Sterilizing unit, cell cultivation system

Abstract

To provide a sterilizing unit and a cell cultivation system capable of sterilizing while decreasing maintenance frequency.SOLUTION: A sterilizing unit comprises a horizontally extending base part, a light-shielding part that extends horizontally above the vertical direction of the base part and can shield light in the vertical direction, a first support part that extends vertically and supports the light-shielding part from below while being supported by the base part, a light-emitting part that is provided above the light-shielding part and can emit sterilization light, and a drive device that is provided between the light-shielding part and the base part in the vertical direction to drive the light-emitting part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sterilization unit and a cell culture system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile sterilization device that inactivates and sterilizes viruses and bacteria adhering to areas where people may come into contact by irradiating ultraviolet light while moving.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a clean bench or the like of a cell culture system that automatically performs cell culture, it is difficult to secure a space for running a mobile sterilization device as described in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, in a mobile sterilization device, devices such as a driving device and a power supply device that drive an emission unit that emits sterilizing light move together with the emission unit, so the sterilizing light is irradiated onto these devices, accelerating deterioration and possibly increasing the maintenance frequency.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a sterilization unit and a cell culture system that can sterilize while reducing the maintenance frequency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A sterilization unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a base portion extending in the horizontal direction, a light-shielding portion extending in the horizontal direction vertically above the base portion and capable of shielding light in the vertical direction, a first support portion extending in the vertical direction and supported by the base portion and supporting the light-shielding portion from below, an emission portion provided above the light-shielding portion and capable of emitting sterilizing light, and a driving device supported by the placement surface of the base portion and driving the emission portion.

[0007] A cell culture system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above sterilization unit, a stocker into which the sterilization unit is carried, an incubator forming a culture area for growing cells, a clean bench forming a liquid operation area provided with a dispensing device, and a transfer device for transferring the sterilization unit between the stocker and the clean bench.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the sterilization unit and the cell culture system of the present disclosure, it is possible to perform sterilization while reducing the maintenance frequency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The cell culture system 100 of the present embodiment is a system that performs cell culture and analysis of cells after culture in an unmanned and automatic manner, with a flask unit (not shown) as a processing unit. The flask unit has a plurality (for example, two) of flasks. A culture solution containing cells and a medium supplemented with nutrients necessary for cell growth is accommodated in the flask.

[0011] <Cell culture system> FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a cell culture system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the cell culture system 100 includes 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 flask units and other workpieces. The area inside the first stocker 110 is defined as a first storage area R1. A rack capable of accommodating flask units and other workpieces is provided in the first storage area R1. An operator can access the rack from the outside through an opening / closing part (not shown).

[0013] <Second stocker> The second stocker 120 is provided adjacent to the first stocker 110. The area inside the second stocker 120 is defined as a second storage area R2. A freezer-refrigerator 121 and a stage 122 are provided in the second storage area R2.

[0014] The freezer-refrigerator 121 is configured to be able to switch between freezing and refrigerating articles. The freezer-refrigerator 121 can accommodate items that require freezing or refrigeration, such as seed cells introduced into flasks and antibodies extracted after culture using flasks.

[0015] The stage 122 has a flat upper surface that forms a horizontal plane. In this embodiment, a case where a plurality of stages 122 are provided is exemplified. An operator can access the stage 122, for example, through a window or the like provided in the building of the second stocker 120. A sterilization unit can be placed on the upper surface of the stage 122 in this embodiment.

[0016] <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. The atmosphere in the culture area R3 is controlled to a temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration suitable for cell culture. In the culture area R3, for example, a shaking stage (not shown) capable of simultaneously shaking a plurality of flask units is provided.

[0017] <Clean bench> The clean bench 140 is a facility for performing various liquid operations and treatments on the flask unit. The area inside the clean bench 140 is the liquid operation area R4. The liquid operation area R4 is a highly clean aseptic space (bio clean room). Various facilities such as a dispensing device, a filtration device, a sealing device, a waste liquid draining device, and a work discharging device are provided inside the clean bench 140. The clean bench 140 is arranged adjacent to the first stocker 110 and the second stocker 120.

[0018] Here, in the first stocker 110, a first stocker door 110a is provided that separates the first storage area R1 and the liquid operation area R4. 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 communication state, and workpieces can move back and forth between these areas. When the first stocker door 110a is in the closed state, the first storage area and the liquid operation area R4 are in a non-communication state, and these areas are isolated. In the second stocker 120, a second stocker door 120a is provided that separates the second storage area R2 and the liquid operation area R4. 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 communication state. 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-communication state, and these areas are isolated.

