Container conveyance jig and cell culture system

Abstract

To hold a container body in an unrotatable state without applying a large burden to a container body.SOLUTION: A container conveyance jig comprises: a jig body which has a container body extending in a vertical direction about an axis line, and a body holding hole which has a lid part fastened to a mouth of the container body and into which a container used for cell culture can be inserted; a body fixing part which is arranged in the vertical direction apart from the jig body, and has a body fixing hole into which the container body can be inserted in an unrotatable state about the axis line; and a jig connecting part which is detachably connected to the jig body and the body fixing part, where the jig body is formed of a metal material, and the body fixing part is formed of a resin material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container transfer jig and a cell culture system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a cell culture incubator device in a culture system with minimal human involvement. In the incubator described in Patent Document 1, within the chamber, cell culture containers such as flasks, suspension culture flasks, spinner flasks, plates, Petri dishes, and bags are automatically lifted, rotated, and moved by a robotic arm. Further, the arm has, at one end, a mechanical gripper for releasably gripping the cell culture container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, among the containers used for cell culture, there are sealable containers such as vials for freezing and storing samples contained inside cells and the like. For example, this vial has a container body capable of storing a sample inside and a lid portion for sealing the container body. The vial can be stored at a low temperature with the lid portion tightened. When taking out the internal sample from the stored vial, it is necessary to remove the lid portion from the container body. To automate this operation, there is a lid-opening device for removing the lid portion from the container body. In the lid-opening device, the vial is automatically conveyed by the arm described in Patent Document 1. When removing the lid portion from the container body with the lid-opening device, it is necessary to hold the container body in a non-rotatable state and rotate only the lid portion. At that time, in order to prevent the sample from spilling, it is necessary to maintain the posture of the container body and prevent damage. For this, it is desired to hold the container body in a non-rotatable state without applying a large load to the container body.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a conveyance system, a cell culture system, and a conveyance method capable of holding a container body in a non-rotatable state without applying a large load to the container body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a container conveyance jig according to the present disclosure has a container body extending in the vertical direction around an axis, and a lid portion fastened to the mouth portion of the container body, and has a jig body having a main body holding hole into which a container used for cell culture can be inserted, a main body fixing portion disposed away from the jig body in the vertical direction and having a main body fixing hole through which the container body can be inserted in a non-rotatable state around the axis, and a jig connection portion detachably connected to the jig body and the main body fixing portion. The jig body is formed of a metal material, and the main body fixing portion is formed of a resin material.

[0007] In addition, a cell culture system according to the present disclosure includes the above container conveyance jig and a stocker forming a storage area for storing the container conveyance jig.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the container transfer jig and the cell culture system of the present disclosure, the container body can be held in a non-rotatable state without applying a large load to the container body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the cell culture system 100 of the present embodiment is a system that performs cell culture, analysis of cells after culture, etc. with a work as a processing unit, and these processes are performed, for example, unmanned and automatically. In the cell culture system 100, the work is conveyed, and various processes are performed unmanned and automatically. The work has a container such as a vial, a flask, a well plate, a deep well plate, etc. and a container transfer jig 1 on which these containers are placed.

[0011] <Cell culture system> The cell culture system 100 has a first stocker 110, a second stocker 120, an incubator 130, a clean bench 140, and a pass box 150.

[0012] <First stocker> The first stocker 110 is a facility for storing a plurality of workpieces. The area inside the first stocker 110 is the first storage area R1. In the first storage area R1, various types of workpieces are stored. In the first storage area R1, a rack (not shown) capable of accommodating a large number of workpieces is arranged. An operator can access the rack from the outside through a door.

[0013] <Second stocker> The second stocker 120 is arranged adjacent to the first stocker 110. The area inside the second stocker 120 is the second storage area R2. In the second storage area R2, workpieces are stored at a low temperature. In the second stocker 120, facilities such as a pedestal on which workpieces can be placed and a refrigerator-freezer capable of storing a culture solution in a refrigerated or frozen state are arranged.

[0014] <Incubator> The incubator 130 is a facility for growing cells in a culture solution. The area inside the incubator 130 is the culture area R3. In the culture area R3, a culture operation is performed on the container of the workpiece. The atmosphere in the culture area R3 is controlled to a temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration suitable for cell culture. The culture area R3 is basically in a dark place. In the culture area R3, for example, a shaking device capable of shaking a plurality of containers such as flasks at the same time is arranged.

[0015] <Clean bench> The clean bench 140 is equipment for performing various liquid operations and treatments on the containers of the workpieces. The area inside the clean bench 140 is defined as the liquid operation area R4. In the liquid operation area R4, a dispensing operation is performed on the containers of the workpieces. The liquid operation area R4 is a highly clean and aseptic space (bio-cleanroom). Inside the liquid operation area R4, air circulates as a downflow (descending air current).

[0016] Various equipment such as a dispensing device, a filtering device, a sealing device, a waste liquid draining device, and a workpiece discharging device may be arranged inside the clean bench 140. Also, outside the clean bench 140, a medium supply device capable of supplying a medium to the dispensing device, a cell analysis device capable of analyzing the culture solution dispensed by the dispensing device, etc. may be arranged.

