incubator

Abstract

The present invention provides an incubator for making temperature distribution in a constant temperature chamber uniform. The incubator (100) includes a frame (1) in which a constant temperature chamber (21) and an air conditioning chamber (22) are partitioned, first air is circulated between the constant temperature chamber (21) and the air conditioning chamber (22), and an air conditioning device (3) adjusts temperature of the first air in the air conditioning chamber (22). A flow path (23) of the first air is formed in the air conditioning chamber (22). The air conditioning device (3) has a supply portion (4) having a supply port (43) that supplies second air having a lower temperature than the first air to the flow path (23), an upstream fan (31) disposed on an upstream side of the supply port (43) to cause the first air of the constant temperature chamber (21) to flow into the flow path (23), and a downstream fan (32) disposed on a downstream side of the supply port (43) to mix the second air into the first air and cause the first air mixed with the second air to flow out of the flow path (23) toward the constant temperature chamber (21).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an incubator. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hitherto, an incubator for cell culture and the like is well known. For example, the incubator disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a constant-temperature chamber (incubation chamber) and an air-conditioning chamber, and the constant-temperature chamber is controlled at a set temperature by circulating air cooled or heated in the air-conditioning chamber between the constant-temperature chamber.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-110033 SUMMARY

[0004] In the constant-temperature chamber of the incubator, it is one of important elements to make the temperature distribution uniform. In the incubator of the Patent Literature 1, there is room for improvement in making the temperature distribution uniform.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the technology of the present application is to make the temperature distribution of the constant-temperature chamber uniform.

[0006] The incubator of the present application includes a frame in which a constant-temperature chamber and an air-conditioning chamber are partitioned, and a first air circulates between the constant-temperature chamber and the air-conditioning chamber, and an air-conditioning device that adjusts the temperature of the first air in the air-conditioning chamber. A flow path in which the first air flows is formed in the air-conditioning chamber. The air-conditioning device has a supply portion, an upstream fan, and a downstream fan. The supply portion has a supply port that supplies a second air having a lower temperature than the first air to the flow path. The upstream fan is provided on an upstream side more than the supply port, and causes the first air of the constant-temperature chamber to flow into the flow path. The downstream fan is provided on a downstream side more than the supply port, mixes the second air into the first air, and causes the first air mixed with the second air to flow out from the flow path to the constant-temperature chamber.

[0007] In the structure, the first air flowing in the flow path is mixed with the second air supplied to the flow path of the air-conditioning chamber by the supply portion, and is cooled to a desired temperature. The first air adjusted to the desired temperature in this way flows out from the air-conditioning chamber to the constant-temperature chamber by the downstream fan, and the first air of the constant-temperature chamber flows into the flow path of the air-conditioning chamber by the upstream fan. Thus, the constant-temperature chamber is controlled at the desired temperature.

[0008] Here, the supply port is provided between the upstream fan and the downstream fan. Therefore, the first air is pushed into the second air supplied from the supply port by the upstream fan. Thus, the mixing of the first air and the second air is promoted. Also, the first air mixed with the second air is sucked by the downstream fan. The suction of the downstream fan stirs the first air, and thus the mixing of the first air and the second air is further promoted. Thus, the temperature of the first air becomes uniform. By supplying the first air whose temperature has become uniform to the constant-temperature chamber, the temperature distribution in the constant-temperature chamber can be made uniform.

[0009] Also, the flow path can have an extension in a width direction orthogonal to a flow direction of the flow path, and the supply portion can have a plurality of ducts through which the second air flows and in which the supply ports are formed, the supply port of each of the plurality of ducts being provided at a different position in the width direction in the flow path.

[0010] For example, when the second air is supplied using one duct in which the supply port is formed, the supply flow rate of the second air at the supply port can be uneven. Thus, it is difficult to uniformly supply the second air in the width direction of the flow path, and the mixing ratio of the first air and the second air can become uneven.

[0011] In view of this, in the structure, a plurality of ducts through which the second air flows and in which the supply ports are formed are provided, and the supply port of each of the plurality of ducts is provided at a different position in the width direction in the flow path. Therefore, an appropriate flow rate of the second air can be supplied to each supply port via each duct. Since a plurality of such supply ports are arranged in the width direction, the second air is uniformly supplied to the width direction of the flow path. Thus, the mixing ratio of the first air and the second air becomes uniform in the width direction. Further, the temperature distribution of the first air mixed with the second air becomes uniform in the width direction.

[0012] Also, the upstream fan can be provided in a plurality of configurations at different positions in the width direction of the flow path.

[0013] In the structure, since a plurality of upstream fans are provided, the flow rate of the first air pushed from the constant-temperature chamber to the flow path increases. Thus, the mixing of the first air and the second air is promoted. Also, since the plurality of upstream fans are provided at different positions in the width direction of the flow path, the flow rate of the first air sucked from the constant-temperature chamber to the flow path becomes uniform in the width direction of the flow path. In the width direction of the flow path, the first air is uniformly pushed into the second air. Thus, the mixing ratio of the first air and the second air becomes uniform in the width direction.

