Stocker and cell culture system

Abstract

To provide a stocker in which a positive pressure can be easily managed, and a cell culture system.SOLUTION: A stocker has: a stocker chamber whose chamber is maintained at a positive pressure, which forms a preservation area for preserving a workpiece for storing culture fluid, and has an input hole penetrating in a first direction to communicate outside with inside; a shelf which is arranged in the stocker chamber so as to face the input hole in the first direction, is open in the first direction to the input hole, and has a plurality of storage chambers capable of storing the workpiece; and a plurality of doors provided to be movable between an open position for opening the input hole and a closed position for closing the input hole, and capable of opening and closing the input hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sterile working device. This sterile working device includes a working chamber that is isolated from the external atmosphere and maintains a sterile state. In the working chamber, operations such as cell culture operations are performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, works such as flasks containing a culture solution need to be stored in an aseptic state as much as possible. For example, when a stocker capable of storing a plurality of works is used, the stocker is provided with an inlet for loading the works, but there is a risk of foreign matter or the like entering from the inlet. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a positive pressure inside the stocker. To efficiently load a plurality of works into the stocker, it is desirable to enlarge the inlet. However, there is a problem that positive pressure management becomes difficult when the inlet is enlarged.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a stocker and a cell culture system that can easily perform positive pressure management.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the stocker according to the present disclosure forms a storage area where the interior is maintained at a positive pressure and stores workpieces containing a culture solution, and is provided with a stocker chamber having an inlet that penetrates in a first direction and communicates the inside and outside. A shelf disposed in the stocker chamber so as to face the inlet in the first direction, having a plurality of storage chambers that open in the first direction toward the inlet and can store the workpieces, and an open position for opening the inlet and a closing position for closing the inlet And a plurality of doors that are movably provided to open and close the inlet.

[0007] The cell culture system according to the present disclosure includes the above-described stocker, an incubator that forms a culture area for performing a culture operation on the workpiece, and a clean bench that forms a liquid operation area for performing a dispensing operation on the workpiece.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the stocker and the cell culture system of the present disclosure, positive pressure management can be easily performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the first embodiment 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 uses the work unit 1 (see FIG. 2) as a processing unit to perform cell culture, analysis of cells after culture, etc. These processes are performed, for example, unmanned and automatically.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the work unit 1 includes a work 2 in which a culture solution is stored and a work tray 3 on which the work 2 is placed. For example, a flask 2a is used as the work 2. When the work 2 is a flask 2a, a plurality (for example, two in the present embodiment) of flasks 2a are placed on one work tray 3. One work unit 1 is formed by two flasks 2a and the work tray 3. A culture solution containing a medium added with cells and nutrients necessary for cell growth is stored in the flask 2a. As other work 2b, for example, a well plate or the like is used.

[0012] <Cell culture system> As shown in FIG. 1, the cell culture system 100 includes a first stocker 110 (an example of a stocker), a second stocker 120, an incubator 130, a clean bench 140, a pass box 150, and a preparation room 160.

[0013] <First stocker> The first stocker 110 is a facility for storing a plurality of work units 1. The area inside the first stocker 110 is a first storage area R1 (an example of a storage area).

[0014] <Second stocker> The second stocker 120 is provided adjacent to the first stocker 110. The second stocker 120 is provided with facilities such as a pedestal on which the work unit 1 can be placed and a refrigerated freezer capable of storing a culture solution. The area inside the second stocker 120 is a second storage area R2.

[0015] <Incubator> The incubator 130 is a facility for growing cells in a culture solution. The incubator 130 forms a culture area R3 inside for performing a culture operation on the work 2. The atmosphere in the culture area R3 is controlled to a temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration suitable for cell culture.

[0016] <Clean bench> The clean bench 140 is a facility for performing various liquid operations and treatments on the work unit 1. The clean bench 140 forms a liquid operation area R4 inside for performing a dispensing operation or the like on the work 2. The liquid operation area R4 is a highly clean aseptic space (bio clean room). Inside the liquid operation area R4, air circulates as a downflow (downward airflow).

