JP4739663B2 - Storage device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a storage device such as an incubator for culturing a sample on a container inside a chamber adjusted to a predetermined environmental condition.

Conventionally, an incubator (9) as shown in FIG. 29 is used for culturing various microorganisms and cells. The incubator (9) is provided with a plurality of shelves (93) in a chamber (91) capable of opening and closing an opening (90) by an open / close door (92), and each shelf (93) has a plurality of shelves. The microplate (31) can be accommodated. The chamber (91) is provided with an environmental adjusting device (not shown) for adjusting environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and CO ₂ concentration in the chamber (91), and set appropriate environmental conditions. By this, the sample on the microplate (31) is cultured.

  In such an incubator (9), in order to confirm the state of the sample during culture, the microplate (31) is taken out from the chamber (91) and the sample is observed and analyzed with a microscope or the like. In this case, since the opening / closing door (92) of the chamber (91) needs to be opened, there is a problem that the environmental conditions in the chamber (11) greatly change.

Therefore, an incubator has been proposed in which the microplate can be transported between the microplate insertion opening established in the chamber and each microplate housing in the chamber, and the microplate is automatically inserted into and removed from each microplate housing. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
According to the incubator, since a small microplate insertion port may be opened in the chamber, the environmental conditions in the chamber do not change greatly when the microplate is inserted and removed.
JP-A-11-89559

By the way, if an emergency such as a sudden failure or power outage occurs in the incubator, the environmental conditions in the chamber will deteriorate and the cultivated bacteria and cells will be killed. Prompt evacuation (evacuation to another incubator, etc.) is required. In addition, it is necessary to sterilize the inside of the incubator and the microplate transport device immediately.
However, the conventional incubator has a problem that measures are not sufficiently taken when such an emergency occurs.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage device that can quickly evacuate a container such as a microplate in the event of an emergency, and can quickly sterilize the inside of the chamber or the container transport device. is there.

In the storage apparatus for cell culture according to the present invention, the chamber (11) has an opening (10) that can be opened and closed by an open / close door (12), and an apparatus assembly is installed inside the chamber (11), The apparatus assembly includes a container transport unit for transporting a container on the base (21) in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction orthogonal to each other on the horizontal plane in the chamber (11) and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to these directions. And a stacker unit in which container storage shelves for storing containers are provided at a plurality of locations.
The container transport unit is configured by arranging an X-axis transport unit, a Y-axis transport unit, a Z-axis transport unit, and a motor for driving each transport unit on the machine base, and the stacker unit is disposed on the drawer table. It is configured by arranging storage shelves, the machine base of the container transport unit and the drawer base of the stacker unit are each fastened to the base (21) on the base (21), and the container transport unit and the stacker unit are It is possible to remove from the base (21) by releasing the fastening to each base (21) , and take out the container transport unit, stacker unit and base (21) individually from the opening (10) of the chamber (11). It is possible.

In the storage device of the present invention, when an emergency such as a sudden failure or a power failure occurs, the device assembly is exposed from the opening (10) by opening the door (12) of the chamber (11). Thus, the container transport unit and the stacker unit can be removed from the base (21) through the opening (10). The container transport unit and stacker unit removed from the base (21) can be taken out of the chamber (11) through the opening (10), and finally the base (21) is also removed from the chamber (11) through the opening (10). Can be taken out.
In this manner, the stacker unit taken out from the chamber (11) can be saved in another storage device (incubator) as it is.
Further, the inside of the chamber (11) and the container transport unit can be easily sterilized.

In a specific configuration, the stacker unit (2b) is configured by arranging a plurality of stackers (3) on the stacker holder (23) in the Y-axis direction, and each stacker (3) includes a plurality of container storage shelves. It is repeatedly formed in the Z-axis direction.
Each stacker (3) is formed with a projecting piece (36) having a different shape depending on the type of container to be accommodated, while each stacker holding portion of the stacker holder (23) has the projecting piece An identification means for identifying a difference in shape of the projecting piece (36) is provided at a position opposite to (36).

In the specific configuration, for example, when there are a plurality of types of stackers (3) having different upper and lower arrangement pitches of the container storage shelves according to a plurality of types of containers having different thicknesses, each stacker (3) includes: When the projecting pieces (36) having different shapes are formed depending on the arrangement pitch of the container storage shelves, and the stacker (3) is installed in the stacker holder (23), the identification means is used for the projecting pieces (36) of the stacker (3). The shape is identified and the type of the stacker (3) is determined.
Accordingly, the position of each container storage shelf is recognized according to the judgment result of the type of the stacker (3), and the operation of the container transport unit is controlled according to the recognition result. Can be reliably delivered.

