Temperature control device and culture device

Abstract

The present invention provides a temperature control device that allows for precise temperature adjustment of individual containers and their contents. [Solution] The temperature control device 103 includes a container holding section 120 for holding a culture container 7, a thermoelectric element 160 provided on the container holding section 120 and capable of heating or cooling the culture container 7, a heat sink 170 thermally connected to the thermoelectric element 160, a fan 180 for blowing air onto the heat sink 170, and a cover 190 covering the heat sink 170. The heat sink 170 is positioned below the container holding section 120 and inside the outer shape of the container holding section 120 when viewed from above. The fan 180 is positioned below the heat sink 170. The cover 190 has an exhaust port 194 that faces the heat sink 170 in a horizontal first direction L1, and communicates the inside and outside of the cover 190 to exhaust air blown from the fan 180.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device and a culture device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in order to perform structural and functional analysis of a target substance (target product substance) such as a protein, it is necessary to mass-produce the target substance. In this regard, conventionally, a method of expressing a target substance by using a microorganism such as Escherichia coli as a host has been carried out.

[0003] For example, in a protein expression system using Escherichia coli, a method using an expression vector in which expression is induced depending on temperature is known. The expression vector by this method includes, for example, a target gene encoding a target substance (target protein), and a specific promoter whose expression is induced when the culture temperature of Escherichia coli becomes a low temperature condition (for example, 15°C).

[0004] In this case, Escherichia coli containing the above-described expression vector is introduced into the culture solution contained in the culture vessel. Next, the culture vessel is shaken while maintaining a predetermined culture temperature (for example, 37°C) to culture Escherichia coli. The turbidity of the culture solution tends to increase as the culture of Escherichia coli progresses. Therefore, when a certain turbidity is reached, it can be judged (estimated) that a certain amount of Escherichia coli has been cultured. Therefore, after reaching a certain turbidity, the culture vessel is cooled and maintained at a low temperature (for example, about 15°C).

[0005] Thereby, a specific promoter can be expressed in a low temperature state. On the other hand, the expression of proteins possessed by Escherichia coli itself can be suppressed. Therefore, it becomes possible to efficiently and highly purely express a target substance (target protein). As a result, by performing fluorescence observation with a fluorescence microscope or the like, the fluorescence intensity of the target substance (target protein) can be measured, and it can be confirmed whether a certain amount of the target substance (target protein) has been obtained.

[0006] Thus, in the cultivation of microorganisms and the like, it is necessary to adjust the temperature of the contents of the culture vessel. Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, a temperature control device is used that includes a constant temperature bath and an air conditioning mechanism for maintaining a desired temperature inside the constant temperature bath, and the culture vessel is placed inside the constant temperature bath, which is maintained at a predetermined temperature, to adjust the temperature of the contents. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-333765 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, conventional temperature control systems using constant temperature baths have a large heat capacity because the bath is large enough to accommodate culture vessels, making it difficult to precisely control the temperature of the contents of the culture vessels. Furthermore, if multiple culture vessels can be placed inside the constant temperature bath, there is a problem in that the temperature of each culture vessel cannot be individually controlled.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a temperature control device that can individually and precisely adjust the temperature of a container and its contents, and a culture apparatus equipped with the temperature control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A temperature control device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a container holding section for holding a container, a thermoelectric element provided in the container holding section and capable of heating or cooling the container, a heat sink thermally connected to the thermoelectric element, a fan for blowing air onto the heat sink, and a cover covering the heat sink, wherein the heat sink is positioned below the container holding section and inside the outer shape of the container holding section when viewed from above, the fan is positioned below the heat sink, and the cover has an exhaust port formed therein that faces the heat sink in a first horizontal direction and communicates the inside and outside of the cover to exhaust air blown from the fan.

[0011] According to the first embodiment, the temperature control device can directly heat or cool the container, allowing for precise temperature control of the container and its contents individually. Furthermore, since the heat sink is connected to a thermoelectric element, heat transfer in the thermoelectric element can be promoted, enabling efficient temperature control of the container and its contents. In a temperature control device that achieves these effects, the heat sink and fan are positioned below the container holder and inside the outer shape of the container holder when viewed from above. Therefore, the heat sink and fan do not protrude horizontally beyond the container holder, thus reducing the horizontal dimensions of the temperature control device. In addition, since the exhaust port is positioned horizontally opposite the heat sink located below the container holder, the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink is less likely to come into contact with the container. Consequently, temperature control of the container and its contents can be performed even more efficiently.

[0012] A culture apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is equipped with a temperature control device according to the first aspect described above.

[0013] According to the second embodiment, a culture apparatus can be provided that allows for individual and precise temperature control of cultures within a container.

[0014] A culture apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention may further include a shaking stage that supports the temperature control device and shakes the container, in addition to the culture apparatus according to the second aspect described above.

[0015] According to the third embodiment, the culture in the container can be stirred by shaking while controlling the temperature.

[0016] In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the culture apparatus according to the second or third aspect described above, the cover may have an overhang portion that extends outward from a position above the exhaust port.

[0017] According to the fourth embodiment, even if the contents spill out of the container, it is possible to prevent the spilled contents from entering the inside of the cover through the exhaust port.

[0018] In the culture apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the overhang portion may extend downward as it faces outward, in the culture apparatus according to the fourth aspect described above.

[0019] According to the fifth embodiment, even if scattered contents adhere to the visor, the contents will move away from the exhaust port due to gravity as the visor slopes. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent scattered contents from entering the inside of the cover through the exhaust port.

[0020] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the culture apparatus according to any of the second to fifth aspects described above, the lower end of the opening edge of the exhaust port may be located above the lower end of the heat sink.

[0021] If the lower edge of the exhaust port opening is located below the lower edge of the heatsink, the air from the fan towards the exhaust port will have difficulty passing over the heatsink. According to the sixth embodiment, the air from the fan towards the exhaust port will pass over the heatsink more easily, so in particular, the accumulation of air heated by heat exchange with the heatsink inside the fins of the heatsink can be suppressed. Therefore, heat exchange between the heatsink and the air can be efficiently promoted, and the temperature control device can be made more energy-efficient.

[0022] The culture device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the culture device according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, wherein the center of gravity of each of the container holding part and the heat sink, and the rotation axis of the fan may coincide with each other when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, since the positions of the centers of gravity of the container holding part and the heat sink coincide with each other in the horizontal direction, it is difficult for vibration to occur during vibration. Further, since the centers of gravity of the container holding part and the heat sink are located on the rotation axis of the fan, the container holding part and the heat sink are unlikely to vibrate when the fan is driven (when the blade rotates). Therefore, vibration of the culture device can be suppressed.

