Method for manufacturing a culture apparatus and culture apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a culture apparatus and a culture apparatus that can effectively prevent the culture medium inside the containment section from leaking out from the edges of the sheet material. [Solution] The culture apparatus 10 is constructed by folding the sheet material 12 so that the first part 181 and the second part 182 overlap each other. The first end 121 and the second end 122 of the sheet material 12 (folded body 120) are wrapped around the first support 141 and the second support 142, respectively, and fixed to the first support 141 and the second support 142, thereby forming a bag-shaped storage section 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a culture device and a culture device.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-137320 discloses a culture device capable of accommodating a culture solution. The culture device is formed in a bag shape by joining the ends of a folded sheet material to each other. The culture solution is accommodated in the bag-shaped liquid storage part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the culture device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-137320, the ends of the folded sheet material are joined by welding them to each other. However, if the joining of the ends is insufficient, there is a concern that the joining part may peel off due to the liquid pressure of the culture solution and the culture solution may leak out.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a culture apparatus having a containment section capable of containing a culture medium and microalgae, comprising: a sheet providing step of providing a sheet material formed from a single flexible material; a folding step of folding the sheet material so that a first portion and a second portion of the sheet material overlap each other in the thickness direction of the sheet material; a winding step of winding a first end and a second end of the sheet material, which are arranged in a width direction that intersects the thickness direction of the sheet material and intersects the thickness direction and the height direction of the sheet material, around a first support and a second support, respectively; and a fixing step of fixing the first end wound around the first support and the second end wound around the second support to the first support and the second support, respectively.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a culture apparatus having a containment section capable of containing a culture medium and microalgae, comprising: a sheet material formed from a single flexible material, wherein a first portion and a second portion are formed so as to face each other in the thickness direction; a first support around which a first end of the sheet material is wound, which is located on one of the width directions of the sheet material that intersects the thickness direction and the height direction; a second support around which a second end of the sheet material is wound, which is located on the other width direction of the sheet material; and fixing portions for fixing the first end wound around the first support and the second end wound around the second support, respectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, by wrapping and securing the first and second ends of the folded sheet material to the first and second support, respectively, the liquid-tightness of the first and second ends when the culture medium is contained in the containment section can be increased, and leakage of the culture medium from the ends of the sheet material in the containment section can be effectively prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a culture apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the culture apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the culture apparatus. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view of the culture apparatus. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the culture apparatus. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is an explanatory diagram showing the sheet supply process. Figure 6B is an explanatory diagram showing the folding process. Figure 6C is the side shape of the sheet material shown in Figure 6B. [Figure 7] Figure 7A is an explanatory diagram showing the folding process. Figure 7B is an explanatory diagram showing the winding process. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is the first explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing method of the culture apparatus according to the modified example. Figure 8B is the second explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing method of the culture apparatus according to the modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The culture apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, shown in Figure 1, cultivates microalgae in a culture medium L containing water by supplying light and gas G (see Figure 5). Examples of gas G supplied to the culture apparatus 10 include carbon dioxide gas or a carbon dioxide-containing gas (e.g., air). As a result, the microalgae grow in the culture apparatus 10 while performing photosynthesis. In other words, the culture apparatus 10 cultivates microalgae. It is preferable that the culture medium L contains, in addition to water, nutrients necessary for culturing microalgae (e.g., at least one selected from nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). It is preferable that gas G contains, for example, carbon dioxide gas emitted from a factory.

[0011] The microalgae that can be cultured using the culture device 10 are not particularly limited. When using the cultured microalgae to produce biofuels such as ethanol, it is preferable to culture microalgae classified as Chlorophyta (e.g., Chlamydomonas and Chlorella), Prasinophyta, Cryptofophyta, and Cyanobacteria (e.g., Spirulina) using the culture device 10. An example of a suitable microalgae to be cultured using the culture device 10 is the "HondaDREAMO strain" (deposit date April 22, 2016, accession number FERM BP-22306), which has been deposited with the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation Patent Organism Depositary Center (Room 120, 2-5-8 Kazusa Kamatari, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture).

[0012] The culture apparatus 10 is installed in an environment where microalgae can be irradiated with light of wavelengths necessary for their growth (e.g., 400-700 nm). Such an environment could be, for example, outdoors where sunlight can be irradiated onto the microalgae. However, the culture apparatus 10 may also be installed indoors where sunlight can be irradiated onto the microalgae. Alternatively, the culture apparatus 10 may also be installed indoors where artificial light of the above wavelengths can be irradiated onto the microalgae.

[0013] In the following, the orientation of each component of the culture apparatus 10 will be explained based on the case where the culture apparatus 10 is installed in the location where microalgae are cultured, as shown in Figure 1.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the culture apparatus 10 comprises a sheet material 12, a first support 141 and a second support 142, and a fixing part 16.

[0015] The sheet material 12 is formed in a strip shape from a single flexible material (see Figure 6A). The sheet material 12 comprises a receiving portion 20, a first end portion 121, and a second end portion 122. The receiving portion 20 has a U-shaped cross-section along the vertical direction. The receiving portion 20 is formed such that the first portion 181 and the second portion 182 of the sheet material 12 face each other in the thickness direction of the sheet material 12.

[0016] The accommodating part 20 is formed to be able to accommodate the algal liquid (culture solution L and microalgae). The accommodating part 20 is supported by a frame structure 32 (see FIG. 4) described later, and thus is maintained in a state of extending in the vertical direction.

