WO2010076849A1 - Culture apparatus - Google Patents

Culture apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010076849A1
WO2010076849A1 PCT/JP2009/007267 JP2009007267W WO2010076849A1 WO 2010076849 A1 WO2010076849 A1 WO 2010076849A1 JP 2009007267 W JP2009007267 W JP 2009007267W WO 2010076849 A1 WO2010076849 A1 WO 2010076849A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
culture
chamber
door
vessel
culture vessel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2009/007267
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
越馬隆治
Original Assignee
株式会社ニコン
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Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社ニコン filed Critical 株式会社ニコン
Publication of WO2010076849A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010076849A1/en

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M41/00—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation
    • C12M41/12—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation of temperature
    • C12M41/14—Incubators; Climatic chambers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M41/00—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation
    • C12M41/30—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation of concentration
    • C12M41/36—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation of concentration of biomass, e.g. colony counters or by turbidity measurements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a culture apparatus for culturing a sample.
  • a culture apparatus for culturing a sample such as a cell.
  • a culture apparatus for culturing a sample such as a cell.
  • a culture apparatus a plurality of culture containers in which a sample such as a cell is stored are stored in a culture chamber maintained at a predetermined temperature and humidity, and the sample is cultured.
  • automatic observation of a sample in a culture vessel is performed in a culture chamber.
  • the present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a culture apparatus capable of preventing external light from entering the culture chamber when the sample is observed in the culture chamber. To do.
  • a culture apparatus includes a culture chamber in which a dark room maintained in a predetermined atmosphere is formed, in which a culture vessel is accommodated, and observation means for observing a sample in the culture vessel accommodated in the culture chamber
  • a first door provided in the culture chamber for carrying the culture vessel into or out of the culture chamber, or when the first door is opened.
  • a light shielding means for preventing external light from entering the vicinity of the observation means.
  • the culture apparatus is the culture apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the light shielding means includes a light shielding box having a door for taking in and out the culture container and containing the observation means.
  • a culture apparatus is a culture chamber in which a dark room maintained in a predetermined atmosphere is formed, in which a culture container is accommodated, and an observation means for observing a sample in the culture container accommodated in the culture chamber
  • a first door that is provided in the culture chamber and that carries the culture vessel into or out of the culture chamber from the outside of the culture chamber, and when the first door is opened, the culture chamber
  • a light shielding means for preventing external light from entering the light.
  • the culture device of a fourth invention is the culture device of the first invention or the third invention, wherein the light shielding means is mounted on the outside of the first door of the culture chamber and is formed by a light shielding wall, An outer standby chamber for waiting for the culture vessel, a conveying means arranged in the culture chamber and carrying the culture vessel into or out of the outer standby chamber, and for bringing the culture vessel into or out of the outer standby chamber And a second door that is closed when the first door is opened and prevents external light from entering the culture chamber.
  • the culture device of the fifth invention is the culture device of the first invention or the third invention, wherein the light shielding means is disposed inside the first door of the culture chamber and is formed by a light shielding wall, An inner standby chamber for waiting the culture vessel; a conveying means disposed in the culture chamber; for carrying the culture vessel into or out of the inner standby chamber; provided in the conveying means; And a light shielding member that shields light from the inner standby chamber by contacting the inner standby chamber at the time of opening to prevent external light from entering the culture chamber.
  • the light shielding means is disposed inside the first door of the culture chamber and is formed by a light shielding wall, An inner standby chamber for waiting the culture vessel; a conveying means disposed in the culture chamber; for carrying the culture vessel into or out of the inner standby chamber; provided in the conveying means; And a light shielding member that shields light from the inner standby chamber by contacting the inner standby chamber at the time of opening to prevent external light from entering the culture chamber.
  • a culture apparatus is the culture apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the inner standby chamber is extendable by a bellows member forming the light-shielding wall, and the culture vessel stands by outside the first door. It has the outside standby part for making it do.
  • a culture apparatus is a culture chamber in which a dark room maintained in a predetermined atmosphere is formed, in which a culture container is accommodated, and observation means for observing a sample in the culture container accommodated in the culture chamber A first door for bringing the culture vessel into or out of the culture chamber from the outside of the culture chamber, and from the observation schedule by the observation means into the culture chamber. And a control unit that obtains a time at which external light is allowed to enter and opens and closes the first door at the time allowed.
  • the culture apparatus of this embodiment has an upper casing 11 and a lower casing 13 as shown in FIG.
  • the upper casing 11 is placed on the lower casing 13.
  • a culture chamber 15 is formed in the upper casing 11.
  • the culture chamber 15 is surrounded by a light shielding wall so as to be a dark room, and the environment is maintained in a predetermined state, for example, an atmosphere of a temperature of 37 ° C., a humidity of 90%, and a carbon dioxide of 5%.
  • a stocker 19 In the culture chamber 15, a stocker 19, an illumination unit 21, an observation unit 23, and a transport robot 25 are arranged.
  • the stocker 19 has a plurality of accommodating portions 19a in the vertical and horizontal directions.
  • Each accommodation portion 19a can accommodate a culture container 31 such as a well plate in which cells are accommodated.
  • the illumination unit 21 has a light source such as an LED light source and an optical system.
  • the illumination unit 21 is housed in the housing and protrudes above the observation unit 23. Then, the observation unit 23 is illuminated.
  • the culture vessel 31 can be transported to the observation unit 23.
  • a microscope 33 is disposed in the observation unit 23.
  • the transport robot 25 transports the culture vessel 31 accommodated in the stocker 19 to the observation unit 23 and the outer standby unit 35 (described later).
  • the transfer robot 25 has a rotary stage 25b that rotates about a rotary shaft 25a.
  • a mini stage 25c is movably disposed on the rotary stage 25b.
  • An arm portion 25d is fixed to the mini stage 25c.
  • the arm portion 25d is composed of a pair of left and right arms, and the culture vessel 31 is placed on the arms and transported.
  • the rotary stage 25b is movable in the vertical direction by a screw shaft 25e rotated by a motor M1. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, it can be moved in the horizontal direction by a screw shaft 25f rotated by a motor M2.
  • a large door 37 and a middle door 39 are arranged on the front surface of the culture chamber 15.
  • the large door 37 and the middle door 39 are disposed so as to cover the front surface of the upper casing 11 as shown in FIG.
  • An operation unit 41 and a monitor 43 are disposed on the large door 37.
  • the operation unit 41 is for performing various operations of the culture apparatus, and is formed by a touch panel, for example.
  • the monitor 43 displays a sample image taken by a CCD camera 45 described later.
  • a first door 47 is disposed on the surface of the culture chamber 15 opposite to the large door 37.
  • the upper casing 11 is formed with a rectangular opening 11a for carrying the culture container 31 in and out.
  • a first door 47 is disposed so as to cover the opening 11a.
  • the first door 47 is movable in the vertical direction by the operation of the motor M3. As shown in FIG. 3, a pocket portion 47 a that accommodates the first door 47 is formed below the first door 47.
  • the opening / closing of the first door 47 can be detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
  • an outer standby chamber 49 for waiting for the culture vessel 31 is formed outside the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15.
  • the light shielding box 51 forming the outer standby chamber 49 is formed of a light shielding wall and has a rectangular shape.
  • the light shielding box 51 is fixed to the opening of the upper casing 11 so that light does not enter the inside.
  • an outer standby unit 35 for temporarily waiting for the culture vessel 31 carried into and out of the culture chamber 15 is disposed.
  • a presence / absence sensor S3 for determining the presence / absence of the culture vessel 31 is disposed.
  • a second door 53 is disposed at a position facing the first door 47.
  • the second door 53 can be opened and closed by driving the motor M4.
  • the second door 53 is opened and closed around the shaft 53a.
  • the opening / closing of the second door 53 can be detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2.
  • the lower part of the microscope 33 is extended.
  • a CCD camera 45 as an imaging unit is disposed at the lower end of the observation unit 23.
  • the image of the cells in the culture vessel 31 conveyed on the observation unit 23 is captured by the CCD camera 45 through the microscope 33 and displayed on the monitor 43.
  • a control device 55 is arranged in the lower casing 13.
  • the control device 55 includes a controller 57 and a control unit 59.
  • the control unit 59 controls the transport robot 25, the observation unit 23, and the like via the controller 57.
  • the control unit 59 includes a CPU 61 and a memory 63.
  • the memory 63 stores a schedule for imaging a sample by the CCD camera 45 and the like.
  • the culture container 31 is carried in and out as described below.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of bringing the culture vessel 31 into the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S1 The CPU 61 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to carry in the culture vessel 31.
  • the instruction to carry in the culture container 31 is performed by an operator operating the operation unit 41 to instruct the delivery of the culture container 31 and the position of the culture container 31 to be carried in the stocker 19.
  • Step S2 The CPU 61 drives the motor M4 to open the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51.
  • the opening of the second door 53 is detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2.
  • Step S3 The CPU 61 determines whether or not the culture vessel 31 is placed in the outer standby section 35 of the light shielding box 51. This determination is made by an input from the presence / absence sensor S3 of the outer standby unit 35. The culture vessel 31 is placed on the outer standby section 35 by the operator.
  • Step S4 The CPU 61 drives the motor M4 to close the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51.
  • the closing of the second door 53 is detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2.
  • Step S5 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to open the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15.
  • the opening of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
  • the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51 is closed, and no light from the outside enters the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S6 The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to transfer the culture vessel 31 placed in the outer standby unit 35 to a predetermined position of the stocker 19. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotary stage 25b is positioned so that the arm portion 25d faces the first door 47, and in this state, the arm portion 25d is advanced into the outer standby portion 35 to culture the culture vessel. Pick up 31. Then, the culture container 31 is transported to the position instructed by the stocker 19.
