Multi-Culture Control System for Variable Volume Adjustment and Agitation of Multiple Culture Bags

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags, configured to control and stir the volume of multiple culture bags containing culture medium. The multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags comprises: a main housing forming multiple receiving spaces partitioned to accommodate each of the multiple culture bags; a plurality of doors rotatably installed in the main housing to open and close each of the multiple receiving spaces; a plurality of culture bag control devices disposed in each of the multiple receiving spaces and each having a culture bag placed thereon; a medium supply device configured to supply culture medium to the culture bags placed in each of the multiple culture bag control devices; and a stirring assembly configured to be detachably connected to each of the multiple culture bag control devices and to stir the multiple culture bag control devices independently of each other. The plurality of culture bag control devices each include: a seating plate on which the culture bag is placed; a stirring plate connected to the seating plate to form a spaced-apart space and configured to be stirred; a base connected to the stirring plate to allow the stirring plate to rotate and installed on one side of the receiving space; and a volume control module connected to the seating plate to pass through the spaced-apart space, configured to pressurize the culture bag, and movable in a direction parallel to a first direction in which the seating plate extends to adjust the volume of the culture bag.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to cell culture technology, and more specifically, to a culture device capable of stirring a culture bag for culturing cells while simultaneously controlling the volume of said culture bag, and a multi-culture control system including the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a device and a control structure configured such that a plurality of culture bags can each be independently stirred and their volumes controlled within a single system. Background Technology

[0003] With the recent rapid advancements in the fields of biopharmaceuticals, cell therapies, gene therapies, and regenerative medicine, the demand for culture technologies to culture cells stably and efficiently is continuously increasing. In these cell culture processes, maintaining uniformity of the culture environment, providing even nutrients, and improving the efficiency of gas exchange play important roles in order to improve cell viability and proliferation efficiency.

[0004] To this end, conventional techniques have widely been used to improve the mixing state within culture bags by stirring the culture medium. However, these conventional culture devices generally provided stirring functions only for a single culture bag, or even when processing multiple culture bags simultaneously, they were often limited to a method of stirring all bags at once under the same conditions.

[0005] Meanwhile, despite the necessity to adjust the effective volume inside the culture bag according to the cell type, culture stage, and proliferation state, conventional technology mostly relied on separate manual work or external devices, as the volume control function of the culture bag was not organically integrated with the stirring function. Consequently, fine-tuning of culture conditions was difficult, and increased operator intervention led to problems such as the risk of contamination and reduced process efficiency.

[0006] Furthermore, in large-scale culture environments where multiple culture bags are operated simultaneously, conventional devices had limitations in independently controlling each culture bag despite the fact that cell growth rates and culture conditions varied for each bag; consequently, this resulted in problems such as variations in culture quality and resource waste.

[0007] Therefore, there is a continuous demand for a new type of culture device and control system in which multiple culture bags are arranged within a single system, while each culture bag can be independently stirred and its volume controlled as needed. The problem to be solved

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags, comprising a structure capable of stirring multiple culture bags under different conditions and individually controlling the volumes of the multiple culture bags.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags, comprising a structure capable of independently stirring and volume-regulating each culture bag according to the characteristics of the cells cultured in the multiple culture bags.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] One aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objective provides a multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of a plurality of culture bags, configured to control and stir the volume of a plurality of culture bags containing culture medium. The multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of a plurality of culture bags comprises: a main housing forming a plurality of receiving spaces partitioned to accommodate each of the plurality of culture bags; a plurality of doors rotatably installed in the main housing to open and close each of the plurality of receiving spaces; a plurality of culture bag control devices disposed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces and each having a culture bag placed thereon; a medium supply device configured to supply culture medium to the culture bags placed thereon in each of the plurality of culture bag control devices; and a stirring assembly configured to be detachably connected to each of the plurality of culture bag control devices and to stir the plurality of culture bag control devices independently of each other. The plurality of culture bag control devices each include: a seating plate on which the culture bag is placed; a stirring plate connected to the seating plate to form a spaced-apart space and configured to be stirred; a base connected to the stirring plate to allow the stirring plate to rotate and installed on one side of the receiving space; and a volume control module connected to the seating plate to pass through the spaced-apart space, configured to pressurize the culture bag, and movable in a direction parallel to a first direction in which the seating plate extends to adjust the volume of the culture bag.

[0014] Additionally, the base includes a base body provided to support the mounting plate and a base projection protruding from one side of the base body and connected to the stirring plate, and the stirring plate includes a rotating body connected to the mounting plate and the base body, and a rotating projection protruding from one side of the rotating body facing one side of the base body and rotatably connected to the base projection, and the stirring assembly may include a stirring shaft device that is rotatably operable and extendable, which is provided to pass through the base projection and engage with the rotating projection, and a stirring gear module installed at one end of the stirring shaft device.

[0015] Additionally, the stirring assembly may further include a main motor installed at the bottom of the main housing; a base gear connected to the main motor and rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction based on the operation of the main motor; a main shaft rotatably installed in the main housing and extending vertically to pass through the plurality of receiving spaces; a main gear installed on the main shaft to mesh with the base gear; and a plurality of operating gears spaced apart on the main shaft along the direction in which the main shaft extends to be disposed in the plurality of receiving spaces, and separatedly meshed with the stirring gear module.

[0016] Additionally, the apparatus further includes a sensing module disposed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces and configured to sense information of a culture bag being stirred in the plurality of culture bag control devices; and a processor electrically connected to the sensing module and the stirring shaft device; and when stirring of a culture bag disposed on a first culture bag control device, which is one of the plurality of culture bag control devices, is required, the processor can control the operation of the first stirring shaft device so that the first stirring gear module disposed on a first receiving space, which is one of the plurality of receiving spaces where the first culture bag control device is disposed, is extended so that the first stirring gear module disposed on the first receiving space meshes with a first operating gear, which is one of the plurality of operating gears disposed on the first receiving space.

[0017] Additionally, when it is necessary to stop the stirring of a culture bag placed in a second culture bag control device, which is one of the plurality of culture bag control devices other than the first culture bag control device, the processor may control the operation of the second stirring shaft device, on which the second stirring gear module is installed, so that the meshing between the second stirring gear module placed in the second receiving space, which is one of the plurality of receiving spaces where the second culture bag control device is placed, and the second operating gear, which is one of the plurality of operating gears placed in the second receiving space, is released.

[0018] Additionally, the above-mentioned mounting plate includes a first mounting surface on which the culture bag is mounted, a mounting body connected to be spaced apart from the rotating body, a guide bar protruding from a second mounting surface which is one side of the mounting body facing the stirring plate and extending in a direction parallel to the first direction, and a slide block slidably connected to the guide bar, and the volume control module includes a first support bar arranged to pass through the spaced space and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the first direction on the spaced space, a control body including a connecting block coupled to the first support bar and coupled to the slide block to support the first support bar on the mounting body, and a pressurizing means installed on the control body to be movable toward the first mounting surface and configured to be movable between a first position that pressurizes the culture bag and a second position spaced apart from the culture bag, and when the pressurizing means is positioned at the first position, the culture bag is on one side of the pressurizing means relative to the pressurizing means It can be arranged to be partitioned into a culture space located and receiving the culture medium, and an expansion space located on the other side of the pressurizing means.

[0019] Additionally, the volume control module further comprises a pair of second support bars extending from both ends of the first support bar, a third support bar coupled to each of the pair of second support bars to connect the second support bars to each other and positioned above the first seating surface, on which the pressurizing means is installed, a pressurizing rod installed on the third support bar to pressurize the culture bag, connected to the pressurizing means, and movable toward the first seating surface, and a pressurizing motor installed on the third support bar to move the pressurizing rod, wherein the first position and the second position may be defined as the position of the pressurizing means on the culture bag placement space formed by the pair of second support bars, the third support bar, and the first seating surface.

