JP2017063618A - incubator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an incubator capable of supplying temperature-controlled gas around a petri dish in a clean state even when the gas is circulated for use.SOLUTION: According to the present invention, an incubator 10 maintains a sample in a constant state by supplying gas to the sample in a culture fluid stored in a petri dish 15. The incubator 10 includes a lower holding member 19, a lower main body 18, an O-ring 17, a lower packing 16, an upper packing 14, an upper main body 13, an upper holding member 12, and an upper lid 11. The upper surface of the lower main body 18 and the lower surface of the upper main body 13 are inclined surfaces. A combination of the lower main body 18 and the upper main body 13 via the O-ring 17 forms a substantially cylindrical shape that surrounds the petri dish 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an incubator that supplies a temperature-controlled gas around a petri dish.

  When performing electrophysiological experiments and microscopic observations on biological samples and specimens (hereinafter simply referred to as “samples”) such as cells, tissues, bacteria, and microorganisms, gas whose temperature is controlled in the space containing the samples Need to be purged. As such a gas, for example, air heated to 37 degrees Celsius containing 5% carbon dioxide is used.

  In Patent Document 1, the gas supplied from a plurality of types of gas cylinders to the gas mixing chamber is heated and then supplied to the chamber. A gas detector is provided in the chamber, and the temperature-controlled and concentration-controlled mixed gas is supplied. A culture apparatus for microscopic observation that is circulated between a gas mixing chamber and a chamber is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an incubator that blows warm air on the lower surface of the observation dish and supplies air containing carbon dioxide to the observation dish. In this incubator, the labyrinth seal structure is used to prevent hot air from being mixed into the air containing carbon dioxide.

Japanese Patent No. 3581840 Japanese Patent No. 4357870

  As in the culture apparatus for microscopic observation described in Patent Document 1, when the gas is circulated, there is an effect that the gas consumption can be reduced. However, when germs, dust, etc. are mixed in the circulating gas, there arises a problem that the experiment or observation result is adversely affected. Further, when air is mixed into the circulating gas from the outside, the concentration of the gas changes, and even in this case, there is a problem that the experiment or observation result is adversely affected.

  As described in Patent Document 2, even when a labyrinth seal structure is employed, it is impossible to completely prevent hot air from being mixed into air containing carbon dioxide.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an incubator that can supply a temperature-controlled gas in a clean state around a petri dish even when the gas is circulated and used. With the goal.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an incubator for supplying temperature-controlled gas around the petri dish, and has a shape surrounding the petri dish, and a lower opening smaller than the outer diameter of the petri dish is formed. A lower body in which a gas inlet and an outlet are formed; a lower packing disposed on the upper surface of the lower body and surrounding the lower opening of the lower body; and a shape surrounding the petri dish. An upper body having an upper opening smaller than the outer diameter of the petri dish, an upper packing disposed on the lower surface of the upper body and surrounding the upper opening in the upper body, and the lower body. A fixing mechanism that urges the upper body in a direction approaching each other, the lower body, the lower packing, the upper body, and the upper body And Kkingu by said petri dish, and forming an airtight space surrounding the sides of the dish.

  The invention according to claim 2 includes the gas ejection part for ejecting the heated gas to at least one of the upper surface of the petri dish and the bottom surface of the petri dish according to the invention of claim 1.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the upper surface of the lower main body and the lower surface of the upper main body are formed of inclined surfaces, and the lower main body and the upper main body are By combining them, a cylindrical shape surrounding the petri dish is formed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the lower main body, the lower packing, the upper main body and the upper packing, and the petri dish form an airtight space surrounding the side of the petri dish. Therefore, it is possible to supply a temperature-controlled gas around the petri dish in a clean state.

  According to invention of Claim 2, it becomes possible to prevent the temperature fall of a petri dish and its stored thing by ejecting the gas heated with respect to the petri dish.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the upper surface of the lower main body and the lower surface of the upper main body are formed of inclined surfaces, and a cylindrical shape surrounding the petri dish is configured by combining these, so the petri dish is taken out from the incubator. Sometimes it becomes possible to grip the side of the petri dish. For this reason, the petri dish can be easily taken out.