[0024] The culture device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the culture device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the cover has a duct for guiding the air taken into the fan toward the fan, and an intake port for communicating the inside and outside of the cover is formed in the duct. The exhaust port opens in a first direction toward the outside of the cover when viewed from the vertical direction, and the intake port may open in a second direction intersecting the first direction toward the outside of the cover when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect, since the air discharged from the exhaust port is unlikely to go toward the intake port, it is possible to suppress the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink from being taken in again through the intake port. Therefore, heat exchange between the heat sink and the air can be efficiently promoted, and the temperature control device can be energy-saving.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] [[ID=1十九]]According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a temperature control device capable of finely adjusting the temperature of the container and its contents individually, and a culture device equipped with the temperature control device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the culture device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the culture apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the culture apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a temperature control device according to the first embodiment, showing the state in which the holder and heat transfer plate have been removed from the state shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the culture apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a front view of a temperature control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view along line XX. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar function will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. Furthermore, the vertical direction in the following description corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0029] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the culture apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the culture apparatus 1 of this embodiment shakes the culture medium (culture) containing the object to be cultured while maintaining it at a desired temperature. The culture apparatus 1 comprises a temperature control device 3 and a shaking device 5.

[0030] Figure 2 is a front view of the culture apparatus according to the first embodiment. In Figure 2, the upper part of the housing 11 of the shaking device 5 has been removed to show the inside of the shaking device 5. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shaking device 5 includes a horizontally movable shaking stage 10 and a housing 11 surrounding the shaking stage 10. The shaking device 5 shakes an object supported on the shaking stage 10 by moving it horizontally. A temperature control device 3 is supported on the shaking stage 10. The temperature control device 3 is positioned above the shaking stage 10 and is fixed to the shaking stage 10.

[0031] The temperature control device 3 holds the culture vessel 7 and adjusts the temperature of the culture medium contained within it via the culture vessel 7. In this embodiment, a glass Erlenmeyer flask is used as the culture vessel 7. Therefore, the culture vessel 7 has a flat bottom and a conical side wall. The connection between the bottom and the side wall is an annular curved surface that extends continuously around the entire circumference of the bottom.

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the temperature control device 3 includes a container holding section 20 for holding the culture container 7, a thermoelectric element 60 provided on the container holding section 20 capable of heating and cooling the culture container 7, a heat sink 70 thermally connected to the thermoelectric element 60, a heat medium supply section 80 that promotes heat exchange between the heat sink 70 and the heat medium, and a temperature sensor 65 located on the container holding section 20. In this embodiment of the present invention, "thermally connected" means a state in which, in addition to the two components being in physical contact with each other, a material made of a good conductor such as metal, or a material such as grease or adhesive that can increase heat conductivity by filling the gap between the two components is interposed between them.

[0033] The container holding section 20 holds only one culture vessel 7. The container holding section 20 holds the lower part of the culture vessel 7 with the upper part of the culture vessel 7 protruding upward. The container holding section 20 comprises a container mounting section 21 that supports the culture vessel 7 from below, and a holder 50 that locks the culture vessel 7 from above. Unless otherwise specified, each part constituting the container holding section 20 is made of metal or synthetic resin.

[0034] The container mounting section 21 extends horizontally. The container mounting section 21 is formed to be larger horizontally than the culture vessel 7, and in a plan view, it extends from the culture vessel 7 around its entire perimeter. In this embodiment, the container mounting section 21 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. A housing section 22 that opens downward is formed in the center of the container mounting section 21.

[0035] The container mounting section 21 comprises an upper base section 25, a lower base section 30, a heat transfer plate 35, an upper pressing section 40, and a lower pressing section 45. The upper base section 25, the lower base section 30, the heat transfer plate 35, the upper pressing section 40, and the lower pressing section 45 have a circular or annular shape in plan view, arranged coaxially on a common axis. Hereinafter, the common axis will be referred to as the central axis O. Each part constituting the container mounting section 21 is immovable from relative to one another.

[0036] The upper base portion 25 is formed in a plate shape with thickness in the vertical direction and has a circular shape in plan view. An outer peripheral recess 25a is formed on the outer periphery of the upper surface of the upper base portion 25, which is recessed downward and opens radially outward. The outer peripheral recess 25a extends continuously around the entire circumference of the upper base portion 25. An upper through hole 25b is formed in the upper base portion 25. The upper through hole 25b penetrates the central part of the upper base portion 25 in the vertical direction. The side wall surface of the upper through hole 25b defines the upper part of the housing portion 22 from the outside in the horizontal direction. The upper through hole 25b is sized to allow the thermoelectric element 60 to pass through, and in this embodiment, it is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view.

[0037] The lower base portion 30 overlaps the upper base portion 25 from below. The lower base portion 30 is formed in a plate shape with thickness in the vertical direction and has a circular shape in plan view. The outer diameter of the lower base portion 30 is the same as the outer diameter of the upper base portion 25. A lower through hole 30a is formed in the lower base portion 30. The lower through hole 30a penetrates the center of the lower base portion 30 in the vertical direction. The lower through hole 30a is in direct communication with the upper through hole 25b. The lower through hole 30a is sized to allow the thermoelectric element 60 to pass through, and in this embodiment, it is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view.

[0038] The heat transfer plate 35 overlaps the upper base portion 25 from above. The heat transfer plate 35 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal or graphite. The heat transfer plate 35 is formed in a plate shape with thickness in the vertical direction and has a circular shape in plan view. The outer diameter of the heat transfer plate 35 matches the outer diameter of the upper surface of the upper base portion 25 at the part inside the outer peripheral recess 25a. The heat transfer plate 35 closes the upper through hole 25b from above and defines the housing portion 22 from above. The heat transfer plate 35 is in direct contact with the lower surface of the culture container 7. The heat transfer plate 35 may also be made of a sheet material. By forming the heat transfer plate 35 from a sheet material that is easily deformable, the contact area between the heat transfer plate 35 and the culture container 7 can be increased, making it possible to efficiently and evenly heat and cool a wide area of ​​the bottom of the culture container 7.

