Experimental mill and sample holder for experimental mill

Abstract

An experimental mill and a sample holder for an experimental mill are shown and described, the experimental mill having: at least one sample holder for receiving at least one sample container; and at least one holding device arranged to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and / or to be oscillatory about an oscillation axis and for holding and carrying the sample holder during operation of the experimental mill, the sample container being moved on a track having an effective radius during operation of the experimental mill, complementary coupling geometries are provided on the sample holder and on the holding device for coupling the sample holder to the holding device, in particular in a form-fitting manner, and wherein the sample holder and the holding device are arranged in the form-fitting manner, the sample holder can be coupled to the holding device via coupling geometries in at least two different orientations relative to the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation to vary the effective radius of the track of the sample container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an experimental mill, in particular an experimental vibratory mill, which has at least one sample holder for receiving at least one sample container, in particular for receiving a plurality of sample containers, more particularly for receiving reaction vessels with small sample volumes in the milliliter range, and the experimental mill has at least one holding device arranged to rotate about a rotation axis and / or oscillate about an oscillation axis and for holding and carrying the sample holder during operation of the experimental mill; in particular, the experimental mill has a holding device connected to the oscillating arm of the experimental mill and moving with the oscillating arm during operation of the mill, wherein the sample container moves on an orbit about the rotation axis and / or the axis of rotation with an effective radius during operation of the experimental mill, in particular wherein the plurality of sample containers move on orbits with different effective radii.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a sample holder for an experimental mill of the aforementioned type. Background Art

[0003] An experimental mill of the above type is known from DE 10 2020 101 523 A1. The known experimental mill is a vibratory mill for two grinding bowls serving as sample holders, which perform an arcuate vibration in a horizontal position. The pendulum drive of the vibratory mill has a multi-part design, which has an eccentric shaft and two oscillating arms. The eccentric shaft is mounted to rotate about a vertical eccentric axis, and the two oscillating arms are each mounted to oscillate about a vertical oscillation axis and are connected to the eccentric shaft by a coupling. The grinding bowl holder for the grinding bowls is attached to the oscillating arm. Each grinding bowl holder has a cooling plate as a heat transfer element, which is connected to a temperature control line. This enables highly effective temperature control of the grinding bowls and thus of the samples held by the grinding bowls. Thereby, when cold, warm or hot temperature control medium passes through the temperature control line, heat is transferred between the temperature control medium and the grinding bowl via the wall of the heat transfer element. During the grinding operation, the outer part of the cooling plate contacts the base surface of the grinding bowl, whereby heat is transferred conductively via the contact surface of the cooling plate and the base surface of the grinding bowl.

[0004] The grinding bowl holder of a known experimental mill has a retaining bracket that is firmly connected to the oscillating arm of the experimental mill and interacts with another horizontally adjustable retaining bracket. By adjusting the clamping screw, the outer retaining bracket can be supported against the inner retaining bracket and thus the grinding bowl can be horizontally supported between the retaining brackets.

[0005] On the outer side of the grinding bowl, there are coupling elements that can be coupled or connected to another coupling element on the retaining bracket connected to the oscillating arm. The coupling elements have outer functional surfaces that form geometric structures for coupling, and these outer functional surfaces interlock when the grinding bowl is inserted into the grinding bowl holder. When the grinding bowl is supported in the grinding bowl holder, a positive connection is formed between the geometric structures for coupling. When the grinding bowl is inserted into the grinding bowl holder, the grinding bowl is guided via the geometric structures for coupling, and when the grinding bowl is supported, the grinding bowl is held in an exact position on the grinding bowl holder.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to further develop the experimental mill known from DE 10 2020 101 523 A1. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an experimental mill that is characterized in that uniform results are obtained during sample processing, especially when the sample holder is loaded with multiple samples and these samples are processed simultaneously during the operation of the experimental mill. Finally, the application range of the experimental mill known from DE 10 2020 101 523 A1 will be advantageously expanded. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to the present invention, in an experimental mill of the type mentioned at the beginning, it is proposed that a plurality of complementary geometric structures for coupling are provided on the sample container and the holding device for coupling the sample holder to the holding device, in particular in a form-fitting manner, wherein the sample holder can be coupled to the holding device in at least two different orientations relative to the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation, and wherein the effective radius of the orbit of at least one sample container, in particular the effective radii of the orbits of multiple sample containers, can be changed by changing the orientation of the sample holder. The geometric structures for coupling predetermine a specific orientation of the sample holder relative to the holding device in the coupled state.

[0008] The term "effective radius of the orbit" describes the distance between the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation or the axis of revolution about which the sample holder rotates or oscillates during the grinding operation and the point and / or area of the sample container held on the sample holder, relative to a preferred horizontal plane. By coupling the sample holder, as required, via coupling geometric members disposed at different points on the sample holder, the sample holder can be connected to the holding device in different orientations relative to the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation, which results in a change, i.e., an increase or a decrease, in the effective radius of the orbit of at least one sample container held on the sample holder.

