Flask tray, flask unit, and cell culture system

Abstract

To provide a flask tray that improves operational efficiency and reduces contamination risk.SOLUTION: A flask tray comprises: a placement plate having a placement surface on which the bottom surface of a flask is placed; a support part extending upward from the placement plate; and a frame which is supported by the support part above the placement plate and surrounds the flask from the horizontal direction such that the flask can be placed on the placement surface from above. The frame has a lid placement part which is disposed adjacent to the flask and can hold a lid part detachably attached to the flask.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flask tray, a flask unit, and a cell culture system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a culture vessel set having a recess capable of holding a plurality of case-shaped culture vessels containing a culture solution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4403169 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When culturing cells, a flask with a lid may be used as a container to hold the culture medium. When using such a flask with a lid in a cell culture system, handling the lid when performing various operations on the culture medium becomes an issue. That is, for example, after dispensing the culture solution in the flask, the lid must be reattached on the spot, which means that the flask to be used for the next dispensing operation must wait for the time it takes to attach the lid, resulting in a decrease in operational efficiency. Furthermore, if the removed lid is attached to another flask, contamination of the culture fluids will occur, which is undesirable.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a flask tray, a flask unit, and a cell culture system that can improve operational efficiency and suppress the occurrence of contamination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the flask tray of the present disclosure comprises a mounting plate having a mounting surface on which the bottom of a flask having a removable lid is placed, a support extending upward from the mounting plate, and a frame supported by the support above the mounting plate and surrounding the flask horizontally so that the flask can be placed on the mounting surface from above, the frame having a lid mounting portion positioned adjacent to the flask and capable of holding the lid.

[0007] The flask unit according to the present disclosure comprises the above flask tray and the flask having the lid portion.

[0008] The cell culture system according to the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned flask unit, an incubator forming a culture area in which the flask unit is housed, a clean bench forming a liquid handling area in which a dispensing operation is performed on the flask unit, a transport device capable of transporting the flask unit between the culture area and the liquid handling area, and a pass box capable of transferring the flask unit between the incubator and the clean bench. Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the flask tray, flask unit, and cell culture system of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve processing efficiency and suppress the occurrence of contamination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a schematic configuration of a cell culture system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flask unit of the cell culture system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a flask unit of the cell culture system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a front view of a flask unit of the cell culture system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of a flask unit of the cell culture system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a recess in a flask tray in a flask unit of a cell culture system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] A vertical cross-sectional view of a recess in a flask tray in a flask unit of a cell culture system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a side view of a flask unit of a cell culture system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flask unit of a cell culture system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a flask unit of a cell culture system according to a first modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a flask unit of a cell culture system according to a second modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, a cell culture system 100 of this embodiment is a system that performs cell culture and cell analysis after culture using a flask unit 1 as a processing unit, and these processes are performed, for example, unmanned and automatically.

[0012] The flask unit 1 has a plurality of flasks 2 (for example, two in this embodiment) The flasks 2 contain cells and a culture solution containing a medium to which nutrients necessary for cell growth and the like have been added.

[0013] <Cell culture system> 1, the cell culture system 100 includes a stocker 110, an incubator 130, a clean bench 140, and a pass box 150. The cell culture system 100 of this embodiment further includes a carry-in booth 120, a measuring device 160, a culture medium supplying device 161, a waste liquid tank 162, and a transporting device 170.

[0014] <Stocker> The stocker 110 is a facility for storing a plurality of flask units 1. The stocker 110 has a stocker body 111, a rack 112, a first stocker door 113, and a second stocker door 114. Stocker body 111 is a housing that forms storage area R1 as a warehouse inside. Stocker body 111 is made of a transparent material such as acrylic or glass. The rack 112 is disposed within the storage area R1 and is capable of storing a plurality of flask units 1 horizontally and vertically.

[0015] The first stocker door 113 is a door for carrying in the flask unit 1 and the like from the outside, and can be opened and closed by sliding, for example, horizontally. The second stocker door 114 is a door for carrying the flask unit 1 out to the clean bench 140, and can be opened and closed by, for example, sliding horizontally.

[0016] <Delivery Booth> The loading booth 120 is a booth used for loading the flask unit 1 and the like from outside into the stocker 110. The loading booth 120 has a booth body 121 and a loading door 122. The booth body 121 is a housing arranged adjacent to the stocker 110 and is made of a transparent material. The space inside the loading booth 120 is a loading area R2, which can communicate with the storage area R1 via the stocker second door 114. The loading door 122 is a door for loading flask units 1 and the like into the loading booth 120 from the outside, and can be opened and closed, for example, by sliding up and down. The inside of the loading area R2 is controlled, for example, to a negative pressure lower than the atmosphere in the storage area R1. This prevents outside air and the like from entering the stocker 110 when the loading door 122 is open.

[0017] <Incubator> The incubator 130 is a facility for growing cells in a culture solution. The incubator 130 includes an incubator body 131 and a shaking stage 132. The incubator body 131 is a housing that forms a culture area R3 inside. The culture area R3 is controlled to have a temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration suitable for cell culture. The incubator body 131 is made of a transparent material such as acrylic or glass. The shaking stage 132 is a device for shaking the flask unit 1. A plurality of shaking stages 132 are arranged in the culture area R3, each holding a plurality of flask units 1. The shaking stage 132 is configured to be able to shake the flask unit 1 by, for example, rotating eccentrically about a vertical axis.

[0018] <Clean bench> The clean bench 140 is a facility for performing various operations and processes on the flask unit 1. The clean bench 140 includes a clean bench main body 141, a dispensing device 142, a waste liquid extracting device 145, and a stage 149.

[0019] The clean bench body 141 is a housing that forms a liquid handling area R4, which is a highly clean and sterile space (bio-clean room) inside. In the clean space, air flows and circulates as a downflow (downward air current) from above to below. The clean bench body 141 is made of a transparent material such as acrylic or glass.

[0020] The dispensing device 142 is provided in the clean room. The dispensing device 142 performs various dispensing operations and other processes to the flask unit 1. It should be noted that not only one but also a plurality of dispensing devices 142 may be provided.

[0021] Waste liquid extractor 145 is provided in liquid handling area R4, and is a device for extracting unused culture liquid from flask 2 of flask unit 1 as waste liquid. A plurality of stages 149 are provided in liquid handling area R4. On stage 149, flask unit 1 is temporarily placed.

[0022] <passbox> The pass box 150 is provided between the incubator 130 and the clean bench 140. The pass box 150 moves the flask unit 1 between the incubator 130 and the clean bench 140. The pass box 150 has a box body 151, a first door 152, and a second door 153. The first door 152 and the second door 153 are never open at the same time. This prevents direct communication between the culture area R3 and the liquid handling area R4. The flask unit 1 is transferred between the culture area R3 and the liquid handling area R4 via this pass box 150.

