LED module and culture device

Abstract

This LED module is provided with: an LED that emits UV rays; an information storage device; and a module-side connector that is electrically connected with the LED and the information storage device.

Description

LED module and culture device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an LED module and a culture system.

[0002] In a culture device (incubator) for culturing cultures of cells, microorganisms, etc., the culture space is sterilized. An example of a device for sterilization is a UV lamp (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Special table 2018-512889 publication

[0004] Some UV lamps contain mercury. In recent years, the use of mercury has been restricted. Under these circumstances, the present disclosure aims to provide a novel device that can be used to sterilize a culture apparatus, and also to provide a culture system that can sterilize the culture space of a culture apparatus using the novel device.

[0005] One aspect of an LED module according to the present disclosure includes an LED that emits ultraviolet light, an information holding device, and a module-side connector electrically connected to the LED and the information holding device.

[0006] Furthermore, one aspect of the culture system according to the present disclosure comprises an LED module including an LED that emits ultraviolet light, an information retention device, and a module-side connector electrically connected to the LED and the information retention device; a culture device including a box body, an apparatus-side connector attached to the box body and to which the module-side connector is connected, an atmosphere adjustment device that adjusts the atmosphere inside the box body, and a control device that controls the atmosphere adjustment device, and the control device controls the LED based on information obtained from the information retention device via the apparatus-side connector and the module-side connector.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a novel device that can be used to sterilize a culture apparatus is provided, and a culture system that can sterilize the culture space of a culture apparatus using the novel device is also provided.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a culture system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the culture device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the right side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an LED module. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an LED module attached to a box. Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an LED module and its periphery attached to a box. Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dummy module and its periphery attached to a box. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the culture device.

[0009] Hereinafter, a culture device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are merely examples and do not exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not explicitly stated in the following embodiments. Furthermore, each configuration of the embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit thereof. Furthermore, each configuration of the embodiments can be selected or combined as needed.

[0010] In this specification, the front, back, left and right of the culture device are defined as follows: the side that the user faces when using the device (the side with the outer door 3a and inner door 3b described below) is the front, and the opposite side is the rear. Also, left and right are defined based on a view from the front to the rear.

[0011] In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same elements are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0012] [1. Overall System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a culture system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The culture system 200 shown in FIG. 1 includes a culture device 1 and an LED module 7. Note that FIG. 1 omits detailed internal views of the culture space 20 of the culture device 1. The LED module 7 can be detachably attached to the culture device 1 from the inside of the culture device 1 (the culture space 20 side, which will be described later). The arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the attachment and detachment of the LED module 7 to and from the culture device 1. When the LED module 7 reaches the end of its life or deteriorates, the previously attached LED module 7 is detached from the culture device 1, and a different LED module 7 is attached to the culture device 1. The LED module 7 to be attached to the culture device 1 may be selected from multiple types of LED modules 7, with the desired performance. The culture device 1 and the LED module 7 will be described in detail later. [2. Overall Device Configuration] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the culture device 1 as viewed from the right side.

[0013] The culture device 1 shown in Figure 2 is a device for culturing cultures such as cells or microorganisms. This culture device 1 includes a substantially box-shaped box body 2 having a culture space 20 formed therein and an opening 21 formed on the front, and an outer door 3a and an inner door 3b for opening and closing the opening 21. The culture space 20 is divided into upper and lower sections by a plurality of shelves 4. A packing P1 is provided on the outer edge of the outer door 3a.

[0014] The culture space 20 is controlled to have an appropriate atmosphere for culturing the culture, by adjusting the temperature, humidity, and O ２ (Oxygen) concentration and CO ２ The (carbon dioxide) concentrations are maintained within appropriate ranges. The culture device 1 is provided with a temperature sensor 101 that detects the temperature of the culture space 20.

[0015] The box body 2 includes an inner box 2a having a substantially box shape in which a culture space 20 is formed, and an outer box 2b having a substantially box shape that covers the outside of the inner box 2a.

[0016] The inner box 2a and the outer box 2b are formed of metal plates. A heat insulating material 2c is disposed between the inner box 2a and the outer box 2b. The heat insulating material 2c is formed, for example, by combining plate-shaped heat insulating materials. A space (a so-called air jacket) may be formed between the inner box 2a and the heat insulating material 2c.

[0017] A duct 5 extending vertically is disposed on the back surface of the inner box 2a in the culture space 20. A gas passage K is formed inside the duct 5. A circulation fan 5c is disposed in this gas passage K. By operating the circulation fan 5c, air in the culture space 20 is sucked in through an inlet 5a formed at the top of the duct 5, and this air is blown out into the culture space 20 from an outlet 5b provided at the bottom of the duct 5. This causes forced circulation of air as shown by arrows A1, A2, A3, and A4.

[0018] A humidifying tray 6 for storing water W for humidification (hereinafter referred to as "humidifying water W") is provided between the lower part of the duct 5 and the bottom wall 2a1 of the inner box 2a.

