Modular laboratory device

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular laboratory device (1, 100) that comprises a sample receiving element (2), which is designed to receive a sample, a drive (3), and at least one transfer element (5, 7, 8, 105, 107, 108), which has a central axis (Z) and is designed to be driven by the drive (3) to perform a rotational movement about the central axis (Z) and to transmit this rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) in such a way that it executes a defined sequence of movements. The laboratory device comprises at least a first transfer element and a second transfer element, which can be optionally and interchangeably inserted into the laboratory device (1, 100), and which differ in that the sample receiving element executes different movement sequences. Alternatively or additionally, the laboratory device comprises at least a third transfer element that defines different attachment positions for the sample receiving element, which differ in that the sample receiving element executes different movement sequences.

Description

[0001] Modular laboratory device

[0002] The present invention relates to a modular laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device for shaking and / or mixing substances.

[0003] Laboratory devices are designed for use in a laboratory and are used, in particular, to treat one or more substances or samples. The laboratory device can be designed, in particular, to mix and / or shake one or more substances through targeted and preferably periodic movements, thereby increasing the degree of homogenization of the substance(s).

[0004] For this purpose, the laboratory device can be designed to perform different movement sequences. For example, a laboratory device can perform one of the following movements:

[0005] - an oscillating movement along an axis of movement, also called reciprocal movement,

[0006] - a circular or oval oscillating movement in a plane, also called orbital movement or vibration movement,

[0007] - a rocking movement in which the substance(s) are tilted alternately in opposite directions around an axis,

[0008] - a tumbling movement in which the substance(s) perform a rotating tilting movement around a central point.

[0009] Depending on the number of desired movement types or sequences, it may be necessary to maintain a plurality of different laboratory devices in order to then select the respective laboratory device that performs the desired movement sequence. It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative or improved laboratory device that allows the largest possible selection of different movement sequences, particularly movement sequences used for mixing a sample, while providing the smallest possible number of components.

[0010] This object is achieved by a laboratory device according to claim 1, a laboratory device according to claim 18, and a method according to claim 21. Further developments of the laboratory devices are provided in the dependent claims and in the embodiments below. The features of the laboratory devices can also be used to further develop one another, and the method can also be further developed using features of the laboratory devices, and vice versa.

[0011] A modular laboratory device according to the invention comprises a sample receiving element which is designed to receive a sample, a drive, and at least one transmission element which has a central axis and is designed to be driven by the drive to a rotational movement about the central axis and to transmit this rotational movement to the sample receiving element in such a way that the latter executes a defined movement sequence.The laboratory device comprises at least a first transmission element and a second transmission element, wherein the first and the second transmission element can be inserted selectively and interchangeably into the laboratory device, and the first transmission element is designed to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element such that the sample receiving element executes a first movement sequence, and the second transmission element is designed to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element such that the sample receiving element executes a second movement sequence that differs from the first movement sequence.Alternatively or additionally, the laboratory device comprises at least one third transmission element which is designed such that the sample receiving element can be attached to the third transmission element in a first attachment position and in a second attachment position different from the first attachment position, and to transmit the rotational movement in the first attachment position to the sample receiving element such that the sample receiving element executes a third movement sequence and to transmit it in the second attachment position to the sample receiving element such that the sample receiving element executes a fourth movement sequence which differs from the third movement sequence.

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

[0013] The transmission element can, for example, comprise an output shaft that defines the central axis and is configured to be driven by the drive to rotate about the central axis, as well as a fastening element for attaching the sample receiving element to the output shaft in a mounting position defined by the fastening element. Furthermore, the transmission element can, for example, comprise a frame element that prevents rotational movement of the sample receiving element about a central axis of the sample receiving element and / or to which the sample receiving element can be attached in a further mounting position.

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

[0015] Interchangeability of the transmission element does not necessarily mean that all components of the transmission element are replaced. For example, the aforementioned output shaft can be retained and simply a different frame element can be inserted into the laboratory device, or simply a different output shaft can be inserted into the laboratory device while using the same frame element, etc. However, the aforementioned components of the transmission element are usually adapted to one another, so that, for example, both the output shaft and the frame element can be replaced to enable a different motion sequence.

[0016] A movement sequence transmitted to the sample receiving element refers in particular to a, in particular periodically, recurring sequence of one or more movements into which the sample receiving element is placed in order to mix a sample provided on or at the sample receiving element.