[0023] The box body 151 is a housing formed so as to be sandwiched between the incubator body 131 and the clean bench body 141 . The first door 152 switches between a communicating state and an unblocked state between the space within the box body 151 and the incubation area R3, for example, by opening and closing in a horizontal direction. Second door 153 switches between a communication state and a non-communication state between the space within box main body 151 and liquid handling area R4, for example, by opening and closing in a horizontal direction. First door 152 and second door 153 are never open at the same time, so that culture area R3 and liquid handling area R4 are not directly connected to each other.

[0024] <Measurement equipment> The measuring device 160 is disposed adjacent to the clean bench 140. The measuring device 160 is capable of measuring and analyzing the number of cells in the culture solution. The culture solution dispensed from the flask 2 by the dispensing device 142 is transferred to the measuring device 160 via a tube (not shown).

[0025] <Culture supply device> The culture medium supplying device 161 is disposed adjacent to the clean bench 140. The culture medium supplying device 161 is a device capable of supplying the culture medium contained in the flask 2. The culture medium supplied from the culture medium supplying device 161 is transferred to the dispensing device 142, and is supplied into the flask of the flask unit 1 in the dispensing device 142.

[0026] <Waste tank> The waste liquid tank 162 is disposed adjacent to the clean bench 140. The waste liquid tank 162 is connected to the waste liquid extractor 145 via a tube (not shown). The waste liquid is transferred from the waste liquid extractor 145 to the waste liquid tank 162 via the tube.

[0027] <Transportation equipment> The transfer device 170 is a device for realizing unmanned transfer of the flask unit 1 within the cell culture system 100. The transfer device 170 has a first transfer robot 171, a second transfer robot 172, a third transfer robot 173, a fourth transfer robot 174, and a conveyor 175.

[0028] <Cell culture system operation> In the cell culture system 100 configured as above, cell proliferation is promoted by shaking the culture solution in the flask unit 1 in the incubator 130. The flask unit 1 in which cell proliferation has progressed is transferred to liquid manipulation area R4 via the second transport robot 172 and the pass box 150. The flask unit 1 transferred to liquid manipulation area R4 is transferred to the dispensing device 142 via the third transport robot 173. In the dispensing device 142, the culture solution is dispensed from the flask of the flask unit 1, and the culture solution is transferred to the measuring device 160. In the measuring device 160, the number of cells in the culture solution is measured, the liquid properties are analyzed, and the like are performed.

[0029] When adding a medium to the flask 2, the flask 2 is transported into the dispensing device 142. Then, in the dispensing device 142, the medium is supplied from the medium supplying device 161 to the flask 2.

[0030] Furthermore, when cell proliferation is carried out using a new flask unit 1, the following procedure is carried out, for example. That is, the first transport robot 171 transports the flask unit 1 on the rack 112 that does not contain culture medium into the liquid handling area R4 via the second stocker door 114. The flask unit 1 is transferred to the dispensing device 142 via the third transport robot 173, and the culture medium is supplied.

[0031] Thereafter, the proliferated flask unit 1 in which cell proliferation has progressed is transported to the dispensing device 142. Then, the culture medium in the flask 2 of this proliferated flask unit 1 is dispensed into the flask 2 of a new flask unit 1. This completes the subculture operation of the cells into the flask 2 of the new flask unit 1. The flask unit 1 that has undergone the subculture operation is transported to the incubator 130, where the cells are proliferated.

[0032] <Detailed structure of flask unit> Next, a detailed structure of the flask unit 1 on which the flask 2 is mounted will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 6. The flask unit 1 is composed of the flask 2 and a flask tray 10.

[0033] <Flask> In this embodiment, a flask with a lid is used as the flask 2. The flask 2 has a flask body 3 and a lid 7.

[0034] <Flask body> As shown in Figs. 2 to 5, the flask body 3 is a so-called Erlenmeyer flask. The flask body 3 is a bottomed tubular shape centered on a flask axis O1 extending in the vertical direction V, and is open at the top. That is, the flask body 3 is oriented such that the direction in which the flask axis O1 extends coincides with the vertical direction. The flask axis O1 is the central axis of the flask 2. The bottom surface 4 of the flask body 3 is circular in plan view, that is, when viewed from above, which is one side of the vertical direction V, and centered on the flask axis O1. The outer peripheral surface 5 of the flask body 3 is provided so as to rise upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 4. The outer peripheral surface 5 of the flask body 3 is a conical surface centered on the flask axis O1, which decreases in diameter as it goes upward. The upper part of the flask body 3 is provided with a cylindrical mouth 6 that is connected to the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 5 of the flask 2 and is centered on the flask axis O1. The mouth portion 6 has an outer circumferential surface 5 formed with a male screw that twists around the flask axis O1.

[0035] <Lid> The lid portion 7 is cylindrical with a bottom and a closed upper end, centered on the flask axis O1. The lid portion 7 has a circular outer shape in a cross section (horizontal cross section) perpendicular to the flask axis O1. A female thread that twists around the flask axis O1 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lid portion 7. The female thread of the lid portion 7 is screwed into the male thread of the mouth portion 6, so that the lid portion 7 is attached to the flask body 3 in an airtight and liquid-tight manner.

[0036] <Flask tray> The flasks 2 having the above configuration are subjected to various operations and transport while being placed on the flask tray 10 as a set of two flasks 2. 2 to 5, the flask tray 10 has a mounting plate 20, a fixing portion 30, a support portion 40, a frame 50, and a lid mounting portion 60. The flask tray 10 is formed of a highly corrosion-resistant metal material such as stainless steel or a synthetic resin material.

[0037] <Placement plate> The mounting plate 20 is a member on which the flask 2 is placed. The mounting plate 20 is flat and extends in the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction V. The mounting plate 20 is rectangular in plan view. Hereinafter, the short side direction of the mounting plate 20 in plan view (the direction in which a pair of short sides extend) is referred to as a first direction D1. The long side direction of the mounting plate 20 in plan view (the direction in which a pair of long sides extend) is referred to as a second direction D2.

[0038] The mounting plate 20 is formed of a perforated plate having a large number of through holes in the vertical direction V, such as a punched metal, a grating material, a mesh material, etc. The through holes penetrate at least in the vertical direction. The upper surface 51a of the mounting plate 20 is the mounting surface 20a on which the flask 2 is placed. A plurality of flasks 2 (two in this embodiment) are arranged in the second direction D2 with the bottom surface 4 of the flask 2 in contact with the mounting plate 20. In other words, the juxtaposition direction of the plurality of flasks 2 coincides with the second direction D2. A straight line passing through the flask axes O1 of the flasks 2 in a plan view extends so as to coincide with the second direction D2. The plurality of flask bodies 3 are provided at a position biased toward one side of the first direction D1 on the mounting plate 20 (the near side in Figs. 2 and 4, the lower side in Fig. 3, and the left side in Fig. 5).

