Laboratory shaker and method for treating the chamber interior of the laboratory shaker

Abstract

The invention relates to a laboratory shaker (1) for shaking sample vessels (130) mounted on a platform, within a chamber (2) having bottom openings (35) for coupling rods that couple the platform to a drive means, wherein the bottom openings are sealed by sealing elements (50) that have a flat, pancake-like form, which thus maximizes the available useful volume in the chamber interior.

Description

[0001] Laboratory shaker and method for treating the chamber interior of the laboratory shaker

[0002] The invention relates to laboratory shakers for shaking laboratory samples stored in sample containers, in particular microorganisms in suspension, preferably mammalian cells in suspension.

[0003] Temperature-controlled laboratory shakers are used in biological, medical, and pharmaceutical laboratories for cultivating cells, bacteria, yeast, and other organisms in suspension. They are essential, for example, for the production of recombinant DNA, protein expression, or the screening of cultures. Since a laboratory shaker is primarily a shared piece of equipment that runs continuously at high speeds and under variable loads, it must be durable and reliable.

[0004] The key parameters relevant to a user of a laboratory shaker, especially an incubation shaker, are primarily a specific target temperature in the sample storage chamber, a specific speed, and a corresponding load-bearing capacity of the shaker platform, as well as the ability to control the CO2 concentration and humidity of an incubation atmosphere. Most applications require the use of different vessel sizes and types: from plates for initial screening to conical vessels for precultures and large flasks for plasmid production or protein expression. The constant demand for higher product yields has led to the invention of new flask types that offer better aeration than standard shake flasks. This allows the typical filling volume to be increased by up to 40%, resulting in a higher weight on the platform. Higher speeds above 250 rpm are required for applications with, for example, BE (Biochemical Energy).It is common practice to shake laboratory shakers to achieve a significant increase in cell density. When shaking sample plates for screening, it is important to achieve complete mixing and prevent cell sedimentation. The requirements for laboratory shakers are therefore extensive and include, in addition to continuous load capacity, sufficient versatility to handle all types of platform configurations, loads, and high rotational speeds. Durability and robustness are essential for reliable operation over many years.

[0005] An orbital shaker is a laboratory shaker in which a platform is moved in an elliptical or circular path, with the movement controlled by an eccentric. Generally, beakers, flasks, and other vessels are attached to the top of the platform, causing the liquid inside to swirl around the inner walls of the vessel to increase mixing and improve the interaction or exchange between the liquid and the local gaseous environment.

[0006] Orbital shakers are also defined, in particular, as laboratory shakers that move a platform such that all points on the platform move integrally in a common, planar, orbital path, as a superposition of two translations and whose amplitude is defined by an eccentric. Motion in a common, planar, orbital path means, in particular, that all points on the platform of the orbital shaker move in an elliptical or circular path, the path lying in a plane. A "superposition of two translations" refers, in particular, to the fact that the motion of the shaker's platform can be considered a combination of two linear motions in different directions. This superposition leads to the elliptical or circular path. An eccentric is a device used to convert a translational motion into a rotational motion.In this case, the eccentric defines the amplitude of the movement, i.e., the maximum deflection of the platform. In mechanics, an eccentric is a control disc mounted on a shaft, with its center point located off-axis.

[0007] These laboratory shakers have a chamber for holding the laboratory samples to be temperature-controlled; this chamber is usually located inside a housing. Access to the chamber, through which the user places and removes the samples inside the housing, is generally via a housing opening that can be closed with a housing door. In some models, the chamber also has a gas supply. These types of devices allow the cultivation of cells in a CO2 atmosphere. They are called incubation shakers. A well-known laboratory shaker is the Innova® S44i, available from Eppendorf SE, Hamburg, Germany.

[0008] In a laboratory shaker, the long-term reliability of the drive is of paramount importance. The drive moves a platform that keeps the user's sample vessels in constant, uniform, orbital motion. This movement keeps, for example, eukaryotic suspension cells agitated in the culture medium and prevents them from settling in the vessel. This movement is essential for successful growth and, consequently, for successful protein expression. Contamination is one of the greatest safety risks in this application, so the sample chamber must be kept as clean as possible.

[0009] In existing laboratory shakers, significant portions of the drive components are often located within the chamber and are usually covered by an enclosure. According to the observations underlying the invention, the often complex shape and / or difficult-to-access contours of these components mean that impurities and contaminants in this area of ​​the chamber are difficult or impossible for the user to reach and therefore cannot be effectively removed. Furthermore, with this arrangement, a user or service technician must access the chamber to clean or maintain the drive components, which increases the risk of further contamination. Similarly, working on components within a sample chamber contaminated by biological samples poses a health risk to service personnel. If the interior of these laboratory shakers is to be cleaned or cleaned in the event of potential contamination, the invention proposes a solution.Even if they need to be sterilized, the arrangement of the drive components inside the chamber makes the necessary work more difficult.

[0010] The present invention therefore aims to provide a laboratory shaker with an improved design and, in particular, ease of cleaning. The invention achieves this objective through the laboratory shaker according to claim 1 and the method for sterilizing the laboratory shaker according to claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and will become apparent from the present description of the invention and the figures.

[0011] The chosen design of the sealing elements enables a chamber interior free of drive components and easy to clean. Despite the thermal weak points created by the chamber bottom openings, the sealing elements prevent excessively cool surface temperatures on the chamber bottom wall, which would lead to condensation. The design according to the invention also supports the low overall height of the laboratory shaker, as the chamber interior can be optimally utilized even with large sample vessels. This height is particularly advantageous for shakers used in stacks, as the upper units must also remain ergonomically accessible. Furthermore, optimal height utilization is important for devices intended to achieve higher throughput or optimal protein yield during expression in suspension cells.

[0012] The two preferred technical concepts for sealing elements with sliding bearings do without an elastomer part firmly connected between the chamber bottom wall and the connecting element in order to counteract the wear of the elastomer under its high load caused by continuous shaking motion.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing element comprises or consists of an elastomeric material, in particular a silicone material, preferably platinum-crosslinked silicone, or a fluororubber.

[0014] Preferably, the sealing element is a flat component whose maximum extent in directions parallel to the chamber bottom wall is greater than its maximum extent measured perpendicular to the chamber bottom wall. Preferably, the sealing element has a through-channel, particularly a central one, with a through-opening, through which the connecting element passes and against which the connecting element fits tightly, and / or wherein the sealing element is supported and / or fastened to the connecting element. Preferably, the through-channel is axial, and its wall thickness is greater than the thickness of a radially extending wall of the sealing element.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting element has at least one fastening section along its longitudinal axis A, the latter having a radial extension that varies. Preferably, the sealing element, in particular its passage channel, contacts this fastening section and encloses it, in particular in a form-fitting manner.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing element is movably mounted on the chamber bottom wall by means of a sliding bearing device, wherein i) preferably the sliding bearing device has a sliding surface extending parallel to the chamber bottom wall; (“axial sliding bearing”) or alternatively, ii) preferably the sliding bearing device has a sliding surface not extending parallel or perpendicular to the chamber bottom wall; (“radial sliding bearing”)

[0017] Preferably, the sealing element is a cap element, particularly a disc-shaped one, that covers the chamber bottom opening, especially during the operation of the drive device. This is particularly useful for the sliding bearing of the sealing element.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting element terminates below an imaginary plane, which is preferably located within the chamber and runs parallel to the chamber floor wall at a distance h, measured perpendicular to the chamber floor wall, where preferably h ≤ 10 cm, preferably h ≤ 5 cm, preferably h ≤ 3 cm. This allows the platform device to be positioned near the chamber floor, and the use of the chamber interior is optimized.

[0019] The length L of the connecting element is preferably as short as possible and can in particular be L <= 200 mm, preferably 5 <= L <= 120 mm, preferably 8 <= L <= 120 mm.

[0020] Preferably, the longer part of the connecting element, measured along its longitudinal axis A, is arranged outside the chamber and below the chamber floor wall. This allows for a short distance between the platform device and the chamber floor wall, and optimizes the use of the chamber interior space.

[0021] Preferably, the sealing element is attached to the connecting element and configured to slide along a sliding surface parallel to the chamber bottom wall during the shaking motion. This sliding surface is provided at the chamber wall opening, particularly in the form of a circular ring around it. This concept is referred to as axial sliding bearing. Preferably, the sealing element has a sealing ring section extending parallel to the planar sliding surface and around the chamber wall opening, which is in contact with the sliding surface during sliding.