[0017] Here, the clean bench 140 is arranged adjacent to the first stocker 110 and the second stocker 120.

[0018] Inside the first stocker 110, a first stocker door 110a that separates the first storage area R1 and the liquid operation area R4 is arranged. When the first stocker door 110a is in the open state, the first storage area R1 and the liquid operation area R4 are in a communicating state, and the workpieces can move between these areas. When the first stocker door 110a is in the closed state, the first storage area R1 and the liquid operation area R4 are in a non-communicating state, and these areas are isolated.

[0019] Inside the second stocker 120, a second stocker door 120a that separates the second storage area R2 and the liquid operation area R4 is arranged. When the second stocker door 120a is in the open state, the second storage area R2 and the liquid operation area R4 are in a communicating state, and the workpieces can move between these areas. When the second stocker door 120a is in the closed state, the second storage area R2 and the liquid operation area R4 are in a non-communicating state, and these areas are isolated.

[0020] <Pass box> The pass box 150 is disposed between and in contact with the incubator 130 and the clean bench 140. The pass box 150 has a first pass door 150a and a second pass door 150b. When the first pass door 150a is opened, the culture area R3 and the area inside the pass box 150 are in communication. When the second pass door 150b is opened, the liquid operation area R4 and the area inside the pass box 150 are in communication. Therefore, by the opening and closing operations of these first pass door 150a and second pass door 150b, the culture area R3 and the liquid operation area R4 can be switched between a state of being isolated and a state where work can be shuttled between these areas. Note that the first pass door 150a and the second pass door 150b are not simultaneously in the open state. Thus, the culture area R3 and the liquid operation area R4 do not communicate with each other, and the atmospheric state of each area is maintained.

[0021] <Carrier device> In each of the first storage area R1, the second storage area R2, the culture area R3, and the liquid operation area R4, a transfer robot movable, for example, in the horizontal direction is provided as a transfer device (not shown). Thereby, the movement of work in each area is made possible. By the cooperation of the opening and closing of each door and the operation of the transfer robot, the shuttling of work in each area is made possible.

[0022] <Detailed structure of the container transfer jig> Next, the container transfer jig 1 capable of transferring the work of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the detailed structure of the container transfer jig 1 capable of transferring the vial 2 in a state where the vial 2 is placed as the work will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0023] <Vial> Vial 2 is a container used for cell culture and capable of storing the sample contained therein in a frozen state. Vial 2 is capable of containing a culture solution containing a medium with cells and nutrients necessary for cell growth added therein. Vial 2 is stored in the second storage area R2 while being held by the container transfer jig 1. Vial 2 of the present embodiment is, for example, a container with a lid that is stored in the second stocker 120 in a frozen state. Vial 2 can be opened by the lid opening device 9 (see FIG. 5) in the incubator 130 or the clean bench 140. Further, the lid opening device 9 is arranged in the liquid operation area R4. The lid opening device 9 is capable of removing the lid portion 22 from the container body 21 of the vial 2 described later. As shown in FIG. 2 (cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 3), the vial 2 of the present embodiment has a container body 21 and a lid portion 22.

[0024] <Container body> The container body 21 is capable of storing the liquid or the like contained therein in a sterile state. The container body 21 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape centered on an axis O extending in the vertical direction Dv, and the upper part is open. That is, the container body 21 is arranged in a posture where the direction in which the axis O extends coincides with the vertical direction Dv. The axis O is the central axis of the vial 2. The outer peripheral surface of the container body 21 has a constant diameter in the vertical direction Dv and is formed in a cylindrical surface shape centered on the axis O. At the upper part of the container body 21, a cylindrical mouth portion that is continuous with the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the container body 21 and centered on the axis O is formed. The container body 21 is formed of glass or plastic.

[0025] <Lid portion> The lid part 22 is fastened to the mouth part of the container body 21. The lid part 22 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with its upper end closed. In the state where the lid part 22 is attached to the container body 21, it extends in the vertical direction Dv around the axis O. The outer shape of the cross section (horizontal cross section) orthogonal to the axis O of the lid part 22 is circular. By screwing the lid part 22 into the mouth part of the container body 21, the lid part 22 is attached to the container body 21 in an airtight and liquidtight manner. That is, the lid part 22 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the container body 21 by rotating it relative to the container body 21 around the axis O. Therefore, the lid opening device 9 (see FIG. 5) is capable of rotating the lid part 22 relative to the container body 21.

[0026] <Container transfer jig> The container transfer jig 1 is a jig capable of transferring a plurality of containers. The container transfer jig 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be operable and transferable while holding up to six vials 2. The container transfer jig 1 of the present embodiment includes a jig body 3, a body fixing part 4, a jig connection part 5, and a tag reader 6.

[0027] <Jig body> The jig body 3 is a member capable of holding the vial 2 in a vertically standing posture. The jig body 3 is formed in a rectangular block shape extending in the horizontal direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction Dv. As shown in FIG. 3, hereinafter, among the horizontal directions, the longitudinal direction of the jig body 3 in plan view is referred to as the first direction D1. Also, among the horizontal directions, the short side direction of the jig body 3 in plan view is referred to as the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 2, the jig body 3 has a support groove 32 formed on its side surface that can be supported by the end effector of the robot arm. The support groove 32 is recessed inward from the side surface of the jig body 3 facing the first direction D1. The jig body 3 is formed of a metal material such as aluminum, for example.