[0014] Also, the downstream fan can be provided in a plurality of configurations at different positions in the width direction of the flow path.

[0015] In the structure, since the plurality of downstream fans are provided, the suction flow amount of the first air mixed with the second air, which is sucked by the downstream fan, increases. Thus, the mixing of the first air and the second air is further promoted. And, since the plurality of downstream fans are provided at different positions in the width direction of the flow path, the mixing ratio of the first air and the second air becomes uniform in the width direction.

[0016] It can also be that the incubator of the present application further includes an exhaust fan that exhausts the first air to the outside of the frame.

[0017] In the structure, for example, by exhausting the first air in the same amount as the supply amount of the second air supplied from the supply port from the frame by using the exhaust fan, the pressure rise in the constant-temperature chamber is prevented. That is, the pressure in the constant-temperature chamber is kept constant.

[0018] It can also be that the air conditioning device further has a heater that is provided in the flow path on the downstream side more than the supply port, and heats the first air.

[0019] In the structure, by supplying the second air having a lower temperature than the first air from the supply port to the flow path, the first air is temporarily cooled to a temperature lower than the desired temperature. Then, the first air is heated to the desired temperature by the heater. Thus, the temperature adjustment range of the first air becomes large.

[0020] It can also be that the heater is provided in the flow path on the downstream side more than the downstream fan.

[0021] In the structure, since the downstream fan is provided on the upstream side of the heater, the first air heated by the heater is prevented from passing through the downstream fan. Thus, the temperature rise of the downstream fan can be suppressed.

[0022] It can also be that the frame is a frame that is used in a room in which the air temperature is adjusted, and the supply portion supplies the air of the room as the second air to the flow path.

[0023] In the structure, the second air supplied to the flow path by the supply portion is the air in the room in which the frame is accommodated, the temperature of which is adjusted. That is, the supply portion supplies only the second air, and does not adjust the temperature of the second air. At this time, the supply portion can also supply the second air at a stable temperature. And, since the supply portion does not need a refrigerator or the like, there is no compressor as a vibration body included in the refrigerator. Thus, the vibration of the incubator can be suppressed.

[0024] It can also be that the supply portion further has an intake fan that supplies the air of the room to the flow path.

[0025] In the structure, the air of the room is forcibly taken into the flow path by the operation of the intake fan. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the supply flow rate of the second air as the cooling source of the first air.

[0026] Also, the room can be a clean room.

[0027] In the structure, since the second air is the air in the clean room, highly clean air is supplied to the flow path. Therefore, a filter or the like for purifying the second air is not needed. In the incubator, since it is often necessary to keep the constant temperature room to a certain degree of cleanliness, the structure is effective.

[0028] (EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION)

[0029] With the incubator of the present application, it is possible to make the temperature distribution of the constant temperature room uniform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a sectional view showing the inside of the incubator as viewed from the front side.

[0031] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the inside of the incubator as viewed from the right side.

[0032] Figure 3 is a sectional view showing the inside of the incubator as viewed from the upper side.

[0033] Figure 4 is a rear view in which a part of the incubator is omitted.

[0034] Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing the air conditioning room according to Modification 1 as viewed from the front side.

[0035] Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing the air conditioning room according to Modification 2 as viewed from the front side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a sectional view showing the inside of the incubator as viewed from the front side.

[0037] The incubator 100 includes a frame 1 and an air conditioning device 3. The incubator 100 is used, for example, for cell culture, a shaker, or the like, for forming the necessary surrounding environment for these.

[0038] In the frame 1, a constant temperature room 21 and an air conditioning room 22 are partitioned. In the frame 1, first air (refer to Figures 1-3The solid arrow indicates that the air circulates between the constant temperature chamber 21 and the air-conditioned chamber 22. The air conditioning unit 3 regulates the temperature of the first air in the air-conditioned chamber 22. By circulating the first air between the constant temperature chamber 21 and the air-conditioned chamber 22 within the frame 1, and controlling the temperature of the first air in the air-conditioned chamber 22, the first air at the desired temperature is supplied to the constant temperature chamber 21.

[0039] Frame 1 is housed in a cleanroom CR. A cleanroom CR is an example of a room where the air temperature is regulated.

[0040] Specifically, the frame 1 is formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular box. The frame 1 has a top wall 11, a bottom wall 12, a front wall 13, a rear wall 14, a right wall 15, and a left wall 16. The frame 1 also has an isolation wall 17 that divides the internal space into upper and lower sections. The space below the isolation wall 17 in the frame 1 is a constant temperature chamber 21, and the space above the isolation wall 17 in the frame 1 is an air-conditioned chamber 22. An inlet 17a and an outlet 17b are formed in the isolation wall 17 to connect the constant temperature chamber 21 and the air-conditioned chamber 22. The inlet 17a is located at the right end of the isolation wall 17, and the outlet 17b is located at the left end of the isolation wall 17.