[0022] Preferably, the sealing element is flat and in particular has a sliding plane which runs substantially parallel to the chamber bottom wall, wherein preferably the sealing element anchored to the connecting element is arranged to compensate for inclination deviations between the sliding plane and the flat chamber bottom wall by means of a mobility of the sealing element, in particular by the sealing element having at least one elastically deformable, in particular annular, section or being completely elastically deformable.

[0023] Preferably, the connecting element and / or the drive component has at least one connecting element, in particular a screw, especially a long screw, which is guided through a central cavity or through-channel in the connecting element. Preferably, the connecting element is detachably connectable to the drive component, particularly when the bottom opening is sealed by the sealing element. Preferably, the connecting element includes a thread designed to create a screw connection between the connecting element and the drive component, and which is arranged, in particular, concentrically to a central longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

[0024] Preferably, a transmission device, which may be one-piece or multi-piece, in particular a support platform, in particular a transmission plate, is arranged on at least one drive component, in particular a gear element, and the at least one connecting element is connected to it. This gear element, in particular a support platform, is in particular arranged outside the chamber.

[0025] Preferably, an insulating layer made of a thermally insulating material is arranged below the chamber, adjacent to or adjoining the chamber bottom wall or the heating coil preferably located there. This insulating layer particularly has an opening through which the connecting element passes. The opening is preferably concentric with the chamber bottom opening. Preferably, an insulating element connected to the connecting element is provided, which is movable relative to the insulating layer together with the connecting element and which covers or closes the opening in the axial direction, particularly also during shaking.

[0026] Preferably, the laboratory shaker has a heating device, which in particular includes a heating coil - preferably on the outside of the chamber - and an electrical control device programmed to execute a high-temperature program by which the control device is programmed to heat the chamber interior, sealed by the at least one sealing element, to a predetermined temperature by means of the heating device for a predetermined period of time, wherein the period can be between 1 minute and 12 hours, and wherein the temperature can be between 90 °C and 200 °C, in particular 180 °C.

[0027] The invention also relates to a laboratory device for incubating liquid laboratory samples contained in sample containers (130), in particular an incubation shaker, comprising

[0028] • a chamber (2) having at least one chamber wall and a chamber opening (2a) for placing and removing the sample containers (130) into an interior (3) of the chamber,

[0029] • a heating device (190) for heating the chamber, which has at least one heating coil arranged on the outside of the at least one chamber wall, characterized in that

[0030] • the at least one chamber wall has at least a first surface area in which the heating power emitted by the at least one heating coil is greater than in a second surface area, in particular by laying the at least one heating coil in the first area with a higher surface density.

[0031] The heating power is specified in watts. It can be measured electrically for a section of heating wire. In practice, the area used as the basis for these specifications is typically between 10 and 50 square decimeters. In the incubation chamber, the vertical spacing of parallel wires in the central areas (secondary areas) of the floor, side, back, and ceiling walls is between 3 and 15 cm, particularly between 4 and 10 cm. In the peripheral areas and near openings of the chamber (primary areas), the spacing is preferably smaller than in the central areas.

[0032] Preferably, the heat flux density, expressed in watts per square meter, is greater in the first area than in the second area. The heating wire or heating coil is adhered to the chamber wall, particularly by means of an adhesive tape, especially metallic adhesive tape, particularly aluminum adhesive tape.

[0033] Preferably, the area coverage by the at least one heating coil, i.e., the area A_H covered by the heating coil on the surface divided by the area unit A, i.e., A_H / A, is greater in the first area than in the second area.

[0034] Preferably, the length of the at least one heating coil laid on the surface per unit area, measured in meters per square meter, is greater in the first area than in the second area.

[0035] It is preferred to compare the proportion of the length of heating wire per planar area (for example, centrally in the ceiling wall area of ​​the chamber) - as the second area area - with the proportion of the length of heating wire in the chamber wall edge area and / or a chamber wall opening and / or a chamber wall curvature area - as the first area area.

[0036] Preferably, the first surface area is located closer to an edge of the chamber wall, an opening in the chamber wall, and / or a curved area, particularly a corner, of the chamber than the second surface area. In these areas, more heat is dissipated to the surroundings compared to the planar surface of the chamber wall, which can be compensated for by the higher heating coil density or higher heating power. As a result, a more homogeneous chamber temperature is achieved, and the risk of condensation on the first surface area is avoided.

[0037] Preferably, the laboratory device includes an electrical control unit, in particular a data processing unit, and is preferably programmed to detect the temperature of a chamber, in particular the chamber wall, and in particular to adjust the power of the heating device as a function of this temperature. Preferably, the control unit is programmed to regulate the temperature of the heating device to a desired, in particular constant, target temperature. Preferably, the control unit is programmed to form a heating control loop configured to regulate the temperature of a heating element of the evaporator, measured by a temperature sensor, to a constant target temperature at which a volume of water coming into contact with the heating element is evaporated, thereby extracting heat from the heating element.

[0038] The electronic control unit is preferably programmed to control at least one function of the lighting device, in particular the duration and / or intensity and / or color and / or depending on sensor signals, in particular the signal of a door sensor of the incubator.

[0039] The functions of the control unit are implemented primarily through program code and / or electronic circuits. The control unit may include a microcontroller, a processing unit (CPU) for data processing, or a microprocessor, each of which may be assigned to the data processing unit.

[0040] The control unit can be designed as an independently operating component that controls the functions of the lighting device, but in particular does not control one or more functions of the laboratory equipment to which the lighting device is connected or of which the lighting device preferably is a part.

[0041] The control unit can also be formed by a control unit that, in addition to the functions of the lighting device, also controls at least one, several, or all functions of the laboratory equipment to which the lighting device is connected or of which the lighting device preferably forms a part. One of the functions of the laboratory equipment is, in particular, the regulation of the temperature in the incubation chamber of the laboratory equipment, or the regulation of the gas composition in the incubation chamber, especially the CO2 concentration. Another function of the laboratory equipment is, in particular, the control of a user interface module of the laboratory equipment that displays information to the user, especially about sensor values ​​relating to physical or chemical quantities measured in / on the incubation chamber.

[0042] The invention also relates to a method for treating the interior of a laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a heating device and an electrical control device programmed to execute a high-temperature program, by which the control device is programmed to heat the interior of the chamber, sealed by the at least one sealing element, to a predetermined temperature by means of the heating device for a predetermined period of time, wherein the period can be between 1 minute and 12 hours, in particular between 20 minutes and 5 hours, and wherein the temperature can be between 90°C and 140°C, up to 180°C or 200°C, wherein the method comprises the step:

[0043] • Heating the interior of the chamber by means of the heating device to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period, wherein the period may be between 1 minute and 12 hours, in particular between 20 minutes and 5 hours, and wherein the temperature may be between 90°C and 140°C, in particular up to 180° or 200°C.

[0044] Preferably, the sealing element has at least one eccentric disc and, in particular, a sliding surface with a radial orientation.

[0045] Preferably, the sealing element has at least one eccentric disc which has at least one sliding surface with a radial orientation, in particular with an orientation radially outwards.

[0046] Preferably, the sealing element has at least one first eccentric disc, which has at least one sliding surface with a radial orientation, in particular with an orientation radially outwards, and preferably the sealing element has at least one second eccentric disc, which has at least one sliding surface with a radial orientation, in particular with an orientation radially outwards. This arrangement is also referred to as a double eccentric disc. The connecting element is preferably rotatably mounted eccentrically about its longitudinal axis in the second eccentric disc, preferably by means of a spherical bearing.

[0047] Preferably, the sealing element has a sealing ring section that runs parallel to the sliding surface, which is perpendicular to or at least inclined relative to the chamber bottom wall and runs concentrically to the chamber wall opening, and which is in contact with the sliding surface when sliding.

[0048] Preferably, the sealing element is flat and has a main plane that runs substantially parallel to the chamber bottom wall, wherein the sealing element anchored to the connecting element has at least one elastically deformable, in particular annular, section or is completely elastically deformable.

[0049] Preferably, the sealing element has magnetic sections whose magnetic attraction pulls the sealing element towards the chamber bottom wall.

[0050] Preferably, a radial sliding surface is provided on an annular insert element, in particular a bearing sleeve, which is attached to the chamber wall opening and in particular projects into it.

[0051] Preferably, the sealing element has a curved wall section, which is designed in particular as an annular trough, in the center of which a passage channel or opening is provided for the passage of the connecting element.

[0052] Preferably a retaining ring element is provided with which the sealing element is attached to the chamber bottom opening, and which extends in particular with a hollow cylindrical section towards the device space.