  • Step S7 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The closing of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of carrying out the culture vessel 31 from the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S1 The CPU 61 determines whether or not there is an instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31.
  • the instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31 is performed, for example, when the operator operates the operation unit 41 to instruct the position of the culture vessel 31 to be carried out and carried out in the stocker 19.
  • Step S2 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to open the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The opening of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
  • Step S3 The CPU 61 drives the transport robot 25 to transport the culture vessel 31 placed at a predetermined position of the stocker 19 to the outer standby unit 35. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotary stage 25b is positioned so that the arm portion 25d faces the second door 53, and in this state, the arm portion 25d is advanced into the outer standby portion 35 to culture the culture vessel. 31 is placed on the outer standby section 35.
  • Step S4 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The closing of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
  • Step S5 The CPU 61 drives the motor M4 to open the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51.
  • the opening of the second door 53 is detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2.
  • the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15 is closed, and light from the outside does not enter the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S6 The CPU 61 determines whether or not the culture vessel 31 has been carried out from the outer standby section 35 of the light shielding box 51. This determination is made by an input from the presence / absence sensor S3 of the outer standby unit 35. The culture vessel 31 is carried out from the outer standby section 35 by the operator.
  • Step S7 The CPU 61 drives the motor M4 to close the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51.
  • the closing of the second door 53 is detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2.
  • an inner standby chamber 65 is formed inside the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15.
  • the inner standby chamber 65 causes the culture vessel 31 to temporarily wait.
  • the inner standby chamber 65 is formed by a bellows member 67 that can be expanded and contracted.
  • the bellows member 67 can be expanded and contracted toward the first door 47.
  • the bellows member 67 is urged in a direction opposite to the first door 47 by a spring (not shown), and is normally in an extended state.
  • the bellows member 67 is made of a light shielding material.
  • a light shielding member 69 is fixed to the transport robot 25.
  • the light shielding member 69 is fixed to an intermediate portion of the mini stage 25c.
  • the light shielding member 69 is disposed so as to surround the mini stage 25c and the rotary stage 25b. As shown in FIG. 7, in a state where the light blocking member 69 is in contact with the bellows member 67, the light incident from the bellows member 67 side is blocked by the light blocking member 69.
  • an outer standby part 35 for waiting the culture vessel 31 is arranged.
  • a presence / absence sensor S3 for detecting the presence / absence of the culture vessel 31 is disposed.
  • the culture container 31 is carried in and out as described below.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of bringing the culture vessel 31 into the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S1 The CPU 61 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to carry in the culture vessel 31.
  • the instruction to carry in the culture container 31 is performed by an operator operating the operation unit 41 to instruct the delivery of the culture container 31 and the position of the culture container 31 to be carried in the stocker 19.
  • Step S2 The CPU 61 determines whether or not the culture vessel 31 is placed in the outer standby unit 35. This determination is made by an input from the presence / absence sensor S3 of the outer standby unit 35. The culture vessel 31 is placed on the outer standby section 35 by the operator.
  • Step S3 The CPU 61 drives the transport robot 25 to bring the light shielding member 69 into contact with the bellows member 67 as shown in FIG.
  • Step S4 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to open the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15.
  • the opening of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
  • the light shielding member 69 is in contact with the bellows member 67, and light from the outside does not enter the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S5 The CPU 61 drives the transport robot 25 to carry the culture vessel 31 placed in the outer standby section 35 into the bellows member 67. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the transport robot 25 is driven to pick up the culture vessel 31 placed in the outer standby unit 35. In this state, the bellows member 67 is contracted. And the culture container 31 is conveyed to the position in the bellows member 67 shown in FIG.
  • Step S6 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The closing of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
  • Step S7 The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to transfer the culture vessel 31 placed in the bellows member 67 to a predetermined position of the stocker 19.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of carrying out the culture vessel 31 from the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S1 The CPU 61 determines whether or not there is an instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31.
  • the instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31 is performed, for example, when the operator operates the operation unit 41 to instruct the position of the culture vessel 31 to be carried out and carried out in the stocker 19.
  • Step S2 The CPU 61 drives the transport robot 25 to carry the culture vessel 31 placed in the stocker 19 into the bellows member 67 and bring the light shielding member 69 into contact with the bellows member 67.
  • Step S3 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to open the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15.
  • the opening of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
  • the light shielding member 69 is in contact with the bellows member 67, and light from the outside does not enter the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S4 The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to carry out the culture vessel 31 placed in the bellows member 67 to the outer standby unit 35.
  • Step S5 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The closing of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
  • FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the culture apparatus of the present invention.
  • the same elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
  • the light shielding box 51 of the first embodiment is not disposed, and only the outer standby unit 35 is disposed. And control by the control apparatus 55 is performed so that the 1st door 47 may not open at the time of observation by the observation part 23.
  • FIG. 1st door 47 may not open at the time of observation by the observation part 23.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of bringing the culture vessel 31 into the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S1 The CPU 61 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to carry in the culture vessel 31.
  • the instruction to carry in the culture container 31 is performed by an operator operating the operation unit 41 to instruct the delivery of the culture container 31 and the position of the culture container 31 to be carried in the stocker 19.
  • Step S2 The CPU 61 determines whether or not the culture vessel 31 is placed in the outer standby unit 35. This determination is made by an input from the presence / absence sensor S3 of the outer standby unit 35. The culture vessel 31 is placed on the outer standby section 35 by the operator.
  • Step S3 The CPU 61 obtains the time during which the external light is allowed to enter the culture chamber 15 from the observation schedule stored in the memory 63.
  • the observation time for each culture vessel 31 is stored as a schedule table in relation to the management number (No. 1 etc.) of the culture vessel 31.
  • a blank K in the schedule table indicates a state where there is no culture vessel 31 to be observed.
  • the CPU 61 determines the blank time closest to the current time as the permitted time.
  • Step S4 The CPU 61 determines whether or not the permitted time has come.
  • Step S5 The CPU 61 opens the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15 when the permitted time comes.
  • Step S6 The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to transfer the culture vessel 31 placed in the outer standby unit 35 to the stocker 19.
  • Step S7 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15.
  • FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of unloading the culture vessel 31 from the culture chamber 15.
  • Step S1 The CPU 61 determines whether or not there is an instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31.
  • the instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31 is performed, for example, when the operator operates the operation unit 41 to instruct the position of the culture vessel 31 to be carried out and carried out in the stocker 19.
  • Step S2 The CPU 61 obtains the time when the external light is allowed to enter the culture chamber 15 from the observation schedule stored in the memory 63. Since this is the same as step S3 in FIG.
  • Step S3 The CPU 61 determines whether or not the permitted time has come.
  • Step S4 The CPU 61 opens the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15 when the permitted time comes.
  • Step S5 The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to transfer the culture vessel 31 placed on the stocker 19 to the outer standby unit 35.
  • Step S6 The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15.
  • FIG.15 and FIG.16 has shown 4th Embodiment of the culture apparatus of this invention.
  • the same elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
  • the inside of the culture chamber 15 is provided.
  • a light shielding box 71 is disposed on the screen.
  • the illumination unit 21 and the observation unit 23 are arranged inside the light shielding box 71.
  • the illumination unit 21 and the observation unit 23 are included in the light shielding box 71.
  • the same effect can be obtained even if the light shielding box 71 is configured from a light shielding cover that covers the upper surfaces and side surfaces of the illumination unit 21 and the observation unit 23.
  • the area to be observed inside the culture vessel 31 is several tens to several hundreds mm ⁇ several tens to several hundreds mm.
  • 400 images are acquired by the CCD camera 45 installed in the microscope 33. That is, in observing the sample inside the culture vessel 31, the culture vessel 31 is placed on the observation unit 23 for several tens of minutes to several hours.
  • the light shielding box 71 including the illumination unit 21 and the observation unit 23 a light shielding box having the following configuration is used.
  • each wall of the light shielding box 71 has a shape in which, for example, the end edges of the plurality of thin plates 72a to 72d overlap each other and are spaced apart from each other. That is, each wall of the light shielding box 71 is formed by alternately arranging a plurality of plates at a constant interval, so that the cell culture environment inside the light shielding box 71 and the cell culture environment outside the light shielding box 71 are formed. While being the same, the structure prevents light from entering the inside of the light shielding box 71. It should be noted that the number of laminated thin plates is not limited to four, and the light shielding performance inside the light shielding box 71 and the cell culture environment inside and outside the light shielding box 71 may be kept the same. If possible, it may be set appropriately.
  • the light shielding box 71 is provided with an open / close door 73 for taking the culture vessel 31 in and out.
  • the open / close door 73 is provided on the side surface of the light shielding box 71 that faces the transfer robot 25.
  • the opening / closing door 73 is opened and closed by moving up and down by a door opening / closing motor M5.
  • the open / close state of the open / close door 73 of the light shielding box 71 is recognized by the sensor 74.
  • the motor driven when the doors are opened and closed is controlled so that the door 73 and the first door 47 are not opened and closed at the same time.
  • the culture container 31 is carried in and out as described below.
  • the culture container 31 is installed in an external standby place (the above-described external standby section 35).
  • the first door 47 is opened by an instruction from the operation unit 41.
  • the open / close door 73 of the light shielding box 71 is closed.
  • the transfer robot 25 is driven to carry the culture vessel 31 into the culture chamber 15.
  • the culture container 31 is carried into the culture chamber 15 by the transfer robot 25, the first door 47 is closed.
  • the open / close door 73 of the light shielding box 71 is opened. At this time, the first door 47 is closed. The opening of the open / close door 73 is detected by the sensor 74.
