Door operating system for laboratory cabinet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laboratory cabinet comprising: a housing, at least one door and a door actuation system comprising a door drive configured to open and / or close at least one of the at least one door, a trigger mechanism configured to initiate the opening and / or closing of the at least one of the at least one door, and a controller, wherein the system is configured to tightly close at least one of the at least one door.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to laboratory cabinets and, more particularly, to a door operating system for a laboratory cabinet.

[0002] Laboratory cabinets, such as refrigerators, warming cabinets, incubators, climate chambers, environmental chambers, or the like, may generally comprise a chamber accessible through at least one door. Typically, such doors are manually operated. That is, a lever or handle can be operated by a user to unlock the door and / or open it using muscle force.

[0003] However, there may be situations where a user may want to open the door of a laboratory cabinet to load it with samples while already carrying a tray of samples when approaching the laboratory cabinet. Thus, the user may not have a free hand to open the cabinet. In such a case, it may be desirable for the user to be able to open the cabinet without using muscle power, e.g., without using their hands. Similar situations may, of course, also arise when unloading a laboratory cabinet, where the user may want to close the door while carrying samples already removed from the laboratory cabinet. In such a case, it may be desirable for the user to be able to close the laboratory cabinet without using muscle power.

[0004] Similarly, the increasing automation of laboratories and laboratory processes is leading to an increased need for corresponding equipment that can be used without direct human interaction. In particular, it may be desirable for a laboratory cabinet to be opened by a laboratory control system without requiring human interaction.

[0005] DE 10 2009 020 498 B4 discloses a device for opening a door of a climate test chamber, an incubator, an environmental chamber, or a freezer, wherein the device is adapted to unlock the door when it is locked and move it into an open position. However, the disclosed device is limited to pushing the door open in such a way that an atmosphere is interrupted, but does not provide for a complete opening of the door to allow access to a respective chamber. This means that to gain access to the chamber, the door must be opened further by a user.

[0006] Some laboratory cabinets additionally include an inner door configured to seal the chamber of the respective laboratory cabinet. This advantageously allows the atmosphere within the chamber to be maintained when the door of the cabinet, which in such embodiments may also be referred to as the outer door or main door, is opened. In such a case, the outer door can serve as insulation. The inner door can, for example, be transparent, allowing visual inspection of the samples within the chamber without having to interrupt the atmosphere. To enable hands-free and / or automated operations, it is further desirable to provide means for opening the inner door as well.More generally, a laboratory cabinet may, for example, comprise a first door and a second door, wherein at least one of these doors, preferably the inner door, seals the chamber of the laboratory cabinet, while the other door may, for example, serve for insulation.

[0007] In this context, EP 3 396 092 B1 discloses a laboratory cabinet comprising: at least one outer door with an outer door lock, an inner door with an inner door lock, wherein the inner door lock is a mechanical lock, and a first means that can be actuated when the outer door is closed to unlock the inner door lock of the inner door, wherein the means is electrically actuable, wherein the laboratory cabinet has a second means designed such that the inner door also opens when the outer door is opened. However, it is still necessary for the doors to be opened manually by a user.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, it is an object to overcome or at least mitigate the deficiencies and disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a door operating system for a laboratory cabinet that can advantageously enable hands-free and / or automatic operation of the door(s) of the laboratory cabinet.

[0009] These objects are achieved by the present invention.

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a laboratory cabinet comprising: a housing, at least one door, and a door actuation system comprising a door operator configured to open and / or close at least one of the at least one door, a trigger mechanism configured to initiate the opening and / or closing of the at least one of the at least one door, and a controller, wherein the system is configured to tightly close at least one of the at least one door. In other words, the present invention relates to a laboratory cabinet generally comprising a housing and at least one door, wherein the door can typically provide access to an interior volume of the laboratory cabinet. Furthermore, the laboratory cabinet comprises a door actuation system configured to tightly close at least one of the at least one door.In other words, the door operating system enables at least one of the at least one doors to be closed in a sealed manner, which can advantageously enable a sealed atmosphere to be created within the interior volume of the laboratory cabinet. The door operating system comprises a door drive, a trigger mechanism, and a controller. It is understood that the door drive can be configured to open and / or close a different one of the at least one doors than the at least one door that can be sealed closed by the system. However, it can also be the same at least one of the at least one doors.

[0011] The housing may comprise at least one chamber, with the at least one door configured to provide access to the chamber. Thus, the internal volume of the laboratory cabinet may be provided by at least one chamber. The chamber may, for example, be defined by a container within the housing of the laboratory cabinet.

[0012] The at least one door may consist of two doors. In particular, the laboratory cabinet may comprise an inner and an outer door. If it comprises two doors, the door operating system may comprise a door coupling for releasably coupling the two doors. Such a door coupling could, for example, be provided by means of at least one magnet.

[0013] The door drive can be an electric door drive, a pneumatic door drive, or a hydraulic door drive. For example, the door drive can include an electric motor.

[0014] The door operator may be configured to provide a force for opening and / or closing the respective at least one of the at least one doors. In other words, the door operator may be configured to provide a torque for the respective at least one of the at least one doors. It should be understood that in this context, the "respective at least one of the at least one doors" refers to the at least one of the at least one doors that is configured to open and / or close.

[0015] The door operator may be configured to move the respective at least one of the at least one doors between an open position and a closed position. It is understood that in this context, the "respective at least one of the at least one doors" refers to the at least one of the at least one doors configured to open and / or close.

[0016] The door drive can be configured to tightly close the respective at least one of the at least one doors. It is understood that in this context, the "respective at least one of the at least one doors" refers to the at least one of the at least one doors that is configured to tightly close.

[0017] The door drive can be configured so that in the event of a collision of the respective at least one of the at least one doors with an obstacle, no critical damage occurs. It is understood that in this context, the "respective at least one of the at least one doors" refers to the at least one of the at least one doors that is configured to open and / or close. For example, the door drive can be a low-energy door drive. In particular, the force exerted by opening and / or closing the door at an outermost point must not exceed 50 N, preferably 30 N, more preferably 15 N. It is understood that the outermost point refers to a point with maximum leverage.

[0018] In embodiments where the laboratory cabinet comprises two doors, the door actuation system may comprise a second door drive for opening the two doors separately.

[0019] The door operator may be belt-based. The door operator may include a drive pulley and a door pulley, with a belt connecting the two pulleys. Furthermore, the drive pulley may be directly driven by the respective operator and mounted to the housing. The door pulley may be mounted on at least one of the at least one doors. That is, the door pulley may be mounted on at least one of the at least one doors, with the door operator configured to open and / or close. The pulley may be fixedly connected to a drive plate configured to transmit torque applied to the pulley to the respective door. The door operator may further include a belt tensioner configured to tension the belt.

[0020] The door drive may comprise a gear configured to transmit torque. Preferably, the gear may comprise a bevel gear or a worm gear configured to transmit torque at an angle. Thus, the door drive may be an angular drive, wherein the torque, which may be provided by an electric motor, for example, is transmitted via a worm gear or a bevel gear, thereby enabling an angular drive, wherein the torque is provided at an angle to the electric motor, preferably at an angle of 90°.

[0021] The door operator may further comprise at least one position switch configured to indicate a position of the respective at least one door. The position switch may, for example, interact with one or more respective cams and / or recesses that can serve to activate or deactivate the position switch. The one or more cams and / or recesses may be located on a rotating element, e.g., a drive shaft or a camshaft. The position switch may, for example, be a reed switch that interacts with magnets located on a rotating element, e.g., a drive shaft.

[0022] The door actuation system may comprise a locking system configured to lock at least one of the at least one doors. The locking system may generally allow at least one of the at least one doors to be locked, thereby advantageously preventing inadvertent opening of the respective door. Thus, inadvertent access and / or inadvertent breach of the atmosphere within the laboratory cabinet may be prevented.

[0023] The locking system may comprise an eccentric element, preferably an eccentric disc or an eccentric screw. Additionally or alternatively, the locking system may comprise a worm screw. The locking system may comprise a latch.

[0024] The locking system can be configured to enable manual unlocking of the locked at least one of the at least one doors. That is, the locking system can enable manual unlocking of the respective locked door(s), which can advantageously allow the laboratory cabinet to be opened in the event of a power failure, for example.

[0025] The locking system may be configured to assume a locking configuration in which at least one of the at least one door is locked. Similarly, the locking system may be configured to assume an unlocking configuration in which none of the at least one door is locked by the locking system.