[0017] The modular laboratory device described above makes it possible, for example, to enable a variety of different movement sequences with the same laboratory device using as few different components as possible.

[0018] This can, for example, expand the range of applications of the laboratory device.

[0019] Preferably, the first and second movement sequences and / or the third and fourth movement sequences are each one from the following group of movement sequences:

[0020] - a movement exclusively in a plane perpendicular to the central axis,

[0021] - a movement that has only movement components parallel to the central axis,

[0022] - a movement which has both a movement component parallel to the central axis and a movement component perpendicular to the central axis, and is preferably one of the following group of movement sequences:

[0023] - an oscillating movement in only one direction perpendicular to the central axis,

[0024] - a circular or oval oscillating movement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis with a first radius or a second radius different from the first radius,

[0025] - a rocking movement in which the sample receiving element is tilted alternately in opposite directions about an axis, preferably an axis perpendicular to the central axis, a wobbling movement in which the sample receiving element performs a rotating tilting movement about a central point, preferably a central point on the central axis.

[0026] Each of these movements preferably serves to mix the sample through the laboratory device and, in particular, its movement sequence is predetermined. An oscillating movement is understood to be a periodic and uniform movement. For example, it can be a reciprocal movement along a direction. A circular or oval oscillating movement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis can also be referred to as an orbital or vibrating movement, in particular depending on a radius of movement. In a wobbling movement, an axis of the sample receiving element, in particular a central axis mentioned below, is preferably pivoted relative to the central axis, wherein the radial orientation of the pivoting rotates periodically around the central axis.

[0027] By means of the movement sequences described above, for example, different types of mixing of a sample can be realized with the laboratory device, from which a suitable type of mixing can be selected, in particular depending on properties, e.g. physical and / or chemical properties, of the sample.

[0028] Preferably, the first and second transmission elements differ in the mounting position of the sample receiving element on the respective transmission element. This allows a desired movement sequence to be easily selected from a plurality of movement sequences.

[0029] Preferably, the modular laboratory device further comprises a fastening element which is designed to attach the sample receiving element to the respective transmission element in the respective attachment position, wherein the fastening element has a central axis which defines the attachment position, and wherein the respective attachment position is defined by one of the following features: - the central axis of the fastening element is provided parallel to the central axis and offset from it, in particular by a first distance or a second distance unequal to the first distance;

[0030] - the central axis of the fastening element intersects the central axis at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably at an angle between 2° and 10°, in particular 5°.

[0031] Further preferably, a plane of the sample receiving element, in particular a plane of a support surface of the sample receiving element, is provided perpendicular to the central axis of the fastening element.

[0032] The fastening element can, for example, comprise a screw or a pin that can be inserted into a bore in the transmission element, in particular a bore in an above-mentioned output shaft, in order to attach the sample receiving element to the output shaft. The bore, pin, or screw can, in particular, have a longitudinal extension that defines the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening element can, for example, have an output flange that defines the central axis and to which the sample receiving element can be attached. In particular, the output flange can be attached to an aforementioned output shaft and be rotatably mounted with respect to the output shaft in order to prevent rotation of the sample receiving element. An output flange can also be a component of the respective transmission element and / or the fastening element can be a component of the transmission element.

[0033] Preferably, the central axis of the fastening element also runs through a center point of the sample receiving element and more preferably forms a central axis of the sample receiving element. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that a plane of the sample receiving element, in particular a plane of a support surface of the sample receiving element, is provided perpendicular to the central axis of the fastening element.

[0034] By offsetting the central axis relative to the central axis, for example, an eccentric movement can be generated on the sample-receiving element in a plane, particularly in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. By arranging the central axis at an angle to the central axis, for example, a movement can be transmitted to the sample-receiving element that has not only motion components perpendicular to the central axis, but also parallel to the central axis.

[0035] Mounting the sample receiving element in one of the mounting positions described above can, for example, enable the selection of a movement sequence of the sample receiving element caused by the mounting position in a simple manner.

[0036] Preferably, the respective transmission element is designed to maintain a spatial orientation of the sample receiving element with respect to the central axis of the fastening element, in particular to prevent a rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis of the fastening element.

[0037] Rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis can be prevented, for example, by providing an output flange described below, wherein the sample receiving element is attached to the output flange and the output flange is rotatably mounted on the output shaft. Alternatively or additionally, rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis can also be prevented, for example, by providing a frame element described below. In particular, the frame element can be attached to the output flange.

