Modular laboratory device

Abstract

A modular laboratory device (1, 100) comprises: a sample receiving element (2) designed to receive a sample; a drive device (3); and at least one transfer element (5, 7, 8, 105, 107, 108) having a central axis (Z) and designed to be driven by the drive device (3) in order to perform a rotational movement about the central axis (Z) and to transfer this rotational movement to the sample-receiving element (2) in such a way that the sample-receiving element performs a defined sequence of movements. The laboratory device comprises at least one first transfer element and one second transfer element, which are optionally and alternatively inserted into the laboratory device (1, 100) and which differ in that the sample receiving elements perform different sequences of movement. Alternatively or additionally, the laboratory device comprises at least one third transfer element that defines different attachment positions for the sample receiving element, different in that the sample receiving element performs different sequences of movement.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device for shaking and / or mixing substances.

[0002] Laboratory devices are designed for use in laboratories and are particularly suitable for processing one or more substances or samples. Specifically, laboratory devices can be designed to mix and / or shake one or more substances through targeted, preferably periodic movements, thereby increasing the degree of homogenization of the substances.

[0003] To this end, laboratory devices can be designed to perform different movement sequences. For example, a laboratory device can perform one of the following actions:

[0004] - Oscillating movement along a movement axis, also known as reciprocating movement,

[0005] - Circular or elliptical oscillating movement in a plane, also known as orbital movement or vibratory movement,

[0006] - Rocking movement, during which the substance alternately tilts in opposite directions around an axis,

[0007] - Swaying movement, during which the substance performs a rotational tilting movement around a central point.

[0008] Depending on the number of required movement forms or sequences, it may be necessary to have multiple different laboratory devices on hand and then be able to select the corresponding laboratory device that performs the required movement sequence.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative or improved laboratory device, which in particular provides the smallest possible number of components and allows for a maximum degree of selection of different movement sequences, especially those for thoroughly mixing samples.

[0010] This object is achieved by the laboratory device according to claim 1, the laboratory device according to claim 18, and the method according to claim 21. The development of the laboratory device is given in the dependent claims and the following embodiments respectively. The features of the laboratory device can also be used for development among each other, and the method can also be developed through the features of the laboratory device, and vice versa.

[0011] The modular laboratory device according to the present invention comprises: a sample receiving element designed to receive a sample; a drive device; and at least one transfer element having a central axis and designed to be driven by the drive device to perform a rotational movement about the central axis and to transfer this rotational movement to the sample receiving element in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a defined movement sequence. The laboratory device comprises at least one first transfer element and a second transfer element, wherein the first transfer element and the second transfer element can be selectively and alternatively inserted into the laboratory device, and the first transfer element is designed to transfer the rotational movement to the sample receiving element in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a first movement sequence, and the second transfer element is designed to transfer the rotational movement to the sample receiving element in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a second movement sequence different from the first movement sequence. Alternatively or additionally, the laboratory device comprises at least one third transfer element, the third transfer element being designed such that the sample receiving element can be attached to the third transfer element at a first attachment position and a second attachment position different from the first attachment position, and to transfer the rotational movement to the sample receiving element at the first attachment position in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a third movement sequence, and to transfer the rotational movement to the sample receiving element at the second attachment position in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a fourth movement sequence different from the third movement sequence.

[0012] Specifically, the laboratory device can be used to thoroughly mix a sample. Preferably, the laboratory device is a shaking and / or mixing device.

[0013] The transfer element can for example comprise an output shaft defining a central axis and designed to be driven by the drive device to perform a rotational movement about the central axis; and a fastening element for attaching the sample receiving element to the output shaft at an attachment position defined by the fastening element. Additionally, the transfer element can comprise for example a frame element which prevents the sample receiving element from performing a rotational movement about the central axis of the sample receiving element and / or to which the sample receiving element can be attached at additional attachment positions.

[0014] The attachment position of the sample receiving element can in particular be a position defined relative to the central axis, preferably a position defined by the distance of the center point of the sample receiving element from the central axis, where the distance can also be zero, and / or a position defined by the angle at which the central axis of the sample receiving element intersects the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment position of the sample receiving element can be defined by which component of the transfer element (e.g., the output shaft or the frame element mentioned above) the sample receiving element is attached to.

[0015] The interchangeability of the transfer element does not necessarily mean that all components of the transfer element can be interchanged. For example, the output shaft mentioned above can remain in place, and only different frame elements are inserted into the laboratory device, or only different output shafts are inserted into the laboratory device while using the same frame element, etc. However, generally, the aforementioned components of the transfer element are adapted to each other such that, for example, both the output shaft and the frame element are replaced to achieve different movement sequences.

[0016] The movement sequence transferred to the sample receiving element in particular refers to a sequence of one or more movements, in particular periodically repeating, that impart thorough mixing of the sample provided at or on the sample receiving element to the sample receiving element.

[0017] For example, the modular laboratory device mentioned above enables multiple different movement sequences to be achieved by the same laboratory device using as few different components as possible. For example, the usage area of the laboratory device can thus be increased.

[0018] Preferably, the first movement sequence and the second movement sequence and / or the third movement sequence and the fourth movement sequence each come from the following groups of movement sequences:

[0019] - Movements only in a plane perpendicular to the central axis,

[0020] - Movements having only a movement component parallel to the central axis,

[0021] - Movements having both a movement component parallel to the central axis and a movement component perpendicular to the central axis,

[0022] And preferably each of the following groups of movement sequences:

[0023] - Oscillatory movements only in one direction perpendicular to the central axis,

[0024] - Circular or elliptical oscillatory movements in a plane perpendicular to the central axis with a first radius or a second radius different from the first radius,

[0025] - A rocking movement, during which the sample receiving element is tilted alternately in opposite directions about an axis, preferably an axis perpendicular to the central axis.

[0026] - A swinging movement, during which the sample receiving element performs a rotational tilting movement about a central point, preferably a central point on the central axis.

[0027] Each of these movements is preferably used to thoroughly mix the sample by means of a laboratory device and is pre-specified, especially with regard to its movement sequence. The oscillating movement is especially understood as a periodic and uniform movement. For example, it can be a reciprocating movement in a certain direction. A circular or elliptical oscillating movement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis can also be referred to as an orbital movement or a vibrating movement, especially depending on the movement radius. During the swinging movement, the axis of the sample receiving element, especially the central axis mentioned below, is preferably pivoted relative to the central axis, wherein the radial alignment of the pivot rotates periodically around the central axis.

[0028] By means of the above-mentioned movement sequence, for example, different types of thorough mixing of the sample can be achieved using a laboratory device, from which a suitable type of thorough mixing can be selected, especially according to the nature of the sample, such as physical and / or chemical properties.

[0029] Preferably, the first transfer element and the second transfer element differ in the attachment position of the sample receiving element to the respective transfer element. Thereby, the required movement sequence can be selected in a simple manner from a plurality of movement sequences.

[0030] Preferably, the modular laboratory device further includes a fastening element designed to attach the sample receiving element to the respective transfer element at the respective attachment position, wherein the fastening element has a central axis defining the attachment position, and wherein the respective attachment position is defined by one of the following features:

[0031] - The central axis of the fastening element is set parallel to the central axis and offset relative to the central axis, especially offset by a first distance or a second distance different from the first distance;

[0032] - The central axis of the fastening element intersects the central axis at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably at an angle between 2° and 10°, especially at 5°.

[0033] More preferably, the plane of the sample receiving element, especially the plane of the bearing surface of the sample receiving element, is set perpendicular to the central axis of the fastening element.