[0017] Inside the clean bench 140, various facilities such as, for example, a dispensing device, a filtering device, a sealing device, a waste liquid draining device, and a work unit discharging device are provided. 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, and the like are provided.

[0018] Here, the clean bench 140 is arranged adjacent to the first stocker 110 and the second stocker 120. Inside the first stocker 110, a first stocker door 110a (an example of a stocker door) that separates the first storage area R1 and the liquid operation area R4 is provided. 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 work unit 1 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 provided. 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 work unit 1 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 provided 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 in the open state, the culture area R3 and the area inside the pass box 150 are in a communicating 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 communicating state. Therefore, by the opening and closing operations of these first pass door 150a and second pass door 150b, the state in which the culture area R3 and the liquid operation area R4 are isolated and the state in which the work unit 1 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.

[0021] <Preparation Room> The preparation room 160 is connected to the first stocker 110. The preparation room 160 is a space where the operator A performs work. The operator A sets the work 2 on the work tray 3 in the preparation room 160 and assembles the work unit 1. In the present embodiment, the preparation room 160 is provided on the side opposite to the clean bench 140 with the first stocker 110 interposed therebetween. The preparation room 160 is provided with a preparation room door 160a. The operator A opens and closes the preparation room door 160a to enter and exit the preparation room 160.

[0022] <Positive Pressure Maintenance Device> In each of the rooms of the first stocker 110, the second stocker 120, the incubator 130, the clean bench 140, and the preparation room 160, a positive pressure maintaining device 4 is provided. The positive pressure maintaining device 4 is, for example, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter), which removes dust, powder, etc. from the sucked outside air and introduces clean air into the room. By introducing clean air, the air pressure in the room becomes higher than the air pressure outside. In this way, each of the rooms of the first stocker 110, the second stocker 120, the incubator 130, the clean bench 140, and the preparation room 160 is maintained at a positive pressure. In this embodiment, among the rooms, the air pressure of the first stocker 110 is maintained at the highest pressure (positive pressure). Also, the pressures are set in descending order as the first stocker 110, the clean bench 140, the incubator 130, and the preparation room 160.

[0023] <Conveying device> In each of the first storage area R1, the second storage area R2, the culture area R3, and the liquid operation area R4, for example, a transfer robot movable in the horizontal direction is provided as a conveying device. Thereby, the movement of the work unit 1 in each area is enabled. By the cooperation of the opening and closing of each door and the operation of the transfer robot, the work unit 1 can move back and forth in each area.

[0024] <Detailed structure of the first stocker> Next, the detailed structure of the first stocker 110 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first stocker 110 includes a stocker chamber 10, shelves 20, a door 30, a handle 40, and a locking mechanism 50 (see FIG. 6).

[0025] <Stocker chamber> The stocker chamber 10 has its interior maintained at a positive pressure by the positive pressure maintaining device 4 described above. The stocker chamber 10 forms a first storage area R1 (an example of a storage area) for storing the workpiece 2 in which the culture solution is accommodated. An inlet 11 penetrating horizontally is provided on the wall surface of the stocker chamber 10 on the preparation room 160 side. The operator A inputs the workpiece unit 1 into the stocker chamber 10 through the inlet 11 from the preparation room 160 where the workpiece unit 1 is assembled.

[0026] Hereinafter, the direction in which the inlet 11 penetrates the stocker chamber 10 is defined as the "first direction D1". Also, the horizontal direction intersecting the first direction D1 is defined as the "second direction D2". In the present embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are orthogonal to each other. The inlet 11 is formed by being divided into a plurality in the second direction D2. Each inlet 11 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction Dv.

