JP3581840B2 - Culture equipment for microscopy - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To circulate mixed air between a gas mixing chamber and a chamber and disposing a humidifier in the chamber. SOLUTION: The respective gaseous components from a CO2 gas cylinder 3, N2 gas cylinder 4 and other gas cylinders 5 are introduced into a gas mixing chamber 2 via a solenoid valve 31 for CO2 , a solenoid valve 41 for N2 and other solenoid valves 51 and are mixed uniformly by a mixed air stirring fan 21. The mixed air in the gas mixing chamber 2 is delivered through a forward pipeline 2a toward the chamber 1 by an air pump 6, heated by a heater 7, removed of impurities by an air filter 8 and supplied into the chamber 1. When the mixed air is fed into the chamber 1 through the forward pipeline 2a, the mixed air which already exists in the chamber 1 is refluxed through a backward pipeline 2b into the gas mixing chamber 2. As a result, the mixed air is circulated between the gas mixing chamber 2 and the chamber 1. Furthermore, the mixed air is humidified by the humidifier 11 in the chamber 1, by which high humidity is obtained.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a culture apparatus for microscopic observation, and more particularly to a culture apparatus for microscopic observation for observing and photographing a biological sample such as cells, tissues, bacteria, and microorganisms in a living state for a long time with a microscope.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When observing and photographing a biological sample (hereinafter, simply referred to as a sample) in a living state for a long time with a microscope, prepare a chamber made of a transparent box and keep the sample in the chamber and keep it warm. It is necessary to form an environment in which the concentrations of O ₂ (oxygen) and CO ₂ (carbon dioxide) are always controlled to be constant in a high humidity state, and to set the environment on a microscope stage.
[0003]
FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a conventional culture device for microscopic observation. The culture apparatus for microscopic observation includes a chamber 101 that accommodates a sample container R for culturing a sample S to be observed and is mounted on a microscope stage 115, and the atmosphere, CO ₂ gas, and N ₂ supplied into the chamber 101. ₂ A gas mixing chamber 102 which mixes (nitrogen) gas with a mixing air stirring fan 121 to obtain mixed air; a CO ₂ gas cylinder 103 and an N ₂ gas cylinder 104 connected to the gas mixing chamber 102 via valves 131 and 141; And an air pump 106 that takes in the atmosphere through a valve 162 and a flow meter 161 and supplies the gas to the gas mixing chamber 102, a heater 107 incorporated in a microscope stage 115, and a safety trap 110 for preventing backflow, and is connected to the gas mixing chamber 102. a bubbler 111 for accommodating the humidifying water is, CO which is provided in the gas mixing chamber 102 The sensor 122 and the _{O 2} sensor heater 107 with is connected to 123 and a controller 109 that is connected to a temperature sensor (not shown), the medium from the pump 117. replenishing the sample container R from the medium vessel 116, Its main part is configured.
[0004]
In such a conventional culture apparatus for microscopic observation, a chamber 101 containing a sample container R for culturing a sample S is installed on a microscope stage 115 controlled to a predetermined temperature by a heater 107, and a gas mixing chamber 102 is provided. A method has been adopted in which the atmosphere is mixed with a CO ₂ gas and a N ₂ gas, and mixed air adjusted to a predetermined concentration is constantly or periodically supplied to the chamber 1. For this reason, the mixed air was in a state of flowing down from a clearance such as the chamber 101.
[0005]
Further, in order to adjust the humidity in the chamber 101, the mixed air supplied to the chamber 101 is humidified by, for example, passing once through humidifying water such as pure water by a bubbler 111.
[0006]
Further, since the medium (water) evaporates from the sample S by heating by the heater 107, the medium was replenished to the sample S from the medium container 116 by the pump 117 as needed. When the medium is replenished to the sample S, the position of the medium in the sample container R fluctuates, so that it may not be possible to continue observing the same place of the sample S with a microscope.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-mentioned conventional culture apparatus for microscopic observation, since the mixed air is constantly or periodically injected into the chamber in order to supplement the amount of the mixed air flowing down, CO ₂ gas and N ₂ gas and the like are used. There is a problem that the consumption of each component gas is large and wasteful.
[0008]
Further, the concentration of each component gas in the mixed air is not measured in the chamber, and it is not known whether each component gas in the chamber has a predetermined concentration accurately.