[0019] <Pass box> The pass box 150 is provided between the incubator 130 and the clean bench 140 in contact with them. The pass box 150 has a second pass door 150b. When the first pass door 150a is in the open state, the culture area R3 and the area inside the pass box 150 are in a communication state. When the second pass door 150b is in the open state, the liquid operation area R4 and the area inside the pass box 150 are in a communication state. Therefore, by the opening and closing operations of these first pass door 150a and second pass door 150b, the state where the culture area R3 and the liquid operation area are isolated and the state where workpieces can move back and forth between these areas can be switched. Note that the first pass door 150a and the second pass door 150b are not in the open state at the same time. Therefore, 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.

[0020] <Conveyor device> A transport device (not shown) is provided in each of the first storage area R1, the second storage area R2, the culture area R3, and the liquid operation area R4. As the transport device, for example, a transport robot capable of horizontally transporting a flask unit or the like as a workpiece can be exemplified. By these transport devices, the movement of the workpiece in each area is enabled. Further, by the cooperation of the opening and closing of each door and the operation of the transport robot, the workpiece can move between areas, such as from the first storage area R1 to the second storage area R2. In particular, in the second storage area R2, in addition to the transport robot, a slider 123 as a transport device is provided. The slider 123 on which the workpiece is placed slides so as to pass through the open second stocker door 120a, enabling the workpiece to move between the second storage area R2 and the liquid operation area R4.

[0021] <Sterilization unit> FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sterilization unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sterilization unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sterilization unit 1 sterilizes the cell culture system 100. The sterilization unit 1 of the present embodiment can be transported by the above-described transport device and mainly sterilizes inside the clean bench 140. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sterilization unit 1 includes a base portion 11, a light-shielding portion 12, a first support portion 13, an emission portion 14, and a drive device 15.

[0022] <Base portion> The base portion 11 has a placement surface 11a extending in the horizontal direction. The placement surface 11a is a plane facing upward, and in this embodiment, mainly the drive device 15 is placed thereon. The base portion 11 of the present embodiment includes a first placement portion 17, a second placement portion 18, and a second support portion 19.

[0023] <First placement portion> The first placement part 17 has a flat plate shape that is rectangular in plan view, having a short side 17a extending in a first direction D1 that is a horizontal direction, and a long side 17b extending in a second direction D2 that is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The upper surface of the first placement part 17 forms a placement surface 11a.

[0024] <Second placement part> The second placement part 18 is disposed vertically above the first placement part 17. Similar to the first placement part 17, the second placement part 18 has a flat plate shape that is rectangular in plan view, having a short side 18a extending in a first direction D1 that is a horizontal direction, and a long side 18b extending in a second direction D2 that is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The upper surface of the second placement part 18 also forms a placement surface 11a.

[0025] Also, the lower surface of the second placement part 18 in the present embodiment is a supported surface 20 that can be supported from below by a hand h of a transfer device. By providing this supported surface 20, the sterilization unit 1 in the present embodiment can be supported from below in the same manner as when the flask unit is supported from below by the hand h of the transfer device. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the outlines in plan view of the first placement part 17 and the second placement part 18 are of the same shape, and the thickness in the vertical direction Dv is the same and constant. However, the outlines in plan view and the thicknesses of the first placement part 17 and the second placement part 18 are not limited to being the same and constant.

[0026] <Second support part> The second support part 19 extends in the vertical direction Dv, is supported by the first placement part 17, and supports the second placement part 18 from below. Four second support parts 19 are provided in the present embodiment. The second support parts 19 in the present embodiment are arranged in two along one short side 17a of the first placement part 17 and one short side 18a of the second placement part 18 in the second direction D2, and are arranged in two along the other short side 17a and the other short side 18a in the second direction D2. The two second support parts 19 arranged on one side in the second direction D2 are arranged at intervals in the first direction D1, and the two second support parts 19 arranged on the other side in the second direction D2 are also arranged at intervals in the first direction D1.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the second support portion 19 is disposed at a position closer to the long sides 17b and 18b than the centers of the first placement portion 17 and the second placement portion 18 in the first direction D1. Although the case where four second support portions 19 are provided for one second placement portion 18 is illustrated, the number of the second support portions 19 is not limited to four as long as the second placement portion 18 can be supported from below. Further, the arrangement of the second support portion 19 is not limited to the above arrangement as long as the second placement portion 18 can be supported from below.

[0028] <Light shielding portion> The light shielding portion 12 is disposed vertically above the base portion 11. The light shielding portion 12 extends in the horizontal direction and can shield light in the vertical direction Dv. Here, the light shielding portion 12 is not limited to completely blocking light. For example, it is sufficient that the light shielding portion 12 can suppress the transmission of the sterilizing light having a predetermined wavelength (ultraviolet region) emitted from the emission portion 14. Examples of the material forming the light shielding portion 12 include metals such as aluminum and iron, and synthetic resins.