[0039] The upper pressing portion 40 overlaps the upper base portion 25 from above. The upper pressing portion 40 has thickness in the vertical direction and is formed in an annular shape in plan view. The upper pressing portion 40 fits into the outer peripheral recess 25a of the upper base portion 25. The upper pressing portion 40 is fastened together with the upper base portion 25 to the outer peripheral portion of the lower base portion 30. The upper pressing portion 40 has a locking portion 41 that protrudes radially inward. The locking portion 41 is located above the upper surface of the upper base portion 25 and has a vertical gap between it and the upper surface of the upper base portion 25. The locking portion 41 extends along the circumferential direction. The locking portion 41 can contact the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 35 from above. The locking portion 41 may sandwich the heat transfer plate 35 between itself and the upper surface of the upper base portion 25. The locking portion 41 restricts the upward movement of the heat transfer plate 35.

[0040] The lower pressing portion 45 is positioned on the opposite side of the heat transfer plate 35 from the upper base portion 25. The lower pressing portion 45 is formed in a circular shape in plan view. The lower pressing portion 45 comprises an insertion portion 46 inserted from below into the lower through hole 30a of the lower base portion 30, and a flange portion 47 that protrudes radially outward from the insertion portion 46. The insertion portion 46 and the flange portion 47 are formed integrally.

[0041] The insertion portion 46 extends along the vertical direction. The upper end surface of the insertion portion 46 is close to the lower surface of the upper base portion 25 from below. The upper end surface of the insertion portion 46 may be in contact with the lower surface of the upper base portion 25. The lower end of the insertion portion 46 protrudes below the lower base portion 30. The insertion portion 46 has a cross-sectional shape that substantially coincides with the lower through hole 30a. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 46 is formed in the shape of a rectangular prism. A through hole 46a is formed in the insertion portion 46. The through hole 46a penetrates the insertion portion 46 in the vertical direction. The side wall surface of the through hole 46a is a cylindrical surface coaxial with the central axis O. The through hole 46a connects to the upper through hole 25b of the upper base portion 25 from below and communicates directly with the upper through hole 25b. The side wall surface of the through hole 46a defines the lower part of the housing portion 22 from the outside in the horizontal direction. At least a portion of the side wall surface of the through hole 46a is located inward from the side wall surface of the upper through hole 25b when viewed from above. As a result, at least a portion of the insertion portion 46 protrudes inward from the side wall surface of the upper through hole 25b when viewed from above.

[0042] The flange portion 47 protrudes radially outward from the lower end of the insertion portion 46. The flange portion 47 extends around the entire circumference of the insertion portion 46. The flange portion 47 overlaps the lower base portion 30 from below. The outer diameter of the flange portion 47 is smaller than the outer diameter of the lower base portion 30. The flange portion 47 is fastened to the lower base portion 30.

[0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. Note that Figure 5 shows the device with the heat transfer medium supply unit 80 removed. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the holder 50 is positioned above the container mounting section 21. The holder 50 is annular in shape and is positioned coaxially with the central axis O. The holder 50 is detachably fixed to the container mounting section 21. In this embodiment, the holder 50 is magnetically attached to the container mounting section 21. However, the method of fixing the holder 50 is not particularly limited as long as the holder 50 is detachable. The holder 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The holder 50 surrounds the entire circumference of the lower part of the culture vessel 7 from the outside in the horizontal direction. The inner circumferential surface of the holder 50 may or may not be in contact with the culture vessel 7. The portion of the holder 50 facing the culture vessel 7 is made of a good conductor such as a metal material.

[0044] The holder 50 tapers from its lower part 50l to its upper part 50u. The lower part 50l of the holder 50 overlaps the upper retaining part 40 from above. The lower part 50l has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the upper retaining part 40 and is formed so as not to overlap the heat transfer plate 35 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the lower part 50l is larger than the outer diameter of the lower part of the culture container 7. On the other hand, the inner diameter of the upper part 50u of the holder 50 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower part 50l and larger than the outer diameter of the lower part of the culture container 7. As a result, the upper part 50u of the holder 50 locks the lower part of the culture container 7 from above, preventing the culture container 7 from coming out of the holder 50 upward. In other words, the holder 50 holds the culture container 7 on the container mounting part 21 by locking it in place. The holder 50 may also be provided with a radially penetrating window for observing the culture medium.

[0045] The holder 50 further includes a lower end projection 51 that protrudes downward from its lower part 50l. The lower end projection 51 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower part 50l. The lower end projection 51 is provided around the entire circumference of the holder 50. The lower end projection 51 is in close proximity to the outer circumferential surface of the upper pressing part 40 from the radially outer side, and positions the holder 50 horizontally relative to the upper pressing part 40.

[0046] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment, showing the state in which the holder and heat transfer plate have been removed from the state shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the thermoelectric element 60 is provided in the container mounting section 21. The thermoelectric element 60 is, for example, a Peltier element. The thermoelectric element 60 is formed in a plate shape with thickness in the vertical direction. The thermoelectric element 60 is located in the housing section 22 of the container mounting section 21. The thermoelectric element 60 is located in the upper through-hole 25b of the upper base section 25. The thermoelectric element 60 has a first surface and a second surface that dissipate or absorb heat depending on the polarity of the DC current flowing through the thermoelectric element 60. The thermoelectric element 60 is positioned with its first surface facing the upper space side (culture vessel 7 side) of the container mounting section 21. The first surface is flush with the upper base section 25. The first surface is thermally connected to the heat transfer plate 35 by contacting the lower surface of the heat transfer plate 35. The thermoelectric element 60 may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the heat transfer plate 35, or it may be indirectly in contact with the lower surface of the heat transfer plate 35 via heat dissipation grease or the like. The thermoelectric element 60 is thermally connected to the culture vessel 7 by contacting the heat transfer plate 35. Furthermore, the thermoelectric element 60 is thermally connected to at least the portion of the holder 50 that faces the culture vessel 7 via the heat transfer plate 35 and the upper pressing portion 40.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the heat sink 70 is positioned below the container holding portion 20. The heat sink 70 includes a connection portion 71 that is thermally connected to the thermoelectric element 60, and a heat dissipation portion 76 that exchanges heat with the outside air.