[0009] The change in the effective radius of the orbit is referenced to the same observation plane, preferably, the change in the effective radius of the orbit is referenced to the same horizontal observation plane.

[0010] Due to the coupling geometric members provided at different positions on the sample holder, the sample holder can be connected to the holding device, as required, via a first coupling geometric member or via a second coupling geometric member or additional coupling geometric members. By connecting the sample holder to the holding device via different coupling geometric members, the distances of the sample containers radially external and radially internal to the sample holder from the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation, in terms of the grinding state of the experimental mill, can be changed to positively affect the grinding result.

[0011] The sample holder can be coupled or connected to the holding device via a plurality of coupling geometric members on the sample holder, wherein the alignment of the sample holder with the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation is different. By changing the alignment of the sample holder with the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation and coupling the sample holder to the holding device via a first coupling geometric member or via at least one additional coupling geometric member, the alignment of the previously radially internal sample or sample area and the radially external sample or sample area is also changed.

[0012] Preferably, it can be set that the sample holder has coupling geometric members on two opposite outer sides, such that the sample holder can be coupled to the holding device via the first coupling geometric member located on the first outer side or the second coupling geometric member located on the second outer side as needed. Preferably, according to the coupling, the sample holder can be coupled to the holding device via the first coupling geometric member or the second coupling geometric member. Preferably, the sample holder can be rotated 180° about a transverse axis extending transversely to the effective radius and then coupled to the holding device via the first coupling geometric member or the second coupling geometric member. This allows the effective radius of the orbit of at least one sample container held in and / or on the sample holder to be changed to equalize the grinding result.

[0013] Although the sample holder is preferably designed to hold a plurality of sample containers, the sample holder can also be designed to hold only one sample container.

[0014] Changing the alignment of the sample holder relative to the rotation axis and / or the oscillation axis in the coupled state changes the kinematics of the sample in the sample container of the sample holder. Changing the alignment of the sample holder relative to the rotation axis and / or the oscillation axis also affects the kinematics within the sample container. For example, after changing the orientation of the sample holder relative to the rotation axis and / or the oscillation axis, the radially outer region of the sample in the sample container of the sample holder can be arranged closer to the rotation axis and / or the oscillation axis or arranged radially inwards, and correspondingly, after changing the orientation of the sample holder, the radially inner region of the sample in the sample container can be arranged away from the rotation axis and / or the oscillation axis or arranged radially outwards. Therefore, the effective radius of the orbits of different regions within the sample container changes, and thus the kinematics of the radially inner region and the radially outer region of the sample within the sample container also change.

[0015] In particular, therefore, the movement of the sample located radially inside the sample holder and the sample located radially outside during the operation of the experimental mill can be adjusted by changing the orientation of the sample holder. For this purpose, for example, the operation of the experimental mill can be interrupted after half of the processing time or grinding time, and the sample holder can be removed from or disconnected from the holding device. Then, the sample holder is rotated, preferably by 180°, and reconnected or coupled to the holding device via the coupling geometric structure, wherein the sample has this new alignment with respect to the rotation axis and / or the axis of rotation. On the other hand, if the sample holder is held and carried on the holding device throughout the grinding time and the sample has the same alignment with respect to the rotation axis and / or the axis of rotation, the kinematics of the experimental mill will cause the sample radially inside and the sample radially outside to move on orbits with unequal effective radii, and thus different processing results may be achieved during sample processing.

[0016] Changing the orientation of the sample holder is also advantageous in the case where the sample holder holds only one sample or multiple samples that move on the same orbit around the rotation axis and / or the axis of rotation during the grinding operation. Thus, the change in orientation can be specifically provided to ensure uniform processing or grinding results of the samples in the sample container.

[0017] In addition to coupling the sample holder to the holding device via the coupling geometric structure, the holding device can also have a clamping device to support the sample holder in and / or on the holding device, for example, in the manner described in DE 10 2020101 523 A1. When the sample holder is supported in and / or on the holding device, a form-fitting connection or joint of the coupling geometric structure can be formed thereby, such that the sample holder is fixed to the holding device.

[0018] The functional surfaces of the coupling geometric structure on the sample holder and the functional surfaces of the coupling geometric structure on the holding device are complementary. During coupling, the complementary functional surfaces of the coupling geometric structure can interact and are particularly interlocked. For example, the complementary coupling geometric structures can be joined together in a dovetail connection manner, especially when the sample holder is inserted into the holding device from above.

[0019] The geometric structure for connection can be designed to have corresponding functional surfaces such that the functional surfaces can be inserted into each other with sufficient clearance. Thus, the geometric structure for connection can be used to guide the sample holder. Before interlocking and before the sample holder is supported in and / or on the holding device via the clamping device of the holding device, the functional surfaces of the geometric structure for connection can move relative to each other. This enables the geometric structure for connection of the sample holder to be inserted into the complementary geometric structure for connection of the holding device in a simple manner from above when inserting the sample holder into the holding device.