[0029] The light shielding portion 12 is disposed vertically above the second placement portion 18 of the base portion 11. The light shielding portion 12 of the present embodiment has a flat plate shape that is rectangular in plan view and has a short side 12a extending in the first direction D1, which is a horizontal direction, and a long side 12b extending in the second direction D2, which is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, similar to the second placement portion 18. In the present embodiment, the case where the outlines in plan view of the second placement portion 18 and the light shielding portion 12 are the same shape, and the thickness in the vertical direction Dv is the same and constant is illustrated. However, the outlines in plan view and the thicknesses of the second placement portion 18 and the light shielding portion 12 are not limited to being the same and constant.

[0030] <First support portion> The first support portion 13 extends in the vertical direction Dv and is supported by the base portion 11, and supports the light shielding portion 12 from below. Four first support portions 13 of the present embodiment are provided. The first support portion 13 of the present embodiment has a columnar shape. Further, two of the first support portions 13 of the present embodiment are arranged along one short side 18a of the second placement portion 18 and one short side 12a of the light shielding portion 12 in the second direction D2, and are arranged along the other short side 18a and the other short side 12a in the second direction D2. Two first support portions 13 arranged on one side of the second direction D2 are arranged at intervals in the first direction D1, and two first support portions 13 arranged on the other side of the second direction D2 are also arranged at intervals in the first direction D1.

[0031] The first support portion 13 in the present embodiment is arranged at a position closer to the long sides 18b and 12b than the centers of the second placement portion 18 and the light shielding portion 12 in the first direction D1. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first support portion 13 of the present embodiment is arranged at a position closer to the center in the first direction D1 (in other words, inside the first direction D1) than the second support portion 19. That is, the first support portion 13 and the second support portion 19 are arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction. Although the case where four first support portions 13 are provided for one light shielding portion 12 is exemplified, the first support portion 13 is not limited to four as long as it can support the light shielding portion 12 from below. Further, the arrangement of the first support portion 13 is not limited to the above arrangement as long as it can support the light shielding portion 12 from below.

[0032] <Emission portion> The emission portion 14 is provided above the light shielding portion 12. The emission portion 14 is configured to be able to emit sterilizing light when power is supplied. The emission portion 14 of the present embodiment is capable of emitting ultraviolet rays (for example, UV-C) as sterilizing light. The emission portion 14 includes a straight tube portion 21 and a fixing portion 22. The straight tube portion 21 extends linearly. The straight tube portion 21 of the present embodiment is a so-called tubular sterilization lamp.

[0033] The fixing part 22 fixes the straight pipe part 21 to the upper surface of the light shielding part 12. The fixing part 22 of the present embodiment includes an upper fixing part 22a and a lower fixing part 22b, and detachably fixes the straight pipe part 21 by sandwiching it in the vertical direction Dv. The lower fixing part 22b is fixed to the light shielding part 12, and the upper fixing part 22a can be fastened to the lower fixing part 22b from above by screwing or the like.

[0034] <Fixing part> The fixing part 22 supports the straight pipe part 21 in a posture extending in the second direction D2 at the central position of the light shielding part 12 in the first direction D1. The fixing part 22 of the present embodiment is arranged in the plane of the upper surface of the light shielding part 12 when viewed from above, and is arranged adjacent to the short side 12a of the light shielding part 12. Although the fixing part 22 of the present embodiment is illustrated as having a rectangular shape when viewed from above, the shape of the fixing part 22 is not limited to the above shape as long as the straight pipe part 21 can be fixed.

[0035] <Straight pipe part> The straight pipe part 21 includes a first pipe part 23 and a second pipe part 24. The first pipe part 23 is located directly above the light shielding part 12 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the second pipe part 24 is arranged so as to protrude horizontally (specifically, in the second direction D2) from the light shielding part 12. And between the first pipe part 23 and the second pipe part 24, the straight pipe part 21 is fixed to the fixing part 22. In other words, the first pipe part 23 and the second pipe part 24 of the present embodiment are arranged apart in the second direction D2. Thereby, the first pipe part 23 can irradiate sterilizing light radially around the axis O1 of the straight pipe part 21 directly above the light shielding part 12, and the second pipe part 24 can irradiate sterilizing light radially around the axis O1 outside the light shielding part 12 in the second direction D2. That is, the sterilizing light of the first pipe part 23 is shielded by the light shielding part 12, but the sterilizing light of the second pipe part 24 is not shielded by the light shielding part 12 and can also be irradiated downward.

