Culture system

Abstract

Easily adjust and change the shaking conditions. [Solution] The culture system 1 comprises a shaking device 10 having a shaking platform 11 having a mounting surface 11a on which a culture container containing a culture medium containing a target to be cultured is placed, and a shaking mechanism 30 that shakes the shaking platform in a plane parallel to the mounting surface, and a control unit 15, wherein the shaking mechanism includes guide members 31 that support the shaking platform so as to be movable along a first axis and a second axis that intersect each other in a plane parallel to the mounting surface, a drive belt 32 that is integrally linked to the shaking platform and moves the shaking platform along the first axis and the second axis, and a drive unit 33 that drives the drive belt, wherein the drive unit drives the drive belt while independently controlling the movement of the shaking platform along the first axis and the movement of the shaking platform along the second axis, and the control unit provides a culture system 1 that adjusts the drive pattern of the drive belt by feedback control of the drive unit to change the shaking conditions of the shaking platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a culture system.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=1P1]] As one of the methods for culturing culture objects such as microorganisms such as bacteria and cells, a method of culturing while shaking (agitating) a culture solution containing the culture object is known. Specifically, a shaking device is used that shakes a culture container such as a flask containing the culture solution under certain culture conditions using a shaking table. By shaking the culture container, for example, the uptake of oxygen, enzymes, etc. into the culture solution and the agitation of the culture solution can be effectively performed, so it is possible to promote the growth (cultivation) of the culture object.

[0003] As this type of shaking device, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, a shaking device capable of smoothly rotating a shaking table at high speed is known (see Patent Document 1). This shaking device includes a main housing including a fixed shaft body rotationally driven by a motor, an eccentric shaft body disposed eccentrically with respect to the fixed shaft body, an eccentric housing connected to the main housing, a shaking table connected to the eccentric shaft body, and a rotation restricting mechanism for restricting the rotation of the shaking table.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [[ID=2P8]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the conventional shaking device described above, by rotating the main housing including the fixed shaft, the shaking platform can be rotated (revolved) via the eccentric shaft while the rotation of the shaking platform is restricted by the rotation restriction mechanism. Therefore, the culture vessel set on the shaking platform can be shaken while being rotated stably. However, conventional shaking devices can only periodically perform the same action, such as rotating the shaking platform using an eccentric rotation mechanism (main housing and eccentric housing). When culturing a substance, there is a need to appropriately adjust or change the shaking conditions, taking into account various conditions such as the type of substance and culture medium, the purpose of cultivation, the application, and the progress of cultivation. In this respect, the conventional shaking device described above is limited to a specific movement of rotating the shaking platform, and therefore cannot adequately meet such needs, leaving room for improvement.

[0006] This invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a culture system in which shaking conditions can be easily adjusted and changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The culture system according to the present invention comprises a shaking device having a shaking platform having a mounting surface on which a culture container containing a culture medium containing a substance to be cultured is placed, and a shaking mechanism for shaking the shaking platform in a plane parallel to the mounting surface, and a control unit, wherein the shaking mechanism comprises guide members that support the shaking platform so as to be movable along a first axis and a second axis that intersect each other in a plane parallel to the mounting surface, a drive belt integrally linked to the shaking platform and for moving the shaking platform along the first axis and the second axis, and a drive unit that drives the drive belt, wherein the drive unit drives the drive belt while independently controlling the movement of the shaking platform along the first axis and the movement of the shaking platform along the second axis, and the control unit adjusts the drive pattern of the drive belt by feedback controlling the drive unit to change the shaking conditions of the shaking platform.

[0008] (2) In the culture system described in (1), the control unit may provide feedback control to the drive unit so that the shaking conditions are such that the culture medium is subjected to a stimulus of varying intensity.

[0009] (3) The culture system described in (1) or (2) comprises a first measuring device for measuring the turbidity of the culture medium and a second measuring device for measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence emitted by the culture target contained in the culture medium, wherein the control unit grasps the culture state of the culture medium or the production state of the culture target based on the first measurement result from the first measuring device or the second measurement result from the second measuring device, and may also provide feedback control to the drive unit based on this information.

[0010] (4) The culture system described in (1) comprises a first measuring device for measuring the turbidity of the culture medium, a container holding unit placed on the aforementioned surface and holding the culture container, a thermoelectric element provided in the container holding unit for heating and cooling the culture container, and a temperature control unit for controlling the thermoelectric element, wherein the control unit may provide feedback control to change the temperature conditions for heating and cooling the thermoelectric element based on a first measurement result from the first measuring device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the shaking conditions can be easily adjusted and changed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the culture system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front view of the culture system shown, seen from the front. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the shaking device. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a top view of the shaking device. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the shaking device. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the shaking device along the line indicated by arrow AA in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the area around the shaking platform and heatsink. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the state after the heat transfer component has been removed from the state shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the heat sink, container holder, and surrounding area of ​​the measurement unit. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the area around the heat sink and container holder shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the state after the culture vessel and retaining member have been removed from the state shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12]It is a perspective view showing the state where the heat conduction sheet is removed from the state shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the measurement unit shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the measurement unit shown in FIG. 13 and the culture vessel. [Figure 15] It is an example of a captured image (scattered light image, fluorescence image) captured by the combined imaging unit.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the shaking device and the culture system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the culture system of this embodiment, as an object to be cultured, the target product substance (hereinafter simply referred to as the target substance) will be taken as an example for explanation, and the case where the turbidity of the culture solution for expressing the target substance and the fluorescence intensity of the target substance are measured simultaneously will be taken as an example for explanation.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the culture system 1 of this embodiment has a shaking table 11 on which a culture vessel 2 containing a culture solution W containing a target substance is placed, a shaking device 10 for shaking (oscillating) the culture vessel 2, a container holding portion 12 for holding the culture vessel 2 with respect to the shaking table 11, a first measuring device 13 for measuring the turbidity of the culture solution W, a second measuring device 14 for measuring the culture state of the target substance contained in the culture solution W, and a control portion 15 for comprehensively controlling these respective devices.

[0015] The target product substance means a substance produced by a microorganism through processes such as fermentation and metabolism, and includes, for example, proteins, organics produced by the fermentation of lactic acid bacteria, peptides, and the like. In this embodiment, a protein is assumed as the target product substance. Therefore, the culture system 1 is assumed to be a protein culture system capable of simultaneously measuring the turbidity of the culture solution W for expressing the protein and the fluorescence intensity of the protein.

[0016] The culture medium W, which expresses the target substance, is contained in the culture vessel 2. The culture vessel 2 is shaken under predetermined culture conditions by a shaking device 10 that constitutes the culture system 1. As a result, the culture medium W is cultured in the culture vessel 2, and its turbidity increases as the culture progresses. The culture system 1 measures the turbidity of the culture medium W to understand the progress of the culture (culture state), and also measures the fluorescence intensity of the target substance to determine that a certain amount of the target substance has been obtained.

[0017] In this embodiment, a glass Erlenmeyer flask is used as the culture vessel 2. Therefore, the culture vessel 2 has a flat bottom 3 and a conical side wall 4. The connection between the bottom 3 and the side wall 4 is an annular curved surface 5 that extends continuously around the entire circumference of the bottom 3. However, culture vessel 2 is not limited to an Erlenmeyer flask; various types of flasks such as pear-shaped flasks, round-bottom flasks, and shaking flasks may also be used. Furthermore, test tubes, Petri dishes, or cylindrical containers such as beakers may also be used as culture vessel 2.

[0018] Furthermore, the bounce and agitation of the culture medium W during shaking will differ depending on the shape of the culture vessel used. Therefore, it is possible to configure the system to change the shaking conditions for each type of culture vessel to achieve the optimal shaking conditions for the culture vessel being used. Specifically, this can be achieved by controlling the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 with the motor control unit 84, described later, to shake the shaking platform 11 with shaking conditions corresponding to the culture vessel being used. In this way, it is possible to perform shaking with shaking conditions corresponding to the culture vessel, rather than simply placing the culture vessel on the shaking platform 11.

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, we will explain using an example in which Escherichia coli is used as the host cell, an expression vector whose expression is induced in a temperature-dependent manner is used, and the target substance is expressed using the method of the Escherichia coli cold shock expression system. Therefore, the culture medium W contains E. coli transformed by an expression vector (an expression vector containing a target gene encoding the target substance).

[0020] Furthermore, the expression vector contains a specific promoter for the E. coli cold shock gene, whose expression is induced when the E. coli culture temperature is low (e.g., 15°C). Specifically, the specific promoter is the lactose operon (lac I, Lac operator). The lactose operon controls the expression of the E. coli cold shock gene promoter. Furthermore, the lactose operon can be deregulated by reagents (expression inducers) such as IPTG (Isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside), which allows for the expression of the E. coli cold shock gene promoter. However, specific promoters such as the lactose operon are not essential and do not need to be included in the expression vector.

[0021] <Shaking device> As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the shaking device 10 comprises a shaking platform 11 having a mounting surface 11a on which the culture vessel 2 is placed, and a shaking mechanism 30 for shaking the shaking platform 11. Although the culture vessel 2 may be placed directly on the mounting surface 11a of the shaking platform 11, in this embodiment, the case in which it is indirectly placed on the mounting surface 11a via the heat sink 16 and the container holding part 12 is given as an example.

