Waste liquid withdrawing system, and cell culture system

Abstract

To provide a waste liquid withdrawing system that can smoothly withdraw waste liquid without scattering the liquid, and a cell culture system.SOLUTION: A waste liquid withdrawing system comprises: a waste liquid withdrawing mechanism which withdraws culture solution not in use anymore from a plurality of flasks arrayed in a horizontal direction as waste liquid; and a recovery mechanism having a recovery container which recovers waste liquid withdrawn by the waste liquid withdrawing mechanism, where the waste liquid withdrawing mechanism comprises: a sucking mechanism which has a suction part that sucks waste liquid in the flasks, and leads waste liquid to the recovery mechanism; a support mechanism having an arm to which suction part is attached, which is provided movably in a vertical direction, and rotates about an axis line extending in a vertical direction to turn the suction part; a cleaning part which is arranged on a trajectory of the suction part viewed from a vertical direction, and reserves cleaning fluid; and a moving mechanism which linearly moves the plurality of flasks in a horizontal direction, and arranges one flask on a trajectory viewed from a vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a waste liquid extraction system and a cell culture system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cell culture system equipped with an isolator (clean bench) in which various operations such as dispensing of culture fluid are performed in a sterile environment, and an incubator in which cells are cultured in an appropriate environment where the temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, etc. are controlled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3203002 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By the way, the culture solution that is no longer used is discharged as waste liquid. From the viewpoint of improving the processing efficiency, it is required to discharge the waste liquid smoothly. In addition, when discharging the waste liquid, scattering of the waste liquid must be suppressed in order to maintain the cleanliness.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a waste liquid extraction system and a cell culture system that can smoothly extract waste liquid without splashing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the waste liquid removal system of the present disclosure comprises a waste liquid removal mechanism that removes unused culture liquid as waste liquid from a plurality of flasks arranged horizontally, and a recovery mechanism having a recovery container that recovers the waste liquid removed by the waste liquid removal mechanism, and the waste liquid removal mechanism comprises a suction mechanism having an suction part that suctions the waste liquid in the flasks and leads the waste liquid to the recovery mechanism, a support mechanism to which the suction part is attached and is movable in the vertical direction, and has an arm that rotates about an axis extending in the vertical direction to rotate the suction part, a washing part that is positioned on the trajectory of the suction part when viewed from the vertical direction and stores a washing liquid, and a moving mechanism that moves the plurality of flasks in a straight line horizontally and positions one of the flasks on the trajectory when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0007] The waste liquid extraction system according to the present disclosure comprises a waste liquid extraction mechanism that extracts unused culture liquid from a flask as waste liquid, and a recovery mechanism having a recovery container that recovers the waste liquid extracted by the waste liquid extraction mechanism, the waste liquid extraction mechanism having an suction part that sucks up the waste liquid in the flask and is equipped with a suction mechanism that guides the waste liquid to the recovery mechanism, the recovery container having a first container formed of a soft material and that recovers the waste liquid sucked up by the suction part, and a second container having a structure that can withstand pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state and in which the first container is placed, and the recovery mechanism further has a vacuum pump that reduces the internal pressure of the second container.

[0008] The waste liquid removal system of the present disclosure comprises a waste liquid removal mechanism that removes unused culture liquid from a plurality of flasks arranged horizontally as waste liquid, and a recovery mechanism having a recovery container that recovers the waste liquid removed by the waste liquid removal mechanism, the waste liquid removal mechanism having an suction part that sucks up the waste liquid in the flasks, a suction mechanism that guides the waste liquid to the recovery mechanism, and a support mechanism that allows the suction part to move in an up and down direction.

[0009] The cell culture system of the present disclosure comprises the above-mentioned waste liquid extraction system, the flask, an incubator forming a culture area in which the flask is housed, a clean bench forming a liquid handling area in which dispensing operations are performed on the flask, a transport device capable of transporting the flask between the culture area and the liquid handling area, and a pass box capable of transferring the flask between the incubator and the clean bench. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the waste liquid extraction system and cell culture system of the present disclosure, waste liquid can be smoothly extracted without splashing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [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] 1 is a schematic plan view showing a schematic configuration of a waste liquid extraction system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic front view showing a general configuration of a waste liquid extraction system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic side view showing a general configuration of a waste liquid extraction system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the waste liquid extraction operation of the waste liquid extraction system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the waste liquid extraction operation of the waste liquid extraction system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the waste liquid extraction operation of the waste liquid extraction system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the waste liquid extraction operation of the waste liquid extraction system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a cleaning operation of the waste liquid extraction system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a cleaning operation of the waste liquid extraction system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a waste liquid extraction system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a waste liquid extraction system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating vacuum drawing of a collection container according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a waste liquid extraction system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a waste liquid extraction system according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration around a recovery port of a waste liquid extraction system according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a collection container and its surroundings in a waste liquid extraction system according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a cover of the waste liquid extraction system according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a waste liquid extraction system according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for supplying a disinfectant to a waste liquid extraction system according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. As shown in Figure 1, a cell culture system 100 of this embodiment is a system that performs cell culture and analysis of the cultured cells using a flask unit 1 as a processing unit, and these processes are performed, for example, unmanned and automatically.

[0013] The flask unit 1 has a flask tray 2 and a plurality of flasks 3 (for example, two in this embodiment) placed on the flask tray 2. The flasks 3 contain cells and a culture solution containing a medium to which nutrients necessary for cell growth and the like have been added.

[0014] <Cell culture system> As shown in FIG. 1, the cell culture system 100 includes a flask unit 1, a stocker 110, a carry-in booth 120, an incubator 130, a clean bench 140, a pass box 150, a transport device 170, and a waste liquid removal system 180.

[0015] <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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] <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 transparent materials. The space inside the loading booth 120 is a loading area R2, which can communicate with the storage area R1 via the stocker first door 113. 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.

[0018] <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 therein. 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, for example, a heat insulating material. 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.

[0019] <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 143, and a stage 149.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The dispensing device 143 is provided in the clean room. The dispensing device 143 performs various dispensing operations to the flask 3 of the flask unit 1 and other processes.

[0022] A plurality of stages 149 are provided in liquid handling area R4. On stage 149, flask unit 1 is temporarily placed.

[0023] <passbox> The pass box 150 is provided between the incubator 130 and the clean bench 140. The pass box 150 transfers 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.

[0024] 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 opens and closes horizontally to switch between a communication state and an open state between the space within the box body 151 and the incubation area R3. Second door 153 opens and closes horizontally to switch between a communication state and a non-communication state between the space within box main body 151 and liquid handling area R4. First door 152 and second door 153 are not open at the same time, so that culture area R3 and liquid handling area R4 are not in direct communication with each other.

[0025] <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.

[0026] For example, the first transport robot 171, the second transport robot 172, the third transport robot 173 and the fourth transport robot 174 are each capable of horizontal movement, rotational movement and telescopic movement, and are configured to be able to grasp flask trays with grippers provided at their tips. The first transfer robot 171 is provided in the storage area R1. The second transfer robot 172 is provided in the culture area R3. The third transfer robot 173 and the fourth transfer robot 174 are provided in the liquid handling area R4.

[0027] <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 the liquid manipulation area R4 via the second transport robot 172 and the pass box 150. The flask unit 1 transferred to the liquid manipulation area R4 is transferred to the dispensing device 143 via the third transport robot 173. The dispensing device 143 dispenses the culture solution into the flask 3 of the flask unit 1 and supplies the medium. Note that the dispensing device 143 may be connected to a measuring device (not shown) that measures the number of cells in the culture solution dispensed from the flask 3, analyzes the liquid properties, and the like, and a medium supplying device (not shown) that supplies the medium to the dispensing device 143.

[0028] When adding a culture medium to the flask 3, the flask unit 1 is transferred to the dispensing device 143 by the third transfer robot 173. The dispensing device 143 supplies the culture medium into the flask 3.

[0029] 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 143 via the third transport robot 173, and the culture medium is supplied.

[0030] At the same time, a proliferated flask unit 1 in which cell proliferation has progressed is transported to the dispensing device 143. Then, the culture medium in the flask 3 of this proliferated flask unit 1 is dispensed into the flask 3 of a new flask unit 1. This completes the subculture operation of the cells into the flask 3 of the new flask tray 2. The flask unit 1 that has undergone the subculture operation is transported to the incubator 130, where the cells are proliferated. The culture medium that has been used and is no longer in use is transported by the fourth transport robot 174 to a waste liquid removal system 180, which will be described later.

[0031] <Waste liquid extraction system> Next, the waste liquid draining system 180 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the waste liquid removal system 180 includes a waste liquid removal mechanism 10 and a recovery mechanism 50. The waste liquid removal mechanism 10 is a mechanism for removing unused culture liquid as waste liquid E from a plurality of flasks 3 arranged horizontally in the flask unit 1. In the following, the embodiment will be described with this unused culture liquid referred to as waste liquid E. The waste liquid removal mechanism 10 will be described in detail later. The recovery mechanism 50 has a recovery container 51. The recovery container 51 recovers the waste liquid E extracted by the waste liquid extraction mechanism 10. This recovery container 51 is, for example, a waste liquid tank, and is provided outside the liquid handling area R4. For example, the recovery container 51 is disposed below the floor 141a of the clean bench main body 141. Inside this recovery container 51, a storage space S1 capable of storing the waste liquid E is formed, and the recovered waste liquid E is stored in this storage space S1. The size, material, and shape of the recovery container 51 can be changed as appropriate. The waste liquid draining system 180 may include a control unit 90 that controls the devices that constitute the waste liquid draining system 180 . The configuration of the waste liquid removal mechanism 10 will be described in detail below.

