A cell culture apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of cell culture equipment, including cell culture equipment main body and cell culture cabin;Cell culture equipment main body includes the casing with internal support plate, drawer structure being arranged in casing and installation layer being arranged on the top of casing and being erected on support plate;First control system and second control system are provided in drawer structure, first control system and second control system all include power module, communication module and the gas required for mixing and filtering of cell culture cabin gas mixing module, second control system is spare control system, power module is used to power supply communication module and gas mixing module;Upper computer is arranged on the outer wall of drawer structure for receiving the operation data of gas mixing module fed back by communication module and issuing instruction, to solve the existing cell culture equipment structure complex, only single control system is used to unified control, leading to its maintenance is more difficult and the problem of poor running stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of cell culture, and more specifically, relates to a cell culture device. Background Technology

[0002] Cell culture is a method that simulates the in vivo environment in vitro, enabling cells to survive, grow, reproduce, and maintain their main structures and functions. Cell culture equipment, as the primary carrier for cell culture, can simulate a suitable external environment for cell growth and is therefore widely used in the field of cell culture.

[0003] However, existing cell culture equipment has a complex overall structure due to the disordered arrangement of its control and gas mixing components, making it difficult to repair when malfunctions occur. Furthermore, existing cell culture equipment uses only a single control system to control multiple cell culture chambers. When the single control system fails, all cell culture chambers cannot operate normally, which is detrimental to cell culture. Therefore, the repair of existing cell culture equipment is difficult and its operational stability is poor, resulting in significant limitations in its use and failing to meet the needs of cell culture. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem that existing cell culture equipment has a complex structure and uses only a single control system for unified control, which makes maintenance difficult and operational stability poor.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a cell culture device, which includes a cell culture device body and a cell culture chamber;

[0006] The cell culture device includes a shell with an internal support plate, a drawer structure disposed within the shell, and a mounting layer disposed on the top of the shell and mounted on the support plate.

[0007] The drawer structure is equipped with a first control system and a second control system. Both the first control system and the second control system include a power module, a communication module, and a gas mixing module for mixing and filtering the gas required for the cell culture chamber. The second control system is a backup control system. The power module is used to supply power to the communication module and the gas mixing module.

[0008] The outer wall of the drawer structure is provided with a host computer for receiving the operating data of the gas mixing module fed back by the communication module and issuing instructions.

[0009] The mounting layer is provided with a number of grooves, and the cell culture chamber is disposed in each of the grooves in a corresponding manner.

[0010] Below the plurality of grooves is a cell culture chamber control circuit board electrically connected to the power module and the communication module for controlling the cell culture chamber.

[0011] Optionally, the drawer structure may include two relays for switching the power modules in the first control system and the second control system.

[0012] Optionally, the drawer structure is provided with a solenoid valve for switching the gas mixing module in the first control system and the second control system.

[0013] Optionally, the gas mixing module includes a gas mixing control circuit board, a gas mixing component, and a gas distribution component. The gas mixing control circuit board is electrically connected to the communication module to control the gas mixing component and the gas distribution component, and to feed back their operating data to the communication module.

[0014] Optionally, the gas mixing assembly includes a gas hose for supplying or returning air to the cell culture chamber, the gas hose being disposed within the mounting layer.

[0015] Optionally, the mounting layer is provided with several wiring grooves for limiting the position of the air hose.

[0016] Optionally, each of the plurality of grooves is provided with an installation through hole, and one end of the gas hose passes through the installation through hole and is connected to the cell culture chamber.

[0017] Optionally, the cell culture chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a culture tray, with the second chamber pressed onto the first chamber and the culture tray disposed within the second chamber.

[0018] Optionally, the second chamber is equipped with a chamber control circuit board for controlling the temperature and operating status within the cell culture chamber.