[0039] <Fixed part> 2 to 5, the fixing part 30 fixes the flask 2 placed on the mounting surface 20a. A plurality of fixing parts 30 (two in this embodiment) are provided so as to correspond to each flask 2. The fixing part 30 is fixed integrally to the mounting surface 20a. The fixing part 30 is configured to abut against the flask 2 placed on the mounting surface 20a from the outer periphery side.

[0040] The fixing part 30 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of fixing pins 31. The lower end of each fixing pin 31 is fixed on the mounting surface 20a and extends upward from the lower end. The fixing pins 31 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the flask axis O1. In this embodiment, three fixing pins 31 are arranged at equal intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction of the flask axis O1. The fixing pins 31 of one fixing part 30 are provided so as to be in contact with a virtual circle (a virtual circle having the maximum outer diameter of the flask 2) centered on the flask axis O1 from the outer periphery. As a result, when each flask 2 is mounted on the mounting surface 20a, the fixing pins 31 abut against the outer periphery 5 of the flask 2 from the outer periphery.

[0041] Here, a plurality of fixing pins 31 are provided so as to sandwich the flask axis O1 from both sides in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, one fixing pin 31 is provided on one side of the flask axis O1 in the first direction D1. The fixing pin 31 is capable of abutting against a portion of the outer peripheral surface 5 of the flask main body 3 that is closest to the one side in the first direction D1. In addition, two fixing pins 31 are provided on the other side of the flask axis O1 in the first direction D1 (opposite to the one side in the first direction D1, the back side in Figures 2 and 4, the upper side in Figure 3, and the right side in Figure 5) so as to be spaced apart in the second direction D2. These two fixing pins 31 are capable of abutting against a portion of the outer peripheral surface 5 of the flask main body 3 that is closer to the one side in the first direction D1 than the portion closest to the other side in the first direction D1.

[0042] The upper end of the fixing pin 31 has a semispherical shape that is convex upward. The upper end of the fixing pin 31 may have a shape that decreases in diameter as it goes upward, and may have, for example, a rounded shape or a needle shape.

[0043] <Support part> As shown in Figs. 2 to 5, the support part 40 is a rod-shaped member extending upward from above the mounting surface 20a. A plurality of support parts 40 (four in this embodiment) are provided. Each support part 40 is provided at one of the four corners where the short side and long side of the mounting plate 20 are connected in a plan view. The upper end of the support part 40 is located above the upper end of the fixing pin 31 of the fixing part 30. The upper end of the support part 40 is located below the upper end of the mouth part 6 of the flask body 3 placed on the mounting surface 20a. The heights of the upper ends of the plurality of support parts 40 are the same.

[0044] <frame> 2 to 5, the frame 50 is supported by the support parts 40 above the mounting plate 20. Like the mounting plate 20, the frame 50 has a rectangular shape in plan view with the first direction D1 as the short side direction and the second direction D2 as the long side direction. The outline shape of the frame 50 in plan view is the same as that of the mounting plate 20. The upper ends of the support parts 40 are connected to the lower surfaces of the four corners of the frame 50. As a result, the frame 50 is disposed above the mounting plate 20 so as to be parallel to the mounting plate 20.

[0045] An opening 50a is formed in the frame 50, penetrating vertically. The opening 50a has a rectangular shape with a first direction D1 as a short side direction and a second direction D2 as a long side direction in a plan view. The opening 50a extends in the second direction D2 at a position offset to one side of the frame 50 in the first direction D1. The height of the frame 50 is set to a height equal to or higher than the upper end of the fixing pin 31 and equal to or lower than the upper end of the mouth portion 6 of the flask body 3, depending on the height of the upper end of the support portion 40. The flask 2 placed on the mounting surface 20a passes through the through-hole vertically. That is, the flask 2 on the mounting surface 20a is surrounded by the frame 50 from the entire horizontal periphery.

[0046] 3, in plan view, the flask 2 is disposed within the formation range of the opening 50a. In this embodiment, the multiple flasks 2 are contained within the formation range of one opening 50a in plan view. That is, the frame 50 and the flask 2 do not vertically overlap each other. Therefore, the frame 50 does not interfere with the vertical movement of the flask 2, and the flask 2 can be placed on the mounting surface 20a from above, and the flask 2 can be separated from the flask tray 10 by pulling the flask 2 upward from the mounting surface 20a. In this embodiment, each fixing portion 30 is also contained within the formation range of one opening 50a in plan view.

[0047] Since the opening 50a as described above is formed in the frame 50, the frame 50 has four members: a first frame piece 51, a second frame piece 52, a third frame piece 53, and a fourth frame piece .

[0048] The first frame piece 51 is a portion extending in the second direction D2 along the outer edge of the frame 50 on the other side in the first direction D1. The second frame piece 52 is a portion extending in the second direction D2 along the outer edge of the frame 50 on one side in the first direction D1. The third frame piece 53 is a portion extending in the first direction D1 along the outer edge of the frame 50 on one side in the second direction D2 (the right side in Figs. 2 and 4, the right side in Fig. 3, the front side in Fig. 5). The second frame piece 52 is a portion extending in the first direction D1 along the outer edge of the frame 50 on the other side in the second direction D2 (the left side in Figs. 2 and 4, the left side in Fig. 3, the rear side in Fig. 5).

[0049] The frame 50 is formed by connecting the first frame piece 51, the second frame piece 52, the third frame piece 53 and the fourth frame piece 54 to each other, so that the frame 50 forms a frame shape that surrounds the flask 2 horizontally.

[0050] Here, the opening 50a of the frame 50 is formed biased toward one side in the first direction D1, so that the first frame has a larger dimension in the first direction D1 than the other frame pieces. The dimension of the first frame in the first direction D1 is set to be larger than the diameter of the cover portion 7. The upper surface 51a of the frame 50 is a flat surface that extends in the horizontal direction. The upper surface 51a of the frame 50 has a rectangular shape with the first direction D1 as the short side direction and the second direction D2 as the long side direction.

[0051] <Lid holder> 2, 3, and 5, the lid rest 60 is a portion capable of holding the lid 7 removed from the flask body 3. The lid rest 60 is provided on the first frame piece 51 of the frame 50. The lid rest 60 is arranged corresponding to each flask 2, adjacent to each flask 2 in the first direction D1, and multiple lid rests 60 are arranged side by side in the second direction D2. The lid rest portion 60 of this embodiment is composed of a recess 61 formed in the frame 50 and a holding portion 64 .