[0032] <Waste liquid removal mechanism> A flask unit 1 having a plurality of flasks 3 containing waste liquid E is carried into the waste liquid extraction mechanism 10. The flask unit 1 has a rectangular flask tray 2 extending horizontally, and a plurality of flasks 3 placed on the flask tray 2. These flasks 3 are arranged horizontally and in the longitudinal direction of the flask tray 2. The number of flasks 3 placed on one flask tray 2 can be changed as appropriate. In the following, the waste liquid extraction system 180 will be described using an example in which two flasks 3 are placed on one flask tray 2. The vertical up-down direction is simply referred to as the "up-down direction Dv", with the lower side marked with the symbol "Dvd" and the upper side marked with the symbol "Dvu". The waste liquid removal mechanism 10 includes a suction mechanism 20, a support mechanism 30, a cleaning unit 40, and a moving mechanism 11.

[0033] <Suction mechanism> The suction mechanism 20 sucks the waste liquid E in the flask 3 and guides the waste liquid E to the recovery mechanism 50. The suction mechanism 20 has a waste liquid line 5 that guides the sucked waste liquid E to the storage space S1. The waste liquid line 5 has a suction tube 21. The suction tube 21 has a tube body 23 and a suction part 24. The suction part 24 is provided at the tip of the tube body 23 and communicates with the tube body 23. When removing the waste liquid, the suction part 24 is immersed in the waste liquid E in the flask 3. The suction part 24 sucks the waste liquid E in the flask 3. The suction part 24 is a so-called tip, and can be removed from the tube body 23 and replaced with a new one. In addition, at least the suction part 24 of the suction tube 21 is arranged in the liquid operation area R4.

[0034] <Support mechanism> The support mechanism 30 is a mechanism that supports the suction tube 21 within the liquid manipulation area R4. The support mechanism 30 has a support base 31, a support pillar 32, and an arm 33. The support base 31 is placed on the floor 141a. The support pillar 32 is a cylindrical member that extends upward from the support base 31. Hereinafter, the central axis of the support pillar 32 extending in the vertical direction Dv may be simply referred to as the "axis O" in the description. Furthermore, the radial direction relative to the axis O may be simply referred to as the "radial direction" in the description.

[0035] <Arm> The arm 33 is attached to the support 32. The arm 33 is provided so as to extend radially from the support 32. The arm 33 has a first arm portion 34 extending radially from the support 32, and a second arm portion 35 extending radially from the support 32 on the opposite side to the first arm portion 34. The suction portion 24 is attached to the radially outer end of the second arm portion 35. The arm 33 is provided so as to be movable in the up-down direction Dv, and rotates around the axis O to turn the suction portion 24. As a result, the suction portion 24 describes an arc-shaped trajectory L centered on the axis O when viewed from the up-down direction Dv.

[0036] On the trajectory L, there are an aspiration position P1 and a washing position P2. At the aspiration position P1, the aspiration unit 24 aspirates the waste liquid E in the flask 3. At the washing position P2, the aspiration unit 24 is washed by the washing unit 40 described below. In this embodiment, the aspiration position P1 and the washing position P2 are provided at a distance of 90 degrees. The aspiration unit 24 moves between the aspiration position P1 and the washing position P2 by the rotation of the arm 33. Note that in FIG. 2, the state in which the aspiration unit 24 is at the aspiration position P1 is shown by a solid line, and the state in which the aspiration unit 24 is at the washing position P2 is shown by a virtual line.

[0037] In this embodiment, the arm 33 itself is disposed so as to be movable in the vertical direction Dv relative to the support column 32. Furthermore, the arm 33 itself is rotatable about an axis O relative to the support column 32.

[0038] The arm 33 may be provided integrally with the support 32. In this case, for example, the support 32 is installed so as to be extendable in the vertical direction Dv and rotatable around the axis O. The arm 33 can move in the vertical direction Dv as the support 32 extends and retracts in the vertical direction Dv. In addition, the arm 33 can rotate around the axis O as the support 32 rotates around the axis O.

[0039] <Cleaning section> The cleaning unit 40 is disposed on the trajectory L of the suction unit 24 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. More specifically, the cleaning unit 40 is disposed at a cleaning position P2 of the suction unit 24 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. The cleaning unit 40 has a cleaning pedestal 41 and a cleaning flask 42. The cleaning pedestal 41 is placed on the floor 141a. The cleaning flask 42 is placed on the cleaning pedestal 41. The cleaning flask 42 opens upward and stores a cleaning liquid W therein. The cleaning liquid W contains a disinfectant such as hypochlorous acid or a tablet. It is to be noted that the cleaning pedestal 41 does not necessarily have to be provided, and the cleaning flask 42 may be placed directly on the floor 141a.

[0040] <Movement mechanism> The moving mechanism 11 is provided adjacent to the support mechanism 30 and the cleaning section 40. The moving mechanism 11 is a mechanism for linearly moving the multiple flasks 3 in the horizontal direction. The moving mechanism 11 can sequentially place one flask 3 out of the multiple flasks 3 at an aspiration position P1 on a trajectory L when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. In FIG. 3, the flask unit 1 immediately after being carried into the end of the moving mechanism 11 is illustrated by a virtual line, and the flask unit 1 in a state in which one flask 3 has been carried to a position overlapping with the aspiration position P1 is illustrated by a solid line.

[0041] The moving mechanism 11 of this embodiment is a conveyor placed on the floor 141a and extending in one direction on a horizontal plane. The flask tray 2 is placed on the moving mechanism 11 so that its longitudinal direction coincides with that of the moving mechanism 11. The moving mechanism 11 is not limited to a conveyor, and may be appropriately replaced by another transport device.

[0042] <Waste liquid removal system operation> The waste liquid extraction system 180 having the above configuration will now be described. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the arm 33 rotates to move the suction part 24 to the suction position P1. Then, the flask unit 1 is placed on the upper surface of the moving mechanism 11. Next, the moving mechanism 11 moves the flask unit 1 in a straight line in the horizontal direction to place the flask unit 1 directly below the suction part 24. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the arm 33 descends to immerse the suction part 24 in the waste liquid E in the flask 3 and sucks up the waste liquid E. The sucked up waste liquid E passes through the waste liquid line 5 and is stored in the storage space S1. Then, the arm 33 pulls out the suction part 24 upward, and the moving mechanism 11 moves the second flask 3 directly below the suction part 24. As shown in FIG. 7, the suction part 24 sucks up the waste liquid E in the second flask 3 in the same manner as in the first flask 3. Note that if the flask unit 1 has three or more flasks 3, the same operation is repeated for the third and subsequent flasks. In this manner, the waste liquid E is extracted from all flasks 3 in the flask unit 1. At this time, it is preferable that the waste liquid E is completely removed from the flask 3, but it is not necessary to completely remove the waste liquid, and a small amount of the waste liquid E may remain in the flask 3. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 8, the movement mechanism 11 moves the flask unit 1 to the position at the time of installation. Then, the flask unit 1 is collected.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 9, after the flask unit 1 is collected, the arm 33 rotates to move the aspirating part 24 from the aspirating position P1 to the cleaning position P2 as shown in Fig. 10. Then, the arm 33 descends to immerse the aspirating part 24 in the cleaning liquid W in the cleaning flask 42, and the aspirating part 24 descends to immerse it in the cleaning liquid W in the cleaning part 40. This causes the aspirating part 24 to be cleaned.

[0044] <Action and effect> The waste liquid extraction system 180 of the above configuration includes a waste liquid extraction mechanism 10 that extracts unused culture liquid as waste liquid E from a plurality of flasks 3 arranged in a horizontal direction, and a recovery mechanism 50 having a recovery container 51 that recovers the waste liquid E extracted by the waste liquid extraction mechanism 10. The waste liquid extraction mechanism 10 includes a suction mechanism 20, a support mechanism 30, a washing unit 40, and a moving mechanism 11. The suction mechanism 20 has a suction unit 24 that sucks the waste liquid E in the flask 3 and guides the waste liquid E to the recovery mechanism 50. The support mechanism 30 has an arm 33 to which the suction unit 24 is attached. The arm 33 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction Dv, and rotates around an axis O extending in the vertical direction Dv to rotate the suction unit 24. The washing unit 40 is disposed on the trajectory L of the suction unit 24 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv, and stores the cleaning liquid W. The movement mechanism 11 moves the flasks 3 linearly in the horizontal direction, and positions one flask 3 on a trajectory L when viewed from the vertical direction Dv.

[0045] As a result, the multiple flasks 3 containing the waste liquid E can be sequentially positioned on the trajectory L of the suction part 24 by the moving mechanism 11. Therefore, the waste liquid E can be extracted from the multiple flasks 3 without changing the trajectory L of the suction part 24. Furthermore, after the operation of extracting the waste liquid E is completed, the suction part 24 can be immediately washed and cleaned with the cleaning liquid W. This allows the next waste liquid extraction operation to be started immediately. Therefore, according to the waste liquid extraction system 180 of this embodiment, the waste liquid E can be continuously disposed of (extracted), so that the waste liquid E can be extracted smoothly. Furthermore, the waste liquid removal system 180 can suck the waste liquid E in the flask 3 by the suction unit 24 and directly guide it into the recovery container 51, so that scattering of the waste liquid E in the flask 3 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the amount of movement of the arm 33 and the flask 3 containing the waste liquid E can be minimized, so that the waste liquid E is prevented from moving unnecessarily large. Therefore, scattering of the waste liquid E can be further prevented.

[0046] In this embodiment, recovery container 51 is placed outside liquid handling area R4. This allows the waste liquid E to be discharged outside the sterile environment. Furthermore, since the collection container 51 can be replaced manually, the collection container 51 can be easily replaced.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the case where only one suction unit 24 is provided has been described, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the suction tube 21 may be branched at the tip end to provide multiple suction units 24. In this case, each suction unit 24 is held by multiple or one arms 33. The same number of cleaning units 40 as the suction units 24 may be provided. Furthermore, the cleaning unit 40 may be formed long in one direction so that the multiple suction units 24 can be immersed in the cleaning liquid W when viewed from above.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the support mechanism 30 has a function of rotating the suction unit 24 about the axis O in addition to the function of moving the suction unit 24 in the vertical direction Dv, but is not limited to this. The support mechanism 30 may be such that the suction unit 24 cannot be moved about the axis O and the suction unit 24 can be moved only in the vertical direction Dv. In other words, the arm 33 to which the suction unit 24 is attached may be movable only in the vertical direction Dv.