[0026] The door operating system may further include a protective locking system configured to seal at least one of the at least one door. That is, while the locking system may generally lock at least one of the at least one door to prevent its inadvertent opening, the protective locking system may be configured to seal at least one of the at least one door. It is understood that the locking system and the protective locking system may lock and seal the same door or different doors, or, for example, the protective locking system may seal one of a plurality of doors locked by the locking system.

[0027] The protective locking system may be configured to provide a sealing force for sealing the respective at least one of the at least one doors against the housing of the laboratory cabinet. It is understood that sealing the respective door against the housing may include respective seals contained within the housing and / or attached to the respective door. Furthermore, the respective door sealed against the housing may include the respective door sealed against an inner container contained within the housing.

[0028] The protective locking system may be configured to assume an unlocked configuration in which it does not interfere with any of the at least one door. Similarly, the protective locking system may be configured to assume a sealing configuration in which at least one of the at least one door is sealed closed by a force provided by the protective locking system.

[0029] The protective locking system may comprise a protective locking drive. Thus, a force for sealingly closing the respective at least one of the at least one doors may be provided by a protective locking drive. The protective locking drive may comprise an electric drive, preferably an electric motor, or a pneumatic drive. The protective locking drive may preferably be an electric motor.

[0030] The protective locking system may include an eccentric disc, preferably mounted on the housing. The protective locking system may include an engagement element configured to engage the eccentric disc. The engagement element may be neither engaged nor restricted by the eccentric disc when the protective locking system assumes the unlocked configuration. The engagement element may be engaged and restricted by the eccentric disc when the protective locking system assumes the sealed configuration.

[0031] The eccentric disc may include an opening configured to receive a portion of the engagement element. The engagement element may include a pivot pin and a roller mounted on an end portion of the pivot pin. The portion of the engagement element received by the opening of the eccentric disc may include the roller.

[0032] The eccentric disc may include at least one guide element configured to guide the received portion of the engagement element toward a rotational center of the eccentric disc when the eccentric disc is rotated in a closing direction. Generally, the eccentric disc may be configured to pull the engagement element toward the housing when the eccentric disc is rotated in a closing direction. It is understood that rotation in a closing direction serves to establish the sealing configuration.

[0033] The eccentric disc can be configured to restrict the movement of the engagement element so that the engagement element is urged toward a rotational center of the eccentric disc and thus toward the housing when the eccentric disc is rotated in a closing direction. It should be understood that this is not limited to urging the engagement element directly toward the rotational center of the eccentric disc, but that, for example, a spiral wave movement that includes a component toward the rotational center can also be understood as urging the engagement element toward the rotational center. In other words, a movement of the engagement element that is restricted by the eccentric disc includes at least a component toward the rotational center.

[0034] More generally, the protective locking system may include a rotating or linearly movable element, such as the eccentric disc, which may be configured to engage an engagement element.

[0035] The protective locking system may comprise at least one position switch configured to indicate a position. Furthermore, the eccentric disc may comprise at least one cam, preferably on an outer periphery thereof, and the position switch may be configured to indicate the presence or absence of at least one of the at least one cam. Additionally or alternatively, the eccentric disc may comprise at least one recess, preferably on an outer periphery thereof, and the position switch may be configured to indicate the presence or absence of at least one of the at least one recess.

[0036] The protective locking system may comprise the locking system. Thus, the protective locking system may also provide functionalities of the locking system, i.e., locking at least one of the at least one door. It is understood that the protective locking system comprising another system generally refers to the protective locking system that also provides the functionalities associated with the included system, and that the included system is not necessarily a separate subsystem of the protective locking system. Instead, components of the protective locking system may additionally provide functionalities associated with the included system. For example, the eccentric disc may serve not only to assist in the sealed closure of a corresponding door but also simultaneously enable the locking of that door.

[0037] The guard locking system may include a beveled locking element, wherein the beveled locking element may be configured to be rotated about a rotation axis by the guard locking drive. The guard locking system may include a shaft configured to transmit torque provided to the beveled locking element by the guard locking drive.

[0038] The beveled locking element may have the shape of a disc portion. Additionally or alternatively, the beveled locking element may comprise a beveled portion that is beveled along an angular direction with respect to the rotation axis. In other words, the beveled portion may be shaped similarly to a worm or spindle. In particular, the beveled portion, and in particular its proximal surface, may be similar to the shape of a portion of a worm or spindle, or rather, its surface. Thus, its shape may be similar to the shape of a portion of a screw thread. Therefore, the beveled locking element may also be referred to as a spindle element.

[0039] The beveled locking element can be configured to guide at least one of the at least one door along the beveled portion upon rotation of the beveled locking element, in particular when the beveled locking element is rotated to assume the sealing configuration, i.e., when the beveled locking element is rotated in the closing direction. Thus, when the beveled locking element is rotated, the respective at least one of the at least one door can be guided along the beveled portion, thereby providing a force that moves the respective door due to the increasing inclination, in particular when the beveled locking element is rotated to assume a sealing configuration. In other words, the beveled portion can interfere with the respective door during rotation.It should be understood that the respective door cannot necessarily be guided along the beveled portion when the beveled locking element is rotated to assume an unlocked configuration. That is, the respective door may be limited to rotating the beveled locking element to assume a sealed configuration.

[0040] The beveled locking element includes a flat portion directly adjacent to the beveled portion in the angular direction, with the flat portion adjacent to the more proximal end of the beveled portion. The flat portion can thus advantageously allow a force provided to a door by the beveled locking element to be maintained while the beveled locking element is further rotated, e.g., to additionally lock another door.

[0041] The beveled locking element cannot interfere with any of the at least one door when the unlocked configuration is assumed. Similarly, at least one of the at least one door can be sealed closed by a force provided by the beveled locking element when the at least one door is assumed to be in the sealed configuration.

[0042] The beveled locking element may include a detent portion configured to engage a respective latch included in one of the at least one doors. Thus, the beveled locking element may generally enable the locking of the respective one of the at least one doors and may thus provide a locking system.

[0043] The protective locking system can be configured to assume the locking configuration. That is, the protective locking system can generally be configured to assume the locking configuration in which at least one of the at least one door is locked. When using two doors, one of the two doors can be tightly closed and the other door can be locked by means of the beveled locking element when the locking configuration is assumed. It is understood that a tightly closed door can be considered locked because it can typically be secured against unintentional opening. That is, a door that is tightly closed can generally also be locked because a sealing force is present that prevents the door from being opened unintentionally.

[0044] The protective locking system may further include a camshaft configured to rotate with the beveled locking element and configured to indicate specific positions of the beveled locking element through at least one position switch that cooperates with the camshaft. The at least one position switch may be activated by camshaft lobes or deactivated by camshaft notches.

[0045] In some embodiments, the protective locking system may be based on gravity, wherein the respective at least one of the at least one door may be lowered over an inclined plane to seal the respective door closed.

[0046] The protective locking system may include at least one spring element configured to tightly close the respective at least one of the at least one doors. The at least one spring element may be configured to preload the respective at least one of the at least one doors toward the housing.

[0047] The door actuation system may further comprise at least one closing aid. The at least one closing aid may advantageously contribute to completely closing and / or keeping the door(s) closed. Thus, the at least one closing aid may be configured to contribute to completely closing at least one of the at least one doors and / or keeping the at least one of the at least one doors closed.

[0048] The at least one closing aid may comprise at least one magnet. For example, a magnet may be contained in a seal, a door, or the housing, and may interact with ferromagnetic metal such as iron or steel, or with another magnet. Generally, the magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one closing aid may comprise at least one inclined plane on which at least one of the at least one door rests. Thus, the closing of the door may be assisted by gravity.

[0049] In general, at least one locking aid can be included in the protective locking system.

[0050] The door actuation system may further comprise an opening mechanism configured to provide an initial opening movement of at least one of the at least one doors. This may, for example, advantageously allow overcoming an initial resistance to opening the door, which may be due, for example, to a negative pressure within the laboratory cabinet and / or to the optional at least one closing aid.

[0051] The opening mechanism may include a driven element configured to push the respective at least one of the at least one doors away from the housing. The driven element may be one of a pneumatic piston, an eccentric element, or a spindle element.

[0052] In some embodiments, the opening mechanism may be configured to overcome a force provided by the at least one closing aid and / or the protective locking system.

[0053] The opening mechanism can be configured to open the door by an opening angle of at least 0.5°, preferably at least 1°. Furthermore, the opening mechanism can be configured to open the door by an opening angle of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°.

[0054] The protective locking system may further comprise the opening mechanism.