[0019] Optionally, a flexible flat cable is connected to the cell culture chamber control circuit board, and the chamber control circuit board is electrically connected to the cell culture chamber control circuit board via the flexible flat cable.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] The cell culture equipment proposed in this invention features a drawer structure within the housing, housing both the first and second control systems. When either the first or second control system malfunctions, the drawer can be pulled outwards for maintenance. This arrangement provides redundant control of the cell culture chamber's control circuit board. If the first control system fails, causing power or gas supply abnormalities to the cell culture chamber, the second control system can quickly switch, ensuring normal operation. Simultaneously, the cell culture chamber control circuit board can monitor the operational status of multiple cell culture chambers in real time and transmit the data to the host computer via a communication module. This allows operators to promptly adjust the equipment based on the feedback, ensuring normal cell growth. Compared to existing cell culture equipment, the redundant control system employed in this invention prevents overall equipment failure, improves operational stability, and the drawer structure facilitates maintenance of both systems to meet the demands of cell culture.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, the technical solution of this utility model can effectively solve the problems of existing cell culture equipment having a complex structure and using only a single control system for unified control, which leads to difficult maintenance and poor operational stability.

[0023] Other features and advantages of this invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0024] This invention can be better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cell culture device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a first perspective.

[0026] Figure 2 An exploded view of the structure of a cell culture apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cell culture device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a second perspective.

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of the first and second control systems of a cell culture apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 5A schematic block diagram of the communication module, gas mixing module, and cell culture chamber control circuit board of a cell culture device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 1-Cell culture chamber;

[0032] 2-Shell;

[0033] 21-Support plate;

[0034] 3-Drawer structure;

[0035] 31-Handle;

[0036] 4-Host computer;

[0037] 5-groove;

[0038] 51 - Mounting through hole;

[0039] 52-Through groove;

[0040] 6-Gas hose;

[0041] 7-Mounting plate;

[0042] 8-Placement board;

[0043] 9 - Gas supply port;

[0044] 10-Filter components. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To enable those skilled in the art to more fully understand the technical solution of this utility model, exemplary embodiments of this utility model will be described more comprehensively and in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the one or more embodiments of this utility model described below are merely one or more specific ways to implement the technical solution of this utility model, and are not exhaustive. It should be understood that other ways belonging to a general inventive concept can be used to implement the technical solution of this utility model, and it should not be limited to the embodiments described exemplary. Based on one or more embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0046] Example: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cell culture device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a first perspective. Figure 2 An exploded view of the structure of a cell culture apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3A schematic diagram of the structure of a cell culture device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a second perspective. Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of the first and second control systems of a cell culture apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of the communication module, gas mixing module, and cell culture chamber control circuit board of a cell culture device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Reference Figure 1-5 An embodiment of this utility model provides a cell culture device, including a cell culture device body and a cell culture chamber 1;

[0048] The main body of the cell culture equipment includes a shell 2 with an internal support plate 21, a drawer structure 3 disposed inside the shell 2, and an installation layer disposed on the top of the shell 2 and mounted on the support plate 21;

[0049] The drawer structure 3 is equipped with a first control system and a second control system. Both the first control system and the second control system include a power module, a communication module, and a gas mixing module for mixing and filtering the gas required for the cell culture chamber 1. The second control system is a backup control system. The power module is used to supply power to the communication module and the gas mixing module.

[0050] The outer wall of the drawer structure 3 is equipped with a host computer 4 for receiving the operating data of the gas mixing module fed back by the communication module and issuing instructions;

[0051] The mounting layer is provided with several grooves 5, and the cell culture chamber 1 is correspondingly set in several grooves 5;

[0052] Below several grooves 5, there is a cell culture chamber control circuit board electrically connected to the power supply module and the communication module, for controlling the cell culture chamber 1.

[0053] In one embodiment, the drawer structure 3 includes a handle 31 located at the lower end of the host computer 4. When maintenance is required on the first and second control systems in the drawer structure, the drawer structure can be pulled out directly using the handle, making the maintenance process more convenient and faster.

[0054] In one embodiment, the drawer structure 3 is provided with two relays for switching the power modules in the first control system and the second control system.

[0055] Specifically, the power modules in the first and second control systems can both provide 24V and 12V power, and the power modules between the two can be switched through two relay circuits to prevent the overall equipment from malfunctioning due to the failure of one power module. The power module provides 24V heating power and 5V control power to the cell culture chamber control circuit board, while the 12V power is used to supply the communication module, gas mixing module and host computer.