[0048] The connecting portion 71 is inserted from below into the housing portion 22 of the container mounting portion 21. The connecting portion 71 comprises an upper portion 71u positioned in the upper through hole 25b of the upper base portion 25 and a lower portion 71l positioned in the through hole 46a of the lower pressing portion 45. The upper portion 71u is formed in a plate shape with thickness in the vertical direction. The upper portion 71u is sandwiched between the portion of the insertion portion 46 of the lower pressing portion 45 that protrudes inward from the side wall surface of the upper through hole 25b when viewed from above, and the heat transfer plate 35. This fixes the heat sink 70 and the container mounting portion 21 to each other. The upper portion 71u of the connecting portion 71 is in contact with the second surface of the thermoelectric element 60 in the housing portion 22. The connecting portion 71 is thermally connected to the thermoelectric element 60 by the contact of its upper portion 71u with the thermoelectric element 60. The lower portion 71l protrudes downward from the upper portion 71u. The lower part 71l has a cross-sectional shape that substantially coincides with the through hole 46a of the lower pressing portion 45. In this embodiment, the lower part 71l is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the central axis O of the container mounting portion 21.

[0049] The heat dissipation section 76 comprises a shaft 77 and fins 78. The shaft 77 extends vertically. The shaft 77 is fixed to the connecting section 71. The upper end of the shaft 77 is directly connected to the lower part 71l of the connecting section 71. The lower part of the shaft 77 is fixed to the shaking stage 10 (see Figure 2). In this way, the heat sink 70 fixes the shaking stage 10 and the container holding section 20 to each other. In this embodiment, multiple shafts 77 are arranged to surround the central axis O. This makes it easier to ensure the strength of the heat dissipation section 76 and to improve the thermal conductivity between the connecting section 71 and the fins 78. However, the heat dissipation section may have a single shaft arranged substantially coaxially with the central axis O. This simplifies the structure of the heat dissipation section.

[0050] The fins 78 are connected to the shaft portion 77. The fins 78 are thin plates with thickness in the vertical direction. The fins 78 protrude horizontally from the shaft portion 77 at a position below the container mounting portion 21. Multiple fins 78 are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction. The fins 78 are formed in a disc shape coaxial with the central axis O. The outer edge of the fins 78 is the outermost horizontal part of the heat sink 70 when viewed from above. The entire outer edge of the fins 78 is located inside the outer shape of the container holding portion 20 when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the lower part 50l of the holder 50 is located the outermost horizontal part when viewed from above in the container holding portion 20, and the outer edge of the fins 78 is located inside the outer surface of the lower part 50l of the holder 50 when viewed from above.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the heat transfer medium supply unit 80 supplies air as a heat transfer medium to the heat dissipation unit 76 to promote heat exchange between the heat sink 70 and the air. The heat transfer medium supply unit 80 includes a cover 81 that covers the heat dissipation unit 76, and a fan 87 that blows air from one side of the cover 81 to the other.

[0052] The cover 81 is formed in a box shape with an opening at the bottom. The lower end opening edge of the cover 81 is close to the upper surface of the housing 11 of the shaking device 5 with a gap between them, preventing interference with the housing 11 when the temperature control device 3 moves horizontally as the shaking stage 10 moves. The cover 81 is fixed to the lower retaining portion 45. The cover 81 comprises a top wall portion 82 and a side wall portion 83. The top wall portion 82 widens along the horizontal direction. A through hole is formed in the top wall portion 82 that penetrates vertically. The container mounting portion 21 is inserted through the through hole. The side wall portion 83 extends downward from the outer edge of the top wall portion 82. The side wall portion 83 surrounds the heat sink 70 all around. The lower end edge of the side wall portion 83 is the lower end opening edge of the cover 81 and is close to the upper surface of the casing of the shaking device 5 with a gap between them.

[0053] The side wall portion 83 comprises a first side wall 84 into which the fan 87 is embedded, and a second side wall 85 positioned on the opposite side of the first side wall 84, with the heat sink 70 in between. The first side wall 84 has a communication hole 84a that connects the inside and outside of the cover 81. The communication hole 84a is positioned to overlap horizontally with the fins 78 of the heat sink 70. The second side wall 85 extends in an arc shape in plan view along the outer edge of the fins 78 of the heat sink 70. In this embodiment, the second side wall 85 extends around the fins 78 over a range of approximately 180°. The second side wall 85 has ventilation holes 85a that connect the inside and outside of the cover 81. The ventilation holes 85a extend horizontally and are arranged vertically. At least a portion of the ventilation holes 85a is provided in the range where the fins 78 are arranged in the vertical direction. The second side wall 85 has a louver that extends horizontally outward and downward from the upper part of the opening edge of the ventilation hole 85a. The louver guides the exhaust air from the ventilation hole 85a downward.

[0054] The fan 87 is fixed to the lower retaining portion 45 while fitted into the communication hole 84a of the first side wall 84. The fan 87 blows air from the outside to the inside of the cover 81. The air introduced into the inside of the cover 81 by the fan 87 undergoes heat exchange in the heat dissipation portion 76 and is then discharged from the ventilation hole 85a.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the temperature sensor 65 is located on the container mounting section 21. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 65 is integrated with the thermoelectric element 60. For example, the temperature sensor 65 measures the temperature of the first or second surface of the thermoelectric element 60.

[0056] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a temperature control device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the temperature control device 3 further includes a control unit 90 that controls the thermoelectric element 60 according to the value detected by the temperature sensor 65. The control unit 90 controls the temperature of the culture medium to a predetermined target temperature input via a user terminal or the like. The control unit 90 includes a measurement unit 91, a determination unit 92, a thermoelectric element control unit 93, and a fan control unit 94. The measurement unit 91 acquires the value detected by the temperature sensor 65. Based on the acquired value detected by the temperature sensor 65, the measurement unit 91 derives the current temperature of the culture medium. The determination unit 92 calculates the difference (temperature difference) between the temperature of the culture medium derived by the measurement unit 91 and the target temperature. The thermoelectric element control unit 93 controls the thermoelectric element 60. The thermoelectric element control unit 93 controls the operation of the thermoelectric element 60 by adjusting the polarity and magnitude of the DC current flowing through the thermoelectric element 60. Based on the temperature difference calculated by the determination unit 92, the thermoelectric element control unit 93 determines the polarity and magnitude of the DC current flowing through the thermoelectric element 60. The fan control unit 94 controls the rotation speed of the fan 87. The fan control unit 94 determines the rotation speed of the fan 87 based on the magnitude of the DC current flowing through the thermoelectric element 60. The culture apparatus 1 may also have a storage unit that stores a table relating the detected value of the temperature sensor 65 to the temperature of the culture container 7 or the culture medium. In this case, the measurement unit 91 may derive the temperature of the culture medium by referring to the table stored in the storage unit.