[0028] The jig body 3 has a plurality of (for example, six in this embodiment) main body holding holes 31 into which the vial 2 can be inserted. The main body holding holes 31 are formed to a depth such that when the container body 21 is inserted, the container body 21 can maintain its posture without falling in a posture where the axis O extends in the vertical direction Dv. The main body holding holes 31 of this embodiment penetrate the jig body 3 in the vertical direction Dv. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of main body holding holes 31 are arranged at a distance in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 (in this embodiment, three in the first direction D1 and two in the second direction D2). When viewed from the vertical direction Dv, the plurality of main body holding holes 31 are arranged with their horizontal positions shifted in the same direction with respect to the center position of the jig body 3. Specifically, the plurality of main body holding holes 31 are arranged at a position biased to one side in the second direction D2 on the jig body 3.

[0029] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of positioning holes 36 are formed in the jig body 3 that are recessed from the lower surface of the jig body 3. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the positioning holes 36 are configured such that a positioning pin 91 having a circular cross-section formed on the stage of the lid-opening device 9 can be inserted. By the positioning pin 91 entering two positioning holes 36 of the jig body 3, the positioning of the container transfer jig 1 on the lid-opening device 9 is performed.

[0030] The plurality of positioning holes 36 are arranged at a position biased to one side in the first direction D1 in the jig body 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of positioning holes 36 are formed at a distance in the second direction D2. One of the pair of positioning holes 36 is a first hole portion 36a that is circular in plan view. The other of the pair of positioning holes 36 is a second hole portion 36b that is elongated in the second direction D2 in plan view.

[0031] Note that the first hole portion 36a does not necessarily have to be strictly circular, and for example, it indicates a circular shape that allows for machining errors, machining roughness, etc. during hole drilling with a drill or reamer. Also, the first hole portion 36a only needs to be closer to a circular shape than the second hole portion 36b that is elongated.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body fixing portion 4 is disposed at a distance above the jig main body 3 in the vertical direction Dv. The main body fixing portion 4 is detachably fixed to the jig main body 3 by the jig connection portion 5. As shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from the vertical direction Dv, the main body fixing portion 4 is smaller than the entire jig main body 3 and larger than the region where a plurality of main body holding holes 31 are formed. The main body fixing portion 4 is a rectangular flat plate-shaped member having the first direction D1 as the longitudinal direction and the second direction D2 as the short-side direction in plan view. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body fixing portion 4 is formed to have a smaller thickness in the vertical direction Dv than the jig main body 3. The main body fixing portion 4 is disposed above the jig main body 3 so as to be parallel to the jig main body 3. The main body fixing portion 4 is formed of, for example, a resin material. That is, the main body fixing portion 4 is formed to have a lower strength than the jig main body 3. Further, the main body fixing portion 4 is formed to have a lower strength than the container main body 21.

[0033] The main body fixing portion 4 has a plurality of main body fixing holes 41 through which the container main body 21 can be inserted in a state where rotation about the axis O is impossible. On the inner peripheral surface of the main body fixing hole 41, for example, irregularities are formed so as to catch on the outer peripheral surface of the container main body 21. As a result, the container main body 21 inserted through the main body fixing hole 41 is in a state where rotation about the axis O is impossible with respect to the main body fixing portion 4. The main body fixing holes 41 of the present embodiment penetrate the main body fixing portion 4 in the vertical direction Dv. As shown in FIG. 3, the number of the plurality of main body fixing holes 41 is the same as the number of the plurality of main body holding holes 31. The plurality of main body fixing holes 41 are arranged such that the center positions are the same as those of the plurality of main body holding holes 31 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the jig connection portion 5 is detachably connected to the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4. The jig connection portion 5 is a rod-shaped member extending upward from the upper surface of the jig main body 3. A plurality (four in the present embodiment) of the jig main bodies 3 are arranged. As shown in FIG. 3, each jig main body 3 is arranged at four corner portions where the short side and the long side of the main body fixing portion 4 in plan view are connected when viewed from the vertical direction Dv.

[0035] <Connection Structure of Fixture Body, Fixture Connection Part, and Body Fixing Part> Here, the connection structure of the fixture body 3, the fixture connection part 5, and the body fixing part 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The fixture connection part 5 of the present embodiment has a first pillar 51, a second pillar 52, and a spacer 53.

[0036] The first pillar 51 is detachably connected to the fixture body 3. The first pillar 51 extends in the vertical direction Dv. That is, the central axis OC of the first pillar 51 extends in the vertical direction Dv. The first pillar 51 of the present embodiment has a first main body 511, a first screw shaft 512, and a first screw hole 513.