[0019] The duct 5 contains the LED module 7 and the O ２ Gas concentration and CO ２ Adjustment gas (O ２ Gas, N ２ Gas and CO ２ Gas supply devices 12a and 12b are installed to supply a gas (water, gas) to the culture space 20. The LED module 7 emits ultraviolet light to sterilize the water W in the humidifying tray 6 (described later) and the air in the culture space 20. The LED module 7 will be described in detail later.

[0020] Furthermore, heaters 8 are installed on the back surfaces (surfaces facing the outer box 2b) of the right side wall, left side wall, rear wall 2a2, top wall, and bottom wall 2a1 of the inner box 2a for temperature regulation, i.e., for controlling the temperature of the culture space 20. In principle, the heaters 8 are energized and generate heat while the culture device 1 is in operation.

[0021] The output (heating power) of the heater 8 is controlled by a control device 100 .

[0022] The circulation blower 5c, the gas supply devices 12a and 12b, and the heater 8 constitute an atmosphere adjustment device. The atmosphere adjustment device is a device that creates an atmosphere inside the box 2 (the culture space 20) that is suitable for culturing a culture. It goes without saying that the atmosphere adjustment device may be composed of other elements in addition to the circulation blower 5c, the gas supply devices 12a and 12b, and the heater 8.

[0023] The incubation device 1 also receives, from an operating device 50 provided on the outer door 3a, instructions to start and stop the incubation device 1, settings of the operation mode, and input of various set values ​​for the incubation space 20. The various set values ​​for the incubation space 20 include set temperature, set humidity, O ２ Gas set concentration and CO ２ The control device 100 controls components such as the atmosphere adjustment device and the LED module 7 based on input from the operation device 50. The operation device 50 has a display unit that displays the state of the culture device 1.

[0024] The operating modes of the culture apparatus 1 include at least a normal operation mode and a dry heat sterilization mode. The normal operation mode is a mode in which the atmosphere adjustment device is operated so that the interior of the box body 2 (culture space 20) is maintained at an atmosphere suitable for culturing a culture (e.g., 37°C). The dry heat sterilization mode is a mode in which the atmosphere adjustment device is operated so that the interior of the box body 2 (culture space 20) is sterilized by dry heat. During dry heat sterilization, the humidification tray 6 is emptied, and the interior of the box body 2 (culture space 20) is maintained at, for example, 180°C.

[0025] The back and bottom of the outer box 2b of the box body 2 are covered with a cover 10. The space between the back of the outer box 2b and the cover 10 forms a machine room M in which various devices are arranged. An electrical box 13 is provided in the machine room M. An interior 13a of the electrical box 13 houses the control device 100 and other electrical components (not shown).

[0026] The tip of the condensation member 11a is inserted into the culture space 20. This condensation member 11a is cooled by a Peltier element (not shown). As a result, condensation water is formed on the surface of the condensation member 11a within the culture space 20. By generating condensation water, it is possible to reduce the humidity within the culture space 20 and control it within an appropriate range. The condensation water formed on the surface of the condensation member 11a drips from the tip of the condensation member 11a into the humidifying tray 6.

[0027] 3 is a perspective view of the LED module 7. The LED module 7 includes an LED 76a (see FIG. 5 ), which will be described later, a metal cylinder 71 that houses the LED 76a, and a metal coupling 74.

[0028] The cylindrical body 71 includes a distal cylindrical body 72 and a proximal cylindrical body 73. A groove 73a1 extending parallel to the central axis of the proximal cylindrical body 73 is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the proximal cylindrical body 73. A female-threaded through-hole is also formed in the outer peripheral surface of the proximal cylindrical body 73, and a male-threaded rotation-restricting member 75 is inserted into this through-hole. The groove 73a1 and the rotation-restricting member 75 will be described in detail later.

[0029] The coupling 74 is a ring-shaped member that surrounds the cylindrical body 71 and is rotatable relative to the cylindrical body 71 .

[0030] 4 is a perspective view of the LED module 7 attached to the box 2, as viewed from the culture space 20 side. The box 2 is formed with an insertion opening that opens at least toward the culture space 20, and the LED module 7 is inserted into this insertion opening and fixed. A flange-shaped engaged portion 14 that borders the insertion opening is fixed to the rear wall 2a2 of the inner box 2a facing the culture space 20 with, for example, multiple bolts. A seal 15 is sandwiched between the engaged portion 14 and the rear wall 2a2. The engaged portion 14 has a male thread portion, and the coupling 74 has a female thread portion. The LED module 7 is fixed to the box 2 by connecting these male and female thread portions.

[0031] The coupling 74 and the engaged part 14 can be connected by various known connecting means, such as a bayonet or quick disconnect coupling, instead of a screw. A bayonet is a connecting means used, for example, in the attachment structure of an interchangeable lens in a single-lens reflex camera. That is, when applied to this embodiment, the engaged part 14 may have a plate-like part with a plurality of holes or grooves formed therein, and the coupling 74 may have a plurality of engaging pieces formed thereon. After the engaging pieces are inserted into the holes or grooves, the coupling 74 may rotate around its central axis and move toward the rear side of the plate-like part, thereby connecting the coupling 74 to the engaged part 14.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the LED module 7 and its surroundings in a state where it is attached to the box body 2. As shown in FIG.