[0041] The constant temperature chamber 21 is a space where the temperature is maintained at a desired temperature, for example, a culture chamber used for culturing cells. Multiple shelves 25 extending horizontally are provided in the constant temperature chamber 21. The multiple shelves 25 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. For example, culture dishes 26 containing culture medium for culturing cells are placed on the shelves 25.

[0042] A flow path 23 for a first airflow is formed in the air-conditioned chamber 22. The flow path 23 extends from the inlet 17a to the outlet 17b. In this example, the flow direction of the fluid in the flow path 23 is approximately horizontal. More specifically, the flow direction of the flow path 23 is from right to left in the horizontal direction.

[0043] Flow path 23 extends in the width direction orthogonal to the flow direction of flow path 23. More specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 23, orthogonal to the flow direction, is a flat shape that extends in mutually orthogonal length and width directions. More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 23 is a roughly rectangular shape that is longer in the front-back direction of the frame 1 and shorter in the vertical direction of the frame 1. In this example, the length direction of the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 23, i.e., the front-back direction of the frame 1, is defined as the width direction of the flow path 23.

[0044] The frame 1 also has two partition walls 18a and 18b that define the width of the flow path 23. The two partition walls 18a and 18b are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction of the frame 1 (i.e., in the width direction of the flow path 23) in the air-conditioned chamber 22.

[0045] The air conditioning device 3 also has a supply portion 4 that supplies second air (refer to Figures 1-3 dotted arrows) that is lower in temperature than the first air, an upstream fan 31, and a downstream fan 32. The air conditioning device 3 also has a heater 33.

[0046] The supply portion 4 supplies air in the clean room CR as the second air to the flow path 23. In detail, the supply portion 4 has a plurality of ducts, specifically, a first duct 41A and a second duct 41B. A supply path 42 through which the second air flows is formed inside each of the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B. An upstream end of each of the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B is opened at the rear wall 14. Since the frame 1 is disposed in the clean room CR, there is air in the clean room CR outside the rear wall 14. The supply paths 42 of the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B communicate with the clean room CR via the opening of the rear wall 14.

[0047] The supply portion 4 also has an intake fan 44 that supplies air in the clean room CR to the flow path 23. In detail, as shown in Figures 2-4 , the intake fan 44 is provided at the upstream end of each of the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B. The intake fan 44 is mounted to the rear wall 14. The intake fan 44 causes air in the clean room CR to flow into the supply path 42.

[0048] The first duct 41A and the second duct 41B enter the flow path 23. The first duct 41A and the second duct 41B extend in the flow path 23 in the width direction of the flow path 23, that is, the front-rear direction of the frame 1. A supply port 43 that supplies the second air to the flow path 23 is formed at a downstream end of each of the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B. The supply paths 42 of the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B communicate with the flow path 23 via the supply port 43.

[0049] Each supply port 43 of the multiple pipes is located at a different position in the width direction of the flow path 23. Specifically, in the flow path 23, the second pipe 41B is located upstream of the first pipe 41A in the flow direction. The second pipe 41B extends in the flow path 23 to the front side of the frame 1, which is closer to the first pipe 41A. Two supply ports 43 arranged in the width direction of the flow path 23 are formed at the downstream end of the first pipe 41A. Similarly, two supply ports 43 arranged in the width direction of the flow path 23 are formed at the downstream end of the second pipe 41B. The two supply ports 43 of the second pipe 41B are located at the front side of the frame 1, which is closer to the first pipe 41A than the two supply ports 43 of the first pipe 41A. That is, a total of four supply ports, namely the two supply ports 43 of the first pipe 41A and the two supply ports 43 of the second pipe 41B, are located at different positions in the width direction of the flow path 23. It should be noted that the two supply ports 43 of the second pipe 41B are biased towards the upstream side of the flow path 23 in the flow direction relative to the two supply ports 43 of the first pipe 41A.

[0050] An upstream fan 31 is positioned upstream of the supply port 43 within the flow path 23. The upstream fan 31 directs the first air from the constant temperature chamber 21 into the flow path 23. Multiple upstream fans 31 are arranged at different positions along the width of the flow path 23. Specifically, as... Figures 1-3 As shown, the air conditioning unit 3 has two upstream fans 31. The two upstream fans 31 are positioned in the flow path 23 further upstream than the sections into which the first pipe 41A and the second pipe 41B enter. Figure 2 As shown, two inlets 17a are formed at the right end of the isolation wall 17, arranged in the width direction of the flow path 23. Two upstream fans 31 are arranged near the two inlets 17a, facing each of the two inlets 17a respectively. That is, the two upstream fans 31 are arranged in the width direction of the flow path 23.