[0038] By preventing rotation of the sample receiving element around the central axis, it is possible, for example, to achieve improved mixing of a sample arranged on the sample receiving element.

[0039] Preferably, the respective transmission element comprises an output shaft which extends over the central axis from an upper end to a lower end and which is designed to be driven by the drive to a rotational movement about the central axis, wherein the fastening element comprises a bore provided in the output shaft which extends from the upper end in the direction of the central axis, in particular in the direction of the lower end parallel to the central axis, and / or wherein the output shaft comprises a contact surface at the upper end for attaching the sample receiving element, and the contact surface extends perpendicular to the central axis of the fastening element.

[0040] For example, the axis of the bore can define the central axis, and at the same time, the bore can serve to attach the sample receiving element to the output shaft, so that a mounting position of the sample receiving element is defined by the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, a mounting position of the sample receiving element can be defined by the contact surface.

[0041] Preferably, the respective transmission element comprises a frame element designed to prevent rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, the frame element can serve to define a mounting position for the sample receiving element. The frame element can, in particular, be connected to a drive flange of the laboratory device, which is fastened to an output shaft described above and rotatably mounted relative thereto, and to which the sample receiving element can be mounted in a mounting position. This can, for example, also set the frame element in motion, while preventing rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis, which can lead to improved mixing of the sample.

[0042] The frame element preferably comprises at least one elastic element, in particular a spring element, preferably a leaf spring, and is designed to allow movement of the sample-receiving element in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in particular a circular or oval oscillating movement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and preferably to allow movement exclusively in this plane. More preferably, the frame element comprises four elastic elements. The frame element is also referred to as a spring frame or leaf spring frame. It is preferably used together with an embodiment of the transmission element or of the fastening element described above, in which a central axis of the fastening element and / or of the sample-receiving element is provided parallel to the central axis and offset from it.

[0043] This makes it easy to implement, for example, an orbital or vibrational movement of the sample receiving element.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, a frame element is preferably provided which comprises a frame which is pivotally mounted on the laboratory device about a first axis, and wherein the sample receiving element is pivotally mountable on the frame about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis intersect the central axis at a central point.Preferably, the transmission element comprises an output shaft which is designed to be driven by the drive to rotate about the central axis, and an output flange which has an upper section and a lower section along the central axis of the fastening element, which intersects the central axis at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, more preferably at an angle between 2° and 10°, in particular 5°, wherein the lower section is attached to the output shaft and the upper section defines a first attachment position of the sample receiving element, in which the sample receiving element is attached to the upper section, and wherein the frame element defines a second attachment position of the sample receiving element, in which the sample receiving element is attached to the frame element.Even more preferably, the transmission element is designed such that, during operation of the laboratory device, the sample receiving element executes a wobbling movement around the central point when it is in the first attachment position, and executes a rocking movement around the first axis when it is in the second attachment position. The frame element described here is also referred to as a rocking frame. It is preferably used together with an embodiment of the transmission element or of the fastening element described above, in which a central axis of the fastening element and / or of the sample receiving element intersects the central axis at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, wherein the intersection point of the central axis with the central axis is the central point.

[0045] The frame element makes it easy to choose between a wobbling movement and a rocking movement of the sample holding element.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the transmission element of the modular laboratory device comprises an output shaft which extends along the central axis from an upper end to a lower end and which is designed to be driven by the drive to a rotational movement about the central axis, and the transmission element further comprises a frame element which is designed to transmit the movement of the output shaft about the central axis to the sample receiving element in such a way that the sample receiving element executes a movement exclusively in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in particular an oscillating movement exclusively in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.Further preferably, the frame element has a carriage and a guide element extending along a first axis, on which the carriage is provided such that it can move, and wherein the carriage has an elongated recess whose longitudinal axis extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the first axis, and further preferably the output shaft has a transmission section at its upper end which defines a central axis which is provided parallel to the central axis and offset from it by a distance, and the recess of the carriage is designed to receive the transmission section, such that the transmission section is provided such that it can move in the recess along its longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, it is further preferred that the sample receiving element can be attached to the carriage.The first axis of the guide element preferably corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the central axis in which the sample receiving element is set into the oscillating movement.