[0037] The first main body 511 is formed in a columnar shape with a circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis OC and centered on the central axis OC. The upper end and the lower end of the first main body 511 are each formed in a flat shape along a plane. The vertical positions of the upper ends and the lower ends of the plurality of first main bodies 511 are the same as each other. The body fixing part 4 is placed on the upper ends of the plurality of first main bodies 511 in a state of being in contact therewith.

[0038] The first screw shaft 512 projects downward in the vertical direction Dv along the central axis OC from the lower end of the first main body 511. The outer diameter of the first screw shaft 512 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first main body 511. A male screw around the central axis OC is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first screw shaft 512.

[0039] The first screw hole 513 is recessed downward in the vertical direction Dv along the central axis OC from the upper end of the first main body 511. The first screw hole 513 is formed to a depth that does not penetrate the first main body 511. A female screw around the central axis OC is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first screw hole 513.

[0040] At the connection point with the first pillar 51 on the upper surface of the jig body 3, an insertion recess 33 that is recessed downward in the vertical direction Dv from the upper surface of the jig body 3 is formed. The inner peripheral surface of the insertion recess 33 has the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the first main body 511 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. In the present embodiment, the planar shape of the inner peripheral surface of the insertion recess 33 is circular. The insertion recess 33 is configured such that the first pillar 51 can be inserted only from above in the vertical direction Dv. The bottom surface of the insertion recess 33 is flat along the horizontal plane. The lower end portion of the first main body 511 is fitted into the insertion recess 33. The lower end surface of the first main body 511 abuts against the bottom surface of the insertion recess 33 so as to contact it.

[0041] At the center of the bottom surface of the insertion recess 33, a main body hole 34 that is recessed further downward in the vertical direction Dv from the bottom surface is formed. A female screw into which the first screw shaft 512 can be fastened is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body hole 34. The main body hole 34 is configured such that the first screw shaft 512 can be inserted only from above in the vertical direction Dv.

[0042] The second pillar 52 is detachably connected to the first pillar 51. The second pillar 52 restricts the movement of the main body fixing portion 4 in the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction Dv. The second pillar 52 of the present embodiment restricts the movement of the main body fixing portion 4 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 with respect to the second pillar 52. The second pillar 52 extends in the vertical direction Dv from the upper end of the first pillar 51. The central axis of the second pillar 52 coincides with the central axis OC of the first pillar 51 and extends in the vertical direction Dv. The second pillar 52 of the present embodiment has a second main body 521, a second screw shaft 522, and a second head 523.

[0043] The second main body 521 is formed in a columnar shape with a circular cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the central axis OC and centered on the central axis OC. The outer diameter of the second main body 521 is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the first main body 511. The lower end of the second main body 521 is formed flat along the plane. The lower ends of the plurality of first main bodies 511 can each contact the upper end of the first main body 511. Also, the second main body 521 is formed thicker than the main body fixing portion 4.

[0044] The second screw shaft 522 projects downward in the vertical direction Dv along the central axis OC from the lower end of the second main body 521. The outer diameter of the second screw shaft 522 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second main body 521. A male screw around the central axis OC to which the first screw shaft 512 can be fastened is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second screw shaft 522. The second screw shaft 522 can be inserted into the first screw shaft 512 only from above in the vertical direction Dv.

[0045] The second head 523 is connected to the upper end of the second main body 521. The second head 523 is formed with a larger diameter than the second main body 521.

[0046] A screw insertion hole 42 penetrating the main body fixing portion 4 in the vertical direction Dv is formed at the connection portion of the main body fixing portion 4 with the second column 52. The screw insertion hole 42 is formed at a horizontal position corresponding to the first column 51 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. That is, when viewed from the vertical direction Dv with the main body fixing portion 4 fixed to the jig main body 3, the screw insertion hole 42 is formed at a position overlapping the insertion recess 33 and the main body hole 34 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The hole diameter of the screw insertion hole 42 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first main body 511 and larger than the outer diameter of the second main body 521 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. Further, the hole diameter of the screw insertion hole 42 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second head 523 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. Thereby, only the second main body 521 and the second screw shaft 522 among the second columns 52 can be inserted into the screw insertion hole 42.

[0047] The spacer 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an annular cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the central axis OC, centered on the central axis OC. The spacer 53 restricts the movement of the second body 521 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 within the screw insertion hole 42. The outer diameter of the spacer 53 is smaller than the inner diameter of the screw insertion hole 42. Thus, the spacer 53 is inserted into the screw insertion hole 42 from above in the vertical direction Dv. Note that it is preferable that the outer diameter of the spacer 53 is close to the inner diameter of the screw insertion hole 42, and more preferably, they are substantially the same. Also, the inner diameter of the spacer 53 is larger than the outer diameter of the second body 521. Thus, the second body 521 is inserted into the spacer 53. Furthermore, the spacer 53 is formed thicker than the main body fixing portion 4. More specifically, the lengths of the spacer 53 and the second body 521 in the vertical direction Dv are substantially the same.

[0048] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the tag reader 6 is fixed so as to protrude from the upper surface of the jig body 3. The tag reader 6 has a tag support portion 61 and a tag reader main body 62.

[0049] The tag support portion 61 is fixed to the upper surface of the jig body 3 with a fastening member such as a bolt. The tag support portion 61 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the main body fixing portion 4 when viewed from the vertical direction Dv.