[0020] When the sample holder is supported in and / or on the holding device, the functional surfaces of the geometric structure for connection move towards each other such that a form-fit connection is formed and the sample holder is fixed in an exact position on the holding device in the connected state.

[0021] Preferably, with respect to the operation of the experimental mill or in the connected state of the sample holder, a plurality of geometric structures for connection provided on the sample holder are located on orbits with different effective radii. Depending on which geometric structure for connection of the sample holder is used to connect the sample holder to the holding device, different alignment modes of the sample holder relative to the holding device can be achieved, and thus also different alignment modes of the sample holder relative to the rotation axis and / or oscillation axis around which the sample holder moves during the operation of the experimental mill.

[0022] In particular, the sample holder can be connected to the holding device via the geometric structure for connection provided on the sample holder in two different orientations of the sample holder relative to the rotation axis and / or oscillation axis, and the two different orientations preferably rotate 180° relative to each other. After the alignment rotation and the connection rotation, the previously radially inner sample or sample region is then radially outward, and the previously radially outer sample or sample region is then radially inward. In order to change the effective radius of the orbit of the sample container, in particular to change the effective radii of the orbits of a plurality of sample containers, the geometric structure for connection on the sample holder can be designed accordingly to be rotationally symmetric with respect to a first central plane of the sample holder, in particular with respect to a central plane of the sample holder that extends transversely to the radial direction passing through the rotation axis and / or oscillation axis.

[0023] In order to vary the left / right direction of the sample holder relative to the radial direction passing through the axis of rotation and / or the axis of revolution, it is possible to provide an additional rotationally symmetric design of the coupling geometry on the sample holder with respect to the second central plane of the sample holder, in particular where the second central plane extends orthogonally to the first central plane, more particularly where the second central plane intersects the axis of rotation and / or the axis of revolution. The term "left / right alignment of the sample container" here refers to the left or right position of the sample container in the radial direction which passes through the axis of revolution and / or the axis of rotation about which the holding device rotates or oscillates during operation of the experimental mill. Thus, due to the rotationally symmetric design about two central planes extending orthogonally to one another, the sample holder can be coupled to the holding device in a total of four different orientations, in particular the sample holder can be inserted into the holding device in a total of four different orientations.

[0024] Preferably, the sample holder has coupling geometry on two radially outer sides which can be coupled to at least one coupling geometry on the holding device in order to vary the effective radius of the orbit of the sample container, in particular of a plurality of sample containers, by varying the alignment of the sample holder during the grinding operation. However, alternatively, the sample holder can also have coupling geometry on only one outer side, whereby two complementary coupling geometries can be provided on the holding device and, accordingly, each coupling geometry of the holding device is opposite the radially outer side of the sample holder. Thus, in this embodiment, the sample holder can also be coupled to the holding device in different alignments relative to the axis of rotation and / or the axis of revolution as required.

[0025] Furthermore, an embodiment is not excluded in which the sample holder has at least one coupling geometry on two opposite radially outer sides and the holding device has a plurality of complementary coupling geometries, where at least one complementary coupling geometry on the holding device is assigned to each coupling geometry on the radially outer side of the sample holder. Thus, in the coupled state, the sample holder is coupled to the holding device on two opposite outer sides of the sample holder in each case via the complementary coupling geometries of the sample holder and the holding device.

[0026] For a simplified design of the sample holder, it is advantageous if two coupling geometric elements are formed identically on two laterally opposite outer portions of the sample holder in the radial direction. However, an embodiment is not excluded in which the sample holder has different coupling geometric elements on two laterally opposite outer portions in the radial direction, and these coupling geometric elements interact with corresponding different coupling geometric elements of the holding device and the sample holder that are complementary to the respective coupling geometric elements.

[0027] As in the embodiment shown in DE 10 2020 101 523 A1, the sample holder abuts against the heat transfer element and rests thereon at least in some regions in the coupled state. The heat transfer element is particularly a plate-shaped heat transfer element, and the heat transfer element is connected to the temperature control medium pipeline. In particular, the sample holder rests on the heat transfer element at least in some regions in the coupled state. A cooling plate can be provided on the holding device, and the sample holder rests on the cooling plate and is indirectly cooled or heated by the cooling plate. The temperature structure can be homogenized by rotating the sample holder 180° about the radial direction or by changing the left-right orientation of the sample. For this purpose, the sample holder preferably has two uniform flat sides opposite to each other axially, and these flat sides can rest against the cooling plate according to the rotation of the sample holder.

[0028] At least one coupling element can be provided to form the coupling geometric element, and the coupling element is preferably detachably attached to the sample holder or the holding device. Alternatively, the coupling geometric element can also be formed by the structure of the base body of the sample holder or the holding device. The functional surface of the coupling geometric element can withstand greater wear so that when a certain wear state is reached, the coupling element can be easily replaced. The coupling element can be made of, for example, hardened stainless steel to reduce the wear tendency.