[0022] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, two directions that intersect orthogonally within a plane (horizontal plane) parallel to the mounting surface 11a of the shaking platform 11 are defined as the X-axis (first axis) and the Y-axis (second axis). Furthermore, the direction along the X-axis is defined as the front-back direction L1, and the direction along the Y-axis is defined as the left-right direction L2. Furthermore, the axis that passes vertically through the center of the shaking platform 11 is defined as the central axis O. In addition, in a plan view from the vertical direction, the direction intersecting the central axis O is defined as the radial direction, and the direction that revolves around the central axis O is defined as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, within the longitudinal direction L1, the direction from the central axis O toward the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 (described later) is defined as the forward direction FW, and the opposite direction is defined as the rearward direction BK.

[0023] (Shaking platform) As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the shaker platform 11 is formed in the shape of a plate with a constant thickness in the vertical direction, and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, with the length in the front-to-back direction L1 being longer than the left-to-right direction L2. However, the shape of the shaker platform 11 is not limited to this case; for example, it may be formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, with the length in the left-to-right direction L2 being longer than the front-to-back direction L1, or it may be formed in a square shape in plan view.

[0024] A connecting piece 20, to which a drive belt 32 (described later) is linked, is integrally fixed to the shaking platform 11. The connecting piece 20 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the side, and is a so-called L-angle. The connecting piece 20 is fixed to the shaking platform 11 such that it contacts the mounting surface 11a of the shaking platform 11 from above, and also contacts the front side of the shaking platform 11 facing the front FW from the front FW. As shown in Figure 5, a grooved plate 21, which has multiple grooves formed on it, is fixed to the front surface of the connecting piece 20 facing forward FW. The multiple grooves formed on the grooved plate 21 are elongated vertically along the vertical direction and are also formed at intervals in the left-right direction L2. These multiple grooves are formed in accordance with multiple grooves and protrusions (not shown) formed on the drive belt 32.

[0025] (Shaking mechanism) As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the shaking mechanism 30 shakes the shaking platform 11, configured as described above, in a plane parallel to the mounting surface 11a. The shaking mechanism 30 includes guide members 31 that support the shaking platform 11 so that it can move along the X and Y axes, a drive belt 32 that moves the shaking platform 11 along the X and Y axes, and a drive unit 33 that drives the drive belt 32. Note that the drive belt 32 is not shown in Figure 5.

[0026] (Guidance component) The guide member 31 comprises a fixed base 40, a movable base 50 positioned above the fixed base 40 and below the shaking base 11, a first guide member 60 positioned between the fixed base 40 and the movable base 50 and supporting the movable base 50 so that it can move along the X-axis relative to the fixed base 40, and a second guide member 70 positioned between the movable base 50 and the shaking base 11 and supporting the shaking base 11 so that it can move along the Y-axis relative to the movable base 50.

[0027] The fixing base 40 comprises a first fixing plate 41 having a constant thickness in the vertical direction, and a pair of second fixing plates 42 that are fixed to the first fixing plate 41 while overlapping it. The fixing base 40 functions as a base for each component that makes up the shaking device 10.

[0028] The first fixing plate 41 is formed in a square shape in plan view and has sufficient length along the front-to-back direction L1 and the left-to-right direction L2. The shape of the first fixing plate 41 is not limited to a square shape in plan view and may be changed as appropriate. The first fixing plate 41 may be formed as a single plate or may be composed of multiple divided plates combined together.

[0029] Support columns 43 extending downwards are fixed to the four corners of the first fixing plate 41. This allows the entire shaking device 10 to be stably installed on the mounting surface using the support columns 43. As shown in Figure 1, the shaking device 10 has an outer cover 17 that surrounds each component, including the fixed base 40, the support column 43, and the shaking platform 11, from the outside. As a result, each component, including the fixed base 40, the support column 43, and the shaking platform 11, is hidden from view by the outer cover 17. Note that the outer cover 17 is not shown in Figure 2.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the pair of second fixing plates 42 are thicker than the first fixing plate 41 and are formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, with the length in the front-to-back direction L1 being longer than the left-to-right direction L2. Specifically, each of the pair of second fixing plates 42 has a constant width along the left-to-right direction L2 and is formed to be elongated along the front-to-back direction L1 so as to cover the first fixing plate 41 from above over its entire length. The pair of second fixing plates 42 are positioned on both the left and right sides of the first fixing plate 41. As a result, the pair of second fixing plates 42 are positioned parallel to each other with a gap in the left-to-right direction L2.

[0031] Support plates 44, which support the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 (described later), are fixed to the front ends of the pair of second fixing plates 42, respectively. The support plates 44 have the same thickness as the second fixing plates 42 and are positioned to overlap the upper surface of the second fixing plates 42. Furthermore, the support plates 44 are formed to protrude forward FW from the second fixing plates 42. The support plate 44 has a circular insertion hole 45 formed in plan view that penetrates the support plate 44 vertically. Furthermore, the support plate 44 has a guide groove 46 that opens toward the rear BK and upward.

[0032] Furthermore, a front connecting plate 47 and a rear connecting plate 48 are fixed to the pair of second fixing plates 42, connecting the two second fixing plates 42 in the left-right direction L2. Each of the front connecting plate 47 and the rear connecting plate 48 has the same thickness as the second fixing plate 42 and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, which is longer in the left-right direction L2 than in the front-rear direction L1. The front connecting plate 47 is positioned so as to overlap the upper surface of the front end of the pair of second fixing plates 42 and connects the second fixing plates 42 together in the left-right direction L2. The front connecting plate 47 is positioned behind the support plate 44 BK. The rear connecting plate 48 is positioned so as to overlap the upper surface of the rear end of the pair of second fixing plates 42, and connects the second fixing plates 42 to each other in the left-right direction L2.

[0033] The movable base 50 comprises a pair of first movable plates 51 positioned to overlap a pair of second fixed plates 42 from above, and a second movable plate 52 that connects the pair of first movable plates 51 in the left-right direction L2. In the illustrated example, the movable base 50 is formed as a single plate by integrating a pair of first movable plates 51 and second movable plates 52. However, the movable base 50 may also be constructed by forming the pair of first movable plates 51 and second movable plates 52 separately and then combining them integrally.

[0034] Each of the pair of first movable plates 51 has the same thickness as the second fixed plate 42 and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, with the length in the front-to-back direction L1 being longer than the left-to-right direction L2. The first movable plate 51 is formed such that its width along the left-to-right direction L2 is smaller than the width of the second fixed plate 42, and its length along the front-to-back direction L1 is smaller than the length of the second fixed plate 42. The pair of first movable plates 51 are positioned above the pair of second fixed plates 42 so as to be parallel to each other with a gap L2 in the left-right direction. The pair of first movable plates 51 are positioned outside L2 in the left-right direction of the front connecting plate 47 and behind BK beyond the support plate 44. Furthermore, the pair of first movable plates 51 are positioned so as to be able to enter the inside of the guide groove 46 formed in the support plate 44 from the rear BK.

[0035] The second movable plate 52 has the same thickness as the pair of first movable plates 51 and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, with the length in the left-right direction L2 being longer than the front-rear direction L1. The second movable plate 52 is formed such that its length along the front-rear direction L1 is shorter than the length of the first movable plate 51, and is also formed to be shifted towards the rear BK side from the front end of the first movable plate 51. Furthermore, a through-hole 53 is formed in the center of the second movable plate 52, penetrating it vertically. The through-hole 53 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, corresponding to the shape of the second movable plate 52, with the left-right direction L2 being longer than the front-back direction L1, and mainly functions as a weight-reducing hole. Therefore, the through-hole 53 is not essential and does not need to be provided.

[0036] A first guide member 60 is provided between the fixed base 40 and the movable base 50, which are configured as described above. The first guide member 60 comprises a pair of first guide rails 61 fixed to the upper surfaces of a pair of second fixed plates 42, and a pair of first movable blocks 62 fixed to the lower surfaces of a pair of first movable plates 51.

[0037] A pair of first guide rails 61 are fixed to the upper surface of the second fixed plate 42 so as to be located below the pair of first movable plates 51. The pair of first guide rails 61 are formed to extend along the front-rear direction L1 and are longer in the front-rear direction L1 than the first movable plate 51. The pair of first guide rails 61 are spaced apart in the left-right direction L2 and are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, guide grooves are formed on the sides of the first guide rails 61 facing the left-right direction L2, which are recessed inward and extend along the front-rear direction L1.

[0038] The first movable block 62 is assembled to the first guide rail 61 from above so as to be able to move relative to it in the front-rear direction L1 along the guide groove. The first movable block 62 is assembled to the first guide rail 61 in a manner that prevents it from coming off upward, and also in a manner that provides high sliding properties. Furthermore, multiple (two) first movable blocks 62 are attached to each of the pair of first movable plates 51 at intervals in the front-to-back direction L1.

[0039] Since a first guide member 60 having a first guide rail 61 and a first movable block 62 is provided between the second fixed plate 42 and the first movable plate 51, the movable base 50 can be smoothly moved along the front-rear direction L1 (X-axis) relative to the fixed base 40. Therefore, the first guide member 60 functions as a linear motion guide mechanism that realizes smooth linear movement of the movable base 50 along the front-rear direction L1. Alternatively, the first movable block 62 may be provided with multiple balls (rolling elements) that can circulate, so that the balls circulate along the guide groove of the first guide rail 61. In this case, the first guide member 60 can function as a so-called linear guide, making it possible to move the movable base 50 even more smoothly with less resistance relative to the fixed base 40.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, a second guide member 70 is provided between the movable platform 50 and the shaking platform 11. The second guide member 70 comprises a pair of second guide rails 71 fixed to the upper surface of the second movable plate 52 and a pair of second movable blocks 72 fixed to the lower surface of the shaking platform 11.