[0052] <Concave> The recess 61 is formed so as to be recessed downward from the upper surface 51a. The recess 61 has a circular shape centered on a recess axis O2 extending in the vertical direction. The recess axis O2 is the central axis of the recess 61. The inner diameter of the recess 61 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lid portion 7. As a result, the recess 61 is configured so that the lid portion 7 is inserted from above and fitted into the recess 61 via a gap.

[0053] The recess axis O2 of the recess 61 of the lid holder 60 and the flask axis O1 of the flask 2 corresponding to the lid holder 60 are disposed on a straight line extending in the first direction D1 in a plan view. The recess axes O2 of the recesses 61 of the multiple lid holders 60 are disposed on a straight line extending in the second direction D2 in a plan view.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, the recess 61 has an inner cylindrical surface 61a and a recess bottom surface 61b. The inner cylindrical surface 61a is cylindrical with the recess axis O2 as its center, and holds the lower part of the lid part 7 fitted into the recess 61 from the outer periphery. The cylindrical inner surface faces the lid part 7 in the circumferential direction with a small gap therebetween. The recess bottom surface 61b is tapered with a diameter decreasing from the lower end of the inner cylindrical surface 61a downward, and in this embodiment, is a conical surface with an apex on the recess axis O2. The lower end of the lid part 7 is positioned in the vertical direction V by contacting the boundary between the inner cylindrical surface 61a and the recess bottom surface 61b. The depth of the cylindrical inner surface is dimensioned so that only a part of the lower part of the lid part 7 is inserted into the recess 61.

[0055] <Holding part> 2 to 5, the holding portion 64 is provided integrally with the upper surface 51a of the frame 50. The holding portion 64 holds the upper portion of the lid portion 7 exposed from the recess 61 from the outer periphery side. The holding portion 64 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of holding pins 65. The lower end of each holding pin 65 is fixed onto the upper surface 51a of the frame 50, and extends upward from the lower end. The plurality of holding pins 65 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the recess axis O2. In this embodiment, three holding pins 65 are arranged at equal intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction of the recess axis O2. The plurality of holding pins 65 of one holding portion 64 are arranged so as to contact the circular outer periphery of the recess 61 in a plan view.

[0056] Here, a plurality of retaining pins 65 are provided so as to sandwich the recess axis O2 from both sides in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, two retaining pins 65 are provided spaced apart in the second direction D2 on one side of the recess axis O2 in the first direction D1. These two retaining pins 65 are disposed on a portion of the outer circumferential edge of the recess 61 on the other side in the first direction D1 relative to a portion on the one side in the first direction D1. Also, one retaining pin 65 is provided on the other side in the first direction D1 of the recess axis O2. The retaining pin 65 is disposed on a portion on the outer circumferential edge of the recess 61 on the other side in the first direction D1.

[0057] The upper end of the holding pin 65 is hemispherical and convex upward. The upper end of the holding pin 65 may have a shape that decreases in diameter as it approaches the top, and may be rounded or needle-like, for example. The height of the upper end of the holding pin 65 is set to a height equal to or lower than the upper end of the mouth portion 6 of the flask body 3 placed on the placement surface 20a.

[0058] <Action and effect> The flask 2 is placed on the flask tray 10 and transported as a flask unit 1 by a transport device 170. Then, at the transport destination, various dispensing operations are performed on the flask 2. When the flask unit 1 is transported by the transport device 170, the flask unit 1 is clamped by a pair of gripping pieces 181 of the grippers 180 of the first transport robot 171, the second transport robot 172, the third transport robot 173, and the fourth transport robot 174.

[0059] That is, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, for example, a pair of gripping pieces 181 of the gripper 180 clamps the flask unit 1 so as to sandwich the outer peripheral edge portions of the first frame piece 51 and the second frame piece 52 of the frame 50 of the flask unit 1. By clamping the flask unit 1 from both sides in the first direction D1 in this way, the flask unit 1 can be transported stably even if the center of gravity of the flask unit 1 is not in the center of the flask unit 1. Then, the flask unit 1 is transported to the destination location by each transport robot moving on the rails and rotating. The first direction D1, which is the rotation direction of the transport robot, becomes the main transport direction for the flask unit 1, and an inertial force in the first direction D1 is applied to the flask unit 1.

[0060] Here, for example, when supplying a culture medium into the flask 2, the flask unit 1 is transported into the dispensing device 142 by the third transport robot 173. When the flask unit 1 reaches the culture medium supply location in the dispensing device 142, the lid part 7 is removed from the flask 2 by a lid attaching / detaching device (not shown). That is, the lid attaching / detaching device rotates the lid part 7 around the flask axis O1 while gripping the lid part 7, thereby separating the lid part 7 from the flask body 3. Then, the detached lid part 7 is transported to the other side of the first direction D1, and reaches directly above the lid placement part 60 of the flask tray 10. Thereafter, the lid attaching / detaching device transports the lid part 7 downward, so that the lid part 7 is inserted into the recess 61 of the lid placement part 60 and fitted therein. As a result, the lid part 7 is placed on the lid placement part 60 so as to correspond one-to-one with the flask body 3.

[0061] Then, a culture medium is supplied into the flask body 3 from which the lid 7 has been removed by a culture medium supply nozzle (not shown). After the culture medium has been supplied into the flask body 3, the flask body 3 is transported together with the flask unit 1 from the culture medium supply location with the lid 7 removed. Then, the lid 7 is attached to the flask body 3 by a lid attaching / detaching device at a location separate from the culture medium supply location.

[0062] In this manner, in this embodiment, after the dispensing operation is performed on the flask body 3, the flask unit 1 can be transported to the next process with both the flask body 3 and the lid 7 placed on the same flask tray 10. Therefore, the flask unit 1 can be moved from the dispensing operation location without performing the installation work of the lid 7 on the spot. Therefore, another flask unit 1 to be subjected to the next dispensing operation can be quickly transported to the dispensing operation location without having to wait for the time required to install the lid 7 of the flask unit 1 that has already been subjected to the dispensing operation. Therefore, the efficiency of the dispensing operation to a large number of flask units 1 can be improved.

[0063] In addition, the lid part 7 removed from the flask body 3 is transported together with the corresponding flask body 3 while being placed on the lid rest part 60 adjacent to the flask body 3. Therefore, the corresponding relationship between the flask body 3 and the lid part 7 is not lost. If the lid portion 7 is removed from the flask body 3 and placed in a dispensing device, moving the flask body 3 will disrupt the correspondence between the flask body 3 and the lid portion 7, and as a result, the lid portion 7 may be attached to another flask body 3, resulting in contamination.