[0029] If the sample holder has two halves preferably hinged to each other, it is advantageous in terms of design and in terms of equipping the sample holder with one or more sample containers; if the sample holder has two halves preferably hinged to each other, especially when each half is designed to hold multiple reaction containers and / or grinding containers, it is even more advantageous in terms of design and in terms of equipping the sample holder with one or more sample containers. Preferably, a hinge connection can be provided on the outer side of the outer edge of the half. The half can have an opening or a recess for receiving at least one sample container, but preferably for receiving multiple sample containers. Each half can be formed by a block of solid material in which an opening is formed, and the opening is particularly in the form of a through hole.

[0030] At least one coupling element having a coupling geometry can be attached to each half of the sample holder. The coupling geometry on the holding device can also be formed by coupling elements attached to the fixing device. Alternatively, the coupling geometry can also be formed by the functional surfaces of the halves themselves or by the functional surfaces of the holding device, such as the functional surfaces formed on the fixing brackets of the holding device.

[0031] Since the sample holder is divided into two parts with hinged halves, the sample holder has an interrupted coupling geometry on the outer radial sides of the halves. Thus, each half preferably has coupling elements and / or coupling geometry on two outer radial sides. When coupling the sample holder to the holding device, two coupling elements or coupling geometries arranged on the same outer radial side of the halves can interact with the coupling elements or coupling geometry of the holding device.

[0032] In the closed state of the sample holder, the halves can be connected in a form-fitting manner at least in some regions, where the halves can have corresponding form-fitting locking devices attached to the halves for this purpose, or the halves themselves have protrusions, recesses or other geometric design features that engage in a form-fitting manner when the sample holder is closed.

[0033] In the open state of the sample holder, the halves can be swung apart, whereby in the open state of the sample holder, the reaction vessels can be loaded via the flat sides of the halves that are located inside and face each other in the closed state of the sample container.

[0034] At least one mechanical separation lock can be provided such that it is difficult or prevented to accidentally open the sample holder by swinging the halves apart after the sample holder is closed. For example, a latch and / or spring device can be provided to hold the halves together when the sample container is closed.

[0035] Preferably, the sample holder includes two halves that are designed as identical components. The mirror-image structure enables the sample holder to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. The mirror-image structure is also particularly suitable for the design and arrangement of the functional surfaces forming the coupling geometry of the sample holder.

[0036] The halves can preferably be made of a material with high thermal conductivity to improve heat transfer, for example, the material with high thermal conductivity is aluminum. Description of the Drawings

[0037] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention that will be described hereinafter. The accompanying drawings illustrate:

[0038] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view from above of an experimental mill according to the present invention, wherein a sample holder is inserted into a holding device of the experimental mill;

[0039] Figure 2 is from Figure 1 a perspective view of a sample holder in a closed state;

[0040] Figure 3 is from Figure 2 a perspective view of a sample holder in an open state;

[0041] Figure 4 is from Figure 1 a partial perspective view of an experimental mill, showing a sample holder connected to a holding device in a coupled state;

[0042] Figure 5 is from Figure 1 another partial perspective view of an experimental mill, showing a sample holder connected to a holding device in a coupled state;

[0043] Figure 6 is from Figure 1 a side view of an experimental mill with a part cut away; and

[0044] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a top view of the holding device of the experimental mill shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figures 1 to 7 An experimental mill 1 is shown, which is designed as a laboratory vibrating mill. The experimental mill has a sample holder 2 for holding a plurality of sample containers 3. In order to receive the sample containers 3, a corresponding number of receiving spaces for receiving the sample containers 3 are provided in the half parts 19, 20 of the sample holder 2.

[0046] The sample holder 2 is inserted into a holding device 4, which is arranged to oscillate about an oscillation axis Y ( Figure 1 , Figure 5 ), and the holding device 4 is used to hold and carry the sample holder 2 during the operation of the experimental mill 1. The holding device 4 is connected to a swing arm 5 of the experimental mill 1 and moves together with the swing arm 5 during the operation of the mill.

[0047] During Figure 1The experimental mill 1, which is only shown in partial view, has two holding devices 4 for a sample holder 2, which performs an arcuate oscillation in a horizontal position, where, Figure 1 As an example, only one holding device 4 is shown, in which the sample holder 2 is held. The basic structure of the experimental mill 1 has been described in DE 10 2020 101523 A1. Refer to the disclosure content of the above-mentioned published text.

[0048] The design of the holding device 4 is also known from DE 10 2020 101 523 A1. By referring to DE 10 2020 101 523 A1, the disclosure content of the above-mentioned published text is included in the disclosure content of the present description of the drawings.

[0049] The holding device 4 has a holding bracket 6, which is firmly connected to the swing arm 5 and interacts with another horizontally adjustable holding bracket 7. By adjusting the tension screw 8, the outer holding bracket 7 can be supported against the inner holding bracket 6, and thus the sample holder 2 is horizontally supported between the holding bracket 6 and the holding bracket 7.

[0050] The temperature control of the sample holder 2, i.e., cooling or heating, can be carried out via a temperature control device (not shown). The temperature control is carried out via a cooling plate 9 and has been described in DE 10 2020 101 523 A1. Refer to the disclosure content of DE 10 2020 101 523 A1.