[0049] In this case, first, a flask 3 containing waste liquid E is placed below the suction part 24, and the arm 33 is lowered to immerse the suction part 24 in the waste liquid E. Then, the suction part 24 sucks and extracts the waste liquid E from the flask 3. After that, the suction part 24 is pulled upward, and another flask 3 is placed directly below the suction part 24. The suction part 24 sucks the waste liquid E from the flask 3 in the same manner as the first flask 3. By repeating the above operation, the waste liquid E from the multiple flasks 3 is extracted. Therefore, the waste liquid E can be smoothly extracted by simply sequentially arranging the flasks 3 containing waste liquid E below the suction part 24. In addition, the movement of the suction part 24 immersed in the waste liquid E can be minimized, so that the waste liquid E can be prevented from scattering. In order to clean the suction part 24, a cleaning flask 42 containing cleaning liquid W may be placed directly below the suction part 24 so that the suction part 24 is immersed in the cleaning liquid W. It is possible to appropriately select a device for placing the flask 3 containing the waste liquid E and the washing flask 42 containing the washing liquid W directly below the suction part 24. As a device for placing the flask 3 and the washing flask 42, for example, the moving mechanism 11 may be used as in the above embodiment, or a separately provided robot or the like may be used.

[0050] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. The components not described below are assumed to be the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0051] The waste liquid removal system 280 of this embodiment constitutes a part of the cell culture system 100, similar to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the waste liquid removal system 280 of this embodiment includes a waste liquid removal mechanism 210, a recovery mechanism 250, a liquid level sensor 70, and a control unit 90. The waste liquid removal mechanism 210 includes a suction mechanism 220, a support mechanism 30, a washing unit 40, and a movement mechanism 11.

[0052] The suction mechanism 220 has a waste liquid line 5 and a suction pump 25. The waste liquid line 5 has a suction tube 21. A suction unit 24 is provided at the tip of the suction tube 21. The suction pump 25 is provided on the waste liquid line 5 and connected to the end of the suction tube 21 opposite to the suction unit 24. The suction pump 25 causes the suction unit 24 to suck the waste liquid E. It is desirable for the suction pump 25 to be of a type in which the waste liquid E does not come into contact with the main body of the suction pump 25, such as a tube pump.

[0053] The recovery mechanism 250 includes a recovery container 252 and a valve 253 . The collection container 252 is connected to the suction pump 25 via the waste liquid line 5, and collects the waste liquid E sucked by the suction unit 24. The collection container 252 is a bag made of a soft material, such as a single-use bag. The collection container 252 may be a container made of a rigid material, such as stainless steel or plastic, and has a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state. The collection container 252 is installed outside the liquid handling area R4. A storage space S1 is formed inside the collection container 252.

[0054] The valve 253 opens and closes a flow path (waste liquid line 5) of the waste liquid E that connects the suction unit 24 and the collection container 252. The valve 253 is provided near the inlet of the collection container 252 on the waste liquid line 5. When the valve 253 is in an open state, the collection container 252 and the waste liquid line 5 are in communication with each other, and when the valve 253 is in a closed state, the collection container 252 and the waste liquid line 5 are blocked from each other.

[0055] The liquid level sensor 70 detects the liquid level LS of a fluid such as waste liquid E or cleaning liquid W. The liquid level sensor 70 is provided at the radially outer end of the second arm portion 35. Position information of the liquid level LS detected by the liquid level sensor 70 is transmitted to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 adjusts the height of the arm 33 based on the position information of the liquid level LS.

[0056] <Waste liquid removal system operation> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the waste liquid draining system 280. The waste liquid draining system 280 of this embodiment can operate in the same manner as the first embodiment. In the following, a description of the same operations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0057] In the waste liquid extraction system 280 configured as described above, the air inside the collection container 252 is removed in advance, and a disinfectant (hypochlorous acid or tablets) for preventing putrefaction of the waste liquid E is placed inside the collection container 252. When it is confirmed that the tip of the suction part 24 has reached the waste liquid E in the flask 3, the valve 253 is opened and the suction pump 25 is operated at the same time. Then, the waste liquid E is sucked and discharged from the flask 3. At this time, the liquid level sensor 70 senses the liquid level LS of the waste liquid E, and based on the position of the liquid level LS detected by the liquid level sensor 70, the control unit 90 controls the height of the arm 33 so that the tip of the suction part 24 is always immersed in the waste liquid E.

[0058] When the suction of the waste liquid E is completed for one flask 3, the arm 33 moves upward to move the tip of the suction part 24 out of the liquid surface LS. Then, the suction pump 25 operates for a short time, and the suction mechanism 220 sucks in a small amount of air. This prevents the waste liquid E from dripping downward from the tip of the suction part 24.

[0059] Thereafter, the waste liquid E is extracted from the other flasks 3 in the flask unit 1 in the same procedure. After it is confirmed that the waste liquid E has been extracted from all of the flasks 3, the arm 33 moves and immerses the tip of the suction part 24 in the cleaning liquid W containing a disinfectant. With the suction part 24 immersed in the cleaning liquid W, the suction pump 25 is operated and the suction part 24 sucks the cleaning liquid W. This cleans the waste liquid line 5 including the suction tube 21. Thereafter, the suction pump 25 is stopped and the valve 253 is closed.

[0060] Thereafter, the used suction portion 24 is discarded and replaced with a new one.

[0061] <Action and effect> In this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0062] In this embodiment, the suction mechanism 220 has a suction tube 21 and a suction pump 25. A suction unit 24 is provided at the tip of the suction tube 21. The suction pump 25 is connected to the suction tube 21 and causes the suction unit 24 to suck the waste liquid E. The collection container 252 is connected to the suction pump 25 and collects the waste liquid E sucked by the suction unit 24.

[0063] In this embodiment, by operating the suction pump 25, the suction mechanism 220 can suck the waste liquid E. In addition, by operating the suction pump 25 after sucking the waste liquid E, air can be sucked, and dripping of the waste liquid E from the suction part 24 can be suppressed.

[0064] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The components not described below are assumed to be the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0065] The waste liquid extraction system 380 of this embodiment constitutes a part of the cell culture system 100, similar to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the waste liquid extraction system 380 of this embodiment includes a waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, a recovery mechanism 350, a liquid level sensor 70, and a control unit 90. The waste liquid extraction mechanism 10 includes a suction mechanism 20, a support mechanism 30, a cleaning unit 40, and a moving mechanism 11. The suction mechanism 20 includes a waste liquid line 5. The waste liquid line 5 includes a suction tube 21. An suction unit 24 is provided at the tip of the suction tube 21.

[0066] The recovery mechanism 350 includes a recovery container 352 and a valve 253 . A storage space S1 is formed inside the recovery container 352. The recovery container 352 is a container formed from a rigid material such as stainless steel or plastic, and has a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state. For this reason, the strength of the recovery container 352 is ensured to the extent that the recovery container 352 does not deform even if the inside of the recovery container 352 is evacuated. In addition, this recovery container 352 is installed outside the liquid handling area R4.

[0067] The valve 253 opens and closes a flow path (waste liquid line 5) for the waste liquid E that connects the suction unit 24 and the collection container 352. The valve 253 is provided near the inlet of the collection container 352 on the waste liquid line 5. When the valve 253 is in an open state, the collection container 352 and the waste liquid line 5 are in communication with each other, and when the valve 253 is in a closed state, the collection container 352 and the waste liquid line 5 are blocked from each other.

[0068] <Waste liquid removal system operation> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the waste liquid draining system 380. The waste liquid draining system 380 of this embodiment can operate in the same manner as the first embodiment. In the following, a description of the same operation as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0069] In the waste liquid removal system 380 configured as above, the inside of the collection container 352 is evacuated in advance. To evacuate the inside of the collection container 352, for example, as shown in Fig. 13, a vacuum is drawn by a separately provided vacuum pump 353 before the collection container 352 is installed.

[0070] Thereafter, a disinfectant (hypochlorous acid or tablets) for preventing putrefaction of the waste liquid E is placed inside the collection container 352. When it is confirmed that the tip of the suction part 24 has reached the waste liquid E in the flask 3, the valve 253 is opened. Then, since the inside of the collection container 352 is a vacuum, simply opening the valve 253 creates an air flow in the waste liquid line 5 from the suction part 24 toward the collection container 352. This air flow sucks and discharges the waste liquid E from inside the flask 3. At this time, the liquid level sensor 70 senses the liquid level LS of the waste liquid E, and based on the position of the liquid level LS detected by the liquid level sensor 70, the control unit 90 controls the height of the arm 33 so that the tip of the suction part 24 is always immersed in the waste liquid E.

[0071] When the suction of the waste liquid E is completed for one flask 3, the arm 33 moves upward to move the tip of the suction part 24 out of the liquid surface LS. Then, the valve 253 is opened for a short time, and the suction mechanism 20 sucks in a small amount of air. This prevents the waste liquid E from dripping downward from the tip of the suction part 24.

[0072] Thereafter, the waste liquid E is extracted from the other flasks 3 in the flask unit 1 in the same procedure. After it is confirmed that the waste liquid E has been extracted from all of the flasks 3, the arm 33 moves and immerses the tip of the suction part 24 in the cleaning liquid W containing a disinfectant. When the valve 253 is opened while the suction part 24 is immersed in the cleaning liquid W, the suction part 24 sucks the cleaning liquid W using the same principle as that for suctioning the waste liquid E. This cleans the waste liquid line 5 including the suction tube 21.

[0073] Thereafter, the used suction portion 24 is discarded and replaced with a new one.

[0074] <Action and effect> In this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0075] In this embodiment, the collection container 352 has a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state. The collection mechanism 350 further includes a valve 253. The valve 253 opens and closes a flow path (waste liquid line 5) for the waste liquid E that connects the suction unit 24 and the collection container 352.

[0076] In this embodiment, since the strength of the collection container 352 is guaranteed, the collection container 352 can be evacuated in advance. In this state, when the valve 253 is opened, an air flow is generated from the suction unit 24 toward the collection container 352, and the suction unit 24 can suction the waste liquid E. In this way, by simply evacuating the collection container 352, a suction force can be generated in the suction unit 24, and the waste liquid E can be extracted more smoothly. This also eliminates the need for a dynamic mechanism such as the suction pump 25 in the suction mechanism 20, reducing the risk of failure.