[0020] Additionally, the mounting plate further comprises a pair of guide protrusions protruding from both ends of the second mounting surface, a guide shaft rotatably coupled to the pair of guide protrusions and extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the guide bar extends, and a guide motor connected to one end of the guide shaft to rotate the guide shaft in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction, and the volume adjustment module further comprises a guide block installed on one surface of the first support bar facing the mounting body and arranged to move in a direction parallel to the first direction based on the rotation of the guide shaft, and the volume of the culture space may be arranged to increase or decrease based on the position of the pressurizing means according to the position of the guide block on the guide shaft.

[0021] Additionally, the base may include an installation groove formed by being recessed in the base body to allow a sensing module to be positioned therein to sense the culture space in order to obtain information regarding the density of cultured cells cultured in the culture space, and the stirring plate may include a rotating body opening formed through the rotating body and communicating with the spacing space so that the sensing module can sense the culture space of the culture bag seated on the first seating surface, and the seating plate may include a seating body opening formed through the seating body so that the sensing module can sense the culture space, communicating with the spacing space and communicating with the rotating body opening, and extending in a direction parallel to the first direction. Effects of the invention

[0023] According to the concept of the present disclosure, multiple culture bags can be simultaneously stirred and volume controlled, thereby improving the efficiency of cell culture.

[0024] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the stirring and volume control amounts of each culture bag can be individually controlled according to the condition of the cells contained in each of the plurality of culture bags, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of cell culture.

[0025] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] The attached drawings are intended to explain the contents of the present invention in more detail to those skilled in the art, and the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a multi-culture control system for varying the volume and stirring of multiple culture bags according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a conceptual drawing illustrating a cross-section of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of Fig. 4 shown from a different angle. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the base separated separately in a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a stirring plate separately separated in a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the mounting plate and the culture bag separately in a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a drawing of Figure 8 shown from a different angle. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a volume control module separately separated in a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view of a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view of a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a part of a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of a portion of a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the first mode of the culture bag control device, in which the pressurizing means moves from a first position to a second position to pressurize the drainage bag and is positioned at a starting position on the drainage bag. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the second mode of the culture bag control device, in which a pressurizing means pressurizes the drainage bag and moves from the starting position to the first roller position. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the third mode of the culture bag control device, in which the pressurizing means moves from the first roller position to the second roller position, thereby increasing the volume of the culture space. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0029] Additionally, the same reference numerals or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit or / or restrict the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., as used herein may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any one of a plurality of related described items.

[0032] Meanwhile, the shape and position of each component are not limited by terms such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" used in the following description.

[0033] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0034] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0035] In referring to the direction of rotation, a clockwise direction may be expressed as the first direction, and a counterclockwise direction, which is the opposite of the first direction, may be expressed as the second direction. While such expressions may be commonly used to describe specific details for implementing the invention, the direction of rotation of the components of the invention is not limited by these terms.

[0036] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a multi-culture control system for varying the volume and stirring of multiple culture bags according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual drawing illustrating a cross-section of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 2.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the present invention provides a multi-culture control system (1, hereinafter referred to as the “system”) for volume variation and stirring of a plurality of culture bags (CB) that are arranged to control and stir the volume of a plurality of culture bags (CB) in which a culture medium is contained.

[0039] More specifically, the system (1) may include a main housing (2) that forms a plurality of receiving spaces (20) partitioned to accommodate a plurality of culture bags (CBs). For example, the main housing (2) may include a rectangular shape that forms a receiving space inside, but is not limited thereto. Although the receiving spaces (20) are depicted as being five in number, this is merely for convenience of explanation, and the receiving spaces can be provided in various ways depending on the needs of use.

[0040] For example, the system (1) may include a culture bag control device (5) configured to stir the culture bag (CB) and control the volume of the culture bag (CB), and the culture bag control device (5) described above may be placed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (20).

[0041] For example, the system (1) may include a stirring assembly (SA) connected to the culture bag control device (5) to provide power for the culture bag control device (5) to stir the culture bag (CB). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0042] For example, multiple culture bags (CB) may be placed in only some of the multiple receiving spaces (20). For example, a culture bag control device (5) may be placed in only some of the multiple receiving spaces (20). In addition, a culture medium supply device (10) provided to supply culture medium to the multiple culture bags (CB) may be placed in another of the multiple receiving spaces (20). In addition, a configuration of a stirring assembly (SA) provided to provide power for stirring the culture bags (CB) may be accommodated in yet another of the multiple receiving spaces (20). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0043] For example, the plurality of receiving spaces (20) may include a first receiving space (20-1), a second receiving space (20-2), and a third receiving space (20-3) in which a culture bag control device (5) is placed. For example, the second receiving space (20-2) may mean a space located below the first receiving space (20-1), and the third receiving space (20-3) may mean a space located below the second receiving space (20-2).

[0044] For example, the plurality of receiving spaces (20) may include a fourth receiving space (20-4) in which a part of the stirring assembly (SA) is placed. For example, the fourth receiving space (20-4) may be located below the third receiving space (20-3), but is not limited thereto.

[0045] For example, the plurality of receiving spaces (20) may include a fifth receiving space (20-5) in which a badge supply device (10) is placed. For example, the fifth receiving space (20-5) may be placed above the first receiving space (20-1), but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The system (1) may include a plurality of doors (21) rotatably installed in the main housing (2) to open and close a plurality of receiving spaces (20) respectively.

[0047] For example, the plurality of doors (21) may include a first door (21-1) provided to open and close a first receiving space (20-1). For example, the plurality of doors (21) may include a second door (21-2) provided to open and close a second receiving space (20-2). For example, the plurality of doors (21) may include a third door (21-3) provided to open and close a third receiving space (20-3). For example, the plurality of doors (21) may include a fourth door (21-4) provided to open and close a fourth receiving space (20-4). For example, the plurality of doors (21) may include a fifth door (21-5) provided to open and close a fifth receiving space (20-5).

[0048] For example, a controller module may be placed in the fifth door (21-5). The controller module may include a display unit configured to display the operating status of the system (1) and to input a user's input signal. By controlling the display unit, the user can control the system (1). For example, the system (1) may include a processor configured to electrically control the components of the system (1) and to receive and sense various information.

[0049] The system (1) may include a memory that stores data for an algorithm or a program that reproduces the algorithm for controlling the components of the system (1). The memory may be electrically connected to a processor.

[0050] The system (1) may include a plurality of culture bag control devices (5) each disposed in a plurality of receiving spaces (20) and each having a culture bag (CB) placed thereon. The culture bag control device (5) may be provided to agitate the placed culture bag (CB) and may be provided to control the volume of the culture bag (CB). For example, controlling the volume of the culture bag (CB) may mean controlling the space where the culture medium and cells are located inside the culture bag (CB). The specific method by which the culture bag control device (5) agitates the culture bag (CB) and controls its volume will be described later.

[0051] The culture bag (CB) may include a first culture bag (CB1) placed in a first receiving space (20-1), a second culture bag (CB2) placed in a second receiving space (20-2), and a third culture bag (CB3) placed in a third receiving space (20-3).

[0052] A plurality of culture bag control devices (5) may include a first culture bag control device (5-1) disposed in a first receiving space (20-1), a second culture bag control device (5-2) disposed in a second receiving space (20-2), and a third culture bag control device (5-3) disposed in a third receiving space (20-3). A first culture bag (CB1) may be disposed in the first culture bag control device (5-1), a second culture bag (CB2) in the second culture bag control device (5-2), and a third culture bag (CB3) in the third culture bag control device (5-3).

[0053] That is, culture bags (CB) can be placed in each culture bag control device (5), and cells can be cultured individually inside each culture bag (CB). This can improve the efficiency of cell culture.

