Culture device and culture system

Abstract

The culture apparatus of the present invention is a culture apparatus configured within a culture environment generating device during cell culture, comprising: a frame portion having a left frame and a right frame opposite to each other in the left-right direction and an open front side; and a swing portion disposed in the frame portion and causing the culture container to swing, wherein the frame portion has a container configuration area between the left frame and the right frame for configuring the culture container, a supply container and a discharge container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a culture apparatus and a culture system. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional culture devices for culturing cells or microorganisms in a culture chamber are known (see Patent Document 1). In such devices, a culture container is placed in the culture chamber during cell culture. The culture container contains the cells and culture medium that are the subjects of the culture.

[0003] In addition, the above-mentioned culture apparatus has a pump that supplies culture medium to the culture container. The pump supplies culture medium to the culture container from outside the culture apparatus.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-525009 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the field of cell culture technology, there is a desire to provide a culture device and culture system with a novel structure.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a culture device and culture system with a novel structure.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] One embodiment of the culture apparatus of the present invention is a culture apparatus configured within a culture environment generating device during cell culture, comprising:

[0012] The frame section has a left frame and a right frame that are opposite each other in the left-right direction, and is open at the front; and

[0013] The oscillating part, which is located in the frame part, causes the culture container to oscillate.

[0014] The frame section has a container configuration area between the left and right frames for configuring culture containers, supply containers, and discharge containers.

[0015] One embodiment of the culture system of the present invention comprises:

[0016] The aforementioned culture apparatus; and

[0017] A culture environment generation device having a culture space that accommodates the culture device during cell culture.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to the present invention, a culture device and culture system with a novel structure can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the culture system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is the main view of the cultivation system.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a block diagram representing the structure of the culture system.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the device for generating the culture environment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is the main view of the container unit.

[0025] Figure 6 This is the main view of the frame section.

[0026] Figure 7 This is the front view of the culture apparatus.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a rear view of the culture apparatus.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a left-side view of the culture apparatus.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a right-side view of the culture apparatus.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a top view of the culture apparatus.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the culture apparatus.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a front view of a culture apparatus with the culture container in a swinging state.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a front view of a culture apparatus with the culture container in a swinging state. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0035] [Implementation Method]

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 14 The structure of the culture system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0037] In the following description, when explaining the structure of each component constituting the culture system 1, the orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in the figures is sometimes used. The X direction is consistent with the front-back direction of the culture environment generation device 2 and the culture device 5 constituting the culture system 1.

[0038] The X-direction + side aligns with the front side of the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5. The front side of the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5 is the side that the user faces during use. The X-direction - side aligns with the rear side of the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5.

[0039] The Y-direction aligns with the left-right direction of the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5. The Y-direction + side aligns with the left side when viewing the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5 from the front. The Y-direction - side aligns with the right side when viewing the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5 from the front.

[0040] The Z-direction aligns with the vertical direction of the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5. The Z-direction + side aligns with the upper side of the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5. The upper side of the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5 is the side furthest from the ground plane where the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5 are located. The Z-direction - side aligns with the lower side of the culture environment generating device 2 and the culture device 5.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the culture system 1 includes a culture environment generation device 2, a container unit 4, a culture device 5, and an external terminal 6.

[0042] First, let me give an overview of culture system 1. Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the cultivation system 1 according to the implementation method. Figure 2 This is a front view of culture system 1, with some structural diagrams omitted. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a block diagram representing the structure of culture system 1.

[0043] The culture environment generation device 2 has the function of adjusting the environment of the culture chamber 201a to a suitable environment for cell culture. The culture chamber 201a is an example of a culture space.

[0044] During cell culture, the culture device 5 is configured in the culture chamber 201a of the culture environment generation device 2 as a support container unit 4.

[0045] Then, cell culture is performed. The culture apparatus 5 has a culture container 43 (see reference 43) for the container unit 4 during cell culture. Figure 5 (The function of swinging.)

[0046] In addition, the culture device 5 has the function of obtaining relevant information on the progress of cell culture from the culture medium contained in the culture container 43 during cell culture.

[0047] Furthermore, the culture apparatus 5 has the function of sending information about the progress of cell culture obtained from the culture medium contained in the culture container 43 to an external terminal 6. The external terminal 6 displays the information about the progress of cell culture received from the culture apparatus 5 on a display unit 61.

[0048] As a result, the user can monitor the culture status of the target cells in real time based on the information about the culture medium displayed on the display unit 61 of the external terminal 6. The specific structure of the culture system 1 will be described below.

[0049] The culture environment generation device 2 is used to adjust the environment of the culture chamber 201a, which is formed inside a generally box-shaped box 20, to a suitable environment for cell culture. Here, a commercially available culture environment generation device (e.g., a CO2 incubator) used in research laboratories is used. Cells or microorganisms are cultured in this culture chamber 201a. Hereinafter, the culture of cells, tissues, or microorganisms will be collectively referred to as cell culture. The cells or microorganisms that are the object of cell culture will be collectively referred to as object cells.

[0050] The culture environment generating device 2 has the function of adjusting the temperature, humidity, O2 (oxygen) concentration and CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration to make the atmosphere of the culture chamber 201a a suitable environment (in other words, atmosphere) for the culture of target cells.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the enclosure 20 includes an inner box 201, an outer box 202, thermal insulation material 203, an outer door 204, an inner door 205, and a front panel 206. Furthermore, Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the culture environment generation device 2, cut along the XZ plane and viewed from the Y-direction side (i.e., the right side). Figure 4 The culture device 5 is omitted in the text.

[0052] The inner box 201 is made of metal and is generally box-shaped. The inner box 201 has a culture chamber 201a on its inner side. Additionally, the inner box 201 has an opening 201b on its front surface for the culture chamber 201a. The culture chamber 201a is large enough to accommodate the culture apparatus 5. The culture chamber 201a accommodates the culture apparatus 5 during cell culture.

[0053] The outer casing 202 is made of metal and is generally box-shaped. The outer casing 202 covers the portion of the outer surface of the inner casing 201 other than the opening 201b (i.e., the portion other than the front surface of the inner casing 201).

[0054] Thermal insulation material 203 is disposed between the inner casing 201 and the outer casing 202. Thermal insulation material 203 is composed of multiple plate-shaped thermal insulation components bonded together by an adhesive.

[0055] The outer door 204 is fixed to the front surface of the outer casing 202. The outer door 204 is rotatable. The inner door 205 is fixed to the front surface of the inner casing 201. The inner door 205 is rotatable. The opening 201b is opened and closed by the outer door 204 and the inner door 205.

[0056] The front panel 206 is a rectangular frame-shaped plate component. The front panel 206 is disposed along the opening 201b. The front panel 206 connects the front end of the inner box 201 and the front end of the outer box 202 at the periphery of the opening 201b. A gasket P is disposed between the front panel 206 and the outer edge of the outer door 204.

[0057] Additionally, the culture environment generating device 2 includes a heating section 21 for heating the culture chamber 201a. The heating section 21 has multiple heaters, each of which is plate-shaped. Specifically, the heating section 21 includes heaters 211, 212, 213, 214, and a side heater (not shown).

[0058] Heaters 211, 212, 213, 214 and the side heaters are controlled by control device 29, described later, in a manner that ensures a uniform temperature distribution within the culture chamber 201a.

[0059] The culture environment generation device 2 has a pipe 22 in the culture chamber 201a. The pipe 22 has a gas passage K inside.

[0060] The culture environment generating device 2 has a circulating blower 23 in the gas passage K. The circulating blower 23 draws air into the culture chamber 201a from the suction port 22a formed at the top of the pipe 22.