[0055] In embodiments where the protective locking system includes the eccentric disc and the engagement element, the eccentric disc may include at least one guide element configured to guide the received portion of the engagement element away from a rotational center of the eccentric disc when the eccentric disc is rotated in an opening direction. This may serve as an opening mechanism as it pushes the door away from the housing. More generally, in embodiments where the protective locking system includes the eccentric disc and the engagement element, the eccentric disc may be configured to push the engagement element away from the housing when the eccentric disc is rotated in an opening direction. It is understood that rotation in an opening direction serves to assume the unlocked configuration.

[0056] In embodiments where the protective locking system includes the eccentric disc and the engagement element, the eccentric disc may be configured to restrict movement of the engagement element such that the engagement element is urged away from a center of rotation of the eccentric disc and thus away from the housing when the eccentric disc is rotated in an opening direction.

[0057] In embodiments where the protective locking system includes the beveled locking member including the locking portion, the locking portion may be further configured to cooperate with a beveled member mounted on at least one of the at least one door to provide a force to open the respective door.

[0058] The controller may be configured to control the door drive. The controller may be configured to control the torque provided by the door drive during the opening and / or closing of the door. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to control the speed at which the respective at least one of the at least one doors is moved.

[0059] The controller may be configured to control the locking system.

[0060] If the door operating system includes the protective locking system, the controller may be configured to control the protective locking system. Similarly, if the door operating system includes the opening mechanism, the controller may be configured to control the opening mechanism.

[0061] In general, the controller may be configured to control various components of the door actuation system to enable the opening and / or closing of at least one of the at least one door.

[0062] The controller can be configured to monitor the force or torque provided by the door operator and immediately shut down the door operator in the event of an unexpected increase in force or torque. Additionally or alternatively, the controller can be configured to monitor the force or torque provided by the door operator and shut down the door operator if a limit stop of the respective door is reached.

[0063] The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the trigger mechanism and, based thereon, initiate the opening and / or closing of at least one of the at least one door. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to move the driven at least one of the at least one door to a known position for initialization. This may advantageously enable the controller to reset the respective door to a known position, which may also be referred to as initializing the respective door. Such initialization may be necessary, for example, if the controller cannot independently detect the position of the respective door, e.g., if the position of the door is outside the detectable range of any position switches. This may be relevant, for example, after a user has manually opened the respective door.

[0064] If the door actuator includes at least one position switch, the controller may be configured to receive signals from the at least one position switch. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to control the door drive based on a signal received from at least one of the at least one position switch. The controller may be configured to control the torque provided by the door drive during door opening depending on at least one signal from at least one position switch. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to control the protective locking drive based on at least one signal from at least one position switch.

[0065] The trigger mechanism may comprise at least one trigger element. The at least one trigger element may comprise at least one electrical button or switch, such as a manual button, a manual switch, a touch panel, or an indirect switch, such as voice control or a motion detector. That is, the at least one trigger element may generally comprise at least one electrical button or switch, which may be provided, for example, in the form of a touch panel, an indirect switch implemented, for example, by voice control or a motion detector, or simply a manual button or switch that can be pressed, for example, with a user's hand, foot, or other body part.

[0066] The trigger mechanism may comprise an interface for receiving external commands, e.g., from an overall laboratory controller or a robot controller. That is, the trigger mechanism may comprise (in addition to or alternatively to an electrical button or switch) an interface for receiving external commands. This may advantageously enable the opening, closing, and / or initialization of the respective at least one of the at least one doors within an automatically operating laboratory, e.g., a laboratory employing robots, to be triggered. This may advantageously avoid the need for direct user interaction with the laboratory cabinet. - The trigger mechanism comprises a separate trigger element for initiating the closing or opening of at least one of the at least one doors. This means that the laboratory cabinet can comprise one trigger mechanism for initiating the opening of at least one of the at least one doors and another trigger mechanism for initiating the closing of the respective at least one of the at least one doors. Alternatively, a single trigger mechanism can provide both functionalities.

[0067] The laboratory cabinet can be configured to control a temperature within the at least one chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the laboratory cabinet can be configured to control an atmosphere within the at least one chamber.

[0068] The laboratory cabinet can, for example, be an environmental chamber. It goes without saying that an environmental chamber can also be called a climate chamber. The laboratory cabinet can be an incubator, such as a CO2 incubator.

[0069] In general, the laboratory cabinet may be at least one of a warming cabinet, an incubator, an oven, a freezer and / or an environmental chamber, preferably an incubator and / or an environmental chamber.

[0070] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating a laboratory cabinet comprising a door actuation system and at least one door. The method comprises receiving a trigger signal from a trigger mechanism and automatically moving at least one of the at least one door by means of the door actuation system. That is, the laboratory cabinet can be operated such that, upon receiving a respective trigger signal from a trigger mechanism, at least one of the at least one door of the laboratory cabinet is moved, e.g., opened or closed, by the door actuation system. It is understood that the laboratory cabinet can include the trigger mechanism.

[0071] In this context, automatically moving the respective door may include activating a door drive included in the door operating system. Furthermore, automatically moving the respective door may include controlling the torque provided by the door drive and / or controlling the speed for moving the door provided by the door drive.

[0072] Automatically moving at least one of the at least one door may comprise automatically opening at least one of the at least one door. That is, automatically moving at least one of the at least one door to an open position, preferably from a closed position. Automatically opening at least one of the at least one door may comprise automatically unlocking at least one of the at least one door.

[0073] The door actuation system may include a locking system. In such a case, automatically unlocking at least one of the at least one door may include automatically unlocking at least one of the at least one door. Additionally or alternatively, automatically unlocking at least one of the at least one door may include the locking system assuming an unlocking configuration, wherein at least one of the at least one door is unlocked.

[0074] The door actuation system includes a guard locking system. In such a case, automatically opening at least one of the at least one door may include unlocking at least one of the at least one door by the guard locking system. Additionally or alternatively, automatically opening at least one of the at least one door includes the guard locking system assuming an unlocking configuration, wherein at least one of the at least one door is unlocked. Similarly, the method may include the guard locking system assuming an unlocked configuration, wherein it does not interfere with any of the at least one door.

[0075] Automatically opening at least one of the at least one door may include activating a door operator included in the door operation system to move the door to an open position.

[0076] Automatically moving at least one of the at least one door may comprise automatically closing at least one of the at least one door. Further, automatically closing at least one of the at least one door comprises activating a door operator included in the door actuation system to move the door to a closed position. Further, automatically closing at least one of the at least one door may comprise the protective locking system assuming a sealing configuration, wherein a force for sealingly closing at least one of the at least one door is provided by the protective locking system. Additionally or alternatively, automatically closing at least one of the at least one door may comprise the protective locking system assuming a locking configuration, wherein at least one of the at least one door is locked.

[0077] Receiving the trigger signal from a trigger mechanism may include receiving a respective trigger signal, preferably a command, via an interface included in the trigger mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, receiving the trigger signal from a trigger mechanism may include a user activating the trigger mechanism hands-free.

[0078] The method may include automatically loading and / or unloading the laboratory cabinet using an automated handling system, such as a robot.

[0079] The laboratory cabinet may be a laboratory cabinet as described above. Similarly, the previously described laboratory cabinet may be configured to perform the above method.