[0009]
Furthermore, since the bottom of the chamber is heated by the heater, the temperature near the sample becomes the highest, and a uniform temperature environment cannot be obtained. There is a problem that it may die.
[0010]
Furthermore, with respect to humidification, since only the chamber is heated and adjusted, the temperature rises by using a humidifier bubbler and entering the heated chamber even if humidification occurs immediately before the chamber. As a result, the amount of saturated water vapor increases, resulting in a decrease in humidity, and there is a problem that the humidity in the chamber cannot be sufficiently increased.
[0011]
A first object of the present invention is to provide a culture apparatus for microscopic observation in which mixed air, which has conventionally been dripping, is circulated between a gas mixing chamber and a chamber.
[0012]
A second object of the present invention is to provide a culture apparatus for microscopic observation, which measures and controls the concentration of each component gas in the mixed air so that the concentration of each component gas in the mixed air can be kept constant. To provide.
[0013]
Further, a third object of the present invention is to provide a culture apparatus for microscopic observation, in which a heated air mixture is directly supplied to prevent drying of a sample.
[0014]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a culture apparatus for microscopic observation, in which a humidifier is provided in a chamber so that the humidity of mixed air can be sufficiently increased.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The culture apparatus for microscopic observation of the present invention includes a chamber containing a sample to be observed and placed on a microscope stage, a gas mixing chamber for mixing mixed air supplied into the chamber, and a gas mixing chamber. A carbon dioxide gas supply source connected via an electromagnetic valve, an outgoing line and a return line connecting between the gas mixing chamber and the chamber, and mixing air in the gas mixing chamber through the outgoing line. Air circulation means for supplying the mixed air in the chamber to the gas mixing chamber through the return line to supply the mixed air to the chamber, and carbon dioxide gas concentration adjusting means for setting the concentration of the carbon dioxide gas in the chamber. A carbon dioxide gas concentration detector for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the chamber, and a concentration of carbon dioxide gas measured by the carbon dioxide gas concentration detector. Serial and having a density control means for maintaining the concentration set by the carbon dioxide gas concentration adjusting means by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve.
[0016]
Further, the culture apparatus for microscopic observation of the present invention includes a chamber containing a sample to be observed and mounted on a microscope stage, a gas mixing chamber for mixing mixed air supplied into the chamber, and the gas mixing chamber. and connected to an oxygen gas supply source into the mixing chamber via the first solenoid valve, and a nitrogen gas supply source connected through a second solenoid valve to the gas mixing chamber, between the said gas mixing chamber chamber And the mixed air in the gas mixing chamber is supplied to the chamber through the outgoing pipe, and the mixed air in the chamber is returned to the gas mixing chamber through the return pipe. and air circulation means, and an oxygen gas concentration adjusting means for setting the concentration of oxygen gas in the chamber, and an oxygen gas concentration detection means for measuring the concentration of oxygen gas in the chamber, the oxygen gas concentration regulating When the concentration of the oxygen gas set by the means is equal to or higher than the atmospheric concentration, the first electromagnetic valve is opened and closed and the concentration of the oxygen gas measured by the oxygen gas concentration detecting means is adjusted by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means. Keeping the oxygen gas concentration set, the second electromagnetic valve is opened and closed by the oxygen gas concentration detecting means when the oxygen gas concentration set by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means is lower than the atmospheric concentration. And a concentration control means for maintaining the concentration of the oxygen gas to be measured at the concentration of the oxygen gas set by the oxygen gas concentration control means.
In addition, the culture apparatus for microscopic observation of the present invention is a chamber that accommodates a sample to be observed and is mounted on a microscope stage, a gas mixing chamber that mixes mixed air supplied into the chamber, A carbon dioxide gas supply source connected to the gas mixing chamber via a first electromagnetic valve, an oxygen gas supply source connected to the gas mixing chamber via a second electromagnetic valve, and a carbon dioxide gas supply source connected to the gas mixing chamber. A nitrogen gas supply source connected via the electromagnetic valve of No. 3, an outgoing line and a return line connecting the gas mixing chamber and the chamber, and mixing air in the gas mixing chamber through the outgoing line. An air circulating means for supplying the mixed air in the chamber to the gas mixing chamber through the return line to supply the mixed air to the chamber, and a carbon dioxide gas concentration adjusting means for setting the concentration of the carbon dioxide gas in the chamber. Oxygen gas concentration adjusting means for setting the concentration of oxygen gas in the chamber; carbon dioxide gas concentration detecting means for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the chamber; and the concentration of oxygen gas in the chamber. And a carbon dioxide gas concentration measured by the carbon dioxide gas concentration detecting means by opening and closing the first electromagnetic valve. While maintaining the concentration of carbon gas, when the concentration of oxygen gas set by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means is equal to or higher than the atmospheric concentration, the second electromagnetic valve is opened and closed and measured by the oxygen gas concentration detecting means. The oxygen gas concentration is maintained at the oxygen gas concentration set by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means, and the oxygen gas set by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means is maintained. When the concentration of the oxygen gas is lower than the atmospheric concentration, the third electromagnetic valve is opened and closed to adjust the concentration of the oxygen gas measured by the oxygen gas concentration detecting means to the oxygen gas concentration set by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means. And a density control means for maintaining the density.