[0047] The frame element described here is also referred to as a reciprocal frame. Preferably, an eccentric movement of the transmission section is brought about by the rotation of the output shaft about the central axis and by the spacing of the center axis of the transmission section from the central axis. By designing the frame element in the form of a carriage movable along an axis with an elongated recess transverse or perpendicular to this axis, the eccentric movement of the transmission section can be transferred, for example, to a linear oscillating movement, also referred to as a linear reciprocal movement, of the sample receiving element, i.e., a back-and-forth movement on a movement axis, in particular on the first axis of the guide element.

[0048] The central axis of the transmission section may, for example, simultaneously or alternatively be a central axis as described above, ie a central axis defined by a fastening element which defines a mounting position of the sample receiving element on the output shaft and / or an output flange.

[0049] Preferably, the frame element is designed to prevent rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis, and in particular to maintain a spatial orientation of the sample receiving element with respect to the central axis, and / or a plane of the sample receiving element, in particular a plane of a support surface of the sample receiving element, is provided perpendicular to the central axis.

[0050] The frame element described above makes it possible, for example, to easily implement a reciprocal movement of the sample receiving element. The modular laboratory device preferably comprises a base plate on which the drive is arranged, and a bearing unit attached to the base plate. The bearing unit is configured such that the respective transmission element can be inserted into the bearing unit. The transmission element is held in the bearing unit so as to be rotatable about the central axis, and the central axis is preferably arranged vertically and / or perpendicular to a plane of the base plate, and the respective transmission element can be removed from the bearing unit.Further preferably, the base plate, the drive and the bearing unit form a base unit to which the respective transmission element can be selectively attached and / or the drive is provided offset from the central axis and connected to the bearing unit via a belt.

[0051] Providing the base unit can, for example, simplify the use of the laboratory device for the user. Positioning the drive offset from the central axis can, for example, make the laboratory device more compact.

[0052] The sample receiving element is preferably designed as a support plate. The support plate is preferably circular, with the above-described central axis passing through the center of the circle when the support plate is attached to the laboratory device. The support plate preferably has fastening elements, for example in the form of screws and / or recesses that interact with screws and / or magnets, which allow the support plate to be attached in any mounting position feasible with the laboratory device.

[0053] According to the invention, a frame element is provided for a laboratory device, in particular for a shaking and / or mixing device, which comprises a sample receiving element for receiving a sample and a drive. The frame element comprises a frame and a holder for attaching the frame element to the laboratory device, wherein the frame is connected to the holder so as to be pivotable about a first axis, and the frame is designed to receive the sample receiving element such that the sample receiving element is provided on the frame so as to be pivotable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis intersect at a central point.Preferably, the laboratory device comprises an output shaft which is designed to be driven by the drive to a rotational movement about a central axis, and an output flange which has an upper section and a lower section along a central axis which intersects the central axis at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, wherein the lower section is attached to the output shaft and the upper section defines a first attachment position of the sample receiving element in which the sample receiving element is attached to the upper section, and the frame element defines a second attachment position of the sample receiving element in which the sample receiving element is attached to the frame element.Further preferably, the frame element is designed to prevent rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis of the output flange and / or the laboratory device is designed such that, during operation of the laboratory device, the sample receiving element executes a wobbling movement about the central point when it is in the first attachment position, and / or the frame element is designed such that, during operation of the laboratory device, the sample receiving element executes a rocking movement about the first axis when it is in the second attachment position. Further preferably, a laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device, is provided that comprises the frame element described above.

[0054] The frame element can, in particular, be a rocking frame as described above and / or be further developed with the above-mentioned features of the rocking frame. The frame element, for example, makes it easy to choose between a wobbling motion and a rocking motion of the sample receiving element, thus increasing the modularity of a laboratory device with which the frame element is used.