[0017] Microalgae are cultured in the accommodating part 20. The algal liquid stored in the accommodating part 20 is a fluid containing the microalgae cultured in the accommodating part 20 and the culture solution L used for culturing the microalgae. Note that the algal liquid may contain, for example, polysaccharides produced by the microalgae and released outside the microalgae. The culture solution L in the accommodating part 20 is maintained at a predetermined temperature by, for example, the stored liquid in a storage tank (not shown) arranged outside the accommodating part 20.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the accommodating part 20 includes an open end 201 and a closed end 202. The open end 201 is an end that is arranged at the upper end portion 12U of the sheet material 12 and is open (see FIG. 1). The open end 201 extends along the width direction of the sheet material 12. The width direction of the sheet material 12 is a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction and the height direction of the sheet material 12, respectively. The culture solution L can be introduced into the inside of the accommodating part 20 through the open end 201. The closed end 202 is an end that is arranged at the lower part of the sheet material 12 and is closed. The closed end 202 extends along the width direction of the sheet material 12. The open end 201 and the closed end 202 are arranged substantially in parallel. In the height direction of the sheet material 12, the height of the sheet material 12 from the open end 201 to the closed end 202 is substantially constant.

[0019] Note that the manufacturing method of the accommodating part 20 will be described later. The sheet material 12 is a material having flexibility and translucency, such as linear low density polyethylene (LDPE), for example. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the sheet material 12 before forming the shape of the accommodating part 20 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the first end portion 121 is provided at one end in the width direction of the sheet material 12 (hereinafter also referred to as a folded body 120) folded in a U shape. The second end portion 122 is provided at the other end in the width direction of the folded body 120.

[0021] The first support 141 is provided at one end of the sheet material 12 in the width direction. The first support 141 is a shaft that extends in the height direction of the sheet material 12. As shown in Figure 3, the first support 141 is, for example, a round bar 143 with a circular cross-section. However, the first support 141 is not limited to a round bar 143. For example, the first support 141 may be a square bar with a rectangular cross-section. The first end 121 of the sheet material 12 is wrapped around the first support 141. The axial length of the first support 141 is greater than or equal to the height of the sheet material 12 (see Figure 2).

[0022] The first end portion 121 is wrapped multiple times around the outer circumference of the first support 141. The outer surface of the first support 141 is covered by the wrapped first end portion 121. A first wrapped portion 281 is formed on the outer circumference of the first support 141 from the multiple wrapped first end portion 121. The first wrapped portion 281 is positioned radially outward from the outer surface of the first support 141. The first wrapped portion 281 has thickness in the radial direction.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the second support 142 is provided at the other end in the width direction of the sheet material 12. The second support 142 is a shaft that extends in the height direction of the sheet material 12. As shown in Figure 3, the second support 142 is, for example, a round bar 143 with a circular cross-section. However, the second support 142 is not limited to a round bar 143. For example, the second support 142 may be a square bar with a rectangular cross-section. The second end portion 122 of the sheet material 12 is wrapped around the second support 142. The axial length of the second support 142 is greater than or equal to the height of the sheet material 12 (see Figure 2). The first support 141 and the second support 142 are formed in the same shape. However, the first support 141 and the second support 142 may have different shapes.

[0024] The second end portion 122 is wrapped multiple times around the outer circumference of the second support 142. The outer surface of the second support 142 is covered by the wrapped second end portion 122. A second wrapped portion 282 is formed on the outer circumference of the second support 142 from the second end portion 122 that has been wrapped multiple times. The second wrapped portion 282 is positioned radially outward from the outer surface of the second support 142. The second wrapped portion 282 has thickness in the radial direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the first end 121 of the sheet material 12 is wrapped around the first support 141, and the second end 122 is wrapped around the second support 142, thereby forming a bag-like structure in the storage portion 20 made from the sheet material 12.

[0026] The fixing portion 16 fixes the first end 121 of the sheet material 12 wrapped around the first support 141 and the second end 122 of the sheet material 12 wrapped around the second support 142, respectively. The fixing portion 16 comprises a first fixing member 161 and a second fixing member 162.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the first fixing member 161 is attached to the first winding portion 281 and fixes the first end portion 121 to the first support 141. As shown in Figure 3, the first fixing member 161 is formed in a C-shape in cross-section. The first fixing member 161 has a first fixing hole 301. The first fixing hole 301 is formed in an arc shape in cross-section and is provided on the inside of the first fixing member 161.

[0028] The first fixing member 161 is attached to the outer circumference of the first winding portion 281. A portion of the first winding portion 281 is inserted into the first fixing hole 301. The first fixing hole 301 is formed to hold the outer circumference of the first winding portion 281. A portion of the outer circumference of the first winding portion 281 is covered by the first fixing member 161. With the first fixing member 161 attached to the outer circumference of the first winding portion 281 and the first support 141, the first fixing member 161 is held by the first winding portion 281. As shown in Figure 2, multiple first fixing members 161 are attached to the first support 141 and the first winding portion 281. The multiple first fixing members 161 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the first support 141.

[0029] The second fixing member 162 is attached to the second winding portion 282 and fixes the second end portion 122 to the second support 142. As shown in Figure 3, the second fixing member 162 is formed in a C-shape in cross-section. The second fixing member 162 has a second fixing hole 302. The second fixing hole 302 is formed in an arc shape in cross-section and is provided on the inside of the second fixing member 162.