[0034] The fastening element may for example comprise a screw or a pin which can be introduced into a hole of the transmission element, in particular into a hole of the output shaft mentioned above, in order to attach the sample receiving element to the output shaft. The hole or the pin or the screw may in particular have a longitudinal extension defining the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening element may for example have an output flange which defines the central axis and to which the sample receiving element can be attached. Specifically, the output flange may be attached to the aforementioned output shaft and be rotatably mounted relative to the output shaft to prevent the sample receiving element from rotating. The output flange may also be part of the corresponding transmission element, and / or the fastening element may be part of the transmission element.

[0035] Preferably, the central axis of the fastening element also passes through the center point of the sample receiving element, and more preferably forms the central axis of the sample receiving element. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the plane of the sample receiving element, in particular the plane of the bearing surface of the sample receiving element, is arranged perpendicular to the central axis of the fastening element.

[0036] By arranging the central axis to be offset relative to the central axis, for example, an eccentric movement of the sample receiving element can be generated in a plane (in particular in a plane perpendicular to the central axis). For example, by arranging the central axis at an angle to the central axis, a movement can be transmitted to the sample receiving element which has not only a movement component perpendicular to the central axis but also a movement component parallel to the central axis.

[0037] For example, attaching the sample receiving element at one of the attachment positions mentioned above can enable the movement sequence of the sample receiving element caused by the attachment position to be selected in a simple manner.

[0038] Preferably, the corresponding transmission element is designed to maintain the spatial orientation of the sample receiving element relative to the central axis of the fastening element, in particular to prevent the sample receiving element from rotating about the central axis of the fastening element.

[0039] Rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis can be prevented, for example, by providing an output flange as described below, where the sample receiving element is fastened to the output flange and the output flange is arranged to be rotatably mounted on the output shaft. Alternatively or additionally, rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis can also be prevented, for example, by providing a frame element as described below. Specifically, the frame element can be attached to the output flange.

[0040] By preventing the sample receiving element from rotating about the central axis, an improved thorough mixing of the sample arranged on the sample receiving element can be achieved, for example.

[0041] Preferably, the respective transmission element includes an output shaft that extends from an upper end across the central axis to a lower end and is designed to be driven by the drive device to perform a rotational movement about the central axis, wherein the fastening element includes a hole provided in the output shaft that extends from the upper end towards the central axis, particularly parallel to the central axis towards the lower end, and / or wherein the output shaft includes a contact surface at the upper end for attaching the sample receiving element, and the contact surface extends perpendicular to the central axis of the fastening element.

[0042] For example, the central axis can be defined by the axis of the hole, and at the same time, the hole can be used to attach the sample receiving element to the output shaft such that the attachment position of the sample receiving element is defined by the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment position of the sample receiving element can be defined by the contact surface.

[0043] Preferably, the respective transmission element includes a frame element that is designed to prevent the sample receiving element from rotating about the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, the frame element can be used to define the attachment position of the sample receiving element. The frame element can in particular be connected to a drive flange of the laboratory device, the drive flange being fastened to the output shaft as described above and rotatably mounted relative to the output shaft, and the sample receiving element can be attached to the drive flange at the attachment position. Thereby, for example, on the one hand, movement can be imparted to the frame element, and on the other hand, rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis can be prevented, which can result in an improved thorough mixing of the sample.

[0044] Preferably, the frame element includes at least one elastic element, particularly a spring element, preferably a leaf spring, and is designed to allow the sample receiving element to move in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, particularly to perform a circular or elliptical oscillatory movement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and preferably to allow movement only in this plane.

[0045] More preferably, the frame element includes four elastic elements. The frame element is also referred to as a spring frame or a leaf spring frame. This is preferably used in combination with the configuration of the above-described transmission element or fastening element, wherein the central axis of the fastening element and / or the sample receiving element is arranged parallel to the central axis and offset relative to the central axis.

[0046] For example, this enables the orbital movement or the vibrational movement of the sample receiving element to be achieved in a simple manner.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, a frame element is preferably provided, which includes a frame that is attached to the laboratory device so as to be pivotable about a first axis, and wherein the sample receiving element can be attached to the frame so as to be pivotable about a second axis, and wherein the first axis and the second axis intersect the central axis at a central point. Preferably, the transmission element includes: an output shaft that is designed to be driven by the drive device to perform a rotational movement about the central axis; and an output flange that has an upper part and a lower part along the central axis of the fastening element, and the central axis of the fastening element intersects the central axis at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, more preferably at an angle between 2° and 10°, particularly at 5°, wherein the lower part is attached to the output shaft, and the upper part defines a first attachment position of the sample receiving element, and the sample receiving element is attached to the upper part at the first attachment position, and wherein the frame element defines a second attachment position of the sample receiving element, and the sample receiving element is attached to the frame element at the second attachment position. More preferably, the transmission element is designed such that the sample receiving element performs a swinging movement about the central point during the operation of the laboratory device if the sample receiving element is in the first attachment position, and performs a rocking movement about the first axis if the sample receiving element is in the second attachment position.

[0048] The frame element described herein is also referred to as a rocking frame. This is preferably used in conjunction with the configuration of the above-described transmission element or the fastening element, wherein the central axis of the fastening element and / or the sample receiving element intersects the central axis at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, and the intersection point of the central axis and the central axis is the central point.

[0049] For example, the frame element enables a simple selection between the swinging movement and the rocking movement of the sample receiving element.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the transfer element of the modular laboratory device includes an output shaft that extends along the central axis from an upper end to a lower end and is designed to be driven by the drive device to perform a rotational movement about the central axis. The transfer element further includes a frame element that is designed to transfer the movement of the output shaft about the central axis to the sample receiving element in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a movement, in particular an oscillating movement, only in a plane perpendicular to the central axis and preferably only in one direction perpendicular to the central axis. More preferably, the frame element has a carriage and a guiding element extending along a first axis, and the carriage is arranged on the guiding element so as to be displaceable. The carriage has a groove designed to be elongate, and the longitudinal axis of the groove extends transversely to, preferably perpendicular to, the first axis. More preferably, the output shaft has a transfer portion at its upper end, and the transfer portion defines a central axis that is arranged parallel to the central axis and offset from the central axis by a certain distance. The groove of the carriage is designed to receive the transfer portion such that the transfer portion is arranged in the groove so as to be movable along its longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, more preferably, the sample receiving element is attachable to the carriage. The first axis of the guiding element preferably corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the oscillating movement is imparted to the sample receiving element along this direction.

[0051] The frame element described herein is also referred to as a reciprocating frame. Preferably, the eccentric movement of the transfer portion is caused by the rotation of the output shaft about the central axis and the spacing of the central axis of the transfer portion from the central axis. By configuring the frame element in the form of a carriage displaceable along an axis and having an elongate groove transverse to or perpendicular to this axis, the eccentric movement of the transfer portion can be transferred to a linear oscillating movement (also referred to as a linear reciprocating movement), i.e., a back-and-forth movement on the movement axis, in particular a back-and-forth movement on the first axis of the guiding element, of, for example, the sample receiving element.

[0052] The central axis of the transfer portion can be, for example, simultaneously or alternatively, the central axis as described above, i.e., the central axis defined by a fastening element that defines the attachment position of the sample receiving element to the output shaft and / or output flange.

[0053] Preferably, the frame element is designed to prevent the sample receiving element from rotating about the central axis, in particular to maintain the spatial orientation of the sample receiving element relative to the central axis, and / or the plane of the sample receiving element, in particular the plane of the bearing surface of the sample receiving element, is arranged perpendicular to the central axis.

[0054] For example, the frame element described above enables the reciprocating movement of the sample receiving element to be achieved in a simple manner.

