treatments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a head fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, X indicates the front-rear direction (longitudinal direction and depth direction), Y indicates the up-down direction (vertical direction), and Z indicates the lateral direction (horizontal direction) (the same applies to each figure below).

A head fixture 1 of this embodiment includes a tubular portion 2 and a rod-shaped portion 3 . The tubular portion 2 has a body portion 22 that penetrates in the front-rear direction. The rod-shaped portion 3 is formed separately from the tubular portion 2 and is used by inserting it into the trunk portion 22 of the tubular portion 2 . The rod-shaped portion 3 has a front tooth engaging portion 311 for engaging the animal's front teeth (maxillary front teeth) at its rear end, which is one end.

The head fixture 1 of this embodiment can move and adjust the position of an animal whose front teeth are locked to the front tooth locking portion 311 . As a movement mechanism, the head fixing device 1 has a guide groove 25 (see FIG. 3, etc. described later) provided on the inner peripheral surface of a substantially circular shape (substantially circular in cross section) of the body portion 22 and and a protrusion 35 (see FIG. 7 etc. later) provided and movable along the guide groove 25 . With this moving mechanism, the rod-shaped portion 3 can be moved relative to the tubular portion 2 and its position can be adjusted.

The guide groove 25 of the head fixture 1 is provided so that the bar-shaped portion 3 can move back and forth and rotate. As a result, the head fixture 1 can be adjusted not only in the front-rear direction but also in the circumferential direction, making it easier to meet the needs for position adjustment.

2A and 2B are external views showing an example of the cylindrical portion, including (a) a plan view, (b) a front view, and (c) a left side view. The tubular portion 2 has a trunk portion 22 and a head mounting portion 21 that continues to the rear end side of the trunk portion 22 . The cylindrical portion 2 preferably further has an auxiliary cylindrical portion 23 that continues to the front end side of the body portion 22 . The tube 2 preferably further has an anesthetic gas supply line 24 .

The head rest part 21 is a part for resting the animal's head. The top surface, which is the mounting surface, of the head mounting portion 21 preferably has a substantially curved shape with high left and right portions and a low central portion.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the head fixing device 1 may include a trunk resting portion 4 connected to the rear end side of the head resting portion 21 . The trunk resting portion 4 is a portion for resting the trunk of the animal, and may be formed integrally with the head resting portion 21 or separately formed and attached. The trunk support section 4 may have a support connection section 41 at the rear end of the main body. The placing connection part 41 is a part for placing the body trunk of an animal and/or connecting it to other instruments or devices or attachments (attachment) as required (a slightly large animal, etc.).

The body part 22 is a part for adjusting the position of the animal and fixing the animal together with the rod-shaped part 3 . The body portion 22 may have a base having a shape that allows it to be easily placed on a part of the outer peripheral surface so that it can be easily placed on a workbench or the like during use. As shown in FIG. 1, the head fixture 1 may be provided with feet 5 for mounting on a body 22 and/or for connection with other instruments or devices, fixtures or the like.

The trunk portion 22 is preferably formed in a concave shape (curved shape) in which the rear end upper portion is concave forward when viewed from above. In other words, the body portion 22 preferably has left, right and bottom walls on the rear end side, and has a head accommodating portion 221 that lacks a curved portion of the upper wall. By forming in this way, it is possible to easily carry out the work when the front part of the animal's head is accommodated or placed on this part.

The trunk portion 22 preferably has a shape in which a portion near the front end is gradually reduced in diameter.

The auxiliary cylindrical portion 23 is a portion that assists in guiding the back-and-forth movement of the bar-shaped portion 3 and supports the rotation. The auxiliary cylinder portion 23 is formed to have substantially the same diameter as the diameter-reduced front end of the trunk portion 22 . The auxiliary cylinder portion 23 penetrates in the front-rear direction similarly to the trunk portion 22 and has a cylindrical shape with an inner peripheral surface that is substantially circular (substantially circular in cross section). A gripping portion 33 of the rod-shaped portion 3 , which will be described later, is inserted through the auxiliary cylindrical portion 23 .

The anesthetic gas supply path 24 is a part for inhaling the anesthetic gas to the animal. The anesthetic gas supply path 24 has, for example, a tubular supply port 241 formed in a diameter-reduced portion on the front end side of the body section 22 . An anesthetic gas supply device (vaporizer, etc.) is connected to the supply port 241 via a tube (hereinafter referred to as "supply tube"). The suction port 242 of the anesthetic gas supply path 24 is formed near the rear end of the trunk section 22 as an example. As an example, the channel between the supply port 241 and the suction port 242 is formed between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 22 and extends from the front to the rear. With the anesthetic gas supply path 24 formed integrally with the body portion 22, the head fixture 1 enables stable inhalation anesthesia of the animal using isoflurane or the like. Preferably, the supply port 241, the suction port 242, and the flow path between them are provided in the lower part of the body 22, and the anesthetic gas injected from the front supply port 241 flows backward and is released from the suction port 242. be done.

As an example, the tubular portion 2 is integrally formed with the above-described configuration, for example, the head placement portion 21 , the body portion 22 , the auxiliary tubular portion 23 , the anesthetic gas supply passage 24 and the guide groove 25 . The tubular portion 2 is made of a non-magnetic material such as a resin material. The cylindrical portion 2 may be made of other material such as rubber or wood, as long as the desired performance such as strength can be obtained. The tubular portion 2 may be made of metal or the like as long as it does not interfere with experiments, treatments, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining guide grooves of an example of the tubular portion. A guide groove 25 is provided in the upper portion of the body portion 22 . In the figure, the tubular portion 2 is in a state where the trunk portion 22 is cut along the XZ plane, and the guide groove 25 is exposed on the cut surface. In this example, the guide groove 25 is a bottomed groove that is recessed from the inner peripheral surface side of the trunk portion 22 and has a bottom wall on the outer peripheral surface (surface) side.