[0033] The insertion opening of the box 2, into which the LED module 7 is inserted, is formed by a resin sleeve 16. The sleeve 16 is disposed between the inner box 2a and the outer box 2b. The sleeve 16 is disposed between the inner box 2a and the outer box 2b and is disposed inside a cylindrical insulating material 2f that forms the opening of the box 2. A guide rail 16a that protrudes toward the inner surface is formed on the inner surface of the sleeve 16.

[0034] The insertion opening of the box body 2 into which the LED module 7 is inserted is naturally a space without the thermal insulation material 2c. Therefore, this portion has low thermal insulation properties and is likely to become a path for heat to pass between the outside of the box body 2 and the inside of the box body 2 (the culture space 20). However, by making the sleeve 16 out of resin, it is possible to reduce the ease of heat transfer between the inside and outside of the box body 2 (specifically, between the inner box 2a and the outer box 2b, and between the inside and outside of the outer box 2b) in the vicinity of the insertion opening into which the LED module 7 is inserted.

[0035] An apparatus-side connector 2e is attached to the outer box 2b. The apparatus-side connector 2e is disposed in an insertion port into which the LED module 7 is inserted, specifically in the sleeve 16. The apparatus-side connector 2e is disposed closer to the outer box 2b than the inner box 2a, specifically between the inner end face and the outer end face of the outer box 2b and close to the outer end face. In other words, the apparatus-side connector 2e is disposed in a position that is less susceptible to the temperature of the incubation space 20.

[0036] The cylinder 71 constituting the LED module 7 includes a metal distal cylinder 72 and a metal proximal cylinder 73 disposed on the proximal side of the distal cylinder 72. As will be described in detail later, the proximal cylinder 73 includes a socket joint 73a and an end cap 73b. The through-hole into which the rotation restricting member 75 (see FIG. 2) described above is inserted is specifically formed in the socket joint 73a.

[0037] The distal end cylinder 72 is coaxial with the socket joint 73a and includes a connecting portion 72a connected to the socket joint 73a, an LED housing portion 72b tilted relative to the connecting portion 72a and housing an LED 76a, and an elbow portion 72c connecting the connecting portion 72a and the LED housing portion 72b. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 72a and the elbow portion 72c are formed as a single part, but the connecting portion 72a and the elbow portion 72c may be formed as separate parts.

[0038] The LED housing 72b includes an LED mounting body 72b1 and a front cap 72b2. The LED mounting body 72b1 has a relatively thick solid portion, and a tip-side substrate 76 with an LED 76a attached is disposed at the tip of this solid portion. A thermally conductive sheet 76b is disposed between the LED mounting body 72b1 and the tip-side substrate 76. Therefore, heat generated by the LED 76a is efficiently conducted to the relatively thick solid portion via the thermally conductive sheet 76b. The relatively thick solid portion functions as a type of heat sink.

[0039] A male thread is formed on the tip side of the LED mounting body 72b1, and a female thread is formed on the inner surface of the front cap 72b2. The LED mounting body 72b1 and the front cap 72b2 are connected by connecting these threads. At this time, the window 72b3 and O-ring R are sandwiched between the tip of the LED mounting body 72b1 and the inner surface of the front cap 72b2 at the tip end, and the O-ring R is sandwiched between the inner surface of the front cap 72b2 at the base end and the LED mounting body 72b1.

[0040] A male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the LED mounting body 72b1, and a female thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the elbow portion 72c. By connecting these threads, the elbow portion 72c is connected to the LED mounting body 72b1 and, ultimately, to the LED storage portion 72b.

[0041] A male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 72a, which is formed integrally with the elbow portion 72c, and a female thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip side of the socket joint 73a. These male and female threads are connected to connect the tip-side cylinder body 72 and the socket joint 73a. At this time, an O-ring R is sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface of the tip side of the socket joint 73a and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 72a.

[0042] A rotation restricting member 75 is inserted into the socket joint 73a. A flat portion is formed on a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 72a. The inner tip of the rotation restricting member 75 comes into contact with this flat portion, restricting relative rotation between the tip-side cylinder body 72 and the socket joint 73a. In other words, the attitude (circumferential angle, and therefore the direction in which the LED housing portion 72b faces) of the tip-side cylinder body 72 relative to the base-side cylinder body 73 can be set to a specific attitude (the direction in which the LED housing portion 72b faces the humidifying tray 6). Note that, if the frictional force acting between the rotation restricting member 75 and the connecting portion 72a can be sufficiently large, the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 72a may not be formed with a flat portion, and the entire outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 72a may be a cylindrical surface.

[0043] Furthermore, the rotation restricting member 75 is in close contact with the socket joint 73a and the connecting portion 72a. Therefore, as will be described later, the LED 76a generates heat, and the rotation restricting member 75 can transfer the heat transferred from the LED 76a to the distal cylinder body 72 to the proximal cylinder body 73. In other words, by attaching the rotation restricting member 75, the number of paths for dissipating the heat generated by the LED 76a is increased, allowing for more efficient heat dissipation.