1 is a schematic diagram of a culture apparatus to which an incubator 10 according to the present invention is applied. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of a fluid heater 71. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the culture apparatus to which the incubator 10 which concerns on this invention is applied. 1 is a perspective view of an incubator 10 according to the present invention. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an incubator 10 according to the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the incubator 10 which concerns on this invention with the objective lens 102 of a microscope. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the gas in the incubator 10 which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a culture apparatus to which an incubator 10 according to the present invention is applied.

  This culture apparatus is for supplying the gas supplied from the gas supply source 52 to the outer peripheral portion of the petri dish 15 in which the sample 100 (see FIG. 6 to be described later) is accommodated while heating and circulating. Here, as the gas supply source 52, for example, one that supplies air containing 5% carbon dioxide as a gas is used. The gas supply source 52 includes a pressure regulator for supplying gas in a state where the gas is pressurized to atmospheric pressure or higher. Instead of the gas supply source 52, a gas supply pipe installed in a factory or the like may be used.

  Here, for example, when cell culture or the like is performed on the sample 100 such as cardiomyocytes and nerve cells and this is microscopically observed, in air containing 5% carbon dioxide heated to 37 degrees Celsius, It is preferable to install and observe the sample 100. For this reason, the culture apparatus to which the incubator according to the present invention is applied to the incubator 10 in which the petri dish 15 in which the sample 100 is installed is installed after heating the gas supplied from the gas supply source 52 to 37 degrees Celsius. It has a configuration to supply.

  The culture apparatus includes an incubator 10 having a structure surrounding the petri dish 15 and a gas circulation path 51 connected to the inlet 31 and the outlet 33 in the incubator 10. The gas circulation path 51 includes a three-way solenoid valve 53 connected to a gas supply source 52, a flow rate adjustment valve 54, a flow meter 55, a humidification mechanism 56, a sterilization filter 57, a fluid heater 71, A buffer chamber 61, a circulation pump 62 such as a diaphragm pump, and a three-way electromagnetic valve 63 connected to a gas exhaust pipe 77 are disposed. The gas circulation path 51 described in this specification is not only a simple pipe but also a concept including the entire gas circulation path including the devices disposed therein.

  The three-way solenoid valve 53 is configured to introduce air containing 5% carbon dioxide supplied from the gas supply source 52 into the gas circulation path 51 and to disconnect the gas supply source 52 from the gas circulation path 51. The gas circulation path 51 can be switched to a state in which the gas is circulated.

  The humidifying mechanism 56 has a configuration in which a liquid such as water is stored in a container, and a gas supplied from the flow meter 55 side is bubbled into the liquid. By the action of the humidifying mechanism 56, the gas circulating in the gas circulation path is humidified until the humidity becomes suitable for cell culture.

  The buffer chamber 61 has a volume of about 1 liter, for example, and is configured to temporarily store the gas circulating in the gas circulation path 51. The pressure of the gas in the buffer chamber 61 is measured by the pressure sensor 60. A pulsation caused by the operation of the circulation pump 62 is generated in the gas circulating in the gas circulation path 51 by the action of the circulation pump 62. However, the action of the buffer chamber 61 reduces the action of the pulsation, and the pressure sensor 60 can accurately measure the pressure of the gas circulating in the gas circulation path 51. In addition, due to the action of the buffer chamber 61, even when a slight gas leakage occurs from the gas circulation path 51, it is possible to reduce the pressure fluctuation of the gas in the gas circulation path 51. As the buffer chamber 61, a chamber having a simple airtight structure may be employed, or a chamber having a pressure accumulation function such as an accumulator may be employed. In addition, as this buffer chamber 61, it is preferable to employ | adopt what can accommodate 1 liter or more of gas.

  The three-way solenoid valve 63 discharges the gas circulating in the gas circulation path 51 to the gas discharge pipe 77 via the flow rate adjustment valve 64, and the gas flow path 51 through the flow rate adjustment valve 64 and the gas discharge pipe 77. The gas circulation path 51 can be switched to a state in which the gas is circulated. The flow rate adjusting valve 64 is called a so-called speed controller (speed controller). However, a pressure adjustment valve or a relief valve may be used instead of the flow rate adjustment valve 64.