[0077] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The components not described below are assumed to be the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0078] The waste liquid extraction system 480 of this embodiment constitutes a part of the cell culture system 100, similar to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the waste liquid extraction system 480 of this embodiment includes a waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, a recovery mechanism 450, a liquid level sensor 70, and a control unit 90. The waste liquid extraction mechanism 10 includes a suction mechanism 20, a support mechanism 30, a washing unit 40, and a moving mechanism 11. The suction mechanism 20 includes a waste liquid line 5. The waste liquid line 5 includes a suction tube 21. An suction unit 24 is provided at the tip of the suction tube 21.

[0079] The recovery mechanism 450 includes a recovery container 452 , a valve 253 , a vacuum pump 456 , a vacuum line 6 , and a valve 458 .

[0080] Recovery container 452 is installed outside liquid handling area R4. Recovery container 452 has a first container 453 and a second container 454. A storage space S1 is formed inside the first container 453. The first container 453 is a bag made of a soft material, such as a single-use bag. The first container 453 is connected to the waste liquid line 5.

[0081] The second container 454 has a container body 454a and a sealing part 455. The container body 454a is a container (reduced pressure container) formed of a rigid material such as stainless steel or plastic and having a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state. For this reason, the strength of the container body 454a is ensured to such an extent that the container body 454a does not deform even if the inside of the container body 454a is evacuated. A storage space S2 is formed inside the container body 454a. The first container 453 is disposed in the storage space S2. The sealing part 455 is provided at the entrance of the container body 454a and seals the storage space S2.

[0082] The valve 253 opens and closes a flow path (waste liquid line 5) for the waste liquid E that connects the suction part 24 and the first container 453.

[0083] The vacuum pump 456 is connected to the second container 454 via the vacuum line 6, and can perform vacuum drawing of the second container 454. When the vacuum pump 456 performs vacuum drawing, the internal pressure of the second container 454 is reduced. A valve 458 for opening and closing the vacuum line 6 is provided in a midway portion of the vacuum line 6 connecting the second container 454 and the vacuum pump 456.

[0084] <Waste liquid removal system operation> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the waste liquid draining system 480. The waste liquid draining system 480 of this embodiment can operate in the same manner as the first embodiment. In the following, a description of the same operation as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0085] In the waste liquid extraction system 480 configured as above, the air inside the first container 453 is removed in advance. After that, a disinfectant (hypochlorous acid or tablets) for preventing putrefaction of the waste liquid E is placed inside the first container 453.

[0086] When it is confirmed that the tip of the suction part 24 has reached the waste liquid E in the flask 3, the valve 253 is opened to evacuate the inside of the second container 454. To evacuate the inside of the second container 454, a vacuum is drawn by the vacuum pump 456. This reduces the internal pressure of the second container 454. Then, the first container 453 expands, the internal pressure of the first container 453 is reduced, and an air flow is generated in the waste liquid line 5 from the suction part 24 toward the first container 453. This air flow sucks and discharges the waste liquid E from the flask 3. At this time, the liquid level sensor 70 senses the liquid level LS of the waste liquid E, and the control unit 90 controls the height of the arm 33 so that the tip of the suction part 24 is always immersed in the waste liquid E based on the position of the liquid level LS detected by the liquid level sensor 70.

[0087] When the suction of the waste liquid E for one flask 3 is completed, the arm 33 moves upward to move the tip of the suction part 24 out of the liquid surface LS. Then, the vacuum pump 456 is operated for a short time, and the suction mechanism 20 sucks in a small amount of air. This prevents the waste liquid E from dripping downward from the tip of the suction part 24.

[0088] Thereafter, the waste liquid E is extracted from the other flasks 3 in the flask unit 1 in the same procedure. After it is confirmed that the waste liquid E has been extracted from all of the flasks 3, the arm 33 moves and immerses the tip of the suction part 24 in the cleaning liquid W containing a disinfectant. When the vacuum pump 45 is operated while the suction part 24 is immersed in the cleaning liquid W, the suction part 24 sucks up the cleaning liquid W using the same principle as that for sucking up the waste liquid E. This cleans the waste liquid line 5 including the suction tube 21.

[0089] Thereafter, the used suction part 24 and the first container 453 are discarded and replaced with new ones.

[0090] <Action and effect> In this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0091] In this embodiment, the recovery container 452 has a first container 453 and a second container 454. The first container 453 is formed of a soft material, and recovers the waste liquid E sucked by the suction unit 24. The second container 454 has a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state. The first container 453 is disposed inside the second container 454. The recovery mechanism 450 further has a vacuum pump 456 that reduces the internal pressure of the second container 454.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the first container 453 expands by reducing the internal pressure of the second container 454. This also reduces the internal pressure of the first container 453. Then, an air flow is generated from the suction part 24 toward the collection container 452, and the suction part 24 can suck the waste liquid E. In this way, by simply reducing the internal pressure of the second container 454, a suction force can be generated in the suction part 24, and the waste liquid E can be extracted more smoothly. Furthermore, even if the waste liquid E leaks from the first container 453, the waste liquid E can be collected in the second container 454. Therefore, scattering of the waste liquid E can be further prevented.

[0093] The vacuum pump 456, the vacuum line 6, and the valve 458 of this embodiment may be provided in the waste liquid extraction system 380 of the third embodiment. That is, the recovery mechanism 350 may further include the vacuum pump 456, the vacuum line 6, and the valve 458 in advance. In this case, the vacuum line 6 connects the recovery container 352 and the vacuum pump 456, and the valve 458 is provided in the middle portion connecting the recovery container 352 and the vacuum pump 456. In this case, by reducing the internal pressure of the collection container 352, the waste liquid E can be sucked by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the collection container 352. In this way, by simply reducing the internal pressure of the collection container 352, a suction force can be generated in the suction unit 24, and the waste liquid E can be extracted more smoothly. In addition, since the vacuum pump 456, the vacuum line 6, and the valve 458 are provided in advance in the collection mechanism 350, there is no need to install a separate vacuum pump 353 before installing the collection container 352.

[0094] <Fifth embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The components not described below are assumed to be the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0095] The waste liquid extraction system 580 of this embodiment constitutes a part of the cell culture system 100, similar to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 15, the waste liquid extraction system 580 of this embodiment includes a waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, a recovery mechanism 550, a liquid level sensor 70, and a control unit 90. The waste liquid extraction mechanism 10 includes a suction mechanism 20, a support mechanism 30, a washing unit 40, and a moving mechanism 11. The suction mechanism 20 includes a waste liquid line 5. The waste liquid line 5 includes a suction tube 21. An suction unit 24 is provided at the tip of the suction tube 21.

[0096] The recovery mechanism 550 includes a recovery container 552 , a valve 253 , a vacuum pump 456 , a vacuum line 6 , and a valve 458 .

[0097] The recovery container 552 is installed outside the liquid handling area R4. The recovery container 552 has a container body 552a, a recovery port 552b, a first connection line 553 (see FIG. 16), a second connection line 554 (see FIG. 16), and a one-touch joint 555 (see FIG. 16). The container body 552a is a container (reduced pressure container) formed of a rigid material such as stainless steel or plastic and having a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state. For this reason, the strength of the container body 552a is ensured to such an extent that the container body 552a does not deform even if the inside of the container body 552a is evacuated. The recovery port 552b is provided in the container body 552a. The waste liquid line 5 is connected to the recovery port 552b. The recovery port 552b guides the waste liquid E supplied from the waste liquid line 5 to the storage space S1 in the container body 552a.

[0098] As in the fourth embodiment, the vacuum pump 456 is connected to the recovery port 552b of the recovery container 552 via the vacuum line 6, and can perform vacuum drawing of the recovery container 552. The vacuum pump 456 performs vacuum drawing, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the recovery container 552. A valve 458 is provided in a midway portion of the vacuum line 6 connecting the recovery container 552 and the vacuum pump 456.

[0099] 16, a first connection line 553, a second connection line 554, and two one-touch joints 555 are provided at the recovery port 552b of the recovery container 552. The first connection line 553 is connected to the waste liquid line 5 by one of the one-touch joints 555. The second connection line 554 is connected to the vacuum line 6 by the other one-touch joint 555.

[0100] <Waste liquid removal system operation> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the waste liquid draining system 580. The waste liquid draining system 580 of this embodiment can operate in the same manner as the first embodiment. In the following, a description of the same operation as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0101] In the waste liquid removal system 580 configured as above, a vacuum is created inside the collection container 552 in advance. To create a vacuum inside the collection container 552, a vacuum is drawn by the vacuum pump 456. Thereafter, the waste liquid removal operation and the cleaning operation are performed in the same procedure as in the third embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the third embodiment.

[0102] Thereafter, the used suction part 24 and collection container 552 are discarded and replaced with new ones.

[0103] <Action and effect> In this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0104] In this embodiment, the collection container 552 includes a first connection line 553, a second connection line 554, and two one-touch joints 555. The first connection line 553 is connected to the waste liquid line 5 by one of the one-touch joints 555. Similarly, the second connection line 554 is connected to the vacuum line 6 by the other one-touch joint 555.

[0105] This makes it possible to disconnect the collection container 552 from the waste liquid line 5 and the vacuum line 6 simply by operating the one-touch joint 555, making it easy to replace the collection container 552.

[0106] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The components not described below are assumed to be the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0107] The waste liquid draining system 680 of this embodiment constitutes a part of the cell culture system 100, similar to the first embodiment. This embodiment is a partial modification of the configuration of the fourth embodiment. The waste liquid draining system 680 includes a flow detection sensor 71, a contact detection sensor 72, an elastic portion 7, and a current detection sensor 73 in addition to the same configuration as the fourth embodiment.