[0055] Preferably, the modular laboratory device comprises: a substrate on which the drive device is arranged; and a support unit attached to the substrate and designed such that the respective transfer element can be inserted into the support unit in a manner that enables the transfer element to be held in the support unit for rotation about the central axis, and the central axis is preferably arranged vertically and / or perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, and the respective transfer element can be removed from the support unit. More preferably, the substrate, the drive device and the support unit form a base unit to which the respective transfer element can be selectively attached, and / or the drive device is arranged offset with respect to the central axis and connected to the support unit via a belt.

[0056] For example, providing the base unit can make it easier for the user to use the laboratory device. For example, by arranging the drive device offset with respect to the central axis, the laboratory device can be designed to be more compact.

[0057] Preferably, the sample receiving element is designed as a carrier plate. Preferably, the carrier plate is designed to be circular, with the above-mentioned central axis passing through the center of the circle when the carrier plate is attached to the laboratory device. Preferably, the carrier plate has fastening elements, such as in the form of screws and / or grooves and / or magnets that interact with the screws, which allow the carrier plate to be attached at any attachment position achievable by the laboratory device.

[0058] According to the present invention, a frame element is provided for a laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device, comprising a sample receiving element for receiving a sample and a drive device. The frame element includes a frame and a bracket for attaching the frame element to the laboratory device, wherein the frame is connected to the bracket so as to be pivotable about a first axis, and the frame is designed to receive the sample receiving element in such a way that the sample receiving element is provided on the frame so as to be pivotable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis intersect at a central point. Preferably, the laboratory device includes: an output shaft designed to be driven by the drive device to perform a rotational movement about a central axis; and an output flange having an upper part and a lower part along the central axis, the central axis intersecting the central axis at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, wherein the lower part is attached to the output shaft, and the upper part defines a first attachment position of the sample receiving element, the sample receiving element being attached to the upper part at the first attachment position, and the frame element defines a second attachment position of the sample receiving element, the sample receiving element being attached to the frame element at the second attachment position. More preferably, the frame element is designed to prevent the sample receiving element from rotating about the central axis of the output flange, and / or the laboratory device is designed such that the sample receiving element performs a swinging movement about the central point during operation of the laboratory device if the sample receiving element is in the first attachment position, and / or the frame element is designed such that the sample receiving element performs a rocking movement about the first axis during operation of the laboratory device if the sample receiving element is in the second attachment position. More preferably, a laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device, is provided, which includes a frame element as described above.

[0059] The frame element can in particular be a rocking frame as described above and / or developed from the above features of the rocking frame. For example, the frame element enables a simple selection between the swinging movement and the rocking movement of the sample receiving element, thereby increasing the modularity of the laboratory device using the frame element.

[0060] According to a further aspect, a method for using a modular laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device, is provided, wherein the laboratory device comprises: a sample receiving element designed to receive a sample; a drive device; and at least one transfer element having a central axis and designed to be driven by the drive device to perform a rotational movement about the central axis and to transfer this rotational movement to the sample receiving element in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a defined movement sequence. The method comprises selecting a transfer element from at least one first transfer element and a second transfer element, wherein the first transfer element and the second transfer element can be selectively and alternatively inserted into the laboratory device, and the first transfer element is designed to transfer the rotational movement to the sample receiving element in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a first movement sequence, and the second transfer element is designed to transfer the rotational movement to the sample receiving element in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a second movement sequence different from the first movement sequence; and inserting the selected transfer element into the laboratory device. Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises selecting an attachment position from at least one first attachment position and a second attachment position different from the first attachment, wherein the laboratory device comprises at least one third transfer element designed such that the sample receiving element can be attached to the third transfer element at the first attachment position and at the second attachment position, and to transfer the rotational movement to the sample receiving element at the first attachment position in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a third movement sequence, and to transfer the rotational movement to the sample receiving element at the second attachment position in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a fourth movement sequence different from the third movement sequence; and attaching the sample receiving element at the selected attachment position. The method can be developed based on the features of the modular laboratory device according to the invention and / or on the features of the frame element according to the invention.

[0061] Further features and advantages of the present invention will result from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a laboratory device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0063] Figure 2 Shown is Figure 1 a schematic side view of the laboratory device in

[0064] Figure 3 Shown is Figure 1 、 Figure 2 a schematic front view of the laboratory device in

[0065] Figure 4a and Figure 4b shows the output shaft of the laboratory apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 3 , wherein Figure 4a represents a schematic top view of the output shaft, and Figure 4b represents a schematic side view of the output shaft;

[0066] Figure 5 shows Figures 1 to 3 a schematic perspective view of the frame element of the laboratory apparatus shown in

[0067] Figure 6 shows Figures 1 to 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of the laboratory apparatus shown in Figure 3 along line A - A in

[0068] Figure 7 shows a schematic front view of the laboratory apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 8 shows Figure 7 a schematic perspective side view of the laboratory apparatus shown in

[0070] Figure 9a and Figure 9b shows Figure 7 and Figure 8 the output shaft of the laboratory apparatus shown in Figure 9a wherein Figure 9b represents a schematic top view of the output shaft, and

[0071] Figure 10 shows Figure 7 and Figure 8 a schematic perspective view of the frame element of the laboratory apparatus shown in

[0072] Figure 11 shows Figure 7 and Figure 8 a schematic cross-sectional view of the laboratory apparatus shown in Figure 8 along line B - B in

[0073] Figure 12 shows Figures 7 to 11 a schematic cross-sectional view of the development of the laboratory apparatus shown in

[0074] Figure 13 shows a schematic top view of the laboratory apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 14 shows Figure 13Schematic perspective view of the laboratory device shown in;

[0076] Figure 15 shows Figure 13 、 Figure 14 schematic side view of the laboratory device in;

[0077] Figure 16a -c shows Figures 13 to 15 the output shaft of the laboratory device shown in, where Figure 16a represents a schematic perspective view of the output shaft, Figure 16b represents a schematic side view of the output shaft, and Figure 16c represents a schematic top view of the output shaft; and

[0078] Figure 17 shows Figures 13 to 15 schematic perspective view of the frame element of the laboratory device shown in.

[0079] Below, a first embodiment of the laboratory device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 . The laboratory device is designed as a shaking and / or mixing device 1. To receive one or more substances or samples (especially those provided in a container (also not shown) not shown in the figure), the shaking and / or mixing device 1 has a sample receiving element in the form of a carrier plate 2.

[0080] As Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6 shown, the shaking and / or mixing device 1 further includes a drive device 3, a belt 4, an output shaft 5 (see Figure 6 ), a support unit 6, a frame element 7, an output flange 8, and a base plate 9. The drive device 3 is connected to the output shaft 5 via the belt 4 to impart rotation about the central axis Z to the output shaft 5. The output shaft 5 is held in the support unit 6 so as to be rotatable about the central axis Z. The output flange 8 is attached to the upper end of the output shaft 5 and is connected to the frame element 7. In this embodiment, the carrier plate 2 is attached to the output flange 8.

[0081] Preferably, the drive device 3 and the support unit 6 are attached to the base plate 9, especially firmly connected to the base plate, and together with the carrier plate 2 form the base unit of the shaking and / or mixing device 1. The output flange 8, the output shaft 5, and the frame element 7 are preferably provided on or in the base unit so as to be replaceable.