[0064] In contrast, in this embodiment, even if the lid part 7 is removed, the flask unit 1 can be transported without losing its corresponding relationship with the flask body 3, so there is no risk of mistaking the lid part 7. This makes it possible to avoid contamination.

[0065] In addition, in this embodiment, two flasks 2 can be transported on one flask tray 10, improving transport efficiency and processing efficiency. Furthermore, the flask tray 10 is provided with a lid placement portion 60 adjacent to the placement location of each flask 2, so that the corresponding relationship between the flask body 3 and the lid portion 7 can be maintained. This makes it possible to prevent the lid portions 7 of the flasks 2 placed on the same flask tray 10 from being mixed up, further suppressing the occurrence of contamination.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the fixing portion 30 is provided on the mounting surface 20a of the mounting plate 20, a tall flask 2 can be stably mounted on the mounting surface 20a. The fixing portion 30 is composed of multiple fixing pins 31, and these fixing pins 31 are configured to abut against the outer peripheral surface 5 of the flask body 3, so that the flask 2 can be appropriately fixed without applying excessive restraining force to the flask body 3.

[0067] Furthermore, when placing the flask 2 on the placement surface 20a, the flask 2 can be fixed simply by inserting the flask 2 through the opening 50a of the frame 50. At this time, since the upper end of the fixing pin 31 has a shape that reduces in diameter toward the top, even if the relative positions of the flask 2 and the flask tray 10 are slightly misaligned in the horizontal direction, the upper end of the fixing pin 31 guides the horizontal position of the flask 2 to an appropriate position. This allows the flask 2 to be placed more smoothly.

[0068] In addition, the height of the fixing pin 31 is set lower than the height of the frame 50. This allows the fixing pin 31 to be performed smoothly without interfering with the operation of attaching and detaching the lid part 7. Furthermore, even if a large inertial force is applied to the flask 2 and the constraint of the flask body 3 by the fixing part 30 is released, the flask 2 is held by each frame piece of the frame 50 provided above the fixing pin 31. This makes it possible to prevent the flask 2 from falling.

[0069] Furthermore, the multiple fixing pins 31 abut against the outer peripheral surface 5 of the flask body 3 from both sides in the first direction D1. This allows the flask 2 to be held from both sides in the moving direction of the flask unit 1. This makes it possible to prevent the flask 2 from falling over due to the inertial force when the flask tray 10 is moved.

[0070] In addition, the recess 61 and the holding portion 64 constituting the lid rest 60 are each located below the upper end of the mouth 6 of the flask 2. This allows the movement trajectory of the lid 7 after it is removed from the flask body 3 to be shortened. That is, if the lid rest 60 were located above the mouth 6, the lid 7 would be placed on the lid rest 60 in three steps, namely, lifting it once, moving it horizontally, and then lowering it. In contrast, in this embodiment, two steps, moving the lid 7 horizontally and then lowering it, are sufficient, so that the lid 7 can be removed and placed efficiently.

[0071] This allows the lid part 7 removed from the flask 2 to be smoothly moved to the lid rest part 60. Even if the flask 2 is about to fall over, the lid rest part 60 hits the flask 2, thereby preventing the flask 2 from falling over.

[0072] Furthermore, even when the lid 7 is placed on the lid rest 60 with the culture medium adhering thereto, the culture medium dripping from the lid 7 is collected in the center of the recess 61 according to the tapered shape of the bottom surface 4 of the recess 61. This makes it possible to prevent the culture medium from scattering from the recess 61. This makes it possible to further improve hygiene and prevent contamination.

[0073] Furthermore, the lid rest 60 has the holding portion 64 that holds the lid 7 inserted into the recess 61 from the outer periphery, so that the lid 7 can be held stably. Furthermore, since the holding part 64 is composed of a plurality of holding pins 65, it is possible to hold the lid part 7 appropriately without applying excessive restraining force to the lid part 7. And, since the upper ends of the holding pins 65 are located below the mouth part 6, the lid part 7 removed from the flask body 3 can be smoothly moved to the lid rest part 60. Also, since it is possible to prevent the flask tray 10 from accidentally becoming larger than the size of the flask 2, the transportability and operability of the flask unit 1 can be maintained.

[0074] In addition, like the fixing pin 31, the retaining pin 65 has a reduced diameter at the upper end, so that even if the lid portion 7 is horizontally misaligned with respect to the recess 61, the lid portion 7 can be guided by the retaining pin 65, allowing the lid portion 7 to be smoothly inserted into the recess 61. Furthermore, like the fixing pin 31, the retaining pin 65 is positioned so as to abut against the lid portion 7 from both sides in the first direction D1, so that the lid portion 7 can be securely held against the inertial force during transportation of the flask unit 1.

[0075] Here, when the flask unit 1 is present inside the clean bench 140, the flask unit 1 is exposed to a downward air current inside the clean bench 140. At this time, the downward air current flows so as to penetrate the mounting plate 20. If the mounting plate 20 were a flat plate without any holes, the downward air current would be redirected by colliding with the mounting plate 20, and in the process would lift up the cells, culture medium, and other impurities. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the mounting plate 20 is formed of a perforated plate, the downward air current passes through the mounting plate 20 from top to bottom. In particular, when there is space below where the mounting plate 20 is placed, the downward air current passes through the mounting plate 20 more appropriately. This makes it possible to suppress the downward air current from being deflected by the mounting plate 20, and prevents impurities from being stirred up on the mounting plate 20. This makes it possible to ensure hygiene and prevent contamination.

[0076] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the second embodiment, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the lid placement portion 60. That is, the lid placement portion 60 of the second embodiment has a porous member 62 and a photocatalyst layer 63 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0078] The porous member 62 is provided on the bottom surface 4 of the lid mounting portion 60. The porous member 62 has a shape that follows the tapered shape of the bottom surface 4, and is laminated at a predetermined thickness on the surface of the lid mounting portion 60. The porous member 62 is a member in which a large number of fine pores are formed, and is made of a porous material such as diatomaceous earth or zeolite.

[0079] The photocatalyst layer 63 is provided so as to be laminated on the entire surface of the porous member 62. The photocatalyst layer 63 contains a photocatalyst such as titanium dioxide. The photocatalyst layer 63 may be in the form of a sheet having a large number of holes formed therein, or may be configured to be applied onto the porous member 62 via a spray.

[0080] According to the second embodiment, the photocatalytic layer 63 is irradiated with ultraviolet light by an ultraviolet light irradiation device provided at any location in the cell culture system 100, thereby making it possible to sterilize the recess 61 of the lid holder 60. Therefore, by periodically transporting the flask unit 1 to the ultraviolet light irradiation device by the transport device 170, the sanitary condition of the flask unit 1 can be ensured.