  Between the inlet 31 and the outlet 33 in the incubator 10, a heated gas inlet 32 is formed. A fluid heater 72 similar to the fluid heater 71 is disposed at the heating gas inlet 32. The fluid heater 72 is connected to an outside air introduction pipe 76 via a flow meter 58 and a blower pump 59. As will be described later, the air taken in from the outside air introduction pipe 76 by the action of the blower pump 59 is heated by the fluid heater 72 and then jetted onto the upper and lower surfaces of the petri dish 15.

  A temperature sensor 38 for measuring the temperature of the gas flowing in the gas circulation path 51 is disposed in the introduction port 31 of the incubator 10.

  FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of the fluid heater 71.

  A fluid heater 71 connected to the inlet 31 of the incubator 10 in FIG. 1 includes a heater 92 and a temperature sensor 91 for measuring the temperature of the heater 92 inside a metal tubular body 93 having heat resistance. . The gas that has entered the inside of the tubular body 93 from the inlet portion 95 in the tubular body 93 is heated by the heater 92 while passing through the inside of the tubular body 93, and is ejected from the hole 96 formed at the distal end portion of the tubular body 93. . The fluid heater 71 is controlled by a control unit 80 to be described later, and raises the gas passing through the fluid heater in a short time in a range from a low temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius to a high temperature of about 200 degrees Celsius. It is possible.

  The fluid heater 72 connected to the heated gas inlet 32 in the incubator 10 has the same configuration as the fluid heater 71 shown in FIG.

  In the culture apparatus according to this embodiment, the incubator 10 and the fluid heaters 71 and 72 connected to the incubator 10 are connected to the other components by a pipe line having a length of 1 meter or more. For this reason, the incubator 10 and the like can be placed on the stage of the microscope, and other components can be placed under the table on which the microscope is arranged. For this reason, it becomes possible to suitably perform microscopic observation and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the culture apparatus to which the incubator 10 according to the present invention is applied.

  The culture apparatus to which the incubator according to the present invention is applied is composed of a CPU that executes logical operations, a ROM that stores an operation program necessary for controlling the apparatus, a RAM that temporarily stores data during control, and the like. A control unit 80 is provided for controlling the entire apparatus. The control unit 80 is connected to the temperature sensor 38, the pressure sensor 60, the flow meter 55, the flow meter 58, the three-way solenoid valve 53, the three-way solenoid valve 63, the circulation pump 62, and the blower pump 59, respectively. Upon receiving the signals, these are driven and controlled. Instead of using the digital type connected to the control unit 80 as the flow meters 55 and 58, analog flow meters may be used.

  Further, the control unit 80 is connected to the fluid heater 71 via the temperature regulator 73, and is measured by the temperature sensor 38 disposed at the inlet 31 of the incubator 10 or the temperature sensor 91 in the fluid heater 71. The heater 92 in the fluid heater 71 is driven and controlled based on the measured temperature. Further, the control unit 80 is connected to the fluid heater 72 via the temperature regulator 74, and drives and controls the heater in the fluid heater 72 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor in the fluid heater 72.

  Next, the configuration of the incubator 10 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the incubator 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the incubator 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the incubator 10 according to the present invention together with the objective lens 102 of the microscope. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a gas flow in the incubator 10 according to the present invention.

  The incubator 10 according to the present invention supplies the sample 100 by supplying gas to the sample 100 (see FIG. 6) in the culture solution 101 stored in the petri dish 15 including the lid 15a and the main body 15b. It is for maintaining a certain state. The incubator 10 includes a lower holding member 19, a lower main body 18, an O-ring 17, a lower packing 16, an upper packing 14, an upper main body 13, an upper holding member 12, and an upper lid 11.

  The lower main body 18 has a shape surrounding the petri dish 15, and a lower opening smaller than the outer diameter of the petri dish 15 is formed. In the lower main body 18, as described above, the gas inlet 31, the gas outlet 33, and the heated gas inlet 32 are formed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the gas inlet 31 and the outlet 33 communicate the gas circulation path 51 with the region of the outer peripheral portion of the petri dish 15. On the other hand, the heating gas introduction port 32 communicates with the communication hole 34 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

  The upper body 13 has a shape surrounding the petri dish 15, and an upper opening smaller than the outer diameter of the petri dish 15 is formed. The O-ring 17 disposed in a recess formed in the upper part of the lower main body 18 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper main body 13, so that the space between the lower main body 18 and the upper main body 13 is made airtight. The upper surface of the lower main body 18 and the lower surface of the upper main body 13 are composed of inclined surfaces. By combining the lower main body 18 and the upper main body 13 via an O-ring 17, a substantially cylindrical shape surrounding the petri dish 15 is configured. .