[0041] The pair of second guide rails 71 are formed to extend along the left-right direction L2 and are longer in the left-right direction L2 than the shaking platform 11. The pair of second guide rails 71 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction L1 with a through hole 53 in between, and are also arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, guide grooves are formed on the sides of the second guide rails 71 facing the front-rear direction L1, which are recessed inward and extend along the left-right direction L2.

[0042] The second movable block 72 is assembled to the second guide rail 71 from above so as to be able to move relative to it in the left-right direction L2 along the guide groove. The second movable block 72 is assembled to the second guide rail 71 in a manner that prevents it from coming off upward, and also in a manner that allows for high sliding properties. The second movable block 72 is attached to the underside of the front FW side and the underside of the rear BK side of the shaking platform 11, and multiple (two) of them are attached at intervals in the left-right direction L2.

[0043] Since a second guide member 70 having a second guide rail 71 and a second movable block 72 is provided between the second movable plate 52 and the shaking platform 11, it is possible to smoothly move the shaking platform 11 along the left-right direction L2 (Y axis) relative to the movable platform 50. Therefore, the second guide member 70 functions as a linear motion guide mechanism that realizes smooth linear movement of the shaking platform 11 along the left-right direction L2. Furthermore, the second movable block 72 may also be configured to have multiple balls (rolling elements) that can circulate, so that the balls circulate along the guide groove 46 of the second guide rail 71. In this case, the second guide member 70 can function as a so-called linear guide, making it possible to move the shaking platform 11 even more smoothly with less resistance relative to the movable platform 50.

[0044] (Drive belt, drive unit) As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the drive belt 32 is continuously stretched across the fixed base 40, the movable base 50, and the shaking base 11, which are configured as described above. The drive unit 33 drives the drive belt 32 while independently controlling the movement of the shaking base 11 in the forward / backward direction L1 along the X-axis and the movement of the shaking base 11 in the left / right direction L2 along the Y-axis.

[0045] The drive unit 33 includes a first drive motor 80 provided on a fixed base 40 and having a first drive pulley 81 around which the drive belt 32 is wound, a second drive motor 82 provided on the fixed base 40 and having a second drive pulley 83 around which the drive belt 32 is wound, and a motor control unit 84 that controls the driving of the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 respectively, and also controls the rotation of the first drive pulley 81 and the second drive pulley 83 respectively.

[0046] The first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 are fixed to the lower surface of the support plate 44 that constitutes the fixed base 40. Specifically, the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 are fixed to the lower surface of the support plate 44 with their output shafts (not shown) facing upward. The output shafts protrude above the support plate 44 by being inserted through insertion holes 45 formed in the support plate 44. The first drive pulley 81 and the second drive pulley 83 are connected to the output shaft of the first drive motor 80 and the output shaft of the second drive motor 82. As a result, the first drive pulley 81 and the second drive pulley 83 are rotatable in conjunction with the driving of the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82.

[0047] The first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 are not limited to specific motors, but are, for example, stepping motors whose rotation angle, rotation speed, rotation direction, etc., can be controlled by pulse signals.

[0048] The motor control unit 84 outputs pulse signals, which are electrical signals, to the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82, respectively, to digitally control the output shafts so that they rotate at a predetermined rotation angle, rotation speed, and rotation direction. The motor control unit 84 is mounted on a control board 18, for example, as shown in Figure 1. The control board 18 is positioned below the fixed base 40 and is supported by support members (not shown). Furthermore, the control board 18 also has a control unit 15 mounted on it, which comprehensively controls the entire culture system 1, including the shaking device 10. The operation of the motor control unit 84 is controlled by the control unit 15. Note that the control board 18 is not shown in Figure 2.

[0049] The drive belt 32 is a strip-shaped endless belt continuously stretched across a plurality of pulleys, including the first drive pulley 81 and the second drive pulley 83. The material and type of the drive belt 32 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the belt has excellent lateral pressure resistance, flexibility, and a high coefficient of friction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive belt 32 is a grooved belt in which grooves and protrusions (not shown) are continuously and alternately formed along its entire length on the main surface that contacts the multiple pulleys. However, it is not limited to this case, and a flat belt without grooves may be used as the drive belt 32, for example.

[0050] The pulleys other than the first drive pulley 81 and the second drive pulley 83 will be described below. In this embodiment, the system includes a plurality of pulleys: a first driven pulley 90, a second driven pulley 91, a first intermediate pulley 92, a second intermediate pulley 93, a third intermediate pulley 94, and a fourth intermediate pulley 95.

[0051] The first driven pulley 90 and the second driven pulley 91 are rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the rear end of a pair of second fixed plates 42 that constitute the fixed base 40. As a result, the first driven pulley 90 is positioned at a distance L1 in the front-rear direction from the first drive pulley 81, and is also positioned to be aligned in a straight line along the front-rear direction L1. Similarly, the second driven pulley 91 is positioned at a distance L1 in the front-rear direction from the second drive pulley 83, and is also positioned so as to be aligned in a straight line along the front-rear direction L1.

[0052] Furthermore, the first driven pulley 90 and the second driven pulley 91 are mounted on a pair of second fixed plates 42, and are therefore immovable in the front-rear direction L1 and the left-right direction L2. In addition, the first drive pulley 81, the second drive pulley 83, the first driven pulley 90, and the second driven pulley 91 are positioned outside the movable base 50 in the left-right direction L2.

[0053] The first intermediate pulley 92, the second intermediate pulley 93, the third intermediate pulley 94, and the fourth intermediate pulley 95 are rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the movable base 50. The first intermediate pulley 92 and the second intermediate pulley 93 are provided on the upper surface of the front end of a pair of first movable plates 51 that constitute the movable base 50. In this case, the first intermediate pulley 92 and the second intermediate pulley 93 are arranged in a straight line along the left-right direction L2. The first intermediate pulley 92 is positioned closer to the first drive pulley 81, and the second intermediate pulley 93 is positioned closer to the second drive pulley 83.

[0054] The third intermediate pulley 94 and the fourth intermediate pulley 95 are provided on the upper surface of the pair of first movable plates 51. In this arrangement, the third intermediate pulley 94 and the fourth intermediate pulley 95 are positioned in a straight line along the left-right direction L2, and are positioned rearward BK from the first intermediate pulley 92 and the second intermediate pulley 93. Furthermore, the third intermediate pulley 94 and the fourth intermediate pulley 95 are positioned such that their circumferential surfaces are at the same position in the front-rear direction L1 relative to the front surface of the grooved plate 21 fixed to the shaking platform 11.

[0055] Furthermore, the third intermediate pulley 94 is positioned with a gap L1 in the front-rear direction relative to the second intermediate pulley 93, and is also positioned to be aligned in a straight line along the front-rear direction L1. Similarly, the fourth intermediate pulley 95 is positioned with a gap L1 in the front-rear direction relative to the first intermediate pulley 92, and is also positioned to be aligned in a straight line along the front-rear direction L1.

[0056] The first drive pulley 81, second drive pulley 83, first driven pulley 90, second driven pulley 91, first intermediate pulley 92, second intermediate pulley 93, third intermediate pulley 94, and fourth intermediate pulley 95, configured as described above, are each positioned to maintain the same height. The drive belt 32 is continuously stretched, for example, from the first drive pulley 81, through the first intermediate pulley 92, the second intermediate pulley 93, the second drive pulley 83, the second driven pulley 91, the third intermediate pulley 94, the fourth intermediate pulley 95, and the first driven pulley 90, and back to the first drive pulley 81. In particular, the drive belt 32 is stretched across multiple pulleys while maintaining a constant tension and suppressing slack. Furthermore, the drive belt 32 is stretched across multiple pulleys while restricting vertical displacement and detachment.

[0057] Furthermore, multiple elongated grooves corresponding to the grooves and protrusions of the drive belt 32 are formed around the entire circumference of the first drive pulley 81, the second drive pulley 83, the first driven pulley 90, and the second driven pulley 91. As a result, the drive belt 32 is stretched across the multiple pulleys in a state where slippage is suppressed by its engagement with the grooves.

[0058] Furthermore, the drive belt 32 is linked to the shaker table 11 in a manner that suppresses slippage by engaging with grooves formed on the front surface of the grooved plate 21 fixed to the shaker table 11. This makes it possible to move the shaker table 11 in conjunction with the drive of the drive belt 32.

[0059] In the shaking device 10 configured as described above, the drive pattern of the drive belt 32 can be freely adjusted via the first drive pulley 81 and the second drive pulley 83 by controlling the rotation of the two drive motors, the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82. Specifically, the drive pattern of the drive belt 32 can be freely adjusted by controlling the rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation timing, etc., of the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 with drive pulses output from the motor control unit 84 to the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82. This makes it possible to move the entire movable base 50 and the shaking base 11 along the X-axis in the forward / backward direction L1 relative to the fixed base 40, move the shaking base 11 along the Y-axis in the left / right direction L2 relative to the movable base 50, or move the shaking base 11 in a complex two-dimensional manner along the X-axis and Y-axis in the forward / backward direction L1 and left / right direction L2. I will explain this in more detail later.