[0051] Downstream fan 32 is positioned downstream of supply port 43 in flow path 23, causing the second air to mix with the first air, and then the first air mixed with the second air flows out of flow path 23 to constant temperature chamber 21. Multiple downstream fans 32 are arranged at different positions along the width of flow path 23. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioning unit 3 has four downstream fans 32. The four downstream fans 32 are positioned in the flow path 23 further downstream than the sections into which the first pipe 41A and the second pipe 41B enter. The four downstream fans are arranged in the width direction of the flow path 23. The four downstream fans 32 are positioned in the flow direction of the flow path 23 such that they face the two supply ports 43 of the first pipe 41A and the two supply ports 43 of the second pipe 41B, respectively.

[0052] Heater 33 is positioned downstream of supply port 43 in flow path 23 to heat the first air. Specifically, as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, heater 33 is positioned downstream of downstream fan 32 in flow path 23. Heater 33 is positioned across the width of flow path 23. Heater 33 is positioned opposite the four downstream fans 32 in the flow direction of flow path 23. For example, the heater is a heat transfer heater.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the incubator 100 also includes exhaust fans 5 for discharging the first air to the outside of the frame 1. Specifically, the incubator 100 has two exhaust fans 5. The two exhaust fans 5 are located on the rear wall 14 of the constant temperature chamber 21. That is, the constant temperature chamber 21 is connected to the cleanroom CR via the exhaust fans 5. More specifically, the two exhaust fans 5 are located near the isolation wall 17a inside the constant temperature chamber 21. Therefore, the two exhaust fans 5 discharge a portion of the first air flowing in the constant temperature chamber 21, just before it flows into the air-conditioned chamber 22, to the outside of the frame 1.

[0054] The incubator 100 also includes a temperature sensor 91 and a control device 9. The temperature sensor 91 is used to detect the temperature of the first air inside the frame 1, and the control device 9 controls the temperature of the first air based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 91.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, temperature sensor 91 is disposed in constant temperature chamber 21. Specifically, temperature sensor 91 is disposed near inlet 17a of constant temperature chamber 21.

[0056] The control device 9 includes a control unit such as a processor, a storage device, and a memory. The detection signal from the temperature sensor 91 is input to the control device 9. The control device 9 outputs a control signal to the heater 33 to control the capacity of the heater 33. Specifically, the control device 9 adjusts the output of the heater 33 so that the temperature of the first air detected by the temperature sensor 91 becomes the desired temperature.

[0057] Next, the operation of the incubator 100 configured in this way will be explained.

[0058] Through the action of the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32, a first air circulation flow is formed within the frame 1, which circulates in the constant temperature room 21 and the air-conditioned room 22.

[0059] In detail, the downstream fan 32 causes the first air in the air-conditioning chamber 22 to flow out to the constant-temperature chamber 21. The upper portion of the constant-temperature chamber 21 is partitioned by the partition wall 17, and a flow outlet 17b is formed at the left end portion of the partition wall 17. The first air of the air-conditioning chamber 22 flows out to the left upper portion of the constant-temperature chamber 21 via the flow outlet 17b. In the space on the left side of the constant-temperature chamber 21, that is, in the space of the constant-temperature chamber 21 on the left side of the shelf 25, a descending air current is formed by the downstream fan 32.

[0060] In the space of the constant-temperature chamber 21 on the left side of the shelf 25, the first air flows between the shelves 25 while flowing downward, and flows to the right side of the constant-temperature chamber 21.

[0061] A flow inlet 17a is formed at the right end portion of the partition wall 17. The upstream fan 31 is disposed near the flow inlet 17a of the air-conditioning chamber 22. Therefore, in the space of the constant-temperature chamber 21 on the right side of the shelf 25, an ascending air current is formed due to the suction of the upstream fan 31. In the space of the constant-temperature chamber 21 on the right side of the shelf 25, the first air flows upward and flows into the air-conditioning chamber 22 via the flow inlet 17a. At this time, the temperature sensor 91 detects the temperature of the first air flowing into the air-conditioning chamber 22.

[0062] In the air-conditioning chamber 22, the supply ports 43 of the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B are located on the downstream side of the flow inlet 17a in the flow path 23. The intake fan 44 causes the air of the clean room CR to flow to the supply paths 42 of the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B. The air of the clean room CR is supplied as the second air from the supply ports 43 to the flow path 23.

[0063] The first air flowing into the flow path 23 from the constant-temperature chamber 21 via the flow inlet 17a is pushed by the upstream fan 31 to the downstream side of the flow path 23. The first air passes around the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B and passes near the supply ports 43. At this time, the second air is supplied from the supply ports 43 to the first air. Since the temperature of the second air is lower than that of the first air, the temperature of the first air mixed with the second air decreases.