[0050] The tag reader main body 62 stores various information of the vial 2 mounted on the jig body 3. The tag reader main body 62 is fixed to the surface of the tag support portion 61 facing the outside in the first direction D1. The tag reader main body 62 faces the side opposite to the main body fixing portion 4 in the first direction D1. That is, the tag reader main body 62 is arranged at a position accessible from the outside of the jig body 3.

[0051] Next, a method for assembling the above-described container transfer jig 1 will be described. In the container transfer jig 1, the first pillar 51 is fixed to the jig body 3. Specifically, the first pillar 51 is inserted into the insertion recess 33 from above in the vertical direction Dv, and the first screw shaft 512 is fastened to the main body hole 34. As a result, with the lower end portion of the first main body 511 fitted into the insertion recess 33, the first pillar 51 is fixed to the jig body 3. Further, the upper end portion of the first main body 511 is fixed in a state of protruding upward in the vertical direction Dv from the upper surface of the jig body 3. Furthermore, the main body fixing portion 4 is placed on the upper end of the first main body 511. Then, the spacer 53 and the second pillar 52 are inserted into the screw insertion hole 42 from above in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the main body fixing portion 4. At this time, the spacer 53 with the second main body 521 inserted therein is inserted into the screw insertion hole 42. Then, the second screw shaft 522 is fastened to the first screw hole 513. As a result, with the lower end of the second main body 521 in contact with the upper end of the first main body 511, the second pillar 52 is fixed to the first pillar 51. Also, by fixing the first pillar 51 and the second pillar 52, the main body fixing portion 4 placed on the upper end of the first main body 511 is fixed. That is, the main body fixing portion 4 is fixed to the jig body 3. Furthermore, the tag support portion 61 is fixed to the main body fixing portion 4. The tag reader main body 62 is fixed to the side surface of the tag support portion 61. Thus, the completed container transfer jig 1 is obtained.

[0052] Furthermore, a method for opening the lid portion 22 of the vial 2 by the lid opening device 9 using the container transfer jig 1 will be described. The vial 2 is inserted into the main body holding hole 31 of the container transfer jig 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the container transfer jig 1 holding the vial 2 is installed in the lid opening device 9 by a robot arm or the like. In the lid opening device 9, only the lid portion 22 is rotated. As a result, the container main body 21, which is made non-rotatable by the main body fixing portion 4, is not rotated, and only the lid portion 22 is rotated by the lid opening device 9. Thereby, the lid portion 22 is removed from the container main body 21.

[0053] (Function and Effect) In the container transfer jig 1 configured as described above, a main body fixing hole 41 through which the container main body 21 is inserted in a non-rotatable state about the axis O is formed in the main body fixing portion 4 fixed at a position above the jig connection portion 5 in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the jig main body 3. That is, the container main body 21 inserted and held in the main body holding hole 31 is also inserted through the main body fixing hole 41 and is held by the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4 in a non-rotatable state. Therefore, when the lid opening device 9 rotates the lid portion 22 with respect to the vial 2 held by the container transfer jig 1, only the lid portion 22 rotates without the container main body 21 rotating. Thereby, the fastening between the lid portion 22 and the container main body 21 can be stably released. Here, when the lid portion 22 is rotated to release the fastening of the lid portion 22, the torque generated by this rotation reaches the container main body 21 and also to the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4 via the container main body 21. However, compared to the strength of the jig main body 3 formed of a metal material, the strength of the main body fixing portion 4 formed of a resin material is lower. In particular, the main body fixing portion 4 of the present embodiment is formed to have a lower strength than the container main body 21. Therefore, even if an abnormal load occurs between the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4 and the container main body 21 when the lid portion 22 is rotated, the main body fixing portion 4 breaks prior to the jig main body 3 and the container main body 21, and it is possible to suppress a large load from being applied to the container main body 21. Thereby, the container main body 21 can be held in a non-rotatable state without applying a large load to the container main body 21.

[0054] Further, since the main body fixing portion 4 is formed of a resin material, even if the main body fixing portion 4 is damaged by the lid opening operation or is contaminated by the liquid in the container main body 21, it can be easily replaced at low cost.

[0055] In addition, the jig connection part 5 has a first column 51 fixed to the upper surface of the jig main body 3 by a first screw shaft 512 and a second column 52 fixed to a first screw hole 513 at the upper end of the first main body 511 by a second screw shaft 522. The second screw shaft 522 is fastened to the first screw hole 513 while being inserted into the screw insertion hole 42 of the main body fixing part 4 from above, thereby fixing the first column 51 and the main body fixing part 4. Therefore, when assembling the container transfer jig 1, first, the first column 51 is attached to the jig main body 3 from above in the vertical direction Dv. Then, second, the main body fixing part 4 is attached to the jig main body 3 and the first column 51 from above in the vertical direction Dv. And third, the second column 52 is attached to the jig main body 3, the first column 51, and the main body fixing part 4 from above in the vertical direction Dv. Thus, all the members are configured to be assembled by accessing from above in the vertical direction Dv. As a result, the work burden during the manufacture of the container transfer jig 1 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the main body fixing part 4 is damaged and needs to be replaced, the container transfer jig 1 can be repaired to the container. Also, since there is no need to fasten a screw from below in the vertical direction Dv, it is possible to avoid the screw from falling off downward.