[0053] The laboratory shaker for shaking laboratory samples is specifically designed for temperature control. Such devices are electrically operated and have a power connection. The laboratory shaker maintains the temperature of the laboratory samples; that is, it keeps the interior of the housing, and thus the laboratory samples stored there, at a set temperature, within tolerances, by means of temperature control. This temperature can be set above room temperature (ambient temperature), as is the case with a heating cabinet or incubator, or below room temperature, as is the case with a refrigerator or freezer. In a laboratory shaker designed as a climate-controlled shaker, a climate parameter prevailing inside the housing is preferably also regulated within tolerances. This climate parameter can be the humidity and / or a gas concentration, e.g., a CO2, O2, and / or N2 concentration.Such a climate laboratory shaker is, for example, a laboratory shaker for shaking laboratory samples, especially with living cell cultures, with incubator function, also referred to as an incubation shaker.

[0054] Typical features of such laboratory shakers may include one or more of the following:

[0055] Temperature controllability of the chamber: Heating to a maximum of 60, 80 °C for cell culture.

[0056] Shaking motion speed range: (25-500, -1000 rpm).

[0057] Housing format such that it can be set up in the laboratory (on the laboratory table, under the laboratory table, stackable floor-standing models).

[0058] Stackability of the housing (2 or 3 or more on top of each other).

[0059] Capacity and throughput: Vessel type, size and capacity. Loading method (from the front or from the top).

[0060] CO2 regulation.

[0061] Photosynthetic light.

[0062] The laboratory shaker is particularly preferably configured to perform a high-temperature sterilization process inside the chamber using a temperature control device and / or a heating device. In this process, the chamber is exposed to a temperature between 150°C and 200°C, preferably at least 180°C, for a period ranging from several seconds (e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 seconds) to several minutes (e.g., up to 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480, or 600 minutes), without the need to remove the extraction mechanism, preferably including the attached sample platform. The laboratory shaker, and in particular an electronic control device that controls the temperature control device and / or the heating device, is particularly preferably configured to maintain the temperature of the chamber for a period exceeding one hour, and especially for a period of several hours.The chamber is to be exposed to a target temperature between 150°C and 200°C, preferably at least 180°C, for a period of time within an interval of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 hours. The chamber typically requires a heating period to reach the target temperature and a cooling period to cool back down to a normal operating temperature. In particular, the extraction mechanism is located within the sealed chamber during the high-temperature cycle. The extraction mechanism and the sample platform are made of a suitably high-temperature-resistant material, in particular stainless steel or aluminum, especially anodized aluminum.

[0063] The laboratory shaker preferably has a housing. The housing is preferably an outer housing whose walls are in contact with the environment. The housing door can accordingly be an outer housing door that, in the closed position, borders the environment.

[0064] The housing door has, in particular, a hinge mechanism that pivotally connects the housing door to the housing. Such a hinged door is moved between an open and a closed position by rotation. The hinge mechanism can, in particular, be located on the vertically oriented outer edge of a cuboid housing, adjacent to the housing opening, as is typical for the laboratory shaker in normal use. The base plate of the cuboid housing is arranged horizontally in normal use, the side walls of the housing are arranged vertically, and the top plate of the housing is arranged horizontally opposite the base plate. A data processing device is preferably part of the electrical control unit that controls the functions of the laboratory shaker and which the laboratory shaker preferably includes.The functions of the control unit are implemented primarily by electronic circuits. The control unit may include a microcontroller, a processing unit (CPU) for data processing, and / or a microprocessor, each of which may contain the data processing unit. The control unit and / or the data processing unit is preferably configured to execute a control method, also referred to as control software or control program. Such a control method can define the temporal progression of a shaking motion that can be performed by means of the shaking device. This shaking motion is defined in particular by the direction(s) of translational movements and / or the amplitude(s) of successive movement segments that are performed in an xy-plane. This xy-plane is generally parallel to the sample platform and / or a chamber floor.Preferred diameters for a shaking motion performed in an xy-plane are between 0 and 5.08 cm (2 inches) or up to 7.62 cm (3 inches). The shaking device, in particular an orbital drive, is preferably configured for a shaking motion with a maximum diameter between 0 and 5.08 cm or up to 7.62 cm (3 inches). The functions of the laboratory shaker and / or the control device can be described in process steps. They can be implemented as components of the control program, in particular as subprograms of the control program.

[0065] Preferably, the laboratory shaker is an incubation shaker. The incubation shaker can then also be operated as a laboratory incubator and is thus a device with which controlled climatic conditions can be created and maintained for various biological development and growth processes. It serves in particular to create and maintain a microclimate with regulated gas, humidity, and / or temperature conditions in the chamber, whereby this treatment can be time-dependent.The incubation shaker may in particular include a timer, especially a time switch, a temperature control device designed as a heating and / or cooling device and preferably a setting for regulating an exchange gas supplied to the chamber, an adjustment device for the composition of the gas in the chamber of the incubation shaker, in particular for adjusting the CO2 and / or the O2 and / or the N2 content of the gas and / or an adjustment device for adjusting the humidity in the chamber of the incubation shaker.

[0066] The incubation shaker comprises, in particular, the incubator chamber (=chamber), and preferably a control device with at least one control loop, to which at least one temperature control device is assigned as the actuator and at least one temperature sensor as the measuring element. Depending on the embodiment, the humidity can also be controlled, with the humidity preferably being measured by a humidity sensor (rH sensor) in the chamber, and the humidity being, in particular, the input variable of the control loop. For humidifying the chamber, a water-filled tray can be provided in the incubator chamber, which can be heated or cooled to adjust the humidity via evaporation. However, it is more preferred to provide an evaporator device on the outside of the chamber, which actively generates steam as needed and supplies it to the chamber through a steam inlet opening in the chamber wall.This steam supply is preferably regulated by the control unit. CO2 incubation shakers are used in particular for the cultivation of animal or human cells.

[0067] The control device can be configured to automatically select a program parameter or a control parameter of the laboratory shaker, particularly the incubation shaker, based on other data. In the case of an incubator, treatment of at least one cell culture in at least one cell culture container controlled by a control parameter corresponds specifically to climate treatment to which the at least one cell culture is subjected.Possible parameters, in particular program parameters, in particular user parameters, which are used to influence a climate treatment, define in particular the temperature of the chamber in which the at least one sample is incubated, the relative gas concentration of O2 and / or CO2 and / or N2 in the chamber, the humidity in the chamber and / or at least one process parameter that influences or defines the process, in particular the sequence, of an incubation treatment program and / or shaking program consisting of several steps.

[0068] The temperature control device can be a combined heating / cooling device. Preferably, it is solely a heating device. This can, in particular, generate heat via an electrical resistance wire. Preferably, the resistance wire is attached to the outside of at least one, several, or all of the chamber walls that form the chamber.

[0069] Laboratory shakers, or incubation shakers, can have a single chamber or multiple chambers, the atmosphere of which (temperature, relative gas concentration, humidity) can be individually or collectively adjusted. A typical chamber volume ranges from 50 to 400 liters, although smaller chamber sizes, particularly 10 to 49 liters, are available for specific applications (IVF).

[0070] The platform assembly is removable, in particular from the interior of the chamber. The platform assembly is mountable to and detachable from at least one drive component, in particular a transmission device, especially a transmission plate, which transmits the shaking motion from the drive device to the platform assembly. For this purpose, at least one connecting element is provided, which detachably connects the platform assembly, in particular a sub-platform of the platform assembly, to the drive component, in particular the transmission device, in particular a transmission plate. The at least one connecting element can be designed for tool-free assembly or detachment of this connection; however, assembly with tools is also preferred.The at least one connecting element can include a screw with a screw head having a suitable contour for positive engagement with the tool, or a screw with a hand-operated rotating head, a locking device, or a quick-release clamping device. The transmission device preferably has at least one transmission element, in particular a transmission plate, which is especially a component of the drive device to which the platform device is detachably connected and through which, in particular, the shaking motion is transmitted to the platform device. The transmission element can also be a frame device, in particular a rack device. The transmission device can have several transmission elements that support the transmission of the shaking motion to the platform device.

[0071] The platform assembly may include a sub-platform which is connected and / or connectable to the drive component, in particular the transmission plate, by means of at least one connecting means.

[0072] The platform assembly can include a support platform for carrying the sample containers to be shaken within the chamber. The support platform can be detachably connected to the sub-platform and can, in particular, be movably mounted on the sub-platform via a rail system.