[0064] The first air mixed with the second air further flows to the downstream side by being pushed by the upstream fan 31 and being sucked by the downstream fan 32, and is sucked by the downstream fan 32. The downstream fan 32 uniformly mixes the second air into the first air and blows out the first air mixed with the second air.

[0065] The first air blown out from the downstream fan 32 passes through the heater 33. At that time, the first air is heated by the heater 33, and the temperature of the first air increases. At this time, the output of the heater 33 is controlled by the control device 9 in accordance with the detection result of the temperature sensor 91. Thus, the temperature of the first air is adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0066] As described above, the first air adjusted to the desired temperature by the heater 33 flows out from the flow path 23 to the constant-temperature chamber 21 via the flow outlet 17b.

[0067] In this way, in the frame body 1, the first air circulates between the constant-temperature chamber 21 and the air-conditioning chamber 22. At this time, in the air-conditioning chamber 22, the temperature of the first air is adjusted to the desired temperature.

[0068] Note that, in order to keep the pressure in the frame body 1 constant, an amount of the first air corresponding to the second air supplied by the supply portion 4 is exhausted from the frame body 1 by the exhaust fan 5. That is, the exhaust fan 5 is provided in the vicinity of the partition wall 17 in the constant-temperature chamber 21. Therefore, a part of the first air flowing upward in the space in the constant-temperature chamber 21 more to the right than the shelf 25 does not flow into the air-conditioning chamber 22, but is exhausted from the frame body 1 to the clean room CR via the exhaust fan 5.

[0069] As described above, in the incubator 100 thus configured, it is possible to make the temperature distribution in the frame body 1 uniform.

[0070] In detail, in the flow direction, the supply port 43 is provided between the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32. That is, in the flow direction of the flow path 23, the fans (specifically, the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32) are provided on both sides of the upstream side and the downstream side of the supply port 43. The flow rate of the first air supplied to the vicinity of the supply port 43 is increased by the upstream fan 31. Therefore, the degree of mixing of the first air and the second air in the vicinity of the supply port 43 is improved. Here, the "degree of mixing" means how uniformly the first air and the second air are mixed together. Also, since the downstream fan 32 is provided downstream of the supply port 43, in the vicinity of the supply port 43, the first air mixed with the second air is sucked by the downstream fan 32. By the suction of the downstream fan 32, the first air is stirred. Thus, the degree of mixing of the first air and the second air is further improved. As a result, the temperature of the first air becomes uniform. By the first air whose temperature becomes uniform being supplied to the constant-temperature chamber 21, it is possible to make the temperature distribution in the constant-temperature chamber 21 uniform.

[0071] Also, the supply portion 4 has the first duct 41A and the second duct 41B, and the supply port 43 of the first duct 41A and the supply port 43 of the second duct 41B are provided at different positions in the width direction of the flow path 23. Therefore, the second air is supplied to different positions in the width direction of the flow path 23 from the supply port 43 of the first duct 41A and the supply port 43 of the second duct 41B, respectively. In the width direction of the flow path 23, the unevenness of the distribution of the second air is reduced. Therefore, the mixing ratio of the first air and the second air in the vicinity of the supply port 43 becomes uniform in the width direction.

[0072] Further, the air conditioning device 3 has a plurality of upstream fans 31 disposed at different positions in the width direction of the flow path 23. By providing the plurality of upstream fans 31, the flow rate of the first air drawn into the flow path 23 from the constant-temperature chamber 21 is increased. Thus, the degree of mixing of the first air and the second air is improved. In addition, by disposing the plurality of upstream fans 31 at different positions in the width direction, the flow rate of the first air drawn into the flow path 23 from the constant-temperature chamber 21 becomes uniform in the width direction of the flow path 23. Thus, the mixing ratio of the first air and the second air becomes uniform in the width direction.

[0073] Further, the air conditioning device 3 has a plurality of downstream fans 32 disposed at different positions in the width direction of the flow path 23. By providing the plurality of downstream fans 32, the flow rate of the first air and the second air drawn into the flow path 23 by the downstream fans 32 is increased, and the agitation of the first air and the second air is promoted. Thus, the degree of mixing of the first air and the second air is improved. In addition, by disposing the plurality of downstream fans 32 at different positions in the width direction, the degree of mixing of the first air and the second air becomes uniform in the width direction.

[0074] Further, since the exhaust fan 5 that exhausts the first air from the frame 1 is provided, the pressure of the constant-temperature chamber 21 can be kept constant without rising. Thus, the supply of the first air from the air conditioning chamber 22 to the constant-temperature chamber 21 becomes easy. In particular, in this example, since the exhaust fan 5 is disposed in the constant-temperature chamber 21, the first air of the constant-temperature chamber 21 can be directly exhausted to the outside of the frame 1. Thus, the pressure rise of the constant-temperature chamber 21 can be quickly suppressed.