[0027] <Shelf> As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the shelf 20 is disposed in the stocker chamber 10 so as to face the inlet 11 in the first direction D1. The shelf 20 has a plurality of storage chambers 21 that can accommodate a large number. Each storage chamber 21 opens in the first direction D1 toward the inlet 11. The operator A in the preparation room 160 can access the shelf 20 through the inlet 11. The storage chamber 21 is formed to extend in the first direction D1. The lower plate 22 of the storage chamber 21 may extend along a horizontal plane, or may be inclined so as to be positioned downward as it moves away from the inlet 11 in the first direction D1.

[0028] Hereinafter, there may be cases where the side of the first direction D1 approaching the inlet 11 is referred to as the front side, and the side of the first direction D1 separated from the inlet 11 is referred to as the rear side. Note that the lower plate 22 of the storage chamber 21 may have a function similar to a conveyor that conveys the workpiece unit 1 from the front side to the rear side. Also, when the lower plate 22 of the storage chamber 21 is inclined as it moves toward the rear side, the workpiece unit 1 may be conveyed to the rear side of the shelf 20 by its own weight.

[0029] <Door> As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the door 30 is provided in a plurality of divisions for each loading port 11. That is, a plurality (two or three in this embodiment) of doors 30 are provided for each loading port 11. Each door 30 is provided so as to be able to open and close the loading port 11. That is, it is provided so as to be movable between an open position PO for opening the loading port 11 and a closed position PS for closing the loading port 11. The loading port 11 is opened outward horizontally with respect to the stocker chamber 10. Note that the opening method of the loading port 11 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the loading port 11 may be opened in the vertical direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, a plurality of doors 30 are provided corresponding to each storage chamber 21 one by one. The door 30 is provided so as to face the corresponding storage chamber 21 in the first direction D1, and is formed in the same shape as the corresponding storage chamber 21 when viewed in the first direction D1. Also, in this embodiment, the door 30 is formed smaller than the first stocker door 110a.

[0031] <Handle> The handle 40 is provided for each door 30. The handle 40 is exposed outside the stocker chamber 10. An operator A in the preparation chamber 160 can open and close the door 30 by gripping the handle 40.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the handle 40 has a handle body 41, a connecting portion 42, a handle shaft 43, and an auxiliary member 44. The handle body 41 is the part of the handle 40 that is exposed outside the outdoor of the stocker chamber 10 and is actually gripped by the operator A. The handle body 41 is formed in a U-shape that opens toward the rear side in the first direction D1 in a side view. The connecting portion 42 extends in the same direction as the handle body 41 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1 and connects the ends of the handle body 41. The connecting portion 42 is formed in a thin plate shape that extends along the front surface of the door 30. The handle shaft 43 passes through the door 30 and is provided so as to be rotatable around a first axis O1 extending in the first direction D1 with respect to the door 30. The outer peripheral surface of the handle shaft 43 is in close contact with the door 30 without a gap. The auxiliary member 44 is formed in a rod shape that extends in the same direction as the handle body 41 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1. The auxiliary member 44 extends along the front surface of the door 30.

[0033] The handle body 41, the connecting portion 42, the handle shaft 43, and the auxiliary member 44 are provided integrally and their postures are changed. Therefore, when the handle body 41 is gripped by the operator A and rotated about the first axis O1, the connecting portion 42, the handle shaft 43, and the auxiliary member 44 rotate integrally.

[0034] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, each handle 40 is provided so as to be rotatable about the first axis O1. The first axis O1 is provided at the central portion in the longitudinal direction of each handle 40. Thereby, the handle 40 can change its posture between a first posture P1 extending in the vertical direction Dv and a second posture P2 (see FIG. 8) extending in the horizontal direction (second direction D2).

[0035] <Lock mechanism> The lock mechanism 50 is provided for each door 30. The lock mechanism 50 is a mechanism for locking and unlocking the door 30. When the handle 40 is in the first posture P1, the lock mechanism 50 enables the door 30 to move between an open position PO and a closed position PS, and when the handle 40 is in the second posture P2, the lock mechanism 50 fixes the door 30 at the closed position PS.