[0055] According to a further aspect, a method for using a modular laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device, is provided, wherein the laboratory device comprises a sample receiving element which is designed to receive a sample, a drive, and at least one transmission element which has a central axis and is designed to be driven by the drive to a rotational movement about the central axis and to transmit this rotational movement to the sample receiving element in such a way that the latter executes a defined movement sequence.The method comprises selecting a transmission element from at least a first transmission element and a second transmission element, wherein the first and the second transmission element can be inserted selectively and interchangeably into the laboratory device, and the first transmission element is designed to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element such that the sample receiving element executes a first movement sequence, and the second transmission element is designed to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element such that the sample receiving element executes a second movement sequence which is different from the first movement sequence, as well as inserting the selected transmission element into the laboratory device.Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises selecting an attachment position from at least a first attachment position and a second attachment position different from the first attachment position, wherein the laboratory device comprises at least one third transmission element which is designed such that the sample receiving element can be attached to the third transmission element in the first attachment position and in the second attachment position, and transmitting the rotational movement in the first attachment position to the sample receiving element such that the sample receiving element executes a third movement sequence and in the second attachment position to the sample receiving element such that the sample receiving element executes a fourth movement sequence which differs from the third movement sequence, as well as attaching the sample receiving element in the selected attachment position.The method can be further developed by features of the modular laboratory device according to the invention and / or by features of the frame element according to the invention.

[0056] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a laboratory device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the laboratory device in Fig. 1;

[0058] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the laboratory device in Fig. 1 , 2 from the front;

[0059] Fig. 4a and 4b show an output shaft of the laboratory device shown in Fig. 1 to 3, wherein Fig. 4a is a schematic view of the output shaft from above and Fig. 4b is a schematic view of the output shaft from the side;

[0060] Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a frame element of the laboratory device shown in Figs. 1 to 3;

[0061] Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the laboratory device shown in Figs. 1 to 3 along the line A — A in Fig. 3;

[0062] Fig. 7 shows a schematic front view of a laboratory device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0063] Fig. 8 shows a schematic, perspective view of the laboratory device in Fig. 7 from the side;

[0064] Fig. 9a and 9b show an output shaft of the laboratory device shown in Fig. 7 and 8, wherein Fig. 9a is a schematic view of the output shaft from above and Fig. 9b is a schematic view of the output shaft from the side;

[0065] Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a frame element of the laboratory device shown in Figs. 7 and 8; Fig. 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the laboratory device shown in Figs. 7 and 8 along the line B—B in Fig. 8;

[0066] Fig. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further development of the laboratory device shown in Figs. 7 to 11;

[0067] Fig. 13 shows a schematic view of a laboratory device according to a third embodiment of the invention from above;

[0068] Fig. 14 shows a schematic perspective view of the laboratory device shown in Fig. 13;

[0069] Fig. 15 shows a schematic side view of the laboratory device in Fig. 13, 14;

[0070] Fig. 16a-c show an output shaft of the laboratory device shown in Fig. 13 to 15, wherein Fig. 16a is a schematic perspective view of the output shaft, Fig. 16b is a schematic side view of the output shaft, and Fig. 16c is a schematic top view of the output shaft; and

[0071] Fig. 17 shows a schematic perspective view of a frame element of the laboratory device shown in Figs. 13 to 15.

[0072] A first embodiment of a laboratory device according to the invention is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The laboratory device is designed as a shaking and / or mixing device 1. For receiving one or more substances or samples not shown in the figures, which are provided in particular in a container (also not shown), the shaking and / or mixing device 1 has a sample receiving element in the form of a support plate 2.

[0073] As best seen in Fig. 1 to 3 and 6, the shaking and / or

[0074] Mixing device 1 further comprises a drive 3, a belt 4, an output shaft 5 (see Fig. 6), a bearing unit 6, a frame element 7, an output flange 8 and a base plate 9. The drive 3 is connected to the output shaft 5 via the belt 4 in order to set the output shaft 5 in a rotational movement about a central axis Z. The output shaft 5 is held rotatably about the central axis Z in the bearing unit 6. The output flange 8 is attached to an upper end of the output shaft 5 and connected to the frame element 7. The installation plate 2 is attached to the output flange 8 in the present embodiment.

[0075] Preferably, the drive 3 and the bearing unit 6 are mounted on the base plate 9, in particular firmly connected thereto, and, together with the mounting plate 2, form a base unit of the shaking and / or mixing device 1. The output flange 8, the output shaft 5, and the frame element 7 are preferably provided on or in the base unit in an interchangeable manner.

[0076] The support plate 2 comprises an upper side facing upwards, i.e. facing away from the base plate 9, which upper side forms a support surface 2a on which the sample (not shown in the figures) can be arranged. The support plate 2 has fastening elements 11 (see Fig. 1 ), for example screws and / or recesses for screws and / or magnets, in order to fasten the support plate 2 to the output flange 8 and / or the frame element. The fastening elements 11 are designed as detachable fastening elements. The support plate 2 can thus be attached to the laboratory device and detached or removed therefrom. The support plate 2 can have a holder (not shown in the figures) or a raised edge in order to prevent the sample arranged thereon from falling off. In the figures, the support plate 2 is shown as a circular plate, but it can also have a shape deviating from a circle.

