System, movement mechanism unit, positioning mechanism unit, and culture chip connection mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides a system that contributes to improvement of work efficiency when a fluid circuit device is used. A system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a structure (2); a movement mechanism unit (3) that enables the structure (2) to move between a first position and a second position different from the first position, the movement mechanism unit (3) having a chip (10) detachably connected thereto; and a positioning mechanism unit (4) that is linked to the movement mechanism unit (3) and is configured to be capable of positioning the chip (10).

Description

System, moving mechanism, positioning mechanism, and culture chip connection mechanism

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-069873, filed on April 23, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a fluid circuit device including a block having a guide portion to which a piping through which a fluid sent from a pump can be attached and detached. The block includes a supply cassette having a supply guide portion and a detachable supply pipe that can supply a fluid to a culture chip that can store a fluid for cell culture. The supply cassette is detachably connected to the top of the culture chip.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 190627

[0004] When mounting a culture chip on a fluid circuit device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to fit the piping on the fluid circuit device to the culture chip, which is likely to make the operation of the device complicated when using it. Therefore, there is room for improving the operational efficiency when using such a device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system that can contribute to improving work efficiency when using a fluid circuit device, as well as a movement mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a culture chip connection mechanism for use in the system.

[0006] (1) A system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a structure; a movement mechanism that can move the structure between a first position and a second position different from the first position and to which a chip is detachably connected; and a positioning mechanism that is connected to the movement mechanism and is configured to be able to position the chip.

[0007] According to this configuration, the operation of positioning the chip and the operation of moving the structure between the first position and the second position can be performed in parallel. Therefore, the total number of operations for positioning the chip and moving the structure, which were previously required independently, and the total time required for these operations can be shortened. Therefore, the system of the present invention contributes to improving the work efficiency of connecting the culture chip and moving the structure.

[0008] (2) In the system described in (1) above, the chip may be detachable from the moving mechanism in a first direction, and the moving mechanism may be configured to be movable in a second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0009] With this configuration, the chip can be attached and detached in the first direction, and the structure can be moved in the second direction, providing a simple system that allows work to be performed in two actions.

[0010] (3) In the system described in (1) or (2) above, the movement mechanism may include a locking mechanism that locks the structure at the first position and / or the second position.

[0011] According to this configuration, the structure can be locked, so that work can be carried out stably.

[0012] (4) In the system described in (3) above, the movement mechanism may include a biasing member that biases the structure toward an unlocked state in which the locked state is released.

[0013] According to this configuration, the structure can be put into an unlocked state by the biasing force of the biasing member, so that work can be carried out smoothly.

[0014] (5) In the system described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the chip may be detachable from the moving mechanism in a first direction, and the positioning mechanism may be configured to be able to position the chip in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0015] According to this configuration, the tip can be positioned in the second and third directions, so that the operation can be performed stably.

[0016] (6) In the system described in (5) above, the positioning mechanism may include a pair of arms extending in the first direction and facing each other in the third direction.

[0017] This configuration allows the tip to be moved along the pair of arms, and also allows the tip to be sandwiched and held by the pair of arms.

[0018] (7) In the system described in (6) above, the positioning mechanism may include a pair of positioning protrusions that protrude in the third direction from each of the pair of arms and face each other.

[0019] According to this configuration, the chip can be positioned by the pair of positioning protrusions.

[0020] (8) The system according to any one of (1) to (7) above may further include an imaging unit provided in the structure for imaging the chip.

[0021] This configuration allows imaging of the chip. In addition, because the imaging unit can be moved in parallel with the movement of the structure, the total number of operations for moving the structure and the imaging unit, which were previously required separately, and the total time required for these operations can be shortened.

[0022] (9) In the system described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the first position and the second position may each be arranged on a vertical line.

[0023] According to this configuration, when moving the structure from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, gravity can be utilized, so that the work can be carried out smoothly.

[0024] (10) A moving mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention is a structure having detachable piping through which a fluid for cell culture can flow, which can be moved between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and has a chip capable of storing the fluid for cell culture, and is used in a fluid circuit device, for example, one described in any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0025] (11) A positioning mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention is capable of moving a structure between a first position and a second position different from the first position, is connected to a moving mechanism to which a chip is detachably connected, and is configured to be able to position the chip, and is used in a fluid circuit device, for example, one described in any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0026] According to the moving mechanism and positioning mechanism having these configurations, it is possible to provide a simple fluid circuit device that can move the structure while positioning the chip in parallel.