[0036] <Connection structure of the first support part> FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of the first support part, the light shielding part, and the base part in the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 4, the first support portion 13 has a column portion 41, a lower screw shaft 42, and an upper screw hole 43. The column portion 41 has a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction Dv. The lower end and the upper end of the column portion 41 each have flat surfaces 41a and 41b extending in the horizontal direction, respectively.

[0037] The lower screw shaft 42 is a male screw protruding downward from the center of the circular flat surface 41b formed at the lower end of the column portion 41. The outer diameter of the lower screw shaft 42 is smaller than the outer diameter of the column portion 41. The central axis of the lower screw shaft 42 is located on the extension line of the axis O2. The upper screw hole 43 is a female screw recessed downward from the upper end of the column portion 41. The inner diameter of the upper screw hole 43 is smaller than the outer diameter of the column portion 41. The central axis of the upper screw hole 43 is located on the extension line of the axis O2.

[0038] Among the placement surfaces 11a of the base portion 11 described above, a lower hole portion 45 recessed downward from the placement surface 11a is formed at the connection portion with the first support portion 13. In the present embodiment, the lower hole portion 45 is formed in the second placement portion 18. The lower hole portion 45 has a circular shape in plan view. The inner diameter of the lower hole portion 45 is formed slightly larger than the outer diameter at the lower end of the column portion 41, and the lower end of the column portion 41 can be inserted. The lower hole portion 45 of the present embodiment has a bottom surface 45a extending in the horizontal direction. By inserting the lower end of the column portion 41 into the lower hole portion 45, the flat surface 41b at the lower end of the column portion 41 abuts against the bottom surface 45a of the lower hole portion 45 to form a surface contact.

[0039] At the center of the bottom surface 45a of the lower hole portion 45, a lower female screw hole 46 extending downward is formed. The lower female screw hole 46 is a female screw into which the lower screw shaft 42 of the column portion 41 can be screwed.

[0040] On the other hand, among the lower surfaces of the light-shielding portion 12 described above, an upper hole portion 47 that is recessed upward is formed at the connection location with the first support portion 13. The upper hole portion 47 is circular in plan view. The inner diameter of the upper hole portion 47 is formed slightly larger than the outer diameter at the upper end of the column portion 41, and the upper end of the column portion 41 can be inserted. The upper hole portion 47 in the present embodiment has a bottom surface 47a that extends in the horizontal direction. By inserting the upper end of the column portion 41 into the upper hole portion 47, the flat surface 41a at the upper end of the column portion 41 abuts against the bottom surface 47a of the upper hole portion 47 and makes surface contact.

[0041] The light-shielding portion 12 is further formed with a screw insertion hole 48 that penetrates in the vertical direction Dv. The screw insertion hole 48 is formed on the extension line of the axis O2. An upper screw 49 can be inserted into the screw insertion hole 48 from above. The light-shielding portion 12 and the column portion 41 are fastened by the screwing action of screwing the upper screw 49 into the upper screw hole 43 through the screw insertion hole 48. In the present embodiment, an example is illustrated in which the upper screw 49 is a countersunk head screw, and the screw insertion hole 48 has a tapered surface that reduces in diameter as it goes downward so as to accommodate the head of this countersunk head screw. Further, the screw insertion hole 48 is not limited to a round hole and may be a long hole that is long in the first direction D1. Note that the connection structure between the second support portion 19, the first placement portion 17, and the second placement portion 18 in the present embodiment is also the same as the connection structure between the first support portion 13, the light-shielding portion 12, and the second placement portion 18 described above. Therefore, a detailed description of the connection structure between the second support portion 19, the first placement portion 17, and the second placement portion 18 is omitted.

[0042] <Drive device> The drive device 15 drives the emission portion 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive device 15 is supported on the placement surface 11a of the base portion 11. The drive device 15 in the present embodiment includes a power supply device 31 and a control device 32. The power supply device 31 supplies power for driving the emission portion 14. The power supply device 31 in the present embodiment is a secondary battery and can be repeatedly charged by being connected to a charging station (not shown) provided outside the clean bench 140, for example.

[0043] The power supply device 31 is connected to the control device 32 so as to be able to supply power. The power supply device 31 of this embodiment is supported by the base portion 11. More specifically, the power supply device 31 is fixed on the mounting surface 11a of the first mounting portion 17 of the base portion 11.

[0044] The control device 32 controls the emission of sterilizing light by the emission unit 14 using the power supplied from the power supply device 31. The control device 32 of this embodiment is disposed below the light-shielding portion 12 and above the power supply device 31. More specifically, the control device 32 is fixed on the mounting surface 11a of the second mounting portion 18. The control device 32 is disposed at the center of the second mounting portion 18 spaced apart from both the short side 18a and the long side 18b of the second mounting portion 18.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the drive device in the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 32 of this embodiment includes each functional configuration of a timer 33 that adjusts the emission timing of the sterilizing light from the emission unit 14 and a ballast 34 that controls the voltage, current, and frequency for driving the emission unit 14.