[0051] In order to convey the temperature control medium - the temperature control medium can be liquid or gaseous - from the fixed part of the experimental mill 1 to the holding device 4 and discharge the temperature control medium from the holding device 4 to the fixed part, the holding device 4 is connected to two temperature control pipelines 10, 11. In each case, one of the two temperature control pipelines 10, 11 is arranged to supply a gaseous or liquid temperature control medium, in particular liquid nitrogen, to the holding device 4, while the other of the two temperature control pipelines 10, 11 is arranged for discharge.

[0052] The sample holder 2 is designed to hold a sample container 3, in particular, the sample holder 2 is designed to hold a sample container 3 for biological samples. For temperature-sensitive biological samples, it is beneficial to actively control the temperature of the sample holder 2 by using the cooling plate 9 for temperature control. The temperature control provides the possibility to adjust discrete temperatures within a narrow range. For this purpose, various cooling and heating options are available.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the sample holder 2 is designed to hold a total of 18 sample containers 3. In this case, 9 sample containers 3 can be accommodated or held in each of the two halves 19, 20. It should be understood that the sample holder 2 can also be designed to hold a greater or lesser number of sample containers 3.

[0054] The kinematics of the experimental mill 1 are such that the radially inner samples and the radially outer samples are located on orbits with unequal effective radii r1, r3.

[0055] As can be seen from Figure 5 the radially outer sample containers 3 held on or in the sample holder 2 are located on an orbit with an effective radius r1, the radially centered sample containers are located on an orbit with an effective radius r2, and the radially inner sample containers are located on an orbit with an effective radius r3, relative to the same plane; preferably, relative to the same horizontal plane, the radially outer sample containers 3 held on or in the sample holder 2 are located on an orbit with an effective radius r1, the radially centered sample containers are located on an orbit with an effective radius r2, and the radially inner sample containers are located on an orbit with an effective radius r3.

[0056] During operation of the experimental mill 1, the oscillatory or rotational movement of the holding device 4 about the axis of rotation or axis of revolution Y and thus the oscillatory or rotational movement of the sample holder 2 about the axis of rotation or axis of revolution Y is represented by Figure 5 the arrow 12 in

[0057] The term "effective radius" refers to the same horizontal viewing plane in which the effective radii r1, r2, and r3 lie. Thus, the effective radii r1, r2, and r3 describe the different distances of the radially outer sample containers 3, the radially centered sample containers 3, and the radially inner sample containers 3 from the axis of rotation or axis of revolution Y when the sample holder 2 is coupled to the holding device 4.

[0058] Complementary coupling geometries are formed on the sample holder 2 and the holding device 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample holder 2 has coupling geometries on two opposite outer sides. The sample holder 2 can be coupled to the holding device 4 via the coupling geometries with different orientations of the sample holder 2 relative to the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation or axis of rotational movement Y or with different distances of the two opposite outer sides of the sample holder from the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation or axis of rotational movement Y.

[0059] Since the sample holder 2 can be coupled or connected to the holding device 4 via coupling geometric elements provided on different outer portions as needed, the alignment of the sample holder 2 with the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation or the axis of rotation Y can be changed, or the distance of the respective outer portion of the sample holder 2 from the axis of rotation and / or the axis of oscillation or the axis of rotation Y during the grinding operation can be changed, and thus the effective radius r1 of the orbit of the radially outer sample container 3 and the effective radius r3 of the orbit of the radially inner sample container 3 can be changed.

[0060] In Figure 5 the embodiment shown, the effective radius r1 describes the distance between the central axis M1 of the radially outer sample container 3 and the axis of rotation or the axis of rotation Y, where the central axis M1 corresponds to the central axis passing through the longitudinal direction of the radially outer sample container 3, or the central axis M1 extends parallel to the central axis of the longitudinal direction. Thus, the effective radius r3 describes the distance between the central axis M3 of the radially inner sample container 3 and the axis of rotation or the axis of rotation Y, where the central axis M3 coincides with the central axis of the longitudinal direction of the radially inner sample container 3 held on the sample holder 2, or the central axis M3 extends parallel to the central axis of the longitudinal direction. Depending on the effective radii r1, r2, and r3, the kinematics of the sample change during the grinding operation.

[0061] The effective radius r2 describes the distance between the central axis M2 of the radially centered sample container 3 held on the sample holder 2 and the axis of rotation and / or the axis of rotation Y. Preferably, this distance is not changed when the orientation of the sample holder 2 is rotated relative to the axis of rotation and / or the axis of rotation Y. However, by changing the alignment of the sample holder 2 relative to the axis of rotation and / or the axis of rotation Y, the kinematics of the sample inside the centrally arranged sample container 3 are also balanced during the grinding operation. If starting from Figure 5 the alignment of the sample holder shown, the sample holder 2 is decoupled from the fixing device 4 and the sample holder 2 is connected to complementary coupling geometric elements on the fixing device 4 rotated by 180°, which results in Figure 5 the radially outer sample container 3 in Figure 5 being arranged radially inward after the alignment of the sample holder 2 is changed during the subsequent grinding operation, and conversely, the sample container 3 that was radially inner before the alignment change according to Figure 5 is radially outer after the alignment change. This means that the kinematics of the sample inside the sample container 3 can be compared by changing the orientation of the sample holder 2 relative to the axis of rotation or the axis of rotation Y one or more times during the duration of the grinding process during sample grinding.