[0044] A male thread is formed on the base end of the socket joint 73a, and a female thread is formed on the inner surface of the end cap 73b. The socket joint 73a and the end cap 73b are connected by connecting these threads. At this time, the base end substrate 77 and the seal 78 are sandwiched between the base end step of the socket joint 73a and the step of the end cap 73b, and the O-ring R is sandwiched between the tip end inner surface of the end cap 73b and the socket joint 73a.

[0045] A module-side connector 77d is attached to the base-end surface of the base-end substrate 77, i.e., the surface facing outward from the cylindrical body 71. The position and orientation of the module-side connector 77d are set so that when the LED module 7 is inserted into the sleeve 16 with the guide rail 16a formed on the inner surface of the sleeve 16 positioned in the groove 73a1 formed on the outer surface of the socket joint 73a, the module-side connector 77d fits into the device-side connector 2e.

[0046] Various components electrically connected to the module connector 77d are attached to the distal end surface of the base substrate 77, i.e., the surface facing the inside of the cylindrical body 71. One of these components is a cable C that connects the base substrate 77 and the distal end substrate 76 and supplies power to the LED 76a. A heater 77a may be attached to the base substrate 77. A metal foil pattern 77b may be formed on the surface of the base substrate 77. A data retention device 77c is also attached to the base substrate 77. The data retention device 77c may be any device capable of retaining and outputting predetermined information, such as a semiconductor memory or a DIP switch. As described later, when the control device 100 acquires the cumulative lighting time from the data retention device 77c, the data retention device 77c is preferably configured as a semiconductor memory capable of reading and writing information. In this case, the control device 100 is configured to store the lighting time of the LED 76a in the data retention device 77c.

[0047] The coupling 74 includes a flange-shaped portion and a cylindrical portion connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange-shaped portion. The flange-shaped portion is located between a base end surface 72c1 of the elbow portion 72c and a flange portion 73a2 formed on the distal end side of the socket joint 73a. A female thread is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion. This female thread is connected to a male thread formed so as to protrude from the distal end side of the engaged portion 14.

[0048] When the female thread of the coupling 74 is not connected to the male thread of the engaged part 14, there is a gap between the flange-like part of the coupling 74 and the elbow part 72c and the flange part 73a2. Therefore, the coupling 74 can rotate freely with respect to the cylindrical body 71.

[0049] After inserting the cylindrical body 71 into the sleeve 16, the coupling 74 can be rotated to connect the female thread portion of the coupling 74 and the male thread portion of the engaged portion 14. At this time, the O-ring R is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the socket joint 73a and the inner peripheral surface of the engaged portion 14. Also, at this time, the flange portion 73a2 comes into contact with the coupling 74 and the engaged portion 14 and is sandwiched relatively tightly between the coupling 74 and the engaged portion 14. In other words, the cylindrical body 71 is in close contact with the coupling 74 and the engaged portion 14. Therefore, as will be explained later, heat transferred to the cylindrical body 71 is quickly transferred to the inner box 2a via the engaged portion 14.

[0050] Furthermore, when the female threaded portion of coupling 74 and the male threaded portion of engaged portion 14 are connected, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion of engaged portion 14 and the outer circumferential surface of socket joint 73a are in close proximity. Also, the tip surface of socket joint 73a and the base end surface 72c1 of elbow portion 72c are in close proximity. Therefore, as will be described later, heat generated by LED 76a is quickly conducted to inner box 2a via cylindrical body 71 and engaged portion 14.

[0051] When such an LED module 7 is attached to the box 2, the control device 100 acquires predetermined information from the information holding device 77c via the device-side connector 2e and the module-side connector 77d. The predetermined information is, for example, information indicating that the device attached to the box 2 is the LED module 7, or identification information that can identify at least one of the LED 76a and the LED module 7. Specific examples of the identification information include the model identification number or individual identification number of the LED 76a or the LED module 7. By acquiring the predetermined information, the control device 100 can recognize that the LED module 7 is attached. Consequently, the control device 100 can cause the culture device to operate in the normal operation mode, culturing a culture while sterilizing the culture space 20 by emitting ultraviolet light from the LED 76a.

[0052] Furthermore, if the predetermined information is identification information, the control device 100 can acquire the identification information and thereby control the LEDs 76a under appropriate conditions according to the type of LEDs 76a included in the LED module 7. For example, the control device 100 can determine an appropriate supply current value and length of time for supplying current based on the type of LEDs 76a, and light the LEDs 76a at the determined supply current value and supply time. For example, in the case of an LED module 7 including LEDs 76a with a high rated current and emitting high-intensity ultraviolet light, sterilization of the incubation space 20 can be completed in a relatively short time, so the supply current value may be increased and the time for supplying current may be shortened. Conversely, in the case of an LED module 7 including LEDs 76a with a low rated current and emitting low-intensity ultraviolet light, sterilization of the incubation space 20 requires a relatively long time, so the supply current value may be decreased and the time for supplying current may be lengthened. Needless to say, the control device 100 may control not only both the length of time for lighting the LEDs 76a and the magnitude of the current supplied to the LEDs 76a, but also either one of them, based on the identification information.