  • the transport robot 25 transports the culture vessel 31 to the observation unit 23 disposed inside the light shielding box 71. After transporting the culture vessel 31 to the observation unit 23, the transport robot 25 moves to the outside of the light shielding box 71. After the operation of the transfer robot 25, the open / close door 73 of the light shielding box 71 is closed. In this state, the observation unit 23 is shielded by the light shielding box 71, and external light that enters the inside of the culture chamber 15 when the first door 47 is opened is shielded by the light shielding box 71. The Further, since the light shielding box 71 has the above-described structure, the cell culture environment inside the light shielding box 71 can be maintained in the same cell culture environment as the culture chamber 15.

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Abstract

A culture apparatus characterized by comprising: a culture room in which a dark room is formed and a culture vessel is contained, wherein the dark room is maintained in a predetermined atmosphere; an observation means for observing a sample placed in the culture vessel that is contained in the culture room; a first door which is provided in the culture room and through which the culture vessel is to be carried in the culture room from outside or carried out of the culture room; and a light-shielding means for preventing the incoming of light from outside into the observation means upon the opening of the first door.

Description

培養装置Incubator
　本発明は、試料の培養を行う培養装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a culture apparatus for culturing a sample.
　従来、細胞等の試料を培養する培養装置(インキュベータ)が知られている。このような培養装置では、所定の温度および湿度に保たれた培養室内に、細胞等の試料が収容される培養容器を複数収納して試料の培養が行われる。また、培養室内において培養容器内の試料を自動観察することが行われている。 Conventionally, a culture apparatus (incubator) for culturing a sample such as a cell is known. In such a culture apparatus, a plurality of culture containers in which a sample such as a cell is stored are stored in a culture chamber maintained at a predetermined temperature and humidity, and the sample is cultured. In addition, automatic observation of a sample in a culture vessel is performed in a culture chamber.
特開２００２－７８４７７号公報JP 2002-78477 A
　しかしながら、従来の培養装置では、培養室内に培養容器を搬入搬出するため、試料の自動観察中に培養室の扉を誤って開いてしまうことがあり、このような場合には、扉の開時に外部の光が入射し蛍光観察等の観察に悪影響を与えるおそれがあるという問題があった。 However, in the conventional culture apparatus, since the culture container is carried into and out of the culture chamber, the culture chamber door may be accidentally opened during automatic observation of the sample. In such a case, when the door is opened, There has been a problem that external light may enter and adversely affect observations such as fluorescence observation.
　本発明は、かかる従来の問題を解決するためになされたもので、培養室内における試料の観察時に培養室内に外部の光が入射することを防止することができる培養装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a culture apparatus capable of preventing external light from entering the culture chamber when the sample is observed in the culture chamber. To do.
　第１の発明の培養装置は、所定雰囲気に維持された暗室が形成され、培養容器が収容される培養室と、前記培養室内に収容される前記培養容器内の試料を観察するための観察手段と、前記培養室に設けられ、前記培養室内に前記培養容器を培養室の外部から搬入または培養室の外部へ搬出するための第１の扉と、前記第１の扉の開時に前記観察手段又は該観察手段近傍への外部光の入射を防止する遮光手段と、を有していることを特徴とする。 A culture apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a culture chamber in which a dark room maintained in a predetermined atmosphere is formed, in which a culture vessel is accommodated, and observation means for observing a sample in the culture vessel accommodated in the culture chamber A first door provided in the culture chamber for carrying the culture vessel into or out of the culture chamber, or when the first door is opened. Or a light shielding means for preventing external light from entering the vicinity of the observation means.
　第２の発明の培養装置は、第１の発明の培養装置において、前記遮光手段は、前記培養容器を出し入れする扉を有するとともに、前記観察手段を内包する遮光ボックスからなることを特徴とする。 The culture apparatus according to a second aspect is the culture apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the light shielding means includes a light shielding box having a door for taking in and out the culture container and containing the observation means.
　第３の発明の培養装置は、所定雰囲気に維持された暗室が形成され、培養容器が収容される培養室と、前記培養室内に収容される前記培養容器内の試料を観察するための観察手段と、前記培養室に設けられ、前記培養室内に前記培養容器を培養室の外部から搬入または培養室の外部へ搬出するための第１の扉と、前記第１の扉の開時に前記培養室内への外部光の入射を防止する遮光手段とを有していることを特徴とする。 A culture apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a culture chamber in which a dark room maintained in a predetermined atmosphere is formed, in which a culture container is accommodated, and an observation means for observing a sample in the culture container accommodated in the culture chamber A first door that is provided in the culture chamber and that carries the culture vessel into or out of the culture chamber from the outside of the culture chamber, and when the first door is opened, the culture chamber And a light shielding means for preventing external light from entering the light.
　第４の発明の培養装置は、第１発明又は第３の発明の培養装置において、前記遮光手段は、前記培養室の前記第１の扉の外側に装着されると共に遮光壁で形成され、前記培養容器を待機させるための外側待機室と、前記培養室内に配置され、前記培養容器を前記外側待機室内に搬入または搬出する搬送手段と、前記外側待機室に前記培養容器の搬入または搬出のために設けられ、前記第１の扉の開時に閉じられ前記培養室内への外部光の入射を防止する第２の扉とを有していることを特徴とする。 The culture device of a fourth invention is the culture device of the first invention or the third invention, wherein the light shielding means is mounted on the outside of the first door of the culture chamber and is formed by a light shielding wall, An outer standby chamber for waiting for the culture vessel, a conveying means arranged in the culture chamber and carrying the culture vessel into or out of the outer standby chamber, and for bringing the culture vessel into or out of the outer standby chamber And a second door that is closed when the first door is opened and prevents external light from entering the culture chamber.
　第５の発明の培養装置は、第１の発明又は第３の発明の培養装置において、前記遮光手段は、前記培養室の前記第１の扉の内側に配置されると共に遮光壁で形成され、前記培養容器を待機させるための内側待機室と、前記培養室内に配置され、前記培養容器を前記内側待機室内に搬入または搬出する搬送手段と、前記搬送手段に設けられ、前記第１の扉の開時に前記内側待機室に当接することで前記内側待機室からの光を遮光して前記培養室内への外部光の入射を防止する遮光部材とを有していることを特徴とする。 The culture device of the fifth invention is the culture device of the first invention or the third invention, wherein the light shielding means is disposed inside the first door of the culture chamber and is formed by a light shielding wall, An inner standby chamber for waiting the culture vessel; a conveying means disposed in the culture chamber; for carrying the culture vessel into or out of the inner standby chamber; provided in the conveying means; And a light shielding member that shields light from the inner standby chamber by contacting the inner standby chamber at the time of opening to prevent external light from entering the culture chamber.
　第６の発明の培養装置は、第５の発明の培養装置において、前記内側待機室は、前記遮光壁を成す蛇腹部材により伸縮自在とされ、前記第１の扉の外側に前記培養容器を待機させるための外側待機部を有していることを特徴とする。 A culture apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the culture apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the inner standby chamber is extendable by a bellows member forming the light-shielding wall, and the culture vessel stands by outside the first door. It has the outside standby part for making it do.
　第７の発明の培養装置は、所定雰囲気に維持された暗室が形成され、培養容器が収容される培養室と、前記培養室内に収容される前記培養容器内の試料を観察するための観察手段と、前記培養室に設けられ、前記培養室内に前記培養容器を培養室の外部から搬入または培養室の外部へ搬出するための第１の扉と、前記観察手段による観察スケジュールから前記培養室内に外部光の入射が許可される時刻を求め、前記許可される時刻に前記第１の扉の開閉を行う制御手段とを有していることを特徴とする。 A culture apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a culture chamber in which a dark room maintained in a predetermined atmosphere is formed, in which a culture container is accommodated, and observation means for observing a sample in the culture container accommodated in the culture chamber A first door for bringing the culture vessel into or out of the culture chamber from the outside of the culture chamber, and from the observation schedule by the observation means into the culture chamber. And a control unit that obtains a time at which external light is allowed to enter and opens and closes the first door at the time allowed.
　本発明では、培養室内における試料の観察時に培養室内に外部の光が入射することを防止することができる。 In the present invention, it is possible to prevent external light from entering the culture chamber when observing the sample in the culture chamber.
本発明の培養装置の第１の実施形態を横断面で示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows 1st Embodiment of the culture apparatus of this invention in a cross section. 図１の培養装置を縦断面で示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the culture apparatus of FIG. 1 in the longitudinal cross-section. 図１の培養装置を側面から見た説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which looked at the culture apparatus of FIG. 1 from the side. 第１の実施形態の搬入時の動作を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement at the time of carrying in of 1st Embodiment. 図１の培養装置において外側待機部に培養容器を搬送した状態を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which conveyed the culture container to the outer side waiting | standby part in the culture apparatus of FIG. 第１の実施形態の搬出時の動作を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement at the time of carrying out of 1st Embodiment. 本発明の培養装置の第２の実施形態を横断面で示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows 2nd Embodiment of the culture apparatus of this invention in a cross section. 図７の培養装置において外側待機部に培養容器を搬送した状態を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which conveyed the culture container to the outer side waiting | standby part in the culture apparatus of FIG. 第２の実施形態の搬入時の動作を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement at the time of carrying in of 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施形態の搬出時の動作を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement at the time of carrying out of 2nd Embodiment. 本発明の培養装置の第３の実施形態を横断面で示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows 3rd Embodiment of the culture apparatus of this invention in a cross section. 第２の実施形態の搬入時の動作を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement at the time of carrying in of 2nd Embodiment. メモリに記憶される観察スケジュールを示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the observation schedule memorize | stored in memory. 第３の実施形態の搬出時の動作を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement at the time of carrying out of 3rd Embodiment. 本発明の培養装置の第４の実施形態を横断面で示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows 4th Embodiment of the culture apparatus of this invention in a cross section. 図１５の培養装置を縦断面で示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the culture apparatus of FIG. 15 in a longitudinal cross section. 遮光ボックスの壁の構造を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the wall of a light shielding box.