The guide groove 25 is provided so that the rod-shaped portion 3 can move back and forth and rotate. As an example, the guide groove 25 has a portion (first portion) that allows the projection 35 to move forward and backward while rotating at a predetermined angle. As an example, the guide groove 25 further has a portion (second portion) that allows the projection 35 to move back and forth while rotating a predetermined angle in a direction different from the rotating direction of the portion (first portion).

By providing such a guide groove 25, the head fixture 1 can be easily adjusted not only in the front-rear direction but also in the circumferential direction.

4 is a schematic diagram of the guide groove in FIG. 3. FIG. An example of the guide groove 25 will be described in detail below.

The guide groove 25 has a start end groove 251 which is a portion that opens at the rear end of the trunk portion 22 . The starting end groove 251 is a portion for inserting and guiding the protrusion 35 into the guide groove 25 . As will be described later, the rod-shaped portion 3 can have various aspects, including the angle of the protrusion 35, depending on the target animal. But also. As an example, the start groove 251 is provided so as to extend substantially linearly in the front-rear direction, and is provided along a reference plane (an XY plane passing through the left-right center of the locking portion), which will be described later.

The guide groove 25 has a first intermediate groove 252 continuous with the start groove 251 . The first intermediate groove 252 is a portion that allows the projection 35 to move forward and backward while rotating at a predetermined angle. For example, the first intermediate groove 252 is provided such that the front end thereof is shifted from the rear end by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction (for example, clockwise) and is shifted forward by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, when the protrusion 35 advances from one end of the first intermediate groove 252 to the other end, it is rotated by a predetermined angle as it moves forward or backward.

The work (locking work) of fitting (locking) the front tooth of the animal to the rod-shaped portion 3 described later is preferably performed obliquely so as to be visually confirmed. The head fixing device 1 has the first intermediate groove 252 so that the rod-shaped portion 3 can be rotated appropriately as it moves back and forth, and the locking operation in the oblique position can be easily realized.

The guide groove 25 has a second intermediate groove 253 continuous with the first intermediate groove 252 . The second intermediate groove 253 is a portion that allows the projection 35 to move forward and backward while rotating at a predetermined angle. As an example, the second intermediate groove 253 is different in rotation direction from the first intermediate groove 252 . For example, the second intermediate groove 253 is provided such that the front end thereof is displaced from the rear end by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction (for example, counterclockwise direction) and is displaced forward by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, when the protrusion 35 advances from one end of the second intermediate groove 253 to the other end, it is rotated by a predetermined angle as it moves forward or backward.

Work such as imaging or observation of an animal (observation work) is often performed in the median prone position (face down). Therefore, it is desirable that the first intermediate groove 252 restores the rod-shaped portion 3 that has been rotated to the oblique position to the substantially horizontal initial position. By having the second intermediate groove 253, the head fixture 1 can rotate the bar-shaped part 3 in the opposite direction and guide it to a desirable posture for observation work.

The guide groove 25 has an end groove 254 that continues with the second intermediate groove 253 . Termination groove 254 is a portion having a closed end at the rear. The terminal groove 254 has a front end positioned side by side with the second intermediate groove 253 , and a closed end, which is a rear end, behind the front end of the second intermediate groove 253 . As an example, the terminal groove 254 is provided in a substantially linear shape extending in the front-rear direction.

The guide groove 25 has a retention portion on which the projection 35 can be retained. The head fixing device 1 performs a predetermined operation when the protrusion 35 is retained at the retaining portion. Since the head fixture 1 can be positioned simply by stopping the protrusion 35 in the stopping portion, the operation is simple without the need for any tools. Also, when the position is changed, it is only necessary to move the projection 35 from the stopping portion, so the position can be easily changed.

As an example, the guide groove 25 has two or more stop portions, and one stop portion is provided at a position shifted by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction and by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction with respect to the other stop portion. . For example, the guide groove 25 has two stopping portions, a first stopping portion P1 and a second stopping portion P2. With respect to the first stop portion P1, the second stop portion P2 is located at a position shifted by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction and at a position shifted by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction. By providing in this way, the position in the front-rear direction and the position in the circumferential direction (posture) of the animal can be easily changed at the same time according to the contents of the work.

In the illustrated example of the guide groove 25, the first stopping portion P1 is formed by a corner portion between the first intermediate groove 252 and the second intermediate groove 253. As shown in FIG. At least the rear and one side of this corner are closed so that the projection 35 can be retained. Since the animal is locked on the rear end side of the rod-shaped portion 3, the rod-shaped portion 3 tends to be pulled backward, and since the side of the lower position is blocked, the rod-shaped portion 3 is pushed to the side. This is because it is thought that there is a tendency to remain at As shown in the figure, the corner may be formed to have a substantially U-shaped portion when viewed from above, and may be provided so as to partially close the other side. The head fixture 1 undergoes the front tooth locking operation when the protrusion 35 is retained at the first retaining portion P1.

As an example, the guide groove 25 is configured such that the second stopping portion P2 is the closed end of the terminal groove 254 . The closed end is closed rearwardly and laterally so that the protrusion 35 can be retained. Head observation work is performed when the projection 35 of the head fixture 1 stops at the second stop portion P2.

Note that the guide groove 25 is not limited to the above example. The guide groove 25 may have only a part of the above configuration, or may have a plurality of the above part of the configuration. For example, the number of stopping parts may be one, or three or more. The number of groove portions constituting the guide groove 25 may be three or less, or may be five or more. The groove portion may have a different shape or angle from the above depending on the contents of observation or treatment.

For example, the first intermediate groove 252 is provided at a position where the front end is displaced from the rear end by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction so that the projection 35 rotates in the circumferential direction but is not displaced in the front-rear direction. good too.