  Further, in a specific configuration, the stacker unit (2b) includes a drawer (22) that is slidably installed on the base (21) and can be pulled out from the opening (10) of the chamber (11). (3) and the stacker holder (23) are made of antibacterial stainless steel, and the stacker holder (23) is mounted on an aluminum drawer base (22) via electrical insulating members (24) and (25). Yes.

  In the specific configuration, since the stacker (3) and the stacker holder (23) are made of antibacterial stainless steel, antibacterial properties and heat resistance in sterilization treatment can be obtained. Moreover, since the drawer stand (22) is made of aluminum, the stacker unit (2b) can be reduced in weight. Here, an electrical insulating member (24) (25) is interposed between the stacker holder (23) and the drawer base (22), and the stacker holder (23) and the drawer base (22) are in direct contact with each other. Therefore, the deterioration of the antibacterial action due to the contact of the antibacterial stainless steel with aluminum having a different ionization tendency is prevented.

  In a more specific configuration, the chamber (11) is provided with a container insertion port for carrying a container into the chamber (11), and the container insertion port can be opened and closed by a shutter mechanism (14). Connected to the outlet side of the container insertion port (13) is a container carry-in mechanism for carrying the container onto the transfer table (50) of the container transfer device in the chamber (11).

  In the specific configuration, only when the container is loaded into the chamber (11) by the container loading mechanism arranged outside the chamber (11), the shutter mechanism (14) is opened and immediately after the loading of the container is completed. By closing the shutter mechanism (14), the time during which the opening (10) of the chamber (11) remains open is short.

  According to the incubator according to the present invention, since the container transport unit and the stacker unit can be easily taken out from the chamber, the container can be quickly evacuated in the event of an emergency, and the inside of the incubator, the container transport unit, etc. The sterilization treatment can be performed immediately.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention in an incubator will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the incubator (1) according to the present invention has an opening (10) formed on the front surface and can be opened and closed by a front opening / closing door (12). An incubator assembly (2) is housed in the chamber (11), and a microplate is loaded into the insertion port (13) opened on the side wall of the chamber (11). The mechanism (4) is connected.

The chamber (11) is provided with an environmental adjustment device (not shown) for adjusting the temperature, humidity and CO ₂ concentration in the chamber at the back of the chamber (11). An air outlet (not shown) having a fan for blowing out the environmental adjustment gas obtained from the environmental adjustment device toward the central space in the chamber has been established.

A microplate insertion opening (13) is opened on the side wall of the chamber (11), and a side opening / closing door (16) having an opening (161) at a position corresponding to the microplate insertion opening (13) is opened and closed. The side opening / closing door (16) incorporates a shutter mechanism (not shown) for opening and closing the microplate insertion opening (13) as will be described later.
Further, a microplate loading mechanism (4) for loading the microplate (31) into the chamber (11) is connected to the side wall of the chamber (11) on the outlet side of the microplate insertion port (13). Yes.
Further, a bar code reader (15) for reading a bar code attached to the micro plate (31) on the micro plate carrying mechanism (4) is supported on the side of the micro plate carrying mechanism (4). Yes.

Incubator assembly (2)
As shown in FIG. 3, the incubator assembly (2) has a microplate transport unit (2a) installed on a base (21) and a pair of left and right stacker units (2b) on both sides of the microplate transport unit (2a). ) (2b) is arranged, and as shown in FIG. 4, the microplate transport unit (2a) and each stacker unit (2b) (2b) can be individually detached from the base (21). .
The microplate transport unit (2a) is configured by installing a microplate transport device (5) having a transport table (50) on a machine base (51). Each stacker unit (2b) is configured by arranging a stacker holder (23) on a drawer base (22), and the stacker holder (23) includes a plurality of stackers (3) for accommodating microplates. They are arranged in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction).

As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the incubator assembly (2) is accommodated in the chamber (11), the microplate transport device (5) is located at the center of the space in the chamber (11). A plurality of stackers (3) are arranged in the space.
A water storage pan (60) for providing moisture to the air in the chamber (11) is disposed below the incubator assembly (2).

As shown in FIG. 5, the front end of the machine base (51) of the microplate transport unit (2a) and the drawer bases (22) and (22) of both stacker units (2b) and (2b) are the base (21). Are fastened with screws (26).
Further, the rear end surfaces of the machine base (51) of the microplate transport unit (2a) and the drawer bases (22) and (22) of both stacker units (2b) and (2b) are directed rearward as shown in FIG. While the pins (27) project, the blocks (28) having through holes into which the pins (27) should be respectively inserted are arranged on the base (21), and each pin (27) By inserting into the through hole of the block (28), the microplate transport unit (2a) and the both stacker units (2b) (2b) are restrained on the base (21).