[0075] Further, the heater 33 for heating the first air is disposed in the flow path 23 more downstream than the supply port 43. In this way, the first air flowing into the flow path 23 is reheated to the desired temperature by the heater 33 after being temporarily cooled due to the mixing with the second air. With this method, the adjustment width of the temperature of the first air can be increased, and the temperature adjustment of the first air can be performed with high accuracy. Further, the heater 33 is a heat transfer heater, and is not a heater using a refrigerant circuit or the like. The heater 33 does not have a device that generates vibration of a compressor or the like. Thus, the generation of vibration in the incubator 100 can be reduced.

[0076] Further, since the heater 33 is disposed on the downstream side of the downstream fan 32, the first air heated by the heater 33 can be prevented from passing through the downstream fan 32. Thus, the temperature rise of the downstream fan 32 can be suppressed.

[0077] Further, the frame 1 is housed in a room in which the air temperature is regulated, and the air of the room is supplied as the second air to the flow path 23 at the supply portion 4. That is, the air of the room is supplied as the cooling source of the first air. Therefore, a refrigerator for cooling the first air is not needed. Thus, there is no compressor as a vibration body included in the refrigerator, and the vibration can be suppressed. This is particularly effective in the incubator 100 for cell culture, which is easily adversely affected by vibration.

[0078] Further, an intake fan 44 is provided, which supplies the air of the room in which the air temperature is regulated to the flow path 23. Therefore, by operating the intake fan 44, the supply flow rate of the second air as the cooling source of the first air can be easily ensured.

[0079] Further, since the room in which the air temperature is regulated is a clean room CR, highly clean air can be supplied as the second air to the flow path 23. Therefore, a filter or the like for purifying the second air is not needed. This is particularly effective in the incubator 100 for cell culture or the like, in which it is necessary to maintain the constant temperature room 21 at a constant degree of cleanness.

[0080] The incubator 100 not only solves the problem of making the temperature distribution of the constant temperature room 21 uniform, but also solves the problem of reducing the vibration of the incubator 100. In detail, the incubator 100 includes a frame 1 in which a constant temperature room 21 and an air conditioning room 22 are partitioned, and a first air is circulated between the constant temperature room 21 and the air conditioning room 22, and an air conditioning device 3 that regulates the temperature of the first air in the air conditioning room 22. The frame 1 is a frame used in a clean room CR (room) in which a second air having a lower temperature than the first air is filled, and a flow path 23 in which the first air flows is formed in the air conditioning room 22. The air conditioning device 3 has a supply portion 4 having a supply port 43 that supplies the second air of the clean room CR to the flow path 23, and an upstream fan 31 or a downstream fan 32 (fan) that is provided in the flow path 23 and circulates the first air between the flow path 23 and the constant temperature room 21. The air conditioning device 3 mixes the second air into the first air, and causes the first air mixed with the second air to flow from the flow path 23 to the constant temperature room 21.

[0081] According to this structure, the first air circulates in the constant-temperature chamber 21 and the air-conditioning chamber 22, and in the air-conditioning chamber 22, the second air at a low temperature is supplied to the first air by the supply part 4, and the temperature of the first air is adjusted. The supply part 4 does not include an air-conditioning device such as a refrigerator. The supply part 4 supplies the air of the clean room CR as the second air. The temperature of the air of the clean room CR is controlled to be lower than the temperature of the first air. That is, the supply part 4 supplies only the second air, and does not adjust the temperature of the second air. Even at that time, since the second air is the air of the clean room CR whose temperature is managed, the supply part 4 can still supply the second air at a stable temperature. In addition, since the supply part 4 does not include a refrigerator or the like, the vibration of the incubator 100 is reduced. That is, a refrigerator or the like includes a device such as a compressor that can be a source of vibration. If such a device is provided above the frame 1, or on a floor or the like on which the frame 1 is provided, the vibration of the device can be transmitted to the frame 1. This vibration can affect the objects such as the culture dishes 26 in the constant-temperature chamber 21. Since the supply part 4 does not have an air-conditioning device such as a refrigerator, the vibration transmitted to the frame 1 can be suppressed.

[0082]

[0083] As described above, the embodiments are described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments that have been appropriately changed, replaced, added, omitted, and the like. Furthermore, each of the constituent elements described in the embodiments can be combined as a new embodiment. Furthermore, among the constituent elements described in the drawings and the detailed description, not only the constituent elements necessary to solve the problems are included, but also constituent elements that are not necessary to solve the problems can be included in order to exemplify the technology. Therefore, it should not be immediately considered that the constituent elements that are not necessary are necessary only because they are described in the drawings and the detailed description.

