Modular cell incubator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a modularization cell incubator, include: a plurality of shelf layers, a plurality of isolation layers and a plurality of environment control modules, a plurality of shelf layers are sequentially stacked along a direction, the inside of each shelf layer is formed with the chamber for storing articles, and is provided with the opening that communicates with the chamber on at least opposite two side surfaces, a plurality of isolation layers are respectively arranged between two adjacent shelf layers or are arranged on the outside of the shelf layer at the edge in the stacking direction, are used for isolating the opening between adjacent shelf layers or isolating the shelf layer and external environment, a plurality of environment control modules are respectively one to one and are arranged on the isolation layer, the modularization combination of shelf layer and isolation layer is realized accurate control and flexible adjustment to cell culture environment through the modularization combination of shelf layer and isolation layer. Each shelf layer can independently configure the required temperature and humidity condition, satisfies the individualized demand of different experimental projects to culture environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cell culture technology, specifically to a modular cell culture box. Background Technology

[0002] Cell culture incubators are core equipment in life science research and the biotechnology industry, used to simulate the in vivo environment (such as constant temperature, humidity, CO2 / O2 concentration, etc.) and provide stable in vitro growth conditions for cells or tissues. Traditional cell culture incubators are usually large, environmentally uniform, sealed chambers that provide all cells inside with the same temperature, humidity, and gas conditions through a central control system.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent CN115960719A discloses a cell culture box, which uses a fixed limiting guide rail and a movable clamping mechanism to facilitate the clamping, fixing and moving of cell culture dishes in batches, preventing them from tipping over.

[0004] However, existing cell culture incubators generally adopt a monolithic design, with all culture layers sharing the same gas path environment. The fixed number of layers in the incubator makes it difficult to flexibly adapt to the needs of experiments of different scales. This results in wasted space and energy when sample sizes are small, while facing capacity shortages when sample sizes are large. Furthermore, the shared gas path system can easily lead to cross-contamination during parallel culture of multiple projects, posing a potential threat to the safety of precious cell lines. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a modular cell culture box to solve the technical problems of insufficient flexibility, easy cross-contamination, and resource waste in existing cell culture boxes.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This invention provides a modular cell culture chamber, comprising several shelves, several isolation layers, and several environmental control modules. The shelves are stacked sequentially along one direction, each shelf having a chamber for storing items inside, and having openings communicating with the chambers on at least two opposite sides. Several isolation layers are respectively disposed between two adjacent shelves, or on the outside of shelves at the edge of the stacking direction, to isolate the openings between adjacent shelves or to isolate the shelves from the external environment. Several environmental control modules are respectively disposed on the isolation layers, to provide a set temperature and humidity environment to the corresponding shelf through the isolation layers.

[0007] In some embodiments, an installation cavity is formed inside the isolation layer, and an opening communicating with the installation cavity is provided on the side corresponding to the shelf. The opening communicates with the opening of the corresponding shelf, and the environmental control module is housed in the installation cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the modular cell culture chamber further includes a fan, and the isolation layer is provided with an air inlet communicating with the mounting cavity. The fan is disposed in the mounting cavity and is used to introduce external air into the corresponding shelf through the air inlet via the environmental control module.

[0009] In some embodiments, the modular cell culture chamber further includes a filter element disposed within the mounting cavity and located in the airflow channel between the air inlet and the outlet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the environmental control module includes a heater and a humidifier, both of which are disposed in the mounting cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are provided inside the shelf; a display electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor is provided on the outside of the shelf.

[0012] In some embodiments, a control panel is provided on the outside of the insulating layer. The control panel is electrically connected to the heater and the humidifier and is used to set and display the target temperature of the heater and the target humidity of the humidifier.