[0108] The flow detection sensor 71 is provided in the waste liquid line 5 and detects the flow of the waste liquid E from the suction part 24 to the collection container 452. The flow detection sensor 71 in this embodiment is an infrared sensor and has a light projecting part 71a and a light receiving part 71b. The light projecting part 71a and the light receiving part 71b are provided as a pair so as to sandwich the tube body 23 of the suction tube 21. Infrared rays are transmitted from the light projecting part 71a to the light receiving part 71b.

[0109] The contact detection sensor 72 is provided on the inner surface of the second container 454, and when the second container 454 is evacuated, the first container 453 expands due to the pressure difference. At this time, there is a case where the first container 453 tries to expand to a volume larger than the capacity of the second container 454. In preparation for such a case, the contact detection sensor 72 is provided. The contact detection sensor 72 is disposed between the inner surface of the second container 454 and the outer surface of the first container 453, and contacts the first container 453 before the second container 454 and the first container 453 come into contact with each other. The contact detection sensor 72 detects the contact of the first container 453. When the contact detection sensor 72 detects the contact of the first container 453, it transmits a replacement signal for the first container 453 to the control unit 90.

[0110] The elastic part 7 is attached to the suction port 454b of the second container 454 inside the second container 454, which is connected to the vacuum pump 456. The elastic part 7 in this embodiment is a rubber tube that communicates with a vacuum line via the suction port 454b.

[0111] When the second container 454 is evacuated and the first container 453 expands, the first container 453 may be sucked to the suction port 454b. To cope with such a case, the elastic portion 7 is provided. The elastic portion 7 is disposed between the suction port 454b and the outer peripheral surface of the first container 453, and contacts the first container 453 before the suction port 454b contacts the first container 453. When the first container 453 comes into contact with the elastic portion 7, the flow of air to the vacuum pump 456 is partially obstructed, and the current value of the vacuum pump 456 increases. In this embodiment, however, a current detection sensor 73 is further provided.

[0112] The current detection sensor 73 is connected to the vacuum pump 456 and detects an increase in the current value of the vacuum pump 456. When the current detection sensor 73 detects an increase in the current value, it transmits a replacement signal for the first container 453 to the control unit 90.

[0113] <Action and effect> In this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0114] In this embodiment, the waste liquid removal system 680 further includes a flow detection sensor 71 and a contact detection sensor 72. The flow detection sensor 71 detects the flow of the waste liquid E from the suction unit 24 to the collection container 452. The contact detection sensor 72 is provided inside the second container 454 and detects contact with the first container 453.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the waste liquid draining system 680 can detect the flow of the waste liquid E by the flow detection sensor 71. For example, the flow detection sensor 71 detects the presence or absence of a flow of the waste liquid E in the waste liquid line 5, so that the waste liquid draining system 680 can detect the passage of the waste liquid E and air, and can accurately detect switching between the suction of the waste liquid E and the suction of the air. This allows the waste liquid draining system 680 to accurately perform the draining operation of the waste liquid E, such as instantly detecting the completion of the draining of the waste liquid E.

[0116] Furthermore, the waste liquid withdrawal system 680 can detect excessive expansion of the first container 453 by the contact detection sensor 72. This makes it possible to replace the first container 453 at an appropriate time.

[0117] In this embodiment, the waste liquid drainage system 680 further includes an elastic part 7 and a current detection sensor 73. The elastic part 7 is attached to the inside of the second container 454 and to a suction port 454b of the second container 454 that is connected to the vacuum pump 456. The current detection sensor 73 detects an increase in the current value of the vacuum pump 456.

[0118] According to this embodiment, the elastic portion 7 comes into contact with the first container 453 before the first container 453 expands and is sucked into the suction port 454b, thereby preventing damage to the first container 453. Furthermore, when the first container 453 comes into contact with the elastic portion 7, the flow of air to the vacuum pump 456 is partially blocked, causing the current value of the vacuum pump 456 to increase. However, the waste liquid removal system 680 of this embodiment can immediately detect the increase in the current value of the vacuum pump 456 by the current detection sensor 73. This makes it possible to replace the first container 453 at an appropriate time.

[0119] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The components not described below are assumed to be the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0120] The waste liquid extraction system 780 of this embodiment constitutes a part of the cell culture system 100, similar to the first embodiment. This embodiment is a partial modification of the configuration of the first embodiment. The waste liquid extraction system 780 has a waste liquid extraction mechanism 710, a recovery mechanism 50, and a control unit 90. The waste liquid extraction mechanism 710 has a suction mechanism 720, a support mechanism 30, a cleaning unit 40, a moving mechanism 11, and a suction mechanism 720. As shown in FIG. 18, the suction mechanism 720 has a cover 26 in addition to the same configuration as the first embodiment. This cover 26 can be applied to each embodiment other than the first embodiment.

[0121] The cover 26 is attached to the tip of the suction portion 24. The cover 26 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. In this embodiment, the cover 26 is a cylindrical rubber tube, and the tip of the suction portion 24 is press-fitted into the cover 26. The cover 26 covers the entire tip of the suction portion 24. A notch 27 is formed in the tip surface 26a of the cover 26. The notch 27 is formed in a V-shape when viewed from the radial direction of the cover 26. The opening angle of the notch 27 is an obtuse angle.

[0122] <Action and effect> In this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0123] In this embodiment, the suction mechanism 720 has a cover 26 attached to the tip of the suction part 24. The cover 26 is made of an elastic material. A notch 27 is formed in a tip surface 26a of the cover 26.

[0124] Cover 26 comes into contact with the bottom surface of flask 3, preventing the tip of suction part 24 from coming into contact with the bottom surface of flask 3. This makes it possible to suppress damage to flask 3. Furthermore, even if the tip of cover 26 comes into contact with flask 3, waste liquid E can easily enter suction part 24 through cutout part 27, so suction part 24 can satisfactorily suck up waste liquid E remaining at the bottom of flask 3.

[0125] Furthermore, the cutout portion 27 is formed in a V-shape when viewed from the radial direction of the cover 26. The opening angle of the cutout portion 27 is an obtuse angle. This allows as much of the cutout portion 27 as possible to be immersed in the waste liquid E remaining at the bottom of the flask 3. In this way, it is possible to aspirate a larger amount of waste liquid E while suppressing damage to the flask 3. Therefore, the amount of waste liquid E remaining in the flask 3 can be minimized.

[0126] Eighth Embodiment Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The components not described below are assumed to be the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0127] 19 , the waste liquid extraction system 880 of the present embodiment constitutes a part of the cell culture system 100. As shown in FIG. 19 , the waste liquid extraction system 880 of the present embodiment includes a waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, a recovery mechanism 850, a disinfectant supply unit 860, a liquid level sensor 70, and a control unit 90. The waste liquid extraction mechanism 10 includes a suction mechanism 20, a support mechanism 30, a cleaning unit 40, and a movement mechanism 11.

[0128] The suction mechanism 20 has a waste liquid line 5 and a suction pump 25. The waste liquid line 5 has a suction tube 21. An aspiration part 24 is provided at the tip of the suction tube 21.

[0129] The recovery mechanism 850 includes a recovery container 852 , a negative pressure mechanism 853 , and a valve 855 . The collection container 852 is connected to the suction pump 25 via the waste liquid line 5, and collects the waste liquid E sucked by the suction unit 24. The collection container 852 is a bag made of a soft material, such as a single-use bag. The collection container 852 is installed outside the liquid handling area R4. A storage space S1 is formed inside the collection container 852.

[0130] The negative pressure mechanism 853 creates a negative pressure relative to the outside air inside the collection container 852. The negative pressure mechanism 853 includes a negative pressure pump 854, a negative pressure line 8, and a valve 856. The negative pressure pump 854 is connected to the collection container 852 via a negative pressure line 8. The negative pressure pump 854 evacuates the inside of the storage space S1 to create a negative pressure inside the collection container 852. The valve 856 is provided in the negative pressure line 8 to open and close the negative pressure line 8. Note that the negative pressure mechanism 853 may create a negative pressure inside the collection container 852 by means other than using the negative pressure pump 854.

[0131] The valve 855 is provided in the waste liquid line 5 and opens and closes the waste liquid line 5 .

[0132] The sterilant supply unit 860 supplies a liquid sterilant to the collection container 852. An example of the sterilant is hypochlorous acid. The sterilant supply unit 860 has a supply source 861, a supply line 9, and a valve 863. The supply source 861 stores the sterilant. The supply line 9 guides the sterilant from the supply source 861 to the collection container 852. The valve 863 is provided in the supply line 9 and opens and closes the supply line 9.

[0133] <Waste liquid removal system operation> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the waste liquid draining system 880. The waste liquid draining system 880 of this embodiment can operate in the same manner as the first embodiment. In the following, a description of the same operation as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0134] In the waste liquid extraction system 880 configured as above, when it is confirmed that the tip of the suction part 24 has reached the waste liquid E in the flask 3, the valve 855 is opened and the suction pump 25 is operated at the same time. Then, the waste liquid E is sucked and discharged from the flask 3. At this time, the liquid level sensor 70 senses the liquid level of the waste liquid E, and based on the position of the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor 70, the control unit 90 controls the height of the arm 33 so that the tip of the suction part 24 is always immersed in the waste liquid E.

[0135] When the suction of the waste liquid E is completed for one flask 3, the arm 33 moves upward to bring the tip of the suction part 24 above the liquid surface. Then, the suction pump 25 operates for a short time, and the suction mechanism 20 sucks in a small amount of air. This prevents the waste liquid E from dripping downward from the tip of the suction part 24.

[0136] Thereafter, the waste liquid E is extracted from the other flasks 3 in the flask unit 1 in the same procedure. After it is confirmed that the waste liquid E has been extracted from all of the flasks 3, the arm 33 moves and immerses the tip of the suction part 24 in the cleaning liquid W containing a disinfectant. With the suction part 24 immersed in the cleaning liquid W, the suction pump 25 is operated and the suction part 24 sucks the cleaning liquid W. This cleans the waste liquid E flow path including the suction tube 21. Thereafter, the suction pump 25 is stopped and the valve 855 is closed.

[0137] Thereafter, the used suction portion 24 is discarded and replaced with a new one.