[0080] The following refers to laboratory cabinet embodiments. These embodiments are abbreviated with the letter "L" followed by a number. Whenever reference is made to "laboratory cabinet embodiments" in this document, these embodiments are meant. L1. Laboratory cabinet, comprehensive a housing, at least one door, and a door operating system comprising: a door drive configured to open and / or close at least one of the at least one door, a trigger mechanism configured to initiate the opening and / or closing of at least one of the at least one door, and a controller; wherein the system is configured to tightly close at least one of the at least one door. L2. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the housing comprises at least one chamber and wherein the at least one door is configured to provide access to the chamber. L3. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the at least one door consists of two doors. In particular, the laboratory cabinet may comprise an inner and an outer door. L4. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the door operating system comprises a door coupling for releasably coupling the two doors. L5. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive is an electric door drive, a pneumatic door drive or a hydraulic door drive. L6. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive is configured to provide a force for opening and / or closing the respective at least one of the at least one doors. L7. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive is configured to provide a torque for the respective at least one of the at least one doors. L8. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive is configured to move the at least one of the respective at least one door between an open position and a closed position. L9. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive is configured to tightly close the respective at least one of the at least one doors. L10. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive is configured such that no critical damage occurs in the event of a collision of the respective at least one of the at least one doors with an obstacle. L11. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive is a low-energy door drive. L12. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the force exerted by opening and / or closing the door at an outermost point does not exceed 50 N, preferably 30 N, more preferably 15 N. It is understood that the outermost point refers to a point of maximum leverage. L13. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L3, wherein the door actuation system comprises a second door drive for separately opening the two doors. L14. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive comprises an electric motor. L15. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive is belt-based. L16. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive comprises a drive pulley and a door pulley, wherein a belt connects the two pulleys. L17. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the drive pulley is directly driven by the respective drive and mounted on the housing. L18. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door pulley is mounted on at least one or the respective at least one of the at least one doors. L19. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the pulley is fixedly connected to a drive plate configured to transmit a torque applied to the pulley to the respective door. L20. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the 5 preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive further comprises a belt tensioner configured to tension the belt. L21. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive comprises a gear configured to transmit torque. L22. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the gearing comprises a bevel gear or worm gear configured to transmit torque at an angle. L23. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door drive further comprises at least one position switch configured to indicate a position of the respective at least one door. L24. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door actuation system comprises a locking system configured to lock at least one of the at least one door. L25. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the locking system comprises an eccentric element, preferably an eccentric disc or an eccentric screw. L26. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the locking system comprises a worm screw. L27. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the locking system comprises a latch. L28. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the four preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the locking system is configured to enable manual unlocking of the locked at least one of the at least one doors. L29. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the 5 preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the locking system is configured to assume a locking configuration, wherein at least one of the at least one door is locked. L30. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the 6 preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the locking system is configured to assume an unlocking configuration, wherein none of the at least one door is locked by means of the locking system. L31. A laboratory cabinet according to any preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the door actuation system further comprises a protective locking system configured to sealingly close at least one of the at least one door. L32. A laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the protective locking system is configured to provide a sealing force for sealing the respective at least one of the at least one doors against the housing of the laboratory cabinet. It is understood that sealing the respective door against the housing may include respective seals contained within the housing and / or attached to the respective door. Furthermore, the respective door sealed against the housing may include the respective door being sealed against an inner container contained within the housing. L33. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the two preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the protective locking system is configured to assume an unlocked configuration without interfering with any of the at least one door. L34. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the protective locking system is configured to assume a sealing configuration, wherein at least one of the at least one door is sealingly closed by a force provided by the protective locking system. L35. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the four preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the protective locking system comprises a protective locking drive. L36. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the protective locking drive comprises an electric drive, preferably an electric motor, or a pneumatic drive. L37. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the protective locking drive is an electric motor. L38. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the 7 preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the protective locking system comprises an eccentric disc, which is preferably mounted on the housing. L39. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the protective locking system comprises an engagement element configured to engage the eccentric disc. L40. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment and having the features of L33, wherein the engagement element is neither engaged nor restricted in its movement by the eccentric disc when assuming the unlocked configuration. L41. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L34, wherein the engagement element engages with the eccentric disc when assuming the sealing configuration and is restricted in its movement by the eccentric disc. L42. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the eccentric disc includes an opening configured to receive a portion of the engagement member. L43. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the four preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the engagement element comprises a pivot pin and a roller mounted on an end portion of the pivot pin. L44. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment and having the features of the penultimate cabinet embodiment, wherein the received portion of the engagement element comprises the roller. L45. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the eccentric disc comprises at least one guide element configured to guide the received portion of the engagement element toward a rotation center of the eccentric disc when the eccentric disc is rotated in a closing direction. L46. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the seven preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the eccentric disc is configured to pull the engagement element toward the housing when the eccentric disc is rotated in a closing direction. L47. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the 8 preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the eccentric disc is configured to restrict the movement of the engagement element such that the engagement element is urged towards a center of rotation of the eccentric disc and thus towards the housing when the eccentric disc is rotated in a closing direction. L48. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L31, wherein the protective locking system comprises at least one position switch configured to indicate a position. L49. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment and having the features of L38, wherein the eccentric disc comprises at least one cam, preferably on an outer periphery thereof, and wherein the position switch is configured to indicate the presence or absence of at least one of the at least one cam. L50. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the two preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L38, wherein the eccentric disc comprises at least one recess, preferably on an outer periphery thereof, and wherein the position switch is configured to indicate the presence or absence of at least one of the at least one recess. L51. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L24 and L31, wherein the protective locking system comprises the locking system. L52. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L35, wherein the protective locking system comprises a beveled locking element, the beveled locking element being configured to be rotated about a rotation axis by the protective locking drive. L53. A laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the guard locking system comprises a shaft configured to transmit torque provided by the guard locking drive to the beveled locking member. L54. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the beveled locking element comprises the shape of a disc section. L55. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the beveled locking element comprises a beveled portion that is beveled along an angular direction with respect to the rotation axis. L56. The laboratory cabinet according to any one of the four preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the beveled locking member is configured to guide at least one of the at least one door along the beveled portion when the beveled locking member is rotated. L57. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the beveled locking element comprises a flat portion directly adjacent to the beveled portion in the angular direction, the flat portion adjacent to the more proximal end of the beveled portion. L58. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the 6 preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L33, wherein the beveled locking element does not interfere with any of the at least one door when assuming the unlocked configuration. L59. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the 7 preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L34, wherein, when assuming the sealing configuration, at least one of the at least one door is sealingly closed by a force provided by the beveled locking element. L60. A laboratory cabinet according to any one of the 8 preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the beveled locking member comprises a detent portion configured to engage a respective one of a latch included in the at least one door. L61. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L29 and L51, wherein the protective locking system is configured to assume the locking configuration. L62. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment and with the features of L3 and L52, wherein when the locking configuration is adopted, one of the two doors is tightly closed and the other door is locked by means of the beveled locking element. L63. A laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L48, wherein the protective locking system further comprises a camshaft configured to rotate with the beveled locking element and configured to indicate dedicated positions of the beveled locking element through the at least one position switch cooperating with the camshaft. L64. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L31, wherein the protective locking system is based on gravity, and wherein the respective at least one of the at least one doors is lowered over an inclined plane to tightly close the respective door. L65. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L31, wherein the protective locking system comprises at least one spring element configured to tightly close the respective at least one of the at least one doors. L66. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the at least one spring element is configured to preload the respective at least one of the at least one doors in the direction of the housing. L67. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the door actuation system further comprises at least one closing aid. L68. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the at least one closing aid comprises at least one magnet. L69. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the at least one closing aid comprises at least one inclined plane on which at least one of the at least one door rests. L70. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the at least one closing aid is configured to assist in completely closing the at least one of the at least one door and / or keeping the at least one of the at least one door closed. L71. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the four preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L31, wherein the at least one locking aid is included in the protective locking system. L72. The laboratory cabinet of any preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the door actuation system further comprises an opening mechanism configured to provide an initial opening movement of at least one of the at least one door. L73. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the opening mechanism comprises a driven element configured to push the respective at least one of the at least one doors away from the housing. L74. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the driven element is one of a pneumatic piston, an eccentric element or a spindle element. L75. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L31 and / or L52, wherein the opening mechanism is configured to overcome a force provided by the at least one closing aid and / or the protective locking system. L76. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the four preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the opening mechanism is configured to open the door by an opening angle of at least 0.5°, preferably at least 1°. L77. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the 5 preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the opening mechanism is configured to open the door through an opening angle of at most 20°, preferably at least 10°, more preferably at least 5°. L78. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L31, wherein the protective locking system further comprises the opening mechanism. L79. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L39, wherein the eccentric disc comprises at least one guide element configured to guide the received portion of the engagement element away from a rotation center of the eccentric disc when the eccentric disc is rotated in an opening direction. L80. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L39, wherein the eccentric disc is configured to push the engagement element away from the housing when the eccentric disc is rotated in an opening direction. L81. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L39, wherein the eccentric disc is configured to restrict the movement of the engagement element such that the engagement element is urged away from a center of rotation of the eccentric disc and thus away from the housing when the eccentric disc is rotated in an opening direction. L82. A laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L60, wherein the locking portion is further configured to cooperate with a beveled member mounted on at least one of the at least one door to provide a force to open the respective door. L83. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to control the door drive. L84. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the controller is configured to control the torque provided by the door drive during opening and / or closing of the door. L85. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to control the speed at which the respective at least one of the at least one door is moved. L86. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L24, wherein the controller is configured to control the locking system. L87. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L31, wherein the controller is configured to control the protective interlock system. L88. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L72, wherein the controller is configured to control the opening mechanism. L89. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to control various components of the door actuation system to enable the opening and / or closing of at least one of the at least one door. L90. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the force or torque provided by the door drive and to immediately shut down the door drive in the event of an unexpected increase in force or torque. L91. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the force or torque provided by the door drive and to switch off the door drive if an end stop of the respective door has been reached. L92. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal from the trigger mechanism and, based thereon, to initiate an opening and / or closing of at least one of the at least one door. L93. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to move the powered at least one of the at least one door to a known position for initialization. L94. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L23 and / or L48, wherein the controller is configured to receive signals from the at least one position switch. L95. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the controller is configured to control the door drive based on a signal received from at least one of the at least one position switch. L96. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the two preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to control the torque provided by the door drive during opening of the door in dependence on at least one signal from at least one position switch. L97. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the three preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L35, wherein the controller is configured to control the protective locking drive based on at least one signal from at least one position switch. L98. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises at least one trigger element. L99. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment, wherein the at least one trigger element comprises at least one electrical button or an electrical switch, such as a manual button, a manual switch, a touch panel or an indirect switch, such as a voice control or a motion detector. L100. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises an interface for receiving external commands, e.g., from an overall laboratory controller or a robot controller. L101. Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding cabinet embodiment and having the features of L98, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a separate trigger element for initiating the closing or opening of at least one of the at least one door. L102. A laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L2, wherein the laboratory cabinet is configured to control a temperature within the at least one chamber. L103. Laboratory cabinet according to any of the preceding cabinet embodiments and having the features of L2, wherein the laboratory cabinet is configured to control an atmosphere within the at least one chamber. L104. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the laboratory cabinet is an environmental chamber. L105. Laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the laboratory cabinet is an incubator, such as a CO2 incubator. L106. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the laboratory cabinet is at least one of a heating cabinet, an incubator, an oven, a freezer and / or an environmental chamber, preferably an incubator and / or an environmental chamber.