[0013] In some embodiments, the shelf includes a first box, a storage drawer, and a door. The first box has a first connecting frame and a first connecting groove at its opposite side openings. The first connecting frame of one first box is configured to be detachably and sealingly connected to the first connecting groove of another first box. The first box has a retrieval opening on one side perpendicular to the stacking direction. The storage drawer is slidably disposed in the first box through the retrieval opening. The door is connected to the storage drawer and is used to open and close the retrieval opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, a magnetic sealing strip is provided on the side of the cabinet door facing the first cabinet body, and the magnetic sealing strip surrounds the storage drawer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the isolation layer includes a second housing, with a second connecting frame and a second connecting groove respectively provided on opposite sides of the second housing; wherein the second connecting frame is configured to be detachably and sealingly connected to the first connecting groove of the first housing; and the second connecting groove is configured to be detachably and sealingly connected to the first connecting frame of the first housing.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the modular cell culture chamber provided by this invention, through the arrangement of several shelving layers, several isolation layers, and several environmental control modules, allows for flexible expansion of the culture space through the modular combination of shelving layers and isolation layers. Multiple shelving layers can be completely separated by isolation layers to form independent culture environments, effectively preventing cross-contamination; alternatively, one isolation layer can correspond to multiple shelving layers. This design enables the equipment to freely adjust the culture scale according to experimental needs, significantly improving space utilization and equipment efficiency while ensuring environmental isolation. The modular structure also simplifies the maintenance process; a failure in one unit will not affect the operation of other units, enhancing the reliability and practical value of the equipment. It solves the problems of inflexible space utilization, high risk of cross-contamination, and inconvenient maintenance in existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the modular cell culture box provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a side view cross-sectional structural diagram of the modular cell culture box provided in this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view cross-sectional structural diagram of the connection between the first and second chambers of the modular cell culture box provided in this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main cross-sectional structure of the second chamber of the modular cell culture box provided in this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the door structure of the modular cell culture box provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Shelf; 11. First cabinet; 111. Observation window; 112. Access port; 113. Air outlet; 114. First connecting frame; 115. First connecting groove; 12. Storage drawer; 121. Ventilation hole; 13. Cabinet door; 131. Magnetic sealing strip; 14. Base frame; 15. Casters; 16. Temperature sensor; 17. Humidity sensor; 2. Isolation layer; 21. Second housing; 211. Control panel; 212. Second connecting frame; 213. Second connecting groove; 201. Air inlet; 202. Mounting cavity; 203. Through port; 22. Inner housing; 221. Air guide hole; 3. Environmental control module; 31. Heater; 32. Humidifier; 4. Fan; 5. Filter element. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0020] To address the technical problems of insufficient flexibility, susceptibility to cross-contamination, and resource waste in existing cell culture incubators, this invention provides a modular cell culture incubator. Through the modular combination of shelves and isolation layers, precise control and flexible adjustment of the cell culture environment are achieved. Each shelf can be independently configured with the required temperature and humidity conditions to meet the personalized needs of different experimental projects.

[0021] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The modular cell culture chamber includes: several shelves 1, several isolation layers 2, and several environmental control modules 3; the shelves 1 are stacked sequentially along one direction, each shelf 1 has a chamber for storing items inside, and has an opening communicating with the chamber on at least two opposite sides; the isolation layers 2 are respectively disposed between two adjacent shelves 1, or on the outside of shelves 1 at the edge of the stacking direction, to isolate the openings between adjacent shelves 1, or to isolate shelves 1 from the external environment; the environmental control modules 3 are respectively disposed on the isolation layers 2, to provide the set temperature and humidity environment to the corresponding shelves 1 through the isolation layers 2.

[0022] In this device, several shelves 1 are stacked sequentially, each containing experimental equipment such as cell culture dishes or flasks. The open design allows for interconnection between stacked shelves 1. Isolation layers 2 are placed between adjacent shelves 1 or on the outer side of shelves 1 at the edge of the stack, effectively preventing environmental interference between different shelves 1 and ensuring that the environment within each shelf 1 is independent and controllable. Simultaneously, the environmental control module 3 provides precise temperature and humidity regulation to the corresponding shelves 1 through the isolation layers 2 to meet the needs of different types of experiments. Multiple shelves 1 can be separated by the isolation layers 2 to form independent culture environments, effectively preventing cross-contamination; alternatively, the configuration of one isolation layer 2 corresponding to multiple shelves 1 allows for flexible expansion of the culture space, improving space utilization and enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the device, making it suitable for various complex experimental conditions.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 3In some possible embodiments, the shelf 1 includes a first housing 11, a storage drawer 12, and a door 13. The first housing 11 adopts a rectangular structure design, with its upper and lower surfaces serving as the main connection interfaces, respectively provided with a first connecting frame 114 and a first connecting groove 115 with complementary structures. The first connecting frame 114 is a flange structure surrounding the opening on the upper surface of the housing, with pre-set, equally spaced first threaded connection holes inside. The first connecting groove 115 is a recessed receiving structure at the opening on the lower surface of the first housing 11, with second threaded connection holes corresponding to the first threaded connection holes on the groove wall, allowing any two shelves 1 to quickly connect through the interlocking of the frame and groove. Furthermore, the first housing 11 has a retrieval opening 112 on one side perpendicular to the stacking direction. The storage drawer 12 is slidably disposed within the first housing 11 through the retrieval opening 112, and the door 13 is connected to the storage drawer 12 and used to open and close the retrieval opening 112.