The drawer bases (22) and (22) of both stacker units (2b) and (2b) are respectively known for engaging with rails (29) and (29) on the base (21) to reciprocate back and forth. A slide mechanism (not shown) is built in, and the drawer base (22) can be pulled out of the chamber (11) by opening the front door (12) of the chamber (11) as shown in FIG. I can do it.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, with the front open / close door (12) open, the screw (26) shown in FIG. 6 is removed, and the pin (27) is pulled out from the through hole of the block (28), thereby making the microplate. The transport unit (2a) and the stacker unit (2b) can be individually detached from the base (21) and taken out from the chamber (11) through the opening (10) shown in FIG.

Stacker unit (2b)
As shown in FIG. 7, the stacker holder (23) constituting the stacker unit (2b) is supported on the drawer base (22) via electrical insulating members (24) and (25). The electrical insulation of the stacker holder (23) and the drawer base (22) is performed by 24) and (25). Here, the stacker holder (23) and the stacker (3) of the stacker unit (2b) are made of antibacterial stainless steel, and the drawer base (22) is made of aluminum.

The stacker (3) accommodates a plurality of microplates (31) in which a plurality of sample injection recesses (31a) are formed as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b). A pair of receiving pieces (32) and (32) are provided in a plurality of levels so as to protrude in a horizontal posture.
Since there are a plurality of types of microplates (31) having different thicknesses as shown in the figure, a plurality of types of stackers (3) having different arrangement pitches of the receiving pieces (32) are prepared.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the stacker holder (23) has two upper and lower back plate portions (23a) and (23b), and each stacker (3) has a position facing the back plate portions (23a and 23b). As shown in FIG. 9, two upper and lower frame parts (35) and (35) are projected, and a projecting piece (36) is attached to the back of each frame part (35). The projecting pieces (36) and (36) of both frame portions (35) and (35) are formed on the back plate of the stacker holder (23) when the stacker (3) is attached to the stacker holder (23) as shown in FIG. It is fitted to the parts (23a) and (23b).

Here, a switch (37) to be pressed by the projecting piece (36) is attached to the back plate part (23b) below the stacker holder (23) at a position facing the projecting piece (36). The type of the stacker (3) is identified by the switch (37).
That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the switch (37) is provided with first and second actuating pieces (37a) and (37b), and the stacker (3A) having a small arrangement pitch of the receiving pieces (32) is provided with a switch. A convex part (36a) capable of simultaneously pressing the two operating pieces (37a) and (37b) of (37) is formed, whereas a stacker (3B) having a large arrangement pitch of the receiving pieces (32). Is formed with a convex portion (63b) capable of pressing only the first operating piece (37a) of the switch (37).

  Therefore, when none of the operating pieces (37a) and (37b) of the switch (37) is pressed, it can be determined that the stacker (3) does not exist, and both the operating pieces (37a) and (37b) are pressed simultaneously. It can be determined that the stacker (3A) having a small arrangement pitch of the receiving pieces (32) is attached, and when only the first operating piece (37a) is pressed, the receiving pieces (32) It can be determined that a stacker (3B) having a large arrangement pitch is attached.

Microplate transport unit (2a)
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the microplate transport device (5) constituting the microplate transport unit (2a) is mounted on the machine base (51) via four columns (52) to (52). A frame that supports the plate (53), and the frame includes an X-axis transport unit (54) for driving the transport table (50) in the left-right direction, that is, the X-axis direction, and a transport table ( 50) for driving in the front-rear direction, that is, the Y-axis direction, a Y-axis transport unit (55), and a Z-axis transport unit for driving the transport table (50) in the vertical direction, that is, the Z-axis direction, Is deployed.

As shown in FIG. 14, the machine base (51) includes an X-axis motor unit (57) for driving the X-axis transport unit (54) and a Y-axis motor unit (for driving the Y-axis transport unit (55)). 58) and a Z-axis motor unit (59) for driving the Z-axis transport unit (56). The X-axis motor unit (57) is configured by accommodating an X-axis motor (571) in a motor case (572), and the Y-axis motor unit (58) is configured in a Y-axis motor (581) in the motor case (582). The Z-axis motor unit (59) is configured to accommodate the Z-axis motor (591) in the motor case (592).
The X-axis motor (571), the Y-axis motor (581), and the Z-axis motor (591) are each constituted by a stepping motor.