[0082] The carrier plate 2 includes an upward-facing top side, i.e., the top side facing away from the base plate 9, and the top side forms a bearing surface 2a on which a sample (not shown in the figure) can be arranged. The carrier plate 2 has fastening elements 11 (see Figure 1), such as screws and / or grooves for screws and / or magnets, and / or magnets, to fasten the carrier plate 2 to the output flange 8 and / or the frame element. The fastening element 11 is designed as a detachable fastening element. Thus, the carrier plate 2 can be attached to the laboratory device and detached or removed from the laboratory device. The carrier plate 2 may have brackets or edges not shown in the figure, and the edges are designed to be raised to prevent the samples arranged thereon from falling. In the figure, the carrier plate 2 is shown as a circular plate. However, it may also have a shape different from the circular shape.

[0083] The drive device 3 can be, for example, a rotary drive device, preferably designed as a stepper motor. In the figure, the drive device 3 is arranged horizontally offset with respect to the central axis Z of the output shaft 5. Alternatively, the drive device 3 can also be attached to the substrate 9 below the output shaft 5 to directly transfer (i.e., especially without a belt 4) the driving force applied by the drive device 3 to the output shaft 5.

[0084] The support unit 6 is designed to receive the output shaft 5 in such a way that the output shaft 5 is held in the expected operating position, for example, in a central groove of the support unit. Specifically, the expected operating position can be defined such that the central axis Z of the output shaft 5 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 9 and / or in the vertical direction. In addition, the support unit 6 is designed such that the output shaft 5 can rotate about its central axis Z when it is inserted into the support unit 6. For this purpose, the support unit can, for example, have one or more bearings 20a, 20b, such as deep groove ball bearings, provided in the housing 20c of the support unit (see Figure 6 ).

[0085] As Figure 6 shown in, in the present embodiment, the output flange 8 is designed as a substantially cylindrical shape with a central axis M (cylindrical axis). It successively has a first cylindrical part 8a, a second cylindrical part 8b, and a third cylindrical part 8c along the central axis M from the upper end to the lower end of the output flange (see Figure 6 ). The diameter of the second cylindrical part 8b is greater than the corresponding diameters of the first cylindrical part 8a and the third cylindrical part 8c. The first cylindrical part 8a is designed such that it extends through the central groove of the carrier plate 2 (also see Figure 1 ), such that the carrier plate 2 rests on the protrusion formed by the second cylindrical part 8b and can be fastened to the protrusion. The third cylindrical part 8c is designed to be received in the frame element 7.

[0086] The central groove 13 extends along the central axis M from the upper end of the output flange 8 through the output flange to the lower end, and a fastening element 14 (such as a pin or a screw) can be introduced into the groove to attach the output flange 8 to the holes 21, 22 of the output shaft 5 (also see Figure 4a ), as Figure 6as shown. If the carrier plate 2 is fastened to the output flange 8 (see Figure 6 ), the central axis M of the output flange 8 extends through the center point of the carrier plate 2 or the bearing surface 2a and extends perpendicular to the plane of the bearing surface 2a. One or more bearings ( Figure 6 two bearings 19a, 19b in this case) are arranged radially around the central groove 13 of the output flange 8, which allows the output shaft 5 to perform rotational movement relative to the output flange 8. In the axial direction (i.e., along the axes Z, M), the output flange 8 is held against the output shaft 5 by fastening elements 14.

[0087] The output shaft 5 will be described in more detail below with additional reference to Figure 4a and Figure 4b . The output shaft 5 extends from the upper end 5a to the lower end 5b along its central axis Z. From the upper end 5a to the lower end 5b, it successively has sections 15, 16, 17, and 18, each section being designed to be generally cylindrical with the central axis Z as the corresponding cylindrical axis. In this exemplary embodiment, the sections 15 - 18 have different diameters perpendicular to the central axis Z, and the diameters of the respective sections 15 - 18 decrease from the section 15 provided at the upper end 5a to the section 18 provided at the lower end 5b. Thus, the output shaft 5 can be introduced into the support unit 6 from above (see Figure 6 ). Preferably, the section 15 provided at the upper end 5a forms a protrusion, which forms a stop for the output shaft 5 in the support unit 6 and thus defines the end position of the output shaft 5 in the support unit 6 towards the central axis Z.

[0088] For example, if the output shaft 5 is inserted into the support unit 6, the intermediate sections 16 and 17 of the output shaft 5 can be arranged at the positions of the respective bearings 20a, 20b of the support unit 6 (see Figure 6 ). The section 18 provided at the lower end 5b of the output shaft 5 is connected to the belt 4 via an additional rotatably mounted flange 12 to impart rotational movement around the central axis Z to the output shaft 5 during operation of the drive device 3.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the output shaft 5 has two holes 21, 22, each of which extends from the upper end 5a of the output shaft 5 parallel to the central axis Z towards the lower end 5b (see Figure 4a and Figure 6)). The holes 21, 22 are each designed to receive a part of the fastening element 14 therein, and the fastening element is used to attach the output flange 8 to the output shaft 5. The fastening element 14 can optionally be attached to the hole 21 or the hole 22, that is, the holes define different attachment positions of the carrier plate 2. Each of the holes 21, 22 extends parallel to the central axis Z, but is not arranged to be concentric with the output shaft 5, that is, the corresponding center points C and D (when the output flange 8 is attached to the output shaft in the corresponding holes 21, 22, the central axis M of the output flange extends through the corresponding center points C and D) are arranged to be offset relative to the central axis Z, as Figure 4a and Figure 6 shown. In Figure 4a , the center point C of the hole 21 is spaced apart from the central axis Z by a first distance d1, and the center point D of the hole 22 is spaced apart from the central axis Z by a second distance d2, where d1 > d2. Thus, the rotational movement of the output shaft 5 about its central axis Z is transmitted to the output flange 8 and the carrier plate 2 in an eccentric manner, such that they perform circular or elliptical oscillating movements (orbital or vibratory movements) in a plane perpendicular to the central axis Z, preferably in a horizontal plane. By selectively choosing one of the two holes 21, 22, that is, the corresponding attachment position, the movement radius of the orbital movement or the vibratory movement can be adjusted.

[0090] When the output flange 8 is attached to the output shaft 5 by the fastening element 14, a gap can be provided between the output flange 8 and the output shaft 5, as Figure 6 shown. Alternatively, the output flange 8 can also contact or be placed on the output shaft 5, such that the surface of the output shaft 5 forms a contact surface for the output flange 8 at its upper end 5a (not shown in the figure). This contact surface can also be used to attach the output flange 8 to the output shaft 5.

[0091] A more detailed description of the frame element 7 will be given below with reference to Figure 5 . The frame element 7 has a top surface 31, a bottom surface 32, and four spring elements 23, 24, 25, and 26, which connect the top surface and the bottom surface and are arranged in a substantially rectangular, particularly square frame shape. Therefore, the frame element 7 of the present embodiment is also referred to as a leaf spring frame. When the frame element 7 is attached to the laboratory device 1, the top surface 31 and the bottom surface 32 are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the central axis Z, that is, substantially horizontally aligned (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 ).

[0092] The top surface 31 has an opening 27, which is circular in the present embodiment, and the opening is designed to receive the third cylindrical portion 8c of the output flange 8 (see Figure 6) Preferably, the opening 27 is designed such that it completely surrounds the third cylindrical portion 8c of the output flange 8, i.e., the region of the top surface 31 surrounding the opening 31 contacts the third cylindrical portion 8c of the output flange 8. The top surface 31 has fastening elements 27a, such as screws and / or pins and / or magnets, especially in the region around the opening 27, and the fastening elements are designed to fasten the output flange 8, for example, to the top surface 31 at the bottom side of the protrusion formed by the second cylindrical portion 8b (see Figure 6 ), preferably removably.