[0054] The system (1) may include a culture medium supply device (10) configured to supply culture medium to culture bags (CB) each mounted on a plurality of culture bag control devices (5).

[0055] The culture medium supply device (10) may include a first culture medium supply device (10-1) connected to a first culture bag (CB1) via a first fluid pipe (171), a second culture medium supply device (10-2) connected to a second culture bag (CB2) via a second fluid pipe (172), and a third culture medium supply device (10-3) connected to a third culture bag (CB3) via a third fluid pipe (173). Individual culture medium supply devices (10) may be connected to each culture bag (CB), and culture medium may be supplied individually to the culture bag (CB) according to the growth of cells in each culture bag (CB).

[0056] The system (1) may include a sensing module (30) configured to sense the state of a culture bag (CB). Sensing the state of the culture bag (CB) may include sensing the state of cells cultured in the culture bag (CB), the amount of culture medium, the volume of the culture bag (CB), etc. The sensing module (30) may be electrically connected to a processor and transmit the acquired information to the processor.

[0057] The sensing module (30) may include a first sensing module (31) positioned in a first receiving space (20-1) to sense a first culture bag (CB1), a second sensing module (32) positioned in a second receiving space (20-2) to sense a second culture bag (CB2), and a third sensing module (33) positioned in a third receiving space (20-3) to sense a third culture bag (CB3).

[0058] The system (1) may include a stirring assembly (SA) that is detachably connected to each of the plurality of culture bag control devices (5) and is configured to stir the plurality of culture bag control devices (5) independently of each other. By operating the stirring assembly (SA), the culture bag control devices (5) may be configured to stir.

[0059] The stirring assembly (SA) may include a stirring shaft device (6) that is rotatably operable and extendable, which is configured to pass through a base projection and be coupled to a rotational projection. The stirring shaft device (6) may be configured to pass through a second base projection (described later) of the culture bag control device (5) and be coupled to a second rotational projection (described later).

[0060] For example, the stirring shaft device (6) may include a first retractable shaft (61-1) that is retractably provided, and a first rotating shaft (61-2) that is connected to the first retractable shaft (61-1) and is rotatably provided.

[0061] The stirring assembly (SA) may include a stirring gear module (7) installed at one end of the stirring shaft device (6). The stirring gear module (7) is detachably engaged with other components of the stirring assembly (SA) based on the extension of the stirring shaft device (6), thereby determining whether the culture bag control device (5) is stirred.

[0062] Specifically, the stirring assembly (SA) may include a main motor (93) installed at the bottom of the main housing (2) and a base gear (94) connected to the main motor (93) and rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction based on the operation of the main motor (93). For example, the main motor (93) and the base gear (94) may be placed in a fourth receiving space (20-4).

[0063] The stirring assembly (SA) may include a main shaft (91) that is rotatably installed in the main housing (2) and extends vertically to pass through a plurality of receiving spaces (20), and a main gear (92) installed on the main shaft (91) to mesh with a base gear (94). The main shaft (91) may be positioned inside the main housing (2) to pass through all of the plurality of receiving spaces (20). The main gear (92) may be positioned on one side of the main shaft (91) and may be in a state of meshing with the base gear (94). Accordingly, based on the rotation of the main motor (93), the main shaft (91) can rotate in one direction or the other.

[0064] The stirring assembly (SA) may further include a plurality of operating gears (8) that are spaced apart on the main shaft (91) along the direction in which the main shaft (91) extends so as to be disposed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (20), and which are detachably engaged with the stirring gear module (7).

[0065] For example, a plurality of operating gears (8) may include a first operating gear (81) which is coupled to the main shaft (91) to be located in the first receiving space (20-1) and is detachably connected to a first stirring gear module (71) located in the first receiving space (20-1), a second operating gear (82) which is coupled to the main shaft (91) to be located in the second receiving space (20-2) and is detachably connected to a second stirring gear module (7) located in the second receiving space (20-2), and a third operating gear (83) which is coupled to the main shaft (91) to be located in the third receiving space (20-3) and is detachably connected to a third stirring gear module (7) located in the third receiving space (20-3).

[0066] As described above, the system (1) may further include a sensing module (30) arranged to sense information of a culture bag (CB) being stirred in a plurality of culture bag control devices (5) and a processor electrically connected to the sensing module (30) and a stirring shaft device (6).

[0067] For example, when stirring of a culture bag (CB) placed on a first culture bag control device (5-1), which is one of a plurality of culture bag control devices (5), is required, the processor can control the operation of the first stirring shaft device (61) so that the first stirring gear module (71), which is placed on a first receiving space (20-1), which is one of a plurality of receiving spaces (20) where the first culture bag control device (5-1) is placed, is extended so that the first stirring gear module (71) is placed on the first receiving space (20-1) and the first stirring shaft device (61), on which the first stirring gear module (71) is installed, meshes with a first operating gear (81), which is one of a plurality of operating gears (8) placed on the first receiving space (20-1).

[0068] For example, when it is necessary to stop stirring of a culture bag (CB) placed in a second culture bag control device (5-2) which is one of the multiple culture bag control devices (5) other than the first culture bag control device (5-1), the processor can control the operation of the second stirring shaft device (6) so that the second stirring gear module (7) placed on the second receiving space (20-2), which is one of the multiple receiving spaces (20) where the second culture bag control device (5-2) is placed, and the second operating gear (82), which is one of the multiple operating gears (8) placed on the second receiving space (20-2), are disengaged from meshing with the second operating gear (82), which is one of the multiple operating gears (8) placed on the second receiving space (20-2).

[0069] For convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the first culture bag control device (5-1) placed in the first receiving space (20-1), the first sensing module (31), the first stirring shaft device (61), and the first stirring gear module (71). For convenience of explanation, the first culture bag control device (5-1) will be referred to as the “control device,” the first sensing module (31) as the “sensing module (30),” the first stirring shaft device (61) as the “stirring shaft device (6),” and the first stirring gear module (71) as the “first stirring gear module (71).”

[0070] It goes without saying that the following descriptions can be applied to the configurations located in the second accommodation space (20-2) and the configurations located in the third accommodation space (20-3).

[0071] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating FIG. 4 from a different angle. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the base separately in a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the stirring plate separately in a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the seating plate and the culture bag separately in a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating FIG. 8 from a different angle. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the volume control module separately in a culture bag control device according to one embodiment.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 10, the culture bag control device can be operated to control the volume of a culture bag (CB) containing a culture medium for culturing cells and to stir the culture bag (CB).

[0073] As described above, the culture medium transferred from the replaceable medium supply device (10) to the culture bag control device (5) can be transferred to the culture bag (CB) placed in the culture bag control device (5). Through this, the cells contained inside the culture bag (CB) can be supplied with nutrients and cultured. To this end, the liquid transfer tube (170) can be extended from the space where the replaceable medium supply device (10) is placed to the space where the culture bag control device (5) is placed and inserted into the culture bag (CB). For example, the liquid transfer tube (170) can be extended and connected to the injection pipe (MP) of the culture bag (CB) to inject the culture medium transferred from the replaceable medium supply device (10) into the interior (CB) of the culture bag.

[0074] In conclusion, the interior of the culture bag (CB) may contain a culture medium that is prepared to form nutrient components and nutrient spaces necessary for cell culture. Cells may be cultured within the culture medium, grow, and increase in number.

[0075] For example, the threshold value of density for cells to be cultured within a certain space can be defined as the “threshold density value.”

[0076] For example, the density required for cell culture within a certain space can refer to the value obtained by dividing the volume of the space in which the cells are cultured by the number of cells present in that space. This can be referred to as the cell density value.