[0077] The drive 3 can, for example, be a rotary drive; it is preferably designed as a stepper motor. In the figures, the drive 3 is provided offset horizontally from the central axis Z of the output shaft 5. Alternatively, the drive 3 can also be mounted below the output shaft 5 on the base plate 9 in order to transmit a drive force applied by the drive 3 directly to the output shaft 5, ie, in particular, without the belt 4.

[0078] The bearing unit 6 is designed such that it receives the output shaft 5, e.g., in a central recess of the bearing unit, in such a way that the output shaft 5 is held in a proper operating position. In particular, the proper operating position can be defined such that the central axis Z of the output shaft 5 is arranged substantially perpendicular to a plane of the base plate 9 and / or in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the bearing unit 6 is designed such that the output shaft 5 is rotatable about its central axis Z when it is inserted into the bearing unit 6. For this purpose, the bearing unit can, for example, have one or more bearings 20a, 20b, e.g., deep groove ball bearings, which are provided in a housing 20c of the bearing unit (see Fig. 6).

[0079] As shown in Fig. 6, the output flange 8 in the present embodiment is substantially cylindrical with a central axis M (cylinder axis). It has, in sequence, a first cylinder section 8a, a second cylinder section 8b, and a third cylinder section 8c along the central axis M from an upper end to a lower end of the output flange (see Fig. 6). A diameter of the second cylinder section 8b is larger than the respective diameters of the first and third cylinder sections 8a, 8c. The first cylinder section 8a is designed such that it extends through a central recess of the mounting plate 2 (see also Fig. 1), such that the mounting plate 2 rests on a projection formed by the second cylinder section 8b and can be fastened to this. The third cylinder section 8c is designed to be received in the frame element 7.

[0080] A central recess 13 extends through the output flange 8 from its upper end to its lower end along the central axis M, into which recess a fastening element 14, for example a pin or a screw, can be inserted for attaching the output flange 8 to a bore 21, 22 (see also Fig. 4a) of the output shaft 5, as shown in Fig. 6. The central axis M of the output flange 8 extends through a center point of the mounting plate 2 or the mounting surface 2a and runs perpendicular to the plane of the mounting surface 2a when the mounting plate 2 is attached to the output flange 8 (see Fig. 6). Arranged radially around the central recess 13 of the output flange 8 are one or more bearings, two bearings 19a, 19b in Fig. 6, which allow a rotational movement of the output shaft 5 relative to the output flange 8. In the axial direction (ie along the axes Z, M), the output flange 8 is held on the output shaft 5 by the fastening element 14.

[0081] The output shaft 5 is described in more detail below with additional reference to Fig. 4a and 4b. The output shaft 5 extends along its central axis Z from an upper end 5a to a lower end 5b. From the upper end 5a to the lower end 5b, it has a succession of different sections 15, 16, 17 and 18, each of which is essentially cylindrical in shape with the central axis Z as the respective cylinder axis. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sections 15-18 have different diameters perpendicular to the central axis Z, with the diameters of the individual sections 15-18 decreasing from the section 15 provided at the upper end 5a to the section 18 provided at the lower end 5b. The output shaft 5 can thus be inserted into the bearing unit 6 (see Fig. 6) from above.Preferably, the section 15 provided at the upper end 5a forms a projection which forms a stop for the output shaft 5 in the bearing unit 6 and thus defines an end position of the output shaft 5 in the bearing unit 6 in the direction of the central axis Z.

[0082] The middle sections 16 and 17 of the output shaft 5 can, for example, be provided at positions of respective bearings 20a, 20b (see Fig. 6) of the bearing unit 6 when the output shaft 5 is inserted into the bearing unit 6. The section 18 provided at the lower end 5b of the output shaft 5 is connected to the belt 4 via a further, rotatably mounted flange 12 in order to set the output shaft 5 in a rotational movement about the central axis Z during operation of the drive 3.