For example, the terminal groove 254 may be provided so as to extend in the circumferential direction. In other words, the end groove 254 may be provided so that the protrusion 35 rotates in the circumferential direction but does not move in the front-rear direction. A third intermediate groove may be provided between the terminal groove 254 and the second intermediate groove 253, and the third intermediate groove may extend in the circumferential direction. By configuring in this way, the animal can easily be placed in median prone position (prone position), left lateral position, right lateral position, median supine position (supine position, supine position), etc., depending on the content of observation or treatment. obtained in The second intermediate groove 253 is rotated in a direction opposite to that shown in the drawing, for example, the front end is shifted clockwise from the rear end by a predetermined angle and forward by a predetermined distance. back) may be easily obtained.

The guide groove 25 may be provided according to the operator's dominant hand. Although the illustration is suitable for a right-handed operator (holding a small animal with the right hand), the guide groove 25 may be provided symmetrically with the illustration for a left-handed operator. Both the illustrated guide groove 25 and a symmetrical guide groove may be provided. The groove portion of the guide groove 25 may be changed or added to make the guide groove 25 easy to use for both parties.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another example of the guide groove of the tubular portion. In the figure, the tubular portion 2 is in a state where the trunk portion 22 is cut along the XZ plane, and the guide groove 25 is exposed on the cut surface.

The tubular portion 2 may be configured by overlapping two separately formed portions inside and outside. As an example, the cylindrical portion 2 may be formed with the outer cylindrical portion 2a and the inner cylindrical portion 2b separately formed, and the inner cylindrical portion 2b may be attached to the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylindrical portion 2a so as not to move relative to each other. The tubular portion 2 is fixed by connecting the outer peripheral portion of the inner tubular portion 2b to the inner peripheral portion of the outer tubular portion 2a on the rear end side, for example.

In the cylindrical portion 2, as an example, the head mounting portion 21 is formed in the outer cylindrical portion 2a. A portion of the head mounting portion 21 may also be formed in the inner cylindrical portion 2b. The trunk portion 22 is formed by jointly forming the outer cylinder portion 2a and the inner cylinder portion 2b. The auxiliary cylinder portion 23 may be formed jointly by the outer cylinder portion 2a and the inner cylinder portion 2b, or may be formed on either one of them. In the anesthetic gas supply path 24, the supply port 241 may be formed jointly by the outer cylinder portion 2a and the inner cylinder portion 2b, or may be formed by either one of them. The suction port 242 is formed in the inner tubular portion 2b. A channel between the supply port 241 and the suction port 242 is provided between the outer cylinder portion 2a and the inner cylinder portion 2b. The guide groove 25 is configured as a bottomed groove having side surfaces on both side surfaces of a through groove (inner guide groove) provided in the inner cylindrical portion 2b and a bottom surface on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 2a. In the tubular portion 2, the head rest portion 21 and the portion near the rear end of the trunk portion 22 (for example, the head housing portion 221) is arranged so that the cross-sectional area of the housing portion is forward to match the shape of the head of the animal. It may be formed in a tapered shape that gradually narrows toward it. When the tubular portion 2 is configured by overlapping the outer tubular portion 2a and the inner tubular portion 2b, one or both of the outer tubular portion 2a and the inner tubular portion 2b (see FIG. 6) have such a tapered shape. may be formed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of an inner cylindrical portion in an example of the cylindrical portion of FIG. 5; In the drawing, for convenience of explanation, the inner tubular portion 2b is shown in a state in which the rod-shaped portion 3 is inserted. The inner guide groove 25b is provided as a through groove in the inner trunk portion 22b. It has an intermediate groove 253b and an inner terminal groove 254b.

As described above, the guide groove 25 may have a pivot groove that continues with the front end of the terminal groove 254 . Taking the illustrated inner guide groove 25b as an example, as an example, it has an inner rotation groove 255b that is continuous with the front end of the inner end groove 254b and the front end of the inner second intermediate groove 253b. The inner turning groove 255b is provided so that the projection 35 can turn left or right by a predetermined angle (for example, about 50°) from the front end of the inner end groove 254b or the front end of the inner second intermediate groove 253b.

By configuring the guide grooves 25 in this manner, the head fixture 1 adjusts the body position of the animal to the median prone position (prone) at the inner terminal groove 254b (terminal groove 254), and to the inner rotation groove 255b. (rotation groove) can be left lateral or right lateral. In this case, both end portions of the inner rotation groove 255b (rotation groove) serve as stopping portions in the left lateral decubitus position or the right lateral decubitus position. Further, although not shown, the guide groove 25 (inner guide groove 25b) may be configured so that the body position of the animal can be changed to the median supine position (supine position, supine position).

7A and 7B are external views showing an example of the rod-shaped portion, including (a) a plan view, (b) a front view, (c) a left side view (enlarged view), and (d) a right side view (enlarged view). 8A and 8B are external views showing another example of the rod-shaped portion, including (a) a left side view (enlarged view) and (b) a right side view (enlarged view). FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example of a rod-shaped portion. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a locking portion in an example of the rod-shaped portion. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining locking of front teeth of an animal. The bar-shaped part 3 can be configured in various forms according to the target animal, and one example thereof will be described below.

The bar-shaped portion 3 has a locking portion 31 on the rear end side, a middle rod portion 32 continuing to the locking portion 31 , and a gripping portion 33 on the front end side continuing to the middle rod portion 32 . Rod 3 preferably has a guide 34 for guiding the anesthetic gas. The projection 35 is arranged on the middle rod portion 32 .

The rod-shaped portion 3 is integrally formed with a locking portion 31, a middle rod portion 32, a grip portion 33, a guiding portion 34, and a projection 35. As shown in FIG. The bar-shaped portion 3 is made of a non-magnetic material such as a resin material. The bar-shaped portion 3 may be made of other material such as rubber or wood, as long as it can obtain a predetermined performance such as strength. The rod-shaped portion 3 may be made of metal or the like as long as it does not interfere with experiments, treatments, and the like.