[0093] The bottom surface 32 also has an opening 28, which is circular in this embodiment, and the opening is designed to surround the support unit 6 (see Figure 6 ). Preferably, the diameter of the opening 28 is larger than the outer diameter of the support unit 6, so that a clearance surrounding the support unit 6 is provided between the support unit 6 and the bottom surface 32. In other words, the bottom surface 32 is arranged to be movable relative to the support unit 6 to a certain extent.

[0094] In this embodiment, the spring elements 23 - 26 are arranged in pairs opposite to each other, where the spring elements 23 and 24 form the first opposite pair, and the spring elements 25 and 26 form the second opposite pair. In this embodiment, the spring elements 23 - 26 are each designed as leaf springs and are composed of straight metal strips 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a that are designed to be substantially elongated. The spring elements have corresponding brackets 23b, 23b', 24b, 24b', 25b, 25b', 26b, 26b' at both ends extending relative to the longitudinal direction. The metal strips are each designed to be flexible, i.e., they allow deflection transverse to their longitudinal extension. Each of the spring elements 23, 24 of the first opposite pair has corresponding brackets 23b', 24b' firmly connected to the base plate 9 of the laboratory device 1 at one end, as shown by taking the spring element 24 as an example in Figure 2 , and has corresponding brackets 23b, 24b firmly connected to the bottom surface 32 of the frame element 7 at the other end (see Figure 5 ). Thus, the bottom surface 32 is arranged to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Z and perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the spring elements 23, 24 of the first opposite pair.

[0095] In Figure 5 , each of the spring elements 25, 26 of the second opposite pair is firmly connected to the bottom surface 32 of the frame element 7 at one end via corresponding brackets 25b', 26b', and is firmly connected to the top surface 31 of the frame element 7 at the other end via corresponding brackets 25b, 26b. In Figure 3This is illustrated by way of example with the spring element 26. Accordingly, the top surface 31 opposite the bottom surface 32 is arranged to be movable in a second direction perpendicular to the central axis Z and perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the second pair of opposing spring elements 25, 26. Generally speaking, said configuration of the frame element 7 results in movement of the top surface 31 surrounding the output flange 8 within a plane perpendicular to the central axis Z, in particular within a horizontal plane. Thereby, the output flange 8 and the carrier plate 2 can perform the above-described circular or elliptical oscillating movement (orbital movement or vibrational movement) within a plane perpendicular to the central axis Z.

[0096] During operation of the shaking and / or mixing device 1 of the first embodiment, the drive device 3 starts to operate to impart a rotational movement to the output shaft 5 about the central axis Z via the belt 4 and the flange 12. The rotational movement of the output shaft 5 is transmitted to the output flange 8 in an eccentric manner, thereby causing the above-described circular or elliptical oscillating movement (orbital movement or vibrational movement) of the output flange 8 and the carrier plate 2, on which samples (not shown in the figures) are arranged. By fastening the output flange 8 to the frame element 7, the spatial orientation of the output flange 8 and the carrier plate 2 is maintained, i.e., they do not rotate about the central axis M. Since the top surface 31 of the frame element 7 is substantially horizontally aligned and the extensions of the holes 21, 22 and the fastening elements 14 are parallel to the central axis Z, the output flange 8 and the carrier plate 2 are respectively arranged to be substantially horizontal or perpendicular to the central axis Z, such that during operation of the shaking and / or mixing device 1, the carrier plate 2 performs an orbital or vibrational movement within the plane of the carrier plate (i.e., perpendicular to the central axis Z).

[0097] Due to the fact that the output flange 8 and the carrier plate 2 can be selectively attached to one of the two holes 21, 22, modularity of the shaking and / or mixing device 1 of the first embodiment has been provided. Thereby, orbital movement or vibrational movement with different radii or amplitudes of movement can be achieved.

[0098] The following will refer to Figures 7 to 11 a second embodiment of a laboratory device according to the present invention will be described. The laboratory device of the second embodiment is also designed as a shaking and / or mixing device 100. Elements in the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment that are the same or similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures and their explanations will not be repeated in detail.

[0099] Specifically, the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment may be provided with the base unit (i.e., the base plate 9), the drive device 3 and the support unit 6 of the shaking and / or mixing device of the above-described first embodiment, as well as its carrier plate 2. The output shaft 105, the frame element 107 and the output flange 108 according to the second embodiment are different from the corresponding elements of the first embodiment.

[0100] The following will refer to Figure 9a and Figure 9b to describe the output shaft 105 according to the second embodiment in more detail. Similar to the output shaft of the first embodiment, the output shaft 105 of the second embodiment extends along its central axis Z from the upper end 5a to the lower end 5b and has the above-mentioned parts 15, 16, 17, and 18. Compared with the output shaft of the first embodiment, the output shaft 105 has an additional end portion 115 at its upper end 5a. The end portion 115 has a surface 115a at the upper end 5a, which forms an angle α different from 90° with the central axis Z. For example, the angle α can be 85°. The surface 115a at the upper end 5a of the end portion 115 is preferably used as a contact surface on which the output flange 8 rests and / or to which the output flange can be fastened.

[0101] The output shaft 105 of the second embodiment has a hole 121 that extends from the upper end 5a of the output shaft 105 toward the lower end 5b and is designed to receive a fastening element 14 to attach the output flange 108 to the output shaft 105 (see Figure 9a and Figure 11 ). The hole 121 does not extend parallel to the central axis Z but forms an angle β with the central axis Z. In other words, the central axis M of the output flange 108 intersects the central axis Z at the central point E (see Figure 11 ), where the two axes Z and M form an angle β. Preferably, the axis of the hole 121 is selected such that the central axis M of the output flange 108 is perpendicular to the surface 115a (contact surface) of the end portion 115 of the output shaft 105 (see Figure 9b ). That is, for the case of α = 85°, preferably β = 5°. The angle α of the surface 115a and / or the angle β of the hole 121 define the attachment position of the carrier plate 2. In other words, in this second embodiment, the plane of the bearing surface 2a is inclined at an angle β with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0102] Thus, the rotational movement of the output shaft 105 about its central axis Z is transmitted to the output flange 108 and the carrier plate 2 in the form of a swinging movement, during which the carrier plate 2 performs a rotational tilting movement about the central point E.

[0103] The design of the output flange 108 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the output flange of the first embodiment, but only has a first cylindrical portion 108a and a second cylindrical portion 108b, as Figure 11 shown. Similar to the first embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 108a has a smaller diameter than the second cylindrical portion 108b and is designed to extend through the central groove of the carrier plate 2 such that the carrier plate 2 rests on and can be fastened to the protrusion formed by the second cylindrical portion 108b. The second cylindrical portion 108b can, for example, have a diameter that increases downward, asFigure 11 as shown, or has a constant diameter (not shown in the figures), and is designed to be pivotally attached to the frame element 107. To this end, in the present embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 108b has two holes 109 that are circumferentially opposite each other, each of the two holes extending from the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 108b along a common hole axis F towards the central axis M of the output flange 108. The holes 109 are designed such that the hole axis F intersects the central axis Z of the output shaft 105 and the central axis M of the output flange 108 at a central point E (see Figure 11 ). The holes 109 are designed to receive the pins 110 of the frame element 107 in such a way that the pins 110 are held in the holes 109 for rotation about the hole axis F (see Figure 10 ).

[0104] The following will refer to Figure 10 to describe the frame element 107 of the second embodiment. The frame element 107 has a frame 111, which in the present embodiment is designed to be substantially circular or square with rounded corners and has a central groove 112, which is designed such that when the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device, the frame 111 surrounds the second cylindrical portion 108b of the output flange 108 without contacting it (see Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 ). In other words, when the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device, the inner circumferential surface 111a of the frame 111 that defines the central groove 112 is set at a certain distance from the output flange 108.