[0017]
Further, the culture device for microscopic observation of the present invention, a heating means for heating the mixed air, a temperature adjusting means for setting the temperature of the mixed air, and a temperature detecting means for measuring the temperature of the mixed air , Temperature control means for controlling the heating means to maintain the temperature measured by the temperature detection means at a temperature set by the temperature adjustment means.
[0018]
Furthermore, the culture device for microscopic observation of the present invention is a humidifying unit for humidifying the mixed air, a humidity adjusting unit for setting the humidity of the mixed air, and a humidity detecting unit for measuring the humidity of the mixed air. And a humidity control unit that controls the humidification unit to keep the humidity measured by the humidity detection unit at the humidity set by the humidity adjustment unit.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
(1) First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a culture apparatus for microscopic observation according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The culture apparatus for microscopic observation according to the present embodiment includes a chamber 1 that houses a sample container R for culturing a sample S to be observed and is mounted on a microscope stage 15 and components supplied to the chamber 1. a gas mixing chamber 2, mixing the air by mixing gas, and往管path 2a and Fukukanro 2b connecting the gas mixing chamber 2 and the chamber 1, an electromagnetic valve 31 for CO ₂ in the gas mixing chamber 2, N _An air pump for supplying the mixed air in the gas mixing chamber 2 to the chamber 1 and the CO ₂ gas cylinder 3, the N ₂ gas cylinder 4 and the other gas cylinder 5 connected via the electromagnetic valve 41 for ₂ and the electromagnetic valve 51 for other gas 6, a heater 7 for heating the mixed air, an air filter 8 for removing impurities in the mixed air, and a controller 9 for controlling the entire culture apparatus for microscopic observation, the main parts of which are constituted. ing. Further, this apparatus is connected to the input / output device 91, and can set and monitor each condition.
[0022]
The chamber 1 is formed of a transparent box made of glass, plastic or the like in a semi-hermetic manner, accommodates a sample container R such as a petri dish for culturing the sample S, and has a humidifier 11, a temperature sensor 12, a humidity sensor 13, and a barometer. 14 is provided.
[0023]
The humidifier 11 is, for example, a type that blows mist of distilled water by an ultrasonic generator in order to make the humidity in the chamber 1 usually 70% or more, and is connected to the controller 9 in a controllable manner. I have.
[0024]
The temperature sensor 12 is a sensor that measures temperature using a platinum thin film resistor, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or the like, and is connected to the controller 9.
[0025]
The humidity sensor 13 is a sensor that measures humidity using a polymer film, ceramics, electrolyte, or the like, and is connected to the controller 9.
[0026]
The barometer 14 measures the atmospheric pressure by using a change in capacitance or the like, and is connected to the controller 9.
[0027]
Gas mixing chamber 2, along with being connected to the CO ₂ gas cylinder 3, _{N 2} gas cylinder 4 and the other of the gas cylinder 5 through the CO ₂ electromagnetic valve 31, _{N 2} electromagnetic valve 41 and the other gas solenoid valve 51 , Is connected to the chamber 1 through the outgoing line 2a and the return line 2b. Further, the gas mixing chamber 2 includes a mixed air stirring fan 21. The gas mixing chamber 2 is a droplet collecting device for cooling the vicinity of the return line 2b, which is the lowest temperature in the circulation path of the mixed gas, and removing dewdrops inside the return line 2b generated due to supersaturation. Works as well. The chamber 1 includes a CO ₂ sensor 22 and an O ₂ sensor 23, and the CO ₂ sensor 22 and the O ₂ sensor 23 are connected to the controller 9.