[0024] During actual assembly, after the first connecting frame 114 of the upper shelf and the first connecting groove 115 of the lower shelf are engaged, the operator can use standard bolts to tighten the connection through the preset mounting holes. The bolts pass through the first threaded connection hole in the first connecting frame 114 of the lower shelf in sequence and are tightened with the second threaded connection hole in the first connecting groove 115 of the upper shelf, thereby forming a reliable connection between the two shelves 1.

[0025] Furthermore, in some possible embodiments, a sealing gasket is provided on the groove wall of the first connecting groove 115. When the first connecting frame 114 and the first connecting groove 115 are mated, the sealing gasket can effectively fill the tiny gap between them, thereby enhancing the sealing performance of the connection of the shelf 1.

[0026] Furthermore, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 In some possible embodiments, the cabinet door 13 is equipped with an observation window 111 made of transparent material, allowing the operator to directly observe the condition of the items stored inside without opening the drawer. Furthermore, a magnetic sealing strip 131 is provided on the side of the cabinet door 13 facing the first cabinet body 11, surrounding the storage drawer 12. The outer side of the access opening 112 of the first cabinet body 11 is made of a metal material that can attract the magnetic sealing strip 131, thus forming a tight seal when the cabinet door 13 is closed, effectively preventing interference from the external environment to the internal cavity.

[0027] To facilitate movement, in some possible embodiments, a base frame 14 is provided below the bottommost first housing 11, and rollers 15 are installed at the four corners of the base frame 14. The rollers 15 adopt a lockable design, which can facilitate the overall movement of the device and ensure stability when fixation is required.

[0028] Isolation layer 2, as the core unit for environmental control, maintains structural compatibility with shelf layer 1. (See also...) Figures 1 to 4 Specifically, in some possible embodiments, the isolation layer 2 includes a second housing 21. The upper and lower surfaces of the second housing 21 are also provided with a second connecting frame 212 and a second connecting groove 213. The dimensions of the second connecting frame 212 and the second connecting groove 213 are the same as those of the first connecting frame 114 and the first connecting groove 115, respectively, and they are also provided with sealing rings, allowing the second connecting frame 212 to be detachably and sealingly connected to the first connecting groove 115 of the first housing 11; the second connecting groove 213 can be detachably and sealingly connected to the first connecting frame 114 of the first housing 11, thereby allowing the second housing 21 to be fitted between two adjacent shelves 1, or located on the outside of a shelf 1 at the edge of the stacking direction. This structural design allows the first housing 11 and the second housing 21 to be flexibly assembled and disassembled through a unified connection method, greatly improving the overall modularity of the device.

[0029] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some possible embodiments, the second housing 21 has an internal mounting cavity 202 for mounting the core components of the environmental control module 3. The lower part of the second housing 21 has a through-hole 203 corresponding to the opening of the first housing 11, and the upper part of the second housing 21 is a closed structure to ensure that the environmental control module 3 can operate independently and effectively isolate environmental interference between adjacent shelves 1, achieving an isolation effect. When the second housing 21 is installed above the first housing 11, the through-hole 203 is aligned with the opening of the first housing 11, thereby ensuring that the environmental control module 3 can deliver the set temperature and humidity conditions to the corresponding shelf 1 through the through-hole 203.

[0030] Please see Figure 4In some possible embodiments, the environmental control module 3 includes a heater 31 and a humidifier 32. The heater 31, humidifier 32, and fan 4 are centrally arranged in the mounting cavity 202, forming a complete environmental control system. A filter element 5 is installed on the airflow channel between the air inlet 201 and the outlet 203 to ensure air cleanliness. Specifically, an inner box 22 is provided inside the second housing 21. One end of the inner box 22 corresponds to the air inlet 201, and multiple fans 4 are installed sequentially along the length of the opening surface of the air inlet 201. The other end of the inner box 22 has evenly distributed air guide holes 221. The filter element 5, heater 31, and humidifier 32 are installed sequentially between the fans 4 and the air guide holes 221. The working process of the environmental control module 3 is as follows: When the fan 4 is running, external air enters from the air inlet 201, passes through the filter element 5 for purification, the heater 31 for heating, and the humidifier 32 for humidification, forming a culture gas that meets the set conditions, and finally is sent into the corresponding shelf 1 through the outlet 203. Each isolation layer 2 independently controls the environmental parameters of one or more shelving layers 1, enabling zoned management.