[0057] Next, the operation of the temperature control device 3 of this embodiment will be described. The temperature control device 3 heats the culture medium if its temperature is below the target temperature. When the temperature control device 3 heats the culture medium, the control unit 90 controls the thermoelectric element 60 so that its first surface radiates heat and its second surface absorbs heat. As a result, the culture container 7 and the culture medium are heated by the thermoelectric element 60 via the heat transfer plate 35. At this time, the heat sink 70 absorbs heat from the second surface of the thermoelectric element 60. Therefore, it is desirable to rotate the fan 87 to promote heat exchange between the heat sink 70 and the air, thereby raising the temperature of the heat sink 70.

[0058] The temperature control device 3 cools the culture medium if its temperature is higher than the target temperature. When the temperature control device 3 cools the culture medium, the control unit 90 controls the thermoelectric element 60 so that its first surface absorbs heat and its second surface dissipates heat. As a result, the culture container 7 and the culture medium are cooled by the thermoelectric element 60 via the heat transfer plate 35. At this time, the heat sink 70 is heated by the heat dissipated from the second surface of the thermoelectric element 60. Therefore, it is desirable to rotate the fan 87 to promote heat exchange between the heat sink 70 and the air and to lower the temperature of the heat sink 70.

[0059] As described above, the temperature control device 3 of this embodiment includes a container holding section 20 for holding the culture container 7, a thermoelectric element 60 provided on the container holding section 20 and capable of heating or cooling the culture container 7, and a heat sink 70 thermally connected to the thermoelectric element 60. With this configuration, the temperature control device 3 can directly heat or cool the culture container 7, so the temperature of the culture container 7 and its contents can be individually and precisely adjusted. Moreover, since the heat sink 70 is connected to the thermoelectric element 60, heat transfer in the thermoelectric element 60 can be promoted, and the temperature of the culture container 7 and its contents can be adjusted efficiently.

[0060] The culture apparatus 1 is equipped with the temperature control device 3 described above. This configuration makes it possible to provide a culture apparatus 1 that can individually and precisely adjust the temperature of the culture medium in the culture container 7.

[0061] The culture apparatus 1 supports a temperature control device 3 and further comprises a shaking stage 10 for shaking the culture vessel 7. With this configuration, the culture medium in the culture vessel 7 can be stirred by shaking while the temperature is controlled.

[0062] The heat sink 70 is positioned below the container holder 20 and, when viewed from above, is positioned inside the outer shape of the container holder 20. With this configuration, the heat sink 70 does not protrude horizontally outward from the container holder 20, thus preventing the heat sink 70 from getting in the way of work when replacing the culture vessel 7.

[0063] The culture apparatus 1 further includes a heat transfer medium supply unit 80 that promotes heat exchange between the heat sink 70 and the heat transfer medium. With this configuration, heating of the heat sink 70 cooled by the thermoelectric element 60, or cooling of the heat sink 70 heated by the thermoelectric element 60, can be performed efficiently. Therefore, heat transfer in the thermoelectric element 60 can be further promoted, and the efficiency of temperature control of the culture medium in the culture container 7 can be further improved.

[0064] The culture apparatus 1 includes a temperature sensor 65 positioned in the container holding section 20, and a control unit 90 that controls the thermoelectric element 60 according to the value detected by the temperature sensor 65. With this configuration, the thermoelectric element 60 can be feedback-controlled using the temperature of the culture container 7 or the area surrounding the culture container 7 as a parameter. Therefore, the culture medium in the culture container 7 can be precisely adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0065] The container holding section 20 has a container mounting section 21 that supports the culture container 7 from below. The container mounting section 21 is thermally connected to the thermoelectric element 60. With this configuration, the lower surface of the culture container 7 can be heated or cooled by the thermoelectric element 60. Since the culture medium inside the culture container 7 is in broad contact with the bottom of the culture container 7, the culture medium can be efficiently heated or cooled via the bottom of the culture container 7.

[0066] The container holding section 20 has a holder 50 that locks the culture container 7 from above. With this configuration, the holder 50 can prevent the culture container 7 from falling out of the container holding section 20 upwards. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the culture container 7 from tipping over from the container holding section 20. This is particularly suitable when the temperature control device 3 is supported on the shaking stage 10.

[0067] The container holding section 20 has a container mounting section 21 that supports the culture vessel 7 from below. The holder 50 is magnetically attached to the container mounting section 21 in a removable manner. With this configuration, variations are less likely to occur in the force with which the holder 50 is fixed to the container mounting section 21. Therefore, when the holder 50 presses the culture vessel 7 against the container mounting section 21, the force with which the culture vessel 7 is pressed against the container mounting section 21 is also less likely to vary. Consequently, even when the culture vessel 7 is placed on the container holding section 20, the contact state between the container holding section 20 and the culture vessel 7 does not change easily, and the reproducibility of temperature control of the culture vessel 7 and the culture medium can be improved.

[0068] The portion of the holder 50 facing the culture vessel 7 is made of a good conductor such as a metal material and is thermally connected to the thermoelectric element 60. With this configuration, the culture vessel 7 can be heated or cooled from its surroundings. In addition, the holder 50 can effectively maintain the temperature of the culture vessel 7. Therefore, the efficiency of temperature control of the culture medium can be improved.

[0069] [Second Embodiment] The culture apparatus of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Note that the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the configuration described below.

[0070] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the culture apparatus according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the culture apparatus 101 of this embodiment includes a temperature control device 103 and a shaking device 5. In this embodiment, two mutually orthogonal horizontal directions are defined as the first direction L1 and the second direction L2.

[0071] Figure 9 is a front view of the temperature control device according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 9. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the temperature control device 103 includes a container holding section 120 for holding the culture container 7, a thermoelectric element 160 provided on the container holding section 120 and capable of heating and cooling the culture container 7, a heat sink 170 thermally connected to the thermoelectric element 160, a fan 180 for blowing air onto the heat sink 170, and a cover 190 covering the heat sink 170.

[0072] The container holding section 120 comprises a container mounting section 121 that supports the culture vessel 7 from below, and a holder 50 that locks the culture vessel 7 from above. Unless otherwise specified, each part constituting the container holding section 120 is made of metal or synthetic resin.