[0061] Next, the circulating blower 23 sends the air drawn into the duct 22 to the bottom of the duct 22. The air sent to the bottom of the duct 22 by the circulating blower 23 is blown into the culture chamber 201a through the outlet 22b located at the bottom of the duct 22. As a result, the air circulates in the culture chamber 201a.

[0062] The culture environment generating device 2 has a temperature sensor 24 in the pipe 22. The temperature sensor 24 detects the temperature of the culture chamber 201a. The culture environment generating device 2 also has a humidity sensor (not shown). The humidity sensor detects the humidity of the culture chamber 201a.

[0063] The culture environment generating device 2 has gas supply devices 26a and 26b in the pipeline 22. The gas supply devices 26a and 26b supply conditioning gases to the culture chamber 201a to adjust the O2 gas concentration and CO2 gas concentration in the culture chamber 201a. The conditioning gases may include, for example, O2 gas, N2 (nitrogen) gas and CO2 gas.

[0064] The culture environment generation device 2 has a cover 27 that covers the back and bottom of the outer casing 202. The space between the back of the outer casing 202 and the cover 27 is a mechanical room M for arranging various equipment.

[0065] The culture environment generation device 2 has an electrical box 28 in the mechanical chamber M. Furthermore, the culture environment generation device 2 has a control device 29 within the electrical box 28.

[0066] The culture environment generating device 2 may have a steam supply device for supplying steam to the culture chamber 201a.

[0067] The culture environment generating device 2 includes a dehumidifier 31. The dehumidifier 31 comprises a metal rod-shaped dehumidifying component. The dehumidifier 31 prevents condensation inside the culture chamber 201a by dehumidifying the culture chamber 201a. In other words, the dehumidifier 31 functions as a humidity regulating unit.

[0068] The culture environment generating device 2 with the above structure receives start and stop commands, operation mode settings, and various setting values ​​of the culture chamber 201a from the operation unit 32 provided on the outer door 204.

[0069] Then, the control device 29 controls each component constituting the culture environment generating device 2 based on the information input through the operation unit 32 (in other words, the control panel). As a result, the environment of the culture chamber 201a becomes an atmosphere suitable for cell culture.

[0070] Next, the structure of container unit 4 will be described. Figure 5 This is a front view of container unit 4. Container unit 4 has a supply container 41, a culture container 43, a discharge container 44, a supply pipe 45, and a discharge pipe 46.

[0071] The supply container 41 contains culture medium for supply (in other words, unused culture medium). The culture medium for supply is supplied to the culture container 43 by the supply pump unit 531, which will be described later.

[0072] In this embodiment, the supply container 41 includes a lower supply container 411, an upper supply container 412, and a connecting tube 42. The lower supply container 411 and the upper supply container 412 each contain culture medium for supply. In this embodiment, the supply container 41 is a two-layered supply container with two overlapping layers.

[0073] The lower supply container 411 has a container body 411a, a first port 411b and a second port 411c.

[0074] The container body 411a is a flexible, bag-shaped container. A first port 411b and a second port 411c are each located at the front end of the container body 411a. During cell culture, the lower supply container 411, with its first port 411b and second port 411c positioned at the front, is arranged in the supply container configuration area 514a (see reference 514a) of the culture apparatus 5. Figure 6 )middle.

[0075] The first port 411b is located on one side of the front end of the container body 411a (in this embodiment, the right side half). The second port 411c is located on the other side of the front end of the container body 411a (in this embodiment, the left side half).

[0076] The first port 411b is the port through which the culture medium supplied from the upper supply container 412 flows into the lower supply container 411.

[0077] The second port 411c is the outlet port for the culture medium flowing from the lower supply container 411 to the culture container 43. The second port 411c is an example of an outlet port of the supply container.

[0078] During cell culture, the lower supply container 411 is configured with its right end higher than its left end at an angle. In other words, during cell culture, the lower supply container 411 is tilted with the outflow port, i.e., the second port 411c, at a lower angle.

[0079] Therefore, the culture medium contained in the lower supply container 411 accumulates at the left end due to gravity. That is, the culture medium contained in the lower supply container 411 accumulates on the second port 411c side. As a result, even if the culture medium in the lower supply container 411 decreases, the culture medium can easily flow out from the second port 411c.

[0080] The upper supply container 412 has the same structure as the lower supply container 411. Specifically, the upper supply container 412 has a container body 412a, a first port 412b, and a second port 412c.

[0081] The container body 412a is a flexible, bag-shaped container. A first port 412b and a second port 412c are each located at the front end of the container body 412a. During cell culture, the upper supply container 412a is positioned with the first port 412b and the second port 412c facing forward and is supported by the culture apparatus 5.

[0082] The first port 412b is located on one side half (in this embodiment, the right side half) of the front end of the container body 412a. In this embodiment, the first port 412b is closed.

[0083] Furthermore, in the case where another supply container (not shown) is configured above the upper supply container 412 in a three-layer supply container configuration, the first port 412b of the upper supply container 412 is connected to the second port of the other supply container via a connecting tube (not shown). In this case, the first port 412b of the upper supply container 412 functions as a port for the inflow of culture medium moving from the other supply container to the upper supply container 412.

[0084] Additionally, a second port 412c is located on the other side of the front end of the container body 411a (in this embodiment, the left half). The second port 412c is a port through which the culture medium supplied from the upper supply container 412 to the lower supply container 411 flows out.

[0085] During cell culture, the upper supply container 412 is configured with its right end higher than its left end at an angle. In other words, during cell culture, the upper supply container 412 is tilted with the outflow port, i.e., the second port 412c, at a lower angle.

[0086] Therefore, the culture medium contained in the upper supply container 412 accumulates at the left end due to gravity. That is, the culture medium contained in the upper supply container 412 accumulates on the second port 412c side. As a result, even if the culture medium in the upper supply container 412 decreases, the culture medium can easily flow out from the second port 412c.

[0087] The culture container 43 contains culture medium and target cells. The target cells are cells that are the subjects of cell culture. This culture container 43 has a container body 431, a first port 432, a second port 433, and a container-side sensor 434.

[0088] Before cell culture begins in culture apparatus 5, the target cells and culture medium are placed in culture container 43. When cell culture begins in culture apparatus 5, culture medium is supplied from supply container 41 to culture container 43.

[0089] The container body 431 is a flexible, bag-shaped container. Furthermore, this container has optimal water vapor permeability and gas permeability set according to the cells and culture medium it contains. By using this container, the environment inside the container can be made the same as the environment within the culture environment generating device 2. A first port 432 and a second port 433 are each located at the front end of the container body 431. During cell culture, the culture container 43 is positioned with the first port 432 and the second port 433 facing forward in the culture container placement area 514b of the culture device 5 (see reference). Figure 6 )middle.

[0090] The first port 432 is located on one half of the front end of the container body 431 (in this embodiment, the right half).

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first port 432 is composed of a pair of ports arranged in a left-right direction. One of the ports constituting the first port 432 (in this embodiment, the right port) is used. The other port of the pair constituting the first port 432 (in this embodiment, the left port) is closed.

[0092] In addition, the second port 433 is located on the other side of the front end of the container body 431 (in this embodiment, it is the left half).

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second port 433 is composed of a pair of ports arranged in a left-right direction. One of the ports constituting the second port 433 (in this embodiment, the right port) is used. The other port of the pair constituting the second port 433 (in this embodiment, the left port) is closed.

[0094] The first port 432 is the port through which the culture medium flows from the culture container 43 to the discharge container 44. The first port 432 is an example of an outlet port of the culture container.

[0095] The second port 433 is the port through which culture medium supplied from the supply container 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411) flows into the culture container 43. The second port 433 is an example of an inflow port of the culture container.

[0096] The container-side sensor 434 is disposed at the center of the front end of the container body 431. In other words, the container-side sensor 434 is disposed between the first port 432 and the second port 433 in the front end of the container body 431.