The locking portion 31 is formed in a slightly flattened shape, preferably symmetrical. The locking portion 31 has a front tooth locking portion 311 at its rear end. The front tooth engaging portion 311 is formed in the shape of an upper-view band, and a front tooth accommodating space S is formed inside. As shown in FIG. 10, the front tooth accommodation space S is preferably formed in a shape like a flat arrowhead when viewed from above. The anterior tooth housing space S is preferably formed so that the rear end (apex of the apex) is slightly wide and rounded, for example, when the animal is large and the anterior teeth are large (wide at the base).

As shown in FIGS. 7(b), 7(d), and 11, the front tooth engaging portion 311 has a rear end positioned higher than the front end. More specifically, the front tooth engaging portion 311 has a shape in which the rear end is curved upward, and the upper surface and the lower surface in a side view are curved surfaces. With such a shape, the front tooth engaging portion 311 can be easily attached to the animal's front teeth, and can reliably hold the roots of the front teeth along the upper jaw. Also, if the front teeth are hooked on the front tooth engaging portion 311, the animal is properly fixed.

In experimental research, especially in basic medical (animal experiment) research, immobilization of animals in an appropriate posture is important. In rats, etc., the position and angle of the head can be freely changed by anteroposterior bending and rotation of the neck. The skull is fixed at three points with the ear canal, and the inclination of the plane connecting them is adjusted so that the parietal bone is horizontal. In the head fixing device 1, the head is fixed at an angle in which the parietal bone is generally horizontal by the tubular portion 2 (outer tubular portion 2a), the rod-shaped portion 3, or the front tooth engaging portion 311, so that the head can be fixed in a short time. At the same time as being able to complete accurate positioning of the part, it is possible to achieve both appropriate fixation required in experimental research. For this reason, in normal brain imaging, it is considered sufficient to fix only the front teeth in the head fixture 1, but if necessary, a mechanism for holding both external ear canals is provided in the tubular portion 2 (outer tubular portion 2a). It goes without saying that both external ear canals may be fixed in addition to the anterior teeth.

The shape and position of the anterior teeth are roughly as shown in FIG. 11 for the rat head skeleton A1. The front tooth locking portion 311 has a rear end that is curved upward (a bow-shaped curved shape), so that it fits the inclination of the jaw above the back side base of the front tooth A2, and wobble is suppressed, and the front tooth A2 is prevented from moving. It becomes difficult to come off from the front tooth accommodation space S. By forming the front tooth engaging portion 311 or the front tooth housing space S in this manner, the base of the front tooth A2 can be reliably held along the upper jaw of the animal A. In this way, the front tooth locking portion 311 or the locking portion 31 has a shape that takes into account the anatomical characteristics of the front teeth and maxilla.

The engaging portion 31 has a nose rest portion 312 in front of the front tooth engaging portion 311 and opposed thereto. The nose rest part 312 has a rear end that protrudes rearward. Since the nose tip of the animal is located in front of the base of the front tooth A2 in FIG. stabilize the part. In addition, since the nose rest part 312 is provided at the edge of the front tooth housing space S, and the tip of the animal's nose rests thereon, the front tooth engaging part 311 can be prevented from being pulled out unintentionally.

The nose resting part 312 is preferably provided horizontally on the XZ plane and formed in a substantially circular island shape that sinks below the surroundings. This provides a better fit to the animal's nose tip and makes the animal's head more stable.

The engaging portion 31 has a contact portion 313 protruding downward at a substantially intermediate portion between the front and rear ends. The contact portion 313 is a portion for contacting the inner peripheral surface of the trunk portion 22 of the tubular portion 2 . The locking portion 31 is formed in a slightly flattened shape, and the front tooth locking portion 311, the nose rest portion 312, and the like are arranged above the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 22 and are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 22. do not. Therefore, here, the abutting portion 313 is provided to prevent the engaging portion 31 or the rod-shaped portion 3 from wobbling and to move smoothly.

The middle rod portion 32 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is inserted into the trunk portion 22 of the tubular portion 2 . The middle rod portion 32 has a shape in which the diameter of the portion on the front end side gradually decreases so as to correspond to the diameter reduction portion on the front end side of the body portion 22 .

The grip part 33 is a part for operating the head fixture 1 . The grip portion 33 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and has substantially the same diameter as the front end of the reduced diameter portion of the middle rod portion 32 . As an example, the grip part 33 has a non-slip part 331 on at least a part of the outer peripheral surface to prevent slippage during operation. The non-slip portion 331 may be spiral as shown, or may be composed of a plurality of regular or irregular recesses and/or protrusions. The grip portion 33 is inserted through the auxiliary tubular portion 23 of the tubular portion 2 .

The guiding part 34 is a part for guiding the anesthetic gas to the tip of the nose of the animal locked by the locking part 31 . The guide portion 34 includes a guide hole 341 provided in front of the front tooth engaging portion 311 , for example near the front end of the engaging portion 31 . The guide hole 341 is a through hole penetrating through the locking portion 31 in the vertical direction. The guide portion 34 preferably further includes a guide groove 342 extending in the front-rear direction between the rear end of the guide hole 341 and the front end of the nose rest portion 312 . The guide groove 342 has a bottom surface substantially on the same plane as the top surface of the nose rest portion 312 .

The head fixture 1 may be provided with two or more suction ports in the body portion 22 . As an example, in addition to the suction port 242, a preliminary suction port may be provided in front thereof (for example, a portion corresponding to a substantially intermediate position of the start end groove 251). It is possible that the intake port 242 may be blocked depending on the body type of the animal (for example, an animal that is slightly large).