[0053] The identification information may be obtained based on a combination of voltage values ​​generated at two predetermined pins among the multiple pins provided on the module-side connector 77d. The voltage value generated at each pin can be changed by adjusting the resistance value of each pin. In other words, instead of the information retention device 77c, which is, for example, a semiconductor memory or a DIP switch, two resistors attached to two predetermined pins among the multiple pins provided on the module-side connector 77d may function as the information retention device.

[0054] The control device 100 may pre-store a combination of two voltage values ​​and corresponding identification information. The control device 100 can acquire identification information for the LED module 7 based on the voltage values ​​acquired from two specified pins and the pre-stored information. The control device 100 may acquire the voltage values ​​from the two specified pins as analog values, A / D convert the acquired analog values, and acquire identification information based on the two converted values. By using analog values, many combinations of two voltage values ​​can be created. In other words, by simply changing the resistance values ​​of the two pins, a wide variety of identification information can be created without increasing the number of pins on the module-side connector 77d. Furthermore, the LED module 7 can be manufactured at lower cost than when using semiconductor memory.

[0055] The predetermined information may also be the cumulative lighting time of the LEDs 76 a. By acquiring the cumulative lighting time, the control device 100 can control the LEDs 76 a under appropriate conditions according to the state (e.g., degree of deterioration) of the LEDs 76 a included in the LED module 7. For example, the control device 100 can determine at least one of an appropriate supply current value and a length of time for supplying current based on the state of the LEDs 76 a, and light the LEDs 76 a at the determined supply current value and supply time.

[0056] Note that the LED 76a deteriorates as the cumulative lighting time increases. As deterioration progresses, even if the same current as before deterioration is supplied, ultraviolet light with a lower intensity than before deterioration is emitted. In this state, the sterilization effect decreases. Therefore, the control device 100 increases the current supplied to the LED 76a as the acquired cumulative lighting time increases. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization effect.

[0057] Furthermore, the control device 100 may store in advance a first coefficient that increases monotonically or stepwise as the cumulative lighting time of the LED 76a increases, in association with the cumulative lighting time of the LED 76a. In this case, the control device 100 can determine the first coefficient based on the acquired cumulative lighting time, multiply the determined first coefficient by a reference current value, and determine the obtained value as the magnitude of the current to be supplied to the LED 76a. This allows the LED 76a to be illuminated at an appropriate current value according to the cumulative lighting time.

[0058] Alternatively, instead of increasing the current supplied to the LED 76a as the acquired cumulative lighting time increases, the lighting time of the LED 76a may be increased, thereby preventing a decrease in the sterilization effect.

[0059] Furthermore, the control device 100 may store in advance a second coefficient that increases monotonically or stepwise as the cumulative lighting time of the LED 76a increases, in association with the cumulative lighting time of the LED 76a. In this case, the control device 100 can determine the second coefficient based on the acquired cumulative lighting time, multiply the determined second coefficient by a reference time length, and determine the obtained value as the length of time for which the LED 76a is to be turned on. This allows the LED 76a to be turned on for an appropriate lighting time according to the cumulative lighting time.

[0060] Furthermore, the LED 76a generates heat when emitting ultraviolet light and is relatively sensitive to heat. The higher the temperature inside the box 2 (i.e., the temperature of the incubation space 20), the higher the temperature of the LED 76a arranged in the incubation space 20. Therefore, the higher the temperature inside the box 2, the lower the heat emitted by the LED 76a, i.e., the lower the supply current value. This can suppress the temperature rise of the LED 76a and ultimately slow the deterioration of the LED 76a. However, lowering the supply current value reduces the intensity of the ultraviolet light and the sterilization effect. Therefore, the control device 100 may reduce the current supplied to the LED 76a and lengthen the time the LED 76a is turned on as the temperature inside the box 2 increases. This can maintain the sterilization effect and reliably sterilize the incubation space 20 while slowing the deterioration of the LED 76a. The control device 100 acquires the temperature inside the box 2 from the temperature sensor 101. The control device 100 may acquire the set temperature of the incubation space 20 input to the operation device 50 as the temperature inside the box 2 .

[0061] Furthermore, the control device 100 may store in advance a third coefficient that decreases monotonically or stepwise as the temperature inside the box 2 increases, in association with the temperature inside the box 2. In this case, the control device 100 can determine the third coefficient based on the acquired temperature inside the box 2, multiply the determined third coefficient by a reference current value, and determine the obtained value as the magnitude of the current to be supplied to the LED 76 a. Thus, the LED 76 a can be illuminated at a current value appropriate for the temperature inside the box 2.

[0062] In this case, the control device 100 may store in advance a plurality of sets of the third coefficient and the temperature inside the box 2, and may select a set to be used for controlling the LED 76a based on the acquired identification information. By selecting an appropriate set based on the type of the LED 76a, when the temperature inside the box 2 is high, the heat emitted by the LED 76a can be appropriately reduced, that is, the supply current value can be appropriately reduced, thereby reliably slowing the progression of deterioration of the LED 76a.