[0056] In one specific embodiment, the communication modules in the first and second control systems are electrically connected to the host computer via a 485 bus. Specifically, the communication module in the first control system uses a 485-A bus, and the communication module in the second control system uses a 485-B bus. When one of the 485-A or 485-B buses fails, the other can still provide data feedback to ensure that the host computer can receive real-time information about the device's operation and issue commands.

[0057] In one embodiment, the drawer structure 3 is equipped with a solenoid valve for switching the gas mixing module in the first control system and the second control system. When the gas mixing module in the first control system malfunctions, the solenoid valve can quickly switch to the gas mixing module in the second control system to ensure normal gas supply to the cell culture incubator, allowing the cells to grow in a suitable gas environment at all times.

[0058] In one embodiment, the gas mixing module includes a gas mixing control circuit board, a gas mixing component, and a gas distribution component. The gas mixing control circuit board is electrically connected to a communication module to control the gas mixing component and the gas distribution component and to feed back their operating data to the communication module.

[0059] In one embodiment, the gas mixing assembly includes a gas hose 6 for supplying or returning gas to the cell culture chamber 1, the gas hose 6 being disposed within the mounting layer.

[0060] In one embodiment, the mounting layer is provided with several wiring grooves for limiting the position of the air hose 6, so that the arrangement of the air hose is more reasonable and neat.

[0061] In one embodiment, the mounting layer includes a mounting plate 7 and a placement plate 8 stacked sequentially from top to bottom, with a plurality of grooves 5 disposed on the mounting plate 7, and the cell culture chamber control circuit board and the gas hose 6 disposed on the placement plate 8.

[0062] In one embodiment, a gas supply port 9 connected to the gas mixing assembly is provided on one side of the housing 2. The gas supply port 9 is used to connect to an external gas supply end.

[0063] Specifically, the external gas supply includes an oxygen tank, a nitrogen tank, and a carbon dioxide tank. These three gases enter the gas mixing assembly through the gas supply port, are mixed, and then pass through the gas distribution assembly and gas hoses into the cell culture chamber for cell culture. The gas mixing control circuit board can control the input or output concentration of the three gases, making the input or output of the three gases more rational and reducing the gas consumption for cell culture.

[0064] In one embodiment, the drawer structure 3 is further provided with a filter assembly 10 for filtering the mixed gas.

[0065] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of grooves 5 is provided with a mounting through hole 51, and one end of the gas hose 6 passes through the mounting through hole 51 and is connected to the cell culture chamber 1. Specifically, the gas hose 6 includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, both of which are connected to the lower end of the cell culture chamber for inlet or outlet of gas into the cell culture chamber, so that the gas in the cell culture chamber can circulate, which is beneficial to cell growth.

[0066] In one embodiment, the cell culture chamber 1 includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a culture tray. The second chamber is pressed onto the first chamber, and the culture tray is disposed within the second chamber. The combination of the first and second chambers forms a sealed space for culturing cells. This sealed space prevents external contamination and avoids leakage of internal gas, thereby effectively reducing the gas consumption for cell culture.

[0067] In one embodiment, a chamber control circuit board and a temperature sensor electrically connected to the chamber control circuit board are provided in the second chamber for controlling the temperature inside the cell culture chamber 1.

[0068] In one embodiment, a flexible flat cable is connected to the control module of the cell culture chamber 1, and the chamber control circuit board is electrically connected to the cell culture chamber control circuit board via the flexible flat cable.

[0069] Specifically, when an abnormality occurs in the cell culture chamber, the chamber control circuit board will transmit the abnormal data to the cell culture chamber control circuit board, which will then transmit it to the communication module. The communication module will then feed back to the host computer, so that the operator can promptly debug the equipment, issue new instructions, or perform maintenance through the host computer, ensuring that the cell culture chamber can operate normally.

[0070] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of grooves 5 is provided with a through groove 52 for connecting flexible flat cables.

[0071] In one specific embodiment, the mounting plate 5 is provided with 32 grooves, which can simultaneously accommodate the installation and control of 32 cell culture chambers 1.