The protrusion 35 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the middle rod portion 32 so that the proximal end thereof is on the XY plane (hereinafter referred to as the “reference plane”) passing through the left and right centers of the locking portion 31 . The protrusion 35 has a substantially cylindrical shape, has a rounded tip, and has a base end slightly larger in diameter than the tip. The middle rod portion 32 may have a slightly flat surface with a narrow outer peripheral surface portion where the projection 35 is provided.

As an example, the projection 35 is provided to extend along the reference plane, as shown in FIG. Preferably, the protrusion 35 is obliquely provided so that the tip forms a predetermined angle with respect to a reference plane passing through the base end, as shown in FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d). The protrusion 35 is provided so as to form a predetermined acute angle in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the rear. By providing in this way, the movement in the guide groove 25 becomes smoother, and it becomes easier to stop at the stopping portion.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of one example of the head fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the cylindrical portion is shown in a state in which the trunk portion is cut along the XZ plane and the guide groove is exposed on the cut surface. For convenience of explanation, the protrusions 35 are shown black. Hereinafter, the operation of the head fixture 1 will be described in order from (1) below.

In (1), the rod-shaped portion 3 is not yet inserted into the tubular portion 2 . In this state, the rod-shaped portion 3 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 2 from the rear to the front.

In (2), the projection 35 is not yet inserted into the guide groove 25 although the rod-shaped portion 3 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 2 . The front end of the grip portion 33 has already passed through the auxiliary cylinder portion 23 and protrudes outside. The projection 35 is aligned with the opening of the start end groove 251 in the left-right direction, and is located behind in the front-rear direction. The position and orientation of (2) are hereinafter referred to as the initial position and initial orientation. In this state, the bar-shaped portion 3 is pulled into the tubular portion 2 .

In (3), the protrusion 35 has already passed through the starting end groove 251 and is in a state of being stopped at the first stopping portion (the corner portion between the first intermediate groove 252 and the second intermediate groove 253). The protrusion 35 has already rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle from the initial state. The front tooth engaging portion 311 is inclined downward to the right and is in an oblique posture suitable for front tooth engaging work. In this state, the animal's front teeth are locked by the front tooth locking portion 311 . Hereinafter, the position and posture of (3) are referred to as the locking position and locking posture. With the animal locked, rod 3 is drawn further into tube 2 and projection 35 leaves the first stop. Illustration of animals is omitted.

In (4), the projection 35 is in a state of passing through the second intermediate groove 253 . The protrusion 35 moves forward while rotating counterclockwise from the locking position. The front tooth engaging portion 311 is returning from the engaging posture to the initial posture. Illustration of animals is omitted.

In (5), the protrusion 35 has reached the terminal groove 254 and is in a state of being stopped at the second stopping portion. The front tooth engaging portion 311 has returned to substantially the initial posture, and the animal A3 is in, for example, the midline prone position (prone) and the head observation position. The position and orientation of (5) are defined as an observation (imaging) position and an observation (imaging) orientation.

Thus, in the head fixing device 1 of this embodiment, only by pulling the bar-shaped portion 3 into the tubular portion 2, the animal's head is appropriately fixed (positioned) while rotating. be. In addition, if two or more retaining portions are provided, work can be performed in different postures, and various needs can be met with a simple configuration. The locking position and observation position (fixed position) of the head fixture 1 can be appropriately set according to the type and size of the animal. That is, the position of the protrusion 35 in the rod-shaped portion 3 in the front-rear direction (depth direction), the position of each stopping portion of the guide groove 25 in the cylindrical portion 2, or the length of each groove in the front-rear direction are determined by the movement of the head of the animal. It can be appropriately set according to the type and size of the animal so that it is properly fixed at the observation position.

In addition, although the example in which the guide groove 25 is a bottomed groove has been described above, it may be a bottomless groove. In other words, when the tubular portion 2 is integrally formed, the guide groove 25 may penetrate the outer peripheral surface. When the tubular portion 2 is composed of the outer tubular portion 2a and the inner tubular portion 2b which are separately formed, the outer through grooves may be provided in the outer tubular portion 2a corresponding to the inner guide grooves of the inner tubular portion 2b. good. The cylindrical portion 2 may be composed only of the inner cylindrical portion 2b. In this case, other configurations, such as the anesthetic gas supply line 24, may be modified as appropriate.

Such a head fixture 1 is suitable when there is a limit to the installation space in the longitudinal direction (depth direction). When the guide groove is a bottomed groove, the operator operates the grasping portion 33 protruding forward from the cylindrical portion 2, but if the guide groove 25 is a through groove, the projection 35 itself can be operated by attaching a handle. Become. Then, since the portion of the grip portion 33 protruding from the cylindrical portion 2 becomes unnecessary, the overall length of the bar portion 3 can be shortened, and the installation space can be saved.

The head fixture 1 of this embodiment may be provided with an excess anesthetic gas discharge path. For example, an inlet for an excess anesthetic gas discharge passage is provided in the upper portion near the rear end of the trunk 22, and an outlet is provided in the upper portion near the front end, and the excess anesthetic gas is discharged through a discharge passage penetrating from the rear to the front.

In the imaging of experimental animals using CT, MRI, etc., it is necessary to hold the target animal in an appropriate position and posture for a long period of time, and stable anesthesia maintenance is essential for living animals. Since the head fixture 1 of this embodiment can hold the head with high reproducibility, it is particularly useful for brain imaging in which the same animal is imaged over time.

In the above description, anesthetized animals are assumed. experiment), etc. In this case, since a more rigid fixation is required, preferably, a mechanism for holding both external ear canals is provided in the cylindrical portion 2 (outer cylindrical portion 2a). The head fixture 1 can be applied to various experiments and treatments by adding a holding mechanism as necessary.