[0081] In addition, since the porous member 62 is provided on the bottom surface 4 of the lid rest 60, the culture solution adhering to the lid 7 is absorbed by the porous member 62 and collected in the center of the recess 61. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the culture solution from scattering, and to avoid contamination.

[0082] <Third embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the third embodiment, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] In the third embodiment, the shapes of the mounting plate 20 and the frame 50 are different from those of the first embodiment. That is, in the third embodiment, the dimension of the frame 50 in the first direction D1 is shorter than the dimension of the mounting plate 20 in the first direction D1. As a result, when viewed from the second direction D2, the frame 50 is disposed above the mounting plate 20 and inside the first direction D1. In addition, the pair of support parts 40 disposed apart in the first direction D1 extend so as to approach each other as they move upward. As a result, the flask tray 10 is configured to have a trapezoidal outline when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0084] In the third embodiment, the above-mentioned configuration allows a large access space for the gripping pieces 181 of the gripper 180 at the top of the flask tray 10. That is, the flask tray 10 has a trapezoidal shape with an upper base shorter than a lower base when viewed in the second direction D2, so that the top of the flask tray 10 has a compact configuration. Therefore, a large space can be provided at the corners of the top of the flask tray 10. This makes it possible to improve the gripping ability of the gripper 180, and further improve the transportability of the flask unit 1.

[0085] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the fourth embodiment, components similar to those in the other embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The flask tray 10 of the flask unit 1 of this embodiment has legs 70 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0086] <Legs> 9, the legs 70 extend downward from the mounting plate 20 and support the mounting plate 20. The legs 70 of the present embodiment include a base plate 71 and a connection plate 72.

[0087] The base plate 71 is a flat member extending in the horizontal direction. The base plate 71 is provided below the mounting plate 20 with a gap therebetween so as to be parallel to the mounting plate 20. The base plate 71 has a rectangular shape with the first direction D1 as the short side direction and the second direction D2 as the long side direction in a plan view. The base plate 71 has a contour shape similar to that of the mounting plate 20 and the frame 50 in a plan view.

[0088] The connection plate 72 connects the mounting plate 20 in the up-down direction V. The connection plate 72 supports the mounting plate 20 above the base plate 71. The connection plate 72 extends in the second direction D2 along the outer peripheral edge of the mounting plate 20 and the base plate 71 on the other side of the first direction D1. The lower end of the connection plate 72 is connected to the base plate 71 over the entire second direction D2. The upper end of the connection plate 72 is connected to the mounting plate 20 over the entire second direction D2. As a result, the space between the mounting plate 20 and the base plate is closed only on the other side of the first direction D1 by the connection plate 72. The space between the mounting plate 20 and the base plate is horizontally open on one side in the first direction D1 and on one and the other sides in the second direction D2.

[0089] <Action and effect> In this embodiment, since there are legs 70 that support the mounting plate 20 from below, a space can be formed below the mounting plate 20. Therefore, even without taking measures such as forming a space below the mounting location of the flask unit 1, the downward air current can smoothly pass through the mounting plate 20. This makes it possible to further prevent impurities from being stirred up.

[0090] In this embodiment, the leg 70 is composed of a base plate 71 and a connection plate 72, and a part of the space below the mounting plate 20 is closed by the connection plate 72. Therefore, the direction of the downward air current that penetrates the mounting plate 20 can be controlled. This makes it possible to more appropriately manage the hygiene inside the clean bench 140. <Other embodiments> Although each embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure are also included.

[0091] Although the flask unit 1 of the embodiment has been described as being equipped with two flasks 2, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in a first modified example shown in FIG. 10, the flask unit 1 may be configured to be able to mount three flasks 2 in the second direction D2, and a lid placement portion 60 may be provided on one side in the first direction D1 so as to correspond to each flask 2. Furthermore, the number of flasks 2 is not limited to three, and four or more flasks 2 may be arranged in parallel in the second direction D2. The flask unit 1 may also have only one flask 2.

[0092] 11, the flask unit 1 may have four flasks 2. In this case, the flasks 2 may be arranged in the first direction D1 in a plane view in an L-shape rather than arranged in the second direction D2. Even in this case, the lid rest 60 may be arranged so that its relative position with respect to each flask 2 is determined. Even when five or more flasks 2 are included, they may be arranged in an L-shape in a plane view.

[0093] In the embodiment, the mounting plate 20, the frame 50, and the base plate 71 are each rectangular, but are not limited thereto. They may be other shapes such as polygonal, circular, or elliptical. On the other hand, the frame 50 preferably has a pair of frame pieces that are parallel to each other and spaced apart in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. This allows the frame 50 to be easily gripped by the gripping piece 181 of the gripper 180.

[0094] In the embodiment, the frame 50 is gripped by the gripping pieces 181 of the gripper 180 from both sides in the first direction D1, but may be gripped from both sides in the second direction D2. In the embodiment, the frame 50 is gripped by the gripping pieces 181 of the gripper 180, but for example, the lower frame may be gripped. Since the flask 2 is so tall that it passes through the frame 50 upward and has a structure with the center of gravity at the top, the flask unit 1 is transported more stably when the frame 50 is gripped.

[0095] The support parts 40 are not limited to being rod-shaped, and may be other shapes such as plate-shaped, etc. Furthermore, the number of support parts 40 is not limited to four, and may be any number less than four as long as the frame 50 can be supported.

[0096] The frame 50 need not only be configured to surround the entire circumference of the flask 2, but may be configured to surround at least a portion of the flask 2. For example, the frame 50 may be configured to surround the flask 2 from only both sides in the first direction D1, or from only both sides in the second direction D2.

[0097] The lid placing portion 60 is not limited to a configuration having both the recess 61 and the holding portion 64, and it is sufficient if it has either one of them. The configuration of the fixing portion 30 and the holding portion 64 is not limited to a pin shape, but may be other configurations such as a ring shape.

[0098] In the second embodiment, a configuration including both the porous member 62 and the photocatalyst layer 63 has been described, but only one of them may be provided. The bottom of the lid rest portion 60 is not limited to a tapered shape, but may have other shapes such as a flat surface.

[0099] <Additional Notes> The flask tray 10, the flask unit 1, and the cell culture system 100 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0100] (1) A flask tray 10 according to a first embodiment comprises a mounting plate 20 having a mounting surface 20a on which a bottom surface 4 of a flask 2 having a removable lid portion 7 is placed, a support portion 40 extending upward from the mounting plate 20, and a frame 50 supported by the support portion 40 above the mounting plate 20 and surrounding the flask 2 horizontally so that the flask 2 can be placed on the mounting surface 20a from above, the frame 50 having a lid mounting portion 60 arranged adjacent to the flask 2 and capable of holding the lid portion 7.