[0030] The second fixing member 162 is attached to the outer circumference of the second winding portion 282. A portion of the second winding portion 282 is inserted into the second fixing hole 302. The second fixing hole 302 is formed to hold the outer circumference of the second winding portion 282. A portion of the outer circumference of the second winding portion 282 is covered by the second fixing member 162. With the second fixing member 162 attached to the outer circumference of the second winding portion 282 and the second support 142, the second fixing member 162 is held by the second winding portion 282. As shown in Figure 2, multiple second fixing members 162 are attached to the second support 142 and the second winding portion 282. The multiple second fixing members 162 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the second support 142.

[0031] The fixing portion 16 is not limited to a configuration comprising a first fixing member 161 and a second fixing member 162. For example, the fixing portion 16 may be a fixing portion that fixes the first winding portion 281 to the first support 141. The fixing portion 16 may also be a fixing portion that fixes the second winding portion 282 to the second support 142. The method for fixing the first winding portion 281 to the first support 141 and the method for fixing the second winding portion 282 to the second support 142 may be, for example, adhesive bonding or welding.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the culture apparatus 10 further comprises a frame structure 32, a gas supply tube 34 (see Figure 5), and a guide member 36 (see Figure 5). The frame structure 32 has a containment section 20 containing the culture medium L inside. The frame structure 32 comprises a frame 38 and a pair of retaining walls 401 and 402. The frame 38 comprises a lower frame 381, a first side frame 382, ​​a second side frame 383, and an upper frame 384.

[0033] The lower frame 381 extends horizontally and is placed on a floor or the like (not shown). The first side frame 382 and the second side frame 383 each extend upward from the lower frame 381. The first side frame 382 is connected to one end of the lower frame 381. The second side frame 383 is connected to the other end of the lower frame 381. The first side frame 382 and the second side frame 383 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart horizontally. The upper frame 384 is arranged approximately parallel to the lower frame 381. The upper frame 384 connects the upper end of the first side frame 382 and the upper end of the second side frame 383 to each other.

[0034] Frame 38 further includes support frames 385. The support frames 385 are positioned between the lower frame 381 and the upper frame 384. The support frames 385 connect the first side frame 382 and the second side frame 383 to each other. Although not shown, the frames 38 are provided in pairs in the width direction of the housing section 20 (depth direction in Figure 3).

[0035] A pair of retaining walls 401 and 402 hold the container 20 containing the culture medium L. The pair of retaining walls 401 and 402 face each other horizontally. The pair of retaining walls 401 and 402 are supported by the first side frame 382 and the second side frame 383, respectively. Each of the pair of retaining walls 401 and 402 extends from the lower frame 381 to the upper frame 384. One retaining wall 401 extends vertically along the first side frame 382. The other retaining wall 402 extends vertically along the second side frame 383. Each of the pair of retaining walls 401 and 402 is composed of, for example, a grid-like fence. Alternatively, each of the pair of retaining walls 401 and 402 may be composed of a flat plate with a surface.

[0036] The frame structure 32 is formed in a roughly box shape by a pair of retaining walls 401 and 402 and a frame 38. The housing section 20 is placed inside the frame structure 32. With the housing section 20 housed inside the frame structure 32, the first support 141 and the second support 142 are supported by the lower frame 381 and the upper frame 384. By housing the housing section 20 containing the culture medium L inside the frame structure 32, the housing section 20 is maintained within the frame structure 32 in a state that extends vertically.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the gas supply tube 34 is located inside the containment section 20, which is a culture tank. The gas supply tube 34 is a mechanism for supplying gas G to the inside of the containment section 20. The gas supply tube 34 is supported by a support part (not shown). An upward-facing gas supply port 341 is provided at the bottom of the gas supply tube 34.

[0038] The guide member 36 is a mechanism for generating a liquid flow F in the culture medium L inside the containment section 20. The guide member 36 is supported by a support section (not shown). The guide member 36 has a guide body 361 that extends vertically, an introduction section 362 provided at the lower part of the guide body 361, and an outlet section 363 provided at the upper part of the guide body 361. The outlet section 363 protrudes from the guide body 361 in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the guide body 361 (horizontal direction in the illustration).

[0039] Gas G discharged from the gas supply port 341 of the gas supply tube 34 is introduced through the introduction section 362 and rises along the guide body 361. This allows the gas G to dissolve in the culture medium L inside the containment section 20. The culture medium L and gas G discharged from the outlet section 363 flow horizontally, generating a liquid flow F inside the containment section 20. The liquid flow F allows the microalgae circulating with the culture medium L to be dispersed inside the containment section 20, enabling efficient growth of the microalgae.

[0040] Next, a method for manufacturing the containment section 20 of the culture apparatus 10 (manufacturing method) will be described. The manufacturing method of the culture apparatus 10 includes a sheet provisioning step, a folding step, a refolding step, a winding step, and a fixing step.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6A, the sheet provisioning process provides a sheet material 12 formed from a single flexible material. In this embodiment, a rectangular sheet material 12 is provided.

[0042] Next, the folding process is performed. As shown in Figure 6B, in the folding process, the sheet material 12 is folded so that the first part 181 and the second part 182 of the sheet material 12 overlap each other in the thickness direction of the sheet material 12. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6C, the sheet material 12 is folded into a U shape at the central part 183 of the sheet material 12. This forms a folded body 120 with a U-shaped cross-section from the sheet material 12. In this folded body 120, the first part 181, which is on one side of the central part 183 of the sheet material 12, and the second part 182, which is on the other side of the central part 183, overlap each other in the thickness direction of the sheet material 12.

[0043] Next, the folding process is performed. As shown in Figure 7A, in the folding process, the first end 121 of the folded body 120 is folded back to form the first folded portion 241. The second end 122 of the folded body 120 is folded back to form the second folded portion 242.

