Patentamt
`European
`Pate nt Office
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`Europfiiswes
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`Siiiierfv‘é't‘ipée"
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`(19)
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`(12)
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`iillililiiilliiiilliiilliiliilliililiiilliilililiiiililliiilliiilliiiliilli
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`EP 2 818 541 A1
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`EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
`published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC
`
`(43) Date of publication:
`31.12.2014 Bulletin 2015/01
`
`(21) Application number: 137521084
`
`(51)
`
`Int C|.:
`C12M 1/00 (20061")
`F24F 7/06 (2006-01)
`
`A61L 2/20 (2006‘01)
`
`(86) International application number:
`
`(22) Date of filing: 08.02.2013
`
`PCT/JP2013/053056
`
`(87) International publication number:
`WO 2013/125374 (29.08.2013 Gazette 2013/35)
`
`(84) Designated Contracting States:
`AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB
`GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL N0
`PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
`Designated Extension States:
`BA ME
`
`(72) Inventors:
`- YOKOI, Yasuhiko
`2131-1, Minamigata, Toon-shi, Ehime 791-0395
`(JP)
`- KOBAYASHI, Koichi
`2131-1, Minamigata, Toon-shi, Ehime 791-0395
`(JP)
`
`(30) Priority: 21.02.2012 JP 2012035628
`
`(71) Applicant: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
`Ehime 791-0395 (JP)
`
`(74) Representative: Grflnecker, Kinkeldey,
`Stockmair & Schwanhausser
`Leopoldstrasse 4
`80802 Munchen (DE)
`
`
`
`
`(54)
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`ISOLATOR
`
`An isolator includes : a chamber including a
`(57)
`working chamber in which a work is performed bya work-
`er, and a storage chamber provided under the working
`chamber in communication with an opening formed in a
`bottom plate of the working chamber, the chamber being
`configured to isolate the working chamber and the stor-
`age chamber from an exterior while in a state where air—
`tightness is maintained; and a lifting device configured
`to support, in the storage chamber, an experimental de-
`vice to be used in the working chamber, the lifting device
`being capable of lifting and lowering the experimental
`device from the storage chamber to the working chamber
`and from the working chamber to the storage chamber.
`
`EP2818541A1
`
`FIG. 5
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`
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`Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)
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`EP 2 818 541 A1
`
`Description
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Technical Field
`
`[0001] The present disclosure relates to an isolator.
`
`Description ofthe Related Art
`
`Japanese PatentApplication Laid-open Publication No. 2011-177091 discloses a chamber including a working
`[0002]
`chamber for, for example, performing work such as observation of a cultured cell and the like.
`[0003]
`For example, changes in the observation target such as a cultured cell and the like over time may be observed,
`using an observation device in the working chamber of the chamber disclosed in the above publication. On such an
`occasion, work space may be decreased due to the observation device being housed in the chamber.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0004] The present disclosure discloses an isolator including: a chamber including a working chamber in which work
`is performed by a worker, and a storage chamber provided under the working chamber in such a manner as to commu-
`nicate with an opening formed in a bottom plate of the working chamber, the chamber being configured to isolate the
`working chamber and the storage chamber from an exterior in a state where airtightness is maintained; and a lifting
`device configured to support, in the storage chamber, an experimental device to be used in the working chamber, the
`lifting device being capable of lifting and lowering the experimental device from the storage chamber to the working
`chamber and from the working chamber to the storage chamber.
`[0005] Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from descriptions of the present specification
`and of the accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0006]
`
`Fig. 1 is a front view illustrating an isolator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an isolator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating a bottom plate of a working chamber according to a first embodiment of the present
`disclosure.
`
`Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of an isolator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an observation device, a storage chamber, and a lifting device according to
`a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a storage chamber and a lifting device according to a first embodiment of the
`present disclosure.
`Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of an isolator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a lifting device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a part ofan isolator in a state where an observation device has been lifted according
`to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an observation device and a lifting device in a state of being stored in a
`storage chamber according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a lifting device according to a second embodimentof the present disclosure.
`Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an observation device, a storage chamber and a lifting device according to
`a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an observation device and a lifting device in a state of being stored in a
`storage chamber according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
`Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a storage chamber and a lifting device according to a second embodiment
`of the present disclosure.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0007] At least the following details will become apparent from descriptions of the present specification and of the
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`EP 2 818 541 A1
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`accompanying drawings.
`
`[First embodiment]
`
`===lsolator===
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`[0008] Hereinafter, an isolator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference
`to Fig. 1. Fig. 1
`is a front view illustrating the isolator according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.
`[0009] The isolator 100 is a device for performing work, such as cell culture, cell operation, cell observation, and the
`like, in a decontaminated environment. Note that decontamination is assumed to represent bringing a state closer to an
`aseptic state by killing microorganisms, cells, and the like. The isolator 100 is provided to stand, for example, on an
`installation surface 300 ofa laboratory or the like. The isolator 100 includes a chamber 10, a body 11, and legs 14. Note
`that, in an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the Z—axis is an axis along a perpendicular direction in which the isolator
`100 is provided to stand, wherein a direction toward an upper side is referred to as the +Z direction, and a direction
`toward a lower side (downward) is referred to as the -Z direction. The Y-axis is an axis along a direction orthogonal to
`the front surface and the back surface of the isolator 100, wherein a direction from the front surface, provided with
`openings 152, 155 for performing work in the interior of the chamber 10, toward the back surface opposite to the front
`surface is referred to as the +Y direction, and a direction from the back surface toward the front surface is referred to
`as the -Y direction. The X-axis is an axis along a direction orthogonal to side plates 17, 18 of the chamber 10, wherein
`a direction from the side plate 18 connected to the body 11 in the chamber 10 toward the side plate 17 opposite to the
`side plate 18 is referred to as the -X direction, and a direction from the side plate 17 to the side plate 18 is referred to
`as the +X direction.
`
`[0010] The chamber 10 includes a working chamber 16 (Fig. 2) where bacterial invasion from the exterior is restrained.
`Note that the details of the chamber 10 will be described later.
`
`[0011] The body 11 is provided with, for example, a control device 8 (Fig. 4) configured to control the isolator 100.
`Note that the details of the control device 8 will be described later. The body 11 is formed, for example, in a substantially
`rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided to stand on the installation surface 300. A touch panel 111, through
`which information is inputted to the control device 8, is provided on the front face of the body 11. The body 11, together
`with the legs 14, supports the chamber 10 such that a height ofthe bottom plate 116 ofthe chamber 1 0 from the installation
`surface 800 is set to a predetermined height H1. Note that the details of the predetermined height H1 will be described
`later. The side plate 18 ofthe chamber 10 is, for example, welded to a side surface on the chamber 10 side ofthe body 11.
`[0012] The legs 14 are, for example, two support members that support the chamber 10, as described above. The
`legs 14 are mounted to a corner on the front side (-Y) and a corner on the back side (-Y) of the bottom plate 116 of the
`chamber 10.
`
`===Chamber===
`
`[0013] Hereinafter, the chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference
`to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view ofthe isolator in an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed
`from the section line A1-A2 toward the +X side in Fig. 1.
`[0014] The chamber 10 is, for example, a metal device formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
`The chamber 10 is a hollow structure such that the working chamber 16 can be provided in the interior thereof. Note
`that the details of the working chamber 16 will be described later. The interior of the chamber 10 is isolated from the
`exterior and maintained in an airtight state, so that bacterial invasion from the exterior of the chamber 10 is restrained.
`Note that the interior and the exterior of the chamber 10 are separated, for example, by the bottom plate 116, a back
`plate 113, a top plate 112, a door 12, and the side plates 17, 18, which are made of metal and formed in a substantially
`rectangular shape.