[0073] The platform assembly is always located in the chamber during operation of the laboratory shaker, i.e., during the shaking motion. The platform assembly is preferably fixed or immovable during operation, but in particular, it is detachably connected to the transmission device.

[0074] The platform assembly can include a rail system by means of which the support platform can be partially, in particular by 40-95%, or completely extended out of the chamber when the chamber door is open. This allows for convenient loading and unloading of the laboratory shaker. Furthermore, it simplifies the disassembly of the platform assembly, in particular the sub-platform, from the transmission system. The rail system comprises, in particular, first rail elements mounted on the sub-platform and second rail elements mounted on the support platform. The second rail elements can be mounted on the first rail elements by means of sliding and / or rolling bearings. The fixture compartment is preferably located below the platform assembly. This allows the fixture compartment to be easily separated from the sample compartment within the chamber, in which the platform assembly and the sample containers are arranged on the platform assembly.The fixture space can be a space within the chamber. Preferably, the fixture space is a space outside the chamber, in particular below the chamber. "Below" means "in the direction of gravity," since the laboratory shaker is arranged in its intended operation such that a support platform has a horizontal support area.

[0075] The device compartment is also referred to as the drive compartment, since at least one drive component is located there. However, it is also possible that components not belonging to the drive device are located there, such as electronic components, for example, an electronic control unit for the laboratory shaker. These electronic components can include at least one circuit board.

[0076] The laboratory shaker has a drawer assembly with at least one, preferably exactly one, drawer element—or two, three, four, or more drawer elements—which is movably mounted in the fixture space and to which the at least one drive component is connected and which, in particular, supports this at least one drive component. During operation of the laboratory shaker, the drawer element is preferably detachably connected to a base of the laboratory shaker by means of fasteners, in particular screws, a locking device, or a quick-release device. Before the drawer element is pulled out of the fixture space, this fixed connection created by the fastener must be released.

[0077] The at least one drawer element is movable between a first position, in which the at least one drawer element is arranged in the fixture space, and a second position, in which the at least one drawer element is extended out of the fixture space. Preferably, the drawer assembly is configured such that the drawer element can be pulled out of the fixture space at least 50% in the second position, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, or preferably at least 95%, or preferably completely. In the latter two cases, the extension is referred to as "full extension".

[0078] Preferably, the laboratory shaker has a base that supports the remaining components of the laboratory shaker. The base is particularly suitable for supporting at least one additional—or several—laboratory shakers if the laboratory shakers are stackable. The drawer element is preferably movably connected to the base and, in particular, movably mounted on the base by means of a guide device, especially a rail system. The guide device is preferably configured to guide the at least one, preferably exactly one, drawer element relative to the base of the laboratory shaker during a translational extension movement.The guide device can have a first guide element, in particular a rail, which is arranged on a first side of the drawer element, and can have a second guide element, in particular a rail, which is arranged on a second side of the drawer element, which is opposite the first side.

[0079] The drawer element can have at least one bearing section by which the drawer element is supported on the device base, in particular a bearing section of the device base. The bearing section can be a component of a plain bearing, but can also include a rolling bearing. The bearing section can, in particular, have one or more plastic elements designed to slide on a plain bearing, in particular a sliding surface, of the device base. The plastic element can be a plate or a membrane. Polycarbonate or POM are, for example, suitable plastics for this purpose.

[0080] Preferably, the drawer assembly comprises a rail system by means of which the at least one drawer element is movably mounted in the fixture space on the device base, in particular by means of a sliding or rolling bearing. The rail system comprises, in particular, first rail elements mounted on the device base and second rail elements mounted on the drawer element. The second rail elements can be mounted on the first rail elements by means of sliding and / or rolling bearings.

[0081] Preferably, the drive device includes a drive unit, in particular an electric motor, which is rigidly connected to the device base, in particular by positive locking, force locking, and / or material locking. In this case, the drive unit is not mounted on the drawer element and is therefore not moved out of the fixture space of the laboratory shaker when the drawer element is moved from the first to the second position.

[0082] Preferably, the drive device includes a drive unit, in particular an electric motor, which is rigidly connected to the device base, in particular by positive locking, force locking, and / or material locking. In this case, the drive unit is not mounted on the drawer element and is therefore not moved out of the fixture space of the laboratory shaker when the drawer element is moved from the first to the second position.

[0083] The drive device can also include a drive unit, in particular an electric motor, which is rigidly connected to the at least one drawer element, in particular by positive locking, force locking, and / or material locking. In this case, the drive unit is mounted on the drawer element and is therefore also moved relative to the device base, in particular moved out of the device space when the drawer element is moved from the first to the second position.

[0084] Preferably, the at least one drive component includes a pulley coupled to the drive unit via a belt, which is arranged, in particular, next to the drawer assembly. Preferably, the drive unit is a direct drive. The output shaft of the direct drive is preferably coaxially connected to a drive pulley, in particular an eccentric pulley, in order to drive it—especially without the use of a gear unit. In this case, the drive unit is arranged, in particular, on the drawer element. The drive unit can be a flat electric motor whose height is less than its width and / or depth. In particular, the drive unit can be a disc-shaped motor, especially a disc rotor motor.

[0085] The drive disc preferably has a transmission element that is arranged eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the drive disc and that, in particular, causes the shaking motion. The transmission element preferably connects the drive disc to the transmission device.

[0086] Preferably, the at least one drive component has one or more movable base parts, also referred to as bearing elements or idlers, which are connected in particular to the at least one drawer element and in particular to the transmission device or the transmission plate.

[0087] An idler is specifically designed to support the platform mechanism, which is driven by the eccentric disc and performs an orbital motion. The idler does not have an active drive function; rather, it serves to stabilize and support the transmission mechanism while it is driven by the eccentric.

[0088] The idler is typically located at a point along the path of the transmission device and helps to stabilize and guide the lateral movement while the platform device performs the shaking motion. It helps to reduce the stress on the transmission element and drive components, thus extending the system's service life. In summary, the at least one idler supports the transmission device, and therefore the platform device, by ensuring stable guidance along the path of the orbital motion and stabilizing the eccentric movement of the eccentric.

[0089] Preferably, the drive device comprises a drive unit configured to provide a drive motion and a gear unit configured to convert the drive motion into the shaking motion, the gear unit comprising at least one gear element. The drive unit and the at least one gear element are drive components, at least one of which is connected to the at least one drawer element. The drive motion is, in particular, a rotational motion of the output shaft of an electric motor. The shaking motion of the platform device is such that all points on the platform device move integrally in a common, planar, orbital path, defined as the superposition of two translations and with an eccentricity.

[0090] The transmission unit includes, in particular, those moving components that are located in the kinematic chain between the drive unit and the connecting elements that connect the platform unit to the drive device.

[0091] Preferably, the chamber is bounded by a chamber floor wall, which separates the interior of the chamber from the device space preferably provided below the chamber floor wall and which is designed to couple the drive device with the platform device, in particular by having at least one floor opening, in particular several floor openings, preferably two, three or preferably four floor openings.

[0092] Preferably, the chamber is bounded by a chamber floor wall. Preferably, the laboratory shaker has at least one connecting element, in particular a coupling rod, by which the platform assembly is detachably connected to the at least one drive component. The connection by this connecting element is preferably positive-locking and / or friction-locking. Preferably, the at least one connecting element extends through at least one opening in the chamber floor wall when the platform assembly is connected to the at least one drive component. Preferably, several openings are provided in the floor, each through which exactly one connecting element extends.

[0093] Preferably the shaking movement runs parallel to the chamber bottom wall, i.e., in particular horizontally, wherein at least one bottom opening of the chamber bottom wall is preferably dimensioned in such a way that the relative movement of the connecting element and the chamber bottom wall corresponding to the shaking movement is enabled.

[0094] Preferably, the at least one bottom opening is sealed by a sealing element arranged between the chamber bottom wall and the connecting element. Preferably, each bottom opening is sealed by a sealing element, which is arranged, in particular, between the chamber bottom wall and the connecting element.

[0095] Preferably, the sealing element is connected to the connecting element, but preferably not to the chamber bottom wall, or preferably also to the chamber bottom wall. The connection is preferably force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit.

[0096] Preferably, the connecting element and / or a drive component, in particular the transmission device, has at least one connecting means, in particular a screw or long screw, which is guided in particular through a central bore in the connecting element, or a locking or quick-release device. The connecting element is preferably detachably connected to the drive component, in particular the transmission device, by means of the at least one connecting means, particularly while the bottom opening is sealed by the sealing element.