　以下、本発明の実施形態を図面を用いて詳細に説明する。
(第１の実施形態)
　図１および図２は、本発明の培養装置の第１の実施形態を示している。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the culture apparatus of the present invention.
　この実施形態の培養装置は、図２に示すように、上部ケーシング１１、下部ケーシング１３を有している。上部ケーシング１１は、下部ケーシング１３上に載置されている。上部ケーシング１１内に培養室１５が形成されている。培養室１５は、暗室となるように遮光壁により囲われており、更に環境が所定状態、例えば、温度３７℃、湿度９０％、二酸化炭素５％の雰囲気に維持されている。 The culture apparatus of this embodiment has an upper casing 11 and a lower casing 13 as shown in FIG. The upper casing 11 is placed on the lower casing 13. A culture chamber 15 is formed in the upper casing 11. The culture chamber 15 is surrounded by a light shielding wall so as to be a dark room, and the environment is maintained in a predetermined state, for example, an atmosphere of a temperature of 37 ° C., a humidity of 90%, and a carbon dioxide of 5%.
　培養室１５内には、ストッカー１９、照明部２１、観察部２３、搬送ロボット２５が配置されている。 In the culture chamber 15, a stocker 19, an illumination unit 21, an observation unit 23, and a transport robot 25 are arranged.
　ストッカー１９は、上下および左右方向に複数の収容部１９ａを有している。各収容部１９ａには、細胞が収容されるウェルプレート等の培養容器３１が収容可能とされている。 The stocker 19 has a plurality of accommodating portions 19a in the vertical and horizontal directions. Each accommodation portion 19a can accommodate a culture container 31 such as a well plate in which cells are accommodated.
　照明部２１は、ＬＥＤ光源等の光源および光学系を有している。照明部２１は、筐体内に収められており観察部２３上に突出した状態となっている。そして、観察部２３を照明する。観察部２３には、培養容器３１が搬送可能とされている。観察部２３には顕微鏡３３が配置されている。 The illumination unit 21 has a light source such as an LED light source and an optical system. The illumination unit 21 is housed in the housing and protrudes above the observation unit 23. Then, the observation unit 23 is illuminated. The culture vessel 31 can be transported to the observation unit 23. A microscope 33 is disposed in the observation unit 23.
　搬送ロボット２５は、ストッカー１９に収容される培養容器３１を観察部２３および外側待機部３５(後述する)に搬送する。搬送ロボット２５は、図１に示すように、回転軸２５ａを中心に回転する回転ステージ２５ｂを有している。回転ステージ２５ｂには、ミニステージ２５ｃが移動可能に配置されている。ミニステージ２５ｃには、アーム部２５ｄが固定されている。アーム部２５ｄは、左右一対のアームで構成され、アームに培養容器３１を載置して搬送を行う。回転ステージ２５ｂは、図２に示すようにモータＭ１により回転される螺子軸２５ｅにより上下方向に移動可能とされている。また、図１に示すようにモータＭ２により回転される螺子軸２５ｆにより水平方向に移動可能とされている。 The transport robot 25 transports the culture vessel 31 accommodated in the stocker 19 to the observation unit 23 and the outer standby unit 35 (described later). As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer robot 25 has a rotary stage 25b that rotates about a rotary shaft 25a. A mini stage 25c is movably disposed on the rotary stage 25b. An arm portion 25d is fixed to the mini stage 25c. The arm portion 25d is composed of a pair of left and right arms, and the culture vessel 31 is placed on the arms and transported. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary stage 25b is movable in the vertical direction by a screw shaft 25e rotated by a motor M1. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, it can be moved in the horizontal direction by a screw shaft 25f rotated by a motor M2.
　培養室１５の前面には、図１に示すように、大扉３７、中扉３９が配置されている。大扉３７、中扉３９は、図３に示すように上部ケーシング１１の前面を覆って配置されている。大扉３７には、操作部４１、モニタ４３が配置されている。操作部４１は、培養装置の各種操作を行うためのもので、例えばタッチパネルにより形成されている。モニタ４３は、後述するＣＣＤカメラ４５で撮像された試料の像等を表示する。 As shown in FIG. 1, a large door 37 and a middle door 39 are arranged on the front surface of the culture chamber 15. The large door 37 and the middle door 39 are disposed so as to cover the front surface of the upper casing 11 as shown in FIG. An operation unit 41 and a monitor 43 are disposed on the large door 37. The operation unit 41 is for performing various operations of the culture apparatus, and is formed by a touch panel, for example. The monitor 43 displays a sample image taken by a CCD camera 45 described later.
　培養室１５の大扉３７と反対側の面には、第１の扉４７が配置されている。上部ケーシング１１には、培養容器３１を搬入搬出する矩形状の開口部１１ａが形成されている。開口部１１ａを覆って第１の扉４７が配置されている。第１の扉４７は、モータＭ３の作動により上下方向に移動可能とされている。第１の扉４７の下方には、図３に示すように、第１の扉４７を収容するポケット部４７ａが形成されている。第１の扉４７の開閉は第１の開閉センサＳ１により検出可能とされている。 A first door 47 is disposed on the surface of the culture chamber 15 opposite to the large door 37. The upper casing 11 is formed with a rectangular opening 11a for carrying the culture container 31 in and out. A first door 47 is disposed so as to cover the opening 11a. The first door 47 is movable in the vertical direction by the operation of the motor M3. As shown in FIG. 3, a pocket portion 47 a that accommodates the first door 47 is formed below the first door 47. The opening / closing of the first door 47 can be detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
　培養室１５の第１の扉４７の外側には、図１に示すように、培養容器３１を待機させる外側待機室４９が形成されている。外側待機室４９を形成する遮光ボックス５１は遮光壁で形成され矩形形状をしている。遮光ボックス５１は、内部に光が入射しないように上部ケーシング１１の開口部に固定されている。遮光ボックス５１内には、培養室１５内に搬入搬出される培養容器３１を一時的に待機させる外側待機部３５が配置されている。外側待機部３５には、培養容器３１の有無を判断する有無センサＳ３が配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, an outer standby chamber 49 for waiting for the culture vessel 31 is formed outside the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The light shielding box 51 forming the outer standby chamber 49 is formed of a light shielding wall and has a rectangular shape. The light shielding box 51 is fixed to the opening of the upper casing 11 so that light does not enter the inside. In the light-shielding box 51, an outer standby unit 35 for temporarily waiting for the culture vessel 31 carried into and out of the culture chamber 15 is disposed. In the outer standby section 35, a presence / absence sensor S3 for determining the presence / absence of the culture vessel 31 is disposed.
　遮光ボックス５１には、第１の扉４７に対向する位置に、第２の扉５３が配置されている。第２の扉５３はモータＭ４の駆動により開閉可能とされている。第２の扉５３は軸５３ａを中心にして開閉される。第２の扉５３の開閉は第２の開閉センサＳ２により検出可能とされている。 In the light shielding box 51, a second door 53 is disposed at a position facing the first door 47. The second door 53 can be opened and closed by driving the motor M4. The second door 53 is opened and closed around the shaft 53a. The opening / closing of the second door 53 can be detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2.
　下部ケーシング１３内には、図２に示すように、顕微鏡３３の下部が延在されている。観察部２３の下端には、撮像部であるＣＣＤカメラ４５が配置されている。観察部２３上に搬送された培養容器３１内の細胞の像は、顕微鏡３３を介してＣＣＤカメラ４５に撮像されモニタ４３に映し出される。 In the lower casing 13, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower part of the microscope 33 is extended. At the lower end of the observation unit 23, a CCD camera 45 as an imaging unit is disposed. The image of the cells in the culture vessel 31 conveyed on the observation unit 23 is captured by the CCD camera 45 through the microscope 33 and displayed on the monitor 43.
　下部ケーシング１３内には、制御装置５５が配置されている。制御装置５５は、コントローラ５７、制御部５９を有している。制御部５９は、コントローラ５７を介して搬送ロボット２５、観察部２３等を制御する。制御部５９は、ＣＰＵ６１、メモリ６３を有している。メモリ６３には、ＣＣＤカメラ４５により試料を撮像するスケジュール等が記憶されている。 A control device 55 is arranged in the lower casing 13. The control device 55 includes a controller 57 and a control unit 59. The control unit 59 controls the transport robot 25, the observation unit 23, and the like via the controller 57. The control unit 59 includes a CPU 61 and a memory 63. The memory 63 stores a schedule for imaging a sample by the CCD camera 45 and the like.
　上述した培養装置では、培養容器３１の搬入搬出が以下述べるようにして行われる。 In the above-described culture apparatus, the culture container 31 is carried in and out as described below.
　図４は、培養室１５内への培養容器３１の搬入動作を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of bringing the culture vessel 31 into the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ１：ＣＰＵ６１は、培養容器３１の搬入指示があったか否かを判断する。培養容器３１の搬入指示は、オペレータが操作部４１を操作して培養容器３１の搬入および搬入される培養容器３１のストッカー１９における位置を指示することにより行われる。 Step S1: The CPU 61 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to carry in the culture vessel 31. The instruction to carry in the culture container 31 is performed by an operator operating the operation unit 41 to instruct the delivery of the culture container 31 and the position of the culture container 31 to be carried in the stocker 19.