[0044] Specifically, first, as shown in Figure 6B, the folded body 120 (sheet material 12) is placed on a plane (not shown) such that the first part 181 is the front surface and the second part 182 is the back surface. That is, the second part 182 is in contact with the plane (not shown). Alternatively, it may be placed on the plane such that the second part 182 is the front surface and the first part 181 is the back surface.

[0045] Then, as shown in Figure 7A, the first end 121 of the folding body 120 is folded inward in the width direction of the sheet material 12, and the first folded portion 241 is formed by folding the lower corner 261A of the first end 121 inward in the width direction so that it faces upward towards the sheet material 12. The first folded portion 241 is formed when the sheet material 12 is folded (folding body 120) and the first end 121 is folded inward in the width direction. The first folded portion 241 folds a part of the lower part of the folding body 120 (first end 121). In the thickness direction of the sheet material 12, the first folded portion 241 and the sheet material 12 overlap each other.

[0046] In detail, the first folded portion 241 is folded into a right-angled isosceles triangle shape such that the widthwise edge of the first end portion 121 before folding is approximately parallel to the opening end 201, and the lower corner portion 261A is positioned along the opening end 201 (upper end portion 12U). In other words, the lower corner portion 261A is folded so that it coincides with the upper end portion 12U of the folded body 120 (sheet material 12) in the height direction of the sheet material 12. Note that the first folded portion 241 is not limited to a configuration in which the lower corner portion 261A of the first end portion 121 is folded upward. For example, it may also be a configuration in which the upper corner portion 261B of the first end portion 121 is folded downward, as shown in Figure 6B.

[0047] Next, as shown in Figure 7A, the second end portion 122 of the folded body 120 (sheet material 12) is folded inward in the width direction of the sheet material 12, and the second folded portion 242 is formed by folding the lower corner portion 262A of the second end portion 122 inward in the width direction so that it faces upward towards the sheet material 12. The second folded portion 242 is formed when the sheet material 12 is folded (folded body 120) and the second end portion 122 is folded inward in the width direction. The second folded portion 242 folds a portion of the lower part of the folded body 120 (second end portion 122). In the thickness direction of the sheet material 12, the second folded portion 242 and the sheet material 12 overlap each other.

[0048] In detail, the second folded portion 242 is folded into a right-angled isosceles triangle shape such that the widthwise edge of the second end portion 122 before folding is approximately parallel to the opening end 201, and the lower corner portion 262A is positioned along the opening end 201 (upper end portion 12U). In other words, the lower corner portion 262A is folded so that it coincides with the upper end portion 12U of the folded body 120 (sheet material 12) in the height direction of the sheet material 12. In the width direction of the folded body 120 (sheet material 12), the folding direction of the first folded portion 241 and the folding direction of the second folded portion 242 are opposite. Note that the second folded portion 242 is not limited to a configuration in which the lower corner portion 262A of the second end portion 122 is folded upward. For example, it may also be a configuration in which the upper corner portion 262B of the second end portion 122 is folded downward, as shown in Figure 6B.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7A, in this folding process, the first end 121 and the second end 122 are folded, so that the folded body 120 (sheet material 12) has a roughly trapezoidal shape with the closed end 202 being shorter than the open end 201. In the folded body 120, the upper corner 261B of the first end 121 becomes the first widthwise end 421, which is positioned furthest to one side in the width direction, and the upper corner 262B of the second end 122 becomes the second widthwise end 422, which is positioned furthest to the other side in the width direction.

[0050] Furthermore, the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242 are not limited to being folded into a triangular shape. For example, the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242 may each be folded into a rectangular shape toward the inside in the width direction. Also, the sheet material 12 is not limited to having the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242. For example, it may have only one of the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242.

[0051] Next, the winding process is performed. As shown in Figure 7B, in the winding process, the first end 121 (first folded portion 241) of the folded body 120 (sheet material 12) is wound around the first support 141, and the second end 122 (second folded portion 242) of the folded body 120 (sheet material 12) is wound around the second support 142.

[0052] First, the process of wrapping the first end 121 of the folded body 120 around the first support 141 (first wrapping process) will be explained.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7A, the first support 141 (see dashed line shape) is placed on the surface of the widthwise leading edge (first widthwise end 421) of the first end 121 (first folded portion 241). At this time, the first support 141 is positioned so that it is approximately parallel to the height direction of the sheet material 12. With the surface (first portion 181) of the first widthwise end 421 and the outer peripheral surface of the first support 141 in contact, the first support 141 is rotated and moved inward in the widthwise direction of the sheet material 12.

[0054] As a result, the first end portion 121 is wrapped around the outer surface of the first support 141, starting from the first widthwise end portion 421 and moving inward in the widthwise direction. As shown in Figure 7B, the first support 141 is rotated and moved inward in the widthwise direction of the sheet material 12 until the entirety of the first folded portion 241 is wrapped around the first support 141. At this time, as shown in Figure 7A, the first widthwise length W1 of the first end portion 121 wrapped around the first support 141 is greater than or equal to the height H of the sheet material 12 from the open end 201 to the closed end 202 of the housing portion 20.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the first wrapped portion 281 is formed so as to cover the outer surface of the first support 141 by wrapping the first end portion 121 (first folded portion 241) around the outer surface of the first support 141. The first wrapped portion 281 is stacked radially outward from the outer surface of the first support 141 by rotating the first support 141 multiple times.