[0027] (12) A culture chip connection mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to move a fluid circuit device between a first position and a second position different from the first position, to which a culture chip is detachably connected, and which includes a moving mechanism unit that is detachable from the culture chip connection mechanism in a first direction and movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0028] According to this configuration, the culture chip can be attached and detached in a first direction, and the fluid circuit device can be moved in a second direction, thereby providing a simple culture chip connection mechanism that can be operated in two actions.

[0029] (13) The culture chip connection mechanism described in (12) above may further include a positioning mechanism that is connected to the movement mechanism and is configured to be able to position the culture chip.

[0030] According to this configuration, the fluid circuit device can be moved between the first position and the second position in parallel with the operation of positioning the culture chip. Therefore, the total number of operations required for positioning the culture chip and the operation of moving the fluid circuit device, as well as the total time required for these operations, can be shortened, thereby contributing to improved work efficiency.

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system, a moving mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a culture chip connecting mechanism that can contribute to improving workability.

[0032] 1 is a perspective view showing an unlocked state of the system of the embodiment; 2 is a perspective view showing a locked state of the system of the embodiment; 3 is a side view showing an installation state of the imaging unit of the system of the embodiment; 4 is a top view of the system of the embodiment; 5 is a side view showing an unlocked state of the system of the embodiment; 6 is a side view showing a locked state of the system of the embodiment;

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings show an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. In this specification, the positional relationship of each component will be described with reference to the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system as necessary. A predetermined direction in a horizontal plane is defined as the X direction, a direction perpendicular to the X direction in the horizontal plane is defined as the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions (i.e., the vertical direction) is defined as the Z direction. In the following description, the arrows in the drawings of the X, Y, and Z directions will be referred to as the plus (+) side and the opposite side to the arrows as the minus (-) side. The +Z side corresponds to the upper side in the vertical direction, and the -Z side corresponds to the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0034] In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," do not only mean such arrangements strictly, but also include states in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component has been appropriately changed to make each component recognizable.

[0035] <System> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a system 1 of an embodiment in an unlocked state. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a system 1 of an embodiment in a locked state. Fig. 3 is a side view showing an installation state of an imaging unit 5 of the system 1 of an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a top view of the system 1 of an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a side view showing a system 1 of an embodiment in an unlocked state. Fig. 6 is a side view showing a system 1 of an embodiment in a locked state. Fig. 7 is a top view showing a chip attachment state of the system 1 of an embodiment. The system 1 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 7 includes a structure 2; a movement mechanism 3 that can move the structure between a first position and a second position different from the first position and to which a chip 10 is detachably connected; and a positioning mechanism 4 that is connected to the movement mechanism 3 and is configured to be able to position the chip 10.

[0036] <Structure> The structure 2 constitutes a cell culture device 101 (an example of a fluid circuit device). The structure 2 is configured so that pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C, through which a fluid for cell culture can flow, are detachable. The pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C are configured so that a liquid for cell culture (hereinafter also referred to as "culture solution") sent from the pump 11 can flow through them. The culture solution contains various drugs for culturing cells.

[0037] The pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C are made of a material having lower drug adsorption properties than the structure 2. For example, when the structure 2 is made of ABS resin, the pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C can be made of polyether ether ketone resin (PEEK resin) or a fluororesin (for example, polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0038] The structure 2 has guide portions 20A, 20B, and 20C to which the pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C can be attached and detached, respectively. The guide portions 20A, 20B, and 20C are configured to include recesses that guide the pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C along the surface of the structure 2, and hole portions that guide the pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C through the interior of the structure 2. The recesses refer to depressions, grooves, and the like that are visible from the exterior of the structure 2, and are portions that guide the pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C along the outer surface (surface) of the structure 2. The hole portions refer to through-holes, spaces, and the like that are not visible from the exterior of the structure 2, and are portions that guide the pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C through the internal space of the structure 2.

[0039] The structure 2 can be configured to include blocks 21A, 21B, and 21C, as shown in Fig. 1, for example. Blocks 21A, 21B, and 21C are detachably connected to one another by fixing members 22, such as lock pins. At least a portion of blocks 21A, 21B, and 21C is detachably connected to other portions by a concave-convex structure 23 including concave and convex portions. Note that the manner in which blocks 21A, 21B, and 21C are connected is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications, such as by fastening with screws or bands.