[0077] If the cell density exceeds a threshold, there may be insufficient space for cell culture and nutrient distribution may be inefficient, which could lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of cell culture. To prevent this, it may be necessary to reduce the cell density by increasing the volume of the space where the cells are cultured.

[0078] In addition, it may be necessary to stir the culture medium in which the cells are cultured in order to smoothly supply oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

[0079] A culture bag control device (5) examines the specific structure and method for controlling the volume of the culture bag (CB) in which the culture medium is contained and stirring it.

[0080] A culture bag control device (5) may include a base (500) to which a stirring assembly (SA) is connected to be arranged to stir a culture bag (CB), a stirring plate (600) connected to the stirring assembly (SA) and rotatably installed on the base (500), a seating plate (300) connected to the stirring plate (600) to form a spaced-apart space (S) and on which a culture bag (CB) is placed, and a volume control module (400) connected to the seating plate (300) to pass through the spaced-apart space (S), arranged to pressurize the culture bag (CB), and capable of moving in a direction parallel to a first direction in which the seating plate (300) extends on the seating plate (300) to adjust the volume of the culture bag (CB).

[0081] The base (500) can support the components of the culture bag control device (5) in the mounting space where the culture bag control device (5) is mounted and the components of the culture bag control device (5) are seated.

[0082] The base (500) may include a base body (510) provided to support a seating plate (300) and a base projection (520) protruding from one side of the base body (510) and having a stirring shaft device (6) installed thereon.

[0083] The base body (510) may include the shape of a plate that forms the exterior of the base (500) and supports the components of the culture bag control device (5). For example, the base body (510) may be formed to be bent into a roughly U-shape. An opening may be formed in the center by the shape of the base body (510), which may be referred to as an installation groove (150). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0084] The base projection (520) may be formed to protrude in one direction from the base body (510). For example, one direction may mean upward. For example, upward may mean the +Z direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] Specifically, the base projection (520) may include a first base projection (521) protruding from a part of the base body (510) and a second base projection (522) protruding from another part of the base body (510). For example, an installation groove (150) may be located between the first base projection (521) and the second base projection (522).

[0086] For example, the first base projection (521) and the second base projection (522) may be arranged parallel to each other in the first direction. In other words, an imaginary line connecting the first base projection (521) and the second base projection (522) may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0087] For example, the first direction may mean the +Y direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] For example, the base body (510) may include a first base body (511) in which a first base protrusion (521) is formed, a second base body (512) in which a second base protrusion (522) is formed, and a third base body (513) connecting the first base body (511) and the second base body (512).

[0089] For example, the first base body (511) and the second base body (512) may be extended in directions parallel to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0090] For example, a first base protrusion (521) hole may be formed in the second base protrusion (522) to penetrate the second base protrusion (522) in a horizontal direction. The rotation axis of the stirring shaft device that rotates the stirring plate (600) may be positioned to pass through the first base protrusion (521) hole. This will be explained later.

[0091] The base (500) may further include a sensing sensor (540) installed on the base body (510) and configured to sense the position of the sight (630) when the rotating projection (620) rotates. For example, the sensing sensor (540) may be positioned on the second base body (512) so as to be located on one side of the second base projection (522).

[0092] The sensing sensor (540) may be provided to sense the rotation angle of the stirring plate (600). Accordingly, the rotation angle of the stirring plate (600) can be controlled based on the information sensed by the sensing sensor (540), and through this, the rotation angle of the mounting plate (300) can be controlled, thereby allowing the rotation angle of the culture bag (CB) to be adjusted. The specific method by which the sensing sensor (540) senses the rotation angle of the stirring plate (600) will be described later.

[0093] The base (500) may include an installation groove (150) formed by being recessed in the base body (510) so that a sensing module (30) for sensing the culture space (CB1) to obtain information regarding the density of cultured cells cultured in the culture space (CB1) is positioned therein.

[0094] For example, the culture space (CB1) may refer to the space within the internal space of the culture bag (CB) where the culture medium is contained and cells are cultured. For example, the space within the internal space of the culture bag (CB) other than the culture space (CB1) may be defined as the expansion space (CB2). As the expansion space (CB2) becomes smaller, the volume of the culture space (CB1) where cells can be cultured may increase.

[0095] For example, the installation groove (150) may be formed by being surrounded by the first base body (511), the second base body (512), and the third base body (513). For example, the sensing module (30) may include various means for sensing the size and quantity of cells cultured inside a culture bag (CB) containing a light-transmitting material. As will be described later, the mounting plate (300) on which the culture bag (CB) is placed may be located on the upper part of the base (500), and the sensing module (30) may be placed on one side of the receiving space (20) capable of sensing the inside of the culture bag (CB).

[0096] The stirring plate (600) can be rotatably coupled to the base (500). Specifically, the stirring plate (600) may include a rotating body (610) connected to the base body (510) and the seating plate (300), and a rotating projection (620) protruding from one side of the rotating body (610) facing one side of the base body (510) and rotatably connected to the base projection (520).

[0097] For example, the rotating body (610) may include a plate shape and may be extended in a first direction.

[0098] For example, the rotating projection (620) may be formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the rotating body (610).

[0099] For example, the rotational projection (620) may include a first rotational projection (621) protruding from a part of the rotational body (610) and a second rotational projection (622) protruding from another part of the rotational body (610).

[0100] For example, the first rotational projection (621) and the second rotational projection (622) may be arranged parallel to each other in the first direction. In other words, an imaginary line connecting the first rotational projection (621) and the second rotational projection (622) may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction. For example, the imaginary line connecting the first rotational projection (621) and the second rotational projection (622) may be parallel to the imaginary line connecting the first base projection (521) and the second base projection (522).

[0101] For example, the first rotational projection (621) may be rotatably connected to the first base projection (521). For example, the second rotational projection (622) may be rotatably connected to the second base projection (522). For example, the distance between the first rotational projection (621) and the second rotational projection (622) may be shorter than the distance between the first base projection (521) and the second base projection (522). Accordingly, when the rotating projection (620) is rotatably installed on the base projection (520), the first rotating projection (621) may be positioned to face one side of the first base projection (521) facing the second base projection (522), and the second rotating projection (622) may be positioned to face one side of the second base projection (522) facing the second base projection (522) facing the first base projection (521), but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The second rotational projection (622) may include a second rotational projection hole (622-1) that communicates with the second base projection hole (522-1). The rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device described later may be inserted into the second rotational projection hole (622-1) and connected to the rotating body (610). As described above, the rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second base projection hole (522-1) so as to pass through the second base projection hole (522-1). For example, the diameter of the second rotational projection hole (622-1) may include a diameter corresponding to the rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device. Through this, the stirring plate (600) may be arranged to rotate based on the operation of the stirring assembly (SA).

[0103] For example, the stirring plate (600) may be configured to rotate around the center of the rotating projection (620). For example, the stirring plate (600) may be configured to rotate around a virtual axis of rotation that passes through the second rotating projection hole (622-1) of the second rotating projection (622) connected to the rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device and extends parallel to the first direction.

[0104] For example, the stirring plate (600) may include a sight (630). For example, the sight (630) may extend from the second rotating projection (622) in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the second rotating projection (622) extends.

[0105] For example, the sight (630) may be extended downward so as to be adjacent to the base (500) than the lower end of the second rotating projection (622). For example, the sight (630) may be extended from the rotating projection (620) so as to extend toward the base body (510) the stirring plate (600).

[0106] For example, the sight (630) may be configured to be detected by a detection sensor (540). Specifically, the sight (630) may rotate according to the rotation of the stirring plate (600), and one end of the sight (630) downward may be positioned to pass through the interior of the detection sensor (540).

[0107] The sensing sensor (540) can sense information regarding the position of the lower end of the sight (630) passing through the interior of the sensing sensor (540). Through this, information regarding the angle of rotation of the rotating body (610) based on the position of the sight (630) can be determined, and thereby the rotation angle of the rotating body (610) can be controlled by controlling the operation of the stirring assembly (SA).