[0073] The container mounting section 121 extends horizontally. When viewed from above, the container mounting section 121 is formed in a rectangular shape with all four sides aligned along a first horizontal direction L1 or a second horizontal direction L2. The container mounting section 121 is formed to be larger horizontally than the culture vessel 7, and in a plan view, it extends from the culture vessel 7 around its entire perimeter. A housing section 122 that opens downward is formed in the center of the container mounting section 121. The container mounting section 121 comprises a base section 125, a heat transfer plate 135, and a retaining section 140. Each part constituting the container mounting section 121 is immovable relative to one another.

[0074] The base portion 125 is formed in a plate shape with thickness in the vertical direction and has a rectangular plan view shape corresponding to the plan view shape of the container mounting portion 121. A through hole 125b is formed in the center of the base portion 125. The through hole 125b penetrates the center of the base portion 125 in the vertical direction. The side wall surface of the through hole 125b defines the housing portion 122 from the outside in the horizontal direction. The through hole 125b is sized to allow the thermoelectric element 160 to pass through. The through hole 125b has a circular plan view shape.

[0075] An upper ventilation section 126 is formed in the base section 125. The upper ventilation section 126 is a groove formed on the lower surface of the base section 125 and extends in a horizontal first direction L1. In addition to opening on the lower surface of the base section 125, the upper ventilation section 126 also opens on both sides of the base section 125 in the first direction L1. The upper ventilation section 126 is adjacent to the through hole 125b from below and communicates directly with the through hole 125b. The upper ventilation section 126 extends in the first direction L1 with a constant width and overlaps the entire through hole 125b when viewed from above or below.

[0076] The heat transfer plate 135 overlaps the base portion 125 from above. The heat transfer plate 135 is formed in a plate shape with thickness in the vertical direction and has a circular shape in plan view. The heat transfer plate 135 completely closes the through hole 125b of the base portion 125 from above and defines the housing portion 122 from above. The heat transfer plate 135 is in direct contact with the lower surface of the culture container 7. The heat transfer plate 135 may be a sheet material. A temperature sensor 165 is embedded in the heat transfer plate 135. The value detected by the temperature sensor 165 is acquired by the control unit 90. For example, the control unit 90 derives the current temperature of the culture medium based on the value detected by the temperature sensor 165.

[0077] The retaining portion 140 is positioned above the base portion 125. The retaining portion 140 has thickness in the vertical direction and is formed in an annular shape in plan view. The retaining portion 140 is fastened to the base portion 125. The entire inner circumference of the retaining portion 140 overlaps the outer circumference of the heat transfer plate 135. The retaining portion 140 restricts the upward movement of the heat transfer plate 135. The heat transfer plate 135 is sandwiched between the retaining portion 140 and the upper surface of the base portion 125.

[0078] The holder 50 is positioned above the container mounting section 121. The holder 50 has a rectangular plan view shape that corresponds to the plan view shape of the container mounting section 121. Except for its plan view shape, the holder 50 is formed substantially the same as the holder 50 of the first embodiment.

[0079] The thermoelectric element 160 is provided in the container mounting section 121. The thermoelectric element 160 is, for example, a Peltier element. The thermoelectric element 160 is formed in the shape of a plate with thickness in the vertical direction. The thermoelectric element 160 is arranged in the housing section 122 of the container mounting section 121. The thermoelectric element 160 has a first surface and a second surface that dissipate or absorb heat depending on the polarity of the DC current flowing through the thermoelectric element 160. The thermoelectric element 160 is positioned with its first surface facing the upper space side (culture vessel 7 side) of the container mounting section 121. The first surface is in contact with the lower surface of the heat transfer plate 135.

[0080] The heatsink 170 is positioned below the container holder 120. The heatsink 170 is positioned inside the outer shape of the container holder 120 so as not to protrude horizontally outward from the container holder 120 when viewed from above. The heatsink 170 is positioned in the upper ventilation section 126. The heatsink 170 is positioned so as not to be displaceable relative to the base section 125. The center of gravity of the heatsink 170 coincides with the center of gravity of the container holder 120 when viewed from above. The heatsink 170 comprises a base 171 and fins 172.

[0081] The base portion 171 extends horizontally. The base portion 171 has a rectangular plan view shape with its four sides aligned along a first horizontal direction L1 or a second horizontal direction L2. The base portion 171 is positioned to contact the periphery of the through hole 125b of the base portion 125 from below. When viewed from above, the base portion 171 overlaps the entire second surface of the thermoelectric element 160. The upper surface of the base portion 171 is in contact with the second surface of the thermoelectric element 160. The base portion 171 is thermally connected to the thermoelectric element 160 by contacting it. A temperature sensor 166 is embedded in the base portion 171. The detected value of the temperature sensor 166 is acquired by the control unit 90. For example, the control unit 90 controls the rotation speed of the fan 180 based on the detected value of the temperature sensor 166.

[0082] The fins 172 protrude downward from the base 171. The fins 172 have thickness in a second horizontal direction L2 and extend along a first horizontal direction L1. Multiple fins 172 are arranged at intervals in the second direction L2. The lower edges of multiple fins 172 extend in the first direction L1 so as to be flush with each other. Multiple notches are formed in each fin 172 at intervals in the first direction L1. Both ends of the fins 172 in the first direction L1 are located inward in the first direction L1 than both ends of the upper ventilation section 126 in the first direction L1.

[0083] The fan 180 is positioned below the heat sink 170. The fan 180 is positioned inside the outer shape of the container holder 120 so as not to protrude horizontally outward from the container holder 120 when viewed from above. The fan 180 is immovable relative to the heat sink 170. The fan 180 is a so-called fan motor and comprises a fan body 181 which is a rotating part having blades, and a duct portion 182 which surrounds the fan body 181. The rotation axis O of the fan body 181 extends in the vertical direction. The rotation axis O is coaxial with the through hole 125b of the base portion 125. The rotation axis O coincides with the center of gravity of the heat sink 170 and the center of gravity of the container holder 120 when viewed from above. The fan body 181 blows air upward when driven. The fan body 181 faces directly opposite the fins 172 of the heat sink 170. The duct portion 182 is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction. The duct section 182 is fixed to the base section 125. The entire upper end opening of the duct section 182 overlaps the heatsink 170 when viewed from above. The duct section 182 is fixed to the shaking stage 10 via a base section 185. The base section 185 is located below the fan 180. The base section 185 connects the shaking stage 10 and the duct section 182.