Moreover, in the above, it is assumed that the animal breathes naturally, and a tubular shape is used so as to have an effect similar to that of the conventional method called “mask anesthesia” (anesthesia method in which released anesthetic gas is breathed in). Although the anesthetic gas supply path 24 is provided in the unit 2 to realize a stable supply of anesthetic gas such as isoflurane, the present invention is not limited to this. The head fixture 1 of the present embodiment may be configured without the anesthetic gas supply path 24 and applied to experiments on animals sedated by an anesthesia method that does not assume natural respiration. In this case, the rod-shaped portion 3 may be configured without the guide portion 34 . As an example, there is an anesthesia method by endotracheal intubation in which a tube is directly inserted into the trachea of an animal. may be applied to As an example, there is an injection anesthesia method in which an anesthetic is administered intraperitoneally or intravenously. You may Needless to say, the common head fixture 1 provided with the anesthetic gas supply path 24 may be used, and the anesthetic gas supply path 24 may or may not be used depending on the anesthesia method.

Since the head fixture 1 of this embodiment can appropriately fix the front teeth even in the midline supine position, it may be configured without the anesthetic gas supply channel 24 and applied to the endotracheal intubation procedure itself. Needless to say, the common head fixture 1 provided with the anesthetic gas supply path 24 may be used, and the anesthetic gas supply path 24 may or may not be used depending on the contents of the treatment and the anesthesia method. .

<Modification 1 of Embodiment 1>
The head fixture 1 of this example is different from the first embodiment in that the anesthetic gas supply path 24 is not provided in the cylindrical part 2 and the anesthetic gas supply path is provided in the rod-shaped part 3 . That is, in this example, an anesthetic gas flow path extending in the front-rear direction is provided in front of the front tooth engaging portion 311 of the rod-shaped portion 3 . Although not shown, the rod-shaped portion 3 has, as an example, a through hole axially penetrating portions other than the engaging portion 31, that is, the grip portion 33 and the middle rod portion 32, and has a supply port connected to the supply tube. The front end of the grip portion 33 also serves as the suction port for inhaling the anesthetic gas, and the rear end of the middle rod portion 32 also serves as the suction port. As a result, the anesthetic gas injected from the front supply port flows rearward and is discharged from the suction port. In this example, the bar-shaped portion 3 may be configured without the guide portion 34 .

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a head fixture according to another embodiment of the invention. The head fixture 1 of this embodiment includes an animal bed 6 as shown. In the present application, the animal bed refers to a dedicated platform on which animals are placed for experiments and treatments.

Procedures such as tail vein puncture may be performed on mice and rats. The tail veins are located on the left and right sides of the tail, and the animal must be held in the lateral position during venipuncture for securing blood vessels and administering drugs. As described above, the head fixing device 1 is provided with an animal bed 6 so that the animal's head is appropriately and reliably fixed to the tubular portion 2 by turning and retracting the rod-shaped portion 3, and thus the tail vein puncture or the like can be performed. can be used as a treatment table. The lateral recumbent position of the animal can be easily obtained, for example, by providing the rotation groove 255 or the inner rotation groove 255b.

As shown in the figure, the animal bed 6 is formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the side, and has a base portion and a rear support portion forming a substantially right angle with the base portion. The animal bed 6 is supported in a forward tilting posture by the rear supporting portion.

The animal bed 6 has a slide portion 61 that is connected to the placement connection portion 41 of the trunk placement portion 4 so as to be accommodated in a portion near the rear end of the base portion. The tubular portion 2 , the rod-shaped portion 3 and the trunk resting portion 4 (hereinafter referred to as “fixture main body” in this embodiment) are attached to the animal bed 6 by inserting the mounting connecting portion 41 into the slide portion 61 .

The animal bed 6 has, for example, a handle 62 for sliding the fixture body back and forth along the slide portion 61 . By operating the handle 62, the animal bed 6 can shift, for example, from the state shown in FIG. 13(a) to the rearward slid state shown in FIG. The animal bed 6 may not be provided with the handle 62, and may be moved by hand to move the tubular portion 2 (outer tubular portion 2a) or the like to slide the fixture main body back and forth along the slide portion 61. FIG.

In other words, the animal bed 6 is formed so that the tubular portion 2 and the rod-shaped portion 3 can slide integrally. By configuring in this way, the animal held in the lateral recumbent position by these parts can be moved back and forth in that position to adjust the tail vein puncture position.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a head fixture according to another embodiment of the invention. The head fixture 1 of this embodiment includes a fixture 8 for attachment to an experimental device, such as an imaging device, as shown in the figure, and is slidably connected to the fixture 8 instead of the trunk rest 4. A connecting portion 7 is provided.

The connecting portion 7 has two rod-shaped portions extending in the front-rear direction, and is provided so as to be continuous with the rear end of the cylindrical portion 2 . The connecting portion 7 may be formed integrally with the head mounting portion 21, or may be formed separately and attached thereto.

The mounting fixture 8 has a holding portion 81 through which the connection portion 7 is inserted and slidably held, and a substantially C-shaped mounting portion 82 having a pair of mounting holes on the left and right sides. The mounting portion 82 is provided on the front end side of the holding portion 81 so as to support the holding portion 81 from below. The holding portion 81 and the mounting portion 82 may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and fitted together to form an integral body.

In the imaging of the head of an animal, the imaging range is narrow, and it is desirable that the position of the head can be slidably adjusted with respect to the imaging device. The head fixture 1 of this embodiment is provided with the connection part 7 and the fixture 8, so that the head of the animal appropriately held by the tube-shaped part 2 and the rod-shaped part 3 can be positioned relative to the imaging device in the front-rear direction. can be changed by sliding

<Embodiment 4>
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a head fixture according to another embodiment of the invention.

The head fixing device 1 of this embodiment does not have a moving mechanism (the guide groove 25 and the protrusion 35), and the rod-shaped portion 3 cannot move relative to the cylindrical portion 2. 1 to 3 and their modifications. The head fixture 1 does not have a position adjustment function by a moving mechanism, but has other functions similar to those of the first embodiment. The following description focuses on differences from the first embodiment.