[0108] For example, the rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device may be configured to rotate in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. For example, the rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device may be configured to rotate alternately in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction. For example, the first rotation direction may be the R1 direction (see FIG. 6) and the second rotation direction may be the R2 direction (see FIG. 6), but is not limited thereto.

[0109] Through the operation of the main motor (93) of the above-described stirring assembly (SA), the stirring plate (600) may also be arranged to alternately rotate in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction. Details regarding the stirring of the culture bag (CB) in accordance with this will be described later.

[0110] For example, the stirring plate (600) may include a rotating body opening (640) formed through the (30) rotating body (610) and communicating with a spaced-out space (S). (30)

[0111] For example, the rotating body opening (640) may be formed to be located between the first rotating projection (621) and the second rotating projection (622).

[0112] The mounting plate (300) may include a mounting body (310) that is positioned spaced apart from the rotating body (610), coupled with the rotating body (610), and on which a culture bag (CB) is mounted. For example, the mounting body (310) may include a plate shape that is approximately rectangular, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] The mounting body (310) may include a first mounting surface (311) on which a culture bag (CB) is mounted, and a second mounting surface (312) opposite to the first mounting surface (311). For example, the second mounting surface (312) may be positioned to face the rotating body (610).

[0114] For example, a connecting column (SR) may be positioned between the rotating body (610) and the seated body (310). The rotating body (610) is connected to one end of the connecting column (SR), and the other end of the rotating body (610) is connected to the other end of the connecting column (SR), so that the connecting column (SR) can connect the rotating body (610) and the seated body (310). For example, the rotating body (610) and the seated body (310) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart by the length of the connecting column (SR). The spaced-away space may be defined as a spaced-away space (S). A portion of the volume control module (400) described later may be positioned to pass through the spaced-away space (S).

[0115] For example, the connecting pillars (SR) may include a plurality of connecting pillars (SR) arranged to be spaced apart from the edge of the rotating body (610).

[0116] For example, the mounting plate (300) may include a guide bar (342, 352) that protrudes from the second mounting surface (312) and extends in a direction parallel to the first direction, and a slide block (341, 351) that is slidably connected to the guide bar (342, 352).

[0117] For example, the volume control module (400) can be connected to the slide block (341, 351). In this way, when the slide block (341, 351) moves in a direction parallel to the first direction through the guide bar (342, 352), the volume control module (400) can also move along the guide bar (342, 352) in a direction parallel to the first direction, following the movement of the slide block (341, 351).

[0118] For example, the guide bar (342, 352) may include a first guide bar (342) positioned on one side of the second seating surface (312) and a second guide bar (352) positioned on the other side of the second seating surface (312). The first guide bar (342) and the second guide bar (352) may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0119] Additionally, for example, the slide blocks (341, 351) may include a first slide block (341) that is slidably connected to a first guide bar (342) and a second slide block (351) that is slidably connected to a second guide bar (352).

[0120] The mounting plate (300) may further include a pair of guide protrusions (321, 322) protruding from both ends of the second mounting surface (312), a guide shaft (323) rotatably coupled to the pair of guide protrusions (321, 322) and extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the guide bar (342, 352) extends, and a guide motor (330) connected to one end of the guide shaft (323) to rotate the guide shaft (323) in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction.

[0121] For example, a pair of guide protrusions (321, 322) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the first direction. For example, a pair of guide protrusions (321, 322) may be positioned at both ends in a direction parallel to the first direction of the second seating surface (312). For example, a pair of guide protrusions (321, 322) may include a first guide protrusion (321) positioned to protrude from one end of the seating body and a second guide protrusion (322) positioned to protrude from the other end of the seating body.

[0122] For example, a pair of guide projections (321, 322) may be arranged to be positioned between the first guide bar (342) and the second guide bar (352). A guide shaft (323) may be rotatably coupled to the pair of guide projections (321, 322). The guide shaft (323) may extend parallel to the first direction.

[0123] For example, the volume control module (400) may be movably installed on the guide shaft (323). For example, when the guide shaft (323) rotates, the volume control module (400) may be arranged to move along the guide shaft (323) in a direction parallel to the first direction. For example, the guide shaft (323) may be a threaded bolt, and the configuration of the volume control module (400) connected to the guide shaft (323) may be a nut. Thus, when the guide shaft (323) rotates, the nut may perform translational motion. Through this, the volume control module (400) may perform translational motion.

[0124] For example, the guide motor (330) can be connected to one end of the mounting body (310). The guide motor (330) can be connected to one end of the guide shaft (323).

[0125] The mounting plate (300) may include a protective plate (304) that is coupled to the side of the mounting body (310) and extends downward. For example, the vertical length of the protective plate (304) may be longer than the length of the guide bar (342, 352) protruding from the second mounting surface (312). For example, the lower end of the protective plate (304) may be positioned below the guide shaft (323). By doing so, the protective plate (304) can protect the guide bar (342, 352) and the guide shaft (323) from external dust, etc.

[0126] For example, the mounting plate (300) may include a mounting body opening (360) that is formed through the mounting body (310), communicates with the spaced-out space (S), communicates with the rotating body opening (640), and extends in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0127] For example, the mounting plate (300) may include a gripping gripper (301) installed at one end of the mounting body (310) to secure one end of the culture bag (CB) adjacent to the culture space (CB1). The gripping gripper (301) may be installed at one end of the mounting body (310) to grip the culture bag (CB).

[0128] For example, the mounting plate (300) may include a fixing pin (303) installed at the other end of the mounting body (310) to fix the other end of the culture bag (CB) adjacent to the expansion space (CB2). The fixing pin (303) may be formed to protrude upward from the second mounting surface (312). The fixing pin (303) may be positioned to penetrate the other end of the culture bag (CB).

[0129] A culture bag (CB) placed on a mounting plate (300) can be pressed by a pressing means (420) of a volume control module (400) described later. Subsequently, the pressing means (420) can move in a direction parallel to the first direction while pressing the culture bag (CB). At this time, the gripping gripper (301) holds the culture bag (CB) so that the culture bag (CB) does not move, and a fixing pin (303) may be attached to the other end of the culture bag (CB) to prevent the culture bag (CB) from moving.

[0130] The volume control module (400) can be movably provided to control the volume of the culture bag (CB).

[0131] The volume control module (400) may include a control body (410) comprising a first support bar (411) which is positioned to pass through a spaced-apart space (S), extends in a second direction intersecting a first direction, and is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the first direction on the spaced-apart space (S).

[0132] For example, the first support bar (411) may be extended in a direction parallel to the second direction that intersects the first direction. For example, the second direction may mean the -X direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0133] As described above, the seating body (310) and the rotating body (610) may be spaced apart from each other and connected by a connecting column (SR). The first support bar (411) may be positioned to pass through the spaced-apart space (S). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0134] A connecting block (460) may be disposed on one side of the first support bar (411). The connecting block (460) may be coupled to the first support bar (411) and coupled to the guide block (470) to support the first support bar (411) on the seating body (310).

[0135] For example, the connecting block (460) may include a first connecting block (461) and a second connecting block (462) arranged spaced apart from each other symmetrically with respect to the center of the first support bar (411). For example, the first connecting block (461) may be coupled with the first slide block (341). For example, the second connecting block (462) may be coupled with the second slide block (351).

[0136] As the slide block (341, 351) moves along the guide bar (342, 352) in a direction parallel to the first direction, the first support bar (411) can also move in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0137] For example, the volume control module (400) may further include a guide block (470) which is installed on one side of the first support bar (411) facing the mounting body (310) and is arranged to move in a direction parallel to the first direction based on the rotation of the guide axis (323).