[0097] Preferably, the connecting element has a thread which is designed to create a screw connection between the connecting element and the transmission device and which is arranged in particular concentrically to a central longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

[0098] Preferably, the at least one drive component, in particular a gear element, comprises the transmission device, in particular a transmission plate, for supporting the platform device. The at least one connecting element can be connected to the transmission device.

[0099] Preferably, the laboratory shaker has a drawer device with at least one drawer element that is movably mounted in the device space and to which the at least one drive component is connected.

[0100] Preferably, the at least one drawer element is movable between a first position, in which the at least one drawer element is arranged in the fixture space, and a second position, in which the at least one drawer element is at least partially extended from the fixture space. In particular, the transmission device is connected to at least one drawer element when it is moved between the first and second positions.

[0101] Further preferred embodiments of a laboratory shaker according to the invention can be found in the description of the exemplary embodiments according to the figures. The same reference numerals denote essentially identical components.

[0102] They show:

[0103] Fig. 1a shows a perspective side-frontal view of a laboratory shaker according to the invention as an exemplary embodiment.

[0104] Fig. 1b shows the laboratory shaker of Fig. 1a with one side panel removed and the components arranged laterally in an electronics compartment. Fig. 1c shows the laboratory shaker of Fig. 1a with the hinged door open, the sealing elements, connecting elements, sub-platform and platform, as well as sample containers, removed from the chamber and therefore not shown.

[0105] Fig. 1d shows the laboratory shaker of Fig. 1c, with the front panel removed, behind which the drive chamber located below the chamber is situated.

[0106] Fig. 2a shows in perspective a connecting element provided with a cap-shaped sealing element, which can be used with the laboratory shaker of Figs. 1a to 1d.

[0107] Fig. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the connecting element of Fig. 2a, which is provided with the cap-shaped sealing element, cut through the central longitudinal axis A of the connecting element.

[0108] Fig. 3 shows the connecting elements of Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, which are provided with the cap-shaped sealing element and are mounted on a drive component of the laboratory shaker of Fig. 1a to Fig. 1d formed as a transmission plate, with the sub-platform and platform device in the chamber interior not shown.

[0109] Fig. 4 shows the laboratory shaker of Fig. 2a, with the swing door open, in a sectional view, in which the laboratory shaker is shown cut parallel to a side wall and through the central longitudinal axes of two connecting elements.

[0110] Fig. 5a shows a cross-sectional view through a connecting element with a sealing element for an axial sliding bearing, according to a further preferred embodiment, which can be used in a laboratory shaker according to Figs. 1a to 1d. Fig. 5b shows a perspective side-frontal view of the laboratory shaker according to Figs. 1a to 1d, which is provided with the connecting element with sealing element shown in Fig. 5a.

[0111] Fig. 5c shows a further component arrangement of the laboratory shaker according to Fig. 5b, wherein the chamber with chamber bottom wall and the sliding surface arranged thereon for the cap-shaped sealing element of Fig. 5a is shown.

[0112] Fig. 6a shows, in a top view of the main plane of the sealing element running parallel to the chamber bottom wall, a sealing element with radial sliding bearing according to a further preferred embodiment of the sealing element, which can be used in a laboratory shaker according to Figures 1a to 1d.

[0113] Fig. 6b shows, in a perspective cut view, the sealing element with connecting element according to figure 6a installed in the laboratory shaker according to Figs. 1a to 1d, with some components of the laboratory shaker.

[0114] Fig. 6c shows the connecting element with sealing element of Fig. 6a, in a cross-sectional view cut along the central longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

[0115] Fig. 7a shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting element with a sealing element and radial sliding bearing, the design of which differs in detail from the embodiment of Figs. 6a to 6c.

[0116] Fig. 7b shows the connecting element with sealing element of Fig. 7a, in a cross-sectional view cut along the central longitudinal axis of the connecting element. Fig. 8a shows a connecting element provided with a bellows sealing element of another exemplary laboratory shaker according to the invention, which can be used in the laboratory shaker of Figs. 1a to 1d instead of the sealing elements with axial or radial sliding bearing, in a cross-sectional view cut along the central longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

[0117] Fig. 8b shows, in a perspective cut view, the bellows sealing element of Fig. 8a installed in the laboratory shaker according to Figs. 1a to 1d, with the components insulating disc, connecting element, insulating layer, bellows sealing element, fastening ring, chamber bottom wall, sub-platform and platform device.

[0118] Fig. 1a shows a perspective side-frontal view of a laboratory shaker 1 according to the invention. It is a stackable CO2 incubation shaker, which implements a method according to the invention for high-temperature disinfection of the chamber interior. The chamber interior 3 of the laboratory shaker has a capacity of 220 liters (220 liters usable volume), with an overall low overall height of the laboratory shaker. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the sealing elements between the drive chamber 4 (also: device chamber 4) and the chamber interior 3 are designed in a flat construction, so that the height H (dimension in the z-direction, i.e., vertically in the intended use of the laboratory shaker) of the sealing elements is smaller than their width B (x-direction) or length L (y-direction), so that preferably B, L < c, where c can be: 1; 0.75; 0.5; 0.25; 0.2; 0, 1, depending on the design of the sealing element.The following describes different embodiments of the sealing element:

[0119] Particularly preferred is the first preferred embodiment of the sealing element 50 with an axial sliding bearing, which is shown in Figures 1a to 4 according to a first variant and in Figures 5a to 5c according to a second variant 50'. In a second preferred embodiment, the sealing element 150 has a radial sliding bearing, which is shown in Figures 6a to 6c according to a first variant and in Figures 7a and 7b according to a second variant 150'.

[0120] In a third preferred embodiment, the sealing element 250 has the form of a flat bellows which does not have a sliding bearing but is rigidly connected to the chamber bottom wall 31. This embodiment is shown in Figures 8a and 8b.

[0121] The laboratory shaker 1 has a housing 19 in which the chamber 2 is arranged. With the swing door 10 closed, the chamber 2 is sealed by means of a door seal 10a and sealing elements 50, 50', etc., such that during operation of the laboratory shaker 1, only a negligible exchange of gases or water vapor occurs between the chamber interior 3 and the environment of the laboratory shaker. The drive 20 of the laboratory shaker is located outside the chamber 2. This allows the chamber interior 3 to be used efficiently; in particular, the drive components are not heated during a high-temperature sterilization process applied to the chamber interior.

[0122] In particular, a large part of the drive is located in the drive compartment 4, which is situated below the chamber floor 31. Part of the drive, as well as other components, are located in the electronics compartment 5, which is situated to the side of the chamber. The housing 19 comprises the side wall 7, another side wall (not shown), a rear wall (not shown), a front panel 6, and a side panel 8. The hinged door 10 can be pivoted upwards from the front wall plane by a pivoting mechanism 15 with a gas spring; the open position of the hinged door is shown in Figures 1c and 1d.

[0123] Fig. 1b shows the laboratory shaker 1 with a removed side wall 7 and the components arranged laterally of the chamber in an electronics compartment 5. These components include the drive 20, here a BLDC motor, the belt 21 driven by it, the power supply components 22 of the drive and the heating device for heating the chamber, with fan 23, and an electronic circuit board 24, which in particular contains the control unit of the laboratory shaker. This is programmed in particular to carry out a high-temperature sterilization process applied to the chamber interior 3, according to one aspect of the invention. Also visible is the water evaporator 25, with which water can be evaporated and introduced into the chamber interior.

[0124] Fig. 1c shows the laboratory shaker 1 with the swing door 10 open, the sealing elements, connecting elements, sub-platform and platform, as well as sample containers, having been removed from the chamber and therefore not shown. Visible is the chamber 2, which is formed from integrally connected (high-alloy steel) stainless steel walls 31, 32, (a chamber made of stainless steel is preferred, but aluminum as a chamber material is also preferred) 33, which are connected to each other by curved wall sections. These chamber walls include the chamber bottom wall 31, the side wall 32, another side wall (not shown), a ceiling wall (not shown), and a rear wall 33. The chamber bottom wall 31 has four bottom openings 35. Concentric to each bottom opening, an annular sliding surface element 36 made of stainless steel is mounted concentrically around the bottom opening and on the chamber bottom wall 31 in the interior of the chamber 3.The sliding surface element 36 has on its upper side the sliding surface 37 arranged (with tolerances) parallel to the chamber bottom wall. This serves for the sliding bearing of a sealing element 50 (not shown in Fig. 1c, d, see Fig. 2a, 2b), which is arranged on the sliding surface for axial sliding bearing.