[0084] In the frame 1, the constant-temperature chamber 21 and the air-conditioning chamber 22 are arranged in the up-down direction, but are not limited thereto. For example, the constant-temperature chamber 21 and the air-conditioning chamber 22 can be arranged in the front-back direction or the left-right direction. Furthermore, the air-conditioning chamber 22 can be formed to the side from above the constant-temperature chamber 21.

[0085] The number of the upstream fan 31, the downstream fan 32, the duct, the supply port 43, the intake fan 44, and the exhaust fan 5 is merely an example, and is not limited to the above example.

[0086] The intake fan 44 can be omitted. At that time, since the supply port 43 is provided in the flow path 23, the air in the clean room CR can be sucked into the flow path 23 via the duct by the jet effect of the first air flowing in the flow path 23. ​

[0087] For example, the upstream end of the duct can not extend from the rear wall 14. For example, the duct can extend from the top wall 11. Alternatively, the supply portion 4 can have an opening formed in the wall of the divided flow path 23, instead of having the duct. For example, the supply portion 4 can have an opening formed in the top wall 11, which communicates the outside of the frame 1 and the flow path 23. When the second air flows along the width direction of the flow path 23 in the supply path 42 of the duct as in the above example, the supply amount of the second air from the supply port 43 can not be uniform in the width direction of the flow path 23. On the other hand, when the duct extends from the top wall 11, or the opening is provided in the top wall 11, the flow direction of the second air becomes the up-down direction of the frame 1, instead of the width direction of the flow path 23. The supply amount of the second air from the supply port 43 is not very non-uniform in the width direction of the flow path 23. Therefore, the supply port 43 can be one opening extending in the width direction of the flow path 23. At that time, the intake fan 44 can be provided in the top wall 11.

[0088] The exhaust fan 5 can not be provided in the constant temperature chamber 21, but can be provided in the air conditioning chamber 22.

[0089] The room in which the frame 1 is accommodated is not limited to the clean room CR. The room in which the frame 1 is accommodated can be any room in which the air temperature is adjusted.

[0090] In the flow path 23, the supply port 43 opens toward the downstream fan 32 (i.e., the downstream side in the flow direction), but is not limited thereto, and can open toward a direction orthogonal to the flow direction.

[0091] Also, the width direction of the flow path 23 is not limited to the front-rear direction of the frame 1. As long as the width direction of the flow path 23 is a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the flow path 23, it can be set to any direction. For example, when the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 23 is an elongated shape longer in the up-down direction of the frame 1 than in the front-rear direction of the frame 1, the width direction of the flow path 23 can be the up-down direction of the frame 1. At that time, the supply port 43 of the first duct 41A and the supply port 43 of the second duct 41B are provided at different positions in the width direction of the flow path 23, i.e., the up-down direction of the frame 1. The two upstream fans 31 can also be provided at different positions in the flow path 23 in the up-down direction of the frame 1. The plurality of downstream fans 32 can also be provided at different positions in the flow path 23 in the up-down direction of the frame 1.

[0092] When the temperature of the first air can be cooled to the desired temperature by mixing the second air into the first air, the heater 33 can be omitted.

[0093] Also, the provision of the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32 is not limited to the above example. Figure 5 Figure 6 ​A modification of the arrangement of the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32 is shown. Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing the air conditioning chamber 22 according to Modification 1, as viewed from the front side. Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing the air conditioning chamber 22 according to Modification 2, as viewed from the front side.

[0094] For example, as shown in Figure 5 , the upstream fan 31 can also be arranged in a tilted state in the air conditioning chamber 22. The downstream fan 32 can also be arranged in a tilted state in the air conditioning chamber 22. In detail, the upstream fan 31 is arranged in the vicinity of the inflow port 17a of the air conditioning chamber 22. The rotational axis of the upstream fan 31 is tilted with respect to the vertical direction. The upstream fan 31 sucks in the first air from the inflow port 17a toward the left obliquely upward. The downstream fan 32 is arranged in the vicinity of the outflow port 17b of the air conditioning chamber 22. The rotational axis of the downstream fan 32 is tilted with respect to the vertical direction. The first air is blown out from the outflow port 17b toward the left obliquely downward. According to such a structure, even when the space of the air conditioning chamber 22 is narrow, a larger upstream fan 31 or downstream fan 32 can be arranged. In addition, in Figure 5 , both the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32 are arranged in a tilted state, but this is not limiting, and at least one of the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32 can be arranged in a tilted state.