[0138] <Procedure for supplying disinfectant> In this embodiment, a sterilizing agent is supplied to the collection container 852 during the operation of extracting the waste liquid E. Next, a procedure for supplying the sterilizing agent will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. In the waste liquid extraction system 880 configured as above, the supply source 861 supplies a disinfectant for preventing putrefaction of the waste liquid E to the inside of the collection container 852 in advance (step S81). When it is confirmed that the tip of the suction part 24 has reached the waste liquid E in the flask 3, the valve 855 is opened and the suction pump 25 is operated at the same time. Then, the waste liquid E is sucked and discharged from the flask 3. In this way, extraction of the waste liquid E is started (step S82). At this time, the inside of the collection container 852 is maintained at a negative pressure. This prevents the disinfectant supplied into the collection container 852 from flowing back. It is desirable to maintain the negative pressure in the collection container 852 while the collection container 852 is open.

[0139] Thereafter, during the operation of extracting the waste liquid E, the control unit 90 senses the amount of waste liquid collected in the collection container 852 (step S83). In step S83, the amount of waste liquid is sensed, for example, by calculating the amount of waste liquid from the suction speed of the suction part 24 and the time elapsed since the start of suction. Other methods for sensing the amount of waste liquid include, for example, a method of calculating the amount of waste liquid E from the initial position and current position of the liquid level in the flask 3 detected by the liquid level sensor 70.

[0140] After step S83, the control unit 90 calculates the required amount of sterilant from the amount of waste liquid E obtained by sensing, and determines whether or not the required amount of sterilant is present in the collection container 852 (step S84).

[0141] Step S84 is executed, for example, as follows. The amount (unit amount) of sterilant required to inactivate a unit amount of waste liquid E is input to the control unit 90 in advance. The product of the amount of waste liquid obtained by sensing in step S83 and the unit amount of sterilant input in advance is calculated. This calculates the amount of sterilant required for all of the waste liquid E in the collection container 852. In step S84, the control unit 90 compares the required amount of sterilant calculated in this manner with the amount of sterilant supplied into the collection container 852, and determines whether or not sterilant is required in the collection container 852.

[0142] If the required amount of sterilant is not present in the collection container 852 (step S84; NO), the control unit 90 operates the sterilant supply unit 860 to add sterilant to the collection container 852 (step S85). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the removal of the waste liquid E has been completed (step S86). On the other hand, if the required amount of sterilant is present in the collection container 852 (step S84; NO), the process proceeds to a step of determining whether or not the removal of the waste liquid E has been completed (step S86).

[0143] If the removal of the waste liquid E is not complete (step S86: NO), the process returns to the step of sensing the amount of waste liquid (step S83). The above-mentioned operation is repeated until the removal of the waste liquid E is complete. If the removal of the waste liquid E is complete (step S86: YES), the control unit 90 ends the removal operation of the waste liquid E for one flask 3.

[0144] Thereafter, the sterilant is supplied in the same manner to the other flasks 3. When the operation of removing the waste liquid E is completed for all flasks 3, the cleaning operation is started as described above, and the used cleaning liquid W is finally supplied into the collection container 852. Thereafter, the collection container 852 is discarded and replaced with a new one, and at this time, the negative pressure inside the collection container 852 is weakened.

[0145] <Action and effect> In this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0146] In this embodiment, the waste fluid extraction system 880 further includes a sterilant supply 860 that supplies a sterilant to the collection vessel 852 .

[0147] This allows a disinfectant to be added to the waste liquid E collected in the collection container 852, thereby preventing the waste liquid E from spoiling.

[0148] In this embodiment, the recovery mechanism 850 further includes a negative pressure mechanism 853 that creates a negative pressure inside the recovery container 852 .

[0149] This makes it possible to prevent the sterilant supplied to the inside of collection container 852 from flowing back.

[0150] (Hardware configuration) The control unit 90 according to the embodiments is implemented in a computer 1100 as shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a configuration of the computer 1100 in which the control unit 90 according to each embodiment is implemented. The computer 1100 includes a processor 1110, a main memory 1120, a storage 1130, and an interface 1140.

[0151] The operation of each functional part of the control unit 90 is stored in the form of a program in the storage 1130. The processor 1110 reads the program from the storage 1130, loads it in the main memory 1120, and executes the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the program. The processor 1110 also secures a storage area in the main memory 1120 in accordance with the program.

[0152] The program may be for realizing a part of the functions to be performed by the computer 1100. For example, the program may be for realizing the functions by combining with other programs already stored in the storage 1130 or by combining with other programs implemented in other devices. The computer 1100 may also include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions to be realized by the processor 1110 may be realized by the integrated circuit.

[0153] Examples of storage 1130 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. Storage 1130 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of computer 1100, or an external medium connected to computer 1100 via interface 1140 or a communication line. In addition, when this program is distributed to computer 1100 via a communication line, computer 1100 that receives the program may load the program in main memory 1120 and execute the above-mentioned processing. Storage 1130 may be a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0154] The program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that realizes the above-mentioned functions in combination with other programs already stored in the storage 1130.

[0155] <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.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the case where collection container 51, 252, 352, 452, 552, 852 is disposed outside liquid handling area R4 and below floor 141a has been described, but this is not limited to the above. The location of collection container 51, 252, 352, 452, 552, 852 can be changed as appropriate, and for example, collection container 51, 252, 352, 452, 552, 852 may be provided outside liquid handling area R4 at a position that overlaps with support mechanism 30 in the horizontal direction.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the suction unit 24 is a tip, but this is not limiting. For example, the suction unit 24 may be fixed to the tube body 23. In the above embodiment, the support pillar 32 is a cylindrical member, but is not limited to this. The shape of the support pillar 32 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the support pillar 32 may be formed in a rectangular column shape.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the locus L of the suction unit 24 moved by the arm 33 is an arc, but this is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the suction unit 24 can move between the suction position P1 and the cleaning position P2. However, an arc-shaped locus L is advantageous in that it makes it easier to control the movement of the suction unit 24.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the cleaning unit 40 has the cleaning flask 42 capable of storing the cleaning liquid W, but is not limited to this. The shape and material of the container in which the cleaning unit 40 is stored can be changed as appropriate.

[0160] <Additional Notes> The waste liquid extraction systems 180, 280, 380, 480, 580, 680, 780, 880 and the cell culture system 100 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0161] (1) A waste liquid extraction system 180, 280, 380, 480, 580, 680, 780, 880 according to a first aspect includes a waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, 210, 710 that extracts unused culture liquid as waste liquid E from a plurality of flasks 3 arranged in a horizontal direction, and a recovery mechanism 50, 250, 350, 450, 550, 850 having a recovery container 51, 252, 352, 452, 552, 852 that recovers the waste liquid E extracted by the waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, 210, 710. The waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, 210, 710 includes an aspiration mechanism that aspirates the waste liquid E in the flasks 3. The suction mechanism 20, 220, 720 has a suction section 24 and guides waste liquid E to the recovery mechanism 50, 250, 350, 450, 550, 850, a support mechanism 30 to which the suction section 24 is attached and which is movable in the vertical direction Dv and has an arm 33 which rotates around an axis O extending in the vertical direction Dv to rotate the suction section 24, a washing section 40 which is arranged on the trajectory L of the suction section 24 as viewed from the vertical direction Dv and which stores a washing liquid W, and a moving mechanism 11 which moves the multiple flasks 3 in a straight line horizontally and positions one of the flasks 3 on the trajectory L as viewed from the vertical direction Dv. An example of the suction portion 24 is the tip of the embodiment.

[0162] According to this embodiment, the arm 33 can rotate around the axis O to rotate the aspirator 24. Therefore, the aspirator 24 can move along a circular arc-shaped trajectory L when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. The moving mechanism 11 places one flask 3 on the trajectory L of the aspirator 24. Then, the arm 33 rotates around the axis O to place the aspirator 24 on the flask 3 placed on the trajectory L of the aspirator 24. Then, the aspirator 24 descends to aspirate the waste liquid E in the flask 3. Then, the arm 33 pulls out the aspirator 24 upward, and the moving mechanism 11 moves the other flask 3 directly below the aspirator 24. The aspirator 24 aspirates the waste liquid E in the flask 3 in the same manner as the first flask 3. The above operations are repeated to extract the waste liquid E from the multiple flasks 3. Then, the arm 33 rotates around the axis O to place the aspirator 24 on the cleaning unit 40. Then, the suction part 24 is lowered and immersed in the cleaning liquid W in the cleaning part 40. As a result, the suction part 24 is cleaned.

[0163] Thus, according to this embodiment, the multiple flasks 3 containing the waste liquid E can be sequentially positioned on the trajectory L of the suction part 24 by the movement mechanism 11. Therefore, the waste liquid E can be extracted from the multiple flasks 3 without changing the trajectory L of the suction part 24. Furthermore, after the operation of extracting the waste liquid E is completed, the suction part 24 can be immediately washed with the cleaning liquid W for cleaning. This allows the next operation of extracting the waste liquid E to be immediately started. In addition, the waste liquid extraction systems 180, 280, 380, 480, 580, 680, 780, and 880 can suck the waste liquid E in the flask 3 using the suction section 24 and directly guide it into the recovery containers 51, 252, 352, 452, 552, and 852.

[0164] (2) The waste liquid extraction system 280 of the second aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 280 of the first aspect, wherein the suction mechanism 20, 220, 720 has a suction tube 21 having the suction section 24 at its tip, and a suction pump 25 connected to the suction tube 21 and causing the suction section 24 to suck in waste liquid E, and the recovery container 252 may be connected to the suction pump 25.

[0165] In this embodiment, by operating the suction pump 25, the suction mechanism 20, 220, 720 can suck the waste liquid E. In addition, by operating the suction pump 25 after sucking the waste liquid E, air can be sucked in, and dripping of the waste liquid E from the suction part 24 can be suppressed.

[0166] (3) The waste liquid extraction system 380 of the third aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 380 of the first aspect, wherein the collection container 352 has a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state, and the collection mechanism 350 may further have a valve 253 for opening and closing a flow path of the waste liquid E connecting the suction section 24 and the collection container 352.