[0060] Furthermore, the shaking mechanism 30 of this embodiment includes a first position detection switch 100 and a second position detection switch 101 for detecting excessive movement of the shaking platform 11. The first position detection switch 100 is provided on the front connecting plate 47 that constitutes the fixed base 40. The first position detection switch 100 is positioned with the switch part 100a facing the rear BK, and switches from the OFF state to the ON state when the movable base 50 makes contact with the switch part 100a from the rear BK. As a result, the first position detection switch 100 outputs a first detection signal to the motor control unit 84.

[0061] The second position detection switch 101 is provided on the first movable plate 51 which constitutes the movable base 50. The second position detection switch 101 is positioned with the switch portion 101a facing inward in the left-right direction L2 (facing the shaking base 11), and switches from the OFF state to the ON state when the shaking base 11 makes contact with the switch portion 101a from the left-right direction L2. As a result, the second position detection switch 101 outputs a second detection signal to the motor control unit 84.

[0062] Therefore, the motor control unit 84 is able to detect, based on the first and second detection signals, when the shaking platform 11 has moved excessively in the forward / backward direction L1 and the left / right direction L2 while the shaking platform 11 is being shaken. This allows the motor control unit 84 to stop the pulse signals output to the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82. As a result, it is possible to perform appropriate shaking.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the culture system 1 includes a heat sink 16 and a container holder 12 combined with the shaking platform 11 of the shaking device 10 configured as described above. The heat sink 16 is assembled on the mounting surface 11a of the shaking platform 11 via a relay member 110. The container holder 12 is assembled to the heat sink 16, positioned above the heat sink 16. As a result, the culture container 2 is held by the container holder 12 indirectly on the mounting surface 11a of the shaking platform 11 via the container holder 12 and the heat sink 16.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the intermediate member 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an upper flange portion 111 and a lower flange portion 112, and is arranged coaxially with the central axis O. The lower flange portion 112 is fixed to the shaker table 11 while resting on the mounting surface 11a of the shaker table 11. In this way, the intermediate member 110 is integrally assembled with the shaker table 11.

[0065] (heat sink) As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7, the heat sink 16 comprises a lower connecting portion 120 that is placed on the lower flange portion 112 by being superimposed on the lower flange portion 112 from above, an upper connecting portion 121 that is positioned above the lower connecting portion 120 with a certain distance between them, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 122 positioned between the lower connecting portion 120 and the upper connecting portion 121, and is arranged coaxially with the central axis O.

[0066] The lower connecting portion 120 is formed in a circular shape in plan view, with an outer diameter larger than that of the lower flange portion 112, and is integrally assembled with the lower flange portion 112 by being superimposed on it from above. The upper connecting portion 121 comprises an upper connecting plate 125, which is circular in plan view and has the same outer diameter as the lower connecting portion 120, and a bulging portion 126 that protrudes upward from the center of the upper connecting plate 125. The bulging portion 126 is formed in a square shape in plan view. Furthermore, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the center of the upper connecting portion 121, which penetrates the entire bulging portion 126 and the upper connecting portion 121 in the vertical direction.

[0067] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a heat transfer member 130 is assembled to the upper connecting portion 121 from above. The heat transfer member 130 comprises a cylindrical first heat transfer member 131 positioned inside the through hole and a second heat transfer member 132 that is square in plan view and superimposed on the bulging portion 126 from above. The first heat transfer member 131 is fitted, for example, inside the through hole, and its lower surface protrudes below the lower surface of the upper connecting plate 125. The second heat transfer member 132 is formed to have an outer size smaller than the outer size of the bulge portion 126 and protrudes above the bulge portion 126. The upper surface of the second heat transfer member 132 is a flat heat transfer surface 132a.

[0068] The heat dissipation fins 122 are formed in a disc shape with an outer diameter larger than the outer dimensions of the shaking platform 11, and are arranged in multiples between the lower connecting portion 120 and the upper connecting portion 121 with vertical spacing between them, coaxially with respect to the central axis O. Specifically, a vertically elongated heat transfer rod (not shown) extending in the vertical direction is positioned between the lower connecting portion 120 and the heat transfer member 130 combined with the upper connecting portion 121. Multiple heat transfer rods are arranged circumferentially at intervals around a central axis O, and are positioned to penetrate multiple heat dissipation fins 122 in the vertical direction. The upper end of the heat transfer rod is in contact with the lower surface of the second heat transfer member 132. As a result, the heat transfer member 130 and the heat transfer rod are thermally connected. Furthermore, spacers 135 (see Figure 2), inserted into the heat transfer rods, are placed between adjacent heat dissipation fins 122 in the vertical direction. As a result, the multiple fins are arranged so that they overlap each other with a certain distance between them in the vertical direction via the spacers 135, and are supported by the heat transfer rods.

[0069] The heat transfer member 130, heat dissipation fins 122, heat transfer rod, and spacer 135 are made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity (heat dissipation), and may be made of metal or non-metal.

[0070] (Container holding part) As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the container holding section 12 is assembled from above to the upper connecting section 121 and includes a container support section 140 that supports the culture container 2 from below, and a ring-shaped retaining member 150 that surrounds the culture container 2 from the radial outside and is locked to the container support section 140 from above.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12, the container support portion 140 comprises a first support portion 141 having a circular support in plan view with a flat upper surface support surface 142a, and a ring-shaped second support portion 145 surrounding the support 142 from the radial outside. The first support portion 141 is assembled to the upper connecting portion 121, overlapping the upper connecting plate 125 from above. A fitting hole 143 is formed in the center of the support 142, penetrating the support 142 in the vertical direction. The fitting hole 143 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, corresponding to the outer shape of the second heat transfer member 132 of the heat transfer member 130. The first support portion 141 is assembled to the upper connecting portion 121 with the second heat transfer member 132 fitted inside the fitting hole 143.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, the second support portion 145 is assembled to the first support portion 141 from above, surrounding the support body 142 from the radial outside. The second support portion 145 has a locking piece 146 that protrudes upward and extends along the circumferential direction, and is arc-shaped in plan view. Two locking pieces 146 are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, the two locking pieces 146 are arranged to face each other radially across the central axis O. However, this is not the only example; for example, three or more locking pieces 146 may be provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0073] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the locking piece 146 is positioned radially outward from the curved surface 5 and side wall 4 of the culture container 2 when the culture container 2 is set. Furthermore, the locking piece 146 is formed to decrease in diameter from bottom to top, corresponding to the slope of the side wall 4 of the culture container 2.

[0074] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the retaining member 150 is formed in a ring shape that surrounds the curved surface 5 and side wall 4 of the culture vessel 2 from the radial outside, and is assembled to the second support part 145 from above. The retaining member 150 is formed so that its diameter decreases from bottom to top, corresponding to the inclination of the side wall 4 of the culture vessel 2. The lower surface of the retaining member 150 is provided with a pair of locking holes (not shown) into which a pair of locking pieces 146 can be inserted from below and into which the locking pieces 146 are locked. Therefore, after setting the culture container 2 on the support surface 142a, the retaining member 150 can be set from above and the locking pieces 146 can be locked into the locking holes, thereby integrally combining the retaining member 150 with the container support part 140.

[0075] Therefore, the retaining member 150 can be assembled with a single touch without using fastening members such as bolts. In particular, since the retaining member 150 is tapered in diameter from bottom to top to correspond to the shape of the culture container 2, it can hold the culture container 2 while restricting its upward movement.

[0076] In this embodiment, the case in which the retaining member 150 is combined with the container support part 140 using the locking piece 146 has been described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this case. For example, instead of providing the locking piece 146, magnets or the like can be provided on the container support part 140 and the retaining member 150, and the retaining member 150 can be combined using magnetic force.

[0077] The second support portion 145, which includes a pair of locking pieces 146, is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity (heat dissipation) and is thermally connected to a thermal conductive sheet 165, which will be described later. As a result, the pair of locking pieces 146 are thermally connected to a Peltier element 160, which will be described later, via the thermal conductive sheet 165. Therefore, by utilizing the pair of locking pieces 146, the culture container 2 can be efficiently heated and cooled from both the side wall portion 4 and the curved surface portion 5.

[0078] (Thermoelectric element) As shown in Figure 12, the container holding section 12 configured as described above is equipped with a Peltier element 160 as a thermoelectric element for heating and cooling the culture container 2 that is set inside. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the Peltier element 160 is formed in a square shape in plan view, corresponding to the outer shape of the heat transfer surface 132a of the heat transfer member 130, and is placed on the heat transfer surface 132a. As a result, the Peltier element 160 has its first main surface 161 facing upward and its second main surface 162 in surface contact with the heat transfer surface 132a. Based on the principle of the inverse of the Seebeck effect, the first main surface 161 and the second main surface 162 of the Peltier element 160 switch between heating (heat dissipation) and cooling (heat absorption) depending on the direction of the supplied current.

[0079] As shown in Figure 12, the Peltier element 160 is positioned inside the fitting hole 143 formed in the support 142 of the container support 140, with its first main surface 161 flush with the support surface 142a. This allows the Peltier element 160 to heat and cool the culture container 2 from the bottom 3. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, a heat conductive sheet 165 is provided inside the second support portion 145, covering the entire first main surface 161 and support surface 142a from above. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently and evenly heat and cool the entire bottom 3 of the culture container 2 via the heat conductive sheet 165.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8, the Peltier element 160 has a second main surface 162 that is in surface contact with the heat transfer surface 132a of the heat transfer member 130, and is therefore thermally connected to the multiple heat dissipation fins 122 via the heat transfer member 130 and the heat transfer rod. Accordingly, the Peltier element 160 can increase heating and cooling efficiency by utilizing the heat exchange with the outside air by the heat dissipation fins 122, and the culture vessel 2 can be heated and cooled efficiently and quickly.