[0105] The frame element 107 has the above two pins 110, where the pins 110 are provided on corresponding opposite sides of the inner surface 111a and extend from the inner surface 111a along a common axis H into the central groove 112. The pins are designed to be received in the holes 109 of the output flange 108 when the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device (see Figure 11 ). When the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device, the axis H of the pins 110 thus corresponds to the hole axis F of the holes 109 of the output flange 108.

[0106] On the outer side 111b of the frame 111 that faces away from the central groove 112, brackets 113 are provided on corresponding opposite sides of the frame 111. The brackets 113 can be fastened to the substrate 9 (see Figure 7 , Figure 8)。The bracket 113 is connected to the frame 111 so as to be pivotable, such that the frame 111 can be tilted relative to the bracket 113 about an axis G, where the axis G is perpendicular to the axis H of the pin 110. When the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device, the axis G of the bracket 113 is preferably perpendicular to the central axis Z. Preferably, the axis H of the pin 110 and the axis G of the bracket 113 intersect at a common point and are perpendicular to each other. In other words, the bracket is preferably offset by 90° relative to the pin 110 in the circumferential direction of the frame 107.

[0107] The pivotable mounting of the frame 111 relative to the bracket 113 allows the frame to swing about the axis G, during which the frame 111 alternately tilts in opposite directions about the axis G. Accordingly, the frame element 107 of this second embodiment is also referred to as a swing frame.

[0108] On the top side 111c of the frame 111, i.e., the side facing away from the substrate 9 when the frame element 107 is attached to the substrate 9, fastening elements in the form of spacer bolts 114 are provided. In the present embodiment, the frame element 107 includes four spacer bolts 114, which are provided at regular intervals and are each located at a position between the pin 110 and the bracket 113 on the top side 111c. When the frame element 107 is attached to the substrate 9, the spacer bolts 114 each extend upward from the top side 111c, i.e., away from the substrate 9. The spacer bolts 114 are designed to fasten the carrier plate 2 to the frame element 107. The size of the spacer bolts 114 is designed such that when the spacer bolts 114 are attached to the frame element 107, the spacer bolts extend upward along the central axis Z beyond the first cylindrical portion 108a of the output flange 108 (see Figure 12 ). Accordingly, attaching the carrier plate 2 to the spacer bolts defines an alternative attachment position of the carrier plate 2 to the laboratory device (see Figure 12 ). The spacer bolts are detachably connected to the frame 111. In the presently described embodiment, in which a swinging movement is imparted to the carrier plate 2, the spacer bolts 114 are not used (see Figure 11 , in which the spacer bolts are not attached to the frame element 107 and the carrier plate 2 is fastened to the output flange 108).

[0109] During operation of the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment, the drive device 3 starts operating to impart a rotational movement about the central axis Z to the output shaft 105 via the belt 4 and the flange 12. The rotational movement of the output shaft 105 causes the output flange 108 and the carrier plate 2 to perform the above-described rotational tilting movement (oscillating movement) about the central point E, on which a sample (not shown in the figure) is arranged. In other words, during this movement, the central axis M of the output flange 108 rotates about the central axis Z. Since the output flange 108 is fastened to the frame element 107 by the pin 110, the output flange 108 does not rotate about the central axis M. At the same time, since the pin 110 is rotatably mounted in the hole 109 about the hole axis F and the frame 111 is pivotable about the axis G, the oscillating movement of the output flange 108 is not impeded. A rocking movement about the axis G is imparted to the frame 111.

[0110] According to Figure 12 a variant of the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment as shown, the carrier plate 2 is not attached to the output flange 108 as the first attachment position, but to the spacer bolt 114 as the second attachment position. Therefore, the carrier plate 2 does not follow the oscillating movement of the output flange 108, but follows the rocking movement of the frame about the axis G. In Figure 12 this, the axis G is perpendicular to the page through the point E.

[0111] Due to the fact that the carrier plate 2 can optionally be attached to the output flange 108 (first attachment position) or to the frame element 107 (second attachment position) via the spacer bolt 114, modularity of the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment has been provided. Thereby, the user can choose whether an oscillating or a rocking movement should be imparted to the carrier plate 2 during operation of the laboratory device.

[0112] The following will refer to Figures 13 to 17 describe a third embodiment of a laboratory device according to the present invention. The laboratory device of the third embodiment is also designed as a shaking and / or mixing device 200. Elements in the shaking and / or mixing device 200 of the third embodiment that are the same as or similar to those of the first and / or second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures and their explanations will not be repeated in detail.

[0113] Specifically, the shaking and / or mixing device 200 of the third embodiment may be provided with the base unit (i.e., the base plate 9), the drive device 3, and the support unit 6 of the shaking and / or mixing device of the above-described first and / or second embodiments, as well as its carrier plate 2 (see in particular Figure 15)。The output shaft 205 and the frame element 207 according to the third embodiment are different from the corresponding elements of the first and / or second embodiments. Specifically, the vibration and / or mixing device 200 according to the third embodiment may not be provided with an output flange as described above with respect to the first and / or second embodiments.

[0114] Reference will now be made to Figure 16a 、 Figure 16b and Figure 16c to describe the output shaft 205 according to the third embodiment in more detail. Similar to the output shafts of the first and / or second embodiments, the output shaft 205 of the third embodiment extends along its central axis Z from an upper end 5a to a lower end 5b and has the above-described portions 15, 16, 17, and 18. Compared with the output shafts of the first and / or second embodiments, the output shaft 205 has an additional transmission portion 215 at its upper end 5a. In the present embodiment, the transmission portion 215 is designed as a cylinder and defines a central axis M', which is arranged parallel to the central axis Z and offset from the central axis by a distance d'.

[0115] Optionally, the transmission portion 215 may have holes 221 for attaching the carrier plate 2 and / or the output flange, and the holes may define additional attachment positions for the carrier plate 2, especially when the shaking and / or mixing device 200 is used without the frame element 207 (not shown in the figure). The optional holes 221 may be designed, for example, similar to the holes 21, 22 described above with reference to the first embodiment, that is, for example, they may extend along the central axis M', and the center point C' of the hole 221 may be located on the central axis M' (see Figure 16c ), such that the central axis M' and / or the central axis of the output flange (not shown in the figure) attached to the output shaft is arranged to be offset from the central axis Z by a distance d' (see Figure 16c ). The exposed surface of the transmission portion 215 may be designed perpendicular to the central axis M' and used as a contact surface on which the output flange (not shown) rests and / or to which the output flange may be fastened (see the explanation thereof with respect to the first embodiment).

[0116] Since the central axis M' of the transmission portion 215 is spaced apart from the central axis Z, the rotational movement of the output shaft 5 about the central axis Z causes an eccentric movement of the transmission portion 215.

[0117] Reference will now be made to Figure 17The framework element 207 of the third embodiment will be described. The framework element 207 is basically designed as a carriage that can be displaced along the guiding element. Specifically, the carriage is formed by a plate 211, which is a rectangular plate in this example, and is arranged to be movable along the guiding element through a sleeve 210. The guiding element is in the form of two rods 208, 209, which extend parallel to each other and have their respective longitudinal axes K1, K2, such that the plate 211 is arranged to be displaceable along the directions of the longitudinal axes K1, K2. The rods 208, 209 can be attached to the base plate 9 of the shaking and / or mixing device 200 (see Figures 13 to 15 ) at their ends through corresponding brackets 213. When the framework element 207 is attached to the laboratory device, the brackets 213 are preferably arranged on the side of the rods 208, 209 opposite to the plate 211 and / or extend away from the rods parallel to the central axis Z. Preferably, when the framework element 207 is attached to the base plate 9, the directions of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209 are perpendicular to the central axis Z.