[0101] According to the above configuration, after a dispensing operation is performed on the flask 2, both the flask body 3 and the lid part 7 removed from the flask body 3 can be moved while still placed on the flask tray 10. That is, a dispensing operation can be performed on the flask 2 of the next flask unit 1 without taking the time to attach the lid part 7 on the spot. This can improve the efficiency of the operation. In addition, since the flask body 3 and the lid part 7 are transported in a one-to-one relationship, it is possible to prevent the lid part 7 from being attached to another flask body 3. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination.

[0102] (2) The flask tray 10 of the second embodiment is the flask tray 10 of (1) in which the mounting surface 20a is capable of mounting a plurality of flasks 2 side by side in a second direction D2 intersecting a first direction D1 in which the flasks 2 and the lid mounting portions 60 are adjacent to each other, and the lid mounting portions 60 are arranged in plurality in the second direction D2 to correspond to each of the flasks 2.

[0103] This allows multiple flasks 2 to be moved on one flask tray 10, improving the efficiency of movement and operation. In addition, since the corresponding relationship between each flask 2 and the lid 7 can be maintained, it is possible to avoid attaching the lid 7 to a different flask 2 by mistake when attaching it to the flask body 3.

[0104] (3) The flask tray 10 according to the third aspect is the flask tray 10 of (1) or (2), further comprising a fixing portion 30 provided on the mounting surface 20a and abutting against the flask 2 from the outer periphery of the flask 2.

[0105] This allows the flasks 2 to be placed stably on the flask tray 10.

[0106] (4) The flask tray 10 of the fourth aspect is the flask tray 10 of (3), in which the fixing portion 30 extends upward from the mounting surface 20a and has multiple fixing pins 31 arranged circumferentially around the flask 2, and the upper ends of the fixing pins 31 are located below the frame 50 and have a diameter that decreases as they extend upward.

[0107] The stability of the flask 2 can be ensured by the multiple pins abutting against the outer peripheral surface 5 of the flask 2. Even if there is some deviation in the relative position between the flask 2 and the flask tray 10 when placing the flask 2 on the placement surface 20a from above, the upper ends of the fixing pins 31 guide the flask 2, so that the flask 2 can be placed in an appropriate position.

[0108] (5) The flask tray 10 of the fifth embodiment is a flask tray 10 of (4) in which the fixing pins 31 are arranged in multiple numbers to sandwich the central axis of the flask 2 from both sides in a first direction D1, which is the direction in which the flask 2 and the lid holder portion 60 are adjacent to each other.

[0109] For example, when the first direction D1 of the flask tray 10 is the moving direction, the flasks 2 can be held from both sides in the moving direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flasks 2 from falling over due to the inertial force when the flask tray 10 is moved.

[0110] (6) The flask tray 10 of the sixth aspect is any of the flask trays 10 (1) to (5) in which the lid rest portion 60 is recessed downward from the upper surface 51a of the frame 50 and has a recess 61 into which the lid portion 7 is inserted.

[0111] The lid portion 7 fits into the recess 61 of the lid placement portion 60, so that the lid portion 7 can be stably held.

[0112] (7) A flask tray (10) according to a seventh embodiment is the flask tray (10) according to (6), in which the bottom surface (4) of the recess (61) is a tapered surface that tapers downward toward the center of the bottom surface (4).

[0113] Even if liquid such as culture medium adheres to the lid portion 7, the liquid dripping from the lid portion 7 can be collected in the center of the lid rest portion 60. This ensures hygiene and prevents contamination due to splashing of liquid.

[0114] (8) The flask tray (10) according to an eighth embodiment is the flask tray (10) according to (6) or (7), wherein the lid placing portion (60) further has a porous member (62) provided on the bottom surface (4) of the recess (61).

[0115] This makes it possible to further prevent the liquid dripped from the lid portion 7 from scattering.

[0116] (9) The flask tray (10) according to a ninth aspect is the flask tray (10) according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein the lid placing portion (60) further has a photocatalyst layer (63) provided in the recess (61).

[0117] This makes it possible to sterilize the lid rest portion 60 by irradiating the lid rest portion 60 with light.

[0118] (10) The flask tray 10 according to the tenth aspect is any of the flask trays 10 (6) to (9), wherein the lid placing portion 60 is provided on the upper surface 51a of the frame 50 and further has a holding portion 64 that holds the lid portion 7 that fits into the recess 61 from the outer circumferential side.

[0119] This makes it possible to hold the lid portion 7 more stably.

[0120] (11) The flask tray 10 according to the eleventh aspect is the flask tray 10 of (10), in which the holding portion 64 extends upward from the upper surface 51a of the frame 50 and has multiple holding pins 65 arranged circumferentially around the recess 61, and the upper ends of the holding pins 65 are located below the upper end of the mouth 6 of the flask 2 and have a diameter that decreases upward.

[0121] This allows the lid portion 7 to be smoothly moved from the flask 2 to the lid rest portion 60, and prevents the flask tray 10 from becoming inadvertently larger than the size of the flask 2.

[0122] (12) The flask tray 10 in the twelfth aspect is a flask tray 10 (11) in which the retaining pins 65 are arranged in multiple numbers to sandwich the central axis of the recess 61 from both sides in a first direction D1, which is the direction in which the flask 2 and the lid holder portion 60 are adjacent to each other.

[0123] For example, when the first direction D1 of the flask tray 10 is the moving direction, the lids 7 can be held from both sides in the moving direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flasks 2 from falling over due to the inertial force when the flask tray 10 is moved.

[0124] (13) The flask tray 10 according to a thirteenth aspect is any one of the flask trays 10 of (1) to (12), in which the mounting plate 20 is formed of a perforated plate having a plurality of holes.

[0125] As a result, when the flask tray 10 is exposed to a downward air current, the downward air current passes directly through the mounting plate 20. This makes it possible to prevent particles or impurities from being stirred up due to the redirection of the air current on the mounting surface 20a of the mounting plate 20.

[0126] (14) The flask tray (10) according to a fourteenth aspect is the flask tray (10) of (13), further comprising legs (70) extending downward from the mounting plate (20) to support the mounting plate (20).

[0127] This makes it possible to form a space below the mounting plate 20. Therefore, the descending air current passes smoothly through the mounting plate 20, making it possible to suppress the air from being stirred up.

[0128] (15) The flask tray 10 in the fifteenth aspect is the flask tray 10 of (14), wherein the leg 70 includes a base plate 71 disposed below the mounting plate 20 at a distance from the mounting plate 20, and a connection plate 72 extending along a portion of the outer periphery of the mounting plate 20 to vertically connect the mounting plate 20 to the base plate 71.