[0081] Furthermore, the multiple heat dissipation fins 122 are concealed from the outside by the upper cover 19, as shown in Figure 1, which covers them radially from the outside. The upper cover 19 is, for example, combined with the outer cover 17. In addition, a fan or the like (not shown) may be provided on the upper cover 19. By providing a fan, for example, outside air can be supplied to the inside of the upper cover 19, or outside air can be discharged from the inside of the upper cover 19, thereby increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat dissipation fins 122.

[0082] As shown in Figure 12, the culture system 1 includes a temperature control unit 170 that controls the Peltier element 160. The temperature control unit 170 is mounted on a control board 18, for example, as shown in Figure 1, and its operation is controlled by the control unit 15. Therefore, the temperature control unit 170 controls the timing of the current supplied to the Peltier element 160, the energizing time, the direction of the current, etc., based on signals from the control unit 15. This makes it possible to control the heating and cooling of the culture vessel 2 using the Peltier element 160. Furthermore, the container holder 12 incorporating the Peltier element 160, the heat dissipation fins 122, the temperature control unit 170, etc., function as a temperature control device for heating and cooling the culture container 2.

[0083] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor may be provided to measure the temperature of the culture vessel 2, which is changed by the Peltier element 160. In this case, the temperature control unit 170 may control the Peltier element 160 based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor. This makes it easier to control the temperature of the culture vessel 2 more appropriately. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a heat conductive sheet thermally connected to the Peltier element 160 may be provided, for example, on the inner circumferential surface of the retaining member 150. In this case, the culture container 2 can be heated and cooled not only from the bottom 3 side but also from the curved surface 5 and side wall 4 side. In particular, the synergistic effect with the pair of locking pieces 146 thermally connected to the Peltier element 160 makes it possible to heat and cool the culture container 2 even more effectively.

[0084] <1st measuring device, 2nd measuring device> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the culture system 1 includes a measurement unit 180 which includes a first measuring device 13 for measuring the turbidity of the culture medium W, and a second measuring device 14 for measuring the culture state of the target substance contained in the culture medium W. The measuring unit 180 is positioned above the shaking device 10 and outside the culture vessel 2, which is held by the container holding part 12. Specifically, the measuring unit 180 is positioned outside the culture vessel 2 and the retaining member 150, at a distance L2 in the left-right direction. The measuring unit 180 is held by support members (not shown).

[0085] The support member may be integrally combined with the fixed base 40 of the shaking device 10, or it may be provided separately from the shaking device 10. The measurement unit 180 may also be positioned in front of the culture vessel 2 (FW) or behind it (BK).

[0086] As shown in Figure 9, the measurement unit 180 measures the turbidity of the culture medium W and the culture state of the target substance through the measurement hole 151 formed in the retaining member 150. As shown in Figures 9, 13, and 14, the measurement unit 180 includes a light irradiation unit 181 that irradiates excitation light EL toward the culture vessel 2, an excitation filter 182 positioned between the light irradiation unit 181 and the culture vessel 2, a dual-purpose imaging unit 183 that acquires scattered light images 191 (see Figure 15) and fluorescence images 192 (see Figure 15), respectively, a fluorescence filter 184 positioned between the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 and the culture vessel 2, and a holding case 185 that holds these components.

[0087] (Light irradiation area) As shown in Figure 14, the light irradiation unit 181 irradiates excitation light EL towards the interface between the inner surface of the culture container 2 and the culture medium W through the measurement hole 151 (see Figure 9) of the retaining member 150. The light irradiation unit 181 is positioned to irradiate the excitation light EL diagonally downward. For example, an LED light source can be used as the light irradiation unit 181. However, the light irradiation unit 181 is not limited to an LED light source; other light sources can be used as long as they can irradiate light that includes the wavelength range of the excitation light EL.

[0088] Furthermore, the light irradiation unit 181 is combined with a heat dissipation member 187 that includes multiple heat dissipation fins 186. This makes it possible to dissipate the heat generated by the light irradiation unit 181 through the heat dissipation member 187.

[0089] (Excitation filter) As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the excitation filter 182 is held by a holding case 185 so as to be positioned between the light irradiation unit 181 and the culture vessel 2. The excitation filter 182 allows transmission of light in a specific wavelength range used as excitation light (EL) from the light irradiation unit 181. As the excitation filter 182, a known optical filter (bandpass filter) having a dielectric multilayer film and capable of wavelength separation can be suitably employed. In particular, the excitation filter 182 allows transmission of light in a wavelength range different from that permitted by the fluorescence filter 184.

[0090] In the illustrated example, the excitation filter 182 is a framed filter having an excitation filter body 182a having a dielectric multilayer film or the like, and a ring-shaped frame portion 182b surrounding the excitation filter body 182a around its entire circumference. The excitation filter body 182a is formed to have a diameter at least larger than that of the light irradiation portion 181. The excitation filter 182 is held in a replaceable retaining case 185.

[0091] (Multipurpose imaging unit) The dual-purpose imaging unit 183 has the function of capturing an image of scattered light reflected at the interface between the inner surface of the culture vessel 2 and the culture medium W from the excitation light EL irradiated from the light irradiation unit 181, and acquiring it as a scattered light image 191 (see Figure 15), and the function of capturing an image of fluorescence emitted by the expressed target substance due to irradiation with the excitation light EL, and acquiring it as a fluorescence image 192 (see Figure 15). Therefore, the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 serves as both a first imaging unit for acquiring scattered light images 191 and a second imaging unit for acquiring fluorescence images 192, enabling the acquisition of both scattered light images 191 and fluorescence images 192, respectively.

[0092] The multi-purpose imaging unit 183 includes, for example, a flexible or rigid tubular imaging guide 200 and an imaging unit 201 provided at the tip of the imaging guide 200. The imaging unit 201 includes at least an objective lens (not shown) and an image sensor (not shown) that performs imaging through the objective lens. For example, a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor can be used as the image sensor.

[0093] The dual-purpose imaging unit 183 is held in the holding case 185 by being inserted into a holding hole 185a formed in the holding case 185. The dual-purpose imaging unit 183 is positioned with the imaging unit 201 facing the culture vessel 2. The proximal end of the imaging guide 200 is extended to the outside of the holding case 185. Inside the imaging guide 200, there are wiring cables (power lines, signal lines) (not shown) that are electrically connected to the image sensor, and the two captured images (scattered light image 191, fluorescence image 192) are output to the control unit 15.

[0094] (Fluorescent filter) The fluorescence filter 184 is held in a holding case 185 so as to be positioned between the multi-purpose imaging unit 183 and the culture vessel 2. The fluorescence filter 184 transmits light in a wavelength range that includes the wavelength of fluorescence emitted by the target substance, and restricts the transmission of light in at least the wavelength range of the excitation light EL. As the fluorescence filter 184, a known optical filter (bandpass filter) having a dielectric multilayer film and capable of wavelength separation can be suitably employed. In the illustrated example, the fluorescent filter 184 is a framed filter having a fluorescent filter body 184a having a dielectric multilayer film or the like, and a ring-shaped frame portion 184b that surrounds the fluorescent filter body 184a all around.

[0095] The retaining case 185 is provided with a filter plate 210 positioned closer to the culture vessel 2 than the fluorescent filter 184. The filter plate 210 has a first imaging hole 211 and a second imaging hole 212 that penetrate through the filter plate 210 in the thickness direction. The dual-purpose imaging unit 183 is positioned such that its imaging axis IA penetrates the central portion between the first imaging hole 211 and the second imaging hole 212 in the left-right direction L2. As a result, when viewed from the culture vessel 2 side, the imaging units 201 of the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 are positioned inside the first imaging hole 211 and the second imaging hole 212, respectively. Furthermore, the imaging axis IA is positioned to intersect the interface to which the excitation light EL is irradiated. In particular, the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 is positioned such that the imaging axis IA is non-coaxial with respect to the optical axis of the excitation light EL reflected from its inner surface.

[0096] Therefore, as shown in Figure 15, the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 can acquire a fluorescence image 192 through the fluorescence filter 184 and the first imaging aperture 211, and can also acquire a scattered light image 191 through the second imaging aperture 212. Thus, it is possible to acquire both the scattered light image 191 and the fluorescence image 192 using a single dual-purpose imaging unit 183. Furthermore, the fluorescence image 192 and the scattered light image 191 can be included in a single image 190 captured by the dual-purpose imaging unit 183.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 is positioned such that the imaging axis IA intersects the interface to which the excitation light EL is irradiated. Therefore, as shown in Figure 15, the optical center LO of the excitation light EL irradiated to the interface can be positioned at the center of the captured image 190. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, a portion of the frame 184b is intentionally included in the captured image 190. In this way, the fluorescence filter 184 uses the frame 184b to block strong reflected light from the optical center LO from entering the captured image 190.