[0125] Fig. 1d shows the laboratory shaker of Fig. 1c, with the front panel 6 removed, behind which the drive compartment 4, located below the chamber, is situated. A drawer 40 is arranged in the drive compartment 4, which can be pulled forward (in the y-direction) from the drive compartment 4 for maintenance purposes by means of a rail system 43, which is fixedly connected to a base of the laboratory shaker 1. The drive pulley 41, driven by the belt 21 and equipped with an eccentric coupling 41a, is rotatably mounted on the drawer 40. By means of this drive pulley, the drive component, designed as a transmission plate 44 (not visible here) and arranged above (i.e., in the positive z-direction) the drive pulley (eccentric disc) 41, is set into a horizontal pivoting motion (rotational movement).Four movable base parts (bearing elements, idler 42, in particular with double ball-bearing eccentric shaft, wherein an upper ball bearing is elastically mounted, are mounted on the drawer plate 40, which on the one hand support the transmission plate 44 and whose horizontally movable bearing mechanisms on the other hand accompany the horizontal shaking movement generated by the drive disc 41.

[0126] Figures 2a and 2b show a connecting element 60 equipped with a cap-shaped sealing element 50, which can be used with the laboratory shaker 1. The sealing element 50 is designed for axial sliding bearing on the horizontal sliding surface 37 of the chamber bottom wall 31, with the sliding bearing 71 (see below) of the sealing element 50 bearing axially A (vertically) on the sliding surface 37 and thereby also sealing the chamber interior 3 from the drive chamber 4. This seal is particularly tight against the passage of gas, vapor, and liquid water. Although the CO2 concentration and humidity decrease in the chamber over time, they are readjusted. This decrease in concentration depends particularly on the rotational speed.

[0127] The sealing element 50 is a component rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis A, comprising a body 51, 52 formed by injection molding from platinum-cured silicone or another elastomer. This body is formed by a centrally and axially extending through-channel 51, from which a cover wall section 52 extends radially downwards in a cap-like manner. The wall thickness of the through-channel 51 is greater than the wall thickness of the cover wall section 52. The radial dimensions of the cover wall section 52 are such that the bottom opening 35 remains covered and sealed by the sealing element 50 during all intended movements of the connecting element 60. The maximum orbit, i.e., the maximum amplitude of the connecting element 60 in horizontal directions, is 50 mm.

[0128] The sealing element 50 has an annular circumferential groove 54 at its outermost radial position on its underside (the side of the sealing element facing in the negative z-direction). An annular circumferential spring 71 of an annular sliding bearing ring 70, designed for positive engagement with the circumferential groove 54, is inserted into this groove. The sliding bearing ring 70 is thus firmly connected to the body 51, 52 of the sealing element. This connection is such that the sliding bearing, formed by the horizontal sliding bearing surface 71 supported on the sliding surface 37 of the chamber bottom wall, provides a reliable seal between the chamber interior 3 and the drive chamber 4 throughout the service life of the laboratory shaker 1. This effect is made possible in particular by a suitable material pairing of the sliding surface 37 and the sliding bearing ring 70.The sliding surface 37 is polished stainless steel, but can also be diamond-coated, ceramic, sliding lacquer or anodized aluminum, and the sliding bearing ring is made of PTFE, but can also be made of PEEK or another abrasion-resistant plastic or composite (plastic) material.

[0129] The sealing effect achieved by the sealing element 50 arises in particular from the fact that the sealing element is pressed downwards when the sub-platform of the platform assembly, located inside the chamber, is mounted on the connecting elements 60, with the sub-platform bearing axially against the circumferential projection 66 on the outside of the head section 63. Tests showed that a sufficient sealing effect can also be achieved by the self-weight of the sealing element, i.e., in particular without the contact force.

[0130] Figures 2a and 2b show the unmounted position of the sealing element, in which the sealing element is placed on the head section 63 of the connecting element 60, but is not yet compressed and instead has its undeformed shape with a total height h. This is reduced to a mounting height H = 0.9 * h when the sealing element 50 is pressed downwards by the mounted sub-platform. During this assembly, the passage channel 51 is pressed downwards by a distance s = h - H until a stop formed by a circumferential projection 53 on the inside of the passage channel 51 abuts the stop formed by a circumferential projection 67 on the outside of the head section 63 of the connecting element. The diameter of the disc-shaped sealing element 50 is 150 mm, and the height h is 35 mm. The length L of the connecting element 60 is 95 mm.

[0131] The contact force, approximately 4-8 N, is generated by the axial elasticity of the cover wall section 52 of the sealing element. This contact force could also be achieved by a compression spring (not used here) positioned between the sub-platform and the sealing element – ​​in this case, the body of the sealing element would not necessarily have to be made of an elastomer. A further advantage of the sealing element 50, made of or using elastomer, is that the elastomer can compensate for any deviation between the chamber bottom wall 31 and the sub-platform 44 from the ideally parallel position of the two plates 31 and 44, thus guaranteeing the sealing effect. Such a deviation is typically around 0.5°, but could be compensated for up to approximately 1° to 2°.

[0132] The connecting element 60 is designed here as a one-piece coupling rod. It is made of steel (stainless steel). In this embodiment of the laboratory shaker 1, four of these coupling rods 60 support the entire weight of the platform and its load, particularly during shaking operation, and are also subjected to shear forces in horizontal directions due to the shaking motion. The coupling rod therefore has a widened base section 62, which is integrally connected to the shaft 61 above it and the head section 63 extending upwards from it.

[0133] The connecting element 60 has a through channel 64 that extends through its entire length. The through channel 64 has an inwardly projecting circumferential projection 68 at its lower end, which forms a stop for the screw head of a screw (75, Fig. 3). The screw can be inserted from above into the through channel 64, and in particular into its narrower subsection 64a located in the base section 62, and can thus be securely screwed to the drive component designed as a transmission plate. A pin element 69 on the underside of the base section 62 engages positively in a receptacle on the upper side of the transmission plate, thus preventing rotation of the connecting element 50 about the longitudinal axis A in the assembled position.This mounting device allows maintenance personnel to easily remove the connecting element by accessing it (through channel 64, screw 75) via the chamber interior 3. After removing the connecting elements 60 (and the attached sealing elements 50), the drawer plate 40 with the drive components mounted on it can be easily pulled forward out of the drive compartment 4 of the laboratory shaker, thus facilitating easy maintenance of the drive.

[0134] Fig. 3 shows the connecting elements 60 of Figs. 2a and 2b, which are provided with the cap-shaped sealing element 50 and are mounted on a drive component 44 of the laboratory shaker 1, which is formed as a transmission plate 44. The sub-platform and platform assembly in the chamber interior are not shown. The coupling between the drive and the platform assembly is achieved by connecting the coupling rods 60 on the underside of the transmission plate 44 via the screw 75 and associated nut, and by connecting the sub-platform (Fig. 4) of the platform assembly to the head section 63 of the coupling rod 60. The latter is achieved by screwing the screw element 80 through its external thread 81 into the internal thread 65 formed in the head section 63, thereby clamping the plate of the sub-platform 44 between the stop projection 66 and the underside of the screw head of the screw element 80.Due to the relatively large diameter of the screw head, the screws can be easily tightened without tools to achieve the necessary coupling strength. Alternatively, locking screws, especially those made of stainless steel, can be used, which require a tool for tightening.

[0135] The heating wires 100 of the heating coil 100 are visible on the underside of the chamber floor wall 31. These wires are in thermal contact with the chamber floor wall and are arranged to create a uniform temperature in the chamber interior 3. This can be achieved either with or without the use of a fan operating in the chamber interior 3. The heating coils are laid with varying surface densities, resulting in a homogeneous temperature distribution and reducing the risk of condensation. Near the chamber opening and at corners, the outer surface of the chamber has a higher density of heating wire per unit area than in planar areas, such as centrally in the planar ceiling wall area or the planar rear wall area. The area of ​​the chamber floor wall 31 below the heating coil is thermally insulated by an insulating foam board 95 (e.g., polyurethane foam).At the positions of the bottom openings 35 of the chamber floor wall 31, the insulating foam panel 95 has through-openings 96 which are concentric to the bottom openings 35 and have the same diameter. It is possible and preferred that insulating plates (not shown here) are arranged above the transfer plate 44 in the area of ​​the connecting elements 60, which thermally insulate the openings 96 of the insulating foam panel 95 in the axial direction even during shaking operation of the platform, while the transfer plate 44 moves with the insulating plates relative to the insulating foam panel 95.