[0056] Further, it is fixed in a state where the main body fixing part 4 is placed on the upper end of the first main body 511. As a result, the first column 51 holds the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing part 4 in a state of being separated from each other in the vertical direction Dv. Compared with the jig main body 3 formed of a metal material, the shrinkage and expansion due to heat of the main body fixing part 4 formed of a resin material are smaller. By not being in direct contact with the jig main body 3, even if a thermal expansion difference occurs between the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing part 4, it is possible to suppress the influence of the thermal expansion difference on the main body fixing part 4.

[0057] Further, the second pillar 52 is fixed to the first pillar 51 with the second main body 521 inserted inside the spacer 53. And the spacer 53 is inserted into the screw insertion hole 42 together with the second pillar 52. Therefore, inside the screw insertion hole 42, the spacer 53 is interposed between the main body fixing portion 4 and the second pillar 52. Further, the spacer 53 is formed thicker than the main body fixing portion 4. Therefore, regardless of the length of the second main body 521, the second head 523 cannot contact the upper surface of the main body fixing portion 4, and a gap is formed in the vertical direction Dv between the second head 523 and the main body fixing portion 4. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the main body fixing portion 4 from being sandwiched and pulled by the second head 523 and the upper end of the first main body 511 in the vertical direction Dv and being damaged. As a result, even if the jig main body 3 expands and contracts greatly due to heat, it is possible to suppress the main body fixing portion 4 from being damaged by heat that does not directly result from the lid-opening operation.

[0058] Also, when viewed from the vertical direction Dv, all of the plurality of main body holding holes 31 are displaced and arranged to one side in the second direction D2 with respect to the center position of the jig main body 3. Therefore, even if the same type of vial 2 is inserted into all of the plurality of main body holding holes 31, the positions of the respective vials 2 can be grasped instantaneously. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the vials 2 from being accidentally misidentified.

[0059] Also, the tag reader 6 is fixed so as to protrude from the upper surface of the jig main body 3. Therefore, it is possible to easily access the tag reader 6 from the outside of the container transfer jig 1. Therefore, the reading process of the tag reader 6 can be easily performed. Further, the tag reader main body 62 faces the side opposite to the main body fixing portion 4 in the first direction D1. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the visual recognition of the tag reader 6 from being obstructed by the vial 2 held by the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4.

[0060] In addition, by using such a container transfer jig 1 in the cell culture system 100, the vial 2 can be stably opened unmanned and automatically. Therefore, in the cell culture system 100, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of defects related to the opening of the vial 2 and improve the reliability.

[0061] Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the main body fixing hole 41, irregularities are formed that catch on the outer peripheral surface of the container main body 21. Therefore, by simply inserting the container main body 21 into the main body fixing hole 41, the container main body 21 can be held in a state where it cannot rotate about the axis O with respect to the main body fixing portion 4.

[0062] Also, in the present embodiment, one of the first hole portion 36a and the second hole portion 36b as the positioning holes 36 is formed in an elongated hole shape. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform positioning with respect to the lid opening device 9. That is, the position and orientation of the container transfer jig 1 on the lid opening device 9 supported by the end effector of the robot arm can be defined by the orientation of the first hole portion 36a and the second hole portion 36b. Further, although it is necessary to fit the two positioning holes 36 into both of the two positioning pins 91 at the same time, since the second hole portion 36b is in the shape of an elongated hole, a likelihood can be provided corresponding to the formation range of the elongated hole. As a result, it is possible to position the container transfer jig 1 on the lid opening device 9 while allowing for assembly errors of the system and machining errors of the components. Also, if both the first hole portion 36a and the second hole portion 36b are in the shape of an elongated hole, the positioning accuracy cannot be ensured. However, in the present embodiment, the first hole portion 36a is formed in a circular shape closer to a perfect circle than the second hole portion 36b. Therefore, the positioning accuracy can be ensured by the contribution of the first hole portion 36a.

[0063] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure are also included.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the container transfer jig 1 capable of mounting six vials 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the container transfer jig 1 may be configured to be able to mount only one vial 2 or two or more and six or less vials 2 or six or more vials 2.

[0065] Further, the shape of the jig body 3 and the shape of the main body fixing portion 4 are not limited to the shapes as in the present embodiment. For example, notches or holes may be formed in the jig body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4.

[0066] Also, the number of jig connection portions 5 is not limited to four, and four or more may be arranged apart in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Therefore, five or more jig connection portions 5 may be arranged.

[0067] <Supplementary Note> The transfer jig and the cell culture system 100 described in each embodiment are understood as follows, for example.