[0036] For example, the locking mechanism 50 includes a bar 51 (an example of an engaging piece), a receiving portion 52, and a guide 53. The bar 51 is provided one by one at both longitudinal ends of the auxiliary member 44 in the handle 40 when viewed in the first direction D1. Each bar 51 extends in a direction away from the auxiliary member 44 in the second direction D2. The bar 51 moves in accordance with the change in the posture of the auxiliary member 44 and approaches and separates from the receiving portion 52. The bar 51 approaches and separates from the receiving portion 52 in the vertical direction. Note that the bar 51 is connected to the auxiliary member 44 via, for example, a rotary hinge. This rotary hinge is configured such that the posture of the bar 51 is always maintained horizontally as a mechanism (for example, a torsion spring) that balances the moment due to the self-weight of the bar 51.

[0037] The receiving portions 52 are provided one by one on both outer sides in the second direction D2 of each door 30. The receiving portion 52 is provided separately from the door 30 and is fixed to, for example, the wall surface of the stocker chamber 10. An engaging groove 52a is formed in the receiving portion 52. The engaging groove 52a opens in a direction approaching the corresponding bar 51. The engaging groove 52a is provided so as to be engageable with the corresponding bar 51. In the present embodiment, the engaging groove 52a is formed in a U shape that opens in either the vertical direction when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0038] The guide 53 is provided on the rear surface of the door 30. The guide 53 guides the movement of the bar 51. One guide 53 is provided for each corresponding bar 51 and receiving portion 52. A guide groove 53a is formed in the guide 53. The guide groove 53a opens in a direction opposite to the engaging groove 52a of the corresponding receiving portion 52. In the present embodiment, the guide 53 extends in the vertical direction. The guide 53 is formed in a U shape that opens in either the vertical direction when viewed from the second direction D2. Further, the bar 51 is inserted into the guide groove 53a from the second direction D2. The bar 51 moves in the vertical direction along the guide groove 53a. Note that, in the illustrated example, the guide 53 is provided at an intermediate position between the outer peripheral edge of the door 30 and the auxiliary member 44 of the handle 40, but it is not limited thereto. The guide 53 may be provided along the outer peripheral edge of the door 30. When the guide 53 is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the door 30, the length of the bar 51 in the second direction D2 becomes longer than that in the illustrated example.

[0039] When the handle 40 is in the first posture P1, the engaging piece is in the first position Q1, and when the handle is in the second posture P2, the bar 51 is in the second position Q2. In the present embodiment, the second position Q2 is a vertical position closer to the first axis O1 than the first position Q1. The bar 51 engages with the engaging groove 52a at the second position Q2. When the handle 40 rotates from the first posture P1 to the second posture P2, the bar 51 moves from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2 as the handle 40 rotates. When the handle 40 rotates to the second posture P2, the bar 51 engages with the receiving portion 52 at the second position Q2. By engaging the bar 51 with the receiving portion 52, the door 30 is fixed to the closed position PS.

[0040] <Input procedure of the work unit> Subsequently, the procedure for operator A to load the work unit 1 into the first stocker 110 will be described. First, operator A enters the preparation room 160, places the work 2 on the work tray 3, and assembles the work unit 1. After that, operator A appropriately performs necessary processing on the work unit 1 and opens one or two of the plurality of doors 30. If only one or two doors 30 are opened, the first stocker 110 can be maintained at the highest pressure (positive pressure). Then, the work unit 1 is placed into the corresponding storage chamber 21 through the opened loading port 11. The work unit 1 automatically moves to the rear part of the storage chamber 21. Thereafter, a plurality of work units 1 are stored in each storage chamber 21 in the same procedure. In the above procedure, a plurality of work units 1 are loaded into the first stocker 110.