[0136] Fig. 4 shows the laboratory shaker 1, with the swing door 10 open, in a cut view, in which the laboratory shaker is shown cut parallel to a side wall and through the central longitudinal axes of two connecting elements 50.

[0137] Fig. 120 shows in particular the platform assembly 120, which is supported by the connecting elements 60 mounted on the transmission plate 44 of the drive. The sub-platform 121 is clamped between the mounting screws 80 and the coupling rods 60.

[0138] The platform assembly 120 includes the sub-platform 121, a substantially plate-like component that extends parallel to the chamber floor wall 31 within the chamber interior. The platform assembly features a rail-based extension mechanism (not shown) by means of which the main platform 122, which is mounted on the sub-platform 121 by rails, can be pulled forward (in the y-direction) out of the chamber interior when the pivot door 10 is open. For this purpose, the pivot lever 124 is first tilted forward by 90°, which releases a locking mechanism (not shown) of the main platform 122 on the sub-platform and allows the main platform to move along the y-axis. A cover plate 123 is detachably mounted on the main platform 122. The cover plate 123 is attached to the main platform 122 in the locked position of the main platform (shown in Fig. 4). Mounting brackets for holding 8 Erlenmeyer flasks 130 are attached to the cover plate part 123.Alternative cover plate parts with holders for other sample containers can be used optionally.

[0139] Figures 5a to 5c show a connecting element 60' with a sealing element 50' for an axial sliding bearing, according to a further preferred embodiment, which is used in a laboratory shaker 1 instead of the connecting element 60 with connecting element 50. The sealing element 50' can be made of the same material as the sealing element 50. The connecting element 60', even though it is shown without a cavity in Figure 5a, is essentially constructed like the connecting element 60, namely as a hollow coupling rod with an internal thread in the head section of the connecting element 60', into which the screw element 80 is screwed for mounting the connecting element 60' to the chamber bottom wall 31, as already described above.

[0140] The alternative sealing element 50' is also designed for axial sliding bearing. For this purpose, it has, analogous to the sealing element 50, a sliding ring (PTFE) 70' on its underside, which is manufactured analogously to the sliding ring 70 and which, during shaking operation, slides along the sliding surface 37 of the sliding element 36 on the upper side of the chamber bottom wall 31. The elastomeric body of the sealing element 50' has a central channel section 51' through which the head section of the connecting element 60' passes, to which the sealing element 50' is attached. The radially extending cover wall section 52' is integrally connected to the channel section 51'. An elastic, upwardly extending, and radially inwardly curved wall section 55', serving as a spring element, is formed on its upper side and radially outer end (the body 51', 52', 55' is an injection-molded part). In the assembled state of sub-platform 121 (in Fig.(5a to 5c not shown) the underside of the sub-platform 121 elastically presses the wall section 55' downwards with a contact force of between 4 and 8 N. This sufficiently seals the bottom opening 35 (liquid-tight), in particular sufficiently against unwanted heat exchange between the chamber interior 3 and the drive chamber 4, as is also the case with the sealing element 50.

[0141] Figures 6a to 6d show a sealing element 150 with radial sliding bearing according to a further preferred embodiment of the sealing element, which is used in a laboratory shaker 1 according to Figures 1a to 1d instead of the sealing element 50 (or 50') with axial sliding bearing. The sealing element 150 has a flat design, in which the height-to-diameter ratio is c = 0.19.

[0142] The sealing element 150 is disc-shaped and has the form of a flat cylinder. The sealing element 150 has a first eccentric disc 151, which forms the outer body of the sealing element 150. The sealing element 150 also has a second eccentric disc 152, which forms an inner body of the sealing element 150. In this sense, the sealing element 150 forms a double eccentric disc. The first eccentric disc 151 has a cylindrical outer surface 151a, which serves as a radial sliding surface. The eccentric disc 151 and its sliding surface 151a are dimensioned such that they are fitted for sliding bearing on the inner cylindrical surface 193a of the sliding sleeve 193 and within its inner diameter.The sliding sleeve 193 is itself firmly inserted into the fastening ring 190, which is inserted into the bottom opening 35 of the chamber bottom wall 31 and screwed to it, with a flat sealing ring being inserted between the flange section of the fastening ring 190 and the chamber bottom wall 31 for sealing purposes.

[0143] The second eccentric disc 152 is arranged eccentrically, i.e., horizontally (in the xy-plane) offset from the center of the first eccentric disc 151. The second eccentric disc 152 is axially rotatable in a cylindrical recess 151b of the first eccentric disc 151 (which is also eccentrically offset from the center of the first eccentric disc 151). For this purpose, the cylindrical second eccentric disc 152 has a cylindrical radial outer surface that fits into the recess on the inner side 151b of the cylinder of the first eccentric disc 151 for radial sliding bearing. The second eccentric disc 152 also has a substantially cylindrical recess 154, which is arranged eccentrically, i.e., horizontally (in the xy-plane) offset from the center of the second eccentric disc 151. A spherical bearing 153 is inserted into the recess 154, in which the two-part coupling rod 160, or its upper part 160b, is mounted.The spherical bearing 153 enables, on the one hand, axial rotation of the coupling rod 160 within the recess 154, and on the other hand, also a precession movement at small angles to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling rod 160. This achieves a tolerance to deviations from the ideal position of the coupling rod to the chamber floor wall.

[0144] During the shaking motion, the sealing element 150, designed as a double eccentric disc, allows the coupling rod, mounted in the spherical bearing 154, to follow every movement imparted by the drive eccentric disc 41 within the bottom opening 35 of the chamber bottom wall 31. This is achieved by the coupling rod 160, mounted eccentrically in the second eccentric disc 152, causing the rotation and movement of the second eccentric disc 152, whose movement then causes the rotation of the first eccentric disc 151. During this shaking motion, the bottom opening 35 remains reliably sealed by the sealing element 150.

[0145] The two-part coupling rod 160 has a through-channel 164 along its entire length, as shown in Fig. 6b. The lower part, analogous to the coupling rod 60, has a lower section with a smaller inner diameter 164a. This section can accommodate the fastening screw (not shown) with which the lower part 160a of the coupling rod 160 is screwed onto the transfer plate 44. An internal thread 165 is provided in the upper section of the lower part 160a of the coupling rod 160. To attach the sub-platform 121 to the coupling rod 160, a long screw 180 is inserted from above through the receiving bore 121a of the sub-platform 121 into the through-channel 164, and the external thread 181 is screwed into the internal thread 165. This also firmly connects the upper part 160b of the coupling rod 160 to the lower part 160a.The two-part design of the coupling rod 160 simplifies the assembly of the sealing element 150.

[0146] Fig. 7a shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting element 160' with a sealing element 150' and radial sliding bearing, the design differing in details from the embodiment shown in Figs. 6a to 6c. The sealing element 150' is also designed as a double eccentric disc. The operating principle is the same:

[0147] The sealing element 150' is disc-shaped and approximately resembles a flat cylinder. The sealing element 150' has a first eccentric disc 151. 1The sealing element 150' has a second eccentric disc 152', which forms the outer body of the sealing element 150'. The sealing element 150' also has a second eccentric disc 152', which forms an inner body of the sealing element 150'. In this sense, the sealing element 150' forms a double eccentric disc. The first eccentric disc 151' has a cylindrical outer surface 151a', which serves as a radial sliding surface. 1 and their sliding surface 151a' are dimensioned such that they are fitted for sliding bearing on the inner cylinder surface 193a' of the sliding sleeve 193' and within its inner diameter. The sliding sleeve 193' itself is firmly inserted into the retaining ring 190', which is inserted into the bottom opening 35 of the chamber bottom wall 31 and screwed to it, with a flat sealing ring 191' being inserted between the flange section of the retaining ring 190' and the chamber bottom wall 31 for sealing purposes.

[0148] The second eccentric disc 152' is arranged eccentrically, i.e., horizontally (in the xy-plane) offset from the center of the first eccentric disc 151'. The second eccentric disc 152' is arranged to rotate axially in a cylindrical recess 151b' of the first eccentric disc 151' (which is offset eccentrically from the center of the first eccentric disc 151'). For this purpose, the cylindrical second eccentric disc 152' has a cylindrical radial outer surface that provides radial sliding support on the inner side of the cylinder of the first eccentric disc 151'. 1 It fits into the recess.