[0040] 1 to 7, the blocks 21A, 21B, and 21C are configured to include a pump block 21A, a tank block 21B, and a connection block 21C. At least some of the pump block 21A, the tank block 21B, and the connection block 21C may be configured to include a plurality of cassettes detachably connected to each other.

[0041] The pump block 21A is configured to allow installation of the pump 11. The pump 11 may be, for example, an open-air liquid delivery pump. This makes it less likely for clogging with chemicals to occur. The pump block 21A is configured to allow a pump connection tube 12A (an example of piping) connectable to the pump 11 to be detachably attached. The pump block 21A has a pump-side guide section 20A (an example of a guide section) to which the pump connection tube 12A can be detachably attached.

[0042] 1, one pump 11 is installed on the +X side of the pump block 21A. The installation locations and number of pumps 11 are not limited to those described above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0043] The tank block 21B is configured so that a relay tube 12B (an example of a pipe) can be detachably attached to it, for relaying the flow paths of the pipes 12A to 12C to the chip case 15. The tank block 21B has a tank-side guide portion 20B (an example of a guide portion) to which the relay tube 12B can be detachably attached. The tank block 21B is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed in the XY plane.

[0044] A chip case 15 may be attached to the tank block 21B, for example, as shown in FIG. 5. The chip case 15 functions as a lid that covers the culture chip 10 from the +Z side. The chip case 15 is attached to the tank block 21B side in advance. The chip case 15 is configured so that a tank connection tube (an example of a supply pipe that can supply culture solution) can be attached and detached to the culture chip 10 that can store culture solution. A flow path for culturing cells is formed in the culture chip 10.

[0045] The connection block 21C is detachably connected to the pump block 21A and the tank block 21B. The connection block 21C is configured so that a connection tube 12C (an example of piping) that can connect the pump connection tube 12A and the relay tube 12B can be detachably attached to the connection block 21C. The connection block 21C has a connection guide portion 20C (an example of a guide portion) to which the connection tube 12C can be detachably attached.

[0046] The connecting block 21C is provided between the pump block 21A and the tank block 21B in the X direction. The pump block 21A is connected to the +X side portion of the connecting block 21C. The tank block 21B is connected to the -Z side portion of the -X side portion of the connecting block 21C. Note that the connection locations of the blocks 21A to 21C are not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0047] The structure 2 may include a coupling member 13 detachably connected to the tubes 12A, 12B, and 12C constituting the pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C, respectively. The coupling member 13 may be provided, for example, at the interconnected portions of the blocks 21A, 21B, and 21C shown in FIG. 5 . The coupling member 13 is formed of a material having lower drug adsorption properties than the structure 2. For example, when the structure 2 is formed of ABS resin, the coupling member 13 may be formed of polyether ether ketone resin (PEEK resin) or a fluororesin (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene). The coupling member 13 may be formed of the same material as the pipes 12A, 12B, and 12C.

[0048] The structure 2 may have different piping connection systems depending on the purpose of cell culture. The piping connection systems may be configured to include a first piping connection system including some of the multiple pump connection tubes 12A connected to the pump 11, and a second piping connection system including other parts. The first piping connection system may be configured to include piping through which a first culture medium flows. The second piping connection system may be configured to include piping through which a second culture medium flows. The second culture medium may be a liquid different from the first culture medium.

[0049] For example, when the system 1 is used, the blocks 21A, 21B, and 21C are connected to form the structure 2, and the pump 11 is installed in the structure 2. Furthermore, each pipe, etc. (tube 12A, tube 12B, tube 12C, joint member 13, etc.) is connected to the guide portion 20A, guide portion 20B, and guide portion 20C of the structure 2. In this connected state, when the pump 11 is driven, the culture solution sent from the pump 11 flows into the culture chip 10 via the corresponding pump connection tube 12A, connection tube 12C, and relay tube 12B.

[0050] The culture solution in the culture chip 10 returns to the pump 11 via the corresponding relay tube 12B, the connecting tube 12C, and the pump connection tube 12A. The culture solution returned to the pump 11 passes through the above-described path. That is, the tube 12A, the tube 21B, and the tube 12C form a circulation path for the culture solution. If necessary, a culture solution recovery unit for recovering the culture solution may be provided midway along the circulation path.

[0051] <Moving Mechanism> The moving mechanism 3 is configured to be able to move the structure 2 between a first position and a second position different from the first position. Each of the first position and the second position is located on a vertical line (a line along the Z direction). The position shown in one of Figures 1 (or 5) and 2 (or 6) corresponds to the first position, and the position shown in the other corresponds to the second position.