[0046] The timer 33 switches the start and stop of the emission of the sterilizing light by the sterilizing unit 1 by turning on and off the power supply from the power supply device 31 at a predetermined timing. Examples of the timing at which the emission starts by the timer 33 include the timing at which the sterilizing unit 1 is placed in the second stocker 120, the timing at which the sterilizing unit 1 starts to be conveyed by the conveying device in the clean bench 140, and the timing at which it is carried into the clean bench 140. As an example of the timer 33, a configuration can be exemplified in which the emission of the sterilizing light is started after a predetermined time from the operation input by the operator, while the emission of the sterilizing light is stopped after a predetermined time when the end of the sterilization operation is estimated.

[0047] <Meat removal part> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a cutout portion 12c is formed in the light-shielding portion 12. The cutout portion 12c is formed on the extension of the axis O1 of the straight pipe portion 21 in a plan view. The cutout portion 12c penetrates the light-shielding portion 12 in the vertical direction. The cutout portion 12c in the present embodiment is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. Note that the shape of the cutout portion 12c in a plan view is not limited to a circular shape, and may be, for example, a polygon or the like. Further, the size of the cutout portion 12c can be appropriately set within a range that can ensure the required strength of the light-shielding portion 12.

[0048] A cutout portion 18c is also formed in the second placement portion 18 of the present embodiment. These cutout portions 18c are formed at positions different from the position where the control device 32 is placed. In FIG. 2, a case where two cutout portions 18c having a rectangular shape in a plan view are formed so as to sandwich the control device 32 from the second direction D2 is illustrated. Note that the shape of the cutout portion 18c in a plan view is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example, another polygon, a circular shape, or the like. Further, the size of the cutout portion 18c can also be appropriately set within a range that can ensure the required strength of the second placement portion 18.

[0049] <Sterilization method> In the cell culture system 100 of the present embodiment, the sterilization unit 1 described above is used to perform a sterilization process in the clean bench 140. In the sterilization method in the cell culture system 100, an operator places the sterilization unit 1 on the stage 122 of the second stocker 120. At that time, the operator, for example, makes an operation input to activate the timer 33 and makes an operation input to start the sterilization process to an operation input unit (not shown) of the cell culture system 100.

[0050] When an operation input to start the sterilization process is made, the sterilization unit 1 placed in the second stocker 120 is carried into the clean bench 140 via the transfer robot and the slider 123. In the sterilization method exemplified in this embodiment, the sterilization unit 1 continuously emits sterilization light at least after being carried into the clean bench 140 until it is carried out of the clean bench 140. And the sterilization unit 1 of this embodiment is conveyed along the same route as the conveyance route of the flask unit in the clean bench 140. The sterilization unit 1 of this embodiment irradiates sterilization light around all the conveyance routes conveyed by conveyance devices such as transfer robots and conveyors in the clean bench 140, inside the dispensing device, etc., to perform the sterilization process.

[0051] After that, the sterilization unit 1 is transferred to the second stocker 120 in the reverse procedure to when it was carried into the clean bench 140 described above, and is taken out from the second stocker 120 by an operator. At that time, the emission of the sterilization light by the sterilization unit 1 is in a state stopped by the timer 33.

[0052] (Function and effect) According to the above embodiment, only the emission part 14 is arranged above the light shielding part 12, and while emitting sterilization light to the surroundings, the driving device 15 can be arranged at a position shielded by the light shielding part 12. Thereby, since the sterilization light is blocked, deterioration of the driving device 15 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to perform sterilization while reducing the maintenance frequency.

[0053] Also, in the above embodiment, the control device 32 is arranged below the light shielding part 12 and above the power supply device 31. Therefore, the wiring etc. from the power supply device 31 to the emission part 14 can be simplified. Furthermore, since the power supply device 31 and the control device 32 can be arranged side by side in the vertical direction Dv, an increase in the surface area of the mounting surface 11a can be suppressed, and the sterilization unit 1 can be miniaturized.

[0054] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the straight pipe portion 21 includes a first pipe portion 23 positioned vertically above the light-shielding portion 12 and a second pipe portion 24 arranged to protrude horizontally from the light-shielding portion 12. Thereby, with a single straight pipe portion 21, germicidal light can be irradiated to both vertically above the light-shielding portion 12 and below a position shifted horizontally from the light-shielding portion 12. Therefore, the configuration of the light-emitting portion 14 can be simplified.