[0098] (Control Unit) As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 15 mounted on the control board 18 is also connected to the light irradiation unit 181 and the combined imaging unit 183, and controls their operation. For example, the control unit 15 controls the irradiation timing and irradiation time of the light irradiation unit 181, as well as the imaging timing of the combined imaging unit 183. Furthermore, the control unit 15 includes at least a memory unit 220 that stores the scattered light image 191 and the fluorescence image 192 captured by the dual-purpose imaging unit 183, and a measurement unit 221 that measures the turbidity of the culture medium W and the fluorescence intensity of the target substance based on the scattered light image 191 and the fluorescence image 192.

[0099] In this embodiment, since one captured image 190 includes a scattered light image 191 and a fluorescence image 192, the memory unit 220 stores the scattered light image 191 and the fluorescence image 192 in association with each other. As shown in Figure 15, the measurement unit 221 defines the region located at the same distance from the optical center LO as the data acquisition region R among the scattered light image 191 and fluorescence image 192 included in the captured image 190, extracts partial images of the scattered light image 191 and fluorescence image 192 within the data acquisition region R, and measures the turbidity of the culture medium W and the fluorescence intensity of the target substance from these partial images.

[0100] Furthermore, the light irradiation unit 181, excitation filter 182, combined imaging unit 183, and measurement unit 221 function as a first measuring device 13 for measuring the turbidity of the culture medium W. In addition, the light irradiation unit 181, excitation filter 182, fluorescence filter 184, combined imaging unit 183, and measurement unit 221 function as a second measuring device 14 for measuring the culture state of the target substance contained in the culture medium W. Therefore, the scattered light image 191 functions as the first measurement result, and the fluorescence image 192 functions as the second measurement result.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 15 comprehensively controls the various components constituting the culture system 1 by having the CPU execute various programs as appropriate, thereby enabling the culture system 1 to perform the culture operation. The various programs are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (not shown).

[0102] "Computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory, which are read via a drive device (e.g., a CD-ROM drive) or interface (e.g., a USB interface). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" is not limited to the portable media mentioned above, but may also include storage units such as hard disks built into computer systems (including hardware such as operating systems and peripheral devices). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" may include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, as well as those that hold programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory inside computer systems that act as servers or clients in such cases.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 15 provides feedback control to the motor control unit 84, which constitutes the drive unit 33, to change the shaking conditions of the shaking platform 11 based on the turbidity results measured by the measurement unit 221 (measurement results from the first measurement device 13). Furthermore, the control unit 15 provides feedback control to the motor control unit 84 to change the shaking conditions of the shaking platform 11 based on the fluorescence intensity results of the target substance measured by the measurement unit 221 (measurement results from the second measurement device 14). Furthermore, the control unit 15 provides feedback control to the temperature control unit 170 to change the temperature conditions under which the Peltier element 160 heats and cools, based on the turbidity results.

[0104] (The function of the culture system) Next, we will explain the sequence of steps involved in culturing the culture medium W, measuring the turbidity of the culture medium W, and measuring the fluorescence intensity of the expressed target substance using the culture system 1 configured as described above. This explanation will also include the cultivation of E. coli and the expression of the target substance.

[0105] First, E. coli containing the expression vector is added to the culture medium W contained in the culture vessel 2. Next, the culture vessel 2 is held using the container holder 12 combined with the shaking platform 11 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and then the culture vessel 2 is shaken using the shaking device 10 while maintaining a predetermined culture temperature (e.g., 37°C). This allows the E. coli to be cultured. The turbidity of the culture medium W tends to increase as the E. coli culture progresses.

[0106] After holding the culture container 2 using the container holding section 12, the temperature control section 170, instructed by the control section 15, controls the Peltier element 160 to heat the culture container 2 via the first main surface 161. This allows the bottom 3 of the culture container 2 to be heated efficiently and evenly using the heat conductive sheet 165, and the culture medium W can be heated and maintained at a predetermined culture temperature.

[0107] In this configuration, the second main surface 162 of the Peltier element 160 functions as a heat-absorbing surface. Since the second main surface 162 is thermally connected to multiple heat dissipation fins 122, the heat absorption efficiency can be increased. Consequently, a temperature difference can be easily created between the first main surface 161 and the second main surface 162, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance (heating performance) of the first main surface 161. Therefore, the culture medium W can be heated efficiently.

[0108] Furthermore, simultaneously with or before / after the heating of the culture vessel 2 described above, the motor control unit 84, receiving instructions from the control unit 15, controls the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 shown in Figure 3 to drive the drive belt 32. This allows the shaker platform 11 to be moved in the forward / backward direction L1 along the X-axis and in the left / right direction L2 along the Y-axis, while being guided by the guide member 31. This allows the shaker platform 11 to be periodically moved using the drive belt 32, thereby shaking the shaker platform 11. As a result, the culture medium W contained in the culture vessel 2 can be stirred, promoting cultivation.

[0109] In particular, the drive unit 33 drives the drive belt 32 while independently controlling the movement of the shaker table 11 in the X and Y axes, respectively, so that the shaker table 11 can be shaken in various shaking patterns. Specifically, by using the motor control unit 84 to control the rotation of the two drive motors, the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82, the drive pattern of the drive belt 32 can be adjusted via the first drive pulley 81 and the second drive pulley 83. More specifically, by using the motor control unit 84 to adjust the rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation timing, etc., of the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82, the drive pattern of the drive belt 32 can be freely adjusted. This makes it possible to shake the shake platform 11 in a pattern that moves it linearly in the forward / backward direction L1 along the X-axis or in the left / right direction L2 along the Y-axis, or by combining movement along the X-axis and Y-axis to shake the shake platform 11 in a circular motion or an elliptical motion. Furthermore, by combining movement along the X-axis and Y-axis, it is also possible to shake the shake platform 11 in a pattern that repeats a semicircular motion back and forth, or in a pattern that traces a figure eight.

[0110] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the culture vessel 2 can be shaken along the front-to-back direction L1 by rotating the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 in opposite directions at the same rotational speed. Specifically, the first drive motor 80 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow M1, and the second drive motor 82 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow M2. This allows the entire assembly of the first intermediate pulley 92, second intermediate pulley 93, third intermediate pulley 94, and fourth intermediate pulley 95 to move forward towards FW via the drive belt 32. Furthermore, the first drive motor 80 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow M3, and the second drive motor 82 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow M4. This allows the entire assembly of the first intermediate pulley 92, second intermediate pulley 93, third intermediate pulley 94, and fourth intermediate pulley 95 to move backward towards BK via the drive belt 32. Therefore, by performing the above-described operations alternately, the entire movable platform 50 and shaking platform 11 can be moved linearly back and forth along the X-axis (front-to-back direction L1) along the first guide rail 61 of the first guide member 60. This allows the culture vessel 2 to be shaken along the front-to-back direction L1.

[0111] Furthermore, by rotating the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 in the same rotational direction and at the same rotational speed, the culture vessel 2 can be shaken along the left-right direction L2. Specifically, the first drive motor 80 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow M1, and the second drive motor 82 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow M4. This allows the entire assembly of the first intermediate pulley 92, second intermediate pulley 93, third intermediate pulley 94, and fourth intermediate pulley 95 to move in one direction L2 via the drive belt 32. Furthermore, the first drive motor 80 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow M3, and the second drive motor 82 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow M2. This allows the entire assembly of the first intermediate pulley 92, second intermediate pulley 93, third intermediate pulley 94, and fourth intermediate pulley 95 to move in the other direction L2 via the drive belt 32. Therefore, by performing the above-described operations alternately, the shaking platform 11 can be moved linearly back and forth along the second guide rail 71 of the second guide member 70 in the Y-axis (left-right direction L2) without moving the movable platform 50. This allows the culture container 2 to be shaken along the left-right direction L2.

[0112] Furthermore, by rotating the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 at different rotational speeds and in the same or opposite directions, the above-described operations can be combined, allowing for shaking patterns such as reciprocating motion of the culture vessel 2 in an oblique direction, circular motion, elliptical motion as mentioned earlier, reciprocating semicircular motion, and figure-eight patterns.

[0113] Therefore, the shaking device 10 of this embodiment allows the shaking platform 11 and the culture vessel 2 to be shaken with fine and diverse shaking patterns, rather than being limited to specific movements as in the past. Consequently, the shaking conditions can be easily adjusted and changed according to the situation, and the culture medium W in the culture vessel 2 can be stirred in an optimal state each time. In particular, it is possible to perform shaking that provides a stimulus of varying intensity to the culture medium W, rather than a constant stimulus. Therefore, optimal cultivation can be performed according to the target substance and the culture medium W.

[0114] When the culture is performed using the shaking device 10 until certain conditions (e.g., the time spent shaking the culture vessel 2, the number of shakes, etc.) are met, the shaking of the shaking platform 11 and the culture vessel 2 is temporarily stopped. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the culture vessel 2 is moved to the vicinity of the measuring unit 180 so that the measuring unit 180 can perform measurements through the observation hole. This allows the relative positional relationship between the culture vessel 2 and the light irradiation unit 181 and the combined imaging unit 183 to be set to an appropriate positional relationship, as shown in Figure 13.

[0115] Next, the turbidity of the culture medium W is measured. Specifically, light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit 181. This allows excitation light EL to be irradiated toward the culture vessel 2 through the excitation filter 182, and also toward the interface between the inner surface of the culture vessel 2 and the culture medium W. As a result, a portion of the excitation light EL is reflected at the interface and becomes scattered light.