[0138] The guide block (470) can be connected to the guide shaft (323). When the guide shaft (323) rotates, the guide block (470) can be arranged to translate by the rotation of the guide shaft (323). For example, the guide shaft (323) may be a bolt and the guide block (470) may be a nut, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] For example, the guide block (470) may be positioned between the first connecting block (461) and the second connecting block (462). The first connecting block (461), the second connecting block (462), and the guide block (470) may be formed on the first support bar (411) so as to protrude in the same direction.

[0140] The adjustment body (410) of the volume adjustment module (400) may include a pair of second support bars (412) extending from both ends of a first support bar (411), and a third support bar (413) which is coupled to each of the pair of second support bars (412) to connect the second support bars (412) to each other, is positioned above the first seating surface (311), and has a pressing means (420) installed thereon.

[0141] For example, the second support bar (412) may include a second-1 support bar (412-1) extending upward from one end of the first support bar (411), and a second-2 support bar (412-2) extending upward from the other end of the first support bar (411). The third support bar (413) may be extended to connect the upper end of the second-1 support bar (412-1) and the upper end of the second-2 support bar (412-2) to each other.

[0142] The volume control module (400) may include a culture bag placement space (401) formed by being surrounded by a first support bar (411), a second support bar (412), and a third support bar (413).

[0143] The volume control module (400) may include a pressurizing means (420) that is installed in the control body (410) to be movable toward the first seating surface (311) and is movable between a first position (P1) that pressurizes the culture bag (CB) and a second position (P2) that is spaced apart from the culture bag (CB).

[0144] The volume control module (400) may further include a pressure rod (440) that is installed on a third support bar (413) to pressurize the culture bag (CB) and is connected to the pressure means (420) and is movable toward a first seating surface (311), and a pressure motor (430) installed on the third support bar (413) to move the pressure rod (440).

[0145] The pressurizing means (420) may be provided to move up and down on the culture bag placement space (401). The first position (P1) of the pressurizing means (420) may be located lower than the second position (P2).

[0146] The pressure rod (440) is positioned to pass through the third support bar (413) and can be connected to the pressure motor (430).

[0147] The volume control module (400) may include a roller mounting base (414) that extends in a direction parallel to the second direction and on which a pressurizing means (420) is installed. For example, the length of the roller mounting base (414) may be formed to be shorter than the length of the first support bar (411) and the third support bar (413) in the second direction. The roller mounting base (414) may be arranged to move on the drainage bag placement space.

[0148] A pressurizing means (420) may be installed on one side of the roller mounting base (414). The pressurizing means (420) may be positioned below the roller mounting base (414).

[0149] For example, the pressure rod (440) can be connected to one side of the roller mounting base (414) after passing through the third support bar (413). As the pressure rod (440) moves, the roller mounting base (414) can move, and through this, the pressure means (420) can also move.

[0150] For example, the volume control module (400) may include a roller guide (450) connected to a roller mounting base (414). For example, the roller guide (450) may be positioned to pass through the third support bar (413) and connected to the roller mounting base (414). For example, the roller guide (450) may include a pair of roller guides (450) arranged symmetrically with respect to the pressure rod (440). Since the pair of roller guides (450) may pass through the third support bar (413) and be connected to the roller mounting base (414), the roller mounting base (414) may not rotate even if the roller mounting base (414) moves due to the movement of the pressure rod (440). Therefore, the pressure means (420) can move stably.

[0151] FIG. 11 is a front view of a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view of a culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a part of the culture bag control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of a part of the culture bag control device according to one embodiment.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the base body (510) of the base (500) can be installed such that the base projection (520) faces upward.

[0153] Subsequently, the rotating body (610) of the stirring plate (600) can be positioned so that the rotating projection (620) faces downward, and the rotating projection (620) can be rotatably connected to the base projection (520). That is, the rotating body (610) can rotate with respect to the rotating projection (620).

[0154] The rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device can be positioned to pass through the second base projection hole (522-1).

[0155] Subsequently, the rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device passing through the second base protrusion hole (522-1) can be inserted into the second rotation protrusion (622). The rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device inserted into the second rotation protrusion (622) can be fixed to the second rotation protrusion (622). Through this, when the rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device rotates, the second base protrusion (522) does not rotate, and the second rotation protrusion (622) is configured to rotate. Accordingly, the rotating body (610) can rotate.

[0156] For example, as the second rotating projection (622) rotates, the sight (630) connected to the second rotating projection (622) can also rotate.

[0157] In order to allow the culture bag control device (5) to be stirred, the stirring shaft device (6) of the stirring assembly (SA) may be in an extended state. Through this, the stirring gear module (7) is connected to the operating gear (8) and may be in a state where it can be rotated by the rotation of the main motor (93) connected to the operating gear (8).

[0158] For example, the stirring gear module (7) may be detachably connected to the stirring shaft device (6). That is, the user can replace the stirring gear module (7) with a stirring gear module (7) having specific dimensions based on the stirring degree of the culture bag control device (5) calculated by the processor. Thus, the stirring degree of the culture bag control devices (5) placed in the receiving space (20) can all be set differently depending on the operation of the main motor (93). Of course, the replacement of the stirring gear module (7) described above may include a structure in which it is automatically replaced by the operation of the processor.

[0159] For example, referring to FIG. 14, the sight (630) may be extended downward so as to be adjacent to the base (500) than the lower end of the second rotating projection (622). For example, the configuration of the sight (630) that extends downward from the lower end of the second rotating projection (622) may be called and referred to as a sight pin (631).

[0160] For example, the sight pin (631) may be positioned to be received inside the sensing body (541) of the sensing sensor (540). As described above, when the rotating projection (620) rotates due to the rotation of the rotating shaft (532) of the stirring shaft device, the end of the sight pin (631) may rotate inside the sensing body (541). At this time, the sensing sensor (540) can sense the position of the end of the sight pin (631).

[0161] For example, when one end of the sight pin (631) is sensed to have rotated more than a certain angle inside the sensing body (541), the sensing sensor (540) can identify that the stirring plate (600) has rotated more than a certain angle.

[0162] For example, when the sensing pin (631) is positioned on the side of a part of the internal space of the sensing body (541), the sensing sensor (540) can identify that the sensing pin (631) has rotated at an angle from the center of the internal space of the sensing body (541) to a part of the internal space of the sensing body (541).

[0163] Afterward, the processor receives information regarding the position of the aforementioned aiming pin (631) from the sensing sensor (540), and controls the operation of the main motor (93) so that the aiming pin (631) rotates to an angle that extends to a part of the internal space of the sensing body (541), and then rotates in the opposite direction, thereby controlling the rotation direction of the rotating shaft (532) of the stirring shaft device.

[0164] By repeating the process described above, the processor can repeat the motion of the sight pin (631) rotating at a certain angle and then changing its direction of rotation, and through this, the rotating body (610) can be configured to continuously change its direction of rotation and rotate.

[0165] Through this, the mounting body (310) connected to the rotating body (610) can also rotate so that the direction of rotation changes continuously. Accordingly, the culture bag (CB) mounted on the first mounting surface (311) of the mounting body (310) can rotate along with the rotation of the mounting body (310), and the culture medium and cells being cultured contained inside the culture bag (CB) can be stirred.

[0166] In summary, the rotating shaft (532) of the stirring shaft device passes through the base projection (520) and is coupled with the rotating projection (620), and is driven to rotate in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, thereby rotating the rotating body (610) to stir the culture bag (CB).

[0167] And, the rotational direction of the rotation axis (532) of the stirring shaft device can be configured to be controlled based on information regarding the position of the sight (630) received from the detection sensor (540) by a processor (34) electrically connected to the detection sensor (540).