[0062] As can be seen fromFigure 5 It can also be seen that the connecting geometric structure provides the possibility of connecting the sample holder 2 to the outer part on the radially outer side or the outer part on the radially inner side, wherein complementary connecting geometric structures are formed on the inner part of the holding device 4 in the radial direction.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting geometric structure allows the sample holder 2 to be connected to the holding device 4 in the form of a dovetail joint. Other connecting geometric structures are also possible. The connecting geometric structure on the sample holder 2 is formed by a total of four connecting elements 13 to 16 arranged on different radially outer sides of the sample holder 2. In the illustrated embodiment ( Figure 4 ), the radially inner connecting elements 13, 14, i.e., the connecting elements adjacent to the rotation axis Y, are connected to the connecting element 17, which is attached to the holding bracket 6, and the holding bracket is firmly connected to the swing arm 5. On the other hand, the connecting elements 15, 16 provided on the opposite outer sides of the sample holder 2 are not connected.

[0064] The connecting geometric structure is formed by the complementary functional surfaces of the connecting elements 13 to 17. When the sample holder 2 is inserted into the holding device 4 from above, the functional surfaces of the connecting elements 13, 14 and the connecting elements 15, 16 - the connecting elements 13, 14 and the connecting elements 15, 16 are each provided on the same outer side of the sample holder 2 - can be fitted into each other through the formation of an undercut with the complementary functional surface of the connecting element 17 provided on the holding device 4.

[0065] The dimensions of the connecting geometric structure are designed such that the interacting functional surfaces can be inserted into each other with a lateral clearance. When the sample holder 2 is inserted into the holding device 4, the sample holder 2 is guided during the vertical movement via the connecting geometric structure on the connecting elements 13, 14, 17. When the holding brackets 6, 7 are subsequently supported by the tensioning screw 8, the sample holder 2 is supported in the direction radial to the rotation axis Y by the radially outer holding bracket 7, such that a form closure is formed between the functional surfaces. Thus, the sample holder 2 is accurately held or supported in place on the holding device 4.

[0066] The connecting elements 13, 14 provided on the same radially inner outer side of the sample holder 2 and the connecting elements 15, 16 provided on the same radially outer outer side of the sample holder 2 are located on tracks with different effective radii.

[0067] As can be seen from Figure 4It can also be seen that a rotationally symmetric arrangement of the coupling elements 13 to 16 can be provided, as well as a rotationally symmetric design of the coupling surfaces on the sample holder 2 with respect to the central axis extending transversely to the radial direction of the sample holder 2. Due to the rotationally symmetric arrangement and design of the geometric elements for coupling, the sample holder 2 can be inserted into the holding device 4 and coupled to the holding device 4, wherein two opposite outer sides of the sample holder 2 have different radial alignments with respect to the rotation axis Y. This enables the kinematics of samples, especially radially inner and radially outer samples, to be adjusted by rotating the sample holder 2 about the transverse central axis Z1 and coupling the sample holder 2 to the holding device 4 via the geometric elements for coupling provided on different outer sides. Thus, for example, the sample holder 2 is released from the holding device 4 after half of the grinding time of the grinding process, and then reinserted into the holding device 4 after rotating preferably 180° about the transverse axis Z1 to continue the grinding process, and the grinding process continues.

[0068] In Figure 4 the possibility of coupling the sample holder 2 with different radial outer sides to the radially inner holding bracket 6 as required is schematically shown by the arrow 18a.

[0069] Another embodiment is not excluded: in this embodiment, corresponding geometric elements for coupling are formed on the two holding brackets 6, 7, whereby, for example, each holding bracket 6 can have a coupling element 17 adjacent to the sample holder 2. Thus, the sample holder 2 can have complementary geometric elements for coupling only on one radial outer side, which are formed, for example, by Figure 4 two coupling elements 13, 14 or 15, 16 of the type shown in

[0070] It should be understood that the design of the geometric elements for coupling shown or the profile of the functional surfaces of the geometric elements for coupling formed on the coupling elements 13 to 17 are selected by way of example.

[0071] As can be seen from Figure 4 it can also be seen that a rotationally symmetric design of the geometric elements for coupling on the sample holder 2 and the holding device 4 with respect to the second central plane is also provided to change the left - right orientation of the sample by rotating the sample holder 2 about the radial longitudinal central axis or mirror axis Z2. This is shown by the arrow 18b in Figure 4 . Preferably, the mirror axis Z2 intersects the joint axis of the joint 21 ( Figure 7 ) and the rotation axis Y ( Figure 5 ).