　ステップＳ２：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ４を駆動して遮光ボックス５１の第２の扉５３を開ける。第２の扉５３が開いたことは第２の開閉センサＳ２により検出される。 Step S2: The CPU 61 drives the motor M4 to open the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51. The opening of the second door 53 is detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2.
　ステップＳ３：ＣＰＵ６１は、遮光ボックス５１の外側待機部３５に培養容器３１が置かれたか否かを判断する。この判断は、外側待機部３５の有無センサＳ３からの入力により行われる。外側待機部３５にはオペレータにより培養容器３１が載置される。 Step S3: The CPU 61 determines whether or not the culture vessel 31 is placed in the outer standby section 35 of the light shielding box 51. This determination is made by an input from the presence / absence sensor S3 of the outer standby unit 35. The culture vessel 31 is placed on the outer standby section 35 by the operator.
　ステップＳ４：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ４を駆動して遮光ボックス５１の第２の扉５３を閉める。第２の扉５３が閉じたことは第２の開閉センサＳ２により検出される。 Step S4: The CPU 61 drives the motor M4 to close the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51. The closing of the second door 53 is detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2.
　ステップＳ５：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を開ける。第１の扉４７が開いたことは第１の開閉センサＳ１により検出される。この時には、遮光ボックス５１の第２の扉５３が閉められており、培養室１５内には外部からの光は入射しない。 Step S5: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to open the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The opening of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1. At this time, the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51 is closed, and no light from the outside enters the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ６：ＣＰＵ６１は、搬送ロボット２５を駆動して外側待機部３５に置かれた培養容器３１をストッカー１９の所定の位置に搬送する。より具体的には、図５に示すように、回転ステージ２５ｂをアーム部２５ｄが第１の扉４７に向くように位置させ、この状態でアーム部２５ｄを外側待機部３５に進入させて培養容器３１をピックアップする。そして、培養容器３１をストッカー１９の指示された位置に搬送する。 Step S6: The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to transfer the culture vessel 31 placed in the outer standby unit 35 to a predetermined position of the stocker 19. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotary stage 25b is positioned so that the arm portion 25d faces the first door 47, and in this state, the arm portion 25d is advanced into the outer standby portion 35 to culture the culture vessel. Pick up 31. Then, the culture container 31 is transported to the position instructed by the stocker 19.
　ステップＳ７：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を閉じる。第１の扉４７が閉じたことは第１の開閉センサＳ１により検出される。 Step S7: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The closing of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
　図６は、培養室１５内からの培養容器３１の搬出動作を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of carrying out the culture vessel 31 from the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ１：ＣＰＵ６１は、培養容器３１の搬出指示があったか否かを判断する。培養容器３１の搬出指示は、例えばオペレータが操作部４１を操作して培養容器３１の搬出および搬出される培養容器３１のストッカー１９における位置を指示することにより行われる。 Step S1: The CPU 61 determines whether or not there is an instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31. The instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31 is performed, for example, when the operator operates the operation unit 41 to instruct the position of the culture vessel 31 to be carried out and carried out in the stocker 19.
　ステップＳ２：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を開ける。第１の扉４７が開いたことは第１の開閉センサＳ１により検出される。 Step S2: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to open the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The opening of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
　ステップＳ３：ＣＰＵ６１は、搬送ロボット２５を駆動してストッカー１９の所定の位置に置かれた培養容器３１を外側待機部３５に搬送する。より具体的には、図５に示すように、回転ステージ２５ｂをアーム部２５ｄが第２の扉５３に向くように位置させ、この状態でアーム部２５ｄを外側待機部３５に進入させて培養容器３１を外側待機部３５に載置する。 Step S3: The CPU 61 drives the transport robot 25 to transport the culture vessel 31 placed at a predetermined position of the stocker 19 to the outer standby unit 35. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotary stage 25b is positioned so that the arm portion 25d faces the second door 53, and in this state, the arm portion 25d is advanced into the outer standby portion 35 to culture the culture vessel. 31 is placed on the outer standby section 35.
　ステップＳ４：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を閉じる。第１の扉４７が閉じたことは第１の開閉センサＳ１により検出される。 Step S4: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The closing of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
　ステップＳ５：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ４を駆動して遮光ボックス５１の第２の扉５３を開ける。第２の扉５３が開いたことは第２の開閉センサＳ２により検出される。この時には、培養室１５の第１の扉４７が閉められており、培養室１５内には外部からの光は入射しない。 Step S5: The CPU 61 drives the motor M4 to open the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51. The opening of the second door 53 is detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2. At this time, the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15 is closed, and light from the outside does not enter the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ６：ＣＰＵ６１は、遮光ボックス５１の外側待機部３５から培養容器３１が搬出されたか否かを判断する。この判断は、外側待機部３５の有無センサＳ３からの入力により行われる。外側待機部３５からはオペレータにより培養容器３１が搬出される。 Step S6: The CPU 61 determines whether or not the culture vessel 31 has been carried out from the outer standby section 35 of the light shielding box 51. This determination is made by an input from the presence / absence sensor S3 of the outer standby unit 35. The culture vessel 31 is carried out from the outer standby section 35 by the operator.
　ステップＳ７：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ４を駆動して遮光ボックス５１の第２の扉５３を閉める。第２の扉５３が閉じたことは第２の開閉センサＳ２により検出される。 Step S7: The CPU 61 drives the motor M4 to close the second door 53 of the light shielding box 51. The closing of the second door 53 is detected by the second opening / closing sensor S2.
　この実施形態では、培養室１５に配置される第１の扉４７の開時には、外側待機室４９に配置される第２の扉５３が必ず閉じられるため、培養容器３１の搬入搬出時に培養室１５内に外部光が入射することを防止することができる。従って、扉の開時に外部の光が入射し蛍光観察等の観察に悪影響を与えるおそれを解消することができる。
(第２の実施形態)
　図７および図８は、本発明の培養装置の第２の実施形態を示している。 In this embodiment, when the first door 47 disposed in the culture chamber 15 is opened, the second door 53 disposed in the outer standby chamber 49 is always closed, so that the culture chamber 15 is loaded and unloaded. It is possible to prevent external light from entering the inside. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of external light entering when the door is opened and adversely affecting observation such as fluorescence observation.
(Second Embodiment)
7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the culture apparatus of the present invention.
　なお、この実施形態において第１の実施形態と同一の要素には同一の符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。 In addition, in this embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element same as 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
　この実施形態の培養装置では、培養室１５の第１の扉４７の内側には内側待機室６５が形成されている。内側待機室６５は、培養容器３１を一時的に待機させる。内側待機室６５は、伸縮自在とされる蛇腹部材６７により形成されている。蛇腹部材６７は、第１の扉４７に向けて伸縮可能とされている。蛇腹部材６７は、バネ(不図示)により第１の扉４７と反対方向に付勢され、通常は伸びた状態とされている。蛇腹部材６７は遮光性のある材料により形成されている。 In the culture device of this embodiment, an inner standby chamber 65 is formed inside the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The inner standby chamber 65 causes the culture vessel 31 to temporarily wait. The inner standby chamber 65 is formed by a bellows member 67 that can be expanded and contracted. The bellows member 67 can be expanded and contracted toward the first door 47. The bellows member 67 is urged in a direction opposite to the first door 47 by a spring (not shown), and is normally in an extended state. The bellows member 67 is made of a light shielding material.
　搬送ロボット２５には、遮光部材６９が固定されている。遮光部材６９は、ミニステージ２５ｃの中間部に固定されている。遮光部材６９は、ミニステージ２５ｃおよび回転ステージ２５ｂを囲って配置されている。図７に示すように、遮光部材６９が蛇腹部材６７に当接した状態では、蛇腹部材６７側からの光の入射が遮光部材６９により遮光される。 A light shielding member 69 is fixed to the transport robot 25. The light shielding member 69 is fixed to an intermediate portion of the mini stage 25c. The light shielding member 69 is disposed so as to surround the mini stage 25c and the rotary stage 25b. As shown in FIG. 7, in a state where the light blocking member 69 is in contact with the bellows member 67, the light incident from the bellows member 67 side is blocked by the light blocking member 69.
　第１の扉４７の外側には、培養容器３１を待機させるための外側待機部３５が配置されている。外側待機部３５には、培養容器３１の有無を検出する有無センサＳ３が配置されている。 Outside the first door 47, an outer standby part 35 for waiting the culture vessel 31 is arranged. In the outer standby section 35, a presence / absence sensor S3 for detecting the presence / absence of the culture vessel 31 is disposed.
　この実施形態の培養装置では、培養容器３１の搬入搬出が以下述べるようにして行われる。 In the culture apparatus of this embodiment, the culture container 31 is carried in and out as described below.
　図９は、培養室１５内への培養容器３１の搬入動作を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of bringing the culture vessel 31 into the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ１：ＣＰＵ６１は、培養容器３１の搬入指示があったか否かを判断する。培養容器３１の搬入指示は、オペレータが操作部４１を操作して培養容器３１の搬入および搬入される培養容器３１のストッカー１９における位置を指示することにより行われる。 Step S1: The CPU 61 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to carry in the culture vessel 31. The instruction to carry in the culture container 31 is performed by an operator operating the operation unit 41 to instruct the delivery of the culture container 31 and the position of the culture container 31 to be carried in the stocker 19.