[0028]
Various other gases for the gas cylinder 5 are used depending on experiments, but the most common gas is O ₂ gas. In that case, the experiment is to make the O ₂ concentration in the chamber 1 equal to or higher than the atmospheric concentration.
[0029]
The air pump 6 is an electric blower pump, is disposed in the outgoing line 2 a, and sends out mixed air from the gas mixing chamber 2 to the chamber 1. The air pump 6 is connected to the controller 9 and can be controlled from the controller 9. It should be noted that a plurality of air pumps 6 may be arranged in the return pipe 2b so as to face each other so as to recirculate the mixed air from the chamber 1 to the gas mixing chamber 2.
[0030]
The heater 7 is, for example, a silicon rubber heater using a nickel chromium alloy or the like as a heating element, and is disposed in the outward pipe 2a to directly heat the mixed air. The heater 7 also functions as a drying device for drying dew drops in the gas mixing chamber 2.
[0031]
The air filter 8 is made of an appropriate material such as a porous material obtained by sintering a metal oxide such as alumina, sponge, filter paper or the like in order to prevent bacteria and dirt from passing therethrough. Placed in front of the
[0032]
The controller 9 is an electric control device including a microcomputer (not shown). The controller 9 receives output signals of the temperature sensor 12, the humidity sensor 13, the barometer 14, the CO ₂ sensor 22 and the O ₂ sensor 23, and , The heater 7, the humidifier 11, the CO ₂ electromagnetic valve 31, the N ₂ electromagnetic valve 41, and other gas electromagnetic valves 51. The controller 9 is connected to an input / output device 91 including a monitor, a keyboard, and the like, and observes output signals of the temperature sensor 12, the humidity sensor 13, the barometer 14, the CO ₂ sensor 22, and the O ₂ sensor 23. Also, the control conditions of the air pump 6, the heater 7, the humidifier 11, the CO ₂ electromagnetic valve 31, the N ₂ electromagnetic valve 41 and the other gas electromagnetic valves 51 can be set.
[0033]
Referring to FIG. 2, the control process of the CO ₂ concentration by the controller 9 includes a timer determination step A01, a CO ₂ concentration measurement step A02, and a CO ₂ electromagnetic valve opening step A03.
[0034]
Referring to FIG. 3, the control process of the _{O 2} concentration by the controller 9, a timer determination step B01, the _{O 2} concentration measuring step B02, an electromagnetic valve opening step B03 Metropolitan for _{N 2.}
[0035]
Next, the operation of the culture apparatus for microscopic observation according to the first embodiment thus configured will be described.
[0036]
Here, an experiment for reducing the O ₂ concentration of the mixed air will be described as an example for an experiment for observing the anaerobic property of the living body of the sample S. Further, only the CO ₂ gas and the N ₂ gas are used, and other gases are not used.
[0037]
When the culture device for microscopic observation is started, the temperature, humidity and pressure of the mixed air are set from the input / output device 91 to the controller 9, and the CO ₂ concentration set value D _{1 of} the mixed air (see FIG. 2) and The O ₂ concentration set value D ₂ (see FIG. 3) is set. In the standard, the CO ₂ concentration setting _{D 1} is 0%, _{O 2} concentration setting _{D 2} is set to 0% to atmospheric concentrations (up to less than 30%).
[0038]
In the initial state, the chamber 1 and the gas mixing chamber 2 are originally filled with the atmosphere, and the output signals of the CO ₂ sensor 22 and the O ₂ sensor 23 indicate that the CO ₂ concentration is approximately 0% and the O ₂ concentration is approximately 21%. Therefore, the controller 9 opens the electromagnetic valves 31 and 41 and introduces CO ₂ gas and N ₂ gas into the gas mixing chamber 2. With the introduction of the CO ₂ gas and the N ₂ gas into the gas mixing chamber 2, most of the air originally in the gas mixing chamber 2 and the chamber 1 passes through a drain valve 53 provided in the middle of the return line 2 b. Released and exchanged for mixed air. Further, a part thereof is gradually discharged to the outside through a gap such as a window of the chamber 1 while being mixed with the CO ₂ gas and the N ₂ gas. The reason that the N ₂ gas is introduced into the gas mixing chamber 2 in order to keep the actual O ₂ concentration d ₂ constant is because the O ₂ concentration is reduced for the purpose of anaerobic experiments. Even after the air exchange, the mixed air needs to be replenished due to some leakage. However, since most of the air is recirculated, a small amount of replenishment is sufficient instead of a so-called flowing state.