[0097] The first end of the container-side sensor 434 protrudes outside the culture container 43 (i.e., the container body 431). Conversely, the second end of the container-side sensor 434 is disposed inside the culture container 43 (i.e., the container body 431). A reagent is disposed at the second end of the container-side sensor 434. The second end of the container-side sensor 434 is in contact with the culture medium contained in the culture container 43 (i.e., the container body 431). This container-side sensor 434 is a sensor that detects the state of the culture medium based on an electrical signal generated by the reaction of the reagent disposed at the second end.

[0098] Discharge container 44 contains the culture medium discharged from culture container 43 (in other words, used culture medium). Discharge container 44 is empty before cell culture. The culture medium contained in culture container 43 is discharged through discharge pump 532 (described later). Figure 7 The culture medium is discharged into discharge container 44. The culture medium in discharge container 44 increases as cell culture progresses.

[0099] The discharge container 44 has a container body 441, a first port 442 and a second port 443.

[0100] The container body 441 is a box-shaped container made of resin. In this embodiment, the container body 441 is not flexible. That is, the container body 441 has rigidity sufficient to maintain its own shape.

[0101] The first port 442 and the second port 443 are each located at the front end of the container body 441. During cell culture, the discharge container 44 is positioned in the discharge container configuration area 514c of the culture device 5 with the first port 442 and the second port 443 positioned at the front.

[0102] The first port 442 is located on one side half (in this embodiment, the right side half) of the front end of the container body 441. The first port 442 is a port for the culture medium discharged from the culture container 43 to flow into. The first port 442 is an example of an inflow port of the discharge container.

[0103] Additionally, the second port 443 is located on the other side of the front end of the container body 441 (in this embodiment, the left half). In this embodiment, the second port 443 is not used. That is, the second port 443 is closed.

[0104] The supply tube 45 connects the second port 411c of the supply container 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411) to the second port 433 of the culture container 43. The supply tube 45 has a pump mounting portion 451 at its midpoint along its length. The pump mounting portion 451 is the portion that is mounted on the supply pump portion 531 during cell culture.

[0105] The discharge tube 46 connects the first port 432 of the culture vessel 43 and the first port 442 of the discharge vessel 44. The discharge tube 46 has a pump mounting portion 461 at its midpoint along its length. The pump mounting portion 461 is the portion that is mounted on the discharge pump portion 532 during cell culture.

[0106] The container unit 4 with the above structure is assembled by the user outside the culture environment generation device 2 during the preparation (in other words, pretreatment) of cell culture. Figure 5 The state shown indicates that the user can easily assemble container unit 4.

[0107] Then, inside the culture environment generation device 2, the container unit 4 is installed onto the culture device 5 (see reference). Figure 7 In this embodiment, the culture apparatus 5 has a structure that facilitates the front mounting of the container unit 4 inside the culture environment generating apparatus 2. Therefore, the work efficiency of mounting the container unit 4 onto the culture apparatus 5 is high. The structure of the culture apparatus 5 will be described later. Furthermore, Figure 5 The shape of the container unit 4 shown is the shape of the container unit 4 when it is installed on the culture device 5 (hereinafter also referred to as the installation state of the container unit 4).

[0108] Sometimes, the state in which the container unit 4 and the culture device 5 are housed in the culture chamber 201a of the culture environment generating device 2 is referred to as the usage state of the container unit 4 and the culture device 5.

[0109] When the container unit 4 is in use, the supply container 41 (specifically, the upper supply container 412 and the lower supply container 411) is supported by the supply container support 54 of the culture device 5 (see reference). Figure 7 )support.

[0110] In this state, the ports 411b, 411c, 412b, and 412c of the supply container 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411 and the upper supply container 412) are arranged in front.

[0111] Therefore, users can easily access the ports 411b, 411c, 412b, and 412c of the supply containers 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411 and the upper supply container 412) from the front of the culture device 5. As a result, the operability of operations such as changing the supply containers 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411 and the upper supply container 412) is improved.

[0112] Furthermore, when the container unit 4 is in use, the culture container 43 is oscillated by the oscillating part 52 of the culture device 5 (see reference). Figure 7Support. In this state, the ports 432 and 433 of the culture container 43 are positioned at the front. Therefore, the user can easily access the ports 432 and 433 of the culture container 43 from the front of the culture device 5. As a result, the operability of operations such as changing the culture container 43 is improved.

[0113] Additionally, when container unit 4 is in use, discharge container 44 is placed at the bottom of culture chamber 201a (see reference). Figure 2 In this state, the ports 442 and 443 of the discharge container 44 are positioned at the front. Therefore, the user can easily access the ports 442 and 443 of the discharge container 44 from the front of the culture device 5. As a result, the operability of operations such as changing the discharge container 44 is improved.

[0114] In addition, when the container unit 4 is in use, the supply container 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411 and the upper supply container 412), the culture container 43 and the discharge container 44 are connected by pipes (specifically, the connecting pipe 42, the supply pipe 45 and the discharge pipe 46).

[0115] Furthermore, when the container unit 4 is in use, the supply pipe 45 and the discharge pipe 46 are positioned so that when the culture device 5 is viewed from the front (see reference 45), the supply pipe 45 and the discharge pipe 46 are positioned so that when the culture device 5 is viewed from the front, the main view is correct (see reference 45). Figure 7 The wiring is arranged in an S-shape. Figure 7 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the wiring of the connecting pipe 42, the supply pipe 45, and the discharge pipe 46 is simple. This structure helps to achieve miniaturization of the culture device 5 and improve the efficiency of the assembly operation of the container unit 4. In addition, it is easy for the user to install the supply pipe 45 and the discharge pipe 46 onto the supply pump section 531 and the discharge pump section 532.

[0116] Next, the structure of culture device 5 will be described. For example... Figure 2 As shown, during cell culture, the culture device 5 is configured in the culture chamber 201a of the culture environment generation device 2 with the container unit 4 installed.

[0117] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the culture environment generating device 2, viewed from the front, containing the culture apparatus 5 within the culture chamber 201a. Figure 2 The outer door 204 and inner door 205 of the culture environment generation device 2 are omitted in the text.

[0118] The culture apparatus 5 is configured to be able to be loaded into and unloaded from the culture chamber 201a of the culture environment generating apparatus 2. In other words, the culture apparatus 5 is configured as a device independent of the culture environment generating apparatus 2. The specific structure of the culture apparatus 5 will be described below.

[0119] The culture device 5 has a frame part 51, a swing part 52, a pump part 53, a supply container support part 54, a terminal part 55, a communication part 56, and a control part 57.

[0120] The frame section 51 is a component that supports the swing section 52, pump section 53, supply container support section 54, terminal section 55, communication section 56, and control section 57 that constitute the culture device 5. In other words, the frame section 51 is a component that unitizes the swing section 52, pump section 53, supply container support section 54, terminal section 55, communication section 56, and control section 57 that constitute the culture device 5.

[0121] The frame portion 51 is made of metal or synthetic resin. The frame portion 51 has a left frame 511, a right frame 512 and a rear frame 513.

[0122] The frame portion 51 is hexahedral in shape (specifically, cubic or cuboid). The left frame 511 is provided on the portion corresponding to the left side when the frame portion 51 is viewed as a hexahedron.

[0123] The right frame 512 is positioned on the right side when the frame portion 51 is viewed as a hexahedron. That is, the left frame 511 and the right frame 512 are opposite each other in the left-right direction. The rear frame 513 is positioned on the rear side when the frame portion 51 is viewed as a hexahedron.

[0124] In the frame portion 51, the portions corresponding to the front, upper, and lower sides when the frame portion 51 is considered as a hexahedron are open. That is to say, the front, top, and bottom of the frame portion 51 are open.