Y-axis transport section (55)
As shown in FIG. 12, two lower guide rails (554) and (554) extending in the Y-axis direction are installed on the machine base (51), and both lower guide rails (554) and (554) A slide plate (556) is slidably engaged. On the upper plate (53), one upper guide rail (555) extending in the Y-axis direction is installed, and the upper slide plate (557) is slidable on the upper guide rail (555). Is engaged. The lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557) are connected to each other by a vertical rod (558) to constitute a reciprocating body that can reciprocate in the Y-axis direction.

A stainless steel Y-axis drive ladder chain (552) is stretched along the lower guide rail (554) on the machine base (51), and the upper guide rail ( 555), a stainless steel Y-axis drive ladder chain (553) is stretched. A lower slide plate (556) is connected to one end of the lower Y-axis drive ladder chain (552), and an upper slide plate (557) is connected to one end of the upper Y-axis drive ladder chain (553). Yes.
A Y-axis drive shaft (551) driven by a Y-axis motor unit (58) is vertically installed on the machine base (51) and the upper plate (53). The Y-axis drive shaft (551) , The Y-axis drive ladder chain (552) and the Y-axis drive ladder chain (553) are driven.
As a result, the lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557) reciprocate in the Y-axis direction along the lower guide rails (554) (554) and the upper guide rail (555). (558) reciprocates in the Y-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 15, a guide rail (563) extending in the Z-axis direction is attached to the vertical rod (558), and a Z-axis slider (564) is slidably engaged with the guide rail (563). is doing. The elevating plate (542) is supported by the Z-axis slider (564), and the transfer table (50) is installed on the elevating plate (542).
The transfer table (50) is made of antibacterial stainless steel, and is fixed to the lifting plate (542) with an electrical insulating member (not shown) with screws, which can be easily removed and cleaned and sterilized. It is possible.

  Thus, the Y-axis transport unit (55) that drives the transport table (50) in the Y-axis direction is configured. FIG. 17 (a) shows the power transmission path of the Y-axis transport unit (55). The rotation of the Y-axis motor (581) is transmitted to the Y-axis drive ladder chain (552) (553), and The lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557) reciprocate in the Y-axis direction, and the lift plate (542) reciprocates in the Y-axis direction accordingly. As a result, the transfer table (50) reciprocates in the Y-axis direction.

  In the Y-axis transport unit (55), the reciprocating body composed of the lower slide plate (556), the upper slide plate (557), and the vertical rod (558) includes the lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557). Is guided by the lower guide rails (554) and (554) and the upper guide rail (555), the transport table (50) can be moved in the Y-axis direction in a stable posture.

Z-axis transport section (56)
As shown in FIG. 14, a Z-axis drive shaft (561) driven by a Z-axis motor unit (59) is installed in the machine base (51) in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 12, a Z-axis drive ladder chain (562) made of stainless steel is stretched between the lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557). A lifting plate (542) is connected to one end of (562). The rotation of the Z-axis drive shaft (561) is transmitted to the Z-axis drive ladder chain (562).

  Thus, the Z-axis transport unit (56) that drives the transport table (50) in the Z-axis direction is configured. FIG. 17B shows the power transmission path of the Z-axis transport unit 56, and the Z-axis drive shaft 561 is driven by the Z-axis motor 591, thereby the Z-axis drive ladder. When the chain (562) is driven, the elevating plate (542) reciprocates in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the transfer table (50) reciprocates in the Z-axis direction.

X-axis transport section (54)
As shown in FIG. 15, a lower slider (549a) is installed on an elevating plate (542) protruding from the Z-axis slider (564) so as to be able to reciprocate in the X-axis direction. The intermediate slide plate (543) is fixed to the upper surface of the). On the intermediate slide plate (543), an upper slider (549b) is installed so as to be able to reciprocate in the X-axis direction, and a transport table (50) is fixed to the upper surface of the upper slider (549b).

As shown in FIG. 14, the machine base (51) is provided with a horizontal X-axis drive shaft (541) extending in the Y-axis direction, and an X-axis motor is provided at the end of the horizontal X-axis drive shaft (541). The rotation of the unit (57) is transmitted.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a vertical X-axis drive shaft (540) extending in the Z-axis direction is installed between the lower slide plate (556) and the upper slide plate (557). The rotation of the horizontal X-axis drive shaft (541) is transmitted to the lower end portion of the shaft (540).

As shown in FIG. 15, the first pinion (544) is engaged with the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540) so as not to be relatively rotatable and slidable in the axial direction, and on the intermediate slide plate (543). Is provided with a first rack (545), and the first pinion (544) and the first rack (545) mesh with each other.
A second pinion (546) is provided on the intermediate slide plate (543), while a second rack (547) is provided on the lift plate (542), and the second pinion (546) is provided. And the second rack (547) mesh with each other.