[0039]
In the gas mixing chamber 2, the mixed air stirring fan 21 rotates to stir the mixed air so that the component gases of CO ₂ gas and N ₂ gas are uniformly mixed. The CO ₂ concentration and the O ₂ concentration in the chamber 1 are constantly or periodically measured by the CO ₂ sensor 22 and the O ₂ sensor 23 and input to the controller 9.
[0040]
Whenever a predetermined CO ₂ concentration adjustment interval T ₁ (for example, 10 seconds) elapses by a timer (not shown) (step A01) (step A01), the controller 9 uses the CO ₂ sensor 22 to control the air in the mixed air in the chamber 1. the actual CO ₂ concentration _{d 1} measured (step A02), and the CO ₂ concentration setting _{D 1} and the CO ₂ concentration _d difference Δ time tau ₁ only CO ₂ electromagnetic valve 31 which is proportional to ₁ with ₁ in the open (Step A03), the CO ₂ concentration d ₁ in the mixed air is kept at the CO ₂ concentration set value D ₁ .
[0041]
Similarly, every time a predetermined O ₂ concentration adjustment interval T ₂ (for example, 10 seconds) elapses by a timer (not shown) (step B01), the controller 9 controls the mixing in the chamber 1 by the O ₂ sensor 23. The O ₂ concentration d ₂ in the air is measured (step B02), and the N ₂ electromagnetic valve 41 is opened for a time τ ₂ proportional to the difference Δ ₂ between the O ₂ concentration set value D ₂ and the O ₂ concentration d _2. Te maintain (step B03), the _{O 2} concentration _{d 2} in the mixed air to the _{O 2} concentration setting _{D 2.}
[0042]
The operation of the air pump 6 causes the mixed air in the gas mixing chamber 2 to be sent out toward the chamber 1 through the outward pipe 2a.
[0043]
In the chamber 1, the temperature sensor 12, the humidity sensor 13, and the barometer 14 measure the temperature, humidity, and pressure of the mixed air in the chamber 1 and input the measured values to the controller 9.
[0044]
The controller 9 directly heats the mixed air by the heater 7 in the middle of the outgoing line 2a according to the output signal of the temperature sensor 12 so that the temperature in the chamber 1 falls within a predetermined range.
[0045]
The mixed air heated by the heater 7 is sent into the chamber 1 after removing impurities by the air filter 8.
[0046]
When the mixed air is sent into the chamber 1 through the outgoing line 2a, the mixed air already in the chamber 1 is returned to the gas mixing chamber 2 through the return line 2b.
[0047]
The controller 9 drives the humidifier 11 in accordance with the output signal of the humidity sensor 13 so that the humidity of the mixed air in the chamber 1 falls within a predetermined range.
[0048]
By the way, in the circulation path of the mixed air, the temperature of the gas mixing chamber 2 becomes the lowest, so that the water vapor in the humidified mixed air is condensed at that portion. Is sucked into the heater 7 and sent to the heater 7, so that all of them are re-evaporated, so that the internal humidity is easily maintained.
[0049]
In this way, the mixed air is circulated between the gas mixing chamber 2 and the chamber 1, and the CO ₂ concentration d ₁ and the O ₂ concentration d ₂ in the mixed air in the chamber 1 are kept constant. Further, the mixed air is maintained at a predetermined pressure, temperature and humidity.
[0050]
In the first embodiment, an example in which the O ₂ concentration is reduced due to anaerobic property is described as an example. However, in a special use for research, the O ₂ concentration d ₂ higher than the atmospheric concentration is used. For example, in an experiment in a peroxygen atmosphere, there is an experiment in which the O ₂ concentration d ₂ is 70% or more. In this case the experiment connects the O ₂ gas cylinder Other gas cylinder 5, the other gas electromagnetic valve 51 and only opens the O ₂ concentration d electromagnetic valve open time for other gases in accordance with _2, the O ₂ concentration d ₂ in the mixed air can be kept at a high concentration.
[0051]
In the first embodiment, the humidifier 11 that can be controlled by the controller 9 is installed in the chamber 1 and the mixed air is humidified by the humidifier 11, but instead of the humidifier 11, A water tank filled with water may simply be placed in the chamber 1. Even in this case, since the humidification is performed under a predetermined temperature and pressure environment, there is almost no problem in the humidification effect.