[0081] Reference is made below to method embodiments. These embodiments are abbreviated with the letter "M" followed by a number. Whenever reference is made to "method embodiments" in this document, these embodiments are meant. M1. A method for operating a laboratory cabinet comprising a door actuation system and at least one door, the method comprising: Receiving a trigger signal from a trigger mechanism, and automatically moving at least one of the at least one door by means of the door operating system. M2. Method according to the preceding method embodiment, wherein the automatic movement of the respective door comprises activating a door drive included in the door actuation system. M3. Method according to the preceding method embodiment, wherein the automatic movement of the respective door comprises controlling the torque provided by the door drive. M4. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments, wherein the automatic movement of the respective door comprises controlling the speed for moving the door provided by the door drive. M5. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the automatic movement of at least one of the at least one door comprises the automatic opening of at least one of the at least one door. That is, automatically moving at least one of the at least one door to an open position, preferably from a closed position. M6. Method according to the preceding method embodiment, wherein the automatic opening of at least one of the at least one door comprises the automatic unlocking of at least one of the at least one door. M7. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the door actuation system comprises a locking system. M8. Method according to the preceding method embodiment and having the features of M6, wherein the automatic unlocking of at least one of the at least one door comprises the automatic unlocking of at least one of the at least one door. M9. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments and having the features of M6, wherein the automatic unlocking of at least one of the at least one door comprises the locking system assuming an unlocking configuration, wherein at least one of the at least one door is unlocked. M10. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the door actuation system comprises a protective locking system. M11. Method according to the preceding method embodiment and having the features of M5, wherein the automatic opening of at least one of the at least one door comprises the protective locking system unlocking at least one of the at least one door. M12. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments and having the features of M5, wherein the automatic opening of at least one of the at least one door comprises the protective locking system assuming an unlocking configuration, wherein at least one of the at least one door is unlocked. M13. The method according to any one of the three preceding method embodiments, wherein the method comprises the protective locking system assuming an unlocked configuration, wherein it does not interfere with any of the at least one door. M14. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments and having the features of M5, wherein the automatic opening of at least one of the at least one door comprises activating a door drive included in the door actuation system to move the door to an open position. M15. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the automatic movement of at least one of the at least one door comprises the automatic closing of at least one of the at least one door. M16. The method according to the preceding method embodiment, wherein automatically closing at least one of the at least one door comprises activating a door drive included in the door actuation system to move the door to a closed position. M17. Method according to the preceding method embodiments and having the features of M10, wherein the automatic closing of at least one of the at least one door comprises the protective locking system assuming a sealing configuration, wherein a force for sealingly closing at least one of the at least one door is provided by the protective locking system. M18. Method according to one of the two preceding method embodiments and having the features of M10, wherein the automatic closing of at least one of the at least one door comprises the protective locking system assuming a locking configuration, wherein at least one of the at least one door is locked. M19. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein receiving the trigger signal from a trigger mechanism comprises receiving a respective trigger signal, preferably a command, via an interface contained in the trigger mechanism. M20. The method according to any one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein receiving the trigger signal from a trigger mechanism comprises a user activating the trigger mechanism hands-free. M21. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method comprises automatically loading and / or unloading the laboratory cabinet with an automated handling system, such as a robot. M22. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the laboratory cabinet is a laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding system embodiments. L107. Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding cabinet embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to perform the method according to one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0082] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention only, but not to limit it. Fig. 1a) illustrates the concept of a door operator; Fig. 1b) illustrates the concept of a locking system comprising a locking drive; Fig. 1c) illustrates the concept of controlling components of a door handling system; Fig. 1d) illustrates an example torque and an example speed of a door drive over time; Fig. 2a) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a door drive; Fig. 2b) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an assembled door operator; Fig. 3a) illustrates elements of an exemplary embodiment of a protective locking system; Fig. 3b) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an engagement element; Fig. 3c) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an eccentric disc; Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a beveled locking element; Fig. 5a) to d) illustrate different positions of a bevelled locking element; and Fig. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a protective interlock system.

[0083] It should be noted that not all drawings bear all reference numerals. Instead, in some drawings, some of the reference numerals have been omitted for reasons of space and simplicity of illustration. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] In general, the present invention can relate to a laboratory cabinet comprising at least one door and a door operating system. The at least one door can provide access to a chamber within the laboratory cabinet, which can be closed, preferably sealingly, by at least one of the at least one doors.

[0085] The door actuation system may include a door drive configured to open and / or close at least one of the at least one door of the laboratory cabinet. With reference to Fig. 1, a laboratory cabinet is discussed that includes a single door 12. However, it should be understood that a laboratory cabinet according to the present invention may also include more than one door; that is, the laboratory cabinet generally includes at least one door. Furthermore, it should be understood that in embodiments in which the laboratory cabinet includes a plurality of doors, features described below with respect to a single door may be implemented for both or for a single one of the plurality of doors, with different features being present for different ones of the plurality of doors.

[0086] As in Fig. As schematically illustrated in Figure 1a), the laboratory cabinet 1 comprises a door drive 22. The door drive 22 can generally act on the door 12 of the laboratory cabinet 1. The door drive 22 can, for example, be an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive. For example, the door drive 22 can comprise an electric motor.

[0087] Generally, the door operator 22 may be configured to provide a force to open and / or close the door 12. In particular, the door operator 22 may provide a torque to the door 12 to move the door between a closed and an open position.

[0088] With reference to Fig. 1b), in some embodiments, the door actuation system may further comprise a locking system 26 configured to lock the door 12 against unintentional opening thereof. This advantageously prevents unintentional disruption of the atmosphere within the laboratory cabinet and / or unintentional access to an interior of the laboratory cabinet, e.g., the at least one chamber contained in the laboratory cabinet. Thus, the locking system may be configured to assume a locking configuration, wherein at least one of the at least one doors is locked such that it cannot be opened unintentionally. Similarly, the locking system may also be configured to assume an unlocking configuration, wherein none of the at least one doors is locked by means of the locking system.The locking system 26 may, for example, include an eccentric element, such as an eccentric disc or an eccentric screw. Additionally or alternatively, the locking system may include a pawl that can be locked with a hook. In some embodiments, the locking system 26 may include a worm or spindle, or at least a portion of such a worm or spindle, e.g., a beveled locking element. Furthermore, the locking system 26 may include a locking drive 262 for automatically locking and unlocking the door.

[0089] In general, the locking system 26 may allow manual unlocking thereof so that items within the chamber of the laboratory cabinet can be accessed even in the event of a fault, such as a power failure or a component failure.

[0090] The door operating system can further be configured for sealingly closing the door 12 (and more generally sealingly closing at least one of the at least one door). In this regard, the door operating system can, for example, comprise its own protective locking system 24; alternatively, such functionality can be provided, for example, by means of the door drive 22 and / or in combination with the locking system 26. This means that the respective door 12 can be sealed against the housing 14 of the laboratory cabinet 1 or an inner container thereof during a closing process. In general, sealingly closing the respective door 12 comprises providing a respective sealing force for sealing the at least one of the at least one door 12 against the housing 14 or an inner container contained in the housing of the laboratory cabinet. It is understood that this generally requires the presence of an elastic material, e.g.an elastomer. For example, a respective sealing element may be provided.