[0167] In this embodiment, since the strength of collection container 352 is ensured, collection container 352 can be evacuated in advance. In this state, when valve 253 is opened, an air flow is generated from suction part 24 toward collection container 352, and suction part 24 can suck waste liquid E.

[0168] (4) A waste liquid extraction system 380 according to a fourth embodiment is the waste liquid extraction system 380 according to the third embodiment, and the recovery mechanism 350 may further include a vacuum pump 456 that reduces the internal pressure of the recovery container 352.

[0169] In this embodiment, by reducing the internal pressure of the collection container 352, the waste liquid E can be sucked by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the collection container 352.

[0170] (5) The waste liquid extraction system 480, 680 according to the fifth aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 480, 680 according to the first aspect, wherein the recovery container 452 includes a first container 453 formed of a soft material for recovering the waste liquid E sucked by the suction section 24, and a second container 454 having a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state and in which the first container 453 is disposed, and the recovery mechanism 450 may further include a vacuum pump 456 for reducing the internal pressure of the second container 454.

[0171] According to this embodiment, the first container 453 expands by reducing the internal pressure of the second container 454. This reduces the internal pressure of the first container 453. Then, an air flow is generated from the suction part 24 toward the collection container 452, and the suction part 24 can suck the waste liquid E. Furthermore, even if the waste liquid E leaks from the first container 453, the waste liquid E can be collected in the second container 454.

[0172] (6) The waste liquid extraction system 680 of the sixth aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 680 of the fifth aspect, and may further include a flow detection sensor 71 that detects the flow of waste liquid E from the suction section 24 to the collection container 452, and a contact detection sensor 72 that is provided on the inner surface of the second container 454 and detects contact with the first container 453.

[0173] According to this embodiment, the waste liquid draining system 680 detects the flow of the waste liquid E by the flow detection sensor 71, and can perform the draining operation of the waste liquid E with high accuracy. Furthermore, the waste liquid draining system 680 can detect excessive expansion of the first container 453 by the contact detection sensor 72. This makes it possible to replace the first container 453 at an appropriate timing.

[0174] (7) The waste liquid extraction system 680 of the seventh aspect may be the waste liquid extraction system 680 of the fifth or sixth aspect, further comprising an elastic part 7 attached to the suction port 454b of the second container 454 inside the second container 454 and connected to the vacuum pump 456, and a current detection sensor 73 for detecting an increase in the current value of the vacuum pump 456.

[0175] According to this embodiment, the elastic part 7 comes into contact with the first container 453 before the first container 453 expands and is sucked into the suction port 454b, thereby preventing damage to the first container 453. Furthermore, when the first container 453 comes into contact with the elastic part 7, the flow of air to the vacuum pump 456 is partially blocked, causing the current value of the vacuum pump 456 to increase. However, the waste liquid extraction system 680 of this embodiment can immediately detect the increase in the current value of the vacuum pump 456 by the current detection sensor 73. This makes it possible to replace the first container 453 at an appropriate time.

[0176] (8) A waste liquid extraction system 780 according to an eighth aspect is a waste liquid extraction system 780 according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the suction mechanism 720 is attached to the tip of the suction section 24 and has a cover 26 formed from an elastic material, and a cutout portion 27 may be formed in the tip surface 26a of the cover 26.

[0177] Cover 26 comes into contact with the bottom surface of flask 3, preventing the tip of suction part 24 from coming into contact with the bottom surface of flask 3. This makes it possible to suppress damage to flask 3. Furthermore, even if the tip of cover 26 comes into contact with flask 3, waste liquid E can easily enter suction part 24 through cutout part 27, so suction part 24 can satisfactorily suck up waste liquid E remaining at the bottom of flask 3.

[0178] (9) A waste liquid extraction system 880 according to a ninth aspect may be a waste liquid extraction system 880 according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and may further include a disinfectant supply unit 860 that supplies a disinfectant to the collection container 852.

[0179] This allows a disinfectant to be added to the waste liquid E collected in the collection container 852, thereby preventing the waste liquid E from spoiling.

[0180] (10) A waste liquid extraction system 880 according to a tenth aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 880 according to the ninth aspect, in which the recovery mechanism 850 may further include a negative pressure mechanism 853 that creates a negative pressure inside the recovery container 852.

[0181] This makes it possible to prevent the sterilant supplied to the inside of collection container 852 from flowing back.

[0182] (11) The waste liquid extraction system 480, 680 according to an eleventh embodiment includes a waste liquid extraction mechanism 10 that extracts unused culture liquid from a flask 3 as waste liquid E, and a recovery mechanism 450 having a recovery container 452 that recovers the waste liquid E extracted by the waste liquid extraction mechanism 10. The waste liquid extraction mechanism 10 has an aspiration section 24 that aspirates the waste liquid E in the flask 3 and is equipped with a suction mechanism 20 that leads the waste liquid E to the recovery mechanism 450. The recovery container 452 includes a first container 453 formed of a soft material and that recovers the waste liquid E aspirated by the aspiration section 24, and a second container 454 having a structure that can withstand pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state and in which the first container 453 is disposed, and the recovery mechanism 450 further includes a vacuum pump 456 that reduces the internal pressure of the second container 454.

[0183] (12) The waste liquid extraction system 680 of the 12th aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 680 of the 11th aspect, and may further include a flow detection sensor 71 that detects the flow of waste liquid E from the suction section 24 to the collection container 452, and a contact detection sensor 72 that is provided on the inner surface of the second container 454 and detects contact with the first container 453.

[0184] (13) The waste liquid extraction system 680 of the 13th aspect may be the waste liquid extraction system 680 of the 11th or 12th aspect, and may further include an elastic part 7 attached to the suction port 454b of the second container 454 inside the second container 454 and connected to the vacuum pump 456, and a current detection sensor 73 for detecting an increase in the current value of the vacuum pump 456.

[0185] (14) A waste liquid extraction system 780 according to a fourteenth aspect is a waste liquid extraction system 780 according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein the suction mechanism 720 is attached to the tip of the suction section 24 and has a cover 26 formed from an elastic material, and a cutout portion 27 may be formed in the tip surface 26a of the cover 26.

[0186] (15) A waste liquid extraction system 880 according to a fifteenth aspect may be a waste liquid extraction system 880 according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, and may further include a disinfectant supply section 860 that supplies a disinfectant to the collection container 852.

[0187] (16) A waste liquid extraction system 880 according to a sixteenth aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 880 according to the fifteenth aspect, in which the recovery mechanism 850 may further include a negative pressure mechanism 853 that creates a negative pressure inside the recovery container 852.

[0188] (17) A waste liquid extraction system 180, 280, 380, 480, 580, 680, 780, 880 according to a seventeenth aspect includes a waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, 210, 710 that extracts unused culture liquid as waste liquid E from a plurality of flasks 3 arranged in a horizontal direction, and a collection container 51, 252, 352, 452, 510 that collects the waste liquid E extracted by the waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, 210, 710. The waste liquid extraction mechanism 10, 210, 710 is equipped with a recovery mechanism 50, 250, 350, 450, 550, 850 having a suction section 24 that suctions waste liquid E in the flask 3, and is equipped with a suction mechanism 20, 220, 720 that guides the waste liquid E to the recovery mechanism 50, 250, 350, 450, 550, 850, and a support mechanism 30 that enables the suction section 24 to move in the vertical direction Dv.

[0189] A flask 3 containing waste liquid E is placed below the suction part 24, and the arm 33 is lowered to immerse the suction part 24 in the waste liquid E. The suction part 24 then sucks up and removes the waste liquid E from the flask 3. The arm 33 then pulls the suction part 24 upward and moves another flask 3 directly below the suction part 24. The suction part 24 sucks up the waste liquid E from the flask 3 in the same way as it did with the first flask 3. By repeating the above operations, the waste liquid E from multiple flasks 3 is removed.

[0190] (18) The waste liquid extraction system 280 of the 18th aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 280 of the 17th aspect, wherein the suction mechanism 20, 220, 720 has a suction tube 21 having the suction section 24 at its tip, and a suction pump 25 connected to the suction tube 21 and causing the suction section 24 to suck in waste liquid E, and the recovery container 252 may be connected to the suction pump 25.

[0191] (19) The waste liquid extraction system 380 of the 19th aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 380 of the 17th aspect, wherein the collection container 352 has a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state, and the collection mechanism 350 may further have a valve 253 for opening and closing a flow path of the waste liquid E connecting the suction section 24 and the collection container 352.

[0192] (20) A waste liquid extraction system 380 according to a twentieth aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 380 according to the nineteenth aspect, in which the recovery mechanism 350 may further include a vacuum pump 456 that reduces the internal pressure of the recovery container 352.

[0193] (21) The waste liquid extraction system 480, 680 according to the 21st aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 480, 680 according to the 17th aspect, wherein the recovery container 452 includes a first container 453 formed of a soft material for recovering the waste liquid E sucked by the suction section 24, and a second container 454 having a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state and in which the first container 453 is disposed, and the recovery mechanism 450 may further include a vacuum pump 456 for reducing the internal pressure of the second container 454.

[0194] (22) The waste liquid extraction system 680 of the 22nd aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 680 of the 21st aspect, and may further include a flow detection sensor 71 that detects the flow of waste liquid E from the suction section 24 to the collection container 452, and a contact detection sensor 72 that is provided on the inner surface of the second container 454 and detects contact with the first container 453.

[0195] (23) The waste liquid extraction system 680 of the 23rd aspect may be the waste liquid extraction system 680 of the 21st or 22nd aspect, and may further include an elastic part 7 attached to the suction port 454b of the second container 454 inside the second container 454 and connected to the vacuum pump 456, and a current detection sensor 73 for detecting an increase in the current value of the vacuum pump 456.

[0196] (24) A waste liquid extraction system 780 according to a 24th aspect is a waste liquid extraction system 780 according to any one of the 17th to 23rd aspects, wherein the suction mechanism 720 is attached to the tip of the suction section 24 and has a cover 26 formed from an elastic material, and a cutout portion 27 may be formed in the tip surface 26a of the cover 26.