[0031] Please see Figure 3 In some possible embodiments, an air outlet 113 is provided on the outside of the first housing 11, and a temperature sensor 16 and a humidity sensor 17 are provided inside it. Ventilation holes 121 are provided on the bottom and side walls of the storage drawer 12 to allow air circulation inside the storage drawer 12. A display electrically connected to the temperature sensor 16 and the humidity sensor 17 is also provided on the door 13 of the first housing 11.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some possible embodiments, a control panel 211 is provided on the outside of the second housing 21. The control panel 211 is electrically connected to the heater 31 and the humidifier 32, and is used to set and display the target temperature of the heater 31 and the target humidity of the humidifier 32. During use, the sensor monitors environmental data in real time and displays it on the display. The control panel 211 receives the data and allows the user to independently adjust the temperature and humidity settings of each unit. The distributed control architecture ensures that each culture unit can maintain a stable and required environment.

[0033] During actual assembly, users can combine shelf 1 and isolation layer 2 in various ways as needed. For cultivation tasks requiring an independent environment, an alternating stacking method of shelf 1-isolation layer 2-shelf 1 is used; for routine cultivation or situations requiring expanded cultivation space, a configuration where one isolation layer 2 connects multiple shelf layers 1 can be used. This flexible assembly method allows the equipment to adapt to various application scenarios, from precision research to large-scale cultivation. While ensuring the independence of the cultivation environment, this device achieves free expansion of equipment capacity, effectively solving the problems of insufficient flexibility and easy cross-contamination of traditional incubators.

[0034] This invention utilizes a modular design with multiple shelf layers 1, multiple isolation layers 2, and multiple environmental control modules 3. Through the modular combination of shelf layers 1 and isolation layers 2, multiple shelf layers 1 can be completely separated by the isolation layers 2 to form independent culture environments, effectively preventing cross-contamination. Alternatively, one isolation layer 2 can be configured to correspond to multiple shelf layers 1, allowing for flexible expansion of the culture space. This design enables the equipment to freely adjust the culture scale according to experimental needs, significantly improving space utilization and equipment efficiency while ensuring environmental isolation. The modular structure also simplifies the maintenance process; a failure in one unit will not affect the operation of other units, enhancing the reliability and practical value of the equipment. It solves the problems of inflexible space utilization, high risk of cross-contamination, and inconvenient maintenance in existing technologies.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0037] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A modular cell culture incubator, characterized in that, include: Several shelves are stacked sequentially along one direction. Each shelf has a cavity for storing items inside and has an opening communicating with the cavity on at least two opposite sides. Several isolation layers are respectively disposed between two adjacent shelves, or on the outside of shelves located at the edge of the stacking direction, for isolating the openings between adjacent shelves, or isolating the shelves from the external environment; and Several environmental control modules are respectively installed on the isolation layer to provide the set temperature and humidity environment to the corresponding shelf through the isolation layer.

2. The modular cell culture chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, An installation cavity is formed inside the isolation layer, and an opening is provided on the side corresponding to the shelf layer that communicates with the installation cavity. The opening communicates with the opening of the corresponding shelf layer, and the environmental control module is housed in the installation cavity.

3. The modular cell culture chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a fan, and the isolation layer is provided with an air inlet communicating with the mounting cavity. The fan is located inside the mounting cavity and is used to introduce external air into the corresponding shelf through the air inlet via the environmental control module.

4. The modular cell culture chamber according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a filter element, which is disposed in the mounting cavity and located in the airflow channel between the air inlet and the outlet.

5. The modular cell culture chamber according to claim 4, characterized in that, The environmental control module includes a heater and a humidifier, both of which are located in the mounting cavity.

6. The modular cell culture chamber according to claim 5, characterized in that, Temperature and humidity sensors are installed inside the shelf; a display electrically connected to the temperature and humidity sensors is installed on the outside of the shelf.

7. The modular cell culture chamber according to claim 6, characterized in that, A control panel is provided on the outside of the isolation layer. The control panel is electrically connected to the heater and the humidifier and is used to set and display the target temperature of the heater and the target humidity of the humidifier.

8. The modular cell culture chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shelf includes a first box, a storage drawer, and a door. The first box has a first connecting frame and a first connecting groove at its opposite side openings. The first connecting frame of one first box is configured to be detachably and sealingly connected to the first connecting groove of the other first box. The first box has a retrieval opening on one side perpendicular to the stacking direction. The storage drawer is slidably disposed in the first box through the retrieval opening. The door is connected to the storage drawer and is used to open and close the retrieval opening.

9. The modular cell culture chamber according to claim 8, characterized in that, A magnetic sealing strip is provided on the side of the cabinet door facing the first cabinet body, and the magnetic sealing strip surrounds the storage drawer.

10. The modular cell culture chamber according to claim 8, characterized in that, The isolation layer includes a second housing, with a second connecting frame and a second connecting groove respectively provided on opposite sides of the second housing; wherein the second connecting frame is configured to be detachably and sealingly connected to the first connecting groove of the first housing; and the second connecting groove is configured to be detachably and sealingly connected to the first connecting frame of the first housing.

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