[0055] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the light-shielding portion 12 has a cutout portion 12c penetrating in the vertical direction Dv on the extension of the axis O1 of the straight pipe portion 21. Thereby, the weight of the light-shielding portion 12 can be reduced without irradiating germicidal light to the drive device 15 disposed vertically below the light-shielding portion 12 through the cutout portion 12c. And since the center of gravity of the sterilization unit 1 can be lowered by reducing the weight of the light-shielding portion 12, the stability when the sterilization unit 1 is placed can be improved.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the base portion 11 includes a first placement portion 17, a second placement portion 18, and a second support portion 19. Therefore, the area of the entire placement surface 11a of the base portion 11 can be increased. As a result, it becomes possible to install a larger power supply device 31 or the like, and sterilization over a wider range can be performed.

[0057] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the power supply device 31 is supported by the first placement portion 17 and the control device 32 is supported by the second placement portion 18. Thereby, the power supply device 31 can be easily arranged below the control device 32.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when assembling the sterilization unit 1, the first support portion 13 is fixed to the base portion 11 from above, and further, with the light-shielding portion 12 aligned with the first support portion 13 from above, the light-shielding portion 12 can be fixed to the first support portion 13 by the upper screw 49. Therefore, it can be configured to be assembled only by accessing from above, and the work burden can be reduced. In addition, since there is no need to fasten a fastening member such as a screw from below, it is possible to avoid the situation where the fastening member such as a screw falls off downward.

[0059] Also, in the above-described embodiment, since the base portion 11 has the lower hole portion 45 and the light-shielding portion 12 has the upper hole portion 47, when assembling the sterilization unit 1, the first support portion 13 can be easily positioned with respect to the base portion 11 and the light-shielding portion 12.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, since the cell culture system 100 includes the above-described sterilization unit 1, it becomes possible to easily perform the sterilization treatment of the liquid operation area R4 in the clean bench 140.

[0061] <Other Embodiments> As described above, each embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but 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.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the placement surface 11a is the upper surfaces of the first placement portion 17 and the second placement portion 18 has been described, but the placement surface 11a may be the lower surface of the second placement portion 18. Furthermore, the case where the second placement portion 18 is provided has been described, but the second placement portion 18 may be provided as necessary or may be omitted. Also, the case where only the base portion 11 supports the drive device 15 has been described, but a part of the drive device 15 may be supported on the lower surface of the light-shielding portion 12.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the emission timing of the emission unit 14 is preset by the timer 33 has been exemplified. However, for example, the emission timing may be controllable using wireless communication or the like. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the power supply device 31 is placed on the first placement unit 17 and the control device 32 is placed on the second placement unit 18 has been described. However, the arrangement of the power supply device 31 and the control device 32 is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the power supply device 31 may be placed on the second placement unit 18, or the control device 32 may be placed on the first placement unit 17. Also, the power supply device 31 and the control device 32 may be placed on either the first placement unit 17 or the second placement unit 18.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the emission unit 14 includes the straight tube portion 21 formed in a straight line has been described. However, it is not limited to a straight line shape, and sterilizing light may be emitted from a lamp having an appropriate shape.

[0065] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the base portion 11 includes the lower hole portion 45 and the light shielding portion 12 includes the upper hole portion 47 has been described. However, the lower hole portion 45 and the upper hole portion 47 may be provided as appropriate or may be omitted. Furthermore, the case where the cutout portions 12c, 18c are provided has been described. However, the cutout portions 12c, 18c may be omitted as appropriate according to the size and shape of the drive device 15 and the like.

[0066] <Supplementary Note> The sterilization unit, unit set, cell culture system, and sterilization method described in each embodiment are understood as follows, for example.

[0067] (1) The sterilization unit 1 according to the first aspect includes a base portion 11 having a placement surface 11a extending in the horizontal direction, a light-shielding portion 12 extending in the horizontal direction directly above the base portion 11 and capable of shielding light in the vertical direction Dv, a first support portion 13 extending in the vertical direction Dv and supported by the base portion 11 and supporting the light-shielding portion 12 from below, an emission portion 14 provided above the light-shielding portion 12 and capable of emitting sterilizing light, and a driving device 15 supported by the placement surface 11a of the base portion 11 and driving the emission portion 14. By configuring in this way, only the emission portion 14 is arranged above the light-shielding portion 12, and while emitting sterilizing light to the surroundings, the driving device 15 can be arranged at a position shielded by the light-shielding portion 12. Thereby, since the sterilizing light is blocked, deterioration of the driving device 15 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to sterilize while reducing the maintenance frequency.