　ステップＳ２：ＣＰＵ６１は、外側待機部３５に培養容器３１が置かれたか否かを判断する。この判断は、外側待機部３５の有無センサＳ３からの入力により行われる。外側待機部３５にはオペレータにより培養容器３１が載置される。 Step S2: The CPU 61 determines whether or not the culture vessel 31 is placed in the outer standby unit 35. This determination is made by an input from the presence / absence sensor S3 of the outer standby unit 35. The culture vessel 31 is placed on the outer standby section 35 by the operator.
　ステップＳ３：ＣＰＵ６１は、搬送ロボット２５を駆動して、図７に示すように遮光部材６９を蛇腹部材６７に当接する。 Step S3: The CPU 61 drives the transport robot 25 to bring the light shielding member 69 into contact with the bellows member 67 as shown in FIG.
　ステップＳ４：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を開ける。第１の扉４７が開いたことは第１の開閉センサＳ１により検出される。この時には、蛇腹部材６７に遮光部材６９が当接されており、培養室１５内には外部からの光は入射しない。 Step S4: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to open the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The opening of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1. At this time, the light shielding member 69 is in contact with the bellows member 67, and light from the outside does not enter the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ５：ＣＰＵ６１は、搬送ロボット２５を駆動して外側待機部３５に置かれた培養容器３１を蛇腹部材６７内に搬入する。より具体的には、図８に示すように、搬送ロボット２５を駆動して外側待機部３５に置かれた培養容器３１をピックアップする。この状態では、蛇腹部材６７が縮んでいる。そして、培養容器３１を図７に示す蛇腹部材６７内の位置に搬送する。 Step S5: The CPU 61 drives the transport robot 25 to carry the culture vessel 31 placed in the outer standby section 35 into the bellows member 67. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the transport robot 25 is driven to pick up the culture vessel 31 placed in the outer standby unit 35. In this state, the bellows member 67 is contracted. And the culture container 31 is conveyed to the position in the bellows member 67 shown in FIG.
　ステップＳ６：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を閉じる。第１の扉４７が閉じたことは第１の開閉センサＳ１により検出される。 Step S6: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The closing of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
　ステップＳ７：ＣＰＵ６１は、搬送ロボット２５を駆動し蛇腹部材６７内に置かれた培養容器３１をストッカー１９の所定の位置に搬送する。 Step S7: The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to transfer the culture vessel 31 placed in the bellows member 67 to a predetermined position of the stocker 19.
　図１０は、培養室１５内からの培養容器３１の搬出動作を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of carrying out the culture vessel 31 from the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ１：ＣＰＵ６１は、培養容器３１の搬出指示があったか否かを判断する。培養容器３１の搬出指示は、例えばオペレータが操作部４１を操作して培養容器３１の搬出および搬出される培養容器３１のストッカー１９における位置を指示することにより行われる。 Step S1: The CPU 61 determines whether or not there is an instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31. The instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31 is performed, for example, when the operator operates the operation unit 41 to instruct the position of the culture vessel 31 to be carried out and carried out in the stocker 19.
　ステップＳ２：ＣＰＵ６１は、搬送ロボット２５を駆動してストッカー１９内に置かれた培養容器３１を蛇腹部材６７内に搬入し、遮光部材６９を蛇腹部材６７に当接させる。 Step S2: The CPU 61 drives the transport robot 25 to carry the culture vessel 31 placed in the stocker 19 into the bellows member 67 and bring the light shielding member 69 into contact with the bellows member 67.
　ステップＳ３：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を開ける。第１の扉４７が開いたことは第１の開閉センサＳ１により検出される。この時には、蛇腹部材６７に遮光部材６９が当接されており、培養室１５内には外部からの光は入射しない。 Step S3: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to open the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The opening of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1. At this time, the light shielding member 69 is in contact with the bellows member 67, and light from the outside does not enter the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ４：ＣＰＵ６１は、搬送ロボット２５を駆動して蛇腹部材６７内に置かれた培養容器３１を外側待機部３５に搬出する。 Step S4: The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to carry out the culture vessel 31 placed in the bellows member 67 to the outer standby unit 35.
　ステップＳ５：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を閉じる。第１の扉４７が閉じたことは第１の開閉センサＳ１により検出される。 Step S5: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15. The closing of the first door 47 is detected by the first opening / closing sensor S1.
　この実施形態では、培養室１５に配置される第１の扉４７の開時には、内側待機室６５が遮光部材６９により遮光されるため、培養容器３１の搬入搬出時に培養室１５内に外部光が入射することを防止することができる。従って、扉の開時に外部の光が入射し蛍光観察等の観察に悪影響を与えるおそれを解消することができる。
(第３の実施形態)
　図１１は、本発明の培養装置の第３の実施形態を示している。なお、この実施形態において第１の実施形態と同一の要素には同一の符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。 In this embodiment, when the first door 47 disposed in the culture chamber 15 is opened, the inner standby chamber 65 is shielded by the light shielding member 69, so that external light is introduced into the culture chamber 15 when the culture vessel 31 is carried in and out. Incident light can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of external light entering when the door is opened and adversely affecting observation such as fluorescence observation.
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the culture apparatus of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
　この実施形態では、第１の実施形態の遮光ボックス５１が配置されておらず、外側待機部３５のみが配置されている。そして、観察部２３による観察時に第１の扉４７が開かないように制御装置５５による制御が行われる。 In this embodiment, the light shielding box 51 of the first embodiment is not disposed, and only the outer standby unit 35 is disposed. And control by the control apparatus 55 is performed so that the 1st door 47 may not open at the time of observation by the observation part 23. FIG.
　図１２は、培養室１５内への培養容器３１の搬入動作を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of bringing the culture vessel 31 into the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ１：ＣＰＵ６１は、培養容器３１の搬入指示があったか否かを判断する。培養容器３１の搬入指示は、オペレータが操作部４１を操作して培養容器３１の搬入および搬入される培養容器３１のストッカー１９における位置を指示することにより行われる。 Step S1: The CPU 61 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to carry in the culture vessel 31. The instruction to carry in the culture container 31 is performed by an operator operating the operation unit 41 to instruct the delivery of the culture container 31 and the position of the culture container 31 to be carried in the stocker 19.
　ステップＳ２：ＣＰＵ６１は、外側待機部３５に培養容器３１が置かれたか否かを判断する。この判断は、外側待機部３５の有無センサＳ３からの入力により行われる。外側待機部３５にはオペレータにより培養容器３１が載置される。 Step S2: The CPU 61 determines whether or not the culture vessel 31 is placed in the outer standby unit 35. This determination is made by an input from the presence / absence sensor S3 of the outer standby unit 35. The culture vessel 31 is placed on the outer standby section 35 by the operator.
　ステップＳ３：ＣＰＵ６１は、メモリ６３に記憶される観察スケジュールから培養室１５内に外部光の入射が許可される時間を求める。メモリ６３には、例えば図１３に示すように各培養容器３１に対する観察時刻が培養容器３１の管理番号(Ｎｏ１等)との関係でスケジュール表として記憶されている。スケジュール表の空欄Ｋは、観察すべき培養容器３１が無い状態を示している。ＣＰＵ６１は、現在の時刻に一番近い空欄の時刻を許可された時刻として決定する。 Step S3: The CPU 61 obtains the time during which the external light is allowed to enter the culture chamber 15 from the observation schedule stored in the memory 63. In the memory 63, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the observation time for each culture vessel 31 is stored as a schedule table in relation to the management number (No. 1 etc.) of the culture vessel 31. A blank K in the schedule table indicates a state where there is no culture vessel 31 to be observed. The CPU 61 determines the blank time closest to the current time as the permitted time.
　ステップＳ４：ＣＰＵ６１は、許可された時刻になったか否かを判断する。 Step S4: The CPU 61 determines whether or not the permitted time has come.
　ステップＳ５：ＣＰＵ６１は、許可された時刻になったところで、培養室１５の第１の扉４７を開ける。 Step S5: The CPU 61 opens the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15 when the permitted time comes.
　ステップＳ６：ＣＰＵ６１は、搬送ロボット２５を駆動して外側待機部３５に置かれた培養容器３１をストッカー１９に搬送する。 Step S6: The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to transfer the culture vessel 31 placed in the outer standby unit 35 to the stocker 19.
　ステップＳ７：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を閉じる。 Step S7: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15.
　図１４は、培養室１５内からの培養容器３１の搬出動作を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of unloading the culture vessel 31 from the culture chamber 15.
　ステップＳ１：ＣＰＵ６１は、培養容器３１の搬出指示があったか否かを判断する。培養容器３１の搬出指示は、例えばオペレータが操作部４１を操作して培養容器３１の搬出および搬出される培養容器３１のストッカー１９における位置を指示することにより行われる。 Step S1: The CPU 61 determines whether or not there is an instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31. The instruction to carry out the culture vessel 31 is performed, for example, when the operator operates the operation unit 41 to instruct the position of the culture vessel 31 to be carried out and carried out in the stocker 19.
　ステップＳ２：ＣＰＵ６１は、メモリ６３に記憶される観察スケジュールから培養室１５内に外部光の入射が許可される時刻を求める。図１２のステップＳ３と同様であるため説明を省略する。 Step S2: The CPU 61 obtains the time when the external light is allowed to enter the culture chamber 15 from the observation schedule stored in the memory 63. Since this is the same as step S3 in FIG.
　ステップＳ３：ＣＰＵ６１は、許可された時刻になったか否かを判断する。 Step S3: The CPU 61 determines whether or not the permitted time has come.
　ステップＳ４：ＣＰＵ６１は、許可された時刻になったところで、培養室１５の第１の扉４７を開ける。 Step S4: The CPU 61 opens the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15 when the permitted time comes.
　ステップＳ５：ＣＰＵ６１は、搬送ロボット２５を駆動してストッカー１９に置かれた培養容器３１を外側待機部３５に搬送する。 Step S5: The CPU 61 drives the transfer robot 25 to transfer the culture vessel 31 placed on the stocker 19 to the outer standby unit 35.