[0084] A lower ventilation section 186 is formed in the base section 185. The lower ventilation section 186 is an open space above the base section 185 and communicates with the lower end opening of the duct section 182. The lower ventilation section 186 is also open on both sides in the horizontal second direction L2, connecting the space outside the base section 185 in the second direction L2 with the lower end opening of the duct section 182.

[0085] The cover 190 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends vertically and covers the base portion 125, heat sink 170, fan 180, and base portion 185. The cover 190 is fixed to the base portion 125. The cover 190 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The cover 190 is formed in a multi-stage (two-stage) cylindrical shape, with its lower portion 192 being wider horizontally than its upper portion 191. The upper portion 191 of the cover 190 substantially surrounds the base portion 125 from the outside horizontally around its entire circumference without any gaps. Furthermore, the upper portion 191 of the cover 190 surrounds the heat sink 170, fan 180, and base portion 185. The entire lower portion 192 of the cover 190 is located outside the upper portion 191 of the cover 190 in the first horizontal direction L1 and the second horizontal direction L2 when viewed from above. The lower opening edge of the cover 190 is close to the upper surface of the housing 11 (see Figure 8) of the shaking device 5 with a gap between them, preventing interference with the housing 11 when the temperature control device 103 moves horizontally as the shaking stage 10 moves. The cover 190 has an intake port 193 and an exhaust port 194 that allow the inside and outside of the cover 190 to communicate horizontally.

[0086] The air intake port 193 is formed in the lower part 192 of the cover 190. In the illustrated example, the air intake port 193 is formed at the lower edge of the cover 190. The air intake port 193 is formed in the side walls on both sides of the lower part 192 of the cover 190 in the horizontal second direction L2, and opens in the second direction L2 toward the outside of the cover 190 when viewed from above. The air intake port 193 is formed in a rectangular shape with the first direction L1 as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the second direction L2. In the horizontal first direction L1, the air intake port 193 is in the same position as the opening of the lower ventilation section 186 in the second direction L2. The air intake port 193 communicates with the lower ventilation section 186 on the opposite side from the lower end opening of the duct section 182. When the fan 180 is driven, negative pressure is generated in the lower ventilation section 186, and air flows from the air intake port 193 toward the lower ventilation section 186. The air taken in from the intake port 193 flows linearly along the second direction L2 when viewed from above to the lower ventilation section 186. In this way, the lower part 192 of the cover 190 functions as a duct that guides the air taken in by the fan 180 towards the fan 180. Note that when the fan 180 is driven, some of the air that flows into the lower ventilation section 186 may be supplied from inside the housing 11 of the vibrator 5.

[0087] The exhaust port 194 is formed on the upper part 191 of the cover 190. In the illustrated example, the exhaust port 194 is formed on the upper edge of the cover 190. The exhaust port 194 is formed on the side walls on both sides of the upper part 191 of the cover 190 in a horizontal first direction L1, and opens in the first direction L1 toward the outside of the cover 190 when viewed from above or below. The exhaust port 194 is formed in a rectangular shape with the second direction L2 as its longitudinal direction when viewed from the first direction L1. In the horizontal second direction L2, the exhaust port 194 is in the same position as the opening of the upper ventilation section 126 in the first direction L1. The exhaust port 194 communicates with the upper ventilation section 126 on the opposite side from the upper end opening of the duct section 182. The exhaust port 194 faces the heat sink 170 in the first direction L1. The exhaust port 194 faces the upper edge of the fins 172 of the heatsink 170 (the lower surface of the base 171) when viewed from the first direction L1. The lower end of the opening edge of the exhaust port 194 is located below the base 171 of the heatsink 170 and above the lower edge of the fins 172. When the fan 180 is driven, the air discharged from the fan 180 flows through the multiple fins 172, exchanges heat with the heatsink 170, and then flows towards the exhaust port 194. Between the multiple fins 172, the air flows mainly in the first direction L1 along the direction in which the fins 172 extend. The air that has passed between the fins 172 flows linearly along the first direction L1 to the exhaust port 194 when viewed from above or below.

[0088] A canopy portion 195 is attached to the cover 190. The canopy portion 195 extends outward from a position above the exhaust port 194. The canopy portion 195 extends downward as it goes outward, and when viewed from the first direction L1, it overlaps the entire exhaust port 194. The horizontal outer edge of the canopy portion 195 is located inward from the outer shape of the lower part 192 of the cover 190 when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0089] This embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, this embodiment provides the following effects. The heat sink 170 is positioned below the container holding portion 120 and inside the outer shape of the container holding portion 120 when viewed from above. The fan 180 is positioned below the heat sink 170. The cover 190 has an exhaust port 194 that faces the heat sink 170 in a first horizontal direction L1 and connects the inside and outside of the cover 190 to exhaust air blown from the fan 180. With this configuration, since the heat sink 170 and the fan 180 do not protrude horizontally outward from the container holding portion 120, the horizontal dimensions of the temperature control device 103 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the exhaust port 194 is positioned horizontally opposite the heat sink 170 which is positioned below the container holding portion 120, the air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink 170 is less likely to come into contact with the container. Therefore, the temperature of the container and its contents can be adjusted more efficiently. Furthermore, since the heat sink 170 and fan 180 do not protrude horizontally outward from the container holding part 120, it is possible to prevent the heat sink 170 and fan 180 from getting in the way of work when replacing the culture container 7.

[0090] The cover 190 has a canopy portion 195 that extends outward from a position above the exhaust port 194. With this configuration, even if the contents are scattered from the container, it is possible to prevent the scattered contents from entering the inside of the cover 190 through the exhaust port 194.

[0091] The visor portion 195 extends downward as it faces outward. With this configuration, even if scattered contents adhere to the visor portion 195, the contents will move away from the exhaust port 194 due to gravity following the slope of the visor portion 195. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent scattered contents from entering the inside of the cover 190 from the exhaust port 194.

[0092] The lower end of the opening edge of the exhaust port 194 is located above the lower end of the heat sink 170. If the lower end of the opening edge of the exhaust port 194 were located below the lower end of the heat sink 170, the air flowing from the fan 180 to the exhaust port 194 would have difficulty passing over the heat sink 170. According to this embodiment, the air flowing from the fan 180 to the exhaust port 194 can easily pass over the heat sink 170, thus suppressing the accumulation of air heated by heat exchange with the heat sink 170 inside the fins 172 of the heat sink 170. Therefore, heat exchange between the heat sink 170 and the air can be efficiently promoted, and the temperature control device 103 can be made more energy-efficient.