[0052] The movement mechanism 3 is configured to detachably connect a chip 10 such as a culture chip, and constitutes a culture chip connection mechanism 102. The chip 10 is detachable in a first direction (X direction) relative to the movement mechanism 3. The chip 10 may be detachably connected to the −X side portion of the movement mechanism 3 by a concave-convex structure.

[0053] The movement mechanism 3 is configured to be movable in a second direction (Z direction) intersecting the first direction. The movement mechanism 3 is configured to include a base 30 formed in a rectangular frame shape in a plan view, and an elevating unit 31 provided inside the base 30 and capable of moving up and down (moving in the Z direction) relative to the base 30. A -Z side portion of the structure 2 (for example, a lower portion of the connecting block 21C) is supported by the elevating unit 31. The structure 2, together with the elevating unit 31, is capable of moving up and down relative to the base 30.

[0054] The movement mechanism 3 is equipped with locking mechanisms 35A and 35B that lock the structure 2 at the first position and / or the second position. The locking mechanisms 35A and 35B are configured to include a lock plate 35A provided on the base 30 and a lock pin 35B provided on the lifting unit 31. The lock plate 35A is formed in a plate shape that extends along the XY plane. The lock pin 35B is configured to include a conical portion that protrudes toward the -Z side. An opening is formed in the portion of the base 30 that corresponds to the lock pin 35B, allowing the lock pin 35B to enter and retract.

[0055] For example, in the unlocked state, the structure 2 is pushed down together with the lifting / lowering unit 31. Then, the lock pin 35B enters the opening of the base 30, and a part of the lock pin 35B engages with the lock plate 35A. In other words, the lifting / lowering unit 31 is locked to the base 30. This puts the structure 2 into a locked state together with the lifting / lowering unit 31. Note that the configuration of the locking mechanism units 35A, 35B is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0056] The movement mechanism 3 includes a biasing member 36 that biases the structure 2 to an unlocked state in which the locked state is released. The biasing member 36 includes a spring. A plurality of biasing members 36 are provided on the base 30. The biasing members 36 are provided at four locations spaced apart in each of the X and Y directions. The biasing members 36 are provided to be extendable and contractible in the Z direction (to apply a biasing force in the +Z direction). In the locked state, the lifting unit 31 is locked to the base 30 against the biasing force of the biasing member 36. For example, in the locked state, the lock pin 35B may be disengaged from the lock plate 35A by pressing an unlock button. This allows the structure 2 to be placed in the unlocked state by the biasing force of the biasing member 36 with a simple operation. Note that the installation manner of the biasing member 36 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0057] <Positioning Mechanism> The positioning mechanism 4 is connected to the moving mechanism 3 and is configured to be able to position the chip 10. The positioning mechanism 4 is detachably connected to the -X side portion of the moving mechanism 3. The positioning mechanism 4 is configured to be able to position the chip 10 in a second direction (Z direction) intersecting the first direction (X direction) and a third direction (Y direction) intersecting the first and second directions.

[0058] The positioning mechanism 4 includes a pair of arms 40 that extend in a first direction (X direction) and face each other in a third direction (Y direction). The +X side portion of the arms 40 is detachably connected by screwing to the Y direction outer portion of the -X side portion of the movement mechanism 3 (for example, the Y direction outer lower portion of the base 30). Note that the connection mode of the arms 40 is not limited to the above, and can be changed according to design specifications, such as by using a concave-convex structure or fixation with a band.

[0059] The positioning mechanism 4 includes a pair of opposing positioning protrusions 41 that protrude in the third direction (Y direction) from each of the pair of arms 40. The positioning protrusions 41 protrude inward in the Y direction from inner sides of the −X side portions of the arms 40 in the Y direction.

[0060] For example, the positioning protrusion 41 may be formed in a triangular shape that protrudes inward in the Y direction when viewed in the XY plane. For example, a triangular recess corresponding to the positioning protrusion 41 may be formed on the outer side of the chip 10 in the Y direction. This allows the chip 10 to be guided along the triangular slope of the positioning protrusion 41, while the chip 10 can be positioned by fitting a portion including the apex into the recess.

[0061] The positioning mechanism 4 may include a positioning protrusion 42 that protrudes in the first direction (X direction) from the base 30 (movement mechanism 3). The positioning protrusion 42 protrudes in the −X direction from the center in the Y direction of the −X side portion of the base 30 (movement mechanism 3).

