Spreader device and spreading method

Abstract

To provide a spreader device and a spreading method in which sample solution can be uniformly spread on a culture medium in a desired range regardless of types of the sample or the culture medium, and high-producibility spreading treatment can be performed.SOLUTION: A spreader device A comprises a base unit 1, a frame body unit 2, and a pressing unit 3. The frame body unit 2 has a pressing ring plate 20 and a guide shaft 21. The pressing ring plate 20, in a state where sample solution is sandwiched between a film culture medium body and a protective film on film culture medium, pressurizes the protective film, and presses a periphery of a scheduled range of spreading the sample solution in order to prevent leakage of the sample solution. The pressing unit 3 has a sponge part 30 and a sponge attaching plate 31. The sponge part 30 presses, in a state where the sample solution is sandwiched between the film culture medium body and the protective film in the film culture medium, the protective film to spread the sample solution.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spreader device and a spreading method.

Background Art

[0002] In the microbial inspection of foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, in order to manage the quality and hygiene of products, viable cell count tests are performed on various samples according to the types of microorganisms.

[0003] In addition, in order to improve the efficiency of viable cell count tests, dry media that do not require media preparation are widely used.

[0004] This dry medium is a medium in which medium components are not gelled and are pre-coated on a resin sheet or container, and gelation progresses at the stage when a sample solution is dropped, enabling the cultivation of microorganisms. There are also various dry media and coating methods for forming them.

[0005] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-107060 (Patent Document 1) describes a method of coating a medium solution for forming a dry medium used in viable cell count tests from a pressure tank to a porous nozzle having a discharge port formed by a porous member having continuous pores, discharging the medium solution from the pores on the lower surface of the porous member, and coating a medium solution having the same shape as the porous member into a circular pedestal of a base sheet for forming the dry medium.

[0006] In addition, as a type of dry medium, there is a sheet-like dry medium called a film medium. The film medium is composed of a sheet-like film medium body containing a medium capable of culturing microorganisms and a protective film covering the film medium body.

[0007] When using this film medium, lift the protective film, drop the sample solution onto the film medium body, overlap the protective film, and spread and absorb the sample solution circularly and evenly without pressing it with a spreader from above or by the self-weight or wetness of the protective film.

[0008] In addition, the film medium on which the sample solution has been subjected to a spreading process can be placed in an incubator or the like, cultured at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time, and used for viable cell count inspection.

[0009] Here, in the case of manually performing the spreading process on the film medium, if the proficiency of the operator is low, the sample solution may not spread evenly, resulting in many spots, air bubbles being mixed in, or the sample solution leaking out of the medium, etc., and there has been a problem that accurate viable cell count inspection cannot be performed.

[0010] Therefore, a technique for automating the spreading process for the film medium has been proposed so as not to depend on the skills of the operator.

[0011] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022 - 81903 (Patent Document 2) describes a pretreatment apparatus for microbial inspection including a film opener, a solution dispenser, and a spreader.

[0012] In addition, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the spreader drives in the vertical direction and applies a pressing force from above the protective film to perform the spreading process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0013]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] Here, in the viable cell count test, since the sample solution is derived from various specimens with different viscosities, volatilities, etc., and there are significant differences in physical properties depending on the type of culture medium, when the spreading treatment is performed using the apparatus described in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to evenly spread the sample solution over a desired range on the culture medium.

[0015] For example, when a certain amount of sample solution is spread on a film culture medium body having a circular culture medium portion arranged in the center and an area without the culture medium on the outside thereof, the sample solution spreads beyond the outer edge of the circular culture medium portion, which affects the formation of colonies and there is a problem that accurate test results cannot be obtained.

[0016] Therefore, in a technique for automating the spreading treatment for a film culture medium, means are required that can evenly spread the sample solution over a desired range on the culture medium regardless of the type of specimen or culture medium, enabling a highly reproducible spreading treatment.

[0017] Other problems and novel features will become apparent from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0018] A spreader device according to an embodiment includes a frame body portion that presses a protective film, has a frame-shaped configuration when viewed from the pressing direction, and surrounds the culture medium such that the inside of the frame in the film culture medium body is composed only of the culture medium, and a pressing portion that is formed of an elastic body, is arranged inside the frame body portion when viewed from the pressing direction, and performs a lifting operation independently of the frame body portion while pressing the protective film.

[0019] Also, a spreading method according to an embodiment includes a frame body pressing step of surrounding the culture medium with a frame body such that the inside of the frame body is composed only of the culture medium in the film culture medium body when viewed from the pressing direction, and pressing the protective film with the frame body, and an elastic body pressing step of pressing the region of the protective film where the sample solution is dropped with an elastic body.

Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to one embodiment, when automatically performing a spreading process on a film medium, regardless of the type of the specimen or the medium, the sample liquid can be evenly spread over a desired range on the medium, enabling a highly reproducible spreading process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, members having the same function are denoted by the same or related reference numerals, and the repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] In addition, when there are a plurality of similar members (parts), symbols may be added to the general reference numerals to indicate individual or specific parts. In the following embodiments, the description of the same or similar parts will not be repeated as a rule unless particularly necessary.

[0024] In the drawings used in the embodiments, hatching may be omitted even in cross-sectional views in order to make the drawings easier to view. Also, hatching may be added even in plan views in order to make the drawings easier to view.

[0025] In addition, in cross-sectional views and plan views, the sizes of the respective parts do not correspond to the actual device, and in order to make the drawings easier to understand, specific parts may be relatively enlarged and illustrated. Also, even when the cross-sectional view and the plan view correspond, specific parts may be relatively enlarged and illustrated in order to make the drawings easier to understand.

[0026] In the following description, with reference to FIG. 1(a), the side of the base plate 10 as viewed from the pressing ring plate 20 is referred to as the upper or upward side, and the side of the pressing ring plate 20 as viewed from the base plate 10 is referred to as the lower or downward side. Further, the direction connecting the upper and lower sides is referred to as the vertical direction or the up-down direction. Further, as necessary, the direction toward the lower side along the vertical direction is referred to as the pressing direction.

[0027] In the following description, with reference to FIG. 1(a), for the spreader device A, the lower left diagonal direction of the paper surface is referred to as the front, the front side, or the front face side, and the upper right diagonal direction of the paper surface is referred to as the back, the rear side, or the back face side. Further, the direction connecting the front and the rear is referred to as the front-rear direction.