[0125] like Figure 9 As shown, the left frame 511 is a rectangular frame parallel to the XZ plane. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the swinging part 52 (described later) and the culture container 43 placed on the placement part 521a of the swinging part 52 from a position further to the left than the left frame 511.

[0126] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the left frame 511 has a front side 511a, a rear side 511b, an upper side 511c, and a lower side 511d.

[0127] The front part 511a, the rear part 511b, the upper part 511c, and the lower part 511d are connected to form a rectangular frame.

[0128] The front part 511a is axial in shape, extending vertically. The front part 511a forms the front of the left frame 511. The front part 511a has a left handle part 511e in the middle part in the vertical direction.

[0129] In other words, the left frame 511 has a left handle portion 511e at its front end. The left handle portion 511e is the part that the user holds when moving the culture device 5.

[0130] like Figure 7 As shown, the left handle portion 511e has a smaller left-right dimension (in other words, a smaller width) than the upper and lower ends of the front portion 511a. This shape of the left handle portion 511e is one that is easy for the user to grip.

[0131] The rear portion 511b is axial in shape, extending vertically. The rear portion 511b forms the rear side of the left frame 511. The front portion 511a and the rear portion 511b are opposite each other in the front-back direction.

[0132] The upper part 511c is axial in shape, extending in the front-to-back direction. The upper part 511c forms the upper part of the left frame 511. The upper part 511c connects the upper end of the front part 511a and the upper end of the rear part 511b in the front-to-back direction.

[0133] The lower portion 511d is axial in shape, extending in the front-to-back direction. The lower portion 511d forms the lower side of the left frame 511. The lower portion 511d is the part placed on the bottom surface of the culture chamber 201a during cell culture.

[0134] The lower part 511d connects the lower end of the front part 511a and the lower end of the rear part 511b in the front-back direction. The lower part 511d and the upper part 511c are opposite each other in the vertical direction.

[0135] like Figure 10 As shown, the right frame 512 is a rectangular frame parallel to the XZ plane. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the swing section 52 (described later) and the culture container 43 placed on the placement section 521a of the swing section 52 from a position further to the right than the right frame 512.

[0136] Specifically, the right frame 512 has a front part 512a, a rear part 512b, an upper part 512c, and a lower part 512d.

[0137] The front part 512a, the rear part 512b, the upper part 512c, and the lower part 512d are connected in a rectangular frame shape.

[0138] The front portion 512a is axial in shape, extending vertically. The front portion 512a forms the front of the right frame 512. The front portion 512a has a right handle portion 512e in the middle part in the vertical direction.

[0139] In other words, the right frame 512 has a right handle portion 512e at its front end. The right handle portion 512e is the part that the user holds when moving the culture device 5.

[0140] like Figure 7 As shown, the left-right dimension (in other words, the width dimension) of the right handle portion 512e is smaller than the upper and lower ends of the front portion 512a. This shape of the right handle portion 512e is one that is easy for the user to grip.

[0141] The rear portion 512b is an axial shape extending vertically. The rear portion 512b forms the rear side of the right frame 512. The front portion 512a and the rear portion 512b are opposite each other in the front-rear direction.

[0142] The upper part 512c is axial in shape, extending in the front-to-back direction. The upper part 512c forms the upper part of the right frame 512. The upper part 512c connects the upper end of the front part 512a and the upper end of the rear part 512b in the front-to-back direction.

[0143] The lower portion 512d is axial in shape, extending in the front-to-back direction. The lower portion 512d forms the lower part of the right frame 512. The lower portion 512d is the part placed on the bottom surface of the culture chamber 201a during cell culture.

[0144] The lower part 512d connects the lower end of the front part 512a and the lower end of the rear part 512b in the front-back direction. The lower part 512d and the upper part 512c are opposite each other in the vertical direction.

[0145] The rear frame 513 is a rectangular plate parallel to the YZ plane. The rear frame 513 connects the left frame 511 and the right frame 512 in the left-right direction.

[0146] The rear side 511b of the left frame 511 is connected to the left end of the rear frame 513. The left frame 511 is supported by the rear frame 513 only through the rear side 511b. In this way, the left frame 511 is cantilevered by the rear frame 513.

[0147] The rear side 512b of the right frame 512 is connected to the right end of the rear frame 513. The right frame 512 is supported by the rear frame 513 only through the rear side 512b. In this way, the right frame 512 is cantilevered by the rear frame 513.

[0148] The frame portion 51 with the above structure has a container configuration area 514 (see reference) between the left frame 511 and the right frame 512, in which a supply container 41, a culture container 43, and a discharge container 44 are configured. Figure 6 ).

[0149] exist Figure 6 In the diagram, container configuration area 514 is shown with a double-dotted line. Container configuration area 514 has a configuration supply container 41 (see reference). Figure 5The supply container configuration area 514a is a region located at the upper end of the container configuration area 514 in the vertical direction.

[0150] Container configuration area 514 has configuration culture container 43 (refer to) Figure 5 The culture container configuration area 514b is a region located in the central part of the container configuration area 514 in the vertical direction. In other words, the culture container configuration area 514b is a region located below the supply container configuration area 514a.

[0151] Container configuration area 514 has configuration discharge container 44 (refer to) Figure 5 The discharge container configuration area 514c is the region located at the lower end of the container configuration area 514 in the vertical direction. In other words, the discharge container configuration area 514c is the region located below the culture container configuration area 514b.

[0152] As described above, the supply container configuration area 514a, the culture container configuration area 514b, and the discharge container configuration area 514c are arranged vertically between the left frame 511 and the right frame 512.

[0153] In other words, the container configuration area 514 has, from top to bottom, a supply container configuration area 514a, a culture container configuration area 514b, and a discharge container configuration area 514c. Therefore, during cell culture, the supply container 41, the culture container 43, and the discharge container 44 are arranged from top to bottom in the container configuration area 514.

[0154] During cell culture, the swinging part 52, under the control of the control part 57, causes the culture container 43 to swing. Specifically, during cell culture, the swinging part 52 causes the culture container 43 to swing between the left frame 511 and the right frame 512 around a rotation axis parallel to the front-back direction.

[0155] The swing section 52 is supported by the rear frame 513. Specifically, the swing section 52 has a culture container support section 521 and a drive section 522.

[0156] The culture vessel support 521 has a placement part 521a and a swing support part 521b. The placement part 521a is made of metal or resin and is tray-shaped. During cell culture, the culture vessel 43 is placed on the placement part 521a.

[0157] The swing support 521b is a plate-shaped component made of metal or resin that extends in the front-to-back direction. The front end of the swing support 521b is fixed to the lower surface of the mounting portion 521a. Thus, the swing support 521b supports the mounting portion 521a from below.

[0158] The swing support 521b is supported by the drive unit 522 in a swingable state. Specifically, the rear end of the swing support 521b is supported by the drive unit 522. The swing support 521b can swing around a central axis O parallel to the front-rear direction. 521a (Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 It oscillates around the center.

[0159] The drive unit 522 is supported by the rear frame 513. The drive unit 522 supports the swing support unit 521b. The swing support unit 521b is supported by the drive unit 522 only through its rear end. That is, the swing support unit 521b is cantilevered by the rear frame 513 through the drive unit 522.

[0160] Drive unit 522 (reference) Figure 7 The swing support 521b is oscillated under the control of the control unit 57. This drive unit 522 includes an electric motor (not shown). When the drive unit 522 is driven, the swing support 521b oscillates around a central axis O parallel to the front-rear direction. 521a (Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 The loading section 521a oscillates around the central axis O. 521a It oscillates around the central axis. As a result, the culture container 43 placed on the placement section 521a also oscillates around the central axis O. 521a It oscillates around the center.