[0052]
(2) Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing a culture device for microscopic observation according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The culture apparatus for microscopic observation according to the present embodiment is configured as an airtight system in consideration of the case where the mixed gas contains a dangerous gas or the like and cannot be discharged into the atmosphere. In the culture apparatus for microscopic observation according to the first embodiment, a gas discharge electromagnetic valve 24, an air pump 25, and an exhaust tank 26 are connected to the gas mixing chamber 2 in this order. Needless to say, as long as it is an airtight system, there is no gap in the windows and the like of the chamber 1. The other gas cylinders 5 store the dangerous gas and the like. Note that parts that are not particularly mentioned are configured in the same manner as the culture apparatus for microscopic observation according to the first embodiment, and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0053]
In the culture apparatus for microscopic observation according to the second embodiment configured as described above, the pressure in the chamber 1 is constantly or periodically measured by the barometer 14, and the pressure in the chamber 1 is higher than a predetermined range. Then, the air pressure in the chamber 1 is adjusted within a predetermined range by opening the electromagnetic valve 24 and driving the air pump 25 to discharge the mixed air in the gas mixing chamber 2 to the exhaust tank 26. In the case of the initial air exchange between the mixed gas and the atmosphere or the like originally present in the gas mixing chamber 2, the outgoing line 2 a and the chamber 1, the switching valve 52 is switched to evacuate, thereby enabling quick air exchange.
[0054]
Further, even if the pressure in the chamber 1 is within the predetermined range, the concentration of each component gas in the mixed air constantly or periodically measured by the CO ₂ sensor 22 and the O ₂ sensor 23 is out of the predetermined range. For example, once the electromagnetic valve 24 is opened, the air pump 25 is driven to discharge the mixed air in the gas mixing chamber 2 to the exhaust tank 26, and then the electromagnetic valves 31, 41 and 51 are opened and closed, and Is maintained within a predetermined range.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the culture device for microscopic observation of the present invention, since the mixed air is circulated and the mixed air is prevented from flowing down, the consumption of each component gas contained in the mixed air can be reduced. There is.
[0056]
In addition, since the concentration of each component gas in the mixed air is measured constantly or periodically, and only the component gas consumed in the chamber is replenished, the concentration of each component gas in the mixed air is efficiently reduced. This has the effect that it can be kept consistently and economically.
[0057]
Furthermore, since the temperature of the mixed air itself is measured and the temperature of the mixed air itself is controlled, it is possible to control the temperature of the entire chamber, and a stable temperature control environment can be established, and the temperature of only the sample can be increased. Therefore, there is an effect that drying of the sample can be prevented beforehand.
[0058]
Furthermore, since the humidity of the mixed air is measured and the mixed air is humidified in the chamber by the humidifier, there is an effect that the humidity can be easily increased to the saturated water vapor concentration at a predetermined temperature.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a culture device for microscopic observation according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control process of a CO ₂ concentration by a controller in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control process of the O ₂ concentration by the controller in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing a culture apparatus for microscopic observation according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a conventional culture device for microscopic observation.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Chamber 2 Gas mixing chamber 2a Outgoing line 2b Return line 3 CO ₂ gas cylinder 4 N ₂ gas cylinder 5 Other gas cylinder 6 Air pump 7 Heater 8 Air filter 9 Controller 11 Humidifier 12 Temperature sensor 13 Humidity sensor 14 Barometer 21 Mixing Air stirring fan 22 CO ₂ sensor 23 O ₂ sensor 24 Electromagnetic valve 25 Air pump 26 Exhaust tank 31 CO ₂ electromagnetic valve 41 N ₂ electromagnetic valve 51 Other gas electromagnetic valve 52 Switching valve 53 Drain valve 91 I / O device

Claims (5)

A chamber for storing a sample to be observed and placed on a microscope stage,
A gas mixing chamber for mixing the mixed air supplied into the chamber,
A carbon dioxide gas supply source connected to the gas mixing chamber via an electromagnetic valve,
An outgoing line and a return line connecting between the gas mixing chamber and the chamber,
Air circulating means for supplying the mixed air in the gas mixing chamber to the chamber through the outward pipe, and for returning the mixed air in the chamber to the gas mixing chamber through the return pipe ;
Carbon dioxide gas concentration adjusting means for setting the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the chamber,
Carbon dioxide gas concentration detecting means for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the chamber,