[0116] Therefore, by using the dual-purpose imaging unit 183, an image of the scattered light reflected at the interface can be captured and obtained as the scattered light image 191 shown in Figure 15. At this time, the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 also captures a fluorescence image 192, but since the target substance has not yet been expressed at this stage, it is different from the fluorescence image 192 that was originally intended to be obtained. The captured image 190 acquired by the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 is output to the control unit 15 and stored in the memory unit 220. Furthermore, the measurement unit 221 measures the turbidity of the culture medium W based on the acquired scattered light image 191. Specifically, the measurement unit 221 measures the turbidity based on the light intensity, including brightness and luminance, of the scattered light image 191, or on changes in the RGB color information of the scattered light image 191.

[0117] As a result, the culture status of E. coli can be determined based on the measured turbidity, and it is possible to determine (estimate) whether a certain amount of E. coli has been cultured. If it is confirmed that the E. coli culture has been carried out properly, the expression of the target substance can be induced by cold shock or other means.

[0118] On the other hand, if the turbidity measurement results indicate that the E. coli culture is insufficient, the control unit 15 performs feedback control to continue the E. coli culture. In this case, the control unit 15 provides feedback control to the motor control unit 84 to change the shaking conditions of the shaking platform 11. This allows the motor control unit 84 to drive the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 under different shaking conditions than those previously used, and to restart the shaking of the culture vessel 2. In particular, because different shaking conditions are used, it is possible to promote culture while providing a different stimulus to the culture medium W.

[0119] Furthermore, in addition to changing the shaking conditions, the control unit 15 provides feedback control to the temperature control unit 170 to change the temperature conditions under which the Peltier element 160 heats and cools the culture vessel 2. This allows, for example, the shaking of the culture vessel 2 to be restarted while maintaining the temperature of the culture medium W at a temperature higher than 37°C. Therefore, it is possible to accelerate the culture process.

[0120] After shaking the mixture again, the turbidity of the culture medium W is measured again using the measurement unit 180. In this way, the culture and turbidity measurement are repeated until the E. coli culture is properly performed. Therefore, the culture can be carried out efficiently.

[0121] If, based on these results, the culture of E. coli is deemed sufficient, the process of expressing the target substance by inducing cold shock is carried out. In this case, the culture vessel 2 is first cooled and maintained at a constant low temperature (approximately 15°C). Specifically, based on instructions from the control unit 15, the temperature control unit 170 controls the Peltier element 160 to cool the culture vessel 2 via the first main surface 161. This allows the bottom 3 of the culture vessel 2 to be cooled efficiently and evenly using the heat conductive sheet 165. Therefore, the culture medium W can be cooled rapidly and maintained at a low temperature of approximately 15°C. In this configuration, the second main surface 162 is thermally connected to multiple heat dissipation fins 122, thereby increasing heat dissipation efficiency. Consequently, the heat absorption performance (cooling performance) of the first main surface 161 can be improved.

[0122] Next, reagents such as IPTG are added to culture vessel 2. Adding these reagents releases the control of the lactose operon contained in the expression vector, allowing the expression of a specific promoter that is induced under low temperature conditions. On the other hand, the expression of proteins present in E. coli itself is suppressed. As a result, the target substance can be expressed efficiently and with high purity.

[0123] Next, after the target substance has been expressed, excitation light EL is irradiated from the light irradiation unit 181 toward the interface between the inner surface of the culture vessel 2 and the culture medium W. As a result, the expressed target substance emits fluorescence due to the irradiation of the excitation light EL. Specifically, the target substance absorbs the light energy of the excitation light EL and transitions to an excited state, and then transitions to a ground state while emitting fluorescence.

[0124] Therefore, the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 can be used to capture an image of the fluorescence emitted by the target substance and obtain it as the fluorescence image 192 shown in Figure 15. The fluorescence image 192 obtained by the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 is output to the control unit 15 and stored in the memory unit 220. Furthermore, the measurement unit 221 measures the fluorescence intensity of the target substance based on the acquired fluorescence image 192. Specifically, the measurement unit 221 measures the fluorescence intensity based on the light intensity including brightness and luminance of the fluorescence image 192, or changes in the RGB color information of the fluorescence image 192.

[0125] In particular, since the fluorescent filter 184 is placed between the dual-purpose imaging unit 183 and the culture vessel 2, it is possible to block at least the wavelength range of the excitation light EL reflected by the culture vessel 2, thereby preventing the excitation light EL from reaching the dual-purpose imaging unit 183. As a result, noise caused by the excitation light EL can be removed from the acquired fluorescence image 192, and a high-precision fluorescence image 192 can be obtained. Consequently, the fluorescence intensity of the target substance can be measured by the measurement unit 221 based on the fluorescence image 192, and it is possible to determine whether a certain amount of the target substance has been obtained.

[0126] Furthermore, when capturing a fluorescence image 192 using the dual-purpose imaging unit 183, a scattered light image 191 can also be captured, as shown in Figure 15. Therefore, a single captured image 190 can include both the scattered light image 191 and the fluorescence image 192. Accordingly, the memory unit 220 can store the scattered light image 191 and the fluorescence image 192 in association.

[0127] Furthermore, if the measurement of fluorescence intensity indicates that the expression of the target substance is insufficient, the control unit 15 provides feedback control to the motor control unit 84 to restart shaking of the culture vessel 2 in order to further promote expression. In this case, the control unit 15 provides feedback control to the motor control unit 84 to change the shaking conditions of the shaking platform 11. This allows the motor control unit 84 to drive the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82 under different shaking conditions than those previously used, and to restart the shaking of the culture vessel 2. In particular, because different shaking conditions are used, a different stimulus can be applied to the culture medium W. This can promote the expression of the target substance.

[0128] After shaking the culture medium W again, the fluorescence intensity of the target substance is measured again using the measurement unit 180. In this way, the shaking of the culture medium W and the measurement of fluorescence intensity are repeated until a suitable amount of the target substance is obtained. Therefore, a certain amount of the target substance can be obtained efficiently.

[0129] As described above, the culture system 1 of this embodiment allows for the measurement of the turbidity of the culture medium W at the necessary timing, while simultaneously measuring the fluorescence intensity of the target substance continuously within a series of steps. In particular, the control unit 15 provides feedback control to the motor control unit 84 and the temperature control unit 170 based on the measurement results of the turbidity of the culture medium W and the measurement results of the fluorescence intensity of the expressed target substance, enabling efficient cultivation of E. coli and obtaining a certain amount of the expressed target substance.

[0130] Furthermore, since the turbidity of the culture medium W can be measured based on scattered light reflected at the interface between the inner surface of the culture vessel 2 and the culture medium W, it is less susceptible to influences such as the concentration of the culture medium W or foaming of the culture medium W's surface. Therefore, the turbidity of the culture medium W can be measured stably and accurately, making it easier to accurately understand the culture state of the culture medium W containing the target substance. Furthermore, since the fluorescence intensity of the target substance can be measured without removing the culture medium W from the culture vessel 2, contamination of the culture medium W can be prevented, and fluorescence intensity can be measured with high accuracy.

[0131] Furthermore, according to the culture system 1 of this embodiment, since scattered light images 191 and fluorescence images 192 are captured using a single multi-purpose imaging unit 183, there is no need to use two imaging units. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified and component costs can be reduced. Moreover, since the scattered light image 191 and fluorescence image 192 can be simultaneously included in a single image 190 captured by the multi-purpose imaging unit 183, it is possible to understand, for example, the relationship (correlation) between turbidity and fluorescence intensity.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, since the optical center LO of the excitation light EL is located at the center of the captured image 190, the scattered light image 191 and the fluorescence image 192 can be included evenly and in a balanced manner within a single captured image 190 captured by the combined imaging unit 183. Furthermore, by utilizing the frame portion 184b of the fluorescence filter 184, it is possible to block the reflected light (excitation light EL) from the optical center LO from directly entering the captured image 190. Therefore, it is possible to suppress strong light from entering the captured image 190, and to suppress problems such as overexposure in the scattered light image 191 and fluorescence image 192. As a result, it is possible to obtain scattered light image 191 and fluorescence image 192 in which changes in color information of RGB colors, changes in brightness such as gradients, changes in luminance, etc. are clearly displayed, and turbidity measurement and fluorescence intensity measurement can be performed with high accuracy.

[0133] Furthermore, the measurement unit 221 extracts a partial image within the data acquisition region R located at the same distance from the optical center LO, thereby acquiring it as a scattered light image 191 and a fluorescence image 192. This allows both images to be acquired under equivalent light intensity conditions. Consequently, turbidity and fluorescence intensity can be measured based on the scattered light image 191 and fluorescence image 192 acquired under equivalent conditions.

[0134] Furthermore, since the scattered light image 191 and the fluorescence image 192 can be associated and stored in the memory unit 220, information such as the correlation between turbidity levels and the expression state of the target substance can be grasped. Therefore, by accumulating this information, it is possible to make predictions, for example, about what level of turbidity will cause the target substance to be expressed. As a result, the process from culturing to the expression of the target substance can be carried out efficiently.

[0135] Furthermore, since it has an excitation filter 182, excitation light EL in a wavelength range suitable for fluorescence emission can be appropriately irradiated toward the culture vessel 2. In particular, since the wavelength range of the excitation filter 182 and the wavelength range of the fluorescence filter 184 can be made different, overlap between the excitation spectrum and the fluorescence spectrum can be prevented, and a decrease in the contrast of the fluorescence image 192 can be suppressed.