[0161] Pump unit 53 is mounted on frame unit 51. Under the control of control unit 57, pump unit 53 moves the culture medium between supply container 41, culture container 43, and discharge container 44. Pump unit 53 is an example of a liquid delivery unit.

[0162] The pump section 53 includes a supply pump section 531 and a discharge pump section 532.

[0163] The supply pump unit 531 supplies the culture medium contained in the supply container 41 to the culture container 43. The supply pump unit 531 is provided on the front surface of the frame unit 51.

[0164] Specifically, the supply pump section 531 is disposed at the upper end of the front surface of one of the left frame 511 and the right frame 512 (in this embodiment, the left frame 511). That is, the supply pump section 531 is supported by the left frame 511.

[0165] During cell culture, a supply tube 45 of the container unit 4 is installed on the supply pump unit 531. The supply pump unit 531 moves the culture medium in the supply tube 45 in the direction from the supply container 41 to the culture container 43. The direction from the supply container 41 to the culture container 43 is sometimes referred to as the supply direction.

[0166] The discharge pump 532 discharges the culture medium contained in the culture container 43 into the discharge container 44. The discharge pump 532 is provided on the front surface of the frame portion 51.

[0167] Specifically, the discharge pump section 532 is disposed at the lower end of the front surface of the other frame (in this embodiment, the right frame 512) between the left frame 511 and the right frame 512. That is, the discharge pump section 532 is supported by the right frame 512.

[0168] The discharge pump unit 532 is equipped with a discharge pipe 46 for the container unit 4. The discharge pump unit 532 moves the culture medium in the discharge pipe 46 in the direction from the culture container 43 to the discharge container 44. The direction from the culture container 43 to the discharge container 44 is sometimes referred to as the discharge direction.

[0169] Unused culture medium contained in the supply container 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411) flows out from the second port 411c (in other words, the outflow port) of the lower supply container 411 and moves sequentially through the supply pump unit 531, the second port 433 (in other words, the inflow port) of the culture container 43, the culture container 43, the first port 432 (in other words, the outflow port) of the culture container 43, the discharge pump unit 532, the first port 442 (in other words, the inflow port) of the discharge container 44, and the discharge container 44.

[0170] As described above, in this embodiment, the supply pump section 531 and the discharge pump section 532 are positioned diagonally on the front surface of the frame section 51. Furthermore, the supply pump section 531 is positioned higher than the discharge pump section 532. This structure helps improve the efficiency of the operation of installing the supply pipe 45 onto the supply pump section 531 and the operation of installing the discharge pipe 46 onto the discharge pump section 532.

[0171] The supply container support 54 is a component used to support the supply container 41. The supply container support 54 is supported by the frame portion 51. The supply container support 54 is located in the container placement area 514 (see reference). Figure 6 In the supply container configuration area 514a of ).

[0172] The supply container support 54 has a lower support 541 and an upper support 544.

[0173] The lower support portion 541 has a lower placement portion 542 and a lower support member 543.

[0174] The lower placement section 542 is made of metal or resin and is tray-shaped. During cell culture, the lower supply container 411 is placed on the lower placement section 542. The lower support member 543 is a component that supports the lower placement section 542 relative to the frame section 51.

[0175] The lower support member 543 has a support portion 543a (see reference). Figure 7 ), left side fixing part 543b (refer to) Figure 9 ) and right-side fixing part 543c (refer to Figure 10 ).

[0176] The support portion 543a is made of metal or resin and is plate-shaped, and is fixed to the lower surface of the lower mounting portion 542. That is, the support portion 543a supports the lower mounting portion 542 from below. The support portion 543a is inclined such that its right end is higher than its left end. In other words, the support portion 543a is inclined such that it becomes higher as it moves from the left end to the right end.

[0177] Therefore, the lower loading section 542 is tilted such that the right end is higher than the left end. In other words, the lower loading section 542 is tilted such that it becomes higher as it moves closer to the right end from the left end.

[0178] Left fixing part 543b (refer to) Figure 9 This is the part used to fix the lower support 543 to the left frame 511 of the frame portion 51. The left fixing part 543b is connected to the left end of the support part 543a. The left fixing part 543b is fixed to the lower surface of the upper side portion 511c of the left frame 511 by fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts).

[0179] Right side fixing part 543c (refer to) Figure 10 This is the part used to fix the lower support 543 to the right frame 512 of the frame portion 51. The right fixing part 543c is connected to the right end of the support portion 543a. The right fixing part 543c is fixed to the lower surface of the upper side portion 512c of the right frame 512 by fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts).

[0180] During cell culture, the lower support portion 541 with the above structure supports the lower supply container 411. In this state, the lower supply container 411 is tilted with its right end higher than its left end.

[0181] In the supply container configuration area 514a of the frame portion 51, the upper support portion 544 is positioned higher than the lower support portion 541. The upper support portion 544 has an upper loading portion 545 (see reference). Figure 7 ) and upper support member 546 (refer to Figure 7 ).

[0182] The upper placement portion 545 is made of metal or resin and is tray-shaped. During cell culture, the upper supply container 412 is placed on the upper placement portion 545. The upper support member 546 is a component that supports the upper placement portion 545 relative to the frame portion 51.

[0183] The upper loading section 545 is positioned higher than the lower loading section 542. Furthermore, a portion of the upper loading section 545 is offset to the right of the lower loading section 542.

[0184] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper support member 546 has a support portion 546a, a left fixing portion 546b and a right fixing portion 546c.

[0185] The support portion 546a is made of metal or resin and is plate-shaped, and is fixed to the lower surface of the upper mounting portion 545. That is, the support portion 546a supports the upper mounting portion 545 from below. The support portion 546a is inclined such that its right end is higher than its left end. In other words, the support portion 546a is inclined such that it becomes higher as it moves from the left end to the right end.

[0186] Therefore, the upper loading portion 545 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane (i.e., the XY plane) with its right end higher than its left end. In other words, the upper loading portion 545 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane with increasing height as it moves from the left end to the right end.

[0187] Furthermore, the upper loading section 545 and the lower loading section 542 are approximately parallel. That is, the tilt angle of the upper loading section 545 relative to the horizontal plane and the tilt angle of the lower loading section 542 relative to the horizontal plane are equal or approximately equal.

[0188] The left-side fixing part 546b is used to fix the upper support member 546 to the left frame 511 of the frame part 51. The left-side fixing part 546b is connected to the left end of the support part 546a. The left-side fixing part 546b is fixed to the upper edge 511c of the left frame 511 by fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) (see reference). Figure 9 On the upper surface of ).

[0189] The right-side fixing part 546c is used to fix the upper support member 546 to the right frame 512 of the frame part 51. The right-side fixing part 546c is connected to the right end of the support part 546a. The right-side fixing part 546c is fixed to the upper edge 512c of the right frame 512 by fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) (see reference). Figure 10 On the upper surface of ).

[0190] During cell culture, the upper support portion 544 with the above structure supports the upper supply container 412. In this state, the upper supply container 412 is tilted with its right end higher than its left end.

[0191] Furthermore, as described above, the upper loading portion 545 is positioned offset to the right relative to the lower loading portion 542. Therefore, the upper supply container 412, placed on the upper loading portion 545, is offset to the right relative to the lower supply container 411, placed on the lower loading portion 542. This allows the user to visually confirm the remaining amount of culture medium contained in the lower supply container 411 from above.

[0192] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, a vertical gap 547 is provided between the upper surface of the lower supply container 411 and the lower surface of the upper support portion 544. Therefore, the user can easily visually confirm the remaining amount of culture medium contained in the lower supply container 411.

[0193] Furthermore, the culture apparatus 5 may also include a balance detection unit (not shown) that detects information related to the remaining amount of culture medium contained in the upper supply container 412 and the lower supply container 411. Such a balance detection unit may, for example, include a sensor that detects the weight of the upper supply container 412 and a sensor that detects the weight of the lower supply container 411.