[0129] This makes it possible to control the direction in which the downward air current that passes through the mounting surface 20a flows below the mounting surface 20a.

[0130] (16) The flask tray 10 according to the sixteenth aspect is any of the flask trays 10 (1) to (15) in which, when viewed horizontally, the horizontal dimension of the frame 50 is smaller than the horizontal dimension of the mounting plate 20.

[0131] This makes it possible to ensure a wide access space for the gripper 180 when the frame 50 is held by the gripper 180, for example.

[0132] (17) The flask unit 1 according to the seventeenth aspect comprises a flask tray 10 according to any one of (1) to (16) and the flask 2 having the lid portion 7.

[0133] This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of movement and operation.

[0134] (18) The flask unit 1 according to the eighteenth aspect is the flask unit 1 according to (17), in which the vertical position V of the lid holder 60 is at a height below the upper end of the mouth 6 of the flask 2.

[0135] This allows the lid 7 removed from the flask 2 to be moved smoothly to the lid rest 60.

[0136] (19) A cell culture system 100 according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention comprises a flask unit 1 of (17) or (18), an incubator 130 forming a culture area R3 in which the flask unit 1 is accommodated, a clean bench 140 forming a liquid handling area R4 in which dispensing operations are performed on the flask unit 1, a transport device 170 capable of transporting the flask unit 1 between each of the culture area R3 and the liquid handling area R4, and a pass box 150 capable of transferring the flask unit 1 between the incubator 130 and the clean bench 140.

[0137] In such a cell culture system 100, by using the above-mentioned flask unit 1, the culture efficiency can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1 flask unit 2 Flasks 3 Flask body 4 Bottom 5 Outer surface 6 Mouth 7 Lid 10 flask tray 20 Mounting plate 20a Placement surface 30 Fixed part 31 Fixing pin 40 Support part 50 frames 50a opening 51 First frame piece 51a Top side 52 Second frame piece 53 Third frame piece 54 Fourth Frame Piece 60 Lid holder 61 Recess 61a Inner cylindrical surface 61b Bottom surface of recess 62 Porous Materials 63 Photocatalyst layer 64 Holding part 65 Retaining pin 70 Legs 71 Base Plate 72 Connection plate 100 Cell Culture Systems 110 Stocker 111 Stocker body 112 racks 113 Stocker No. 1 Door 114 Stocker 2nd Door 120 Loading Booth 121 Booth body 122 Entry Door 130 Incubator 131 Incubator body 132 Shaking Stage 140 Clean Bench 141 Clean bench main body 142 Dispensing device 145 Waste liquid extraction device 149 Stages 150 Pass Box 151 Box body 152 First Door 153 Second Door 160 Measuring Equipment 161 Culture medium supply device 162 Waste liquid tank 170 Transport Equipment 171 First Transport Robot 172 Second Transport Robot 173 Third Transport Robot 174 Fourth Transport Robot 175 Conveyor 180 Gripper 181 Grip piece R1 Storage Area R2 Loading area R3 Cultivation area R4 Liquid handling area D1 First direction D2 Second direction O1 Flask axis O2 recess axis

Claims

1. a mounting plate having a mounting surface on which a bottom surface of a flask having a removable lid is placed; A support portion extending upward from the mounting plate; an upper frame that is supported by the support portion above the mounting plate and surrounds the flask from a horizontal direction so that the flask can be mounted on the mounting surface from above; Equipped with The frame is a flask tray having a lid rest portion positioned adjacent to the flask and capable of holding the lid.

2. the mounting surface is configured to be capable of mounting a plurality of the flasks in a line in a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the flasks and the lid mounting portion are adjacent to each other, The flask tray according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the lid rests are arranged in the second direction so as to correspond to each of the flasks.

3. 2. The flask tray according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing portion provided on the mounting surface and adapted to abut against the flask from the outer periphery of the flask.

4. The fixing portion has a plurality of fixing pins extending upward from the mounting surface and arranged in a circumferential direction of the flask, 4. The flask tray according to claim 3, wherein the upper end of the fixing pin is located below the frame and has a diameter that decreases toward the top.

5. The flask tray according to claim 4, wherein the fixing pins are provided in a plurality to sandwich the central axis of the flask from both sides in a first direction, which is the direction in which the flask and the lid rest portion are adjacent to each other.

6. 2. The flask tray according to claim 1, wherein the lid rest portion is recessed downward from the upper surface of the frame and has a recess into which the lid portion is inserted.

7. 7. The flask tray according to claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of the recess is tapered downward toward the center of the bottom surface.

8. 7. The flask tray according to claim 6, wherein the lid rest further comprises a porous member provided on a bottom surface of the recess.

9. 7. The flask tray according to claim 6, wherein the lid rest further comprises a photocatalytic layer provided within the recess.

10. 7. The flask tray according to claim 6, wherein the lid rest further comprises a holding portion provided on an upper surface of the frame for holding the lid from an outer periphery thereof when the lid fits into the recess.

11. the retaining portion includes a plurality of retaining pins extending upward from an upper surface of the frame and arranged in a circumferential direction of the recessed portion, 11. The flask tray according to claim 10, wherein the upper end of the holding pin is located below the upper end of the mouth of the flask and has a diameter that decreases toward the top.

12. The flask tray according to claim 11, wherein the retaining pins are provided in a plurality to sandwich the central axis of the recess from both sides in a first direction, which is the direction in which the flask and the lid rest portion are adjacent to each other.

13. 2. The flask tray according to claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is formed of a perforated plate having a plurality of holes.

14. 14. The flask tray of claim 13, further comprising feet extending downwardly from the mounting plate to support the mounting plate.

15. The leg portion is a base plate provided below the mounting plate with a gap therebetween; a connection plate extending along a portion of the outer periphery of the mounting plate and vertically connecting the mounting plate and the base plate; 15. The flask tray of claim 14, comprising:

16. 2. The flask tray according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal dimension of said frame is smaller than the horizontal dimension of said mounting plate when viewed in a horizontal direction.

17. A flask tray according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The flask having the lid; A flask unit comprising:

18. The flask unit according to claim 17, wherein the vertical position of the lid rest is at a height lower than the upper end of the mouth of the flask.

19. A flask unit according to claim 17, an incubator forming a culture area in which the flask units are housed; a clean bench forming a liquid handling area in which a dispensing operation is performed on the flask unit; a transport device capable of transporting the flask unit in each of the culture area and the liquid handling area; a pass box capable of transferring the flask unit between the incubator and the clean bench; A cell culture system comprising:

Images