Concentration control means for keeping the concentration of carbon dioxide gas measured by the carbon dioxide gas concentration detection means at the concentration set by the carbon dioxide gas concentration adjustment means by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve. A culture device for microscopic observation characterized by the above-mentioned. A chamber for storing a sample to be observed and placed on a microscope stage,
A gas mixing chamber for mixing the mixed air supplied into the chamber,
An oxygen gas supply source connected to the gas mixing chamber via a first electromagnetic valve;
A nitrogen gas supply source connected to the gas mixing chamber via a second electromagnetic valve;
An outgoing line and a return line connecting between the gas mixing chamber and the chamber,
Air circulating means for supplying the mixed air in the gas mixing chamber to the chamber through the outward pipe, and for returning the mixed air in the chamber to the gas mixing chamber through the return pipe;
Oxygen gas concentration adjusting means for setting the concentration of oxygen gas in the chamber ,
Oxygen gas concentration detecting means for measuring the concentration of oxygen gas in the chamber,
When the oxygen gas concentration set by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means is equal to or higher than the atmospheric concentration, the first electromagnetic valve is opened and closed to change the oxygen gas concentration measured by the oxygen gas concentration detecting means to the oxygen concentration. Maintaining the oxygen gas concentration set by the gas concentration adjusting means, and opening and closing the second electromagnetic valve when the oxygen gas concentration set by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means is lower than the atmospheric concentration to open and close the oxygen gas. A culture apparatus for microscopic observation, comprising: a concentration control means for maintaining the concentration of oxygen gas measured by the gas concentration detection means at the concentration of oxygen gas set by the oxygen gas concentration adjustment means . A chamber for storing a sample to be observed and placed on a microscope stage,
A gas mixing chamber for mixing the mixed air supplied into the chamber,
A carbon dioxide gas supply source connected to the gas mixing chamber via a first electromagnetic valve;
An oxygen gas supply source connected to the gas mixing chamber via a second electromagnetic valve;
A nitrogen gas supply source connected to the gas mixing chamber via a third electromagnetic valve;
An outgoing line and a return line connecting between the gas mixing chamber and the chamber,
Air circulating means for supplying the mixed air in the gas mixing chamber to the chamber through the outward pipe, and for returning the mixed air in the chamber to the gas mixing chamber through the return pipe;
Carbon dioxide gas concentration adjusting means for setting the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the chamber,
Oxygen gas concentration adjusting means for setting the concentration of oxygen gas in the chamber,
Carbon dioxide gas concentration detecting means for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the chamber,
Oxygen gas concentration detecting means for measuring the concentration of oxygen gas in the chamber,
The carbon dioxide gas concentration measured by the carbon dioxide gas concentration detecting means is maintained at the carbon dioxide gas concentration set by the carbon dioxide gas concentration adjusting means by opening and closing the first electromagnetic valve, and the oxygen When the oxygen gas concentration set by the gas concentration adjusting means is equal to or higher than the atmospheric concentration, the second electromagnetic valve is opened and closed to open the oxygen gas concentration detecting means. Is maintained at the concentration of oxygen gas set by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means, and when the concentration of oxygen gas set by the oxygen gas concentration adjusting means is lower than the atmospheric concentration, Concentration control means for opening and closing a third electromagnetic valve to keep the oxygen gas concentration measured by the oxygen gas concentration detection means at the oxygen gas concentration set by the oxygen gas concentration adjustment means;
A culture device for microscopic observation, comprising: The culture device for microscopic observation, heating means for heating the mixed air, temperature adjusting means for setting the temperature of the mixed air, temperature detecting means for measuring the temperature of the mixed air , the temperature detecting means 4. The microscope observation according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature control unit that controls the heating unit to maintain the temperature measured by the temperature control unit at a temperature set by the temperature adjustment unit. Culture equipment. The culture device for microscopic observation, humidifying means for humidifying the mixed air, humidity adjusting means for setting the humidity of the mixed air, humidity detecting means for measuring the humidity of the mixed air, and the humidity detecting means 4. A microscope according to claim 1, further comprising a humidity control unit that controls the humidification unit to maintain the humidity measured by the humidity control unit at a humidity set by the humidity adjustment unit. Culture equipment.

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