[0194] Alternatively, the aforementioned residual detection unit may also include a sensor for detecting the volume (weight) of the culture medium flowing out from the lower supply container 411 and a sensor for detecting the volume (weight) of the culture medium flowing out from the upper supply container 412.

[0195] The culture device 5 can notify the user of information regarding the remaining amount of culture medium detected by the remaining quantity detection unit. Specifically, this information can be transmitted to the external terminal 6 (described later) via the communication unit 56. The external terminal 6 can be displayed on the display unit 61 (see reference 61). Figure 1 The remaining amount of culture medium obtained from culture device 5 is displayed in the image.

[0196] Users can check the remaining amount of culture medium in the lower supply container 411 and the upper supply container 412 in real time by viewing the information on the remaining amount of culture medium displayed on the display unit 61 of the external terminal 6.

[0197] Terminal section 55 (reference) Figure 3 The terminal 55 is connected to the container-side sensor 434 mounted on the culture container 43. In other words, the terminal 55 connects the culture apparatus 5 and the container-side sensor 434. The culture apparatus 5 obtains information about the culture medium contained in the culture container 43 from the container-side sensor 434 via the terminal 55. This information about the culture medium corresponds to the progress of cell culture. That is, the progress of cell culture can be measured based on this information about the culture medium.

[0198] Information about the culture medium includes details about glucose and lactic acid content. Additionally, information about the culture medium may also include pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), glutamine, glutamate, calcium, magnesium, NADP+ / NADPH, and NAD+ / NADH ratios.

[0199] The unused culture medium supplied from the supply container 41 to the culture container 43 contains nutrients such as glucose, lactose, vitamins, serum, and amino acids. The target cells, which are the subjects of cell culture, increase in number in the culture container 43 while consuming the nutrients contained in the culture medium.

[0200] The rate of nutrient consumption in the culture medium is correlated with the rate of cell proliferation. Therefore, the cell culture status can be measured based on the concentration of nutrients (specifically glucose) in the culture medium.

[0201] Furthermore, as the target cells increase in number, they consume nutrients (specifically glucose) contained in the culture medium and excrete lactic acid as a metabolite. Therefore, the culture status of the target cells can be measured based on the concentration of lactic acid in the culture medium or the rate of lactic acid production.

[0202] In this embodiment, the container-side sensor 434 detects glucose-related and lactic acid-related information contained in the culture medium as relevant information for the culture medium. Then, the relevant information of the culture medium detected by the container-side sensor 434 is transmitted to the external terminal 6 via the communication unit 56. The external terminal 6 displays the information on the display unit 61 (see reference 634). Figure 1 The information displayed is related to the culture medium obtained from the culture device 5. Furthermore, sensors for detecting information related to the culture medium can also be installed on the culture device 5.

[0203] The container-side sensor 434 continuously monitors relevant information about the culture medium in real time. Furthermore, the relevant information about the culture medium sent to the external terminal 6 can also be obtained by sampling the relevant information about the culture medium detected by the container-side sensor 434 at a predetermined sampling period.

[0204] As described above, the culture apparatus 5 of this embodiment has an inline monitoring function implemented by a container-side sensor 434 embedded in the culture container 43. The user can monitor the culture status of the target cells in real time based on the relevant information of the culture medium displayed on the display unit 61 of the external terminal 6.

[0205] like Figure 7As shown, terminal portion 55 is provided at the front end of the loading portion 521a in the swing portion 52. Terminal portion 55 has a terminal (not shown) that is connected to the container-side sensor 434.

[0206] Terminal 55 and container-side sensor 434 in culture container 43 (see reference) Figure 5 The first terminal of the device is electrically connected. Terminal 55 is connected to control unit 57. Under the control of control unit 57, terminal 55 applies voltage to container-side sensor 434. Container-side sensor 434 detects relevant information about the culture medium based on the applied voltage.

[0207] Communication unit 56 (refer to Figure 3 The communication unit 56 is connected to the external terminal 6 in a communicative manner. The communication unit 56 is wired to the external terminal 6 via a cable. Alternatively, the communication unit 56 can also wirelessly connect to the external terminal 6 via various wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), wireless LAN (wireless local area network), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). There are no particular limitations on the connection method between the communication unit 56 and the external terminal 6.

[0208] The communication unit 56 sends information to the external terminal 6. Additionally, the communication unit 56 receives information from the external terminal 6. The communication unit 56 can then transmit the information received from the external terminal 6 to the control unit 57, which will be described later.

[0209] Control Unit 57 (Reference) Figure 3 The control unit 57 is used to uniformly control the operation of the culture device 5. The control unit 57 is supported by the frame unit 51 (e.g., the rear frame 513).

[0210] Specifically, the control unit 57 controls the movement of the swinging unit 52. For example, the control unit 57 controls the swinging unit 52 (specifically, the drive unit 522) to control the swinging speed of the swinging unit 52 (specifically, the culture container support unit 521) (i.e., the swinging speed of the culture container 43).

[0211] The control unit 57 causes the culture container support 521 to swing at a preset constant speed. Alternatively, the control unit 57 may also cause the culture container support 521 to swing based on the detection value of the container-side sensor 434 (i.e., relevant information about the culture medium).

[0212] The control unit 57 controls the operation of the pump unit 53 (specifically, the supply pump unit 531 and the discharge pump unit 532).

[0213] Specifically, the control unit 57 controls the timing of driving and stopping the pump unit 53 (specifically, the supply pump unit 531 and the discharge pump unit 532). The control unit 57 can control the timing of driving and stopping the pump unit 53 (specifically, the supply pump unit 531 and the discharge pump unit 532) based on the detection value of the container-side sensor 434 (i.e., relevant information about the culture medium).

[0214] In addition, the control unit 57 controls the flow rate of the culture medium supplied from the supply container 41 to the culture container 43 by the supply pump unit 531. Hereinafter, the flow rate of the culture medium supplied from the supply container 41 to the culture container 43 by the supply pump unit 531 will be referred to as the supply flow rate of the supply pump unit 531.

[0215] The supply flow rate of the supply pump unit 531 can be a preset constant flow rate. That is, the control unit 57 can drive the supply pump unit 531 at a preset constant supply flow rate. Alternatively, the control unit 57 can also variably control the supply flow rate of the supply pump unit 531 based on the detection value of the container-side sensor 434 (i.e., relevant information about the culture medium).

[0216] In addition, the control unit 57 controls the flow rate of the culture medium discharged from the culture container 43 to the discharge container 44 by the discharge pump unit 532. Hereinafter, the flow rate of the culture medium discharged from the culture container 43 to the discharge container 44 by the discharge pump unit 532 will be referred to as the discharge flow rate.

[0217] The discharge flow rate of the discharge pump 532 can be a preset constant flow rate. That is, the control unit 57 can drive the discharge pump 532 at a preset constant discharge flow rate. Alternatively, the control unit 57 can also variably control the discharge flow rate of the discharge pump 532 based on the detection value of the container-side sensor 434 (i.e., relevant information about the culture medium).

[0218] In addition, the control unit 57 controls the communication operation of the communication unit 56. The control unit 57 controls the communication operation of the communication unit 56 to send relevant information about the culture medium detected by the container-side sensor 434 to the external terminal 6.

[0219] When the communication unit 56 receives a control command for the culture device 5 from the external terminal 6, the control unit 57 obtains the control command for the culture device 5 from the communication unit 56. The control unit 57 can control the operation of each component constituting the culture device 5 according to the control command for the culture device 5.

[0220] Control commands received from external terminal 6 include, for example, swing control commands and liquid delivery control commands.