[0028] In the following description, with reference to FIG. 1(a), for the spreader device A, the lower right diagonal direction of the paper surface is referred to as the right or the right side, and the upper left diagonal direction of the paper surface is referred to as the left or the left side.

[0029] Furthermore, in the following description, the direction connecting the left and the right is referred to as the left-right direction, and the right side and the left side of the spreader device A may be referred to as the side face side. Also, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction may be referred to as the horizontal direction.

[0030] (Embodiment 1) The spreader device according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. ≪Overall Configuration of Spreader Device≫ As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the spreader device A according to Embodiment 1 includes a base unit 1, a frame unit 2, and a pressing unit 3.

[0031] This spreader device A is a device that automatically performs a spreading process of pressing from above the protective film against a film medium onto which a sample liquid has been dropped to spread the sample liquid.

[0032] Also, the spreader device A is provided as a part of a configuration device that undertakes the spreading process work among the microorganism inspection pretreatment devices that automatically perform a series of operations for the pretreatment of samples in microorganism inspections.

[0033] In addition, the spreader device A is a device that is detachably attached to a holding unit (not shown) that constitutes a part of the pretreatment device for microbial inspection.

[0034] In addition, a plurality of spreader devices A are attached to a holding unit (not shown) that moves up and down via a drive motor 5 and an up-and-down drive shaft 6 shown in FIG. 3, and are configured to be able to process a plurality of film media simultaneously.

[0035] Here, the base unit 1 is a structure that serves as a base for attaching the frame unit 2 and the pressing unit 3.

[0036] In addition, the frame unit 2 is a structure that presses the protective form so as not to leak liquid at the outer edge of the planned range for spreading the sample liquid in a state where the sample liquid is sandwiched between the film medium body and the protective film in the film medium.

[0037] In addition, the pressing unit 3 is a structure that presses the protective form in a state where the sample liquid is sandwiched between the film medium body and the protective film in the film medium to spread the sample liquid. Here, the pressing unit 3 mentioned here corresponds to the pressing part in the claims of the present application.

[0038] Here, necessarily, the spreader device A does not necessarily have to be provided as a part of the device constituting the pretreatment device for microbial inspection. For example, an aspect of using it as a single device that automatically performs the spreading process can also be adopted.

[0039] In addition, necessarily, a plurality of spreader devices A do not necessarily have to be attached to the holding unit, and the number of spreader devices A to be attached can be set as appropriate.

[0040] ≪Base Unit≫ As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the base unit 1 has a base plate 10, an upper mounting guide plate 11, and a lower mounting guide plate 12.

[0041] Here, the base plate 10 is a plate-shaped member to which the frame unit 2 and the pressing unit 3 are attached. Further, the base plate 10 is a member that moves up and down in the vertical direction together with the frame unit 2 and the pressing unit 3 by the drive of the drive motor 5.

[0042] Further, the base plate 10 is a member that further descends together with the pressing unit 3 in a state where the frame unit 2 presses the protective film via a stroke mechanism described later. Note that the base plate 10 here corresponds to the base portion in the claims of the present application.

[0043] Further, the upper mounting guide plate 11 and the lower mounting guide plate 12 are members that serve as attachment locations when attaching the spreader device A to the holding unit.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2(a), a part of the structure of a holding unit (not shown) is inserted between the upper mounting guide plate 11 and the lower mounting guide plate 12 in the vertical direction, and the holding unit is configured to hold the spreader device A.

[0045] Further, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the base unit 1 has four support columns 13. The support columns 13 are column members for providing a clearance between the base plate 10 and the upper mounting guide plate 11 in the vertical direction.

[0046] Further, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the base unit 1 has bolts 14. The bolts 14 are fixing members for fixing the upper mounting guide plate 11 to the upper ends of the support columns 13.

[0047] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the base unit 1 has bolts 15. The bolts 15 are fixing members for fixing the lower mounting guide plate 12 to the lower side of the upper mounting guide plate 11.

[0048] <<Frame Unit>> As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the frame unit 2 has a pressing ring plate 20 and a guide shaft 21.

[0049] Here, the pressing ring plate 20 is a member that presses the protective form so as not to leak liquid, with the sample liquid sandwiched between the medium body and the protective film in the film medium, and presses the outer edge of the planned range for spreading the sample liquid. Note that the pressing ring plate 20 referred to here corresponds to the frame part or the frame-shaped body in the claims of the present application.

[0050] Also, the outer edge of the planned range for spreading the sample liquid referred to here means, for example, the outer edge part of the circular medium part when the sheet-shaped film medium body has a circular medium part arranged in the center and the outer side is an area without the medium.

[0051] Also, for example, when the medium part of the sheet-shaped film medium body has an area larger than the planned range for spreading the sample liquid, the outer edge of the planned range for spreading the sample liquid means the outer edge part of the preferable area range for spreading the sample liquid according to the type of the film medium.

[0052] Also, as shown in FIG. 1(b), a convex part 200 protruding downward is formed on the lower end surface of the pressing ring plate 20. The convex part 200 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0053] The lower end of this convex part 200 abuts on the protective film from above and becomes a part that presses the outer edge of the planned range for spreading the sample liquid.

[0054] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), a hole part 201 with the inner peripheral surface of the convex part 200 as the outer edge is formed in the pressing ring plate 20. The hole part 201 becomes a space for arranging a sponge part 30 to be described later. Note that the shape in which the hole part 201 of the pressing ring plate 20 is formed here corresponds to the frame shape in the claims of the present application.

[0055] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), four guide shafts 21 are provided in the frame unit 2.

[0056] The guide shaft 21 is a member that connects the presser ring plate 20 and the base plate 10. Also, in the stroke mechanism described later, the guide shaft 21 serves as a shaft member that guides the up-and-down movement of the base plate 10. Here, the guide shaft 21 corresponds to the first shaft in the claims of the present application.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the frame unit 2 has bolts 22. The bolt 22 is a fixing member that fixes the lower end of the guide shaft 21 to the presser ring plate 20.

[0058] Also, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the upper side of the guide shaft 21 is inserted into a through hole (not shown) formed in the base plate 10, and the upper end portion 210 of the guide shaft 21 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base plate 10.

[0059] Also, the base plate 10 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction along the longitudinal direction of the guide shaft 21 by the drive of the drive motor 5.