[0068] (2) The sterilization unit according to the second aspect is the sterilization unit 1 in (1), wherein the driving device 15 includes a power supply device 31 that supplies power for driving the emission portion 14, and a control device 32 that controls the emission of sterilizing light by the emission portion 14 using the power supplied from the power supply device 31. The power supply device 31 is supported by the base portion 11, and the control device 32 is arranged below the light-shielding portion 12 and above the power supply device 31. Examples of the power supply device 31 include secondary batteries and the like. By configuring in this way, the wiring from the power supply device 31 to the emission portion 14 can be simplified. Furthermore, since the power supply device 31 and the control device 32 can be arranged side by side in the vertical direction Dv, an increase in the surface area of the placement surface 11a can be suppressed, and the sterilization unit 1 can be miniaturized.

[0069] (3) The sterilization unit according to the third aspect is the sterilization unit 1 of (1) or (2), and includes a straight pipe portion 21 extending linearly and a fixing portion 22 that fixes the straight pipe portion 21 to the upper surface of the light shielding portion 12. The straight pipe portion 21 includes a first pipe portion 23 located vertically above the light shielding portion 12 and a second pipe portion 24 disposed so as to protrude horizontally from the light shielding portion 12. By configuring in this way, with a single straight pipe portion 21, sterilizing light can be irradiated respectively above the light shielding portion 12 vertically and below a position shifted horizontally from the light shielding portion 12.

[0070] (4) The sterilization unit according to the fourth aspect is the sterilization unit 1 of (3), and the light shielding portion 12 has a cutout portion 12c that penetrates in the vertical direction Dv on the extension of the axis O1 of the straight pipe portion 21. By configuring in this way, it is possible to reduce the weight of the light shielding portion 12 without irradiating the sterilizing light to the drive device 15 disposed vertically below the light shielding portion 12 through the cutout portion 12c.

[0071] (5) The sterilization unit according to the fifth aspect is the sterilization unit 1 of (2), and the base portion 11 includes a first placement portion 17 extending in the horizontal direction, a second placement portion 18 disposed vertically above the first placement portion 17 and extending in the horizontal direction, and a second support portion 19 extending in the vertical direction Dv, supported by the first placement portion 17 and supporting the second placement portion 18 from below. By configuring in this way, the area of the entire placement surface 11a in the base portion 11 can be increased. Therefore, it becomes possible to install a larger power supply device 31 or the like.

[0072] (6) The sterilization unit according to the sixth aspect is the sterilization unit 1 of (5), and the power supply device 31 is supported by the first placement portion 17, and the control device 32 is supported by the second placement portion 18. By configuring in this way, the power supply device 31 can be easily arranged below the control device 32.

[0073] (7) The sterilization unit according to the seventh aspect is any one of the sterilization units 1 from (1) to (5), wherein the first support portion 13 has a column portion 41 having a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction Dv, a lower screw shaft 42 protruding from the lower end of the column portion 41, and an upper screw hole 43 recessed from the upper end of the column portion 41; the base portion 11 has a lower female screw hole 46 recessed from the upper surface and capable of fastening the lower screw shaft 42; the light-shielding portion 12 has a screw insertion hole 48 penetrating in the vertical direction Dv at a horizontal position corresponding to the column portion 41; and further includes an upper screw 49 inserted into the screw insertion hole 48 from above and fastened to the upper screw hole 43 to fix the column portion 41 and the light-shielding portion 12. With such a configuration, when assembling the sterilization unit 1, the first support portion 13 can be fixed to the base portion 11 from above, and further, the light-shielding portion 12 can be fixed to the first support portion 13 with the upper screw 49 in a state where the light-shielding portion 12 is aligned with the first support portion 13 from above. Therefore, it can be configured to be assembled entirely by access from above, and the work load can be reduced. In addition, since fastening members such as screws are not fastened from below, it is possible to avoid the problem of the fastening members such as screws falling off downward.

[0074] (8) The sterilization unit according to the eighth aspect is the sterilization unit 1 of (7), wherein the base portion 11 has a lower hole portion 45 into which the lower end of the column portion 41 can be inserted from above, and the light-shielding portion 12 has an upper hole portion 47 into which the upper end of the column portion 41 can be inserted from below. With such a configuration, when assembling the sterilization unit 1, the first support portion 13 can be easily positioned with respect to the base portion 11 and the light-shielding portion 12.

[0075] (9) The cell culture system 100 according to the ninth aspect includes any one of the sterilization units from (1) to (8), a stocker into which the sterilization unit is carried, an incubator forming a culture area for growing cells, a clean bench forming a liquid operation area provided with a dispensing device, and a transfer device for transferring the sterilization unit between the stocker and the clean bench. By configuring it in this way, it becomes possible to easily perform the sterilization treatment of the liquid operation area R4 in the clean bench 140 by the sterilization unit 1.