　ステップＳ６：ＣＰＵ６１は、モータＭ３を駆動して培養室１５の第１の扉４７を閉じる。 Step S6: The CPU 61 drives the motor M3 to close the first door 47 of the culture chamber 15.
　この実施形態では、メモリ６３に記憶される観察スケジュールから外部光の入射が許可される時刻を求め、許可される時刻に第１の扉４７を開くようにしたので、培養室１５内における試料の観察時に培養室１５内に外部の光が入射することを防止することができる。従って、観察時に外部の光が入射し蛍光観察等の観察に悪影響を与えるおそれを解消することができる。
（第4の実施形態）
　図１５及び図１６は、本発明の培養装置の第４の実施形態を示している。なお、この実施形態において第１の実施形態と同一の要素には同一の符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。 In this embodiment, the time at which the incidence of external light is permitted is obtained from the observation schedule stored in the memory 63, and the first door 47 is opened at the permitted time. It is possible to prevent external light from entering the culture chamber 15 during observation. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that external light may enter during observation and adversely affect observation such as fluorescence observation.
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG.15 and FIG.16 has shown 4th Embodiment of the culture apparatus of this invention. In this embodiment, the same elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
　この実施形態は、第１の実施形態に示した外部待機室４９を形成する遮光ボックス５１の構成や第２の実施形態に示した内部待機室６５の構成を設ける代わりに、培養室１５の内部に遮光ボックス７１を配置する。そして、この遮光ボックス７１の内部に照明部２１や観察部２３を配置する。これにより、照明部２１や観察部２３が遮光ボックス７１に内包される。なお、遮光ボックス７１を培養室１５に設ける代わりに、照明部２１及び観察部２３の上面及び側面を覆う遮光カバーから構成しても同様の効果を得ることができる。 In this embodiment, instead of providing the configuration of the light shielding box 51 forming the external standby chamber 49 shown in the first embodiment and the configuration of the internal standby chamber 65 shown in the second embodiment, the inside of the culture chamber 15 is provided. A light shielding box 71 is disposed on the screen. The illumination unit 21 and the observation unit 23 are arranged inside the light shielding box 71. Thereby, the illumination unit 21 and the observation unit 23 are included in the light shielding box 71. In addition, instead of providing the light shielding box 71 in the culture chamber 15, the same effect can be obtained even if the light shielding box 71 is configured from a light shielding cover that covers the upper surfaces and side surfaces of the illumination unit 21 and the observation unit 23.
　培養容器３１内部の試料を観察するときには、例えば対物レンズのレンズ倍率を２倍とした場合、８×８ｍｍの領域が１回の観察エリアとなる。一方、培養容器３１内部の観察対象となる領域は、数十～数百ｍｍ×数十～数百ｍｍとなる。このため、培養容器３１内部の試料の観察を１回実行すると、顕微鏡３３に設置されるＣＣＤカメラ４５により例えば４００枚の画像が取得される。つまり、培養容器３１内部の試料の観察においては、培養容器３１は数十分～数時間、観察部２３に載置されている。このため、照明部２１及び観察部２３が内包される遮光ボックス７１は、以下の構成からなる遮光ボックスが用いられる。 When observing the sample inside the culture vessel 31, for example, when the lens magnification of the objective lens is doubled, an area of 8 × 8 mm becomes one observation area. On the other hand, the area to be observed inside the culture vessel 31 is several tens to several hundreds mm × several tens to several hundreds mm. For this reason, when the observation of the sample inside the culture vessel 31 is executed once, for example, 400 images are acquired by the CCD camera 45 installed in the microscope 33. That is, in observing the sample inside the culture vessel 31, the culture vessel 31 is placed on the observation unit 23 for several tens of minutes to several hours. For this reason, as the light shielding box 71 including the illumination unit 21 and the observation unit 23, a light shielding box having the following configuration is used.
　図１７に示すように、遮光ボックス７１の各壁は、例えば複数枚の薄板７２ａ～７２ｄの端縁部が重なるように、且つ一定間隔を空けて配置した形状からなる。つまり、遮光ボックス７１の各壁を、複数枚の板を一定間隔で互い違いに配置することで形成することで、遮光ボックス７１の内部の細胞培養環境と遮光ボックス７１の外部の細胞培養環境とを同一にしながら、遮光ボックス７１の内部への光の進入を防止する構造になっている。なお、この薄板を重ね合わせる枚数は、４枚に限定される必要はなく、遮光ボックス７１の内部への遮光性能や、遮光ボックス７１の内部及び外部との細胞培養環境が同一に保持することができるのであれば、適宜設定してよいものとする。 As shown in FIG. 17, each wall of the light shielding box 71 has a shape in which, for example, the end edges of the plurality of thin plates 72a to 72d overlap each other and are spaced apart from each other. That is, each wall of the light shielding box 71 is formed by alternately arranging a plurality of plates at a constant interval, so that the cell culture environment inside the light shielding box 71 and the cell culture environment outside the light shielding box 71 are formed. While being the same, the structure prevents light from entering the inside of the light shielding box 71. It should be noted that the number of laminated thin plates is not limited to four, and the light shielding performance inside the light shielding box 71 and the cell culture environment inside and outside the light shielding box 71 may be kept the same. If possible, it may be set appropriately.
　この遮光ボックス７１は、培養容器３１を出し入れする開閉扉７３を備えている。この開閉扉７３は、遮光ボックス７１の側面のうち、搬送ロボット２５に対面する側面に設けられている。この開閉扉７３は、扉開閉用モータＭ５により上下に移動することで開閉動作される。また、この遮光ボックス７１の開閉扉７３の開閉状態は、センサ７４によって認識される。この遮光ボックス７１の開閉扉７３と上述した第１の扉４７とは同時に開閉しないように、それぞれの扉の開閉時に駆動されるモータが制御される。 The light shielding box 71 is provided with an open / close door 73 for taking the culture vessel 31 in and out. The open / close door 73 is provided on the side surface of the light shielding box 71 that faces the transfer robot 25. The opening / closing door 73 is opened and closed by moving up and down by a door opening / closing motor M5. The open / close state of the open / close door 73 of the light shielding box 71 is recognized by the sensor 74. The motor driven when the doors are opened and closed is controlled so that the door 73 and the first door 47 are not opened and closed at the same time.
　上述した培養装置では、培養容器３１の搬入搬出が以下に述べるようにして行われる。培養装置の外部から培養装置の内部に培養容器３１を搬入するには、まず、外部待機場所（上述した外側待機部３５）に培養容器３１を設置する。次に、操作部４１からの指示により第１の扉４７を開放する。この時、遮光ボックス７１の開閉扉７３は閉じている。第１の扉４７が開放された後、搬送ロボット２５が駆動し、培養容器３１を培養室１５の内部へと運搬する。搬送ロボット２５により培養容器３１が培養室１５の内部に搬入されると、第１の扉４７が閉じる。例えば操作部４１からの指示により、培養室１５の内部に搬入された直後の培養容器３１を観察する場合には、遮光ボックス７１の開閉扉７３を開放する。この時、第１の扉４７は閉じている。なお、開閉扉７３の開放は、センサ７４により検出される。 In the above-described culture apparatus, the culture container 31 is carried in and out as described below. In order to carry the culture container 31 into the culture apparatus from the outside of the culture apparatus, first, the culture container 31 is installed in an external standby place (the above-described external standby section 35). Next, the first door 47 is opened by an instruction from the operation unit 41. At this time, the open / close door 73 of the light shielding box 71 is closed. After the first door 47 is opened, the transfer robot 25 is driven to carry the culture vessel 31 into the culture chamber 15. When the culture container 31 is carried into the culture chamber 15 by the transfer robot 25, the first door 47 is closed. For example, when observing the culture vessel 31 immediately after being carried into the culture chamber 15 according to an instruction from the operation unit 41, the open / close door 73 of the light shielding box 71 is opened. At this time, the first door 47 is closed. The opening of the open / close door 73 is detected by the sensor 74.
　遮光ボックス７１の開閉扉７３が開放されたことを受けて、搬送ロボット２５は遮光ボックス７１の内部に配置された観察部２３へ培養容器３１を搬送する。観察部２３に培養容器３１を搬送した後、搬送ロボット２５は遮光ボックス７１の外部へ移動する。この搬送ロボット２５の動作の後、遮光ボックス７１の開閉扉７３が閉じる。この状態では、観察部２３は遮光ボックス７１により遮光された状態となっており、第１の扉４７が開放されたときに培養室１５の内部に入射する外部光は、遮光ボックス７１により遮光される。また、遮光ボックス７１は、上述した構造を備えていることから、遮光ボックス７１の内部の細胞培養環境を、培養室１５と同一の細胞培養環境に保持することが可能となる。 In response to the opening / closing door 73 of the light shielding box 71 being opened, the transport robot 25 transports the culture vessel 31 to the observation unit 23 disposed inside the light shielding box 71. After transporting the culture vessel 31 to the observation unit 23, the transport robot 25 moves to the outside of the light shielding box 71. After the operation of the transfer robot 25, the open / close door 73 of the light shielding box 71 is closed. In this state, the observation unit 23 is shielded by the light shielding box 71, and external light that enters the inside of the culture chamber 15 when the first door 47 is opened is shielded by the light shielding box 71. The Further, since the light shielding box 71 has the above-described structure, the cell culture environment inside the light shielding box 71 can be maintained in the same cell culture environment as the culture chamber 15.