[0060] Also, as shown in FIG. 1(a), a washer 23 is attached to the upper side of the guide shaft 21. The washer 23 is a retaining member to prevent the upper end portion 210 of the guide shaft 21 from falling downward through a through hole (not shown) in the base plate 10.

[0061] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), a coiled spring 24 is externally fitted to the guide shaft 21. Also, as shown in FIG. 1(b), a spring seat 100 is formed at a position on the bottom surface of the base plate 10 corresponding to the guide shaft 21.

[0062] Here, the spring 24 is a member that contracts when the pressing ring plate 20 moves in the pressing direction together with the base plate 10 and the force for pressing the protective film becomes a certain value or more, and absorbs excessive pressure from the pressing ring plate 20 to the protective film. Note that the spring 24 here corresponds to the first regulating spring in the claims of the present application. Also, the guide shaft 21 and the spring 24 here correspond to the frame pressure adjustment mechanism in the claims of the present application.

[0063] Further, the spring 24 is a member that enables the pressing ring plate 20 to further move in the pressing direction of the base plate 10 and the sponge portion 30 from the state where the pressing ring plate 20 presses the protective film.

[0064] That is, the combination of the guide shaft 21 and the spring 24 constitutes a stroke mechanism.

[0065] By providing this stroke mechanism, with the same drive mechanism, it becomes possible to move the pressing ring plate 20 and the sponge portion 30 up and down, and from the state where the pressing ring plate 20 presses the protective film, further press the protective film with the sponge portion 30 to spread the sample liquid with the film medium.

[0066] That is, by providing the stroke mechanism, it becomes unnecessary to provide an individual drive mechanism for the up and down movement for each of the pressing ring plate 20 and the sponge portion 30, and the spreader device A can be made into a simple and miniaturized structure.

[0067] Further, by the stroke mechanism, it is possible to prevent the pressing ring plate 20 from excessively pressing the protective film without providing a separate pressure sensor or the like.

[0068] Also, the spring seat 100 is a member that receives the upper end portion of the spring 24.

[0069] Here, it is not necessarily required to form the convex portion 200 on the lower end surface of the pressing ring plate 20. Instead, a structure in which a hole portion 201 is formed and which abuts against the protective film to spread the sample liquid can be adopted. However, since the area of contact with the protective film becomes smaller and it becomes possible to press the outer edge of the sample liquid within the planned range of spreading with a smaller force, it is preferable to form the convex portion 200 on the lower end surface of the pressing ring plate 20.

[0070] ≪Pressing Unit≫ As shown in Fig. 1(a), the pressing unit 3 has a sponge portion 30 and a sponge mounting plate 31.

[0071] Here, the sponge portion 30 is a member that presses the protective film to spread the sample liquid in a state where the sample liquid is sandwiched between the film medium main body and the protective film in the film medium. Note that the sponge portion 30 mentioned here corresponds to the elastic body in the claims of the present application.

[0072] The sponge mounting plate 31 is a circular metal plate for attaching and fixing the sponge portion 30.

[0073] As shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), the sponge portion 30 is formed in a disc shape having a certain thickness in the vertical direction. Also, the outer periphery of the sponge portion 30 is formed smaller than the hole portion 201 of the pressing ring plate 20.

[0074] That is, as shown in Fig. 2(b), in a state before the sponge portion 30 presses the protective film, a gap is formed between the outer edge of the hole portion 201 and the outer periphery of the sponge portion 30 in the horizontal direction.

[0075] Also, in the vertical direction, the sponge portion 30 is provided such that the position of the lower end of the sponge portion 30 is located above the position of the lower end of the convex portion 200 of the pressing ring plate 20.

[0076] That is, in the standby state before the pressing ring plate 20 and the sponge portion 30 come into contact with the protective film, the lower end of the convex portion 200 protrudes in the pressing direction more than the lower end of the sponge portion 30.

[0077] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 2(b), the outer periphery of the sponge mounting plate 31 is formed to have the same size as the outer periphery of the sponge portion 30.

[0078] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the pressing unit 3 has an adjusting screw 32 and a nut 33.

[0079] Here, the adjusting screw 32 is a screw member that fixes the sponge mounting plate 31 to the base plate 10. Also, the adjusting screw 32 is a member that adjusts the height position of the sponge mounting plate 31 and the sponge portion 30 in the vertical direction and attaches them to the base plate 10.

[0080] That is, the sponge mounting plate 31 and the sponge portion 30 are fixed to the base portion 10 via the adjusting screw 32. By driving the drive motor 5, the sponge mounting plate 31 and the sponge portion 30 are integrated with the base portion 10 and become members that move up and down in the vertical direction.

[0081] Also, the positional relationship where the lower end of the convex portion 200 protrudes in the pressing direction more than the lower end of the sponge portion 30, which was described above, is set by adjusting the height position of the sponge mounting plate 31 and the sponge portion 30 with the adjusting screw 32.

[0082] Also, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the lower end of the adjusting screw 32 is fixed to the central portion of the sponge mounting plate 31. Also, the adjusting screw 32 is fixed to each of the base plate 10 and the sponge mounting plate 31 by the nut 33.

[0083] Here, it is not necessarily required for the pressing unit 3 to have the sponge portion 30. Any member that elastically deforms when pressing the protective film can be adopted as the pressing portion. For example, a pressing portion formed of rubber or the like can also be used.

[0084] Also, the sponge portion 30 does not necessarily have to be formed in a disc shape with a constant thickness in the vertical direction. In the horizontal direction, as long as the sponge portion 30 can be disposed in the hole portion 201, its shape and size are not limited and can be set as appropriate. However, when the shape of the medium in the film medium is circular, from the viewpoint of facilitating the spreading of the sample liquid in a circular shape, it is preferable that the sponge portion 30 is formed in a disc shape with a constant thickness in the vertical direction.

[0085] Also, the height position of the sponge portion 30 does not necessarily have to be adjusted so that, in the standby state before the pressing ring plate 20 and the sponge portion 30 contact the protective film, the lower end of the convex portion 200 protrudes more in the pressing direction than the lower end of the sponge portion 30. For example, it is also possible to set the positional relationship such that the lower end of the sponge portion 30 protrudes more in the pressing direction than the lower end of the convex portion 200, or to set the positional relationship in which the lower end position of the convex portion 200 and the lower end position of the sponge portion 30 are aligned. The height position of the sponge portion 30 can be appropriately set according to the type of the sample liquid and the medium, etc.