`[0015] The chamber 10 includes the door 12, a centrifuge 13, and a storage chamber 3.
`[0016] The door 12 is provided, for example, on the front surface (—Y) of the chamber 10. The door 12 is mounted to
`the chamber 10, for example, in such a manner as to be pivotally moved in a direction D1 or a direction D2 (Fig. 2) about
`a rotating shaft along the X-axis of hinges 121, 122 that are mounted on the upper side of the door 12. Note that, for
`example, a seal material such as rubber packing or the like is assumed to be provided on the edge of the door 12, so
`that the interior of the chamber 10 is maintained airtightwhen the door 12 is closed by being pivotally moved in a direction
`B2 about the rotating shaft along the X-axis of the hinges 121, 122. That is, when the door 12 is closed, the door 12
`performs a function as a partition plate for separating the interior of the chamber 10 from the exterior while maintaining
`the interior of the chamber 10 in an airtight state.
`[0017] The door 12 is provided with a transparent plate 15 made of, for example, resin and the like, such that the
`interior of the chamber 10 can be viewed from the exterior of the chamber 10.
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`EP 2 818 541 A1
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`[0018] The transparent plate 15 is provided with, for example, two gloves 153, 156 extending into the working chamber
`16. The gloves 153, 156 are used, for example, when a worker, outside of the working chamber 16, who performs cell
`culture, cell operation, cell observation, and the like (hereinafter, referred to as "work such as cell culture"), performs
`work such as cell culture in the working chamber 16. The gloves 153, 156 are mounted to frames 151, 154 ofthe openings
`152, 155, respectively, so thata worker can perform work such as cell culture by inserting his/her handsfrom the openings
`152, 155 of the transparent plate 15 into the working chamber 16, while the interior of the working chamber 16 is
`maintained in an airtight state.
`[0019] The centrifuge 13 is a device used to separate elements, for example, from cell suspension which is a mixture
`of solids such as cells and a plurality of liquids of different densities. The centrifuge 13 is provided in such a manner as
`to protrude downward (-Z) from the bottom plate 116.
`[0020] The storage chamber 3 is configured to store a lifting device 5 (Fig. 5) and an observation device 2 (hereinafter,
`also referred to as an "experimental device") (Fig. 5). The storage chamber 3 is formed in such a manner as to protrude
`downward from the bottom plate 116. Note that the details of the storage chamber 3 will be described later. it is assumed
`here that the predetermined height H1 is set at such a height that the centrifuge 13 and the storage chamber 3 can be
`provided under the bottom plate 116.
`
`===Working chamber===
`
`[0021] Hereinafter, the working chamber according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure will be described with
`reference to Figs.
`1
`to 3. Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating the bottom plate of the working chamber according to an
`embodiment of the present disclosure.
`[0022] The working chamber 16 is a space in which work such as cell culture is performed in a state where bacterial
`invasion from the exterior is restrained. The working chamber 16 is a space enclosed with a work platform plate 114,
`partition plates 115 and 119, the top plate 112, the door 12, and the side plates 17 and 18. Note that the work platform
`plate 114 corresponds to a bottom plate of the working chamber 16.