[0063] Furthermore, the control device 100 may pre-store a fourth coefficient that increases monotonically or stepwise with the temperature inside the box 2, in association with the temperature inside the box 2. In this case, the control device 100 can determine the fourth coefficient based on the acquired temperature inside the box 2 so as to maintain the sterilization effect in response to a decrease in the supply current value, multiply the determined fourth coefficient by a reference time length, and determine the obtained value as the length of time for which the LED 76a is to be turned on. This allows the LED 76a to be turned on for an appropriate lighting time according to the temperature inside the box 2 so as to maintain the sterilization effect.

[0064] The control device 100 may also store in advance a plurality of sets of the fourth coefficient and the temperature inside the box 2 of the LED 76a, and select a set to be used for controlling the LED 76a based on the acquired identification information. By selecting an appropriate set based on the type of the LED 76a, it is possible to appropriately prevent the temperature of the LED 76a from increasing and causing rapid deterioration of the LED 76a while maintaining the sterilization effect.

[0065] The LED 76a generates heat when it emits ultraviolet light. Since the LED 76a is relatively sensitive to heat, it is necessary to quickly dissipate the heat generated by the LED 76a to prevent the LED 76a from becoming too hot.

[0066] As described above, the LED module 7 according to the present disclosure includes the metal cylindrical body 71. Therefore, heat generated by the LED 76a is easily transferred to the cylindrical body 71. The cylindrical body 71 is in contact with the metal engaged portion 14, which is in contact with the metal inner box 2a. Therefore, the cylindrical body 71 and the coupling 74 dissipate heat generated by the LED 76a to the engaged portion 14. The heat transferred to the engaged portion 14 is quickly transferred to the metal inner box. In other words, the heat transferred from the LED 76a to the cylindrical body 71 is transferred to the inner box 2a via the engaged portion 14. Therefore, the heat generated by the LED 76a is efficiently dissipated via the heat transfer route formed by the metal member, preventing the LED 76a from becoming too hot. In addition, a resin sleeve 16 that does not easily transmit heat is placed between the inner box 2a and the outer box 2b, so that the heat generated by the LED 76a can be prevented from being transmitted to the device side connector 2e.

[0067] Thanks to the heat transfer route as described above, the LED 76a can be prevented from malfunctioning or deteriorating due to the heat it generates when the temperature of the incubation space 20 is high (e.g., 37°C) during normal operation. However, there is a risk of malfunction or deterioration if it is exposed to the temperature of the incubation space 20 when the dry heat sterilization mode is high (e.g., 180°C). Therefore, it is preferable that the LED module 7 be removed from the box 2 when the incubation device 1 is operated in the dry heat sterilization mode.

[0068] In this case, it is preferable that a dummy module 9 shown in Fig. 6 is attached to the box 2 instead of the LED module 7. Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dummy module 9 and its surroundings when attached to the box 2. The dummy module 9 includes a dummy body 91 and a handle 92 formed on the tip side of the dummy body 91. The dummy module 9 can be attached to the box 2 by grasping the handle 92 and inserting it into the insertion opening. A groove 91a is formed on the side of the dummy body 91, into which the guide rail 16a can be inserted.

[0069] A dummy substrate 93 may be fixed to the base end of the dummy module 9. A dummy connector 93b may be attached to the base end surface of the dummy substrate 93, and an information retention device 93a electrically connected to the dummy connector 93b may be attached to the tip end surface of the dummy substrate 93. When the dummy module 9 includes the dummy substrate 93, the dummy connector 93b, and the information retention device 93a, by connecting the dummy connector 93b to the device-side connector 2e, the control device 100 acquires predetermined information from the information retention device 93a via the device-side connector 2e and the dummy connector 93b. The predetermined information is, for example, information indicating that the device attached to the box 2 is the dummy module 9. By acquiring the predetermined information, the control device 100 can recognize that the dummy module 9 is attached. By setting the condition for operation of the dry heat sterilization mode as being that the dummy module 9 is attached, the control device 100 can cause the culture device to operate in the dry heat sterilization mode while protecting the device side connector 2e from heat with the dummy module 9.

[0070] In other words, by attaching the dummy module 9 to the box body 2, the device side connector 2e can be prevented from being directly exposed to the high-temperature culture space 20 in the dry heat sterilization mode, thereby preventing failure of the device side connector 2e.

[0071] Furthermore, the device-side connector 2e is positioned closer to the outer box 2b than to the inner box 2a. Therefore, the device-side connector 2e is less susceptible to the temperature of the incubation space 20, particularly the high temperature that occurs during dry heat sterilization. Furthermore, the space into which the dummy body 91 is inserted can be enlarged, in other words, the volume of the dummy body 91 inserted into the insertion port can be increased. This increases the heat insulating performance of the dummy module 9, i.e., the effect of protecting the device-side connector 2e from heat.