[0221] Control unit 57 controls swing unit 52, for example, based on swing control commands obtained from external terminal 6. Swing control commands include control commands related to the swing action (e.g., swing speed and / or swing angle) of swing unit 52.

[0222] Additionally, the control unit 57 controls the pump unit 53 (specifically, the supply pump unit 531 and / or the discharge pump unit 532) based on liquid delivery control commands obtained from the external terminal 6. The liquid delivery control commands include control commands related to the liquid delivery actions (e.g., supply flow rate and / or discharge flow rate) of the pump unit 53 (specifically, the supply pump unit 531 and / or the discharge pump unit 532).

[0223] Furthermore, when the culture medium in the culture container 43 is discharged into the discharge container 44, the control unit 57 controls the drive unit 522 of the swing unit 52, causing the culture container 43 to tilt so that the second port 433 is on the lower side. The second port 433 of the culture container 43 is the port connected to the supply container 41 (i.e., the supply port).

[0224] As a result, the target cells in culture container 43 aggregate at the second port 433 side of culture container 43. In this state, control unit 57 drives discharge pump unit 532 to discharge the culture medium in culture container 43 to discharge container 44. At this time, since the target cells in culture container 43 aggregate at the second port 433 side of culture container 43, it is possible to prevent the target cells from being discharged into discharge container 44.

[0225] External terminal 6 is located outside the culture environment generation device 2. External terminal 6 is, for example, a computer. External terminal 6 can be a desktop computer (personal computer, workstation, etc.), a laptop computer (personal computer, workstation, etc.), a tablet computer, or a mobile device such as a smartphone.

[0226] Alternatively, the external terminal 6 can also be installed on the culture environment generating device 2. In this case, the external terminal 6 can be an operation unit 32 (in other words, a control panel) installed on the outer door 204 of the culture environment generating device 2.

[0227] From a hardware perspective, the external terminal 6 has the processor (CPU), input device, output device, memory, communication interface and storage device that are common to ordinary computers.

[0228] In addition, from a functional perspective, the external terminal 6 has a display unit 61, a communication unit 62, and a control unit 63. The display unit 61 displays information. The display unit 61 can be a common display (e.g., a liquid crystal display).

[0229] The communication unit 62 is connected to the communication unit 56 of the culture apparatus 5. The communication unit 62 obtains information from the culture apparatus 5. The information obtained by the communication unit 62 from the culture apparatus 5 is, for example, information related to the culture medium. As mentioned above, the information related to the culture medium is detected by the container-side sensor 434 installed on the culture container 43.

[0230] The control unit 63 controls the operation of the display unit 61 and the communication unit 62. The control unit 63 causes the display unit 61 to display relevant information about the culture medium obtained by the communication unit 62 from the culture device 5.

[0231] Information about the culture medium is detected in real time by a sensor 434 on the container side of the culture vessel 43. Therefore, by viewing the information about the culture medium displayed on the display unit 61, the user can understand the culture status of the target cells contained in the culture vessel 43.

[0232] External terminal 6 receives instructions from the user for controlling the operation of culture device 5 (hereinafter referred to as control instructions for culture device 5). The user inputs the control instructions for culture device 5 to external terminal 6 through an input device.

[0233] The control commands for the culture device 5 may include swing control commands for controlling the swing unit 52 and liquid delivery control commands for controlling the pump unit 53 (specifically, the supply pump unit 531 and the discharge pump unit 532).

[0234] The control unit 63 controls the communication unit 62 to send the control commands input by the user to the culture device 5. The control unit 57 of the culture device 5 (see reference) Figure 3 Based on the control commands received from the external terminal 6, the user controls each component of the culture device 5 (specifically, the swing unit 52 and the pump unit 53). In other words, the user can remotely operate the culture device 5 through the external terminal 6.

[0235] (The function and effects of this implementation method)

[0236] The following is a brief description of the user's work in carrying out cell culture, the operation of culture system 1, and the function and effect of culture system 1 in this embodiment.

[0237] First, the user integrates the culture device 5 into the existing culture environment generation device 2. Next, the user assembles the container unit 4 (see reference) outside the existing culture environment generation device 2. Figure 5 Then, the user installs the container unit 4 onto the culture device 5 inside the culture environment generation device 2. It should be noted that the operation of accommodating the culture device 5 into the culture environment generation device 2 and the operation of assembling the container unit 4 outside the culture environment generation device 2 can be performed either first.

[0238] At this time, the user installs the supply pipe 45 of the container unit 4 onto the supply pump section 531. Additionally, the user installs the discharge pipe 46 of the container unit 4 onto the discharge pump section 532. In this embodiment, the supply pump section 531 and the discharge pump section 532 are provided on the front surface of the frame section 51. Therefore, it is easy to perform the operations of installing the supply pipe 45 onto the supply pump section 531 and the operations of installing the discharge pipe 46 onto the discharge pump section 532.

[0239] Then, the user operates the operation unit 32 of the culture environment generation device 2 to drive the culture environment generation device 2. Furthermore, the start-up timing of the culture environment generation device 2 can be appropriately determined.

[0240] Next, the user drives the culture device 5. When the culture device 5 is driven, the swinging part 52 and the pump part 53 of the culture device 5 are driven. The swinging part 52 causes the culture container 43 placed on the placement part 521a to swing.

[0241] Figure 13 This shows the culture container 43 from Figure 7 The diagram shows the state of the reference position swinging in the first direction. The first direction is... Figure 7 and Figure 13 The center is in the opposite direction to clockwise. Additionally, Figure 14 This shows the culture container 43 from Figure 7 The diagram shows the state of the reference position swinging in the second direction. The second direction is... Figure 7 and Figure 14 The clockwise direction in the middle.

[0242] The oscillating part 52 causes the culture container 43 to move in the direction of the oscillation. Figure 13 The state shown and Figure 14 The way the states are transitioned causes the culture container 43 to oscillate repeatedly.

[0243] In addition, the pump unit 53 (specifically, the supply pump unit 531) supplies unused culture medium contained in the supply container 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411) to the culture container 43. Furthermore, the timing of the supply of culture medium to the culture container 43 by the supply pump unit 531 and the flow rate of the culture medium supplied to the culture container 43 by the supply pump unit 531 can be controlled by the control unit 57.

[0244] In addition, during cell culture, a container-side sensor 434 installed on the culture container 43 continuously monitors relevant information about the culture medium contained in the culture container 43 in real time. The relevant information about the culture medium detected by the container-side sensor 434 is transmitted to the external terminal 6 via the communication unit 56.

[0245] External terminal 6 is on display unit 61 (see reference) Figure 1The display on the external terminal 6 shows information about the culture medium obtained from the culture device 5. Users can monitor the culture status of the target cells in real time based on this information.

[0246] Additionally, after cell culture is complete, the user removes container unit 4 from culture chamber 201a. Then, the user removes the cultured target cells from culture container 43. Furthermore, the user disposes of the used culture container 43, supply container 41, and discharge container 44.

[0247] As described above, with the culture apparatus 5 of this embodiment, the user can perform culture in the environment of the existing culture environment generation apparatus 2. Therefore, existing equipment can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, the user can perform cell culture pretreatment (in other words, preparation work) and post-cell culture processing outside the culture chamber 201a. Therefore, pretreatment and post-processing are easy to perform. As a result, the work efficiency of cell culture-related operations is greatly improved.

[0248] Furthermore, the frame portion 51 of the culture apparatus 5 in this embodiment has a shape that facilitates cleaning. Therefore, the efficiency of the cleaning operation of the culture apparatus 5 in the post-processing described above is improved.

[0249] In addition, from Figure 5 As can be seen, the container unit 4 installed on the culture device 5 in this embodiment has a simple structure. Therefore, the user can easily assemble the container unit 4.