[0072] In a top view or a sectional view, the functional surfaces forming the geometric structural elements for connection are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the transverse axis Z1 and the mirror axis Z2( Figure 4 ). This means that the sample holder 2 can be inserted into the holding device 4 in a total of four different orientations, and the sample holder 2 can be connected to the holding device 4 via the geometric structural elements for connection.

[0073] The connecting elements 13, 14 on the outer part of the sample holder 2 on the radially inner side and the connecting elements 15, 16 on the outer part of the sample holder 2 on the radially outer side have the same design, so that all the geometric structural elements for connection have the same design. This results in a simple design in which the geometric structural elements for connection on the two radially outer sides of the sample holder 2 can be connected or inserted as required into the complementary geometric structural elements for connection on the holding device 4 or the holding bracket 6.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment( Figure 2 、 Figure 3 ), the sample holder 2 has two halves 19, 20, which are preferably hinged to each other, wherein each half 19, 20 can be designed to hold, for example, nine sample containers 3, and each half 19, 20 has a corresponding receiving space for the sample containers 3. The arrangement structure of the receiving spaces for the sample containers 3 should be understood as exemplary.

[0075] The halves 19, 20 are connected via a joint 21 such that the halves 19, 20 can swing apart from the Figure 2 closed position shown in Figure 3 into the open position shown in Figure 3 to transfer the sample holder 2. In the swung-apart state, the sample containers 3 can be inserted into the openings 22 of the halves 19, 20 via the facing inner flat sides of the halves 19, 20. The sample containers 3 can have lids, whereby each sample container 3 then rests on the halves 19, 20 via the edge of the lid and each sample container 3 is held inside.

[0076] The articulated connection of the halves 19, 20 or the multi-part design of the sample holder 2 requires the interruption of the connecting geometric structures on the radially outer part of the sample holder 2. For this purpose, each half 19, 20 has at least one connecting element 13, 15 or 14, 16 on the radially inner outer part and at least one connecting element 13, 15 or 14, 16 on the radially outer outer part. As described above, depending on the orientation of the sample holder 2, two radially inner connecting elements 13, 14 of the halves 19, 20 or two radially outer connecting elements 15, 16 of the halves 19, 20 interact with the connecting element 17, or two radially inner connecting elements 13, 14 of the halves 19, 20 or two radially outer connecting elements 15, 16 of the halves 19, 20 are connected to the connecting element 17, as described above.

[0077] Each half 19, 20 is made of a solid block of material. In particular, each half 19, 20 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, each half 19, 20 is made of aluminum. In the connected state, when the sample holder 2 is inserted into the holding device 4 and supported in the holding device 4, the halves 19, 20 are positioned to abut against the cooling plate 9 through the lower side. This enables very precise temperature control of the sample holder 2, whereby a controlled temperature change of the sample holder 2 can be achieved in a short time by changing the temperature of the cooling plate 9. By rotating the sample holder 2 about the radial axis or axis Z2 ( Figure 4 ), the temperature structure can be easily homogenized.

[0078] In addition, the connecting elements 13 to 17 are preferably detachably connected to the halves 19, 20 or the holding bracket 6 via screws 23. The connecting elements 13 to 17 can be made of a hardened material so that the functional surfaces of the connecting geometric structures are not easily worn. In particular, the hardened material is hardened stainless steel.

[0079] The halves 19, 20 are designed as identical parts. The mirror-image structure means that the sample holder 2 can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

[0080] On the radially outer part of the halves 19, 20 facing away from the joint 21, a handle recess 24 can be provided for the user's fingers to simplify the opening of the sample container 2.

[0081] The halves 19, 20 may have latching means to prevent accidental opening of the sample container 2. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, an elastic pressure member 25 is provided on a projection 26 of the first half 20, which elastically engages in a complementary opening in a projection 27 of the second half 19, and serves as a separation lock when the halves 19, 20 are folded together and the sample holder 2 is closed.

[0082] Furthermore, edge strips 31 are formed on the inner sides of the halves 19, 20 facing each other, which project at least the height of the lid of the sample container 3 from the inner flat sides 32 of the halves 19, 20. After the sample container 3 is loaded, the halves 19, 20 can be folded up and down with respect to each other, whereby the edge strips 31 of the halves 19, 20 serve to form a substantially closed side surface of the sample holder 2. Then, the projections 26, 27 are positioned against the adjacent flat sides 32, such that the radially outer surface of the sample holder 2 on the side of the sample holder 2 facing away from the joint 21 is also substantially closed, which radially outer surface is adjacent to the insertion area of the halves 19, 20 for the sample container 3.

[0083] The sample holder 2 may have an inclined portion 28 ( Figure 6 ), which interacts with an inclined portion 30 on the clamping member 29, whereby the clamping member 29 is arranged inside an external holding bracket 7. The clamping member 29 is arranged in the corner area of the holding bracket 7, and when the sample holder 2 is horizontally supported in the holding device 4, the clamping member 29 automatically presses the sample holder 2 downward against the cooling plate 9 by deflecting the force. This improves heat transfer by heat conduction between the halves 19, 20 and the cooling plate 9.