[0041] <Operational effects> In this embodiment, the first stocker 110 includes a stocker chamber 10, shelves 20, and a plurality of doors 30. The interior of the stocker chamber 10 is maintained at a positive pressure. The stocker chamber 10 forms a storage area for storing the workpiece 2 in which the culture solution is accommodated. The stocker chamber 10 is provided with an inlet 11 that penetrates in the first direction D1 to communicate the inside and outside. The shelves 20 are arranged in the stocker chamber 10 so as to face the inlet 11 in the first direction D1. The shelves 20 have a plurality of storage chambers 21 that open in the first direction D1 toward the inlet 11 and can store the workpiece 2. The door 30 is provided so as to be movable between an open position PO for opening the inlet 11 and a closed position PS for closing the inlet 11, and can open and close the inlet 11.

[0042] According to the above configuration, by operating some of the plurality of doors 30, the inlet 11 can be opened. Thereby, the workpiece 2 can be introduced into the stocker chamber 10 from the inlet 11 without opening the entire inlet 11. Therefore, compared with the case where most of the inlet 11 is opened, the pressure drop in the stocker chamber 10 is suppressed, and the stocker chamber 10 is maintained at a positive pressure. Therefore, the positive pressure in the stocker chamber 10 can be easily managed.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first stocker 110 further includes a handle 40 and a locking mechanism 50. The handle 40 is provided for each door 30 and is exposed outside the stocker chamber 10. The handle 40 can change its posture between a first posture P1 and a second posture P2. The locking mechanism 50 is provided for each door 30. When the handle 40 is in the first posture P1, the locking mechanism 50 enables the door 30 to move between the open position PO and the closed position PS, and when the handle 40 is in the second posture P2, the locking mechanism 50 fixes the door 30 at the closed position PS.

[0044] Accordingly, just by checking the posture of the handle 40, the open / closed state of the door 30 can be visually confirmed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the handle 40 provided on one door 30 is not in the second posture P2, it can be visually confirmed that the door 30 is not locked. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether the door 30 is locked or not without separately providing a detection system.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the locking mechanism 50 includes a bar 51, a receiving portion 52, and a guide 53. The bar 51 is provided on the handle 40 and moves in accordance with the change in the posture of the handle 40. The receiving portion 52 is formed with an engaging groove 52a that can engage with the bar 51. The guide 53 is provided on the door 30 and guides the movement of the bar 51. When the handle 40 is in the first posture P1, the bar 51 is in the first position Q1, and when the handle is in the second posture P2, the bar 51 is in the second position Q2. The bar 51 engages with the engaging groove 52a at the second position Q2.

[0046] In the present embodiment, when the handle 40 is in the first posture P1, the bar 51 is in the first position Q1 and does not engage with the engaging groove 52a. At this time, the door 30 is enabled to move between the open position PO and the closed position PS. On the other hand, when the handle 40 is in the second posture P2, the bar 51 is in the second position Q2 and engages with the engaging groove 52a. At this time, the door 30 is fixed to the closed position PS. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the locking mechanism 50 can be provided with a simple configuration of the bar 51, the receiving portion 52, and the guide 53. Further, the guide 53 prevents the bar 51 from being displaced from the engaging groove 52a. Therefore, the locking and unlocking of the door 30 can be accurately performed.

[0047] In the present embodiment, a plurality of doors 30 are provided corresponding to each storage chamber 21 one by one. Further, the door 30 faces the corresponding storage chamber 21 in the first direction D1.

[0048] As a result, one door 30 can be moved to the open position PO, only one corresponding storage chamber 21 can be opened, and the workpiece 2 can be stored in the storage chamber 21. Therefore, the workpiece 2 can be inserted into the stocker chamber 10 with the opening of the insertion port 11 minimized. Thus, the positive pressure management in the stocker chamber 10 becomes even easier.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the cell culture system 100 includes, in addition to the first stocker 110 and the clean bench 140 described above, a first stocker door 110a that separates the first storage area R1 and the liquid operation area R4. The first stocker door 110a is in a communicating state between the first storage area R1 and the liquid operation area R4 when in the open state, and in a non-communicating state between the first storage area R1 and the liquid operation area R4 when in the closed state.