[0086] Also, the pressing unit 3 is not necessarily limited to a structure having one adjusting screw 32, and can have a plurality, for example, four adjusting screws 32. When the pressing unit 3 has a plurality of adjusting screws 32, it becomes easier to make the pressing force on the entire surface of the sponge portion 30 a constant pressure, and it becomes possible to press the protective film with a more constant pressure.

[0087] ≪Mechanism of operation control≫ In the spreader device A according to the first embodiment, the operations of the respective components and mechanisms are controlled via the PC control unit.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3, the PC control unit 4 includes a PC (personal computer) 40, a PLC (programmable logic controller) 41, and a motor driver 42. Note that FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram simply showing the constituent members related to operation control, and the description of the holding unit is omitted here.

[0089] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the base unit 1, the frame unit 2, and the pressing unit 3 are configured to be drivable in the vertical direction via the drive motor 5 and the vertical drive shaft 6.

[0090] Here, since known mechanisms and methods can be adopted for the operation control via the PLC 41, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0091] ≪Spreading Method by Spreader Device≫ The spreading method by the spreader device A of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c). In each of FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), a schematic cross-section of the spreader device A viewed from the side is used to show the flow of movement in the pressing direction.

[0092] First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), in the standby state before the spreader device A starts the spreading process on the film medium 7, the pressing ring plate 20 and the sponge portion 30 are located above and away from the film medium 7.

[0093] In FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), the film medium 7 is shown in a state where the protective film 70 is overlapped on the sheet-shaped film medium body 71. Although not shown, a sample liquid is dropped at the central portion of the film medium body 71, and the sample liquid is sandwiched between the protective film 70 and the film medium body 71.

[0094] Subsequently, when the spreading process is started via the operation control by the PC control unit 4, the drive motor 5 and the vertical drive shaft 6 are driven, and a holding unit (not shown) descends.

[0095] Further, the spreader device A held by the holding unit descends, and together with the base plate 10, the pressing ring plate 20 and the sponge portion 30 move in the pressing direction. Also, due to the movement in the pressing direction, the lower end of the convex portion 200 of the pressing ring plate 20, which is located at the lowermost part of the spreader device A, abuts against the upper surface of the protective film 70.

[0096] Also, when the pressing ring plate 20 and the sponge portion 30 further move in the pressing direction together with the base plate 10 from the state where the lower end of the convex portion 200 abuts against the upper surface of the protective film 70, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the lower end of the convex portion 200 presses the protective film 70.

[0097] By this pressing, the lower end of the convex portion 200 is in a state of pressing the outer edge of the planned spreading range of the sample liquid against the region composed only of the culture medium in the film culture medium main body 71.

[0098] Also, as shown in the enlarged view on the right side of FIG. 4(b), in the vertical direction, there is no gap between the protective film 70 and the convex portion 200, and the protective film 70 is pressed from above so that the sample liquid does not leak outside the convex portion 200.

[0099] Also, as shown in the enlarged view on the right side of FIG. 4(b), at the initial stage when the lower end of the convex portion 200 presses the protective film 70, the lower end surface of the sponge portion 30 does not contact the protective film 70, and there is a gap indicated by the symbol Y in the figure in the vertical direction.

[0100] Next, when the base plate 10 further moves in the pressing direction from the state where the lower end of the convex portion 200 presses the protective film 70, the force with which the convex portion 200 presses the protective film 70 increases.

[0101] When the force exerted by the convex portion 200 on the protective film 70 exceeds the biasing force of the spring 24, the pressing ring plate 20 does not move in the pressing direction due to the stroke mechanism. Together with the base plate 10, only the sponge mounting plate 31 and the sponge portion 30 move in the pressing direction along the guide shaft 21 while compressing the spring 24 downward.

[0102] Further, the sponge portion 30 that moves in the pressing direction together with the base plate 10 abuts against the protective film 70. As the base plate 10 and the sponge portion 30 further descend, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the sponge portion 30 presses the protective film 70 from above.

[0103] Due to the pressing by this sponge portion 30, the sample liquid sandwiched between the protective film 70 and the film culture medium main body 71 spreads outward from the central portion of the film culture medium main body 71.

[0104] Also, although not shown, the sponge portion 30 is further lowered together with the base plate 10, pressed against the protective film 70, and elastically deformed so that the sponge portion 30 is crushed. In this state, the degree of adhesion of the sponge portion 30 to the protective film 70 increases, and the sample liquid can be spread even more.

[0105] Also, as described above, in the region of the film culture medium main body 71 composed only of the culture medium, since the outer edge of the planned range for spreading the sample liquid is pressed by the convex portion 200 of the pressing ring plate 20, it is possible to prevent the sample liquid from leaking outside the convex portion 200.

[0106] Moreover, since the range surrounded by the convex portion 200 of the pressing ring plate 20 is a region composed only of the culture medium, the culture medium can absorb the sample liquid. When culturing the film culture medium 7, if the sample liquid contains microorganisms to be inspected, good culture can be ensured.

[0107] Furthermore, by closely adhering to and pressing the sponge portion 30 against the protective film 70, it becomes difficult for air to enter the spreading sample liquid from the outside, and it is possible to prevent air bubbles from mixing into the spread sample liquid.

[0108] In the above flow, the spreader device A can automatically perform a spreading process on the film medium 7. Also, according to the spreader device A, regardless of the type of specimen or medium, the sample liquid can be evenly spread over a desired range on the medium.

[0109] Also, according to the spreader device A, even when performing the spreading process multiple times, a highly reproducible and accurate spreading process can be performed.

[0110] In the spreading method of the spreader device A according to the first embodiment, first, after pressing the protective film 70 with the pressing ring plate 20, the sponge portion 30 is moved in the pressing direction, and the sponge portion 30 presses the protective film 70.

[0111] Also, as a modification of the first embodiment, contrary to the above flow, first, after pressing the protective film with the sponge portion, the pressing ring plate is moved in the pressing direction, and the pressing ring plate presses the protective film to perform the spreading process. This will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0112] Note that in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) and FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d), the components of the spreader device are schematically shown because the points regarding the difference in the pressing timing are highlighted.