[0056] Next, the process of wrapping the second end portion 122 of the folded body 120 around the second support 142 (second wrapping process) will be described.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7A, the second support 142 (see dashed line shape) is placed on the surface of the widthwise leading edge (second widthwise end 422) of the second end 122 (second folded portion 242). At this time, the second support 142 is positioned so that it is approximately parallel to the height direction of the sheet material 12. With the surface (first portion 181) of the second widthwise end 422 and the outer peripheral surface of the second support 142 in contact, the second support 142 is rotated and moved inward in the widthwise direction of the sheet material 12. In this case, in the widthwise direction of the sheet material 12, the direction in which the first support 141 is moved and the direction in which the second support 142 is moved are opposite.

[0058] By rotating and moving the second support 142, the second end portion 122 is wrapped around the outer surface of the second support 142 from the second widthwise end portion 422 toward the widthwise direction. As shown in Figure 7B, the second support 142 is rotated and moved toward the widthwise direction of the sheet material 12 until the entirety of the second folded portion 242 is wrapped around the second support 142. At this time, as shown in Figure 7A, the second widthwise length W2 of the second end portion 122 wrapped around the second support 142 is greater than or equal to the height H of the sheet material 12 from the open end 201 to the closed end 202 of the housing portion 20.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the second winding portion 282 is formed by wrapping the second end portion 122 (second folded portion 242) around the outer circumferential surface of the second support 142, thereby covering the outer circumferential surface of the second support 142. The second winding portion 282 is stacked radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the second support 142 by rotating the second support 142 multiple times. The first winding portion 281 and the second winding portion 282 form a bag-shaped storage portion 20 between the first winding portion 281 and the second winding portion 282.

[0060] Furthermore, the first winding process may be performed after the second winding process, or the first and second winding processes may be performed simultaneously.

[0061] Next, the fixing process is performed. As shown in Figure 2, in the fixing process, the first end portion 121 (first folded portion 241) wrapped around the first support 141 is fixed to the first support 141 by the fixing portion 16, and the second end portion 122 (second folded portion 242) wrapped around the second support 142 is fixed to the second support 142 by the fixing portion 16.

[0062] First, the process of fixing the first winding portion 281 to the first support 141 with the first fixing member 161 (first fixing process) will be explained.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the first fixing member 161 is attached to the first winding portion 281 from the outer circumference side of the first winding portion 281. By inserting the first winding portion 281 into the first fixing hole 301 of the first fixing member 161, a portion of the outer circumference of the first winding portion 281 is covered by the first fixing member 161. The first winding portion 281 is held between the outer surface of the first support 141 and the first fixing hole 301 of the first fixing member 161. At this time, the first fixing member 161 is held attached to the outer circumference side of the first winding portion 281. As shown in Figure 2, by attaching multiple first fixing members 161 so that they are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the first support 141, the first winding portion 281 is fixed to the first support 141 at multiple locations.

[0064] Next, the process of fixing the second winding portion 282 to the second support 142 with the second fixing member 162 (second fixing process) will be described.

[0065] As shown in Figure 3, the second fixing member 162 is attached to the second winding portion 282 from the outer circumference side of the second winding portion 282. By inserting the second winding portion 282 into the second fixing hole 302 of the second fixing member 162, a portion of the outer circumference of the second winding portion 282 is covered by the second fixing member 162. The second winding portion 282 is held between the outer surface of the second support 142 and the second fixing hole 302 of the second fixing member 162.

[0066] At this time, the second fixing member 162 is held attached to the outer circumference of the second winding portion 282. As shown in Figure 2, by attaching multiple second fixing members 162 so that they are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the second support 142, the second winding portion 282 is fixed to the second support 142 at multiple locations. This gives rise to the housing portion 20 of the culture apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0067] In addition, in the manufacturing method of the containment section 20 of the culture apparatus 10, the first fixation step may be performed after the second fixation step, or the first fixation step and the second fixation step may be performed simultaneously.

[0068] Next, the manufacturing method for the culture apparatus 10 further comprises a placement step and a containment step after the fixation step.

[0069] First, the placement process is carried out. As shown in Figure 4, the placement process involves placing the housing section 20 inside the frame structure 32 having a pair of retaining walls 401 and 402. Specifically, the housing section 20 is placed inside the frame 38 with the closed end 202 facing downwards and the open end 201 facing upwards. As a result, the closed end 202 of the housing section 20 is positioned in contact with the lower frame 381. The open end 201 of the housing section 20 is fixed to the upper frame 384 by a fixing member (not shown). The side walls of the housing section 20 face the first side frame 382, ​​the second side frame 383, and the pair of retaining walls 401 and 402. The fixing part 16 is positioned to face the upper frame 384 and the support frame 385, respectively.

[0070] Next, the containment process is performed. In the containment process, the algal liquid (culture solution L and microalgae) is contained in the containment section 20 of the sheet material 12, which is placed inside the frame structure 32. Specifically, in the containment process, the algal liquid is introduced into the containment section 20 from the open end 201 of the frame structure 32. As the algal liquid is introduced into the containment section 20, the side walls of the containment section 20 deform due to the liquid pressure of the algal liquid, causing them to expand outward. At this time, the liquid pressure of the algal liquid pushes the first end 121 of the containment section 20 toward the first support 141, and the second end 122 toward the second support 142. As a result, the contact between the first end 121 (first wrapping section 281) and the first support 141 increases, and the contact between the second end 122 (second wrapping section 282) and the second support 142 increases.