[0072] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the culture device 1 according to the present disclosure. The example of the operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0073] When the operating device 50 is operated, the control device 100 receives an operation instruction (S1). Upon receiving the operation instruction, the control device 100 checks the content of the instruction (S2). If the content of the instruction is an instruction for culture operation (culture in S2), the control device 100 checks whether the LED module 7 is attached to the box body 2 (S3). If the LED module 7 is attached (YES in S3), the control device 100 operates the atmosphere adjustment device (circulation blower 5c, gas supply devices 12a, 12b, heater 8, etc.) to operate the culture device 1 in normal operation mode (S4).

[0074] At this time, the control device 100 acquires predetermined information from the information storage device 77c and controls the LED 76a based on the acquired predetermined information. Therefore, an appropriate current value and lighting time can be set based on the type or state of the LED module 7 or the LED 76a. Also, at this time, the temperature sensor 101 detects the temperature of the incubation space 20, and the current value to be supplied to the LED 76a and the length of time for which the current is supplied to the LED 76a may be determined based on the detected temperature.

[0075] Furthermore, when the control device 100 acquires the cumulative lighting time from the information storage device 77c, it may calculate the latest cumulative lighting time by adding the length of time that the LED 76a has been turned on since then, and store the latest cumulative lighting time in the information storage device 77c. Furthermore, when the calculated cumulative lighting time exceeds a predetermined threshold, the operation device 50 may display a message urging the user to replace the LED module 7. This threshold is, for example, the length of the lifespan during which the LED 76a functions effectively, or the lifespan minus a predetermined time. By displaying such a message, the LED module 7 can be replaced at the appropriate time, and the incubation space 20 can always be appropriately sterilized.

[0076] If the LED module 7 is not installed (NO in S3), the control device 100 displays a message on the display unit of the operation device 50 urging the user to install the LED module 7 (S5). This prevents the culture from being cultivated when the LED module 7 is not installed, i.e., when sterilization by ultraviolet irradiation cannot be performed.

[0077] Furthermore, if the received operation instruction is an instruction for dry heat operation (dry heat in S2), the control device 100 checks whether or not a dummy module 9 is attached to the box body 2 (S6). If a dummy module 9 is attached (YES in S6), the control device 100 operates the atmosphere adjustment device to operate the culture device 1 in the dry heat operation mode (S7).

[0078] If the dummy module 9 is not attached (NO in S6), the control device 100 displays a message on the display unit of the operation device 50 prompting the user to attach the dummy module 9 (S8). This prevents the dry heat operation from being performed when the dummy module 9 is not attached, i.e., when there is nothing obstructing the path between the device-side connector 2e and the incubation space 20.

[0079] The LED module 7 according to the present disclosure includes a metal cylindrical body 71, which facilitates heat transfer. Furthermore, the insertion opening of the box body 2 into which the LED module 7 is inserted has poor thermal insulation. Therefore, when the outside air temperature is low, the temperature at the tip of the LED module 7 may decrease, which in turn may result in a drop in the temperature of the incubation space 20. To prevent such a drop in temperature, the LED module 7 according to this embodiment may include a heater 77a on the surface of the base-end substrate 77. The control device 100 can activate the heater 77a to prevent a drop in the temperature of the incubation space 20 when the temperature around the incubation device 1, i.e., the outside air temperature, is low. Furthermore, the LED module 7 according to this embodiment may include a metal foil pattern 77b on the surface of the base-end substrate 77. The metal foil pattern 77b allows heat generated by the heater 77a to be efficiently transferred to the cylindrical body 71. Furthermore, the metal foil pattern 77b may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 71, specifically the base-end cylindrical body 73, and more specifically the socket joint 73a. This contact allows for more efficient heat transfer. The heater 77a may be attached to a location other than the surface of the base end substrate 77, for example, to the inner surface of the socket joint 73a.

[0080] The culture device 1 according to the present disclosure also includes a resin sleeve 16 disposed between the inner box 2 a and the outer box 2 b, which can suppress heat transfer between the inside and outside of the box, i.e., can suppress the degree of temperature drop in the culture space 20 when the outside air temperature is low.

[0081] As described above, the LED 76a emits heat. Therefore, when the LED 76a is off, the temperature of the incubation space 20 drops. Therefore, by operating the heater 77a when the LED 76a is off, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the incubation space 20 from dropping. In this case, the power supplied to the heater 77a may be controlled so that the amount of heat imparted to the inner box 2a by the LED 76a when it is activated is approximately equal to the amount of heat imparted to the inner box 2a by the heater 77a when it is activated. By controlling the power in this manner, it is possible to prevent a change in the temperature of the incubation space 20 due to the activation of the LED 76a and the heater 77a.

[0082] As described above, when the outside air temperature is low, the temperature at the tip end of the LED module 7 decreases, which may in turn lower the temperature of the incubation space 20. This characteristic may be utilized conversely to generate condensation on the surface at the tip end of the LED module 7 when the outside air temperature is lower than the dew point inside the box body 2, i.e., the incubation space 20. In other words, the LED module 7 may function as a member for adjusting the humidity in the incubation space 20, instead of the condensation member 11a. In this case, the positions of the LED module 7 and the humidifying tray 6 are set so that condensation generated on the surface at the tip end of the LED module 7 falls into the humidifying tray 6.