In the head fixture 1 of this embodiment, the rod-shaped portion 3 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 2 and fixed. The head fixture 1 may be formed integrally with the tubular portion 2 and the rod portion 3 .

As an example, the head fixture 1 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except for the guide grooves 25 and the projections 35 in the tubular portion 2 and the rod-shaped portion 3 .

As another example, the head fixing device 1 is configured such that the cylindrical portion 2 and the rod-like portion 3 are shorter in the front-rear direction than in the first embodiment, as shown in the drawing. The illustrated example will be described in detail below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an external view showing an example of a portion other than the animal bed in FIG. 15, and is (a) a plan view and (b) a front view.

As in the first embodiment, the rod-shaped part 3 has a locking part 31 at its rear end, but does not have the middle rod part 32 and the grip part 33 of the first embodiment. formed short.

The locking portion 31 may be configured to have the front tooth locking portion 311, the nose mounting portion 312 and the contact portion 313 as in the first embodiment, or may have only the front tooth locking portion 311 and the nose mounting portion 312. may be configured.

The rod-shaped portion 3 has a substantially cylindrical front rod portion at the other end (not shown). That is, in this example, the rod-shaped portion 3 has a front rod portion and a locking portion 31 . The bar-shaped portion 3 may have a guiding portion 34 similar to that of the first embodiment.

The cylindrical part 2 has the function of placing or inserting the animal's face or head, holding or containing most or part of them according to their shape, and the rod-shaped part 3 being inserted and fixed, The configuration is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of fixing the animal's head together with the rod-shaped portion 3 .

As an example, the tubular portion 2 has a trunk portion 22 and a head mounting portion 21 that is connected to the rear end side of the trunk portion 22 and is similar to that of the first embodiment. The tubular portion 2 here has a front wall portion 26 and is closed at the front end, as an example. The tubular portion 2 may not have the front wall portion 26, or may have a through hole in the front wall portion 26 and penetrate therethrough in the front-rear direction. The tubular portion 2 may have an anesthetic gas supply path 24 similar to that of the above embodiment. The outer peripheral surface of the supply port 241 of the anesthetic gas supply path 24 has a bellows shape or a bellows pattern so that the supply tube does not come off.

The trunk portion 22 has a head accommodating portion 221 similar to that of the first embodiment. The trunk portion 22 is formed shorter than that of the first embodiment.

The trunk portion 22 has a shape in which the diameter of the portion near the front end gradually decreases as in the first embodiment, and the supply port 241 of the anesthetic gas supply path 24 is formed in this diameter-reduced portion. The suction port of the anesthetic gas supply path 24 is formed near the rear end of the body 22 as in the first embodiment, and the anesthetic gas injected from the front supply port 241 is provided at the bottom of the body 22. It flows backward through the channel and is discharged from the inlet.

As in the first embodiment, the cylindrical portion 2 may be integrally formed with the head mounting portion 21, the body portion 22, and the anesthetic gas supply passage 24, or may be formed with an outer cylindrical portion and an external cylindrical portion formed separately. The inner tubular portions may be fixed to each other so as not to move relative to each other.

One or both of the tubular portion 2 and the rod-shaped portion 3 has an attachment portion for attaching and fixing the rod-shaped portion 3 to the tubular portion 2 . The mounting portion is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the rod-shaped portion 3 inserted into the cylindrical portion 2 . This attachment portion may be used together with a member formed separately from the tubular portion 2 and rod portion 3 .

Since the head fixture 1 of this embodiment has a front tooth engaging portion 311 that takes into consideration the anatomical characteristics of the front teeth and the upper jaw, as in the first embodiment, it can be easily attached to the front teeth of an animal, The roots of the anterior teeth can be reliably held along the The functions and effects of the front tooth engaging portion 311 or the engaging portion 31 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The head fixing device 1 of this embodiment may be provided with a leg portion 5 for mounting on the cylindrical portion 2 and/or for connection with other instruments, devices, fixtures, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 15, the head fixture 1 of this embodiment includes an animal bed 91, a mounting portion 92 near the front end of the animal bed 91, and a connecting portion 93 at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 2. You may prepare. The connection portion 93 has two rod-shaped portions extending in the front-rear direction, and these portions are inserted into the attachment portion 92 to be attached. The illustrated head fixture 1 is for example for animal head imaging.

<Modification 1 of Embodiment 4>
The head fixture 1 of this example is different from the fourth embodiment in that the anesthetic gas supply path 24 is not provided in the cylindrical part 2 and the anesthetic gas supply path is formed in the rod-like part 3 . That is, in this example, an anesthetic gas flow path extending in the front-rear direction is provided in front of the front tooth engaging portion 311 of the rod-shaped portion 3 .

Although not shown, as an example, a through-hole is provided in the front wall portion 26 of the tubular portion 2 , and the front end portion of the front rod portion of the rod-shaped portion 3 is inserted through the through-hole of the front wall portion 26 . The rod-shaped portion 3 has a through hole axially penetrating the front rod portion, the front end of the front rod portion serving as a supply port for connecting a supply tube, and the front rod portion serving as an inhalation port for inhaling the anesthetic gas. The rear end of the doubles as As a result, the anesthetic gas injected from the front supply port flows rearward and is discharged from the suction port. In this example, the bar-shaped portion 3 may be configured without the guide portion 34 .

Similarly to Embodiment 4, the head fixing device 1 of this example also supplies and discharges an anesthetic gas such as isoflurane near the animal's face, and can perform appropriate and reliable head fixation with a stable anesthetic effect. .

<Modification 2 of Embodiment 4>
The head fixture 1 of this example differs from the above-described fourth embodiment mainly in that a dock adapter is used to supply anesthetic gas and hold the head fixture 1 as a whole.