[0113] In the spreader device shown in FIG. 5(a), in the standby state before starting the spreading process, in the vertical direction, the lower end of the sponge portion 30a is located below the lower end of the convex portion 200a of the pressing ring plate 20a.

[0114] That is, the lower end of the sponge part 30a is in a positional relationship that protrudes in the pressing direction from the lower end of the convex part 200a.

[0115] Also, the height position of this sponge 30a can be set by adjusting the height position of the sponge part 30a with the adjustment screw 32. Note that the other configurations of the spreader device in Fig. 5(a) are the same as those of the spreader device A described above.

[0116] Then, when the spreading process is started via the PC control unit 4, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the sponge part 30a and the pressing ring plate 20a move in the pressing direction.

[0117] Also, as shown in Fig. 5(c), due to the movement in the pressing direction, the lower end of the sponge part 30a located at the lowermost part of the spreader device hits the upper surface of the protective film 70. From this state, when the sponge part 30a and the pressing ring plate 20a move further in the pressing direction, the lower end of the sponge part 30a presses the protective film 70.

[0118] Also, when the lower end of the sponge part 30a presses the protective film 70, the sample liquid sandwiched between the protective film 70 and the film culture medium body 71 spreads from the central part of the film culture medium body 71 toward the outside.

[0119] Also, as shown in Fig. 5(c), at the initial stage when the lower end of the sponge part 30a has just pressed the protective film 70, the lower end surface of the convex part 200a does not hit the protective film 70.

[0120] Next, when the base plate 10 moves further in the pressing direction from the state where the lower end of the sponge part 30a presses the protective film 70, the force with which the sponge part 30a presses the protective film 70 increases.

[0121] When the force with which the sponge part 30a presses the protective film 70 exceeds the biasing force of the spring 24, due to the stroke mechanism, the sponge part 30a does not move in the pressing direction, and only the base plate 10 and the presser ring plate 20a move in the pressing direction along the guide shaft 21 while compressing the spring 24.

[0122] Also, as shown in FIG. 5(d), the convex part 200a that moves in the pressing direction together with the base plate 10 abuts against the protective film 70, and as the base plate 10 and the convex part 200a further descend, the convex part 200a presses the protective film 70 from above.

[0123] By this pressing, the lower end of the convex part 200a is in a state of pressing the outer edge of the planned spreading range of the sample liquid against the region composed only of the medium in the film medium main body 71.

[0124] In the spreader device shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d), first, after pressing the protective film 70 with the sponge part 30a, the presser ring plate 20a is moved in the pressing direction, and the protective film 70 is pressed with the presser ring plate 20a to perform a spreading process.

[0125] In this mode, while spreading the sample liquid by pressing the sponge part 30a, at the timing before the sample liquid reaches the planned spreading range of the sample liquid on the film medium main body 71, the lower end of the convex part 200a presses the outer edge of the planned spreading range of the sample liquid, which is a spreading method.

[0126] Thus, in the modification of the first embodiment, it is possible to have a structure in which the protective film 70 is first pressed by the sponge part 30a. FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) show the flow of pressing the film medium by the spreader device A described above and are presented for comparison with FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d).

[0127] Furthermore, although not shown, as a further modification of the first embodiment, the height position of the sponge portion can be adjusted so that in the standby state before starting the spreading process, in the vertical direction, the lower end of the sponge portion is at the same position as the lower end of the convex portion of the pressing ring plate.

[0128] Also, as a further modification, in addition to the drive motor 5 and the vertical drive shaft 6, a separate drive mechanism for moving only the sponge portion in the pressing direction can be provided.

[0129] In such a spreader device, the sponge portion and the pressing ring plate move together in the pressing direction, and both members press the protective film simultaneously. Also, from this state, the sponge portion alone is further moved in the pressing direction by a separate drive mechanism.

[0130] As in the spreader device of this further modification, in the vertical direction, the position of the lower end of the sponge portion and the position of the lower end of the convex portion of the pressing ring plate are aligned, and while pressing the protective film simultaneously, the sponge portion is further pressed against the protective film to perform a spreading process of spreading the sample liquid on the film medium.

[0131] (Second Embodiment) Subsequently, the spreader device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8(a) and 8(b).

[0132] Here, the difference in the structure between the above-described first embodiment and the second embodiment is that the second embodiment includes a stopper bolt 16. Note that the stopper bolt 16 referred to here corresponds to the stopper portion in the claims of the present application.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 7, the spreader device B according to the second embodiment has a stopper bolt 16.

[0134] Here, when the sponge portion 30 moves in the pressing direction together with the base plate 10 to press the protective film, the stopper bolt 16 is a member that serves as a stopper to prevent the base plate 10 and the sponge portion 30 from moving further in the pressing direction when the lower end of the stopper bolt 16 hits the upper surface of the pressing ring plate 20 after the base plate 10 has descended to a certain position.

[0135] That is, by restricting the movement of the sponge portion 30 in the pressing direction with the stopper bolt 16, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the protective film from the sponge portion 30 when the sponge portion 30 presses the protective film.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 7, the upper end of the stopper bolt 16 is fixed to the base plate 10 via a nut 17. Further, a total of four stopper bolts are provided on the base plate 10, one on each side. Here, the stopper bolt 16 and the nut 17 correspond to the pressing portion pressure adjustment mechanism in the claims of the present application.

[0137] Also, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8(a), in the standby state before starting the spreading process, in the vertical direction, the lower end 160 of the stopper bolt 16 is arranged at a certain distance from the upper surface 202 of the pressing ring plate 20. Note that FIG. 8(b) shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view seen from the direction of arrow A-A in the drawing of FIG. 8(a).

[0138] By changing the distance between the lower end 160 of this stopper bolt 16 and the upper surface 202 of the pressing ring plate 20, the pressure when the sponge portion 30 presses the protective film can be adjusted.

[0139] Subsequently, regarding the spreading method by the spreader device B of the second embodiment, with the movement of the stopper bolt 16 as the center, FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c) will be used for explanation. In each of FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c), a schematic cross-section of the spreader device B seen from the side is used to show the flow of movement in the pressing direction.

[0140] First, in the standby state before the spreader device B starts the spreading process on the film medium 7, the stopper bolt 16 is separated from the upper surface 202 of the presser ring plate 20.