[0118] The plate 211 has a groove 212 designed to be elongated, and the longitudinal axis L of the groove extends perpendicular to the directions of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209. The groove 212 is designed to receive the transmission part 215 of the output shaft 205 (see Figure 16a 、 16b ), and allows the transmission part 215 to move along its longitudinal axis L in the groove 212, and allows the transmission part 215 to rotate around its central axis M'.

[0119] On the top side 211a of the plate 211, that is, the side facing away from the base plate 9 when the framework element 207 is attached to the base plate 9 (see Figures 13 to 15 ), fastening elements in the form of spacer bolts 214 are provided. In this embodiment, the framework element 207 includes four spacer bolts 214, and when the framework element 207 is attached to the base plate 9, each of the four spacer bolts extends upward from the top side 211a of the plate 211, that is, extends away from the base plate 9. The spacer bolts 214 are designed to fasten the carrier plate 2 to the framework element 207, and are sized such that they extend upward beyond the transmission part 215 of the output shaft 205 along the central axis Z (see Figures 13 to 15 ). The spacer bolts 214 can be detachably connected to the plate 211, for example. Preferably, when the carrier plate 2 is attached to the framework element 207 through the spacer bolts 114, the plane of the bearing surface 2a of the carrier plate 2 is arranged to be perpendicular to the central axis M' and the central axis Z.

[0120] This configuration of the frame element 207 causes the eccentric movement of the transmission part 215 of the output shaft 205 to be transmitted into an oscillating or reciprocating movement of the plate 211 in the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209 during the movement of the output shaft around the central axis Z. This movement of the plate 211 in the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 is achieved in particular by the fact that the transmission part 215 of the output shaft 205 can move only along the longitudinal axis L of the groove 212 of the plate 211, and the plate 211 can be displaced only in the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209. Thus, the frame element 207 of this third embodiment is also referred to as a reciprocating frame. Furthermore, by rotating the transmission part 215 in the groove 212 about its central axis M' and guiding the plate 211 along the rods 208, 209, rotation of the plate 211 and thus of the carrier plate 2 about the central axis M' or the central axis Z can be prevented.

[0121] Figures 13 to 15 A view of a shaking and / or mixing device 200 with a frame element 207 and an attached carrier plate 2 is shown. In particular in Figure 13 it can be seen that through the central groove of the carrier plate 2, the part of the plate 211 of the frame element 207 with the groove 212 can be seen, through which the transmission part 215 of the output shaft 205 extends (see also Figure 15 ). During operation of the shaking and / or mixing device 200 of the third embodiment, the drive device 3 starts to operate to impart a rotational movement about the central axis Z to the output shaft 205 via the belt 4 and the flange 12 ( Figures 13 to 15 not shown in the figure). This rotational movement of the output shaft 205 causes the carrier plate 2 and the samples arranged thereon (not shown in the figure) to move only oscillatingly in the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209.

[0122] For example, the modularity of the shaking and / or mixing device 200 of the third embodiment can be provided due to the fact that the carrier plate 2 can be optionally attached to the plate 211 of the frame element 207 (first attachment position) via the spacer bolts 214, or can optionally be attached to the holes 221 of the transmission part 215 and / or an output flange (not shown) (second attachment position).

[0123] By combining the elements of the first, second, and / or third embodiments with each other, the modularity of laboratory devices, in particular shaking and / or mixing devices, can be further enhanced. Thus, for example, a modular laboratory device can be provided with the aforementioned base unit and the aforementioned carrier plate, as well as the corresponding output shafts, output flanges, and / or frame elements of the first and / or second and / or third embodiments. Then, the user can decide, for example, whether the laboratory device operates with the corresponding output shafts, frame elements, and optionally output flanges of the first, second, or third embodiments. In addition, as described above, at least in the first and second (optionally also the third) embodiments, the user can choose between two different attachment positions of the carrier plate. Thereby, different types of movements can be achieved to thoroughly mix the sample.

[0124] The embodiments of the aforementioned shaking and / or mixing devices should be understood as non-limiting examples. The individual components can also be implemented in different ways and, in particular, can deviate from the aforementioned configurations in terms of their form.

[0125] In the first embodiment of the aforementioned laboratory device, instead of the frame element designed as a leaf spring frame, any other frame element can also be used, which is designed to receive the output flange in such a way that it prevents the output flange from rotating around its central axis but at the same time allows the required movements (vibratory or orbital movements) in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. Correspondingly, the frame elements of the second and third embodiments are also not limited to the described configurations.

[0126] In the aforementioned shaking and / or mixing device, the sample receiving element is designed as a plate. However, within the scope of the present application, it is also possible for the sample receiving element to be designed in other shapes than plate-shaped, for example, a holder in which the sample is held in an upright and / or suspended manner.

[0127] The present invention is not limited to shaking and / or mixing devices but can also be applied to other laboratory devices. For example, the present invention is also applicable to magnetic stirrers, which are designed to thoroughly mix a sample by means of a magnetic stirring bar arranged within the sample itself, as a laboratory device. This enables, for example, thorough mixing of the sample by means of a sequence of movements achievable by a laboratory device according to the present invention, as an addition to or an alternative to thorough mixing of the sample by means of a stirring bar.

Claims

1. A modular laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device (1, 100, 200), which comprises: a sample receiving element (2), which is designed to receive a sample, a drive device (3), and at least one transmission element (5, 7, 8, 105, 107, 108, 205, 207), which has a central axis (Z) and is designed to be driven by the drive device (3) to perform a rotational movement about the central axis (Z) and to transmit this rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a defined movement sequence, wherein the laboratory device comprises at least one first transmission element and a second transmission element, wherein the first transmission element and the second transmission element can be selectively and alternatively inserted into the laboratory device (1, 100, 200), and the first transmission element is designed to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a first movement sequence, and the second transmission element is designed to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a second movement sequence different from the first movement sequence, and / or wherein the laboratory device comprises at least one third transmission element, which is designed to enable the sample receiving element (2) to be attached to the third transmission element at a first attachment position and a second attachment position different from the first attachment position, and to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) at the first attachment position in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a third movement sequence, and to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) at the second attachment position in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a fourth movement sequence different from the third movement sequence.

2. The modular laboratory device according to claim 1, wherein the first movement sequence and the second movement sequence and / or the third movement sequence and the fourth movement sequence each originate from the following group of movement sequences: - Movements only in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (Z), - Movements having only a movement component parallel to the central axis (Z), - Movements having both a movement component parallel to the central axis (Z) and a movement component perpendicular to the central axis (Z), and preferably each of the following groups of movement sequences: - Oscillatory movements only in one direction (K1, K2) perpendicular to the central axis (Z), - Circular or elliptical oscillatory movements in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (Z) having a first radius or a second radius different from the first radius, - Rocking movements, during which the sample receiving element alternately tilts in opposite directions about an axis (G), preferably an axis perpendicular to the central axis (Z). - a swinging movement, during which the sample receiving element performs a rotational tilting movement about a central point (E), preferably a central point on the central axis (Z).

3. The modular laboratory device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transfer element and the second transfer element differ in the attachment positions of the sample receiving element (2) to the respective transfer elements.