[0168] A seating plate (300) can be connected to a stirring plate (600) rotatably coupled to a base (500). Specifically, the seating body (310) and the rotating body (610) can be coupled so as to be spaced apart from each other. A spaced-apart space (S) can be formed between the seating body (310) and the rotating body (610). The seating body (310) and the rotating body (610) can be connected by a connecting column (SR). That is, the connecting column (SR) can be positioned to pass through the spaced-apart space (S) to connect the rotating body (610) and the seating body (310).

[0169] For example, the connecting pillars (SR) may include a plurality of connecting pillars (SR). Also, the seating body (310) and the rotating body (610) may include a roughly rectangular plate shape. The plurality of connecting pillars (SR) may be placed at each corner forming the vertices of the seating body (310) and the rotating body (610).

[0170] The first support bar (411) of the volume control module (400) may be positioned to pass through the gap space (S). For example, the first support bar (411) may extend in a direction parallel to the second direction. The length to which the first support bar (411) extends may be longer than the length to which the seating body (310) extends in the second direction.

[0171] From each end of the first support bar (411), a pair of second support bars (412) may be bent and extended. For example, the second-1 support bar (412-1) may be bent upward and extended from one end of the first support bar (411). The length of the second-1 support bar (412-1) extended may be longer than the length in the vertical direction of the gap space (S).

[0172] For example, the second-2nd support bar (412-2) may be bent upward from the other end of the first support bar (411) and extended. The length of the second-2nd support bar (412-2) may be longer than the length in the vertical direction of the gap space (S).

[0173] Afterward, the third support bar (413) can be extended in a direction parallel to the second direction to connect the upper ends of a pair of second support bars (412).

[0174] Through the above-described arrangement, a space surrounded by a first support bar (411), a pair of second support bars (412), and a third support bar (413) can be formed. This space can be defined as a culture bag placement space (401). A mounting body (310) can be placed on the culture bag placement space (401). That is, the mounting body (310) can be extended and placed so as to pass through the culture bag placement space (401).

[0175] For example, a protective plate (304) may be placed on one side of the mounting body (310). The protective plate (304) may be placed on one side of the mounting body (310) and extend downward, thereby covering the side of the rotation guide shaft (323) and minimizing the phenomenon of the guide shaft (323) being damaged by external dust, etc. For example, since the protective plate (304) extends from the side of the mounting body (310), the lower end of the protective plate (304) may be positioned on the gap space (S).

[0176] As described above, the first support bar (411) may be positioned on a spaced-apart space (S) and arranged to move on the spaced-apart space (S). At this time, in order to prevent contact with the protective plate (304), the first support bar (411) may be positioned in a part of the spaced-apart space (S) formed between the lower part of the protective plate (304) and the rotating body (610). Accordingly, the first support bar (411) may be arranged to move in a first direction without contacting the protective plate (304), thereby allowing the position of the pressurizing means (420) to be freely moved, and the protective plate (304) may remain attached to the mounting body (310) despite the movement of the first support bar (411), thereby protecting the guide shaft (323).

[0177] The pressure means (420) may be positioned above the first mounting surface (311) of the mounting body (310). The pressure means (420) may be connected to the third support bar (413) so as to be movable in the vertical direction. For example, a pressure motor (430) may be mounted on the upper part of the third support bar (413). The pressure motor (430) may operate to move the pressure rod (440) connected to the pressure motor (430) in the vertical direction. Additionally, a roller mounting base (414) on which the pressure means (420) is mounted may be connected to the lower end of the pressure rod (440).

[0178] By operating the pressurizing motor (430), the pressurizing means (420) may be configured to move between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2). In this way, the pressurizing means (420) may be configured to pressurize the culture bag (CB).

[0179] Alternatively, the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) can be defined as the positions of the pressurizing means (420) on the culture bag placement space (401) formed by a pair of second support bars (412), a third support bar (413), and a first seating surface (311).

[0180] For example, when the pressurizing means (420) is positioned at the first position (P1), the culture bag (CB) may be configured to be partitioned with respect to the pressurizing means (420) into a culture space (CB1) located on one side of the pressurizing means (420) where the culture medium is contained, and an expansion space (CB2) located on the other side of the pressurizing means (420). That is, the culture space (CB1) may contain the culture medium and may contain cells. The expansion space (CB2) may be a space of the culture bag (CB) partitioned by the pressurizing means (420) where the culture medium and cells are not present.

[0181] For example, depending on the rotation of the guide side due to the operation of the guide motor (330), the guide block (470) of the volume control module (400) can move in a direction parallel to the first direction. The guide block (470) may be coupled to the upper surface of the first support bar (411). Accordingly, the guide bar (342, 352) can be moved as a whole by the movement of the guide block (470), and the pressurizing means (420) can be moved.

[0182] Accordingly, the position where the pressurizing means (420) pressurizes the culture bag (CB) can be changed. That is, the volume of the culture space (CB1) can be arranged to increase or decrease based on the position of the pressurizing means (420) according to the position on the guide axis (323) of the guide block (470). Through this, the volume of the culture space (CB1) can be changed. A detailed explanation of this will be provided later.

[0183] FIG. 15 is a first mode of the culture bag control device, illustrating the pressurizing means moving from a first position to a second position to pressurize the drainage bag and positioned at a starting position on the drainage bag. FIG. 16 is a second mode of the culture bag control device, illustrating the pressurizing means moving from a starting position to a first roller position while pressurizing the drainage bag. Below, we will examine the process of the pressurizing means pressurizing the culture bag and the process of controlling the volume of the culture space of the culture bag.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, for the culture of cells in a culture bag (CB), a pressurizing motor (430) can be operated to lower the pressurizing means (420) of a volume control module (400) placed at a starting position (D0) from a second position (P2) to a first position (P1). This can be referred to as the first mode (M1) of the culture bag control device (5).

[0185] The lowered pressurizing means (420) can pressurize the culture bag (CB) placed on the first seating surface (311).

[0186] Subsequently, the guide motor (330) can rotate the guide shaft (323) so that the position of the pressurizing means (420) in the first direction is positioned at the first roller position (D1). By rotating the guide shaft (323), the guide block (470) can move in the first direction, and through this, the guide bar (342, 352) moves in the first direction, so the pressurizing means (420) can also move along the guide bar (342, 352) in the first direction and be positioned at the first roller position (D1). As the pressurizing means (420) moves in the first direction, the volume of the culture space (CB-1) can be created. This can be referred to as the second mode (M2) of the culture bag control device (5).

[0187] Subsequently, the culture medium required for cell culture can be introduced into the culture bag (CB) through the injection pipe (MP). The culture medium may be introduced into the culture bag (CB) from an external culture medium supply module, but is not limited thereto.

[0188] Afterwards, cells can be cultured in the culture space (CB-1) formed when the pressurizing means (420) of the culture medium is at the first roller position (D1).

[0189] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the third mode of the culture bag control device, in which the pressurizing means moves from the first roller position to the second roller position, thereby increasing the volume of the culture space.

[0190] In the following, explanations regarding content that overlaps with the aforementioned will be omitted.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 17, when the information regarding the density of cultured cells in the culture space (CB-1) sensed by the sensing module (30) is greater than the threshold density value, the guide motor (330) can operate to move the guide block (470) in the expansion direction by rotating the guide shaft (323) so that the volume of the culture space (CB-1) increases as the pressurizing means (420) moves in the expansion direction, which is the direction from the culture space (CB-1) toward the expansion space (CB2).

[0192] Specifically, cells can be cultured in the culture space (CB-1) formed when the pressurizing means (420) is positioned at the first roller position (D1). Subsequently, as cell culture continues and the number of cells increases, the volume of the culture space (CB-1) when the pressurizing means (420) is at the first roller position (D1) may be a narrow environment for cell growth. That is, the density of cells in the culture space (CB-1) may be improved, and if the density exceeds a threshold density value, cell culture may be reduced.