[0071] The side walls of the housing section 20, which change shape outward, are held in place by contacting a pair of retaining walls 401 and 402. The pair of retaining walls 401 and 402 restrict the movement of the housing section 20 outward from the frame structure 32. As the housing section 20 expands, the first end 121 and second end 122 of the housing section 20 are supported by contacting the upper frame 384 and support frame 385 via the fixing part 16. This maintains the shape of the housing section 20 in line with the frame structure 32. Specifically, the side walls of the housing section 20 are supported in the thickness direction of the sheet material 12 by the pair of retaining walls 401 and 402, and the housing section 20 is supported in the width direction by the first support 141 and second support 142 contacting the upper frame 384 and support frame 385, respectively. The bottom (closed end 202) of the housing section 20 is supported in the height direction by the lower frame 381. As a result, the housing section 20 is maintained in a state that extends vertically by the frame structure 32.

[0072] When the algal solution (culture solution L and microalgae) is contained in the containment section 20 during the containment process, the liquid pressure of the algal solution applied to the lower part of the containment section 20 becomes greater than the liquid pressure applied to the upper part of the containment section 20. Therefore, in the folding process, it is preferable to form the first and second folded parts 241 and 242 on the lower part of the folded body 120 rather than on the upper part of the folded body 120. This makes it possible to improve the liquid tightness of the lower part of the containment section 20.

[0073] The manufacturing method of the culture apparatus 10 is not limited to cases that include a folding step. For example, as shown in Figure 8A, after performing a folding step of the sheet material 12, the housing section 20A may be formed by performing a winding step (a step to form the first winding section 281A and the second winding section 282A) in which the first support 141 and the second support 142 are wound around the first end 121 and the second end 122, respectively, as shown in Figure 8B, without performing a folding step, and by performing a fixing step of the fixing section 16.

[0074] This embodiment provides the following effects.

[0075] As shown in Figure 1, the containment section 20 of the culture apparatus 10 is formed by folding the first portion 181 and the second portion 182 of the sheet material 12 so that they overlap each other in the thickness direction, and then wrapping and fixing the first end 121 and the second end 122 of the sheet material 12 to the first support 141 and the second support 142, respectively. This enhances the liquid-tightness (pressure resistance) of the first end 121 and the second end 122 when the algal solution (culture solution L and microalgae) is contained in the containment section 20, and effectively prevents the algal solution inside the containment section 20 from leaking out from the ends of the sheet material 12.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7A, the first end 121 and the second end 122 of the sheet material 12 are folded inward in the width direction, forming the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242, respectively, so that the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242 overlap with the sheet material 12 in the thickness direction.

[0077] As a result, the first and second ends 121 and 122 of the sheet material 12 are double-folded by the first and second folded portions 241 and 242, thereby more effectively improving the liquid-tightness of the first and second ends 121 and 122.

[0078] The first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242 are folded into a triangular shape such that the lower corner 261A of the first end 121 and the lower corner 262A of the second end 122 are directed towards the height direction of the sheet material 12.

[0079] This makes it possible to more effectively improve the liquid-tightness of the first end 121 and the second end 122 of the sheet material 12 compared to a configuration in which the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242 are folded in a rectangular shape.

[0080] The first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242 are folded into a right-angled isosceles triangle shape. By folding the first end 121 and the second end 122 into a right-angled isosceles triangle shape, the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242 are prevented from protruding in the height direction from the open end 201 of the sheet material 12.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3, the first end 121 wrapped around the first support 141 is fixed to the first support 141 by the first fixing hole 301, and the second end 122 wrapped around the second support 142 is fixed to the second support 142 by the second fixing hole 302. This allows the first end 121 and the second end 122 of the sheet material 12 to be effectively fixed to the first support 141 and the second support 142, respectively.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7A, the first widthwise length W1 of the first end 121 wrapped around the first support 141 and the second widthwise length W2 of the second end 122 wrapped around the second support 142 are each greater than or equal to the height H of the sheet material 12 from the open end 201 to the closed end 202 of the housing section 20. This effectively improves the liquid tightness at the first end 121 and the second end 122 when the housing section 20 is filled with algal liquid (culture solution L and microalgae) and liquid pressure is applied.

[0083] As shown in Figure 4, the containment section 20, which expands due to the liquid pressure of the algal fluid, is held in place by contacting a pair of retaining walls 401 and 402 in the frame structure 32. This allows the shape-deformable containment section 20 to be effectively held inside the frame structure 32 while containing the algal fluid.

[0084] As shown in Figure 7A, the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242 are folded such that the lower corners 261A of the first end 121 and 262A of the second end 122 coincide with the open end 201 (upper end 12U) of the sheet material 12 in the height direction. By providing the first folded portion 241 and the second folded portion 242 at the bottom of the housing portion 20, the liquid-tightness of the lower part of the housing portion 20, which is subjected to greater liquid pressure than the upper part, can be more effectively improved.

[0085] As shown in Figure 1, the culture apparatus 10 comprises a sheet material 12 formed from a flexible material and arranged facing each other in the thickness direction, a first support 141 around which the first end 121 of the sheet material 12 is wound, a second support 142 around which the second end 122 of the sheet material 12 is wound, and fixing parts 16 that fix the first end 121 wound around the first support 141 and the second end 122 wound around the second support 142, respectively.

[0086] With this configuration, by fixing the first end 121 and second end 122 of the folded sheet material 12 (folded body 120) wrapped around the first support 141 and second support 142, respectively, when the algal liquid (culture medium L and microalgae) is contained in the containment section 20, the liquid-tightness of the first end 121 and second end 122 is increased, effectively preventing the algal liquid in the containment section 20 from leaking out from the ends of the sheet material 12.

[0087] Each of the first end 121 and the second end 122 is wrapped multiple times around the first support 141 and the second support 142, respectively.

[0088] This configuration allows for an effective improvement in the liquid-tightness of the first end 121 and the second end 122 with a simple setup that involves winding the first end 121 and the second end 122 multiple times.