  Thus, an X-axis transport unit (54) that drives the transport table (50) in the X-axis direction is configured. FIG. 17 (c) shows the power transmission path of the X-axis transport unit (54), and the rotation of the X-axis motor (571) is caused by the horizontal X-axis drive shaft (541) and the vertical X-axis drive shaft. (540) is transmitted to the pinion (544), and the conveyance table (50) is driven in the X-axis direction by the rotation of the pinion (544).

  In the X-axis transport section (54), as shown in FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b), the transport table (50) on the lift plate (542) is rotated by forward and reverse rotation of the vertical X-axis drive shaft (540). However, using the position overlapping the lift plate (542) as the reference position, it moves to the left moving end as shown in FIG. 16 (a) and enters the left stacker, or in FIG. 16 (b). As shown, it moves to the right moving end and enters the inside of the right stacker.

Microplate loading mechanism (4)
As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the microplate carry-in mechanism (4) includes a reciprocating transport unit (41) and a motor unit (42) for driving the reciprocating transport unit (41).
In the reciprocating conveyance part (41), a guide rail (44a) extending in the X-axis direction is formed on the base (43), and the upper slider (40a) is slidably engaged with the guide rail (44a). An intermediate slide plate (48) is fixed to the upper surface of the upper slider (40a). A guide rail (44b) extending in the X-axis direction is formed on the intermediate slide plate (48), and a lower slider (40b) is slidably engaged with the guide rail (44b). A microplate mounting base (410) is fixed to the upper surface of (40b).
The microplate mounting base (410) is made of antibacterial stainless steel and is screwed and fixed on the lower slider (40b) via an electrical insulating member (not shown). Processing can be performed.

A carry-in motor unit (42) having a stepping motor built in a motor case is attached to the base (43).
The base (43) is attached with first and second pinions (45) and (47) which are simultaneously driven by the motor unit (42), while the intermediate slide plate (48) has a first rack ( 49) is mounted, the first pinion (45) and the first rack (49) face each other so that they can mesh with each other, and the second pinion (47) and the first rack (49) mesh with each other. is doing. A third pinion (412) is attached to the intermediate slide plate (48), while a second rack (411) is attached to the base (43) to connect the third pinion (412) and the second pinion (412). Two racks (411) mesh with each other. Further, a fourth pinion (413) is attached to the intermediate slide plate (48), while a third rack (414) is attached to the back surface of the microplate mounting base (410), and the fourth pinion (413) is attached. ) And the third rack (414) mesh with each other.

Accordingly, from the state shown in FIG. 18, when the first and second pinions (45) and (47) are rotated clockwise by the carry-in motor unit (42), the intermediate slide plate (48) is moved in the X-axis direction. At the same time, the microplate mounting table (410) on the intermediate slide plate (48) is driven in the X-axis direction, so that the microplate mounting table (410) has a base (43) as shown in FIG. Will protrude greatly.
When the first and second pinions (45) and (47) are rotated counterclockwise by the carry-in motor unit (42) from the state shown in FIG. 20, the microplate mounting base (410) is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the original position is returned.

Shutter mechanism (14)
As shown in FIG. 21, the side opening / closing door (16) attached to the right side wall of the chamber (11) so as to be openable and closable is capable of rotating by about 90 degrees. Then, the side opening / closing door (16) is opened to the fully opened position as shown in the figure, and the exposed portion is cleaned and sterilized.
The side opening / closing door (16) is provided with a lock lever (not shown) for locking to the chamber (11) with the side opening / closing door (16) closed. By releasing the lock, the side door 16 can be opened to the fully open position.

  The side opening / closing door (16) incorporates a shutter mechanism (14) shown in FIGS. The shutter mechanism (14) includes a guide member (145) that is attached to the side opening / closing door (16) and extends vertically, a lifting body (141) that engages with the guide member (145) so as to be movable up and down, and the lift A drive mechanism (144) for moving the body (141) up and down, and a shutter (142) supported by the lift body (141) via a link mechanism (143). It is possible to open and close the microplate insertion slot (13) established in 11). A roller (146) is provided at the lower end of the shutter (142), and a roller receiving member (147) is provided at a position below the roller (146). The side opening / closing door (16) is interposed between the shutter (142) and the periphery of the microplate insertion opening (13) of the chamber (11) with the shutter (142) closed to keep the airtightness. A power seal member (162) is attached.