[0068] (1) The container transfer jig 1 according to the first aspect includes a container body 21 extending in the vertical direction Dv about an axis O, and a lid portion 22 fastened to the mouth portion of the container body 21, and has a jig body 3 having a main body holding hole 31 into which a container used for cell culture can be inserted, a main body fixing portion 4 arranged apart from the jig body 3 in the vertical direction Dv and having a main body fixing hole 41 through which the container body 21 can be inserted in a state where rotation about the axis O is impossible, and a jig connection portion 5 detachably connected to the jig body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4. The jig body 3 is formed of a metal material, and the main body fixing portion 4 is formed of a resin material.

[0069] According to such a configuration, the container body 21 inserted and held in the main body holding hole 31 is also inserted through the main body fixing hole 41, and is held by the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4 in a non-rotatable state. Therefore, when the lid portion 22 is rotated with respect to the container held by the container transfer jig 1, only the lid portion 22 rotates while the container body 21 does not rotate. Thereby, the fastening between the lid portion 22 and the container body 21 can be stably released. Here, when the lid portion 22 is rotated to release the fastening of the lid portion 22, the torque generated by this rotation will reach the container body 21 and the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4 via the container body 21. However, compared with the strength of the jig main body 3 formed of a metal material, the strength of the main body fixing portion 4 formed of a resin material is lower. Therefore, even if an abnormal load occurs between the jig main body 3 and the main body fixing portion 4 and the container body 21 when the lid portion 22 is rotated, the main body fixing portion 4 will break before the jig main body 3, and it is possible to suppress a large load from being applied to the container body 21. Thereby, the container body 21 can be held in a non-rotatable state without applying a large load to the container body 21.

[0070] (2) The container transfer jig 1 according to the second aspect is the container transfer jig 1 of (1), wherein the jig connection portion 5 includes a first pillar 51 connected to the jig main body 3, and a second pillar 52 connected to the first pillar 51 and restricting the movement of the main body fixing portion 4 in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction Dv. The first pillar 51 has a columnar first main body 511 extending in the vertical direction Dv, a first screw shaft 512 protruding from the lower end of the first main body 511, and a first screw hole 513 recessed from the upper end of the first main body 511. The second pillar 52 has a second screw shaft 522 that can be fastened to the first screw hole 513. The jig main body 3 has a main body hole 34 that is recessed from the upper surface facing upward in the vertical direction Dv and into which the first screw shaft 512 can be fastened. The main body fixing portion 4 has a screw insertion hole 42 that penetrates the main body fixing portion 4 in the vertical direction Dv at a horizontal position corresponding to the first pillar 51. The second screw shaft 522 is fastened to the first screw hole 513 in a state of being inserted through the screw insertion hole 42 from above, thereby fixing the first pillar 51 and the main body fixing portion 4.

[0071] According to such a configuration, when assembling the container transfer jig 1, first, the first column 51 is attached to the jig body 3 from above in the vertical direction Dv. Then, second, the main body fixing portion 4 is attached to the jig body 3 and the first column 51 from above in the vertical direction Dv. And third, the second column 52 is attached to the jig body 3, the first column 51, and the main body fixing portion 4 from above in the vertical direction Dv. Thus, all members are configured to be assembled by access from above in the vertical direction Dv. As a result, the work load during the production of the container transfer jig 1 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the main body fixing portion 4 is damaged and needs to be replaced, the container transfer jig 1 can be repaired on the container.

[0072] (3) The container transfer jig 1 according to the third aspect is the container transfer jig 1 of (2), wherein the jig connection portion 5 has a spacer 53 formed in a cylindrical shape, the second column 52 has a second screw shaft 522 protruding from the lower end, and further includes a second main body 521 inserted into the spacer 53 and a second head portion 523 connected to the upper end of the second main body 521 and having a larger diameter than the second main body 521, and the spacer 53 is formed thicker than the main body fixing portion 4.

[0073] According to such a configuration, in the screw insertion hole 42, a spacer 53 is interposed between the main body fixing portion 4 and the second column 52. Further, the spacer 53 is formed thicker than the main body fixing portion 4. Therefore, the second head portion 523 cannot contact the upper surface of the main body fixing portion 4 regardless of the length of the second main body 521, and a gap is formed in the vertical direction Dv between the second head portion 523 and the main body fixing portion 4. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the main body fixing portion 4 from being sandwiched in a contacting state in the vertical direction Dv by the second head portion 523 and the upper end of the first main body 511. As a result, even if the jig body 3 expands and contracts greatly due to heat, it is possible to suppress the main body fixing portion 4 from being pulled and damaged by being sandwiched between the second head portion 523 and the upper end of the first main body 511. Thereby, damage to the main body fixing portion 4 due to heat not directly caused by the lid opening operation can be suppressed.

[0074] (4) The container transfer jig 1 according to the fourth aspect is any one of the container transfer jigs 1 from (1) to (3), and a plurality of the main body holding holes 31 are formed. When viewed from the vertical direction Dv, the plurality of main body holding holes 31 are arranged with their horizontal positions shifted in the same direction with respect to the central position of the jig main body 3.

[0075] According to such a configuration, even when inserting the same type of containers into the plurality of main body holding holes 31, the positions of the respective containers can be grasped instantaneously. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the mistake of taking the containers wrongly.

[0076] (5) The container transfer jig 1 according to the fifth aspect is any one of the container transfer jigs 1 from (1) to (4), and further includes a tag reader 6 fixed so as to protrude from the upper surface of the jig main body 3.