[0062] For example, the positioning protrusion 42 may be formed in a triangular shape that protrudes in the −X direction in the XY plane view. For example, a triangular recess corresponding to the positioning protrusion 42 may be formed on the +X side of the chip 10. This allows the chip 10 to be positioned by fitting a portion including the top of the positioning protrusion 42 into the recess.

[0063] <Imaging Unit> The system 1 further includes an imaging unit 5 that captures an image of the chip 10. The imaging unit 5 is provided in the structure 2. The imaging unit 5 includes a lens 50, lighting (light source), and a camera 51. A handle 6 that can be held by an operator may be provided on the +Z side of the structure 2. For example, the imaging unit 5 may be fixed to the handle 6 via a fixing member (not shown). For example, the imaging unit 5 may be fixed to the structure 2 so as to be movable integrally with the structure 2. Note that the fixing manner of the imaging unit 5 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0064] <Effects> As described above, the system 1 according to this embodiment includes the structure 2; a movement mechanism 3 that can move the structure between a first position and a second position different from the first position and to which the chip 10 is detachably connected; and a positioning mechanism 4 that is connected to the movement mechanism 3 and configured to be able to position the chip 10. This configuration makes it possible to position the chip 10 and move the structure 2 between the first position and the second position. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the total number of operations required to position the chip 10 and the operations required to move the structure 2, as well as the total time required for these operations. This therefore contributes to improving workability.

[0065] The tip 10 according to this embodiment is detachable from the movement mechanism 3 in a first direction, and the movement mechanism 3 is configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction. With this configuration, the tip 10 can be detached in the first direction, and the structure 2 can be moved in the second direction. Therefore, a simple system 1 can be provided that allows work to be performed with two actions.

[0066] The movement mechanism 3 according to this embodiment includes locking mechanisms 35A and 35B that lock the structure 2 at the first position and / or the second position. This configuration allows the structure 2 to be locked, thereby enabling stable work.

[0067] The movement mechanism 3 according to this embodiment includes a biasing member 36 that biases the structure 2 to an unlocked state in which the locked state is released. With this configuration, the biasing force of the biasing member 36 can bring the structure 2 into the unlocked state, allowing work to be carried out smoothly.

[0068] The tip 10 according to this embodiment is detachable in a first direction relative to the moving mechanism 3, and the positioning mechanism 4 is configured to be able to position the tip 10 in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. With this configuration, the tip 10 can be positioned in the second and third directions, allowing for stable operation.

[0069] The positioning mechanism 4 according to this embodiment includes a pair of arms 40 that extend in the first direction and face each other in the third direction. With this configuration, the chip 10 can be moved along the pair of arms 40. In addition, the pair of arms 40 can sandwich and hold the chip 10.

[0070] The positioning mechanism 4 according to this embodiment includes a pair of positioning protrusions 41 that face each other and protrude in the third direction from each of the pair of arms 40. With this configuration, the chip 10 can be positioned by the pair of positioning protrusions 41.

[0071] The system 1 according to this embodiment further includes an imaging unit 5 that is provided on the structure 2 and captures an image of the chip 10. This configuration makes it possible to capture an image of the chip 10. In addition, since the imaging unit 5 can be moved together with the structure 2, it is possible to shorten the total number of operations required to move the structure 2 and the imaging unit 5, which were previously required separately, as well as the total time required for these operations.

[0072] In the system 1 according to the present embodiment, the first position and the second position are each located on a vertical line. With this configuration, when moving the structure 2 from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, gravity can be utilized, allowing the work to be performed smoothly.

[0073] The culture chip connection mechanism 102 according to this embodiment is configured to allow the fluid circuit device 101 to move between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and is a culture chip connection mechanism 102 to which the culture chip 10 is detachably connected. The culture chip 10 includes a movement mechanism unit 3 that is detachable from the culture chip connection mechanism 102 in a first direction and movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction. With this configuration, the culture chip 10 can be attached and detached in the first direction, and the fluid circuit device 101 can be moved in the second direction. Therefore, a simple culture chip connection mechanism 102 that can be operated with two actions can be provided.