[0091] A respective seal can be provided, for example, by a protective locking system 24, which, for example, comprises a protective locking drive 242, which can comprise an electric drive such as an electric motor or a pneumatic drive. Alternatively, the protective locking system 24 can be based, for example, on gravity, e.g., by lowering the door 12 over an inclined plane or via a spring element. This means that the protective locking system 24 can generally provide a sealing force for sealing at least one of the at least one door 12 against the housing 14 of the laboratory cabinet or an inner container contained in the housing. One or more sealing elements can be attached to the door and / or the housing 14 (or inner container) of the laboratory cabinet 1.

[0092] It is understood that the sealed closure of a door refers to a substantially gas-tight closure of the door. "Substantially gas-tight" refers to a residual leakage rate below 0.3 mbar l / s, preferably below 0.2 mbar l / s, and more preferably below 0.14 mbar l / s.

[0093] Thus, at least one of the at least one door 12 can be pressed against the housing 14 or the inner container of the laboratory cabinet, and in particular against a respective seal, in order to create and maintain a desired atmosphere in the interior of the laboratory cabinet 1, which atmosphere can be defined by the inner container. The desired atmosphere can be defined, for example, in terms of temperature, humidity, and / or specific gas mixtures. A tight closure of at least one of the at least one door can advantageously require fewer adjustments. The sealing force required for the tight closure of at least one of the at least one door 12 can be provided by the protective locking system 24, e.g., a drive, or by the door drive itself or the locking system (if present).

[0094] The door operating system may further comprise at least one closing aid, such as a magnet or at least one door resting on an inclined plane. The at least one closing aid can advantageously contribute to fully closing and / or keeping the doors closed. The at least one closing aid can be part of the protective locking system. For example, at least one of the at least one door and the housing can each be provided with a respective magnet, which are arranged such that they are adjacent to one another when the respective door is in a closed position. Furthermore, the magnets can be arranged such that there is an attractive force between them. This can contribute to closing the respective door or keeping it closed. Alternatively, only the door or the housing can be provided with a respective magnet, which can be connected, for example, to a magnet provided in the housing orthe metal contained in the door. In general, at least one magnet may be included in a sealing element located on the respective door and / or the housing. The magnets may be permanent magnets and / or electromagnets; preferably, at least one of the magnets may be an electromagnet, whereby the magnetic field can be switched on and off as required. This may even make it possible to reverse the magnetic field to provide a repulsive force that can assist the opening of the door, e.g., as part of an opening mechanism. In general, it is understood that such magnets may also provide a corresponding sealing force, e.g., as part of the protective locking system.

[0095] To simplify the opening of the door, the door actuation system may further comprise an opening mechanism configured to provide an initial opening movement of the at least one door 12, e.g., to overcome an initial resistance to opening the respective door. In particular, a driven element, e.g., a pneumatic piston, an eccentric element, or a spindle element, such as a beveled locking element, may push at least one of the at least one door away from the chamber of the laboratory cabinet. This makes it possible, for example, for the respective at least one door to be released by the at least one closing aid and / or the protective locking system. Additionally or alternatively, this may advantageously make it possible to overcome any pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the laboratory cabinet, i.e.,a pressure difference on the two sides of the at least one door, and / or can advantageously enable the door to be released even if it is, for example, frozen to the housing and / or inner container of the laboratory cabinet.

[0096] Furthermore, the door operating system may include a controller 28. The controller may be configured to coordinate other components of the door operating system. The controller may coordinate actuator movements so that the movement to transmission and end points (e.g., open position, closed position) is monitored and subsequent movements are triggered (e.g., door opening: door is unlocked, released from protective locking, and then opened to an end point, i.e., the open position).

[0097] The control 28 can, for example, enable different speeds for opening / closing the door or different forces on the door, e.g., to close gently, to drive / press the door against the seal with great force, to counteract a closing aid with high force / high torque in the first angular degrees during opening, to drive with low torque in the main section of the movement, etc. An exemplary progression of the torque M and the speed v when opening a door is shown in Fig. 1d) is shown with respect to time, with the torque M shown as a solid line and the speed v shown as a dashed line. Initially, the torque M may be high and the speed v low to overcome an initial resistance, e.g., due to at least one closing aid and / or the protective locking system. Subsequently, the torque may be reduced while the speed is increased for a middle portion of the opening sequence, and finally, the torque and speed may be reduced to zero, e.g., continuously or at a medium level, as shown here.

[0098] The door drive or the control system of at least one of the at least one doors can be designed in such a way that no critical damage can occur in the event of a collision with an obstacle (e.g., a person, device, and / or robot). This can be achieved through low-energy drives (forces too low to cause damage) and / or electronic monitoring of movements (immediate shutdown in the event of increased force / torque).

[0099] In cases where the laboratory cabinet comprises two doors, a second door drive may be provided for opening the second door separately. In general, the second door drive may be similar to door drive 22, e.g., it may be an electric motor or a pneumatic drive. Alternatively, there may be a coupling between the two doors so that the second door is driven along. Such a coupling may, for example, be provided by at least one magnet. At least one of the two doors tightly closes the interior when necessary to prevent / slow down equilibration of the atmosphere with the surroundings.

[0100] Furthermore, the door actuation system may comprise a trigger mechanism configured to trigger movement of at least one of the at least one door. The trigger mechanism may comprise a respective trigger element, which may comprise an electrical button or switch, such as a manual button, a manual switch, a touch panel, or an indirect switch such as voice control or a motion detector, or a higher-level controller, e.g., a laboratory controller, or a robot controller. That is, the trigger mechanism may comprise an interface for receiving external commands. This may advantageously enable a user to open and / or close the door hands-free, e.g., using their voice, a gesture, or by pressing a button with a foot or elbow.For example, a user can open the door while carrying items to be placed inside the laboratory chamber. Similarly, an interface can allow a robot to automatically access the laboratory cabinet. This means the laboratory cabinet can advantageously be loaded and / or unloaded by an automated handling system, e.g., a robot. This can generally enable automated sample processing.

[0101] With reference to Fig. 2a) and Fig. 2b), an exemplary door drive 22 is discussed. The door drive 22 may be belt-based and may include a motor 222, preferably an electric motor 222. Furthermore, the door drive 22 may include a first pulley 226, also referred to as a drive pulley 226, which may be driven directly by the respective motor 222, i.e., not by the belt, but directly by another mechanical coupling. Typically, the motor 222 and the drive pulley 226 may be mounted on the housing 14 of the laboratory cabinet 1, i.e., not on a door 12 thereof. Furthermore, the door drive 22 may include a corresponding second pulley 227, which is configured to be mounted on the door 12 to be driven. Thus, the second pulley 227 may also be referred to as a door pulley 227.

[0102] The door pulley 227 may generally be mounted on a door and fixedly connected to a respective drive plate 228 configured to transmit torque applied to the door pulley 227 to the door 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the door pulley 227 and the drive plate 228 are mounted on either side of a door hinge 122.

[0103] In some embodiments, the belt-based door operator 22 may further include a belt pretensioner configured to tension the belt 229. The belt pretensioner may be located, for example, on the motor pulley 226.

[0104] For example, the motor 222 may be mounted within the housing 14 of the laboratory cabinet 1, and the force or torque provided by the motor 22 may be transmitted via the motor pulley 226, the belt 229, and the door pulley 227 to the drive plate 228, which may transmit the force or torque to the door, thus enabling the opening and closing of the door 12 with respect to the housing 14 of the laboratory cabinet. The door 12 may generally be mounted to the housing 14 via respective door hinges, allowing it to rotate with respect to the housing to transition between an open and a closed position.

[0105] Alternatively, the door drive can be based on an angular gear, e.g., a bevel gear or a worm gear. This allows an angular drive to be provided, wherein the torque of the respective door is provided via a respective angular gear, e.g., a bevel gear or a worm gear, at an angle, e.g., of 90°. In other words, the door drive can comprise a bevel gear or a worm gear configured to transmit torque at an angle, preferably of 90°.

[0106] In general, the door drive may comprise means for determining at least one position of at least one of the at least one door. For example, the door drive may comprise at least one position switch that can indicate a specific position of the door, e.g., an open or closed position. This may advantageously allow a controller to control the drive based on the current position of the door. Alternatively, the door drive itself may be configured to indicate its movement and thus implicitly the position of the door.