[0077] According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily access the tag reader 6 from the outside of the container transfer jig 1. Therefore, the reading process of the tag reader 6 can be easily performed.

[0078] (6) The container transfer jig 1 according to the sixth aspect is any one of the container transfer jigs 1 from (1) to (5), and irregularities that catch on the outer peripheral surface of the container main body 21 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body fixing hole 41.

[0079] According to such a configuration, by simply inserting the container main body 21 into the main body fixing hole 41, the container main body 21 can be held in a state where rotation about the axis O with respect to the main body fixing portion 4 is impossible.

[0080] (7) The container transfer jig 1 according to the seventh aspect is any one of the container transfer jigs 1 from (1) to (6), and has a plurality of positioning holes 36 recessed from the lower surface of the jig main body 3 in the vertical direction Dv. The plurality of positioning holes 36 include a first hole portion 36a having a circular shape in plan view and a second hole portion 36b having a long hole shape in plan view.

[0081] According to such a configuration, the positioning with respect to the lid opening device 9 can be easily performed. Further, since the second hole portion 36b is in the shape of a long hole, a likelihood can be provided by the formation range of the long hole. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform the positioning of the container transfer jig 1 onto the lid opening device 9 while allowing for assembly errors of the system and machining errors of the components.

[0082] (8) In the eighth aspect, the cell culture system 100 includes any one of the container transfer jigs 1 from (1) to (7) and a stocker that forms a storage area for storing the container transfer jig 1.

[0083] According to such a configuration, the container can be stably opened unmanned and automatically. Therefore, in the cell culture system 100, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of problems related to the opening of the vial 2 and improve the reliability.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0084] 100…Cell culture system 1…Container transfer jig 2…Vial 21…Container body 22…Lid portion O…Axis 3…Jig body 31…Body holding hole 32…Support groove 33…Insertion recess 34…Body hole 36…Positioning hole 36a…First hole portion 36b…Second hole portion 4…Body fixing portion 41…Body fixing hole 42…Screw insertion hole 5…Jig connection portion OC…Central axis 51…First column 511…First body 512…First screw shaft 513…First screw hole 52…Second column 521…Second body 522…Second screw shaft 523… Second head 53… Spacer 6… Tag reader 61… Tag support part 62… Tag reader body 9… Lid opening device 91… Positioning pin 110… First stocker 120… Second stocker R1… First storage area R2… Second storage area 110a… First stocker door 120a… Second stocker door 130… Incubator R3… Culture area 140… Clean bench R4… Liquid operation area 150… Pass box 150a… First pass door 150b… Second pass door Dv… Vertical direction D1… First direction D2… Second direction

Claims

1. A jig body having a container body extending vertically about an axis and a lid portion fastened to the mouth of the container body, and having a main body holding hole into which a container used for cell culture can be inserted, A main body fixing portion disposed away from the jig body in the vertical direction and having a main body fixing hole through which the container body can be inserted in a state where rotation about the axis is impossible, A jig connecting portion detachably connected to the jig body and the main body fixing portion, The jig body is formed of a metal material, The main body fixing portion is a container transfer jig formed of a resin material.

2. The jig connecting portion, A first pillar connected to the jig body, A second pillar connected to the first pillar and restricting movement of the main body fixing portion in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, The first pillar, A columnar first main body extending in the vertical direction, A first screw shaft protruding from the lower end of the first main body, A first screw hole recessed from the upper end of the first main body, and having, The second pillar has a second screw shaft that can be fastened to the first screw hole, The jig body has a main body hole that is recessed from an upper surface facing upward in the vertical direction and into which the first screw shaft can be fastened, The main body fixing portion has a screw insertion hole that penetrates the main body fixing portion in the vertical direction at a horizontal position corresponding to the first pillar, The second screw shaft is fastened to the first screw hole in a state of being inserted into the screw insertion hole from above, thereby fixing the first pillar and the main body fixing portion. The container transfer jig according to claim 1.

3. The jig connecting portion has a spacer formed in a cylindrical shape, The second pillar, A second main body having the second screw shaft protruding from the lower end and inserted into the spacer, A second head connected to the upper end of the second main body and having a larger diameter than the second main body, and further having, The spacer is formed thicker than the main body fixing portion. The container transfer jig according to claim 2.

4. A plurality of the main body holding holes are formed, When viewed from the vertical direction, the plurality of main body holding holes are arranged with a horizontal position shifted in the same direction with respect to the central position of the jig body. The container transfer jig according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The container transfer jig according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a tag reader fixed so as to protrude from the upper surface of the jig body.

6. Concavo-convex portions that catch on the outer peripheral surface of the container body are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body fixing hole. The container transfer jig according to claim 1 or 2.

7. It has a plurality of positioning holes that are recessed from the lower surface of the jig body in the vertical direction, The plurality of positioning holes are a first hole portion that is circular in plan view, and a second hole portion that is elongated in plan view, and the container transfer jig according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A cell culture system comprising the container transfer jig according to claim 1 or 2, and a stocker that forms a storage area for storing the container transfer jig.

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