[0050] For example, even when the workpiece 2 is inserted into the stocker chamber 10 from the insertion port 11 with the first stocker door 110a in the open state, only a part of the insertion port 11 is opened by operating a part of the plurality of doors 30. For this reason, it is suppressed that the air pressure in the first stocker 110 drops below the air pressure in the clean bench 140. Thus, it becomes easy to maintain the first stocker 110 at a positive pressure with respect to the clean bench 140.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the door 30 is smaller than the first stocker door 110a.

[0052] As a result, when the workpiece 2 is inserted into the first stocker 110, the amount of air movement inside and outside the first stocker 110 through the insertion port 11 can be reduced. Thus, the positive pressure management of the first stocker 110 becomes even easier.

[0053] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Among the second embodiment, for the configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiment, the description will be appropriately omitted by attaching the same names and the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 10, the first stocker 210 of the present embodiment further includes a sensor 60 and a control device 70 in addition to the stocker chamber 10, the shelves 20, the door 30, and the lock mechanism 50.

[0054] <Sensor> The sensor 60 can detect whether the door 30 is in the open position PO. In the present embodiment, the sensor 60 is provided for each door 30. The sensor 60 is, for example, a contact sensor. When the sensor 60 comes into contact with the door 30, it is detected that the door 30 is in the closed position PS, and when the sensor 60 and the door 30 are separated, it is detected that the door 30 is in the open position PO.

[0055] <Control device> The control device 70 acquires detection information from the sensor 60. Based on the detection information from the sensor 60, the control device 70 may automatically open and close the door 30, or may notify the operator A by displaying the opening and closing information of the door 30 on a separate monitor.

[0056] Note that the lock mechanism 50 of the present embodiment may have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, or may be a simple magnet.

[0057] <Operational effects> In the present embodiment, the first stocker 210 further includes a sensor 60 capable of detecting whether the door 30 is in the open position PO. Thereby, the opening and closing state of the door 30 can be automatically confirmed by the sensor 60.

[0058] Note that, as shown in FIG. 11, the sensor 60A may be a photoelectric sensor. This sensor 60A is provided on the outer surface of the stocker chamber 10 for each row of doors 30 arranged in the second direction D2. The sensor 60A is, for example, a transmissive optical sensor, and includes a light projecting unit 61 and a light receiving unit 62. The light projecting unit 61 and the light receiving unit 62 are provided to face each other in the second direction D2 so as to sandwich the row of doors 30.

[0059] The light projecting unit 61 emits light L such as visible light or infrared light in the second direction D2 toward the light receiving unit 62. For example, when the light from the light projecting unit 61 is blocked by the door 30 as in the row of interrupted doors 30 in FIG. 11, it is determined that the door 30 is open. Note that the sensor 60A may be a reflective photoelectric sensor.

[0060] <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.

[0061] The number and shape of the doors 30 can be changed as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, one door 30 may be provided for two storage chambers 21. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the doors 30 arranged in the vertical direction Dv may be formed to have the same length in the vertical direction Dv, or may be formed to have different lengths in the vertical direction Dv.

[0062] Although the case where the handle 40 has a handle body 41, a connecting portion 42, a handle shaft 43, and an auxiliary member 44, and the lock mechanism 50 has a bar 51, a receiving portion 52, and a guide 53 has been described, it is not limited thereto. The handle 40 and the lock mechanism 50 in the embodiment are examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0063] <Supplementary Note> The stocker and the cell culture system 100 described in each embodiment are understood as follows, for example.

[0064] (1) The stocker according to the first aspect forms a storage area for storing the workpiece 2 in which the indoor is maintained at a positive pressure and the culture solution is stored, and is provided with a stocker chamber 10 having an inlet 11 that penetrates in the first direction D1 to communicate the inside and outside, a shelf 20 disposed in the stocker chamber 10 so as to face the inlet 11 in the first direction D1, having a plurality of storage chambers 21 that open in the first direction D1 toward the inlet 11 and can store the workpiece 2, a plurality of doors 30 movably provided between an open position PO for opening the inlet 11 and a closed position PS for closing the inlet 11, and capable of opening and closing the inlet 11. Examples of the stocker include the first stockers 110 and 210 described above.