[0083] The present disclosure is suitable for use as an LED module and a culture system.

[0084] The disclosures of the specification, claims, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-117005, filed on July 15, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0085] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cultivation device 2 Box body 2a Inner box 2a1 Bottom wall 2a2 Rear wall 2b Outer box 2c Heat insulating material 2e Device side connector 2f Cylindrical heat insulating material 3a Outer door 3b Inner door 4 Shelf 5 Duct 5a Intake port 5b Outlet port 5c Circulating fan 6 Humidification tray 7 LED module 8, 77a Heater 9 Dummy module 10 Cover 11a Condensation member 12a, 12b Gas supply device 13 Electrical box 13a Inside of electrical box 14 Engaged portion 15, 78 Seal 16 Sleeve 16a Guide rail 20 Cultivation space 21 Opening 50 Operating device 71 Cylinder 72 Tip side cylinder 72a Connection portion 72b LED storage portion 72b1 LED mounting body 72b2 Front cap 72b3 Window 72c Elbow portion 72c1 Base end side end surface 73 Base end side cylinder body 73a Socket joint 73a1, 91a Groove 73a2 Flange portion 73b End cap 74 Coupling 75 Rotation restriction member 76 Tip side substrate 76a LED 76b Heat conduction sheet 77 Base end side substrate 77b Metal foil pattern 77c, 93a Information holding device 77d Module side connector 91 Dummy body 92 Handle 93 Dummy substrate 93b Dummy connector 100 Control device 101 Temperature sensor 200 Cultivation system C Cable K Gas passage P1 Packing R O-ring M Machine room W Water

Claims

1. An LED module comprising: an LED that emits ultraviolet light; an information storage device; and a module-side connector electrically connected to the LED and the information storage device.

2. The LED module according to claim 1, wherein the information storage device stores identification information that can identify at least one of the LED and the LED module.

3. The LED module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information storage device stores the cumulative lighting time of the LED.

4. An LED module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the module-side connector has a plurality of pins, and the information holding device is two resistors attached to two pins among the plurality of pins, respectively.

5. A culture system comprising: an LED module having an LED that emits ultraviolet light, an information storage device, and a module-side connector electrically connected to the LED and the information storage device; a culture device having a box, an apparatus-side connector attached to the box and to which the module-side connector is connected, an atmosphere adjustment device that adjusts the atmosphere inside the box, and a control device that controls the atmosphere adjustment device; wherein the control device controls the LED based on information obtained from the information storage device via the apparatus-side connector and the module-side connector.

6. The culture system according to claim 5, wherein the information includes identification information capable of identifying at least one of the LED and the LED module.

7. The culture system according to claim 6, wherein the control device controls at least one of the length of time the LED is turned on and the magnitude of the current supplied to the LED based on the acquired identification information.

8. The culture system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the information includes a cumulative lighting time of the LED.

9. The culture system according to claim 8, wherein the control device controls at least one of the length of time for which the LED is turned on and the magnitude of the current supplied to the LED based on the acquired cumulative lighting time.

10. The culture system according to claim 9, wherein the control device increases the current supplied to the LED or lengthens the time for which the LED is turned on as the acquired cumulative lighting time becomes longer.

11. The culture system described in claim 10, wherein the control device stores a first coefficient that increases monotonically or stepwise as the cumulative lighting time of the LED increases, in association with the cumulative lighting time of the LED, determines the first coefficient based on the acquired cumulative lighting time, and determines the magnitude of the current to be supplied to the LED by multiplying the determined first coefficient by a reference current value.

12. The culture system described in claim 10, wherein the control device stores a second coefficient that increases monotonically or stepwise as the cumulative lighting time of the LED increases, in association with the cumulative lighting time of the LED, determines the second coefficient based on the acquired cumulative lighting time, and determines the length of time for which the LED is to be lit by multiplying the determined second coefficient by a reference time length.

13. The culture system according to claim 5, wherein the control device reduces the current supplied to the LED and lengthens the time for which the LED is turned on as the temperature inside the box increases.

14. The culture system of claim 13, wherein the control device stores a third coefficient that decreases monotonically or stepwise as the temperature inside the box increases, in association with the temperature inside the box, determines the third coefficient based on the temperature inside the box, and determines the magnitude of the current to be supplied to the LED by multiplying the determined third coefficient by a reference current value.

15. The culture system described in claim 14, wherein the control device stores a plurality of sets of the third coefficient and the temperature inside the box, and selects a set to be used for controlling the LED based on identification information that identifies at least one of the LED and the LED module.

16. A culture system described in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the control device stores a fourth coefficient that increases monotonically or stepwise as the temperature inside the box rises, in association with the temperature inside the box, determines the fourth coefficient based on the temperature inside the box, and determines the length of time for which the LED is to be turned on by multiplying the determined fourth coefficient by a reference time length.

17. The culture system described in claim 16, wherein the control device stores a plurality of sets of the fourth coefficient and the temperature inside the box, and selects a set to be used for controlling the LED based on identification information that identifies at least one of the LED and the LED module.

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