4. The modular laboratory device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising fastening elements (8, 13, 14, 21, 22, 108, 121, 221), the fastening elements being designed to attach the sample receiving element (2) to the respective transfer elements at the respective attachment positions, wherein the fastening elements have a central axis (M) defining the attachment positions, and wherein the respective attachment positions are defined by one of the following features: - the central axis (M) of the fastening element is parallel to the central axis (Z) and offset with respect to the central axis, in particular offset by a first distance (d1) or a second distance (d2) different from the first distance; - the central axis (M) of the fastening element intersects the central axis (Z) at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably at an angle between 2° and 10°, in particular at 5°.

5. The modular laboratory device according to claim 4, wherein the respective transfer element is designed to maintain the spatial orientation of the sample receiving element (2) with respect to the central axis (M) of the fastening element, in particular to prevent the sample receiving element from rotating about the central axis (M) of the fastening element.

6. The modular laboratory device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the plane of the sample receiving element (2), in particular the plane of the bearing surface (2a) of the sample receiving element, is arranged perpendicular to the central axis (M) of the fastening element.

7. The modular laboratory device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the respective transfer element comprises an output shaft (5, 105), the output shaft extending from an upper end (5a) across the central axis (Z) to a lower end (5b) and being designed to be driven by the drive device (3) to perform a rotational movement about the central axis (Z), wherein the fastening element comprises holes (21, 22, 121) provided in the output shaft (5, 105), the holes extending from the upper end (5a) towards the central axis (M), and / or wherein the output shaft (5, 105) comprises a contact surface (115a) for attaching the sample receiving element at the upper end (5a), and the contact surface (115a) extends perpendicular to the central axis (M) of the fastening element.

8. The modular laboratory device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the respective transfer element comprises a frame element (7, 107), the frame element being designed to prevent the sample receiving element from rotating about the central axis (M).

9. The modular laboratory device according to claim 8, wherein the frame element (7) comprises at least one elastic element, in particular a spring element (23, 24, 25, 26), preferably a leaf spring, and is designed to allow the sample receiving element (2) to move in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (Z), in particular to perform circular or elliptical oscillatory movement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (Z), and preferably to allow movement only in this plane.

10. The modular laboratory device according to claim 8, wherein the frame element (107) comprises a frame (111) which is attached to the laboratory device so as to be pivotable about a first axis (G), and wherein the sample receiving element can be attached to the frame (111) so as to be pivotable about a second axis (H, F), wherein the first axis (G) and the second axis (H, F) intersect the central axis (Z) at a central point (E).

11. The modular laboratory device according to claim 10, wherein the central axis (M) of the fastening element intersects the central axis (Z) at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, and the intersection point of the central axis and the central axis is the central point (E).

12. The modular laboratory device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the transmission element comprises: an output shaft (105) which is designed to be driven by the drive device (3) to perform a rotational movement about the central axis (Z); and an output flange (108) which has an upper part (108a) and a lower part (108b) along the central axis (M) of the fastening element, the central axis of the fastening element intersecting the central axis (Z) at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, wherein the lower part (108b) is attached to the output shaft (105), and the upper part (108a) defines a first attachment position of the sample receiving element (2), the sample receiving element (2) being attached to the upper part (108a) at the first attachment position, and wherein the frame element (107) defines a second attachment position of the sample receiving element (2), the sample receiving element (2) being attached to the frame element (107) at the second attachment position.

13. The modular laboratory device according to claim 12, wherein the transmission element is designed such that the sample receiving element (2) performs a swinging movement about the central point (E) during operation of the laboratory device if the sample receiving element is in the first attachment position, and a rocking movement about the first axis (G) if the sample receiving element is in the second attachment position.

14. The modular laboratory device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmission element comprises an output shaft (205) that extends along the central axis (Z) from an upper end (5a) to a lower end (5b) and is designed to be driven by the drive device (3) to perform a rotational movement about the central axis (Z), and wherein the transmission element further comprises a frame element (207) that is designed to transmit the movement of the output shaft (205) about the central axis (Z) to the sample receiving element (2) in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a movement, in particular an oscillating movement, only in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (Z), preferably only in one direction (K1, K2) perpendicular to the central axis (Z).

15. The modular laboratory device according to claim 14, wherein the frame element (207) has carriages (210, 211) and guide elements (208, 209) extending along a first axis (K1, K2), the carriages (210, 211) being arranged on the guide elements so as to be displaceable, wherein the carriages (210, 211) have grooves (212) designed to be elongate, the longitudinal axis (L) of the grooves extending transversely to, preferably perpendicular to, the first axis (K1, K2), and wherein more preferably, the output shaft (205) has a transmission portion (215) at its upper end (5a), the transmission portion defining a central axis (M') that is arranged parallel to the central axis (Z) and offset from the central axis by a certain distance (d'), and the groove (212) of the carriage is designed to receive the transmission portion (215) such that the transmission portion (215) is arranged in the groove (212) so as to be movable along its longitudinal axis (L), and / or wherein preferably, the sample receiving element (2) can be attached to the carriage.

16. The modular laboratory device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which comprises: a substrate (9) on which the drive device (3) is arranged; and a support unit (6) attached to the substrate (9) and designed such that the respective transmission element can be inserted into the support unit (6) in such a way that the transmission element is held in the support unit (6) so as to be rotatable about the central axis (Z), and the central axis (Z) is preferably arranged vertically and / or perpendicular to the plane of the substrate (9), and the respective transmission element can be removed from the support unit (6), wherein preferably, the substrate (9), the drive device (3) and the support unit (6) form a base unit to which the respective transmission element can be selectively attached, and / or wherein preferably, the drive device (3) is arranged offset relative to the central axis (Z) and is connected to the support unit (6) via a belt (4).

17. The modular laboratory device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sample receiving element is designed as a carrier plate.

18. A laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device (100), which comprises: a sample receiving element (2) for receiving a sample, a drive device (3), and a transmission element (5, 7, 8, 105, 107, 108, 205, 207), which has a central axis (Z) and is designed to be driven by the drive device (3) to perform a rotational movement about the central axis (Z) and to transmit this rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) in such a way that the sample receiving element performs a defined sequence of movements, wherein the transmission element comprises: an output shaft (105), which is designed to be driven by the drive device (3) to perform a rotational movement about the central axis (Z), an output flange (108), which has a central axis (M) that intersects the central axis (Z) at a central point (E) at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, and a frame element (107), wherein the frame element (107) comprises a frame (111) which is attached to the laboratory device so as to be pivotable about a first axis (G), and the sample receiving element (2) can be attached to the frame (111) so as to be pivotable about a second axis (H), wherein the first axis (G) intersects the second axis (H) at the central point (E).

19. The frame element (107) according to claim 18, wherein the output flange (108) has an upper part (108a) and a lower part (108b) along the central axis (M), wherein the lower part (108b) is attached to the output shaft (105), and the upper part (108a) defines a first attachment position of the sample receiving element (2), at which the sample receiving element (2) is attached to the upper part (108a), and the frame element (107) defines a second attachment position of the sample receiving element (2), at which the sample receiving element (2) is attached to the frame element (107).

20. The frame element according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the frame element (107) is designed to prevent the sample receiving element from rotating about the central axis (M) of the output flange (108), and / or wherein the laboratory device is designed such that the sample receiving element (2) performs a swinging movement about the central point (E) during operation of the laboratory device if the sample receiving element is in the first attachment position, and / or wherein the frame element is designed such that the sample receiving element (2) performs a rocking movement about the first axis (G) during operation of the laboratory device if the sample receiving element is in the second attachment position.

21. A method of using a modular laboratory device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising selecting a transfer element from at least the first transfer element and the second transfer element and inserting the selected transfer element into the laboratory device, and / or comprising selecting an attachment position for the sample receiving element from at least the first attachment position and the second attachment position on the third transfer element and attaching the sample receiving element at the selected attachment position.

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