In the shutter mechanism (14), when the elevating body (141) is lowered by the drive of the drive mechanism (144), the shutter (142) is also lowered along with the lowering and faces the microplate insertion opening (13). Reach position. Further, when the drive mechanism (144) is driven, the elevating body (141) is lowered and the roller (146) comes into contact with the roller receiving member (147). Thereafter, the drive force of the drive mechanism (144) is linked to the link mechanism (143). Then, it is transmitted to the shutter (142), and the shutter (142) is pressed toward the opening edge of the microplate insertion opening (13). As a result, the microplate insertion slot (13) is closed by the shutter (142).
When the drive mechanism (144) is driven in the opposite direction, a lifting force is applied to the elevating body (141), whereby the shutter (142) is first separated from the microplate insertion opening (13) in a substantially horizontal direction. After that, the microplate insertion slot (13) is opened.

  If the microplate insertion slot (13) is opened on the left side wall of the chamber (11) as shown in FIG. 22, the side opening / closing door (16) is attached to the left side wall of the chamber (11). However, the shutter mechanism (14) is built in the side opening / closing door (16), and the microplate loading mechanism (4) is connected to the side opening / closing door (16) and the microplate loading mechanism (4) has a barcode. Since the reader (15) is supported and the side opening / closing door (16), the shutter mechanism (14), the microplate loading mechanism (4), and the barcode reader (15) are unitized, the microplate insertion slot (13 ) Changes in specifications due to the difference in the opening position, and installation work is easy.

  As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, it is attached to the side surface of the microplate (31) on the microplate mounting base (410) by the bar code reader (15) disposed on the side of the microplate loading mechanism (4). The barcode (34) is read, and based on the result, the type of the microplate (31), that is, the thickness of the microplate (31) is detected. When opening the shutter mechanism (14), the opening amount (opening height) is adjusted according to the thickness of the microplate (31) that should pass through the microplate insertion opening (13).

FIG. 27 shows a control procedure when the microplate is carried into the chamber.
First, in step S1, a barcode reading operation of the microplate is executed, and in step S2, the presence or absence of the microplate is determined based on the success or failure of reading. When it is determined that the microplate exists, the process proceeds to step S3, and the identification number and type number of the microplate are recognized based on the read barcode.

Next, in step S4, the type number of the microplate is specified by comparing the type number of the microplate with the microplate information table. In step S5, the type of the microplate is checked against the information table for the shutter opening height, and the shutter opening height is determined in step S6.
Subsequently, in step S7, the shutter is opened to the determined shutter opening height, and in step S8, the microplate loading mechanism is operated to carry the microplate into the chamber.

FIG. 28 shows a control procedure for unloading the microplate from the chamber.
First, in step S11, a delivery plate is selected from the microplate information table, and a delivery instruction is issued. In step S12, the stacker in which the delivery plate is stored is specified, and the microplate is transported from the stacker to the carry-out unit. In step S13, the shutter opening height is determined based on the identification number and type number of the microplate.
Next, in step S14, the shutter is opened to the determined shutter opening height, and in step S18, the microplate loading mechanism is operated to carry out the microplate out of the cabinet.

  Thereafter, the shutter is closed in step S16, and in step S17, the barcode of the microplate carried out is read. Subsequently, in step S18, the presence / absence of a microplate is determined based on the success or failure of reading. When it is determined that the microplate exists, the process proceeds to step S19, the read barcode is compared with the microplate information table, the microplate type is confirmed, and the procedure is terminated.

Operation of Incubator (1) In the incubator (1) of the present invention described above, the transfer table (50) is operated by the operation of the microplate transfer device (5) with a plurality of stackers (3) installed in the chamber (11). ) In the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, the microplate is inserted into and removed from the arbitrary microplate housing portion of the arbitrary stacker (3).

For example, when a microplate is accommodated in a certain microplate accommodating part, as shown in FIG. 25, a microplate (31) is mounted on the microplate installation stand (410) of a microplate carrying-in mechanism (4). As a result, the barcode on the microplate (31) is read by the barcode reader (15), the shutter mechanism (14) is opened, and the microplate loading mechanism (4) starts operating.
As shown in FIG. 20, the microplate carry-in mechanism (4) causes the microplate mounting base (410) to protrude into the chamber.

Also, the Y-axis transport unit (55) and the Z-axis transport unit (56) of the microplate transport device (5) are operated to move the transport table (50) to a position facing the microplate insertion port (13). Further, the X-axis transport section (54) is moved to the microplate insertion port (13) side, and the transport table (50) at the reference position is moved to the microplate installation table (410) of the microplate loading mechanism (4). Move between plates (31).
Thereafter, the transport table (50) is slightly lifted by the operation of the Z-axis transport unit (56), and after mounting the microplate (31) on the transport table (50), the operation of the X-axis transport unit (54) Then, the transfer table (50) is returned to the reference position.