[0065] According to the above configuration, by operating some of the plurality of doors 30, the inlet 11 can be opened. Thereby, the workpiece 2 can be introduced into the stocker chamber 10 from the inlet 11 without opening the entire inlet 11. Therefore, compared with the case where most of the inlet 11 is opened, the pressure drop in the stocker chamber 10 is suppressed, and the stocker chamber 10 is maintained at a positive pressure. Therefore, the positive pressure in the stocker chamber 10 can be easily managed.

[0066] (2) The stocker of the second aspect is the stocker of (1), further comprising a handle 40 provided for each door 30, exposed outside the stocker chamber 10 of the stocker, and capable of changing its posture between a first posture P1 and a second posture P2, and a lock mechanism 50 provided for each door 30, which makes the door 30 movable between the open position PO and the closed position PS when the handle 40 is in the first posture P1, and fixes the door 30 at the closed position PS when the handle 40 is in the second posture P2.

[0067] Thereby, by simply checking the posture of the handle 40, the open / closed state of the door 30 can be visually confirmed. For example, when the handle 40 is not in the second posture P2, it can be visually confirmed that the door 30 is not locked.

[0068] (3) The stocker of the third aspect is the stocker of (1) or (2), wherein the locking mechanism 50 is provided on the handle 40 and includes an engaging piece that moves in accordance with a change in the posture of the handle 40, a receiving portion 52 formed with an engaging groove 52a engageable with the engaging piece, and a guide 53 provided on the door 30 for guiding the movement of the engaging piece. When the handle 40 is in the first posture P1, the engaging piece is in the first position Q1, and when the handle is in the second posture P2, the engaging piece is in the second position Q2. The engaging piece may engage with the engaging groove 52a at the second position Q2. As an example of the engaging piece, the bar 51 described above can be cited.

[0069] In this aspect, when the handle 40 is in the first posture P1, the engaging piece is in the first position Q1 and does not engage with the engaging groove 52a. At this time, the door 30 is movable between the open position PO and the closed position PS. On the other hand, when the handle 40 is in the second posture P2, the engaging piece is in the second position Q2 and engages with the engaging groove 52a. At this time, the door 30 is fixed to the closed position PS. Also, the guide 53 prevents displacement of the engaging piece with respect to the engaging groove 52a.

[0070] (4) The stocker of the fourth aspect is any one of the stockers of (1) to (3), and may further include a sensor 60 capable of detecting whether the door 30 is in the open position PO.

[0071] Thereby, the opening and closing state of the door 30 can be automatically confirmed by the sensors 60 and 60A.

[0072] (5) The stocker of the fifth aspect is any one of the stockers of (1) to (4), and a plurality of the doors 30 are provided one by one corresponding to each storage chamber 21, and the door 30 may be provided so as to face the corresponding storage chamber 21 in the first direction D1.

[0073] As a result, one door 30 can be moved to the open position PO, only one corresponding storage chamber 21 can be opened, and the workpiece 2 can be stored in the storage chamber 21. Therefore, the workpiece 2 can be inserted into the stocker chamber 10 with the opening of the insertion port 11 minimized. Thus, the positive pressure management in the stocker chamber 10 becomes even easier.

[0074] (6) The cell culture system 100 according to the sixth aspect includes any one of the stockers of (1) to (5), an incubator 130 that forms a culture area R3 for performing a culture operation on the workpiece 2, and a clean bench 140 that forms a liquid operation area R4 for performing a dispensing operation on the workpiece 2.

[0075] (7) The cell culture system 100 according to the seventh aspect is the cell culture system 100 of (6), and may further include a stocker door that separates the storage area and the liquid operation area R4, and makes the storage area and the liquid operation area R4 communicate with each other in an open state and non - communicate with each other in a closed state. As an example of the stocker door, the first stocker door 110a described above can be cited. As an example of the storage area, the first storage area R1 described above can be cited.