[0250] Furthermore, when the container unit 4 is in use, the supply container 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411 and the upper supply container 412), the culture container 43, and their respective ports are all located at the front. Therefore, when the container unit 4 is in use, the user can efficiently perform operations such as changing the supply container 41 (specifically, the lower supply container 411 and the upper supply container 412), the culture container 43, and the culture container 43.

[0251] In addition, when the container unit 4 is in use, the connecting pipe 42, the supply pipe 45, and the discharge pipe 46 are also arranged at the front. Therefore, when the container unit 4 is in use, the user can efficiently perform the installation and removal of the connecting pipe 42, the supply pipe 45, and the discharge pipe 46.

[0252] The other functions and effects of the culture device 5 and culture system 1 in this embodiment are as described above.

[0253] (Postscript)

[0254] The arrangement of the components constituting the culture apparatus is not limited to the arrangement of the components constituting the culture apparatus 5 in the above embodiment. For example, the arrangement of the components constituting the culture apparatus may also be in the left-right direction with... Figure 7 The components constituting the culture apparatus 5 shown are arranged in opposite configurations.

[0255] The above describes one example of an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the above description is an example of a preferred embodiment, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. That is, the description of the structure of the device and the shape of its parts is merely an example, and various modifications and additions can be made to the structure of the above-described embodiment within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0256] The entire contents of the specification, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-203197, filed on November 30, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0257] Industrial applicability

[0258] This invention can be applied to culture devices and systems for culturing various cells.

[0259] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0260] 1. Cultivation System

[0261] 2. Cultivation Environment Generation Device

[0262] 20 enclosures

[0263] 201 Inner Box

[0264] 201a Incubation Room

[0265] 201b Opening

[0266] 202 outer box

[0267] 203 Thermal Insulation Material

[0268] 204 Outer Door

[0269] 205 Inner Door

[0270] 206 front panel

[0271] 21 Heating section

[0272] Heaters 211, 212, 213, and 214

[0273] 22 Pipelines

[0274] 22a Inlet

[0275] 22b blowout

[0276] 23. Circulating blower

[0277] 24 Temperature Sensors

[0278] Gas supply devices 26a and 26b

[0279] 27 masks

[0280] 28 Electrical boxes

[0281] 29. Control device

[0282] 31 Dehumidification device

[0283] 32 Operations Department

[0284] 4 Container Units

[0285] 41 Supply Container

[0286] 411 Lower supply container

[0287] 411a Container body

[0288] 411b First Port

[0289] 411c Second Port

[0290] 412 Upper supply container

[0291] 412a Container body

[0292] 412b First Port

[0293] 412c Second Port

[0294] 42 Connecting pipe

[0295] 43. Culture container

[0296] 431 Container Body

[0297] 432 First Port

[0298] 433 Second Port

[0299] 434 Container-side sensor

[0300] 44 Discharge container

[0301] 441 Container Body

[0302] 442 First Port

[0303] 443 Second Port

[0304] 45 Supply Management

[0305] 451 Pump Installation Section

[0306] 46 Discharge pipe

[0307] 461 Pump Installation Section

[0308] 5. Culture apparatus

[0309] 51. Frame Section

[0310] 511 Left Frame

[0311] 511a Front part

[0312] 511b rear section

[0313] 511c upper part

[0314] 511d lower part

[0315] 511e Left Handle

[0316] 512 Right Frame

[0317] 512a Front section

[0318] 512b rear section

[0319] 512c upper part

[0320] 512d lower part

[0321] 512e Right Handle

[0322] 513 Post-Frame

[0323] 514 Container Configuration Area

[0324] 514a Supply Container Configuration Area

[0325] 514b Culture Container Configuration Area

[0326] 514c Discharge container configuration area

[0327] 52 Swinging section

[0328] 521 Culture container support

[0329] 521a Loading Section

[0330] 521b Swing Support

[0331] 522 Drive Unit

[0332] 53 Pump Section

[0333] 531 Supply Pump Section

[0334] 532 Discharge Pump Section

[0335] 54 Supply Container Support Section

[0336] 541 Lower support section

[0337] 542 Lower loading section

[0338] 543 Lower support component

[0339] 543a Support section

[0340] 543b Left side fixing part

[0341] 543c Right side fixing part

[0342] 544 Upper support section

[0343] 545 Upper loading section

[0344] 546 Upper support component

[0345] 546a Support section

[0346] 546b Left side fixing part

[0347] 546c Right side fixing part

[0348] 547 gap

[0349] 55 Terminal Section

[0350] 56 Ministry of Communications

[0351] 57 Control Department

[0352] 6. External Terminals

[0353] 61 Display Section

[0354] 62 Ministry of Communications

[0355] 63 Control Department

[0356] P Pad

[0357] K gas passage

[0358] M Machine Room

Claims

1. A culture apparatus, configured within a culture environment generating device during cell culture, and comprising: The frame section has a left frame and a right frame that are opposite each other in the left-right direction, and is open at the front; and A swinging part, which is disposed in the frame part, causes the culture container to swing. The frame section has a container configuration area between the left frame and the right frame for configuring culture containers, supply containers and discharge containers.

2. The culture apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, During cell culture, the culture container, the supply container, and the discharge container are configured with their respective ports facing forward.

3. The culture apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, During cell culture, the supply container, the culture container, and the discharge container are arranged sequentially from top to bottom in the container configuration area.

4. The culture apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The frame portion has a rear frame that connects the left frame and the right frame in the left-right direction and cantilevered to support the left frame and the right frame.

5. The culture apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein, The swing section is supported by the rear frame.

6. The culture apparatus as described in claim 5, wherein, The swinging part has: A culture container support for holding the culture container; and The drive unit, supported by the rear frame and causing the culture container support to swing, The culture container support is cantilevered by the rear frame via the drive unit.

7. The culture apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The left frame and the right frame are each frame-shaped.

8. The culture apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The frame section is open to the top, bottom and front.

9. The culture apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The left frame has a left handle at its front end. The right frame has a right handle at its front end.

10. The culture apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a pump unit disposed on the frame portion, which moves the culture medium between the supply container, the culture container and the discharge container.

11. The culture apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The pump unit has: A supply pump unit supplies the culture medium contained in the supply container to the culture container; and The discharge pump discharges the culture medium contained in the culture container into the discharge container.

12. The culture apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The supply pump section and the discharge pump section are each disposed on the front surface of the frame section.

13. The culture apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The supply pump unit is located at the upper end of the front surface of one of the left and right frames. The discharge pump is located at the lower end of the front surface of the other frame, which is one of the left and right frames.

14. The culture apparatus of claim 12, wherein, During cell culture, the supply container, the culture container, and the discharge container are connected via a tube in front of the frame portion. The tubes are wired in an S-shape when viewed from the front in a frontal view of the culture device.

15. The culture apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, In the container configuration area, in the area where the supply container is configured, there is also a supply container support portion supported by the frame portion, and during cell culture, the supply container is placed on the supply container support portion.

16. The culture apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The supply container includes a lower supply container and an upper supply container connected by a pipe. The supply container support includes: The lower loading section that holds the lower supply container; and The upper loading section that holds the upper supply container. The lower and upper loading portions overlap vertically and are offset horizontally.

17. The culture apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The lower loading section and the upper loading section are inclined in the same direction.

18. The culture apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The frame is configured to allow the supply container, the culture container, and the discharge container to be arranged in the container configuration area in a state of connection via pipes.

19. The culture apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a container unit, which has the culture container, the supply container, the discharge container, and a tube connecting the culture container, the supply container, and the discharge container. During cell culture, the tubes are routed in an S-shape at the front of the frame when the culture apparatus is viewed from the front.

20. A culture system, characterized by, have: The culture apparatus according to claim 1; and The culture environment generating device has a culture space that accommodates the culture device during cell culture.

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