[0107] With reference to Fig. 3a) describes an embodiment of a protective locking system 24. The protective locking system 24 may, for example, comprise a protective locking drive 242, preferably a motor 242, more preferably an electric motor 242, and an eccentric disc 244 driven by the electric motor 242. The motor 242 and the eccentric disc may be mounted on the housing 14 of the laboratory cabinet 1. Furthermore, the protective locking system may comprise an engagement element attached to the door 12 and configured to engage the eccentric disc 244. The engagement element may comprise a pivot pin 124, with a roller 126 located at an end portion of the pivot pin 124. The eccentric disc 244 may comprise an opening 2442 configured to receive the respective roller 126.

[0108] Thus, as soon as the door 12 is close enough to the housing 14, the eccentric disc 144 can be rotated by means of the motor 242 so that the respective roller 126 is received through the opening 2442 of the eccentric disc 244 and the roller 126 can thus be guided along a respective guide element 2444. This can be referred to as rotating in a closing direction. With respect to Fig. 3a), this would correspond to a counterclockwise rotation. Guiding the roller 126 along the respective guide element 2444 can cause the pivot pin 124 and thus the door 12 to be pulled towards the housing 14 and to seal the door 12 against the housing 14 of the laboratory cabinet or an inner container thereof. This can be achieved by guiding the roller 126 and thus the end section of the pivot pin 124 towards a pivot point 2446 of the eccentric disc. Therefore, the eccentric disc 244 can receive the roller 126 and guide it by means of at least one guide element 2444, thereby providing a sealing force for sealing at least one of the at least one door 12 against the housing 14 of the laboratory cabinet or an inner container thereof. When the protective locking system is in such a position, it can be assumed that it has assumed a sealing configuration.

[0109] Thus, in some embodiments, the protective locking system 24 may be configured to restrict the movement of the roller 126 and thus the pivot pin 124, which is configured to urge the roller 126 and the pivot pin 124 toward the housing of the laboratory cabinet when a sealing closure of the door 12 is desired.

[0110] To release the door 12, the eccentric disc 244 can simply be rotated in an opposite direction, thereby releasing the roller 126 and thus the pivot pin 124. This can be referred to as rotating in a closing direction. With respect to Fig. 3a), this would correspond to a clockwise rotation. As soon as the roller 126 is released, ie, is no longer restricted by the eccentric disc, it can be assumed that the protective locking system has assumed an unlocked configuration. This would, for example, correspond to the Fig. 3a shown position of the eccentric disc.

[0111] In some embodiments, the eccentric disc 244 may be further configured to also provide the opening mechanism configured to provide an initial opening movement of at least one of the at least one door. One embodiment of such an eccentric disc 244 is shown in Fig. 3b). In particular, such an eccentric disc 244 can comprise at least one additional guide element 2444', which is configured in particular to guide the roller 126 and thus the pivot pin 124 away from the center of rotation 2446 of the eccentric disc 244. In other words, the eccentric disc 244 and in particular guide elements 244, 244' of the eccentric disc can be configured to push the door 12 away from the housing 14 in an opening movement.

[0112] In addition, the protective locking system 24 may include at least one position switch 245 configured to indicate a specific position of the eccentric disc 244. For example, the eccentric disc may include at least one cam 2448, preferably on an outer periphery of the eccentric disc 244. The at least one position switch 246 may be arranged to be activated upon contact with at least one of the at least one cam 2448. This may advantageously allow specific positions of the eccentric disc, e.g., an open and a locked position, to be determined, thereby enabling a controller to control the protective locking drive 242 accordingly. It is understood that, in a similar manner, the eccentric disc 244 may include at least one recess, preferably on an outer periphery of the eccentric disc 244.The at least one position switch 266 can then be arranged such that it is activated when contact is made with the eccentric disc 244 and is deactivated when contact with the eccentric disc is interrupted due to the at least one recess.

[0113] It is understood that a door sealed by such a protection system 24 naturally also includes a locking system 26, since the sealed door is also locked. To enable manual opening of the sealed and locked door, the pivot pin 124 can be connected to a lock 262. Preferably, the lock 262 can be located at an end of the pivot pin 124 opposite the end comprising the roller 126. The lock can allow the pivot pin 124 to be rotated such that the roller no longer engages the eccentric disc, thereby allowing the door to be opened manually, e.g., in the event of a power failure. The lock can preferably be arranged on an outer side of the at least one door and can allow a user to manually unlock the at least one door.The locking mechanism may require a key to prevent unauthorized opening of the door.

[0114] Alternatively, the guard locking system 24 may, for example, include a beveled locking element 246, e.g., a beveled knob. Such a beveled locking element 246 may, for example, be provided by a disc portion 246 connected to a respective guard locking drive 242, e.g., the motor 242, such that the beveled locking element 246 can be rotated about a rotation axis by means of the drive 242. Such a connection to the drive may include a shaft 243 configured to transmit torque provided by the guard locking drive 242 to the beveled locking element.

[0115] In general, the beveled locking element 246 may be described with reference to a proximal and distal direction, where the proximal-to-distal direction may be perpendicular to a plane of rotation in which the beveled locking element 246 may be rotated by the protective locking drive 242. Furthermore, a distal portion of the beveled locking element 246 may be located closer to the housing of the laboratory cabinet than a distal portion of the beveled locking element 246.

[0116] With reference to Fig. 4, the beveled locking element 246 may include a beveled portion 2462 that is beveled along an angular direction with respect to the rotational axis of the beveled locking element 246. In other words, the beveled portion may include a proximal surface 2463 that continuously changes its position with respect to the proximal-to-distal direction in the angular direction. Thus, the beveled portion 2462, and in particular its proximal surface 2463, may resemble the shape of a portion of a worm or spindle and thus may also be referred to as a spindle element or worm element. That is, the beveled portion 2462, or at least the proximal surface 2463 of the beveled portion, may resemble a portion of a worm or spindle. The term "worm" may also be referred to as a worm screw. It may also be considered similar to the shape of a screw thread.In some embodiments, the proximal surface 2463 of the beveled portion 2462 may include different gradients, for example, where a first portion of the proximal surface 2463, 2463a may be steeper than a second portion of the proximal surface 2463, 2463b. This may, for example, advantageously accommodate varying backpressure, which may be exerted, for example, by a sealing element that may be compressed when the door is closed.

[0117] In general, the beveled locking member 246 is configured to guide at least one of the at least one door along the beveled portion 2462 upon rotation of the beveled locking member, wherein the beveled portion is arranged to urge the respective door toward and / or against the housing.

[0118] For example, the beveled portion may be beveled such that a thickness of the beveled locking element 246 continuously increases or decreases in a direction perpendicular to a rotation plane within the beveled portion 2462. In other words, the beveled portion 2462 may have a varying thickness with respect to the proximal-to-distal direction, or the position of the proximal surface 2463 varies with respect to the proximal-to-distal direction (i.e., the direction of the rotation axis). In particular, the thickness of the beveled portion 2462 may continuously increase (or decrease) with respect to the proximal direction. That is, a distal surface of the beveled locking element 246 may have a thickness perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction, i.e.,the rotation plane, may be flat, while a position of the proximal surface 2463 of the beveled portion 2462 may vary in the proximal-to-distal direction. Thus, the beveled portion 2462 may be beveled with respect to the proximal-to-distal direction, wherein the distal surface of the beveled locking element 246, and in particular the beveled portion, may be constant (i.e., not beveled) in the proximal-to-distal direction, and the proximal surface 2463 of the beveled portion 2462 may be beveled with respect to the proximal-to-distal direction.

[0119] Furthermore, the proximal surface 2463 of the beveled portion may be arranged generally circularly around the rotation axis, e.g., in a partial circle. Thus, by rotating the beveled locking element 246, the thickness of the beveled locking element 246 may change smoothly at an off-axis point in the region of the beveled portion.

[0120] In some embodiments, the beveled locking element 246 may further include a detent portion 2466 configured to engage a respective latch on a respective door. This may advantageously enable locking of a door, for example, a door that is not sealed closed by the beveled locking element 246 itself.

[0121] Additionally, the beveled locking element may include a flat portion 2464 directly adjacent to the beveled portion 2462 in a circular direction, such that the transition from the beveled portion 2462 to the flat portion 2464 is smooth. That is, the flat portion 2464 is located adjacent to the more proximal (e.g., thicker) end of the beveled portion 2462. Such a flat portion 2464 may, for example, allow the position of the beveled locking element 246 to be changed without changing the pressure on a respective door. This may, for example, be more advantageous for changing a position of the locking portion 2466 without changing the pressure exerted by the beveled locking element 246 on a respective door.

[0122] With reference to Fig. 5a), the beveled locking element 246 may generally be configured to assume an open position without interfering with any of the at least one doors 12, i.e., the at least one door may be opened or closed without any interference associated with the beveled locking element 246. Generally, the beveled locking element 246 assuming the open position may be part of the protective locking system assuming the unlocked configuration.