[0084] List of reference numerals

[0085] 1 Laboratory mill 17 Connecting element

[0086] 2 Sample holder 18a Arrow

[0087] 3 Sample container 18b Arrow

[0088] 4 Holding device 19 Half

[0089] 5 Swing arm 20 Half

[0090] 6 Holding bracket 21 Joint

[0091] 7 Holding bracket 22 Opening

[0092] 8 Tensioning screw 23 Screw

[0093] 9 Cooling plate 24 Handle recess

[0094] 10 Temperature control pipeline 25 Pressure part

[0095] 11 Temperature control pipeline 26 Protrusion

[0096] 12 Arrow 27 Protrusion

[0097] 13 Connecting element 28 Tapered part

[0098] 14 Connecting element 29 Clamping part

[0099] 15 Connecting element 30 Tapered part

[0100] 16 Connecting element 31 Edge strip

Claims

1. An experimental mill (1), characterized in that, The experimental mill (1) has at least one sample holder (2) for receiving at least one sample container (3), and the experimental mill (1) has at least one holding device (4) that can rotate about a rotation axis and / or the holding device (4) is arranged to oscillate about an oscillation axis, the holding device (4) for holding and carrying the sample holder (2) during operation of the experimental mill (1), wherein the sample container (3) moves on an orbit with an effective radius during operation of the experimental mill (1), wherein complementary coupling geometric structures are provided on the sample holder (2) and the holding device (4) for coupling the sample holder (2) to the holding device (4) in a form-fitting manner, and wherein the sample holder (2) can be coupled to the holding device (4) via the coupling geometric structures in at least two different orientations relative to the rotation axis and / or the oscillation axis to change the effective radius of the orbit of the sample container (3).

2. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The experimental mill (1) is an experimental vibratory mill.

3. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample holder (2) is for receiving a plurality of sample containers (3).

4. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample holder (2) is for receiving reaction vessels with small sample volumes in the milliliter range.

5. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The holding device (4) is connected to the oscillating arm (5) of the experimental mill (1) and moves together with the oscillating arm (5) during operation of the experimental mill.

6. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of the sample containers (3) move on orbits with different effective radii.

7. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The sample holder (2) can be coupled to the holding device (4) via the coupling geometric structures in at least two different orientations relative to the rotation axis and / or the oscillation axis to change the effective radius of the orbits of a plurality of sample containers (3).

8. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of the coupling geometric structures on the sample holder (2) are positioned on orbits with different effective radii.

9. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, For changing the effective radius of the orbit of the sample container (3), the following design of the coupling geometric structures on the sample holder (2) is provided: The coupling geometric structures are rotationally symmetric about a first central plane of the sample holder (2).

10. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, For changing the effective radius of the orbit of the sample container (3), the following design of the coupling geometric structures on the sample holder (2) is provided: The coupling geometric structures are rotationally symmetric about a central plane of the sample holder (2) that extends transversely to the radial direction passing through the rotation axis and / or the axis of rotation.

11. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, For changing the effective radius of the orbits of a plurality of sample containers (3), the following design of the coupling geometric structures on the sample holder (2) is provided: The coupling geometric structures are rotationally symmetric about a first central plane of the sample holder (2).

12. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, In order to change the effective radius of the orbit of a plurality of sample containers (3), the following design of the connecting geometric structure on the sample holder (2) is provided: the connecting geometric structure is rotationally symmetric with respect to a central plane of the sample holder (2) that extends in a radial direction transverse to the rotational axis and / or the axis of rotation.

13. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample holder (2) has a plurality of connecting geometric structures on two laterally opposite outer portions.

14. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The connecting geometric structures have the same design.

15. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample holder (2) has two half - parts (19, 20), each half - part (19, 20) being designed to accommodate a plurality of sample containers (3).

16. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The two half - parts (19, 20) are connected to each other in a hinged manner.

17. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one connecting element is provided, and the connecting element is formed with a connecting geometric structure.

18. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The connecting element is detachably fastened to the sample holder (2) or the holding device (4).

19. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, Each half - part (19, 20) has at least one connecting element on each radially outer portion, and the connecting elements arranged on the same radially outer portion of the half - parts (19, 20) are connected to the connecting geometric structure of the holding device in the connected state of the sample holder (2).

20. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The connecting elements arranged on the same radially outer portion of the half - parts (19, 20) are connected to a common connecting element (17) of the holding device in the connected state of the sample holder (2).

21. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The half - parts (19, 20) are designed as identical components.

22. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample holder (2) is made of aluminum, and / or the sample holder (2) has at least one base body made of aluminum for receiving the sample containers (3).

23. The experimental mill (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that, The base body is for receiving a plurality of sample containers (3).

24. A sample holder (2) for an experimental mill (1), characterized in that, The experimental mill (1) is the experimental mill according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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