Subsequently, the Y-axis transport section (55) and the Z-axis transport section (56) of the microplate transport apparatus (5) are operated, and the transport table (50) is moved to a predetermined microplate housing section of a predetermined stacker (3). Then, the X-axis transport section (54) is operated to move the transport table (50) from the reference position to the inside of the microplate housing section.
After that, the transport table (50) is slightly lowered by the operation of the Z-axis transport section (56), and the microplate (31) on the transport table (50) is transferred to the microplate housing section, and then the X-axis transport section By the operation (54), the transfer table (50) is returned to the reference position.

When carrying out the microplate (31) accommodated in a certain microplate accommodating part of a certain stacker (3) in the chamber (11) outside the chamber (11), An operation opposite to the conveying operation is performed.
That is, the operation of the Y-axis transport unit (55) and the Z-axis transport unit (56) of the microplate transport device (5) moves the transport table (50) to a position facing the predetermined microplate container, and then Depending on whether the predetermined microplate container is located on the left side or on the right side, the X-axis transport unit (54) is operated leftward or rightward to move the transport table (50). The microplate (31) is mounted on the transfer table (50) by moving to the inside of the microplate container.

  Thereafter, the microplate transport device (5) moves the microplate (31) on the transport table (50) to the microplate insertion port (13) of the chamber (11), and then opens the shutter mechanism (14). Then, the microplate loading mechanism (4) is operated to move the microplate mounting base (410) into the chamber (11). Then, the microplate (31) on the transfer table (50) is delivered to the microplate installation table (410) of the microplate carry-in mechanism (4). Thereafter, the microplate loading mechanism (4) moves the microplate (31) on the microplate mounting table (410) out of the chamber (11).

  As described above, according to the incubator (1) of the present invention, the microplate (31) can be automatically transferred and a large number of microplates (31) can be accommodated in the chamber (11). It is possible, and the inside of the chamber (11) can be kept in a uniform environmental condition.

  Further, in the incubator (1) of the present invention, when an emergency such as a sudden failure or a power failure occurs, the incubator assembly is opened from the opening (10) by opening the front opening / closing door (12) of the chamber (11). (2) is exposed, and the work of removing the microplate transport unit (2a) and the stacker unit (2b) from the base (21) through the opening (10) can be easily performed. The microplate transport unit (2a) and the stacker unit (2b) removed from the base (21) can be taken out of the chamber (11) through the opening (10), and finally the base (21) is also opened ( 10) can be taken out of the chamber (11). In this way, the stacker unit (2b) taken out from the chamber (11) can be saved in another incubator as it is. Further, the inside of the chamber (11) and the microplate transport unit (2a) can be sterilized immediately.

  Further, since the stacker (3) and the stacker holder (23) constituting the stacker unit (2b) are made of antibacterial stainless steel, antibacterial properties and heat resistance in sterilization treatment can be obtained. Moreover, since the drawer stand (22) is made of aluminum, the stacker unit (2b) can be reduced in weight. Furthermore, an electrical insulation member (24) (25) is interposed between the stacker holder (23) and the drawer base (22), so that the stacker holder (23) and the drawer base (22) are in direct contact with each other. Therefore, the deterioration of the antibacterial action due to the contact of the copper contained in the antibacterial stainless steel with aluminum having a different ionization tendency is prevented.

  Also, only when the microplate (31) is loaded into the chamber (11) by the microplate loading mechanism (4), the shutter mechanism (14) is opened to the required opening height, and the loading of the microplate (31) is completed. By closing the shutter mechanism (14) immediately after that, the time for which the opening (10) of the chamber (11) remains open is short, and the change of the environment in the chamber (11) can be minimized. .

  Furthermore, in the incubator (1) of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 21, the side opening / closing door (16) is opened to the fully open position so that the microplate insertion opening (13) of the shutter (142) shown in FIG. The opposing surface is greatly exposed on the inner surface of the side opening / closing door (16), and the wall surface of the chamber (11) and the seal member (162) covered by the closed shutter (142) are also largely exposed. Therefore, it is easy to perform a cleaning and sterilization treatment on these exposed portions, thereby preventing propagation of various bacteria and suppressing adverse effects on bacteria and cells to be originally cultured.

  In addition, each part structure of this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, A various change is possible within the technical scope as described in a claim. For example, the microplate carry-in mechanism (4) is not limited to the side of the chamber (11), and can be installed, for example, on the back of the chamber (11).