[0149] The second eccentric disc 152 also has a substantially cylindrical recess 154', which is arranged eccentrically, i.e., horizontally (in the xy-plane) offset from the center of the second eccentric disc 151. A spherical bearing 153' is inserted into the recess 154', in which the two-part coupling rod 160', or rather its upper part 160b', is mounted. The spherical bearing 153' allows, on the one hand, axial rotation of the coupling rod 160' within the recess 154', and on the other hand, also a precession movement at small angles to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling rod 160'. This achieves a tolerance for deviations from the ideal position of the coupling rod relative to the chamber bottom wall.

[0150] The coupling rod 160' has a through channel 164' that extends through the length of the lower part 160a' of the coupling rod 160'. The upper part 160b' of the coupling rod 160' does not have a through channel but is a solid component. It has an external thread in its lower section and a hexagonal outer contour [or alternative fastening method] in its upper section, so that the upper part can be screwed onto the internal thread 165' of the lower part 160a' of the coupling rod 160' using an Allen key. The upper part 160b' also has a bore 182' with an internal thread, so that the sub-platform 121 can be screwed onto the upper part 160b' using a screw (not shown).

[0151] Fig. 8a shows a connecting element 260 provided with a bellows sealing element 250, which can be used in the laboratory shaker 1 instead of the sealing elements with axial or radial sliding bearing, as an alternative to the embodiments of the laboratory shaker with axial or radial sliding bearing shown in Figures 1a to 7b, in a cross-sectional view cut along the central longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

[0152] The bellows sealing element 250 does not have a sliding bearing on the chamber floor wall 31; rather, the radially outer edge region of the bellows sealing element 250 is firmly connected to the chamber floor by means of the retaining ring 290. The central section of the bellows sealing element 250 is a channel section 251 through which, in the assembled state, the connecting element 260, a hollow coupling rod, extends. The channel section 251 has a thicker wall than the wall section 252 of the bellows sealing element. It serves to reliably fasten the bellows sealing element to the coupling rod 260. The coupling rod has a radial engagement groove 261 on its outer side, into which an annular projecting section 253 of the channel section 251 engages in a form-fitting manner.

[0153] The wall section 252 of the bellows sealing element 250, extending radially outwards from the channel section 251, reliably seals the bottom opening 35 of the chamber floor wall 31. Since the bellows sealing element 250, or at least the wall section 252, is made of an elastomer, in particular a platinum-cured silicone, the sealing element follows every horizontal shaking movement exerted by the coupling rod 260, with maximum orbital amplitudes of 50 mm. The wall section 252, which extends downwards through the chamber floor wall 31, proves advantageous in several respects. Firstly, its downward orientation results in a flat design for the bellows sealing element 250. Secondly, the shape of the wall section 252 ensures the long-term load-bearing capacity of the elastomeric material of the wall section 252.The wall section here has the form of an annular trough, which is arranged around the connecting element 260 and (in the assembled state) extends radially outwards from the channel section 251 through the bottom opening 35 of the chamber floor wall 31 downwards, and then axially upwards again in the radially outer region of the wall section. The outermost edge 254 of the bellows sealing element 250 is placed from above around a radially outwardly projecting flange section 291 of the sleeve-shaped retaining ring 290, so that the outermost section of the bellows sealing element 250 can be clamped between the chamber floor wall 31 and the flange section 291 of the retaining ring 290. The force-fit fastening of the retaining ring 290 in the bottom opening 35 of the chamber floor wall 31 also reliably secures the edge region 254 of the bellows sealing element 250.

[0154] The hollow coupling rod 260 is screwed to the transmission plate 44 by a long screw 281, which passes completely through the coupling rod. The head of the long screw is fixedly connected to a rotary knob 280, which allows for convenient, tool-free tightening of the long screw 281 to the transmission plate 44. The sub-platform 121 is clamped between a stop 262 of the head of the coupling rod 260 and the underside of the rotary knob 280, thus securing it reliably.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Laboratory shaker (1) for shaking biological samples stored in sample containers (130), comprising a temperature-controlled chamber (2) which has an interior chamber space (3), a closable access opening (2a) and a chamber floor wall (31), a platform device (120) on which the sample containers (130) can be stored, which can be shaken by means of a shaking movement and which is arranged in the chamber (2) parallel to the chamber floor wall (31), a drive device (20, 21, 41, 42, 44) configured to carry out the shaking movement, which has at least one drive component (44), and characterized in that the laboratory shaker has a device space (4) arranged outside the chamber (2) in which the at least one drive component is arranged, wherein no drive component of the drive device is arranged in the interior chamber space (3), and that the chamber floor wall (31) has several bottom openings (35).each of which is closed by a sealing element (50; 50'; 150; 150'; 250) of a total of several provided sealing elements, and that the laboratory shaker has several connecting elements (60; 60'; 160; 160'; 260), each of which connects the at least one drive component (44) to the platform device (120) and is characterized by a, the bottom openings (35) and a sealing element (50; 50'; 150; 150'; 250).

2. Laboratory shaker according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element (50; 50'; 250) comprises or consists of an elastomeric material, in particular a silicone material, preferably platinum-crosslinked silicone.

3. Laboratory shaker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing element (50; 50'; 150; 150'; 250) is a flat component whose maximum extent in directions parallel to the chamber bottom wall (31) is greater than its maximum extent measured perpendicular to the chamber bottom wall (31).

4. Laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (50; 50'; 150; 150'; 250) has a through-channel (51; 51'; 154; 251), in particular with a through-opening (51a), through which the connecting element passes and on which the connecting element in particular bears tightly, and / or wherein the sealing element is mounted and / or attached to the connecting element.

5. Laboratory shaker according to claim 4, wherein the passage opening is formed in an axial passage channel (51 ; 51 '; 154; 251) whose wall thickness is greater than the thickness of a radially extending wall (52; 52'; 252) of the sealing element.

6. Laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims or claim 5, wherein the connecting element has at least one fastening section (63; 261) along its longitudinal axis (A) with a radial extension that varies in particular, and the sealing element, in particular its through-channel (51; 251), contacts this fastening section, in particular enclosing it in a form-fitting manner.

7. Laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (50; 50'; 150; 150') is movably mounted on the chamber bottom wall (31) by a sliding bearing device, wherein iii) preferably the sliding bearing device has a sliding surface (37) extending parallel to the chamber bottom wall; (“axial sliding bearing”) or alternatively, iv) preferably the sliding bearing device has a sliding surface (193a; 193a') not extending parallel or perpendicular to the chamber bottom wall; (“radial sliding bearing”) 8. Laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (50; 50') is a cap element, in particular a disc-shaped one, which covers the bottom opening (35), in particular during the operation of the drive device.

9. Laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element terminates below an imaginary plane which is preferably located in the chamber and which runs parallel to the chamber bottom wall at a distance d, wherein preferably d <= 10 cm, preferably d <= 5 cm, preferably d <= 3 cm.

10. Laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longer part of the connecting element, measured along its longitudinal axis, is arranged outside the chamber (2) and below the chamber bottom wall (31).

11. Laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element is attached to the connecting element and is arranged to slide along a sliding surface (37) provided parallel to the chamber bottom wall during the shaking movement, which is provided at the chamber bottom opening (35), in particular in a circular ring shape around it.

12. Laboratory shaker according to claim 11, wherein the sealing element has a sealing ring section (70; 70') extending parallel to the planar sliding surface and around the chamber wall opening, which is in contact with the sliding surface (37) when sliding.

13. Laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element is flat and has a sliding plane which is substantially parallel to the chamber bottom wall, wherein the sealing element anchored to the connecting element is arranged to compensate for inclination deviations between the sliding plane and the flat chamber bottom wall by means of a mobility of the sealing element, in particular by the sealing element having at least one elastically deformable, in particular annular, section or being completely elastically deformable.

14. Laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a layer (95) of a thermally insulating material is arranged below the chamber, adjacent to the chamber bottom wall, the layer having an insulating material opening (96) through which the connecting element passes, wherein preferably an insulating element (98) connected to the connecting element is provided, which is movable together with the connecting element relative to the layer and which closes the insulating material opening (96), in particular also during the shaking movement.

15. A method for treating the interior of a laboratory shaker according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a heating device (100) and an electrical control device (24) programmed to execute a high-temperature program by which the control device is programmed to heat the interior of the chamber, sealed by the at least one sealing element, to a predetermined temperature by means of the heating device for a predetermined period of time, wherein the period may be between 1 minute and 12 hours, and wherein the temperature may be between 90 °C and 140 °C, the method comprising the step: • Heating the interior of the chamber by means of the heating device to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period, wherein the period can be between 1 minute and 12 hours, and wherein the temperature can be between 90 °C and 140 °C.

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