[0093] The centers of gravity of the container holder 120 and the heat sink 170, as well as the rotation axis O of the fan 180, coincide when viewed from above. With this configuration, the positions of the centers of gravity of the container holder 120 and the heat sink 170 coincide horizontally, making it less likely for vibrations to occur during shaking. Furthermore, since the centers of gravity of the container holder 120 and the heat sink 170 are located on the rotation axis O of the fan 180, the container holder 120 and the heat sink 170 are less likely to vibrate when the fan 180 is driven (when the fan body 181 rotates). Therefore, vibrations of the culture apparatus 101 can be suppressed.

[0094] An air intake port 193 is formed in the lower part 192 of the cover 190, connecting the inside and outside of the cover 190. The exhaust port 194 opens in a first direction L1 toward the outside of the cover 190 when viewed from above. The air intake port 193 opens in a second direction L2 toward the outside of the cover 190 when viewed from above. With this configuration, the air discharged from the exhaust port 194 is less likely to go toward the air intake port 193, thus suppressing the re-intake of air that has exchanged heat with the heat sink 170 through the air intake port 193. Therefore, heat exchange between the heat sink 170 and the air can be efficiently promoted, and the temperature control device 103 can be made more energy-efficient.

[0095] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are conceivable within its technical scope. For example, in the above embodiment, the temperature control device constitutes part of the culture apparatus, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the temperature control device may be used not only for the culture material but also for the temperature of chemicals, biological samples, etc., as the contents of the container.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the temperature control device is capable of heating and cooling the culture vessel and its contents, but the configuration is not limited to this. The temperature control device may be capable of heating or cooling only one of the two.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the thermoelectric element is indirectly in contact with the culture vessel 7 via a heat transfer plate, but the configuration is not limited to this. The thermoelectric element may be in direct contact with the vessel.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the thermoelectric element is provided in the container mounting section that supports the culture vessel from below, but the configuration is not limited to this. The thermoelectric element may be provided in a holder that surrounds the container from the outside in the horizontal direction, or it may be provided in both the holder and the container mounting section.

[0099] In the first embodiment described above, the temperature sensor 65 is provided on the thermoelectric element 60, but the temperature sensor may be provided separately from the thermoelectric element. In this case, the temperature sensor may directly measure the temperature of the container or its contents. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be a non-contact type thermometer using an infrared sensor. By making the temperature sensor a non-contact type, it is possible to measure the temperature of the contents of the container without being affected by the temperature of the thermoelectric element.

[0100] In the first embodiment described above, the heat transfer medium supply unit 80 is equipped with a cover 81, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, the heat transfer medium supply unit does not need to be equipped with a cover. Also, the temperature control device does not need to be equipped with a heat transfer medium supply unit.

[0101] In the first embodiment described above, the heat transfer medium supply unit 80 is positioned so as not to be displaced relative to the heat sink 70, but the configuration is not limited to this. The heat transfer medium supply unit may be positioned so as not to be displaced relative to the housing of the shaking device so as not to interfere with the shaking heat sink and container holding unit.

[0102] In the above embodiment, a conical flask is used as the culture vessel, but the culture vessel is not particularly limited. The culture vessel may be, for example, a beaker, petri dish, or test tube. However, a culture vessel with a flat bottom, such as a beaker or petri dish, is preferred because it is easier to secure the area of ​​the thermal connection part with the thermoelectric element in the culture vessel.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the constituent materials of each part other than the heat transfer plate in the container mounting section are not particularly limited, but the constituent materials may be determined from the following viewpoints. For example, when the culture vessel is heated or cooled from members other than the heat transfer plate, it is desirable to form the members other than the heat transfer plate with a good conductor such as metal and thermally connect them to the thermoelectric element. For example, when the bottom of the culture vessel is heated or cooled via the heat transfer plate, it is desirable to form the members other than the heat transfer plate with a synthetic resin with low thermal conductivity to limit the heat transfer path.

[0104] In the above embodiment, a portion of the holder is formed from a good conductor, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the holder may be formed from a synthetic resin with low thermal conductivity to ensure heat retention of the culture vessel.

[0105] In the second embodiment described above, the temperature sensor 165 is embedded in the heating plate 135. However, instead of the temperature sensor 165, or in addition to the temperature sensor 165, a temperature sensor that directly measures the temperature of the container or its contents may be provided. This temperature sensor may be a non-contact type thermometer using an infrared sensor.

[0106] In the second embodiment described above, the fan 180 is configured to blow air upward when driven, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, the fan 180 may be capable of blowing air downward, and the air taken in from the exhaust port 194 may be discharged from the intake port 193.

[0107] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 10...Shaking stage 101...Culture device 103...Temperature control device 120...Container holder 160...Thermoelectric element 170...Heat sink 180...Fan 190...Cover 192...Lower part of cover (duct) 193...Air intake 194...Exhaust 195...Eaves

Claims

1. A container holding part that holds the container, A thermoelectric element is provided in the container holding portion and is capable of heating or cooling the container, A heat sink thermally connected to the thermoelectric element, A fan that blows air onto the heatsink, A cover that covers the heatsink, Equipped with, The heat sink is positioned below the container holding portion and inside the outer shape of the container holding portion when viewed from above. The fan is positioned below the heatsink. The cover has an exhaust port formed therein, which faces the heat sink in a first horizontal direction and connects the inside and outside of the cover to exhaust the air blown from the fan. Temperature control device.

2. A culture apparatus comprising a temperature control device as described in claim 1.

3. The culture apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a shaking stage for supporting the temperature control device and for shaking the container.

4. The cover has a canopy portion that protrudes outward from a position above the exhaust port. The culture apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The aforementioned canopy extends downward as it faces outward. The culture apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The lower end of the opening edge of the exhaust port is located above the lower end of the heat sink. The culture apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3.

7. The centers of gravity of the container holder and the heat sink, as well as the axis of rotation of the fan, coincide when viewed from above. The culture apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3.

8. The cover has a duct that directs the air taken in by the fan toward the fan. The duct has an air intake port that connects the inside and outside of the cover. The exhaust port opens in a first direction toward the outside of the cover when viewed from above and below. The aforementioned air intake port opens in a second direction that intersects the first direction toward the outside of the cover when viewed from above and below. The culture apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3.

Images