[0072] Specifically, the communication module can complete data query of 32 cell culture chambers within 200ms, forming a cycle of 3s. After each cycle, the communication module will feed back the data in the cell culture chambers to the host computer. In addition, the communication module can also upgrade the firmware of the program on the control circuit board of the cell culture chambers in the 32 cell culture chambers via the 485 bus.

[0073] Of course, it should be recognized that the number of cell culture chambers can also be set to other numbers, and this utility model is not limited to this. Any number of cell culture chambers that can be achieved through the technical solution of this utility model is within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0074] The cell culture equipment proposed in this invention features a drawer structure within the housing, housing both the first and second control systems. When either the first or second control system malfunctions, the drawer can be pulled outwards for maintenance. This design also enables redundant control of the cell culture chamber's control circuit board. If the first control system fails, causing abnormal power or gas supply to the cell culture chamber, the second control system can quickly switch between the power module and gas mixing module via relays or solenoid valves, ensuring the normal operation of the cell culture chamber. Simultaneously, the cell culture chamber control circuit board can monitor the operating status of multiple cell culture chambers in real time and transmit the data to the host computer via a communication module. This allows operators to promptly adjust the equipment based on the feedback, ensuring normal cell growth. Compared to existing cell culture equipment, the redundant control system employed in this invention prevents overall equipment failure, improves operational stability, and facilitates maintenance of both the first and second control systems to meet the demands of cell culture.

[0075] Furthermore, by setting up a gas supply port, this invention enables the gas mixing component to directly input or output the three gases. Compared with existing cell culture equipment that obtains carbon dioxide from the air and only uses two gases for input, this invention can more accurately control the input or output of the three gases, thereby reducing the gas consumption of cell culture and reducing the cost of cell culture.

[0076] While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented in any other form without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the embodiments described above are illustrative and not restrictive, and many modifications and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cell culture device, characterized in that, Includes the main body of the cell culture equipment and the cell culture chamber; The cell culture device includes a shell with an internal support plate, a drawer structure disposed within the shell, and a mounting layer disposed on the top of the shell and mounted on the support plate. The drawer structure is equipped with a first control system and a second control system. Both the first control system and the second control system include a power module, a communication module, and a gas mixing module for mixing and filtering the gas required for the cell culture chamber. The second control system is a backup control system. The power module is used to supply power to the communication module and the gas mixing module. The outer wall of the drawer structure is provided with a host computer for receiving the operating data of the gas mixing module fed back by the communication module and issuing instructions. The mounting layer is provided with a number of grooves, and the cell culture chamber is disposed in each of the grooves in a corresponding manner. Below the plurality of grooves is a cell culture chamber control circuit board electrically connected to the power module and the communication module for controlling the cell culture chamber.

2. The cell culture apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer structure contains two relays for switching the power modules in the first control system and the second control system.

3. The cell culture apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drawer structure is equipped with a solenoid valve for switching the gas mixing module in the first control system and the second control system.

4. The cell culture apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gas mixing module includes a gas mixing control circuit board, a gas mixing component, and a gas distribution component. The gas mixing control circuit board is electrically connected to the communication module to control the gas mixing component and the gas distribution component, and to feed back their operating data to the communication module.

5. The cell culture apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas mixing assembly includes a gas hose for supplying or returning gas to the cell culture chamber, and the gas hose is disposed within the mounting layer.

6. The cell culture apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting layer is provided with several wiring grooves for limiting the position of the air hose.

7. The cell culture apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of grooves is provided with an installation through hole, and one end of the gas hose passes through the installation through hole and is connected to the cell culture chamber.

8. The cell culture apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cell culture chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a culture tray. The second chamber is pressed onto the first chamber, and the culture tray is disposed within the second chamber.

9. The cell culture apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second chamber is equipped with a chamber control circuit board and a temperature sensor electrically connected to the chamber control circuit board for controlling the temperature inside the cell culture chamber.

10. The cell culture apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, A flexible flat cable is connected to the control circuit board of the cell culture chamber, and the chamber control circuit board is electrically connected to the cell culture chamber control circuit board through the flexible flat cable.

Images