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the incubator which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which pulled out the stacker unit from the chamber. It is a perspective view of an incubator assembly. It is a disassembled perspective view of an incubator assembly. It is a perspective view in the state where three units were removed from the base. It is the perspective view which looked at the same state from a different direction. It is a disassembled perspective view of a stacker unit. It is a perspective view showing two types of microplates with different thicknesses and two types of stackers with different numbers of stages. It is the perspective view which looked at the stacker from the back side. It is the perspective view which looked at the stacker holder in which the stacker was installed from the back side. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the principal part of FIG. It is a perspective view of a microplate conveyance apparatus. It is a side view of a microplate conveyance apparatus. It is a top view which shows the position of three motors arrange | positioned at a microplate conveying apparatus. It is a side view of a X-axis conveyance part. It is a perspective view showing operation | movement of an X-axis conveyance part. It is a perspective view showing the power transmission path of a Y-axis conveyance part, a Z-axis conveyance part, and an X-axis conveyance part. It is a perspective view of a microplate carrying-in mechanism. It is a side view of a microplate carrying-in mechanism. It is a perspective view showing operation | movement of a microplate carrying-in mechanism. It is a perspective view of the state which opened the side opening / closing door. It is a perspective view of the structure which attached the side opening / closing door to the left side wall of the chamber. It is sectional drawing which shows a shutter mechanism. It is the perspective view which looked at the shutter mechanism from the back side of the side door. It is a perspective view which shows a microplate carrying-in mechanism and a barcode reader. It is the perspective view which looked at the microplate carrying-in mechanism and the barcode reader from different directions. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure at the time of microplate carrying-in. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure at the time of carrying out a microplate. It is a perspective view of the conventional incubator.

Explanation of symbols

(1) Incubator
(11) Chamber
(10) Opening
(12) Front door
(13) Microplate insertion slot
(14) Shutter mechanism
(15) Bar code reader
(16) Side door
(2) Incubator assembly
(2a) Microplate transport unit
(2b) Stacker unit
(21) Base
(22) Drawer stand
(23) Stacker holder
(24) Electrical insulation member
(25) Electrical insulation member
(3) Stacker
(31) Microplate
(36) Projection
(37) Switch
(4) Microplate loading mechanism
(5) Microplate transport device
(50) Transfer table
(54) X-axis transport unit
(55) Y-axis transport section
(56) Z-axis transport unit

Claims (6)

In a storage apparatus for cell culture that stores a sample on a container inside a chamber (11) adjusted to a predetermined environmental condition, the chamber (11) has an opening (10) that can be opened and closed by an open / close door (12). And an apparatus assembly is installed inside the apparatus assembly. The apparatus assembly is mounted on the base (21), in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane in the chamber (11), and these A container transport unit for transporting in the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the direction, and a stacker unit provided with a plurality of container storage shelves for storing containers. The X-axis transport unit, the Y-axis transport unit, the Z-axis transport unit, and the motor that drives each transport unit are arranged on the top, and the stacker unit is configured by arranging the container storage shelves on a drawer base. The container carrier unit base and Each drawer base car unit is fastened to the base (21) in said base (21) above,
A plurality of rails (29) and (29) are provided on the base (21), and the drawer base of the stacker unit engages with the rail (29) to reciprocate the stacker unit in the front-rear direction. A sliding mechanism is provided,
The container transport unit can be removed from the base (21) by releasing the fastening to the base (21), and the stacker unit can be moved on the base (21) by releasing the fastening to the base (21). It can be slid and pulled out of the chamber (11), and the container transfer unit, stacker unit and base (21) can be individually taken out from the opening (10) of the chamber (11). A storage device for cell culture.   The stacker unit (2b) is configured by arranging a plurality of stackers (3) on the stacker holder (23) in the Y-axis direction, and each stacker (3) has a plurality of container storage shelves repeated in the Z-axis direction. The storage device according to claim 1 formed.   Each stacker (3) is formed with a projecting piece (36) having a different shape depending on the type of container to be accommodated, while each stacker holding portion of the stacker holder (23) has the projecting piece (36). The storage device according to claim 2, wherein identification means for identifying a difference in shape of the projecting piece (36) is provided at a position opposed to the projection.   The stacker unit (2b) is slidably installed on the base (21) and includes a drawer (22) that can be pulled out from the opening (10) of the chamber (11). The stacker (3) and the stacker holder ( 23) is made of antibacterial stainless steel, and the stacker holder (23) is mounted on an aluminum drawer (22) via an electrical insulating member (24) (25). 2. The storage device according to 2.   In the chamber (11), a container insertion port for carrying a container into the chamber (11) is opened, and the container insertion port can be opened and closed by a shutter mechanism (14), on the outlet side of the container insertion port. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a container carrying-in mechanism for carrying the container onto the carrying table (50) of the container carrying device in the chamber (11) is connected.   The storage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container is a microplate (31), and the sample on the microplate (31) is cultured in the chamber (11).

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