[0141] Also, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the presser ring plate 20 and the sponge part 30 move in the pressing direction, and the lower end of the convex part 200 of the presser ring plate 20 presses the protective film 70. Even in this state, the lower end 160 of the stopper bolt 16 is separated from the upper surface 202 of the presser ring plate 20.

[0142] Next, as shown in FIG. 9(b), by the stroke mechanism, the presser ring plate 20 does not move in the pressing direction, and only the sponge part 30 moves in the pressing direction, and the sponge part 30 presses the protective film 70 from above.

[0143] In the state shown in FIG. 9(b), since the base plate 10 and the sponge part 30 descend together, the stopper bolt 16 also descends. However, at the initial stage when the sponge part 30 presses the protective film 70, the lower end 160 of the stopper bolt 16 does not hit the upper surface 202 of the presser ring plate 20.

[0144] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the sponge part 30 further descends together with the base plate 10, so that it is pressed against the protective film 70 and elastically deforms so that the sponge part 30 is crushed.

[0145] With this further downward movement of the sponge part 30, the stopper bolt 16 also descends together, and as shown in FIG. 9(c), the lower end 160 of the stopper bolt 16 abuts against the upper surface 202 of the presser ring plate 20.

[0146] In this way, when the lower end 160 of the stopper bolt 16 abuts against the upper surface 202 of the presser ring plate 20, the base plate 10 and the sponge part 30 cannot move further in the pressing direction, and the downward movement is restricted.

[0147] According to this spreader device B, regardless of the type of specimen or medium, the sample liquid can be evenly spread over the medium within a desired range on the film medium 7. Furthermore, the sponge part 30 can be prevented from applying excessive pressure to the protective film 70.

[0148] (Embodiment 3) Subsequently, the spreader device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11(a), and 11(b).

[0149] Here, the difference in the structure between the above-described first embodiment and the third embodiment is that a slide shaft 34 and a spring 35 are attached instead of the adjustment screw 32 in the first embodiment. Note that the slide shaft 34 described here corresponds to the second shaft in the claims of the present application. Also, the spring 35 described here corresponds to the second regulating spring in the claims of the present application. Further, the slide shaft 34 and the spring 35 described here correspond to the pressing part pressure adjustment mechanism in the claims of the present application.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 11(a), the spreader device C according to the third embodiment has a slide shaft 34 and a spring 35. Note that FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of the overall structure of the spreader device C, but in this figure, the slide shaft 34 and the spring 35 do not appear.

[0151] Here, the slide shaft 34 is a member that connects the sponge mounting plate 31 and the sponge part 30 to the base plate 10. Also, the slide shaft 34 serves as a shaft member that guides the lifting and lowering movement of the base plate 10.

[0152] The lower end of this slide shaft 34 is fixed to the sponge mounting plate 31. Also, the upper side of the slide shaft 34 is inserted into a through hole (not shown) formed in the base plate 10, and the upper end portion of the slide shaft protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base plate 10.

[0153] Further, the base plate 10 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction along the longitudinal direction of the slide shaft 34 by the drive of the drive motor 5.

[0154] Also, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), a washer 36 is attached to the upper side of the slide shaft 34. The washer 36 is a retaining member for preventing the upper end portion of the slide shaft 34 from falling downward through a through hole (not shown) of the base plate 10.

[0155] Also, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), a coiled spring 35 is externally fitted to the slide shaft 34.

[0156] Here, the spring 35 is a member that contracts when the force with which the sponge portion 30 moves in the pressing direction together with the base plate 10 and presses the protective film becomes a certain level or more, and absorbs excessive pressure from the sponge portion 30 to the protective film.

[0157] Thus, in the spreader device C, by providing the slide shaft 34 and the spring 35, it is possible to prevent the sponge portion 30 from applying excessive pressure to the protective film.

[0158] Here, the spreader device C is not necessarily limited to a structure having one slide shaft 34, and may have a plurality of, for example, four slide shafts 34. When the spreader device C has a plurality of slide shafts 34, it becomes easier to make the pressing force on the entire surface of the sponge portion 30 a constant pressure, and it becomes possible to press the protective film with a more constant pressure.

[0159] Also, in the spreader device C, the pressing forces of the presser ring plate 20 and the sponge portion 30 can be adjusted through the respective spring mechanisms of the guide shaft 21 and the spring 24 provided on the presser ring plate 20 and the slide shaft 34 and the spring 35 provided on the sponge mounting plate 31.

[0160] That is, by adjusting the biasing forces of the two springs, namely spring 24 and spring 35, respectively, the pressing force exerted by the pressing ring plate 20 on the protective film and the pressing force exerted by the sponge portion 30 can be adjusted to any desired pressing force. As a result, the degree of pressing on the film medium in the spreader device C can be set under any desired conditions.

[0161] Here, as an example of setting an arbitrary pressing force, a case is assumed where, with respect to the protective film, the outer edge of the planned spreading range of the sample liquid is desired to be strongly suppressed, while the range inside the outer edge is desired to be weakly suppressed.

[0162] If, in the spreader device C, the structure does not include spring 24 and spring 25, the pressing ring plate 20 and the sponge portion 30 move in the pressing direction by the same drive source via the drive motor 5. Therefore, when the pressing ring plate 20 strongly suppresses the outer edge of the planned spreading range of the sample liquid, the pressure received from the sponge portion 30 by the range inside the outer edge also increases.

[0163] As a result, in the film medium, unnecessary pressure is applied, causing the sample liquid on the central side to become thin and making it impossible to ensure appropriate culturing.

[0164] On the other hand, in the spreader device C, since the biasing forces of spring 24 and spring 35 enable the pressing force exerted by the pressing ring plate 20 and the pressing force exerted by the sponge portion 30 to be adjusted to any desired pressing force, it is possible to strongly suppress the outer edge of the planned spreading range of the sample liquid and weakly suppress the range inside the outer edge in the film medium.

[0165] In addition, the spreader device C can also be applied as a device that, as shown in FIG. 5, first presses the protective film with the sponge portion and then moves the pressing ring plate in the pressing direction to press the protective film with the pressing ring plate to perform a spreading process.

[0166] At this time, in the spreader device C, the position of the sponge part 30 can be adjusted in the vertical direction through the slide shaft 34 and the washer 36 so that the lower end position of the sponge part 30 is the position that protrudes the most in the pressing direction.