[0123] When at least one of the at least one door 12 is closed, e.g., by means of the door drive 22, it can be sealed and locked by means of the protective locking system 24, and in particular, the beveled locking element 246. The beveled locking element 246 can be arranged such that, when the at least one of the at least one door 12 is closed by means of the door drive 22, it is located between the housing of the laboratory cabinet and a distal portion of the beveled locking element, e.g., the distal surface of the beveled locking element 246, in a proximal-to-distal direction.

[0124] The beveled locking element 246 may be configured to assume a sealing position when at least one of the at least one door 12 is sealed closed. That is, the beveled locking element 246 may be moved from the open position to the Fig. 5b. Upon rotation of the beveled locking element 246, the beveled portion 2462 pushes the respective door in the proximal direction so that it is sealingly closed in the sealing position. That is, due to the inclination of the beveled portion 2462, a distance between the proximal surface 2463 of the beveled portion and the housing of the laboratory cabinet decreases, whereby the respective door is pushed closer to the housing 14, i.e., in the proximal direction. Preferably, in the sealing position, the respective door is in contact with the flat portion 2464 and is pressed against the housing of the laboratory cabinet or a respective inner container thereof. It is understood that there may be at least one sealing element located on the respective door and / or the housing or the inner container to assist in sealing the door.In general, the beveled locking element 246 that occupies the sealing position may be part of the protective locking system that occupies the sealing configuration.

[0125] It is understood that a door tightly closed by means of the beveled locking element 246 is also locked in the sense that it cannot be opened inadvertently. In such a case, the protective locking system can be configured to allow manual rotation of the beveled locking element 246. In particular, the protective locking drive can be configured to allow manual rotation. Thus, the tightly closed and locked door can be manually released by rotating the beveled locking element.

[0126] Thus, the protective locking system 24 can be considered to include the locking system 26. Particularly in embodiments that include a plurality of doors, the beveled locking element can further include a detent portion 2466 configured to engage a respective latch on a respective door. This can advantageously enable locking of a door that is not sealed closed by the beveled locking element.

[0127] For example, the laboratory cabinet may include two doors, an inner door 12, 12' and an outer door 12. The inner door may be sealed closed (and locked) by rotating the beveled locking element 246 into the sealing position—whereby the protective locking system 24 assumes a sealing configuration. Subsequently, the beveled locking element 246 may be further rotated into a locking position, whereupon the outer door is also locked. Generally, when the beveled locking element 246 assumes the locking position, it may be part of the protective locking system and / or the locking system that assumes the locking configuration. This may be achieved, for example, by the additional locking portion 2466 engaging a respective latch of the outer door, thereby locking the outer door and preventing inadvertent and / or unauthorized opening of the outer door.The flat portion 2464 can be configured to remain in contact with the interior door when the locking position is assumed, so that the interior door remains sealed closed. A respective position of the beveled locking element 246 is shown in FIG. Fig. 5c) without showing the outer door.

[0128] To open, the bevelled locking element 246 can be rotated further so that the locking section 2466 no longer engages with the latch (cf. Fig. 5d). Furthermore, the locking portion can cooperate with a beveled element of the outer door to push the outer door open, thereby providing the opening mechanism for the outer door. In other words, the locking portion 2466 can be further configured to cooperate with a beveled element mounted on at least one of the at least one door to provide a force to open the respective door, i.e., to push the respective door in the distal direction.

[0129] The outer door handle may be rotatable from the outside of the laboratory cabinet, and in particular the outer door, e.g., by means of a lock. This may allow the outer door to be opened to unlock the outer door even during a power outage that prevents rotation of the beveled locking element 246. Once the outer door is opened, the beveled locking element 246 may be manually rotated to also release the inner door. In some embodiments, the locking portion 2466 may be elongated to provide a handle to facilitate manual rotation of the beveled locking element 246.

[0130] With reference to Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary protective locking system 24 for a laboratory cabinet including two doors 12, an inner door 12, 12' and an outer door 12, wherein the protective locking system 24 includes a locking system 26.

[0131] The protective locking system 24 comprises a protective locking drive 242, preferably a motor 242, such as an electric motor 242, which is connected to the beveled locking element 246 via a shaft 243, which is configured to transmit a torque provided by the protective locking drive 242 to the beveled locking element 246 to enable rotation thereof. Thus, by means of the drive, the beveled locking element 246 can be moved between the respective previously connected Fig.4. The beveled locking element 246 may generally be configured to engage the interior door 12, 12', e.g., a glass door, and a latch 264 of the exterior door (the exterior door is not shown). The beveled locking element 246 may include a beveled portion 2462, a flat portion 2464, and a detent portion 2466, as previously described. Furthermore, the protective locking system 24 and the locking system 26 may include a camshaft 247 configured to cooperate with respective position switches 245. This may make it possible to determine the position of the beveled locking element 246 and thus control the position assumed by the beveled locking element 246.The position switches can be activated, for example, when contact is made with a respective cam of the camshaft and / or deactivated when contact with a cam is lost, e.g. due to a gap between consecutive cams.

[0132] Whenever a relative term such as "approximately," "substantially," or "about" is used in this specification, that term should also be interpreted to include the exact term. For example, "substantially straight" should also be interpreted to include "(exactly) straight."

[0133] Whenever steps have been listed in the foregoing or even in the appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which the steps are listed in this text may be random. That is, unless otherwise stated or clear to a person skilled in the art, the order in which the steps are listed may be random. That is, if this document states that, for example, a method comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) precedes step (B). It is also possible that step (A) is carried out (at least partially) concurrently with step (B), or that step (B) precedes step (A). Moreover, if it is stated that one step (X) precedes another step (Z), this does not imply that no step takes place between (X) and (Z).That is, step (X) preceding step (Z) includes the situation where step (X) is executed directly before step (Z), but also the situation where (X) is executed before one or more steps (Y1), ..., followed by step (Z). Similar considerations apply when using expressions such as "after" or "before."

[0134] While preferred embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments have been presented for the purpose of illustration only and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of this invention, which is defined by the claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2009 020 498 B4

[0005] EP 3 396 092 B1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Laboratory cabinet, comprehensive a housing, at least one door, and a door operating system comprising a door drive configured to open and / or close at least one of the at least one door, a door operator configured to open and / or close at least one of the at least one door, and a protective locking system configured to tightly close at least one of the at least one door, and a controller; wherein the system is configured to tightly close at least one of the at least one door. [2] Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding claim, wherein the door actuation system comprises a locking system configured to lock at least one of the at least one door. [3] A laboratory cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective locking system comprises an eccentric disc and an engagement element configured to engage the eccentric disc. [4] Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding claim, wherein the eccentric disc is configured to restrict the movement of the engagement element such that the engagement element is urged towards a center of rotation of the eccentric disc and thus towards the housing when the eccentric disc is rotated in a closing direction. [5] Laboratory cabinet according to one of the 2 preceding claims, wherein the eccentric disc comprises at least one guide element configured to guide the received portion of the engagement element away from a center of rotation of the eccentric disc when the eccentric disc is rotated in an opening direction. [6] Laboratory cabinet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective locking system comprises a protective locking drive and an inclined locking element, wherein the beveled locking element is configured to be rotated about a rotation axis by the protective locking drive, and wherein the beveled locking element comprises a beveled portion beveled along an angular direction with respect to the rotation axis. [7] A laboratory cabinet according to the preceding claim, wherein the beveled locking member comprises a locking portion configured to engage a respective latch included in one of the at least one door. [8] Laboratory cabinet according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking portion is further configured to cooperate with a beveled element mounted on at least one of the at least one door to provide a force for opening the respective door. [9] Laboratory cabinet according to one of the 2 preceding claims, wherein the protective locking system is configured to take up: an unlocked configuration, whereby it does not interfere with any of the at least one door, and a sealing configuration wherein at least one of the at least one door is sealed closed by a force provided by the protective locking system; and wherein, when the unlocked configuration is assumed, the beveled locking element does not interfere with any of the at least one door, and wherein, when the sealing configuration is assumed, at least one of the at least one door is sealingly closed by a force provided by the beveled locking element. [10] A method of operating a laboratory cabinet comprising a door operating system and at least one door, the door operating system comprising a protective locking system, the method comprising: Receiving a trigger signal from a trigger mechanism, and automatically moving at least one of the at least one door by means of the door operating system, wherein automatically closing at least one of the at least one door comprises the protective locking system assuming a sealing configuration, wherein a force for sealingly closing at least one of the at least one door is provided by the protective locking system.

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