[0074] The culture chip connection mechanism 102 according to this embodiment includes a positioning mechanism 4 connected to the movement mechanism 3 and configured to be able to position the culture chip 10. This configuration allows the culture chip 10 to be positioned and the fluid circuit device 101 to be moved between a first position and a second position. This simplifies the labor required to position the culture chip 10 and to move the fluid circuit device 101, thereby contributing to improved workability. The positioning mechanism 4 configured to be able to position the culture chip 10 allows the culture chip 10 to be integrated with the fluid circuit device 101, making it possible to easily and stably install the culture chip 10 in an incubator or move it to a workbench when changing drugs (culture medium), for example.

[0075] For example, in conventional systems, attaching a culture chip to perform perfusion culture required extremely complicated operations, which often led to errors. This made perfusion culture difficult. Furthermore, in conventional systems, the piping (drug passages) on the fluid circuit device side was arranged in a complex manner (messy liquid delivery), resulting in extremely poor workability. In contrast, in the system of this embodiment, the piping (drug passages) on the fluid circuit device side are embedded in advance within the device (recesses, holes, etc.), thereby avoiding the complex arrangement of the piping (drug passages). This significantly reduces the complicated operations and time required for attaching the culture chip, as well as contamination due to contact between the piping and the culture chip. Building such a system eliminates conventional problems and makes it easy for anyone to use. Additionally, by unitizing the fluid circuit device and the culture chip connection mechanism into a single system, the positioning of the culture chip to be attached directly below it can be easily performed. Furthermore, by providing the unit with a mechanism (elevating unit) that can accurately raise and lower the culture chip, the culture chip can be raised and lowered with a single action, allowing accurate and easy access to the liquid supply piping. Also, the system that has been lowered with a single action can be maintained in the lowered state by the locking mechanism, making it possible to supply liquid to the culture chip.

[0076] Furthermore, conventional systems are often large-scale and therefore very complex and expensive. Furthermore, systems used in the field of cell culture use disposable (throwaway) parts to prevent contamination, which is thought to be one of the reasons for the high cost. In contrast, the system of this embodiment reduces the use of disposable parts, making it possible to realize a compact and inexpensive cell perfusion culture system. Furthermore, because an air-open type liquid delivery pump is used for liquid delivery, it is less likely to become clogged with chemicals, and the liquid delivery section can be reused by replacing the buried piping. Therefore, high costs can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, in conventional systems, the interface between the device and the culture chip often required complicated procedures. In contrast, the system of this embodiment has a simple structure that allows perfusion culture to be performed in two actions, which offers significant advantages in terms of shortening the operation and the time required. For example, perfusion culture can be performed by the following procedure: (1) The culture chip is attached by sliding it sideways directly below the fluid circuit device. (2) With the culture chip attached, the upper part of the system (structure and lifting unit) is pushed downward (lowered relative to the base). This locks it in place and maintains the lowered state. (3) With the lowered state maintained, the pump switch is turned on. This starts the delivery of the drug, enabling perfusion culture.

[0078] Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, by providing a microscope camera (imaging unit) on the fluid circuit device, it is possible to observe the state of cells in the culture flow in sequential images. By providing a microscope lens, lighting, and an imaging camera, it is possible to recognize changes in cultured cells on a culture chip attached directly below the fluid circuit device in microscope images. Note that the captured images may be viewed at a remote location, such as a remote room, or saved as data using a unit with wireless functionality.