[0197] (25) A waste liquid extraction system 880 according to a 25th aspect may be a waste liquid extraction system 880 according to any one of the 17th to 24th aspects, and may further include a disinfectant supply unit 860 that supplies a disinfectant to the collection container 852.

[0198] (26) A waste liquid extraction system 880 according to a 26th aspect is the waste liquid extraction system 880 according to the 25th aspect, wherein the recovery mechanism 850 may further include a negative pressure mechanism 853 that creates a negative pressure inside the recovery container 852.

[0199] (27) A cell culture system 100 according to a 27th aspect includes a waste liquid extraction system 180, 280, 380, 480, 580, 680, 780, 880 according to any one of the first to 26th aspects, the flask 3, an incubator 130 forming a culture area R3 in which the flask 3 is accommodated, a clean bench 140 forming a liquid handling area in which dispensing operations are performed on the flask 3, a transport device 170 capable of transporting the flask 3 between the culture area R3 and the liquid handling area, and a pass box 150 capable of transferring the flask 3 between the incubator 130 and the clean bench 140. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 1...flask unit, 2...flask tray, 3...flask, 100...cell culture system, 110...stocker, 111...stocker body, 112...rack, 113...first stocker door, 114...second stocker door, 120...loading booth, 121...booth body, 122...loading door, 130...incubator, 131...incubator body, 132...shaking stage, 140...clean bench, 141...clean bench body, 143...dispensing device, 149...stage, 150...pass box, 151...box body, 152...first door, 153...second door, 170...transport device, 171...first transport robot, 172...second transport robot, 173...third transport robot, 174...fourth transport robot, 175...conveyor, R1...storage area, R2...loading area, R3...culture area, R4...liquid handling area 180...waste liquid removal system, 10...waste liquid removal mechanism, 20...suction mechanism, 21...suction tube, 23...tube body, 24...suction section, 5...waste liquid line, 30...support mechanism, 31...support base, 32...support column, 33...arm, 34...first arm section, 35...second arm section, 40...cleaning section, 41...cleaning base, 42...cleaning flask, 11...movement mechanism, 50...recovery mechanism, 51...recovery container, 90...control unit, 141a...floor, Dv...vertical direction, Dvu...upper side, Dvd...lower side, E...waste liquid, O...axis, L...trajectory, P1...suction position, P2...cleaning position, S1...storage space, W...cleaning liquid 280...waste liquid removal system, 210...waste liquid removal mechanism, 220...suction mechanism, 25...suction pump, 250...recovery mechanism, 252...recovery container, 253...valve, 70...liquid level sensor, LS...liquid level 380...waste liquid extraction system, 350...recovery mechanism, 352...recovery container, 353...vacuum pump 480...waste liquid extraction system, 450...recovery mechanism, 452...recovery container, 453...first container, 454...second container, 454a...container body, 455...sealing portion, 456...vacuum pump, 6...vacuum line, 458...valve, S2...accommodation space 580: waste liquid removal system; 550: recovery mechanism; 552: recovery container; 552a: container body; 552b: recovery port; 553: first connection line; 554: second connection line; 555: one-touch joint 680... Waste liquid extraction system, 452a... Suction port, 71... Flow detection sensor, 71a... Light projecting section, 71b... Light receiving section, 72... Contact detection sensor, 7... Elastic section, 73... Current detection sensor 780: Waste liquid removal system, 710: Waste liquid removal mechanism, 720: Suction mechanism, 26: Cover, 26a: Tip surface, 27: Notch portion 880...waste liquid removal system, 850...recovery mechanism, 852...recovery container, 853...negative pressure mechanism, 854...negative pressure pump, 8...negative pressure line, 855...valve, 856...valve, 860...sterilant supply unit, 861...supply source, 9...supply line, 863...valve 1100... computer, 1110... processor, 1120... main memory, 1130... storage, 1140... interface

Claims

1. a waste liquid removal mechanism that removes unused culture liquid as waste liquid from the multiple flasks arranged in a horizontal direction; a recovery mechanism having a recovery container for recovering the waste liquid extracted by the waste liquid extraction mechanism; Equipped with The waste liquid removal mechanism includes: a suction mechanism having a suction part for suctioning waste liquid in the flask and leading the waste liquid to the recovery mechanism; a support mechanism having an arm to which the suction unit is attached, which is movable in a vertical direction, and which rotates about an axis extending in the vertical direction to rotate the suction unit; a cleaning unit that is disposed on a path of the suction unit when viewed from above and below and that stores a cleaning liquid; a movement mechanism that moves the plurality of flasks linearly in a horizontal direction and disposes one of the flasks on the trajectory when viewed from above and below; A waste liquid extraction system comprising:

2. The suction mechanism includes: a suction tube having the suction portion at its tip; a suction pump connected to the suction tube for sucking waste liquid into the suction section; having The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 1 , wherein the collection container is connected to the suction pump.

3. The collection container has a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state, The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 1 , wherein the recovery mechanism further comprises a valve for opening and closing a flow path for waste liquid connecting the suction unit and the recovery container.

4. 4. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 3, wherein the recovery mechanism further comprises a vacuum pump for reducing the internal pressure of the recovery container.

5. The collection container comprises: a first container formed of a soft material and configured to collect the waste liquid sucked by the suction unit; A second container having a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state, the second container being disposed therein; having 2. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 1, wherein the recovery mechanism further comprises a vacuum pump for reducing the internal pressure of the second container.

6. a flow detection sensor that detects a flow of waste liquid from the suction unit to the collection container; a contact detection sensor provided on an inner surface of the second container and configured to detect contact of the first container; The waste liquid extraction system of claim 5 further comprising:

7. an elastic portion attached to a suction port of the second container connected to the vacuum pump inside the second container; a current detection sensor that detects an increase in a current value of the vacuum pump; The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising:

8. the suction mechanism is attached to a tip of the suction unit and has a cover made of an elastic material; 7. The waste liquid draining system according to claim 1, wherein a notch is formed on a tip surface of the cover.

9. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 1 , further comprising a disinfectant supply unit that supplies a disinfectant to the collection container.

10. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 9 , wherein the recovery mechanism further comprises a negative pressure mechanism that creates a negative pressure inside the recovery container.

11. a waste liquid removal mechanism for removing unused culture liquid from the flask as waste liquid; a recovery mechanism having a recovery container for recovering the waste liquid extracted by the waste liquid extraction mechanism; Equipped with The waste liquid removal mechanism includes: a suction mechanism having a suction part for suctioning waste liquid in the flask and leading the waste liquid to the recovery mechanism; The collection container comprises: a first container formed of a soft material and configured to collect the waste liquid sucked by the suction unit; A second container having a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state, the second container being disposed therein; having The recovery mechanism further includes a vacuum pump that reduces the internal pressure of the second container.

12. a flow detection sensor that detects a flow of waste liquid from the suction unit to the collection container; a contact detection sensor provided on an inner surface of the second container and configured to detect contact of the first container; The waste liquid extraction system of claim 11 further comprising:

13. an elastic portion attached to a suction port of the second container connected to the vacuum pump inside the second container; a current detection sensor that detects an increase in a current value of the vacuum pump; The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising:

14. the suction mechanism is attached to a tip of the suction unit and has a cover made of an elastic material; 13. The waste liquid draining system according to claim 11, wherein a notch is formed in a tip surface of the cover.

15. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a disinfectant supply unit that supplies a disinfectant to the collection container.

16. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 15 , wherein the recovery mechanism further comprises a negative pressure mechanism that creates a negative pressure inside the recovery container.

17. a waste liquid removal mechanism that removes unused culture liquid as waste liquid from the multiple flasks arranged in a horizontal direction; a recovery mechanism having a recovery container for recovering the waste liquid extracted by the waste liquid extraction mechanism; Equipped with The waste liquid removal mechanism includes: a suction mechanism having a suction part for suctioning waste liquid in the flask and leading the waste liquid to the recovery mechanism; A support mechanism that allows the suction unit to move in a vertical direction; A waste liquid extraction system comprising:

18. The suction mechanism includes: a suction tube having the suction portion at its tip; a suction pump connected to the suction tube for sucking waste liquid into the suction section; having The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 17 , wherein the collection container is connected to the suction pump.

19. The collection container has a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state, 18. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 17, wherein the recovery mechanism further comprises a valve for opening and closing a flow path for waste liquid connecting the suction unit and the recovery container.

20. 20. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 19, wherein the recovery mechanism further comprises a vacuum pump that reduces the internal pressure of the recovery container.

21. The collection container comprises: a first container formed of a soft material and configured to collect the waste liquid sucked by the suction unit; A second container having a structure capable of withstanding pressure applied from inside and outside in a sealed state, the second container being disposed therein; having 18. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 17, wherein the recovery mechanism further comprises a vacuum pump that reduces the internal pressure of the second container.

22. a flow detection sensor that detects a flow of waste liquid from the suction unit to the collection container; a contact detection sensor provided on an inner surface of the second container and configured to detect contact of the first container; 22. The waste liquid extraction system of claim 21, further comprising:

23. an elastic portion attached to a suction port of the second container connected to the vacuum pump inside the second container; a current detection sensor that detects an increase in a current value of the vacuum pump; The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising:

24. the suction mechanism is attached to a tip of the suction unit and has a cover made of an elastic material; 23. The waste liquid draining system according to claim 17, wherein a notch is formed on a tip surface of the cover.

25. 23. The waste liquid extraction system according to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising a disinfectant supply unit that supplies a disinfectant to the collection vessel.

26. 26. The waste liquid extraction system according to claim 25, wherein the recovery mechanism further comprises a negative pressure mechanism that creates a negative pressure inside the recovery container.

27. A waste liquid extraction system according to any one of claims 1, 11 and 17; The flask; an incubator forming a culture area in which the flasks are housed; a clean bench forming a liquid handling area in which a dispensing operation is performed on the flask; a transport device capable of transporting the flask in each of the culture area and the liquid handling area; a pass box capable of transferring the flask between the incubator and the clean bench; A cell culture system comprising:

Images