The head fixture 1 of this example includes a dock adapter for connection. Although not shown, as an example, the front wall portion 26 of the cylindrical portion 2 has an insertion portion projecting forward, and this insertion portion is inserted into the dock adapter. As another example, the front wall portion 26 of the cylindrical portion 2 has a through-hole, and the front end portion of the front rod portion of the rod-shaped portion 3 inserted through this through-hole is inserted into the dock adapter.

A supply tube is connected to the dock adapter, and the supply port 241 is inserted into the supply end of the supply tube when the insertion part of the cylindrical part 2 or the front rod part of the rod-shaped part 3 is inserted into the dock adapter. The dock adapter is preferably provided with a device for allowing the flow of anesthetic gas only when it is plugged in (such as a medical plug-in valve that allows injection at will).

The anesthetic gas supply method of the head fixing device 1 of this example can be said to be a dock connection using a dock adapter, and it is possible to appropriately introduce anesthesia (anesthesia in the initial stage using relatively high-concentration isoflurane or the like) and retention (fixation). There is an advantage that the target animal, which has been decapitated, can be moved in the animal bed. The head fixture 1 of this example can easily move the whole including the animal bed as well as perform preparations and treatments, and can be easily connected to an imaging device or the like to continue anesthesia. Also, when imaging a plurality of animals at once, the dock adapters can be arranged side by side within the allowed space to improve work efficiency.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be incorporated into imaging animal beds in various experimental animal imaging apparatuses (e.g., anesthesia supply method using a dock adapter, simultaneous imaging of a plurality of animals, etc.). (including applications for INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to a device for retaining (fixing) an animal for performing various treatments (drug administration, vascular securing, stereotactic brain surgery, endotracheal intubation, etc.) (using a dock adapter together). (including anesthesia delivery methods and applications for treating multiple animals simultaneously).

In animal experiments, not only when different animal species such as mice and rats are used as subjects, but also when the subjects are set so that the ages in weeks and months are distributed even if they are the same species. There are cases where the size of the animals also varies accordingly, or there are cases where only animals of a specific age in weeks or months that are completely different in size, such as a juvenile group or an old group, are targeted. The head fixing device 1 of the present invention is provided with a cylindrical portion 2 and a rod-shaped portion 3, and by making them of appropriate sizes and shapes, it is possible to cope with such experiments in general. In particular, by appropriately setting the position of the projection 35 in the front-rear direction and the shape of the front tooth housing space S, for example, depending on the degree of freedom possessed by the rod-shaped portion 3, appropriate fixation corresponding to various animals can be realized. The head fixture 1 of the present invention may include one tubular portion 2 and two or more rod-shaped portions 3 having different positions of the protrusions 35 and different shapes of the front tooth accommodating spaces S.

In addition, in the description of the above embodiments, application to small rodents was described as an example, but it goes without saying that application to animals other than rodents is also possible.

Although the embodiments of the head fixing device according to the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention includes forms obtained by combining each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, as well as various modifications. Various additions, changes, and partial deletions are possible without departing from the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention derived from the content defined in the claims and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Head fixture 2... Cylindrical part 21... Head mounting part 22... Body part 23... Auxiliary cylinder part 24... Anesthesia gas supply path 25... Guide groove 251... Start groove 252 1st intermediate groove 253 2nd intermediate groove 254 terminal groove 3 rod-shaped portion 31 locking portion 311 front tooth locking portion 312 nose rest portion 313 contact portion 32 ... Middle rod portion, 33 ... Grip portion, 331 ... Non-slip portion, 34 ... Guide portion, 341 ... Guide hole, 342 ... Guide groove, 35 ... Projection, 4 ... Trunk resting portion.

Claims (12)

A head fixture for fixing the head of an animal, comprising:
a tubular portion penetrating in the front-rear direction and having a body portion having a guide groove on a circular inner peripheral surface;
a rod-shaped part inserted into the trunk and having a front tooth locking part for locking the animal's front teeth at the rear end,
The bar-shaped portion has a protrusion on its outer peripheral surface that can move along the guide groove,
The guide groove has a portion that allows the projection to move back and forth while rotating at a predetermined angle.
A head fixture characterized by: The guide groove is
a first intermediate groove that is a portion that allows the projection to move back and forth while rotating at a predetermined angle;
It has a second intermediate groove that is a portion that allows the projection to move back and forth while rotating at a predetermined angle, and that has a second intermediate groove that rotates in a direction different from that of the first intermediate groove . Item 1. The head fixture according to item 1. 3. The head fixation according to claim 1 , wherein the guide groove has a start groove which is a portion extending linearly in the front-rear direction and opening at the rear end of the body portion. equipment. 3. The head fixture according to claim 1 , wherein the guide groove has a terminating groove which is a portion extending linearly in the front-rear direction and having a closed end at the rear. 2. The head fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the guide groove has a retaining portion which is closed at the rear and at least one side thereof and in which the projection can be retained. The guide groove has two or more retaining portions, and the other retaining portion is displaced by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction and by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction with respect to one of the retaining portions. Head brace according to claim 5 , characterized in that. The front tooth engaging portion is formed bilaterally symmetrically, and when a vertical plane passing through the center of the left and right of the front tooth engaging portion is used as a reference plane, the projection is provided so as to form a predetermined angle with respect to the reference plane . The head fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: 2. The head fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the front tooth engaging portion is provided so that the rear end thereof is curved upward. 2. The head fixing device according to claim 1, wherein said rod-like portion has a nose rest portion having a convex rear end in front of said front tooth engaging portion. The tubular portion includes an anesthetic gas supply path,
The suction port of the anesthetic gas supply channel is provided near the rear end of the trunk,
2. The head fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped part is provided with a guide part for guiding an anesthetic gas in front of the front tooth engaging part. 2. The head fixture according to claim 1, further comprising an animal bed capable of integrally sliding said tubular portion and said rod portion. a fixture for attachment to an imaging device ;
2. A head fixture according to claim 1, comprising a connection for slidably connecting with said fixture.

Images