[0079] <Modifications> In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the tip is detachable from the movement mechanism in a first direction, and the movement mechanism is configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, but the system of the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the movement mechanism may be configured to be movable in a direction different from the first direction and the second direction. Furthermore, the movement mechanism may be configured to be movable in multiple directions. The configuration of the movement mechanism can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the moving mechanism includes a locking mechanism that locks the structure at the first position and / or the second position, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the structure at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. For example, the locking mechanism may not be provided. The installation mode of the locking mechanism may be changed according to the design specifications.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the movement mechanism includes a biasing member that biases the structure toward an unlocked state in which the locked state is released, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the biasing member may be configured to bias the structure toward the locked state. For example, the biasing member may not be provided. The installation mode of the biasing member can be changed according to design specifications.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the chip is detachable from the moving mechanism in a first direction, and the positioning mechanism is configured to be able to position the chip in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the positioning mechanism may be configured to be able to position the chip in a direction different from the second and third directions. The configuration of the positioning mechanism can be changed according to design specifications.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes a pair of arms extending in the first direction and facing each other in the third direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pair of arms may be provided facing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The arrangement of the pair of arms can be changed according to design specifications.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes a pair of positioning protrusions that protrude in the third direction from each of the pair of arms and face each other. However, this is not limiting. For example, the positioning protrusions may be provided so as to protrude in the third direction from only one of the pair of arms. For example, the positioning protrusions may not be provided. The installation manner of the positioning protrusions may be changed according to design specifications.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which an imaging unit that is provided in the structure and captures an image of the chip is further provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the imaging unit may be provided in a location separate from the structure. For example, the system may not include an imaging unit. The installation mode of the imaging unit can be changed according to design specifications.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the first position and the second position are each disposed on a vertical line, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first position and the second position may be disposed on a horizontal line. For example, the first position and the second position may be disposed on a line that intersects with the vertical line and the horizontal line. The arrangement of the first position and the second position can be changed according to design specifications.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the structure of the movement mechanism is configured with detachable piping through which a fluid for cell culture can flow, and the chip is capable of storing the fluid for cell culture, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the structure may be configured with detachable piping through which a fluid other than that for cell culture can flow. For example, the chip may be capable of storing a fluid other than that for cell culture. The configuration of the structure and / or the chip can be changed according to design specifications.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the culture chip connection mechanism is configured to move the fluid circuit device between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and is a culture chip connection mechanism to which the culture chip is detachably connected. The culture chip is detachably attached to the culture chip connection mechanism in a first direction and includes a movement mechanism configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to other chip connection mechanisms configured to move other fluid circuit devices, such as a fluid delivery device for circulating fluids other than those used for cell culture or an air delivery device for circulating gas.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the culture chip connection mechanism is described as including a positioning mechanism that is connected to a moving mechanism and is configured to be able to position the culture chip, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the culture chip connection mechanism does not need to include a positioning mechanism. The installation mode of the positioning mechanism can be changed according to design specifications.

[0090] In addition, the components in the above-described embodiment may be replaced with well-known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, the above-described modifications may be combined.

[0091] In one embodiment, the system of the present invention includes a movement mechanism 3 configured to be able to move the structure 2 between a first position and a second position different from the first position and to which the chip 10 is detachably connected, and a positioning mechanism 4 connected to the movement mechanism 3 and configured to be able to position the chip 10. Therefore, the chip 10 can be positioned and the structure 2 can be moved between the first position and the second position, thereby simplifying the effort of positioning the chip 10 and the effort of moving the structure 2. This provides a system, a movement mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a culture chip connection mechanism that can contribute to improving workability.

[0092] 1...system, 2...structure, 3...moving mechanism, 4...positioning mechanism, 5...imaging unit, 10...culture chip (chip), 35A, 35B...locking mechanism, 36...urging member, 40...arm, 41...positioning protrusion, 101...cell culture device (fluid circuit device), 102...culture chip connection mechanism

Claims

1. A system comprising: a structure; a movement mechanism that can move the structure between a first position and a second position different from the first position and to which a chip is detachably connected; and a positioning mechanism that is connected to the movement mechanism and is configured to be able to position the chip.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the tip is detachable from the movement mechanism in a first direction, and the movement mechanism is configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movement mechanism includes a locking mechanism that locks the structure at the first position and / or the second position.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the movement mechanism includes a biasing member that biases the structure to an unlocked state in which the locked state is released.

5. The system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the chip is detachable from the moving mechanism in a first direction, and the positioning mechanism is configured to be able to position the chip in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a pair of arms extending in the first direction and facing each other in the third direction.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a pair of positioning protrusions that protrude in the third direction from each of the pair of arms and face each other.

8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an imaging unit provided in the structure for imaging the chip.

9. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first position and the second position are each arranged on a vertical line.

10. A moving mechanism that can move a structure having detachable piping through which a fluid for cell culture can flow between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and has a tip that can store the fluid for cell culture.

11. Use of the movement mechanism according to claim 10 in a fluid circuit device.

12. A positioning mechanism that can move a structure between a first position and a second position different from the first position, that is connected to a moving mechanism to which a chip is detachably connected, and that is configured to be able to position the chip.

13. Use of the positioning mechanism according to claim 12 in a fluid circuit device.

14. A culture chip connection mechanism configured to move a fluid circuit device between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and to which a culture chip is detachably connected, wherein the culture chip is detachable from the culture chip connection mechanism in a first direction and includes a movement mechanism configured to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

15. The culture chip connection mechanism according to claim 14, further comprising a positioning mechanism connected to the movement mechanism and configured to be able to position the culture chip.

Images