`[0023] The work platform plate 114 is, for example, a metal flat plate formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The
`length of the long side (the side along the X-axis) of the work platform plate 114 is assumed to be shorter than the length
`of the long side ofthe bottom plate 116 so that the work platform plate 114 can be provided in the interior of the chamber
`10. The length of the short side (the side along the Y-axis) of the work platform plate 114 is assumed to be shorter than
`the length of the short side of the bottom plate 116 so that a duct 118 is formed between the partition plate 115 and the
`back plate 113. Note that the details of the duct 118 will be described later. The work platform plate 114 is installed
`above (+Z) the bottom plate 116 in the interior of the chamber 10, so as to form a duct 117 for discharging gas, such as
`air and sterilizing gas for sterilizing the interior of the working chamber 16 from the interior of the working chamber 16
`to the exterior of the working chamber 16, between the work platform plate 114 and the bottom plate 116. The work
`platform plate 114 is used as, for example, such a work floor where a device and/or the like to be used for work such
`as cell culture is placed on the top surface of the work platform plate 114 when the work is performed in the working
`chamber 16. The work platform plate 114 is provided, for example, such that the top surface of the work platform plate
`114 is substantially horizontal so as to facilitate the work using the top surface of the work platform plate 114. Further,
`the work platform plate 114 is installed in such a manner as to be easily mounted and demounted by hand. Thus, the
`work platform plate 114 is demounted from the interior of the chamber 10 as needed, when the interior of the chamber
`10 is cleaned, such as when wiping the bottom plate 116.
`[0024] The work platform plate 114 is provided with opening and closing lids 91, 92. The opening and closing lid 91
`is a member configured to open and close an opening (not shown), which is provided to the work platform plate 114 so
`that the centrifuge 13 arranged under the work platform plate 114 can be used in the working chamber 16. The opening
`and closing lid 92 is a member configured to open and close an opening 140 (Fig. 7) (hatch) provided to the work platform
`plate 114 so that the observation device 2 can be moved between the working chamber 16 and the storage chamber 3.
`Note that the details of the opening and closing lids 91, 92 will be described later.
`[0025] The work platform plate 114 is provided with a plurality of holes 14A, 148. The plurality of holes 14A, 14B are
`holes for gas, such as sterilizing gas and air, in the working chamber 16 to be discharged through the duct 117 and out
`to the exterior of the working chamber 16. A plurality of holes 14A, 14B are formed on the back plate 113 side edge (+Y)
`of the work platform plate 114 and on the door 12 side edge (-Y) of the work platform plate 114, respectively, for example,
`in belt-like forms along the long side (X-axis) of the work platform plate 114 . A plurality of holes 14A, 14B are slots in
`which, for example, the longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of holes 14A, 14B is, for example, along the long
`side of the work platform plate 114. Note that a plurality of holes 14A, 148 may be slots, in which, for example, the
`longitudinal direction of each of a plurality of holes 14A, 14B is, for example, along the short side (Y-axis) of the work
`platform plate 1 14. The plurality of holes 14A, 148 may be, for example, in a substantially circular form or in a substantially
`polygonal shape. Note that, it is conceivable that an instrument, which is used when work such as cell culture is performed
`in the working chamber 16, may drop from the working chamber 16 through the plurality of holes 14A, 148 to the bottom
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`EP 2 818 541 A1
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`plate 116, however, since the work platform plate 114 can be mounted/demounted, the instrument can be easily collected
`and also cleaning can be performed there.
`[0026] The partition plate 115 is, for example, a metal flat plate formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is
`provided substantially parallel to the back plate 113. The length in the X-axis direction of the partition plate 115 is similar
`to the length of the long side of the work platform plate 114. The length in the perpendicular direction of the partition
`plate 115 is assumed to be shorter than the length in the perpendicular direction of the back plate 113 so that a duct
`117 is formed between the work platform plate 114 and the bottom plate 116. The partition plate 115 is positioned on
`the door 12 side with regard to the back plate 113 in the interior of the chamber 10 such that the duct 1 18 for discharging
`gas, such as sterilizing gas and air, from the interior of the working chamber 16 to the exterior of the working chamber
`16 is formed between the partition plate 115 and the back plate 113. For example, the edge on the body 11 side of the
`partition plate 115 and the edge on the side opposite to the body 11 of the partition plate 115 are respectively welded
`to the surfaces, of the side plates 18, 17, on the working chamber 16 side.