　なお、観察部２３から培養容器３１を取り出す場合や培養容器３１を培養室１５の外部に搬出する際は、上述した動作と逆の動きとなる。この場合も、第１の扉４７と遮光ボックス７１の開閉扉７３とは同時に開放されることはないので、観察時の遮光は確保される。 In addition, when taking out the culture container 31 from the observation part 23, or when carrying out the culture container 31 to the exterior of the culture room 15, it becomes a motion contrary to the operation | movement mentioned above. Also in this case, since the first door 47 and the open / close door 73 of the light shielding box 71 are not opened at the same time, light shielding during observation is ensured.
　(実施形態の補足事項)
　以上、本発明を上述した実施形態によって説明してきたが、本発明の技術的範囲は上述した実施形態に限定されるものではなく、例えば、以下のような形態でも良い。 (Supplementary items of the embodiment)
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated by embodiment mentioned above, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, For example, the following forms may be sufficient.
　(１)上述した第２の実施形態では、内側待機室６５を蛇腹部材６７により伸縮自在とした例について説明したが、必ずしも伸縮自在にする必要はない。 (1) In the above-described second embodiment, the example has been described in which the inner standby chamber 65 can be expanded and contracted by the bellows member 67, but it is not necessarily required to be extendable.
　(２)上述した第３の実施形態では、観察スケジュールに観察の予定が無い時に第１の扉４７を開くようにした例について説明したが、例えば、外光が入射しても良い培養容器の観察には、観察スケジュールにその旨を入力しその時刻に第１の扉を開くようにしても良い。 (2) In the above-described third embodiment, the example in which the first door 47 is opened when there is no observation schedule in the observation schedule has been described. For observation, the fact may be input to the observation schedule and the first door may be opened at that time.
　(３)上述した実施形態では、外側待機部３５への培養容器３１の授受をオペレータが行った例について説明したが、例えば、外部の自動搬送機に行わせるようにしても良い。そして、この場合には、培養容器３１の搬入搬出の指示を外部の自動搬送機に行わせるようにするのが望ましい。 (3) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the operator transfers the culture container 31 to the outer standby unit 35 has been described. However, for example, an external automatic transfer machine may be used. In this case, it is desirable to instruct an external automatic transfer machine to carry in / out the culture vessel 31.

Claims (7)

  1. 　所定雰囲気に維持された暗室が形成され、培養容器が収容される培養室と、
    　前記培養室内に収容される前記培養容器内の試料を観察するための観察手段と、
    　前記培養室に設けられ、前記培養室内に前記培養容器を培養室の外部から搬入または培養室の外部へ搬出するための第１の扉と、
    　前記第１の扉の開時に前記観察手段への外部光の入射を防止する遮光手段と、
    　を有していることを特徴とする培養装置。     A dark room maintained in a predetermined atmosphere is formed, and a culture room in which a culture vessel is accommodated;
    An observation means for observing a sample in the culture vessel accommodated in the culture chamber;
    A first door provided in the culture chamber, for bringing the culture vessel into or out of the culture chamber into the culture chamber;
    A light shielding means for preventing external light from entering the observation means when the first door is opened;
    A culture apparatus characterized by comprising:
  2. 　請求項１に記載の培養装置において、
    　前記遮光手段は、前記培養容器を出し入れする際に開放される扉を有するとともに、前記観察手段を内包する遮光ボックスからなることを特徴とする培養容器。     The culture apparatus according to claim 1,
    The culture container is characterized in that the light shielding means includes a door that is opened when the culture container is taken in and out, and a light shielding box containing the observation means.
  3. 　所定雰囲気に維持された暗室が形成され、培養容器が収容される培養室と、
    　前記培養室内に収容される前記培養容器内の試料を観察するための観察手段と、
    　前記培養室に設けられ、前記培養室内に前記培養容器を培養室の外部から搬入または培養室の外部へ搬出するための第１の扉と、
    　前記第１の扉の開時に前記培養室内への外部光の入射を防止する遮光手段と、
    　を有していることを特徴とする培養装置。     A dark room maintained in a predetermined atmosphere is formed, and a culture room in which a culture vessel is accommodated;
    An observation means for observing a sample in the culture vessel accommodated in the culture chamber;
    A first door provided in the culture chamber, for bringing the culture vessel into or out of the culture chamber into the culture chamber;
    A light shielding means for preventing external light from entering the culture chamber when the first door is opened;
    A culture apparatus characterized by comprising:
  4. 　請求項１又は請求項３に記載の培養装置において、
    　前記遮光手段は、
    　前記培養室の前記第１の扉の外側に装着されると共に遮光壁で形成され、前記培養容器を待機させるための外側待機室と、
    　前記培養室内に配置され、前記培養容器を前記外側待機室内に搬入または搬出する搬送手段と、
    　前記外側待機室に前記培養容器の搬入または搬出のために設けられ、前記第１の扉の開時に閉じられ前記培養室内への外部光の入射を防止する第２の扉と、
    　を有していることを特徴とする培養装置。     In the culture apparatus according to claim 1 or 3,
    The shading means is
    An outer standby chamber mounted on the outside of the first door of the culture chamber and formed with a light-shielding wall, for waiting the culture vessel;
    A conveying means arranged in the culture chamber and carrying the culture vessel into or out of the outer standby chamber;
    A second door provided in the outer standby chamber for loading or unloading the culture vessel, and closed when the first door is opened to prevent external light from entering the culture chamber;
    A culture apparatus characterized by comprising:
  5. 　請求項１又は請求項３に記載の培養装置において、
    　前記遮光手段は、
    　前記培養室の前記第１の扉の内側に配置されると共に遮光壁で形成され、前記培養容器を待機させるための内側待機室と、
    　前記培養室内に配置され、前記培養容器を前記内側待機室内に搬入または搬出する搬送手段と、
    　前記搬送手段に設けられ、前記第１の扉の開時に前記内側待機室に当接することで前記内側待機室からの光を遮光して前記培養室内への外部光の入射を防止する遮光部材と、
    　を有していることを特徴とする培養装置。     In the culture apparatus according to claim 1 or 3,
    The shading means is
    An inner standby chamber disposed inside the first door of the culture chamber and formed with a light-shielding wall, for waiting the culture vessel;
    A conveying means disposed in the culture chamber and carrying the culture container into or out of the inner standby chamber;
    A light-shielding member provided in the transfer means, which shields light from the inner standby chamber by contacting the inner standby chamber when the first door is opened, thereby preventing external light from entering the culture chamber; ,
    A culture apparatus characterized by comprising:
  6. 　請求項５に記載の培養装置において、
    　前記内側待機室は、前記遮光壁を成す蛇腹部材により伸縮自在とされ、前記第１の扉の外側に前記培養容器を待機させるための外側待機部を有していることを特徴とする培養装置。     The culture apparatus according to claim 5,
    The inner standby chamber is expandable and contractible by a bellows member forming the light shielding wall, and has an outer standby portion for waiting the culture vessel on the outer side of the first door. .
  7. 　所定雰囲気に維持された暗室が形成され、培養容器が収容される培養室と、
    　前記培養室内に収容される前記培養容器内の試料を観察するための観察手段と、
    　前記培養室に設けられ、前記培養室内に前記培養容器を培養室の外部から搬入または培養室の外部へ搬出するための第１の扉と、
    　前記観察手段による観察スケジュールから前記培養室内に外部光の入射が許可される時刻を求め、前記許可される時刻に前記第１の扉の開閉を行う制御手段と、
    　を有していることを特徴とする培養装置。     A dark room maintained in a predetermined atmosphere is formed, and a culture room in which a culture vessel is accommodated;
    An observation means for observing a sample in the culture vessel accommodated in the culture chamber;
    A first door provided in the culture chamber, for bringing the culture vessel into or out of the culture chamber into the culture chamber;
    A control means for obtaining a time at which external light is allowed to enter the culture chamber from an observation schedule by the observation means, and for opening and closing the first door at the permitted time;
    A culture apparatus characterized by comprising:
PCT/JP2009/007267 2009-01-05 2009-12-25 Culture apparatus WO2010076849A1 (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105527450A (en) * 2015-12-31 2016-04-27 中国科学院苏州生物医学工程技术研究所 Micropore plate transfer device for automatic detection apparatus
WO2016170623A1 (en) * 2015-04-22 2016-10-27 株式会社安川電機 Cell culturing system and cell culturing method

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JP2007228863A (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-09-13 Olympus Corp Apparatus for detecting closed type reaction
WO2007105363A1 (en) * 2006-03-14 2007-09-20 Nikon Corporation Culture observation equipment
JP2007330143A (en) * 2006-06-14 2007-12-27 Nikon Corp Culture vessel regulating body, holder and culture apparatus
JP2008268019A (en) * 2007-04-20 2008-11-06 Hitachi Ltd Chemiluminescence measuring apparatus

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JP2007228863A (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-09-13 Olympus Corp Apparatus for detecting closed type reaction
WO2007105363A1 (en) * 2006-03-14 2007-09-20 Nikon Corporation Culture observation equipment
JP2007330143A (en) * 2006-06-14 2007-12-27 Nikon Corp Culture vessel regulating body, holder and culture apparatus
JP2008268019A (en) * 2007-04-20 2008-11-06 Hitachi Ltd Chemiluminescence measuring apparatus

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016170623A1 (en) * 2015-04-22 2016-10-27 株式会社安川電機 Cell culturing system and cell culturing method
JPWO2016170623A1 (en) * 2015-04-22 2017-10-12 株式会社安川電機 Cell culture system and cell culture method
CN105527450A (en) * 2015-12-31 2016-04-27 中国科学院苏州生物医学工程技术研究所 Micropore plate transfer device for automatic detection apparatus

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