  The lower packing 16 disposed on the upper surface of the lower body 18 has a shape surrounding a lower opening in the lower body 18. The lower packing 16 is in contact with the lower surface of the main body 15b of the petri dish 15 so that the space between the lower main body 18 and the petri dish 15 is airtight. Further, the upper packing 14 disposed on the lower surface of the upper body 13 has a shape surrounding the upper opening in the upper body 13. The upper packing 14 is brought into an airtight state between the upper main body 13 and the petri dish 15 by contacting the upper surface of the lid 15a in the petri dish 15.

  The upper lid 11 is made of a translucent material. On the other hand, the upper holding member 12 and the lower holding member 19 are made of metal. The upper lid 11 and the upper holding member 12 are screwed to the upper main body 13 using the screw holes 23 of the upper lid 11 and the screw holes 24 of the upper holding member 12. The upper holding member 12 and the lower holding member 19 may be made of resin.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper holding member 12 is provided with a lever 21 of the fixing member 20, which is also called “snap lock” or “snap lock”. On the other hand, the lower holding member 19 is provided with a hook 22 of the fixing member 20. By the action of the fixing member 20 composed of the lever 21 and the hook 22, the upper holding member 12 and the lower holding member 19 are fixed after being moved in directions close to each other. Thereby, an airtight space 39 surrounding the side of the petri dish 15 is formed by the lower main body 18, the lower packing 16, the O-ring 17, the upper main body 13 and the upper packing 14, and the petri dish 15.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the gas introduced from the gas introduction port 31 in the lower main body 18 passes through the airtight space 39 in the outer peripheral portion of the petri dish 15 and is then discharged from the discharge port 33. At this time, a certain gap is formed between the lid 15a and the main body 15b in the petri dish 15. For this reason, the gas supplied to the airtight space 39 on the outer peripheral portion of the petri dish 15 also enters the petri dish 15. For this reason, the sample 100 is heated by this gas through the culture solution 101.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the heated gas supplied from the heated gas inlet 32 to the communication hole 34 in the lower main body 18 is a space between the lower main body 18 and the lower holding member 19 constituting the gas ejection portion. 36 is ejected from the space 35 between the upper body 13 and the upper holding member 12, which also constitutes a gas ejection portion, to the upper surface of the petri dish 15. At this time, the space between the lid 15 a of the petri dish 15 and the upper main body 13 is airtight by the upper packing 14, and the space between the main body 15 b of the petri dish 15 and the lower main body 18 is airtight by the lower packing 16. Yes. For this reason, the heated gas supplied from the heated gas inlet 32 does not enter the petri dish 15.

  Next, an operation when performing microscopic observation or the like using the culture apparatus as described above will be described.

  When this culture apparatus is activated, the incubator 10, the three-way solenoid valve 53, the flow rate adjustment valve 54, the flow meter 55, the humidification mechanism 56, the sterilization filter 57, the fluid heater 71, the buffer chamber 61, The gas circulation path 51 including the circulation pump 62 and the three-way solenoid valve 63 is filled with normal air. For this reason, the three-way solenoid valve 53 is switched to a state in which air containing 5% carbon dioxide supplied from the gas supply source 52 is introduced into the gas circulation path 51, and the three-way solenoid valve 63 is switched, The gas circulating in the gas circulation path 51 is discharged to the gas discharge pipe 77 through the flow rate adjustment valve 64. When several tens of seconds have passed in this state, the gas circulation path 51 is replaced with air containing 5% carbon dioxide.

  In parallel with this, outside air is blown from the outside air introduction pipe 76 to the fluid heater 72 via the blower pump 59, and the heated air is jetted onto the upper and lower surfaces of the petri dish 15. The flow rate of the heated air at this time is measured by a flow meter 58. The flow rate of the heated air at this time is 12 liters per minute, for example. As a result, the temperature of the culture solution 101 in the petri dish 15 can be raised to a predetermined temperature and then maintained at the predetermined temperature. The temperature of the gas at this time is measured by the temperature sensor of the fluid heater 72. And the control part 80 controls the heater of the fluid heater 72 via the temperature regulator 74 so that the temperature of the gas injected to the upper surface and lower surface of the petri dish 15 may become appropriate temperature.