[0136] Furthermore, since the culture system 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a shaking device 10, the shaking conditions can be easily adjusted and changed, as described above. In particular, since the drive belt 32 is continuously stretched over the fixed base 40, the movable base 50, and the shaking base 11, the shaking base 11 can be shaken with fine and diverse shaking patterns using a single drive belt (endless belt) 32. Furthermore, since the motor control unit 84 is used to control the rotation of the first drive motor 80 and the second drive motor 82, it is easy to shake the shaking base 11 appropriately with the desired shaking pattern.

[0137] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily imagined by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent.

[0138] For example, in the above embodiment, the expression vector does not need to include a specific promoter such as a lactose operon. In this case, the target substance can be expressed without adding reagents when the culture temperature of E. coli is set to a low temperature (approximately 15°C). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have described an example where an expression vector whose expression is induced in a temperature-dependent manner is used, and the target substance is expressed using the E. coli cold shock expression system method, but the invention is not limited to this case. Other expression vectors can be used as long as the target substance can be expressed.

[0139] Furthermore, the target substance can be anything that at least emits fluorescence and is subject to fluorescent staining; it is not limited to any specific substance. For example, a typical protein that is subject to fluorescent staining can be used as the target substance. In addition, other biomolecules that are subject to fluorescent staining, such as nucleic acids, cations, chitin, cellulose, and AT regions, can also be used as target substances.

[0140] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was explained using the example of using an Erlenmeyer flask as the culture vessel 2, as mentioned earlier, other shapes of flasks, test tubes, petri dishes, beakers, etc. may be used as the culture vessel 2. When the culture vessel 2 is changed, the relative positional relationship of the light irradiation unit 181 and the combined imaging unit 183 (first imaging unit, second imaging unit) with respect to the culture vessel 2 may be appropriately changed in accordance with the shape of the culture vessel 2. For example, if a cylindrical beaker is used as the culture vessel 2, the light irradiation unit and the combined imaging unit 183 may be arranged so that they are horizontal with respect to the peripheral wall surface of the beaker. Thus, the relative positions of the light emission unit and the combined imaging unit 183 (first imaging unit, second imaging unit) may be appropriately changed depending on the type, shape, and intended use of the culture vessel 2.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the turbidity of the culture medium W was measured by the first measuring device 13 (light irradiation unit 181, excitation filter 182, combined imaging unit 183, and measuring unit 221) based on the scattered light of the excitation light reflected at the interface between the inner surface of the culture vessel 2 and the culture medium W, but the device is not limited to this case. For example, the first measuring device may be configured such that detection light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit so as to pass through the culture medium W, and the detection light that has passed through the culture medium W is received by the light receiving unit. Even in this case, it is possible to measure the turbidity from the optical density which changes as the culture progresses, based on the difference between the amount of irradiated light and the amount of received light (amount of transmitted light). In any case, as long as the turbidity of the culture medium W can be measured, the configuration of the first measuring device does not matter.

[0142] Furthermore, when the culture vessel 2 is shaken by the shaking device 10 to culture the culture medium W, the target organism for cultivation is not limited to E. coli as in the above embodiment, but a wide range of target organisms can be selected. The culture target may be microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria. In particular, when bacteremia (an infection) occurs, which is a condition in which bacteria enter the bloodstream, blood culture is known to be performed to identify the causative bacteria. Therefore, even in this case, it is possible to culture bacteria by using the shaking device 10 of this embodiment to shake the culture vessel 2 while maintaining it at a predetermined temperature (e.g., 35°C). Therefore, even in this case, the culture system 1 including the shaking device 10 of this embodiment can be suitably used.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the culture state of the target substance was described as being measured by measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence emitted by the target substance (protein) using the second measuring device 14 (light irradiation unit 181, excitation filter 182, fluorescence filter 184, combined imaging unit 183, and measuring unit 221), but the invention is not limited to this case. The second measuring device only needs to be able to measure the culture state of the target organism contained in the culture medium W, and can be configured as appropriate depending on the target organism. For example, when performing the blood culture described above, it is known that as bacterial culture progresses, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the bacteria through respiration increases. In this case, the acidity of the culture medium W increases due to the increase in carbon dioxide, so the color of the indicator placed in the culture vessel 2 changes, for example. Therefore, it is possible to measure the culture state of the bacteria by measuring the change in the absorbance of the indicator. Accordingly, the second measuring device can be configured to measure the change in the absorbance of the indicator. Thus, the second measuring device may be configured as appropriate depending on the culture target, the purpose of the culture, etc.

[0144] Furthermore, the present invention includes the following embodiments. <1> A shaking platform having a mounting surface on which a culture vessel containing a culture medium containing the substance to be cultured is placed, The system includes a shaking mechanism for shaking the shaking platform in a plane parallel to the mounting surface, The aforementioned shaking mechanism is Guide members that support the shaker table so that it can move along a first axis and a second axis that intersect each other in a plane parallel to the mounting surface, A drive belt for moving the shaker table along the first and second axes, The system includes a drive unit that drives the drive belt, The shaking device is characterized in that the drive unit drives the drive belt while independently controlling the movement of the shaking table along the first axis and the movement of the shaking table along the second axis. <2> <1> In the shaking device described above, The aforementioned guide member is A mounting base and A movable platform is positioned above the fixed platform and below the shaking platform, A first guide member is positioned between the fixed base and the movable base, and supports the movable base so that it can move along the first axis relative to the fixed base. The system includes a second guide member positioned between the movable base and the shaking base, which supports the shaking base so that it can move along the second axis relative to the movable base, A shaking device in which the drive belt is continuously stretched between the fixed base, the movable base, and the shaking base. <3> <2> In the shaking device described above, The aforementioned drive unit is The first drive motor is provided on the fixed base and has a first drive pulley around which the drive belt is wound. The second drive motor is provided on the fixed base and has a second drive pulley around which the drive belt is wound. A shaking device comprising: a motor control unit that controls the driving of the first drive motor and the second drive motor, respectively, and rotates the first drive pulley and the second drive pulley in forward and reverse directions, respectively. <4> <1> from <3> A shaking device as described in any one of the following, A first measuring device for measuring the turbidity of the culture medium, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the drive unit, The culture system is characterized in that the control unit provides feedback control to the drive unit to change the shaking conditions of the shaking platform based on the first measurement result from the first measuring device. <5> <4> In the culture system described above, The system includes a second measuring device for measuring the culture state of the culture target contained in the culture medium, A culture system in which the control unit provides feedback control to the drive unit to change the shaking conditions of the shaking platform based on the second measurement result from the second measuring device. <6> <5> In the culture system described above, The second measuring device is a culture system that measures the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence emitted by the culture target. <7> <4> from <6> In any one of the culture systems described above, A container holding part that is placed on the aforementioned mounting surface and holds the culture container, A thermoelectric element is provided in the container holding section for heating and cooling the culture container, The system comprises a temperature control unit for controlling the thermoelectric element, A culture system in which the control unit provides feedback control to the temperature control unit to change the temperature conditions under which the thermoelectric element heats and cools, based on a first measurement result from the first measuring device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] W…Culture solution 1…Culture system 2…Culture container 10…Shaking device 11... Shaking platform 11a... Mounting surface of the shaking platform 12...Container holding part 13...First measuring device 14…Second measuring device 15…Control Unit 30...Shaking mechanism 31… Guide component 32… Drive belt 33…Drive unit 50…Movable base 60...First guide member 70…Second guide member 80…First drive motor 81...First drive pulley 82...Second drive motor 83... Second drive pulley 84…Motor control unit 160... Peltier element (thermoelectric element) 170...Temperature Control Unit

Claims

1. A shaking device comprising: a shaking platform having a mounting surface on which a culture vessel containing a culture medium containing the substance to be cultured is placed; and a shaking mechanism for shaking the shaking platform in a plane parallel to the mounting surface; It comprises a control unit and, The aforementioned shaking mechanism is Guide members that support the shaking platform so that it can move along a first axis and a second axis that intersect each other in a plane parallel to the mounting surface, A drive belt is integrally connected to the aforementioned shaking platform and moves the shaking platform along the first and second axes, The system includes a drive unit that drives the drive belt, The drive unit drives the drive belt while independently controlling the movement of the shaker along the first axis and the movement of the shaker along the second axis. The culture system is characterized in that the control unit provides feedback control to the drive unit to change the shaking conditions of the shaking platform and adjust the drive pattern of the drive belt.

2. In the culture system according to claim 1, The control unit provides feedback control to the drive unit so that the shaking conditions are such that the culture medium is subjected to a stimulus of varying intensity.

3. In the culture system according to claim 1 or 2, A first measuring device for measuring the turbidity of the culture medium, The system includes a second measuring device for measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence emitted by the culture target contained in the culture medium, The control unit grasps the culture state of the culture medium or the production state of the culture target based on the first measurement result from the first measuring device or the second measurement result from the second measuring device, and provides feedback control to the drive unit based on this information.

4. In the culture system according to claim 1, A first measuring device for measuring the turbidity of the culture medium, A container holding part that is placed on the aforementioned mounting surface and holds the culture container, A thermoelectric element is provided in the container holding section for heating and cooling the culture container, The system comprises a temperature control unit for controlling the thermoelectric element, A culture system in which the control unit provides feedback control to the temperature control unit to change the temperature conditions under which the thermoelectric element heats and cools, based on a first measurement result from the first measuring device.

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