[0193] When the cell density value in the culture space (CB-1) sensed by the sensing module (30) is greater than or equal to the threshold density value, the guide motor (330) can be operated so that the pressurizing means (420) moves from the first roller position (D1) to the second roller position (D2). Through this, the expansion space (CB2) is converted into the culture space (CB-1) by the extent to which the pressurizing means (420) moves, and the volume of the culture space (CB-1) can be increased, and the increased volume of the culture space (CB-1) can become a volume suitable for culturing cells.

[0194] For example, the automatic cell culture device (1) may include a temperature controller (not shown) configured to sense and control the temperature of the space where the culture bag control device (5) is installed, based on a user input signal to the display unit (32).

[0195] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0197] 1: Multi-culture control system for variable volume and stirring of multiple culture bags 2: Main Housing 5: Culture bag control device 6: Stirring shaft device 7: Stirring gear module 8: Operating gear 9: Stirring drive module SA: Stirring Assembly

Claims

Claim 1 A multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags, configured to control and stir the volume of multiple culture bags containing culture medium, comprising: a main housing forming multiple receiving spaces arranged vertically to accommodate the culture bags and partitioned from one another; multiple culture bag control devices disposed in each of the multiple receiving spaces and each having a culture bag placed thereon; and a stirring assembly detachably connected to each of the multiple culture bag control devices and operable to stir the multiple culture bag control devices independently of each other; wherein each of the multiple culture bag control devices comprises: a seating plate on which the culture bag is placed; a stirring plate connected to the seating plate to form a spaced-apart space and configured to be capable of stirring; and a base connected to the stirring plate so that the stirring plate can rotate and installed on one side of the receiving space. A volume control module configured to be movable and pressurized to control the volume of the culture bag, wherein the volume control module is connected to the mounting plate to pass through the spaced space, configured to pressurize the culture bag, and configured to be movable in a direction parallel to a first direction in which the mounting plate extends to control the volume of the culture bag; wherein the base comprises: a base body configured to support the mounting plate; and a base projection protruding from one surface of the base body and connected to the stirring plate; wherein the stirring plate comprises: a rotating body connected to the mounting plate and the base body; and a rotating projection protruding from one surface of the rotating body toward the base body and rotatably connected to the base projection.The stirring assembly comprises: a plurality of stirring shaft devices that are each provided corresponding to the plurality of culture bag control devices, pass through the corresponding base projection to be rotatable, and are coupled to the corresponding rotation projection, and are operable to be extendable; a plurality of stirring gear modules each installed at one end of the plurality of stirring shaft devices and configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the direction in which the stirring shaft device extends based on the operation of the stirring shaft device; and a main shaft that is rotatably installed in the main housing and extends in an upward and downward direction to pass through the plurality of receiving spaces. and a plurality of operating gears spaced apart and arranged on the main shaft along the direction in which the main shaft extends so as to be disposed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces, wherein the plurality of operating gears are separatedly engaged with the stirring gear module based on the movement of the stirring gear module according to the operation of the stirring shaft device of the stirring gear module disposed at a position corresponding to any one of the plurality of operating gears; wherein the operating gear corresponding to the stirring gear module and the stirring gear module are selectively engaged or disengaged according to the operation of each of the plurality of stirring shaft devices, thereby independently determining whether each of the plurality of culture bag control devices is stirred, and the mounting plate comprises: a mounting body including a first mounting surface on which the culture bag is mounted and connected to the rotating body spaced apart from; a guide bar protruding from a second mounting surface, which is one surface of the mounting body facing the stirring plate, and extending in a direction parallel to the first direction; and a slide block slidably connected to the guide bar.A volume adjustment module comprising: a first support bar arranged to pass through the spacing space and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and configured to move in a direction parallel to the first direction within the spacing space; and a connecting block coupled to the first support bar and the slide block to support the first support bar on the seating body; A multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags, comprising: a pressurizing means installed on the control body so as to be movable toward the first seating surface, and configured to be movable between a first position for pressurizing the culture bag and a second position spaced apart from the culture bag; wherein, when the pressurizing means is positioned at the first position, the culture bag is partitioned into a culture space located on one side of the pressurizing means and containing the culture medium, and an expansion space located on the other side of the pressurizing means; wherein, while the pressurizing means is positioned at the first position, the position of the pressurizing means is changed based on the movement of the volume control module in a direction parallel to the first direction, and the volume of the culture space is configured to increase or decrease based on the position of the pressurizing means in the first direction. Claim 2 A multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags, further comprising: a culture medium supply device arranged to supply culture medium to culture bags each seated on the plurality of culture bag control devices in claim 1. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the stirring assembly further comprises a main motor installed at the bottom of the main housing, a base gear connected to the main motor and rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction based on the operation of the main motor, and a main gear installed on the main shaft to mesh with the base gear, thereby forming a multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags. Claim 4 A multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags according to claim 3, further comprising: a sensing module disposed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces and configured to sense information of a culture bag being stirred in the plurality of culture bag control devices; and a processor electrically connected to the sensing module and the stirring shaft device; wherein, when stirring of a culture bag disposed on a first culture bag control device which is one of the plurality of culture bag control devices is required, the processor controls the operation of the first stirring shaft device on which the first stirring gear module is installed so that the first stirring gear module disposed on a first receiving space which is one of the plurality of receiving spaces on which the first culture bag control device is disposed is engaged with a first operating gear which is one of the plurality of operating gears disposed on the first receiving space, thereby extending the first stirring shaft device on which the first stirring gear module is installed. Claim 5 A multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags, wherein, in the fourth paragraph, when stopping the stirring of a culture bag placed in a second culture bag control device which is one of the multiple culture bag control devices other than the first culture bag control device is required, the processor controls the operation of the second stirring shaft device, on which the second stirring gear module is installed, so that the meshing between the second stirring gear module placed in the second receiving space, which is one of the multiple receiving spaces where the second culture bag control device is placed, and the second operating gear, which is one of the multiple operating gears placed in the second receiving space, is released, thereby causing the second stirring shaft device to be extended. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 In paragraph 2, the volume control module further comprises a pair of second support bars extending from both ends of the first support bar, a third support bar coupled to each of the pair of second support bars to connect the second support bars to each other and positioned above the first seating surface, on which the pressurizing means is installed, a pressurizing rod installed on the third support bar to pressurize the culture bag, connected to the pressurizing means and movable toward the first seating surface, and a pressurizing motor installed on the third support bar to move the pressurizing rod, wherein the first position and the second position are defined as the positions of the pressurizing means on the culture bag placement space formed by the pair of second support bars, the third support bar, and the first seating surface, a multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags. Claim 8 In paragraph 3, the mounting plate further comprises a pair of guide protrusions protruding from both ends of the second mounting surface, a guide shaft rotatably coupled to the pair of guide protrusions and extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the guide bar extends, and a guide motor connected to one end of the guide shaft to rotate the guide shaft in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction, and the volume control module further comprises a guide block installed on one side of the first support bar facing the mounting body and arranged to move in a direction parallel to the first direction based on the rotation of the guide shaft, thereby forming a multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags. Claim 9 A multi-culture control system for volume variation and stirring of multiple culture bags, wherein the base includes an installation groove formed by recessing in the base body to accommodate a sensing module that senses the culture space to obtain information regarding the density of culture cells cultured in the culture space, the stirring plate includes a rotating body opening formed through the rotating body and communicating with the spacing space so that the sensing module can sense the culture space of the culture bag seated on the first seating surface, and the seating plate includes a seating body opening formed through the seating body so that the sensing module can sense the culture space, communicating with the spacing space and communicating with the rotating body opening, and extending in a direction parallel to the first direction.

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