  This ejection of the heated gas is continued until the microscopic observation is completed. However, after the temperature of the petri dish 15 and the culture solution 101 has risen, the ejection of heated air may be stopped.

  Next, the flow rate adjustment valve 64 is throttled. As a result, the amount of gas supplied to the gas circulation path 51 is larger than the amount of gas discharged from the gas circulation path 51, so that the pressure in the gas circulation path 51 increases. The pressure sensor 60 measures the pressure in the buffer chamber 61, that is, the pressure of the gas circulating in the gas circulation path 51. When the pressure in the gas circulation path 51 becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure by the set value ΔP, the three-way solenoid valve 53 is switched to disconnect the gas supply source 52 from the gas circulation path 51 and in the gas circulation path 51. In addition, the three-way solenoid valve 63 is switched to disconnect the flow rate adjusting valve 64 and the gas discharge pipe 77 from the gas circulation path 51 and to circulate the gas in the gas circulation path 51. .

  The set value ΔP at this time is preferably 0.5 kilopascals to 10 kilopascals, and more preferably 4 kilopascals to 7 kilopascals. When ΔP becomes smaller than this, there is a possibility that germs, dust or air may be mixed in the gas circulation path 51. Moreover, when ΔP becomes larger than this, the petri dish 15 may be damaged by the internal pressure.

  In this state, the gas is circulated in the gas circulation path 51 by the action of the circulation pump 62. At this time, the flow rate of the gas is measured by the flow meter 55, and the flow rate is adjusted by the flow rate adjustment valve 54 to be, for example, about 1.8 liters to 2 liters per minute.

  The gas whose flow rate is adjusted is humidified by the humidifying mechanism 56, and the germs are reliably removed by the sterilizing filter 57, and then sent to the fluid heater 71. Then, after the temperature of the gas is raised to 37 degrees Celsius, this gas is supplied to an airtight space 39 surrounding the side of the petri dish 15 in the incubator 10. Part of this gas also enters the petri dish 15.

  The temperature of the gas at this time is measured by the temperature sensor 38. Then, the control unit 80 controls the heater 92 of the fluid heater 71 through the temperature regulator 73 so that the temperature of the gas flowing through the gas circulation path 51 is accurately 37 degrees Celsius. At this time, since the buffer chamber 61 is disposed in the gas circulation path 51, the total amount of gas flowing through the gas circulation path 51 is large, so that compared with the case where the total amount of gas is small. Thus, the fluctuation range of the gas temperature can be reduced.

  Instead of controlling the heater 92 of the fluid heater 71 by the gas temperature measured by the temperature sensor 38, the temperature sensor 38 is omitted and the heater 92 is based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 91 in the fluid heater 71. By controlling the above, the gas temperature may be maintained at a predetermined temperature.

  In this state, microscopic observation or the like is executed. When microscopic observation or the like is continuously performed, the pressure of the gas flowing through the gas circulation path 51 gradually decreases due to gas leakage. When the difference between the pressure in the gas circulation path 51 and the atmospheric pressure becomes smaller than a set value (for example, 0.5 kilopascal), the three-way solenoid valve 53 is switched again to supply from the gas supply source 52. The air containing 5% carbon dioxide is introduced into the gas circulation path 51, and the three-way electromagnetic valve 63 is switched so that the gas circulating in the gas circulation path 51 is changed to the flow rate adjustment valve 64. Through the gas exhaust pipe 77.

  When the pressure of the gas in the buffer chamber 61 measured by the pressure sensor 60, that is, the pressure in the gas circulation path 51 becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure by the set value ΔP, the three-way solenoid valve 53 is switched again. The gas supply source 52 is disconnected from the gas circulation path 51 so that the gas is circulated in the gas circulation path 51, and the three-way electromagnetic valve 63 is switched so that the flow rate adjustment valve 64 and the gas discharge pipe 77 The gas is circulated in the gas circulation path 51 by being separated from the circulation path 51. Such an operation is repeated until the microscopic observation or the like is completed.