`[0027] The partition plate 119 is, for example, a metal flat plate formed in a substantially rectangular shape, for
`separating the duct 118 and the working chamber 16 so that gas, such as sterilizing gas and air, circulates in the working
`chamber 16. The length in the X-axis direction of the partition plate 119 is substantially similarto the length in the X-axis
`direction of the partition plate 115. The upper side edge of the partition plate 119 is welded to the top plate 112 between
`the position at which a pipe 71 is provided and the position at which a pipe 72 is provided. The lower side edge of the
`partition plate 119 is welded to the edge on the upper side of the partition plate 119. For example, the body 11 side edge
`of the partition plate 119 and the edge on the side opposite to the body 11 of the partition plate 119 are respectively
`welded to the surfaces, of the side plates 18, 17, on the working chamber 16 side. The partition plate 119 is provided
`in the chamber 10 in such a manner as to be inclined from the door 12 side down toward the back plate 113 side, such
`that a large space can be secured in the working chamber 16.
`
`===Circulation of gas in working chamber===
`
`[0028] Hereinafter, circulation of gas in the working chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
`will be described with reference to Fig. 2.
`[0029] The chamber 10 is provided with the pipes 71, 72 and filters 711,721.
`[0030] The pipe 71 is a gas-supply pipe for supplying gas (e.g., sterilizing gas, air) from the exterior of the working
`chamber 16 to the interior of the working chamber 16.
`[0031] The pipe 72 is a gas-discharge pipe for discharging gas (e.g., sterilizing gas, air) from the interior of the working
`chamber 16 to the exterior of the working chamber 16.
`[0032] The filter 711 is, for example, an HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter configured to remove impurities
`such as dust contained in the gas that is supplied through the pipe 71 to the interior of the working chamber 16. The
`filter 721 is, for example, an HEPA filter configured to remove impurities such as dust contained in the gas discharged
`from the interior of the working chamber 16 through the ducts 117, 118 to the exterior of the working chamber 16.
`[0033] One end on the downstream side of the pipe 71 is connected to the working chamber 16. One end on the
`upstream side of the pipe 72 is connected to the duct 118. Note that the details of the circuit of the isolator 100 such as
`on the connection of the pipes 71, 72 and the like will be described later. The filters 711, 721 are provided at one
`downstream end of the pipe 71 and one upstream end of the pipe 72, respectively.
`[0034]
`For example, gas supplied from upstream the pipe 71 is supplied into the working chamber 16 afterthe impurities
`thereof have been removed by the filter 711. The gas in the working chamber 16 is discharged through a plurality of
`holes 14A, 14B ofthe work platform plate 114 and the ducts 117, 118 to the pipe 72. Note that the air in the duct 118 is
`discharged to the pipe 72 after the impurities thereof have been removed by the filter 721.
`
`===Circuit of isolator===
`
`[0035] Hereinafter, the circuit of the isolator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described
`with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of the isolator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
`[0036] The isolator 100 includes solenoid valves V1, V2, a blower F1, a blower F2 (fan), the chamber 10, a sterilizing
`gas supply unit 740, the control device 8, the pipes 71 to 76, and the filters 711, 721,761.
`[0037] The blower F1 is a device configured to circulate gas into the working chamber 16 of the chamber 10. The
`blower F2 is a device configured to circulate gas into the interior of the storage chamber 3 in the working chamber 16.
`It is assumed that the blowers F1, F2 can be switched on/off in response to the control signals 83, 84, respectively,
`transmitted from the control device 8. Note that the details of the blower F2 will be described later.
`
`[0038] The valves V1, V2 are, for example, solenoid three-way valves capable of switching the gas flow path in
`response to the control signals S1, 82, respectively, transmitted from the control device 8. Note that the switching of the
`gas flow path performed by the valves V1, V2 will be described later.
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`EP 2 818 541 A1
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`[0039] A filter 761 is a device configured to reduce the concentration and render harmless the sterilizing gas contained
`in the gas discharged from the interior of the isolator 100 to the exterior of the isolator 100. The filter 761 is assumed
`to, for example, contain catalyst such as platinum, activated carbon, and the like.