[0089] The fixing portion 16 includes a first fixing member 161 attached to the outer circumference of the first end portion 121 to fix the first end portion 121 to the first support 141, and a second fixing member 162 attached to the outer circumference of the second end portion 122 to fix the second end portion 122 to the second support 142.

[0090] With this configuration, the first fixing member 161 and the second fixing member 162 can more effectively fix the first end 121 and the second end 122 to the first support 141 and the second support 142.

[0091] As shown in Figure 3, at least one of the first support 141 and the second support 142 is a round bar 143 with a circular cross-section. With this configuration, the first end 121 and the second end 122 of the sheet material 12 can be effectively wrapped around it, respectively.

[0092] In addition to the disclosures mentioned above, the following further notes are made:

[0093] (Note 1) The culture apparatus (10) includes a containment section (20) capable of containing a culture medium (L) and microalgae, and the method for manufacturing the culture apparatus includes a sheet provision step of providing a sheet material (12) formed from a single flexible material, a folding step of folding the sheet material so that a first portion (181) and a second portion (182) of the sheet material overlap each other in the thickness direction of the sheet material, a winding step of winding the first end (121) and second end (122) of the sheet material, which are arranged in a width direction that intersects the thickness direction of the sheet material and intersects the thickness direction and the height direction of the sheet material, around a first support (141) and a second support (142), respectively, and a fixing step of fixing the first end wound around the first support and the second end wound around the second support to the first support and the second support, respectively.

[0094] This method involves wrapping and securing the first and second ends of the folded sheet material to the first and second supports, respectively. This enhances the liquid-tightness of the first and second ends when the culture medium is contained in the containment section, effectively preventing the culture medium from leaking out from the ends of the sheet material.

[0095] (Note 2) In the manufacturing method described in Appendix 1, after the folding step, a folding step is included in which the first end and the second end are folded inward in the width direction to form a first folded portion (241) and a second folded portion (242), respectively, wherein in the folding step, the first folded portion, the second folded portion and the sheet material may overlap in the thickness direction of the sheet material. With this method, the first end and the second end of the sheet material are double-folded by the first folded portion and the second folded portion, thereby more effectively improving the liquid tightness of the first end and the second end.

[0096] (Note 3) In the manufacturing method described in Appendix 2, the first folded portion and the second folded portion may be folded into a triangular shape such that the corners (261A, 261B, 262A, 262B) of the first and second ends are directed toward the height direction of the sheet material. Compared to a configuration in which the first and second folded portions are folded into a rectangular shape, this method can more effectively improve the liquid-tightness of the first and second ends of the sheet material.

[0097] (Note 4) In the manufacturing method described in Appendix 3, the first folded portion and the second folded portion may be folded into a right-angled isosceles triangle shape. By folding the first and second ends into a right-angled isosceles triangle shape, the first and second folded portions are prevented from protruding in the height direction from the open or closed end of the sheet material.

[0098] (Note 5) In the manufacturing method described in Appendix 1, in the fixing step, the first end wrapped around the first support may be fixed to the first support by a first fixing member (161), and the second end wrapped around the second support may be fixed to the second support by a second fixing member (162). By this method, the first end and the second end of the sheet material can be effectively fixed to the first support and the second support, respectively.

[0099] (Note 6) In the manufacturing method described in any one of Appendix 1 to 5, in the winding step, the first end of the sheet material is wound around the outer surface of the first support by rotating the first support and moving it in the width direction of the sheet material while the first support is in contact with the outer surface of the first support, and the second end of the sheet material is wound around the outer surface of the second support by rotating the second support and moving it in the width direction of the sheet material while the second support is in contact with the outer surface of the second support, and the housing portion has an open end (201) located at the top of the sheet material and open, into which the culture medium is introduced, and a closed end (202) located at the bottom of the sheet material and closed, and when the width direction length of the first end wound around the first support is defined as the first width direction length, and the width direction length of the second end wound around the second support is defined as the second width direction length, each of the first width direction length and the second width direction length may be greater than or equal to the height (H) of the sheet material from the open end to the closed end of the housing portion. This method effectively improves the liquid-tightness at the first and second ends when the culture medium is placed in the containment section and liquid pressure is applied.

[0100] (Note 7) The manufacturing method described in Appendix 1 includes a placement step of placing the sheet material inside a frame structure (32) having a pair of horizontally facing retaining walls (401, 402), and a storage step of storing the culture solution in the storage portion of the sheet material placed inside the frame structure, wherein in the storage step, the storage portion, which has expanded due to the liquid pressure of the culture solution, may be held in place by contacting the pair of retaining walls of the frame structure. With this method, the shape-deformable storage portion can be effectively held inside the frame structure while the culture solution is stored in the storage portion.

[0101] (Note 8) In the manufacturing method described in Appendix 3 or 4, the first folded portion and the second folded portion may be folded such that the corners of the first end and the second end coincide with the upper end (12U) of the sheet material in the height direction of the sheet material. By this method, by providing the first folded portion and the second folded portion at the lower part of the housing portion in the height direction of the sheet material, the liquid tightness of the lower part of the housing portion, which is subjected to greater liquid pressure than the upper part, can be effectively improved.

[0102] (Note 9) The culture apparatus comprises a containment section capable of containing culture medium and microalgae, a sheet material formed from a single flexible material with a first portion and a second portion facing each other in the thickness direction, a first support around which the first end of the sheet material is wound, which is located on one side of the width direction that intersects the thickness direction and the height direction of the sheet material, a second support around which the second end of the sheet material is wound, and fixing portions (16) that fix the first end wound around the first support and the second end wound around the second support, respectively.