[0095] Also, as shown in Figure 6 , the upstream fan 31 can also be arranged in the partition wall 17. The downstream fan 32 can also be arranged in the partition wall 17. The upstream fan 31 is located in the constant-temperature chamber 21 and is installed in the partition wall 17 in a manner to cover the inflow port 17a. That is, the upstream fan 31 can be arranged between the partition wall 17 (including the case where it is installed in the partition wall 17) and the supply port 43. Thus, the upstream fan 31 can cause the first air in the constant-temperature chamber 21 to flow into the flow path 23. The downstream fan 32 is located in the constant-temperature chamber 21 and is installed in the partition wall 17 in a manner to cover the outflow port 17b. That is, the downstream fan 32 can be arranged between the supply port 43 and the partition wall 17 (including the case where it is installed in the partition wall 17). Thus, the downstream fan 32 can cause the first air to flow out of the flow path 23 toward the constant-temperature chamber 21. In addition, the installation of the upstream fan 31 or the downstream fan 32 in the partition wall 17 can be direct installation or indirect installation via a spacer or a duct. Also, as shown in Figure 6 , the heater 33 can also be arranged upstream of the downstream fan 32 in the flow direction. At this time, the first air heated by the heater 33 is sucked into the downstream fan 32. Thus, the temperature distribution of the first air heated by the heater 33 becomes uniform. In addition, in Figure 6In the above embodiment, both the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32 are provided to the partition wall 17, but the present application is not limited thereto, and at least one of the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32 can be provided to the partition wall 17. Also, at least one of the upstream fan 31 and the downstream fan 32 can be provided to the partition wall 17 in an inclined state with respect to the partition wall 17.

[0096] (Explanation of Symbols)

[0097] 100 - incubator; 1 - frame; 3 - air conditioning device; 4 - supply portion; 5 - exhaust fan; 21 - constant temperature chamber; 22 - air conditioning chamber; 23 - flow path; 31 - upstream fan; 32 - downstream fan; 33 - heater; 41A - first duct (pipe); 41B - second duct (pipe); 43 - supply port; 44 - intake fan; CR - clean room.

Claims

1. An incubator characterized by: the incubator includes a cabinet in which a constant-temperature chamber and an air-conditioning chamber are partitioned, first air is circulated between the constant-temperature chamber and the air-conditioning chamber, and an air-conditioning device adjusts the temperature of the first air in the air-conditioning chamber, a flow path in which the first air flows is formed in the air-conditioning chamber, the air-conditioning device has a supply portion having a supply port that supplies second air having a lower temperature than the first air to the flow path, an upstream fan that is provided on an upstream side of the supply port to cause the first air of the constant-temperature chamber to flow into the flow path, and a downstream fan that is provided on a downstream side of the supply port to mix the second air into the first air and cause the first air mixed with the second air to flow out of the flow path toward the constant-temperature chamber, the flow path has an expansion in a width direction orthogonal to a flow direction of the flow path, the supply portion has a plurality of pipes in which the second air flows and in which the supply port is formed, each of the plurality of pipes is configured to extend in the width direction of the flow path, the supply port of each of the plurality of pipes is provided at a different position in the width direction of the flow path on a downstream end portion side of the pipe.

2. The incubator according to claim 1, characterized by: the upstream fan is provided in a plurality of ways arranged at different positions in the width direction of the flow path.

3. The incubator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: the downstream fan is provided in a plurality of ways arranged at different positions in the width direction of the flow path.

4. The incubator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: the incubator further includes an exhaust fan that exhausts the first air to the outside of the cabinet.

5. The incubator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: the air-conditioning device further has a heater provided on the downstream side of the supply port in the flow path to heat the first air.

6. The incubator according to claim 5, characterized by: the heater is provided on the downstream side of the downstream fan in the flow path.

7. The incubator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: the cabinet is a cabinet used in a room in which the air temperature is adjusted, the supply portion supplies the air of the room as the second air to the flow path.

8. The incubator according to claim 7, characterized by: the supply portion further has an intake fan that supplies the air of the room to the flow path.

9. The incubator according to claim 7, characterized by: the room is a clean room.

10. An incubator characterized by: the incubator includes a cabinet in which a constant-temperature chamber and an air-conditioning chamber are partitioned, first air is circulated between the constant-temperature chamber and the air-conditioning chamber, and an air-conditioning device adjusts the temperature of the first air in the air-conditioning chamber, The frame body is used in a room filled with second air having a temperature lower than the first air, A flow path of the first air flow is formed in the air conditioning chamber, The air conditioning device has a supply portion having a supply port that supplies the second air of the room to the flow path, and a fan disposed in the flow path to circulate the first air between the flow path and the constant temperature chamber, The air conditioning device mixes the second air into the first air, and causes the first air mixed with the second air to flow out from the flow path to the constant temperature chamber, The flow path has an expansion in a width direction orthogonal to a flow direction of the flow path, The supply portion has a plurality of ducts through which the second air flows and in which the supply port is formed, Each of the plurality of ducts is configured to extend in the width direction of the flow path, The supply port of each of the plurality of ducts is disposed at a different position in the width direction of the flow path on a downstream end portion side of the duct.

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