`[0040] The sterilizing gas supply unit 740 is configured to supply sterilizing gas for rendering the interior of the working
`chamber 16 and the paths into a sterile environment. The sterilizing gas supply unit 740 is assumed to be provided, for
`example, at the exterior of the chamber 10. Note that the sterile environment represents a dust-free/sterile environment
`to the highest degree possible where contamination by the materials, other than the materials necessary for the work
`to be performed in the working chamber 16, is restrained. The sterilizing gas supply unit 740 includes pipes 742, 745,
`a sterilizing gas generating device 741, a pump 743, and a container 744. The container 744 stores, for example, a
`sterilizing material such as hydrogen peroxide solution. The sterilizing gas generating device 741 is configured to generate
`sterilizing gas by pumping up through the pipe 742 the sterilizing material stored in the container 744 using the pump
`743, and heating and vaporizing the pumped—up sterilizing material. The sterilizing gas generating device 741 is assumed
`to be controlled by a control signal 85 transmitted from the control device 8. The pipe 745 is a pipe for circulating in the
`working chamber 16 the sterilizing gas generated in the sterilizing gas generating device 741.
`[0041] The control device 8 is configured to transmit control signals 81 to 85, for example, on the basis of the information
`inputted from the touch panel 111 (Fig. 1). Note that the details of the control device 8 will be described later.
`[0042] The pipe 74 is connected between the valve V1 and the blower F1 , the pipe 71 is connected between the blower
`F1 and the chamber 10, the pipe 72 is connected between the chamber 10 and the valve V2, and the pipe 73 is connected
`between the valve V2 and the valve V1, so that the valve V1, the blower F1, the chamber 10, and the valve V2 are
`connected in a loop. Note that one end of the pipe 745 is connected at the predetermined position between the two ends
`of the pipe 73, so that the sterilizing gas generated in the sterilizing gas generating device 741 is supplied into the pipe
`73. The other end of the pipe 745 is assumed to be connected to the sterilizing gas generating device 741. One end of
`the pipe 75 is connected to the valve V1 so that the air in the exterior of the isolator 100 is supplied through the valve
`V1 to the interior ofthe isolator 100. The other end ofthe pipe 75 is assumed to be, for example, exposed to the exterior
`of the isolator 100. One end of the pipe 76 is connected to the valve V2 so that the gas in the interior of the isolator 100
`is discharged through the valve V2 to the exterior of the isolator 100. The pipe 76 is assumed to be, for example, exposed
`to the exterior of the isolator 100. The filter 761 is provided at the predetermined position between the two ends of the
`pipe 76.
`[0043] Here, the valve V1 is configured to switch the flow path of the pipes 73, 74, 75 between the first and the second
`flow paths on the basis of the control signal 81. Note that the first flow path is assumed to represent that the pipe 74
`and the pipe 75 are connected to each other, with the pipe 73 being shut off from the pipes 74, 75. The second flow
`path is assumed to represent that the pipe 73 and the pipe 74 are connected to each other, with the pipe 75 being shut
`off from the pipes 74, 73. The valve V2 is configured to switch the flow path of the pipes 72, 73, 76 between the third
`and the fourth flow paths on the basis of the control signal 82. Note that the third flow path is assumed to represent that
`the pipe 72 and the pipe 76 are connected to each other, with the pipe 73 being shut off from the pipes 72, 76. The
`fourth flow path is assumed to represent that the pipe 72 and the pipe 73 are connected to each other, with the pipe 76
`being shut off from the pipes 72,73.
`
`===Control device===
`
`[0044] Hereinafter, the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with
`reference to Fig. 4.
`[0045] The control device 8 is configured to transmit the control signals 81 to 85, for example, on the basis of the
`information inputted from the touch panel 111 (Fig. 1).