[0103] With this configuration, the first and second ends of the folded sheet material are secured by wrapping them around the first and second supports, respectively. This enhances the liquid-tightness of the first and second ends when the culture medium is contained in the containment section, effectively preventing the culture medium from leaking out from the ends of the sheet material.

[0104] (Note 10) In the culture apparatus described in Appendix 9, each of the first end and the second end may be wrapped multiple times around the first support and the second support, respectively. With this configuration, the liquid-tightness of the first end and the second end can be effectively increased with a simple configuration of wrapping multiple times.

[0105] (Note 11) In the culture apparatus described in Appendix 9 or 10, the fixing portion may include a first fixing member (161) attached to the outer circumference of the first end and fixing the first end to the first support, and a second fixing member (162) attached to the outer circumference of the second end and fixing the second end to the second support. With such a configuration, the first and second fixing members can more effectively fix the first and second ends to the first and second supports.

[0106] (Note 12) In the culture apparatus described in Appendix 11, at least one of the first support and the second support may be a round bar (143) with a circular cross-section. With such a configuration, the first end and the second end of the sheet material can be effectively wrapped around it, respectively.

[0107] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 10...Culture device 12…Sheet material 16...Fixed part 20, 20A... Storage area 121...First end 122…Second end 141...first support 142...Second support 181…Part 1 182…Second part L…Culture solution

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a culture apparatus equipped with a containment section capable of containing a culture medium and microalgae, A sheet supply process that provides a sheet material formed from a single flexible material, A folding step in which the sheet material is folded so that the first part and the second part of the sheet material overlap each other in the thickness direction of the sheet material, A winding step in which the first and second ends of the sheet material, which are arranged in a width direction that intersects the thickness direction of the sheet material and intersects the thickness direction and the height direction of the sheet material, are wound around the first and second supports, respectively, A fixing step of fixing the first end wrapped around the first support and the second end wrapped around the second support to the first support and the second support, respectively, A method for manufacturing a culture apparatus having the following characteristics.

2. In the manufacturing method described in claim 1, The folding process is followed by a folding step in which the first end and the second end are folded inward in the width direction, thereby forming a first folded portion and a second folded portion, respectively. A method for manufacturing a culture apparatus, wherein in the folding step, the first folded portion and the second folded portion overlap the sheet material in the thickness direction of the sheet material.

3. In the manufacturing method described in claim 2, A method for manufacturing a culture apparatus, wherein the first folded portion and the second folded portion are folded into a triangular shape such that the corners of the first end and the second end are directed toward the height direction of the sheet material.

4. In the manufacturing method described in claim 3, A method for manufacturing a culture apparatus, wherein the first folded portion and the second folded portion are folded into a right-angled isosceles triangle shape.

5. In the manufacturing method described in claim 1, A method for manufacturing a culture apparatus, comprising the fixing step of fixing the first end wrapped around the first support to the first support using a first fixing hole, and fixing the second end wrapped around the second support to the second support using a second fixing hole.

6. In the manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, In the winding step, with the first end of the sheet material in contact with the outer surface of the first support, the first support is rotated and moved in the width direction of the sheet material so that the first end is wound around the outer surface of the first support, and with the second end of the sheet material in contact with the outer surface of the second support, the second support is rotated and moved in the width direction of the sheet material so that the second end is wound around the outer surface of the second support. The aforementioned housing section is The sheet material is positioned at the top and has an opening, with an open end into which the culture medium is introduced, A closed end is located at the bottom of the aforementioned sheet material, It has, When the widthwise length of the first end wrapped around the first support is defined as the first widthwise length, and the widthwise length of the second end wrapped around the second support is defined as the second widthwise length, A method for manufacturing a culture apparatus, wherein the first widthwise length and the second widthwise length are each greater than or equal to the height of the sheet material from the open end to the closed end of the housing portion.

7. In the manufacturing method described in claim 1, A placement step of arranging the sheet material inside a frame structure having a pair of retaining walls facing each other in the horizontal direction, A storage step of storing the culture medium in the storage portion of the sheet material arranged inside the frame structure, It has, A method for manufacturing a culture apparatus, wherein in the containment step, the containment portion, which has expanded due to the liquid pressure of the culture medium, is held in place by contacting a pair of retaining walls of the frame structure.

8. In the manufacturing method according to claim 3 or 4, A method for manufacturing a culture apparatus, wherein the first folded portion and the second folded portion are folded such that the corners of the first end and the second end coincide with the upper end of the sheet material in the height direction of the sheet material.

9. A culture apparatus equipped with a containment section capable of containing culture medium and microalgae, A sheet material formed from a single flexible material, with a first portion and a second portion facing each other in the thickness direction, A first support around which the first end of the sheet material is wrapped is positioned in one of the width directions that intersects the thickness direction and the height direction of the sheet material, A second support around which the second end of the sheet material, which is located on the other side in the width direction, Fixing parts for fixing the first end wrapped around the first support and the second end wrapped around the second support, A culture device equipped with the following features.

10. In the culture apparatus according to claim 9, A culture apparatus in which each of the first end and the second end is wrapped multiple times around the first support and the second support, respectively.

11. In the culture apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, The aforementioned fixing part is A first fixing member is attached to the outer circumference of the first end and fixes the first end to the first support, A second fixing member is attached to the outer circumference of the second end and fixes the second end to the second support, A culture device equipped with the following features.

12. In the culture apparatus according to claim 11, A culture apparatus in which at least one of the first support and the second support is a round rod with a circular cross-section.

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