[0076] In this aspect, the cell culture system 100 includes the stocker described above. Therefore, for example, even when the workpiece 2 is inserted into the stocker chamber 10 from the insertion port 11 when the stocker door is in an open state, only a part of the insertion port 11 is opened by operating a part of the plurality of doors 30. For this reason, a decrease in the air pressure inside the stocker below the air pressure inside the clean bench 140 is suppressed. Thus, it becomes easy to maintain the stocker at a positive pressure with respect to the clean bench 140.

[0077] (8) The cell culture system 100 according to the eighth aspect is the cell culture system 100 of (7), and the door 30 may be smaller than the stocker door.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the workpiece 2 is loaded into the stocker, the amount of air movement inside and outside the stocker through the loading port 11 can be reduced. Therefore, the positive pressure management of the stocker becomes even easier.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0079] 1 Workpiece unit 2 Workpiece 2a Flask 2b Other workpiece 3 Workpiece tray 4 Positive pressure maintaining device 10 Stocker chamber 11 Loading port 20 Shelf 21 Storage chamber 22 Bottom plate 30 Door 40 Handle 50 Lock mechanism 51 Bar (engagement piece) 52 Receiving part 52a Engagement groove 53 Guide 53a Guide groove 60, 60A Sensor 61 Light projecting part 62 Light receiving part 70 Control device 100 Cell culture system 110, 210 First stocker (stocker) 110a First stocker door (stocker door) 120 Second stocker 120a Second stocker door 130 Incubator 140 Clean bench 150 Pass box 150a First pass door 150b Second pass door 160 Preparation room 160a Preparation room door A Operator Dv Vertical direction D1 First direction D2 Second direction O1 First axis line PO Open position PS Closed position P1 First posture P2 Second posture Q1 First position Q2 Second position R1 First storage area (storage area) R2 Second storage area R3 Culture area R4 Liquid operation area

Claims

1. A stocker chamber that forms a storage area for storing a workpiece in which the interior is maintained at a positive pressure and the culture solution is accommodated, and is provided with an inlet that penetrates in a first direction to communicate the inside and outside; A shelf disposed in the stocker chamber so as to face the inlet in the first direction, having a plurality of storage chambers that open in the first direction toward the inlet and can accommodate the workpieces; A plurality of doors that are movably provided between an open position for opening the inlet and a closed position for closing the inlet, and can open and close the inlet; A stocker comprising the above.

2. A handle provided for each door, exposed outside the stocker chamber, and capable of changing its posture between a first posture and a second posture; A locking mechanism provided for each door, which enables the door to move between the open position and the closed position when the handle is in the first posture, and fixes the door in the closed position when the handle is in the second posture; The stocker according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

3. The locking mechanism includes: An engaging piece provided on the handle and moving in accordance with the change of the posture of the handle; A receiving portion formed with an engaging groove that can engage with the engaging piece; A guide provided on the door for guiding the movement of the engaging piece; Having the above, When the handle is in the first posture, the engaging piece is in a first position, and when the handle is in the second posture, the engaging piece is in a second position; The stocker according to claim 2, wherein the engaging piece engages with the engaging groove in the second position.

4. The stocker according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a sensor capable of detecting whether the door is in the open position. The stocker according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The plurality of doors are provided one by one corresponding to each storage chamber; The stocker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the door faces the corresponding storage chamber in the first direction.

6. The stocker according to claim 1 or 2; An incubator that forms a culture area for performing a culture operation on the workpiece; A clean bench that forms a liquid operation area for performing a dispensing operation on the workpiece; A cell culture system comprising the above.

7. The cell culture system according to claim 6, further comprising a stocker door that separates the storage area and the liquid operation area, and makes the storage area and the liquid operation area in a communicating state in an open state and in a non-communicating state in a closed state.

8. The cell culture system according to claim 7, wherein the door is smaller than the stocker door.

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