[0167] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in the method of pressing the protective film with the sponge part in advance, since the spreader device C has the spring 24 and the spring 35, similar to the method of pressing the protective film with the presser ring plate in advance, in the film medium, the outer edge of the planned range where the sample liquid spreads can be strongly suppressed, and the range inside the outer edge can be weakly pressed.

[0168] In addition, as a modification of the third embodiment, instead of the adjustment screw 32 in the first embodiment, a slide shaft 34 without an externally fitted spring 35 may be attached. In this modification, by pressing the protective film only by the self-weight pressing of the sponge part 30 and the sponge mounting plate 31, the pressing force on the entire surface of the sponge part 30 becomes constant, and the protective film can be pressed with a constant pressure. In this case, the slide shaft 34 here corresponds to the pressing part pressure adjustment mechanism in the claims of the present application.

[0169] The main actions of the present invention including the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment described above will be described.

[0170] Here, in a spreader device which is an embodiment, the frame body part presses the protective film, the shape seen from the pressing direction is formed in a frame shape, and by surrounding the medium so that the inside of the frame shape in the film medium main body is composed only of the medium, the outer edge of the planned range for spreading the sample liquid can be pressed by the frame body part against the area composed only of the medium in the film medium main body. According to this, when spreading the sample liquid, it is possible to prevent the sample liquid from leaking outside the frame body part, and it becomes possible to spread the sample liquid so as to be within the desired range. Also, since the inside of the frame shape is composed only of the medium, it is possible to more surely absorb the sample liquid into the medium and ensure good culture.

[0171] Further, the pressing portion presses the protective film and is disposed inside the frame portion when viewed from the pressing direction. Since it is formed of an elastic body, the sample liquid can be evenly spread toward the frame portion. Further, it is possible to press against the protective film while deforming the elastic body, and it is possible to spread the sample liquid while suppressing the mixing of air bubbles.

[0172] Further, the pressing portion moves up and down independently of the frame portion and presses the protective film, so that the timing at which the frame portion presses the protective film and the timing at which the pressing portion presses the protective film can be made different. That is, it becomes easier to perform the pressing by the frame portion and the pressing by the pressing portion under arbitrary conditions, and spreading processing can be performed under a wide range of conditions according to the type of the sample or medium of the sample liquid. Here, the independent up-and-down movement from the frame portion means that the pressing portion can perform an independent up-and-down movement from the frame portion at the necessary timing, and it is not necessary for the pressing portion to always perform an independent up-and-down movement from the frame portion.

[0173] Further, when further provided with a frame portion pressure adjustment mechanism for regulating the pressing of the frame portion against the protective film, it is possible to prevent the frame portion itself from being loaded and damaged, and to prevent the film medium from being damaged due to excessive pressure from the frame portion.

[0174] Further, a base portion is provided which is disposed in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the pressing portion and the frame portion and moves up and down integrally with the pressing portion. When the first shaft is disposed between the base portion and the frame portion and one end is fixed to the frame portion, the pressing portion and the frame portion can be moved up and down along with the up-and-down movement of the base portion.

[0175] In addition, when the frame pressure adjustment mechanism is disposed between the base portion and the frame portion, and has a first shaft with one end fixed to the frame portion and the other end inserted into the base portion with a retaining means, and a first regulating spring which is a coiled spring member and is externally fitted to the first shaft, it is possible to suppress excessive pressure from the frame portion being applied to the protective film while having a structure in which the pressing portion and the frame portion are lifted and lowered by a common drive source. That is, when the frame portion presses the protective film, up to a certain position, the frame portion, the base portion, and the pressing portion move together in the pressing direction. Then, when the force with which the frame portion presses the protective film exceeds a certain level, it exceeds the biasing force of the first regulating spring. As a result, the frame portion does not move further in the pressing direction, and only the base portion and the pressing portion move in the pressing direction while compressing the first regulating spring along the first shaft. That is, the pressure applied to the protective film from the frame portion can be absorbed by the contraction of the first regulating spring. Also, according to this, it becomes possible to further press the protective film with the pressing portion while pressing the protective film with the frame portion.

[0176] In addition, when further provided with a pressing portion pressure adjustment mechanism for regulating the pressing of the pressing portion against the protective film, it is possible to prevent a load from being applied to the pressing portion itself, damage to the pressing portion, and damage to the film medium due to excessive pressure from the pressing portion.

[0177] In addition, when further provided with a base portion which is disposed in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the pressing portion and the frame portion and moves up and down integrally with the pressing portion, and a stopper portion is disposed between the base portion and the frame portion and the other end is fixed to the base portion, the pressing portion and the stopper portion can be moved up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the base portion.

[0178] Further, when the pressing part pressure adjusting mechanism is disposed between the base part and the frame body part, with the other end fixed to the base part and one end extending toward the frame body part and abutting against the frame body part to stop the movement of the pressing part in the pressing direction, when the pressing part presses the protective film, the stopper part also moves in the pressing direction, and by one end thereof abutting against the frame body part, the pressing part can be stopped from moving further in the pressing direction.

[0179] Further, it is disposed in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the pressing part and the frame body part, and further includes a base part that moves up and down. When the second shaft is disposed between the base part and the pressing part, with one end fixed to the pressing part and the other end inserted into the base part with a retaining means, the pressing part can be moved up and down along with the up and down movement of the base part.

[0180] Further, when the pressing part pressure adjusting mechanism includes a second shaft disposed between the base part and the pressing part, with one end fixed to the pressing part and the other end inserted into the base part with a retaining means, and a coiled spring member, a second regulating spring externally fitted on the second shaft, when the second regulating spring is provided, excessive pressure from the pressing part can be prevented from being applied to the protective film. That is, when the pressing part presses the protective film, up to a certain position, the pressing part and the base part move together in the pressing direction. When the force with which the pressing part presses the protective film becomes a certain level or more, it exceeds the biasing force of the second regulating spring. As a result, the pressing part does not move further in the pressing direction, and only the base part moves in the pressing direction while compressing the second regulating spring along the second shaft. That is, the pressure applied from the pressing part to the protective film can be absorbed by the contraction of the second regulating spring.

[0181] Further, when the frame body part is composed of a member with a smaller amount of deformation than the elastic body, when the protective film is pressed by each of the frame body part and the pressing part, while elastically deforming the pressing part while firmly pressing the outer edge of the planned spreading range of the sample liquid with the frame body part, the pressing part is pressed against the protective film, and the sample liquid can be more surely spread to the position pressed by the frame body part.