Explanation of Signs

[0076] 1…Sterilization unit 11…Base part 11a…Placement surface 12…Light-shielding part 12a…Short side 12b…Long side 12c…Cut-out part 13…First support part 14…Emission part 15…Drive device 17…First placement part 17a…Short side 17b…Long side 18…Second placement part 18a…Short side 18b…Long side 18c…Cut-out part 19…Second support part 20…Supported surface 21…Straight pipe part 22…Fixing part 23…First pipe part 24…Second pipe part 31…Power supply device 32…Control device 33…Timer 34…Ballast 41…Column part 41a,41b…Flat surface 42…Lower screw shaft 43…Upper screw hole 45…Lower hole part 45a…Bottom surface 46…Lower female screw hole 47…Upper hole part 47a…Bottom surface 48…Screw insertion hole 49…Upper screw 100…Cell culture system 110…First stocker 110a…First stocker door 120…Second stocker 120a…Second stock door 121…Refrigerator-freezer 122…Stage 123…Slider 130…Incubator 140…Clean bench 150…Passbox h…Hand D1…First direction D2…Second direction Dv…Vertical direction R1…First storage area R2…Second storage area R3…Cultivation area R4…Liquid operation area

Claims

1. A base portion having a placement surface extending in the horizontal direction, A light-shielding portion that extends horizontally directly above the base portion and can shield light in the vertical direction, A first support portion that extends in the vertical direction and is supported by the base portion and supports the light-shielding portion from below, An emission portion provided above the light-shielding portion and capable of emitting sterilizing light, A drive device that is supported on the placement surface of the base portion and drives the emission portion, A sterilization unit comprising the above.

2. The drive device includes a power supply device that supplies power for driving the emission portion, and a control device that controls the emission of sterilizing light by the emission portion using the power supplied from the power supply device. The power supply device is supported by the base portion, and the control device is disposed below the light-shielding portion and above the power supply device. The power supply device is supported by the base portion, The control device is disposed below the light-shielding portion and above the power supply device. The sterilization unit according to claim 1.

3. The emission portion includes, A straight tube portion extending linearly, A fixing portion that fixes the straight tube portion to the upper surface of the light-shielding portion. The straight tube portion includes a first tube portion located vertically above the light-shielding portion and a second tube portion disposed so as to protrude horizontally from the light-shielding portion. The straight tube portion includes, A first tube portion located vertically above the light-shielding portion, A second tube portion disposed so as to protrude horizontally from the light-shielding portion. The sterilization unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The light-shielding portion has a cutout portion that penetrates vertically on the extension of the axis of the straight tube portion. The light-shielding portion has a cutout portion that penetrates vertically on the extension of the axis of the straight tube portion. The sterilization unit according to claim 3.

5. The base portion includes, A first placement portion extending in the horizontal direction, A second placement portion disposed vertically above the first placement portion and extending in the horizontal direction, A second support portion that extends in the vertical direction and is supported by the first placement portion and supports the second placement portion from below. The sterilization unit according to claim 2.

6. The power supply device is supported by the first placement portion, The control device is supported by the second placement portion. The sterilization unit according to claim 5.

7. The first support portion includes, A column portion having a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction, A lower screw shaft protruding from the lower end of the column portion, An upper screw hole recessed from the upper end of the column portion. The base portion has a lower screw hole that is recessed from the upper surface and into which the lower screw shaft can be fastened. The light-shielding portion has a screw insertion hole that penetrates vertically at a horizontal position corresponding to the column portion. The sterilization unit further includes an upper screw that is inserted into the screw insertion hole from above and fastened to the upper screw hole to fix the column portion and the light-shielding portion. The first support portion includes, A column portion having a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction, A lower screw shaft protruding from the lower end of the column portion, An upper screw hole recessed from the upper end of the column portion. The base portion has a lower screw hole that is recessed from the upper surface and into which the lower screw shaft can be fastened. The light-shielding portion has a screw insertion hole that penetrates vertically at a horizontal position corresponding to the column portion. The sterilization unit further includes an upper screw that is inserted into the screw insertion hole from above and fastened to the upper screw hole to fix the column portion and the light-shielding portion. The sterilization unit according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The base portion has a lower hole portion into which the lower end of the column portion can be inserted from above. The light-shielding portion has an upper hole portion into which the upper end of the column portion can be inserted from below. The sterilization unit according to claim 7.

9. The sterilization unit according to claim 1, a stocker into which the sterilization unit is carried, an incubator forming a culture area for growing cells, a clean bench forming a liquid operation area provided with a dispensing device, a transport device for transporting the sterilization unit between the stocker and the clean bench, and a cell culture system comprising the same.

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