`[0046]
`For example, when a button for starting work preparation displayed on the touch panel 111 is pressed, the
`control device 8 transmits the control signals 81 to 85 so that a sterilization process and a substitution process are
`performed by the isolator 100. Note that the sterilization process represents, for example, that sterilizing gas is circulated
`through the interior of the working chamber 16 and the paths so as to render the interior of the working chamber 16 and
`the paths in a sterile environment. The substitution process represents, for example, that the sterilizing gas in the interior
`of the working chamber 16 and the paths is substituted with the air in the exterior of the isolator 100, thereby discharging
`the sterilizing gas in the interior of the working chamber 16 and the paths to the exterior of the isolator 100.
`[0047]
`For example, when the sterilization process is performed, the control device 8 transmits the control signal 81
`for switching to the second flow path, the control signal 82 for switching to the fourth flow path, the control signals S3,
`S4 for respectively turning on the blowers F1 and F2, and the control signal 85 for generating sterilizing gas. In this
`case, the sterilizing gas generated in the sterilizing gas generating device 741 is circulated in the order of the pipe 73,
`the valve V1, the pipe 74, the blower F1, the pipe 71, the filter 711, the working chamber 16, the filter 721, the pipe 72,
`and the valve V2. Thus, the interior of the working chamber 16 and the paths are sterilized by the sterilizing gas.
`[0048]
`For example, when the substitution process is performed, the control device 8 transmits the control signal 81
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`EP 2 818 541 A1
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`for switching to the first flow path, the control signal S2 for switching to the third flow path, the control signals 83, S4 for
`respectively turning on the blowers F1, F2, the control signal 85 for stopping generation of the sterilizing gas. In this
`case, the sterilizing gas generating device 741 stops supplying the sterilizing material contained in the container 744 to
`the sterilizing gas generating device 741, which is performed by the pump 743, and stops heating the sterilizing material.
`The air exterior ofthe isolator 100 is supplied through the pipe 75, the valve V1, the pipe 74, the blower F1, the pipe 71,
`and the filter 71 1, into the working chamber 16. The air containing sterilizing gas in the working chamber 16 is discharged
`through the filter 721, the pipe 72, the valve V2, the filter 761, and the pipe 76, to the exterior of the isolator 100.
`
`===Observation device===
`
`[0049] Hereinafter, the observation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described
`with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the observation device, the storage chamber, and the
`lifting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the lifting device 5 and the observation
`device 2 each are in a state where a part thereof cannot be seen, but is indicated by dashed lines.
`[0050] The observation device 2 is, for example, an inverted phase-contrast microscope configured to observe an
`observation target (not shown) such as a human cell and the like. The observation device 2 includes a body 25 and a
`support member 515.
`[0051] The body 25 includes an upper unit 21 and a lower unit 22. An irradiation device (not shown), configured to
`irradiate an observation target contained in a container with phase-contrast illumination is housed in the upper unit 21.
`In the lower unit 22, for example, an objective lens (not shown) or the like for observing the observation target, irradiated
`with the phase-contrast illumination, is housed immediately below an observation window 24 on an observation surface 23.
`[0052] The support member 515 is a member for supporting the body 25. The support member 515 is provided with
`leg components 516, 517 whose lower ends have attached spherical components (not shown), which are casters for
`supporting the body 25 in a freely movable manner. The support member 515 is provided on a surface on the +X side
`of the body 25. Note that a support member (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as "the other support member") having
`a structure similar to that of the support member 515 is provided on the surface on the -X side of the body 25.
`
`===Storage chamber===
`
`[0053] Hereinafter, the storage chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with
`reference to Fig.
`1 and Figs.5 to 7. Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the storage chamber and the lifting device
`according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that a shaft 53 in Fig. 6 is illustrated in a state of being
`divided at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 53. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part
`of the isolator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from a section line B1-B2 toward the
`+X side in Fig. 3. No