  Thereby, when performing microscopic observation etc., it becomes possible to supply the petri dish 15 with the gas whose temperature is accurately controlled to 37 degrees Celsius from the airtight space 39 surrounding the side of the petri dish 15. At this time, by keeping the inside of the gas circulation path 51 at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, it is possible to prevent germs, dust, or air from being mixed into the circulating gas. For this reason, even when the gas is circulated and used, it is possible to supply a gas having a desired concentration controlled around the petri dish 15 in a clean state. At this time, even when pulsation or the like due to the circulation pump 62 occurs due to the action of the buffer chamber 61 and the pressure sensor 60, the gas pressure in the gas circulation path 51 can be maintained at a predetermined value. It becomes.

  At this time, a lower opening is formed in the lower body 18 in the incubator 10, and the lower surface of the body 15b in the petri dish 15 is exposed to the outside. For this reason, the objective lens 102 of the microscope can be brought close to the lower surface of the petri dish 15. Accordingly, the sample 100 in the petri dish 15 can be suitably observed with a microscope.

  In addition, since the upper opening 13 is formed in the upper body 13 of the incubator 10, the sample 100 in the petri dish 15 can be illuminated or observed from above. And since this upper opening is covered with the upper lid 11 which has translucency, it can prevent that various bacteria and dust fall and adhere to the upper surface of the petri dish 15, and contamination of the petri dish 15 is prevented. It becomes possible to prevent.

  When the microscope observation or the like is completed, the petri dish 15 is removed from the incubator 10. Here, in the incubator 10, the upper surface of the lower main body 18 and the lower surface of the upper main body 13 are configured by inclined surfaces, and the petri dish 15 is obtained by combining the lower main body 18 and the upper main body 13 via the O-ring 17. It is the structure which surrounds. For this reason, when taking out the petri dish 15 from this incubator 10, after removing the upper main body 13 from the lower main body 18, the side surface of the petri dish 15 can be gripped. For this reason, the petri dish 15 can be easily taken out.

  In the above-described embodiment, the heated gas supplied from the heated gas introduction port 32 in the lower body 18 to the communication hole 34 is ejected to both the upper and lower surfaces of the petri dish 15. It suffices to eject to at least one of them. However, since the culture solution 101 in which the sample 100 is immersed is stored in the bottom of the petri dish 15, it is preferable to eject the heated gas at least on the lower surface of the petri dish 15.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Incubator 11 Upper cover 12 Upper holding member 13 Upper main body 14 Upper packing 15 Petri dish 16 Lower packing 17 O-ring 18 Lower main body 19 Lower holding member 20 Fixing member 21 Lever 22 Hook 31 Inlet port 32 Heated gas inlet 33 Exhaust port 38 Temperature Sensor 51 Gas circulation path 52 Gas supply source 53 Three-way solenoid valve 55 Flow meter 58 Flow meter 59 Blower pump 60 Pressure sensor 61 Buffer chamber 62 Circulation pump 63 Three-way solenoid valve 64 Flow control valve 71 Fluid heater 72 Fluid heater 73 Temperature Controller 74 Temperature controller 76 External air introduction pipe 77 Gas exhaust pipe 80 Control unit 100 Sample 101 Culture solution 102 Objective lens

Claims (3)

An incubator that supplies a temperature-controlled gas around the petri dish,
A lower main body having a shape surrounding the petri dish, a lower opening smaller than an outer diameter of the petri dish is formed, and a gas introduction port and a discharge port are formed,
A lower packing disposed on an upper surface of the lower body and having a shape surrounding a lower opening in the lower body;
An upper body having a shape surrounding the petri dish and having an upper opening smaller than the outer diameter of the petri dish;
An upper packing disposed on the lower surface of the upper body and having a shape surrounding an upper opening in the upper body;
A fixing mechanism that urges the lower body and the upper body in directions close to each other;
With
An incubator characterized in that an airtight space surrounding a side of the petri dish is formed by the lower main body, the lower packing, the upper main body and the upper packing, and the petri dish. The incubator according to claim 1, wherein
An incubator comprising a gas ejection part for ejecting heated gas to at least one of the upper surface of the petri dish or the bottom surface of the petri dish. In the incubator according to claim 1 or 2,
An incubator in which an upper surface of the lower main body and a lower surface of the upper main body are composed of inclined surfaces, and a cylindrical shape surrounding the petri dish is configured by combining the lower main body and the upper main body.

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