[0182] In addition, when the elastic body is a sponge, it is a relatively simple and inexpensive member, and the pressing portion can be constructed.

[0183] In addition, in the spreading method according to one embodiment, in the frame body pressing step, from the viewpoint seen in the pressing direction, the medium is surrounded by the frame body so that the inside of the frame body is composed only of the medium in the film culture medium body, and the protective film is pressed by the frame body, whereby the outer edge of the planned spreading range of the sample liquid can be pressed by the frame body against the region composed only of the medium. According to this, when spreading the sample liquid, it is possible to prevent the sample liquid from leaking outside the frame body and to spread the sample liquid so as to be within a desired range. In addition, since the inside of the frame body is composed only of the medium, it is possible to more surely absorb the sample liquid into the medium and ensure good culture.

[0184] In addition, in the elastic body pressing step, by pressing the region of the protective film where the sample liquid is dropped with the elastic body, the sample liquid can be evenly spread. In addition, by pressing against the protective film while deforming the elastic body, it is possible to spread the sample liquid while suppressing the mixing of air bubbles.

[0185] In addition, in the frame body pressing step and the elastic body pressing step, the frame body and the elastic body are moved in the pressing direction or the direction opposite to the pressing direction via the same drive mechanism. When only the other one is moved in the pressing direction from the state where either the frame body or the elastic body presses the protective film, with only the drive of one drive mechanism, both the operation of pressing the outer edge of the planned spreading range of the sample liquid with the frame body and the operation of pressing the elastic body to evenly spread the sample liquid can be performed. In addition, it becomes easier to perform the pressing by the frame body and the pressing by the elastic body under arbitrary conditions, and spreading processing can be performed under a wide range of conditions according to the type of the sample or the culture medium of the sample liquid.

[0186] As described above, when the spreader device of the present invention automatically performs a spreading process on a film medium, regardless of the type of specimen or medium, the sample liquid can be evenly spread over a desired range on the medium, enabling a highly reproducible spreading process. Also, when the spreading method of the present invention automatically performs a spreading process on a film medium, regardless of the type of specimen or medium, the sample liquid can be evenly spread over a desired range on the medium, enabling a highly reproducible spreading process.

[0187] The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0188] A spreader device 1 Base unit 10 Base plate 100 Spring seat 11 Upper mounting guide plate 12 Lower mounting guide plate 13 Support column part 14 Bolt 15 Bolt 2 Frame unit 20 Pressing ring plate 20a Pressing ring plate 200 Convex part 200a Convex part 201 Hole part 21 Guide shaft 210 Upper end part 22 Bolt 23 Washer 24 Spring 3 Pressing unit 30 Sponge part 30a Sponge part 31 Sponge mounting plate 32 Adjusting screw 33 Nut 4 PC control unit 40 PC 41 PLC 42 Motor driver 5 Driving motor 6 Up and down drive shaft 7 Film medium 70 Protective film 71 Film medium body B Spreader device 16 Stopper bolt 160 Lower end 17 Nut 202 Upper surface C Spreader device 34 Slide shaft 35 Spring 36 Washer

Claims

1. A spreader device for spreading a sample liquid sandwiched between a sheet-shaped film culture medium body containing a culture medium and a protective film, a frame body portion that presses the protective film, has a shape formed in a frame shape when viewed from the pressing direction, and surrounds the culture medium such that the inside of the frame shape in the film culture medium body is composed only of the culture medium; a pressing portion that is independent of the frame body portion, moves up and down, presses the protective film, and is disposed inside the frame body portion when viewed from the pressing direction and is formed of an elastic body; A spreader device comprising:

2. The spreader device according to claim 1, further comprising a frame body portion pressure adjustment mechanism for regulating the pressing of the protective film by the frame body portion. A spreader device.

3. The spreader device according to claim 2, further comprising a base portion that is disposed in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the pressing portion and the frame body portion and moves up and down integrally with the pressing portion, wherein the frame body portion pressure adjustment mechanism comprises a first shaft that is disposed between the base portion and the frame body portion, has one end fixed to the frame body portion, and has the other end inserted through the base portion with a retaining means; a first regulating spring that is a coiled spring member and is externally fitted to the first shaft. A spreader device having the same.

4. The spreader mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing portion pressure adjustment mechanism for regulating the pressing of the protective film by the pressing portion. A spreader device.

5. The spreader device according to claim 4, further comprising a base portion that is disposed in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the pressing portion and the frame body portion and moves up and down integrally with the pressing portion, wherein the pressing portion pressure adjustment mechanism comprises a stopper portion that is disposed between the base portion and the frame body portion, has the other end fixed to the base portion, has one end extending toward the frame body portion, and stops the movement of the pressing portion in the pressing direction by abutting the one end against the frame body portion. A spreader device having the same.

6. The spreader device according to claim 4, further comprising a base portion that is disposed in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the pressing portion and the frame body portion and moves up and down, wherein the pressing portion pressure adjustment mechanism comprises a second shaft that is disposed between the base portion and the pressing portion, has one end fixed to the pressing portion, and has the other end inserted through the base portion with a retaining means. ​ ​ ​ A spreader device having a coil-shaped spring member and a second regulating spring externally fitted to the second shaft.

7. In the spreader device according to claim 1, the frame portion is composed of a member having a smaller amount of deformation than the elastic body, the spreader device.

8. In the spreader device according to claim 1, the elastic body is a sponge, the spreader device.

9. A spreading method for spreading a sample liquid sandwiched between a sheet-shaped film culture medium body containing a culture medium and a protective film, a sample liquid dropping step of dropping the sample liquid onto the film culture medium body with the protective film lifted; a frame pressing step of surrounding the culture medium with the frame body so that the inside of the frame body is composed only of the culture medium in the film culture medium body from a viewpoint seen in the pressing direction, and pressing the protective film with the frame body; an elastic body pressing step of pressing a region where the sample liquid is dropped in the protective film with an elastic body, and having, the spreading method.

10. In the spreading method according to claim 9, in the frame pressing step and the elastic body pressing step, the frame body and the elastic body are moved in the pressing direction or the direction opposite to the pressing direction via the same drive mechanism, a spreading method in which only the other is moved in the pressing direction from a state where either the frame body or the elastic body presses the protective film.

Images