[0083] Furthermore, the output shaft 5 in the present embodiment has two bores 21, 22, which each extend from the upper end 5a parallel to the central axis Z in the direction of the lower end 5b of the output shaft 5 (see Fig. 4a and Fig. 6). The bores 21, 22 are each designed to receive a section of the fastening element 14, which serves to attach the output flange 8 to the output shaft 5. The fastening element 14 can be attached either to the bore 21 or to the bore 22, i.e. the bores define different attachment positions of the mounting plate 2. Each of the bores 21, 22 extends parallel to the central axis Z, but is not provided concentrically to the output shaft 5, i.e. respective center points C andD, through which the central axis M of the output flange 8 extends when the latter is mounted in the respective bore 21, 22 on the output shaft, are provided offset from the central axis Z, as shown in Fig. 4a and 6. The center point C of the bore 21 is spaced from the central axis Z by a first distance d1 and the center point D of the bore 22 by a second distance d2 in Fig. 4a, where d1 > d2.

[0084] As a result, a rotational movement of the output shaft 5 about its central axis Z is transmitted eccentrically to the output flange 8 and to the mounting plate 2, so that they execute a circular or oval oscillating movement (orbital or vibration movement) in a plane perpendicular to the central axis Z, preferably in a horizontal plane. A radius of movement of the orbital or vibration movement can be adjusted by selectively selecting one of the two bores 21, 22, i.e., the respective mounting position.

[0085] When the output flange 8 is attached to the output shaft 5 by means of the fastening element 14, a gap can be provided between the output flange 8 and the output shaft 5, as shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, the output flange 8 can also contact or rest on the output shaft 5, so that a surface of the output shaft 5 at its upper end 5a forms a contact surface for the output flange 8 (not shown in the figures). This contact surface can also serve to attach the output flange 8 to the output shaft 5.

[0086] The frame element 7 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 5. The frame element 7 has a top surface 31, a bottom surface 32, and four spring elements 23, 24, 25, and 26 connecting the top and bottom surfaces and arranged in a substantially rectangular, in particular square, frame shape. The frame element 7 of the present embodiment is therefore also referred to as a leaf spring frame. When the frame element 7 is attached to the laboratory device 1, the top surface 31 and the bottom surface 32 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the central axis Z, i.e., substantially horizontally (see Figs. 2, 3, and 6).

[0087] The cover surface 31 has an opening 27, which is circular in the present embodiment, which is designed to receive the third cylindrical section 8c of the output flange 8 (see Fig. 6). The opening 27 is preferably designed such that it encloses the third cylindrical section 8c of the output flange 8 in a form-fitting manner, i.e. the regions of the cover surface 31 surrounding the opening 31 touch the third cylindrical section 8c of the output flange 8. The cover surface 31 has fastening elements 27a, for example screws and / or pins and / or magnets, in particular in a region around the opening 27, which are designed to fasten the output flange 8 to the cover surface 31, preferably to fasten it detachably, for example to an underside of a projection formed by the second cylindrical section 8b (see Fig. 6).

[0088] The base surface 32 also has an opening 28, circular in the present embodiment, which is designed to be provided around the bearing unit 6 (see Fig. 6). Preferably, a diameter of the opening 28 is larger than an outer diameter of the bearing unit 6, so that a gap surrounding the bearing unit 6 on all sides is provided between the bearing unit 6 and the base surface 32. In other words, the base surface 32 is designed to be movable to a certain extent relative to the bearing unit 6.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the spring elements 23-26 are arranged in opposite pairs, with the spring elements 23 and 24 forming a first opposite pair and the spring elements 25 and 26 forming a second opposite pair. In the present embodiment, the spring elements 23-26 are each designed as a leaf spring, consisting of a substantially elongated, straight metal strip 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, which has respective holders 23b, 23b', 24b, 24b', 25b, 25b', 26b, 26b' at its two ends with respect to the longitudinal extent. The metal strips are each flexible, i.e., they allow deflection transversely to their longitudinal extent. The spring elements 23, 24 of the first opposite pair are each firmly connected at one end via the respective holder 23b', 24b' to the base plate 9 of the laboratory device 1, in Fig.2, as an example for the spring element 24, and is firmly connected at the other end via the respective holder 23b, 24b to the bottom surface 32 of the frame element 7 (see Fig. 5). Thus, the bottom surface 32 is provided for movement in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Z and perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the spring elements 23, 24 of the first opposite pair.

[0090] The spring elements 25, 26 of the second opposite pair are each firmly connected in Fig. 5 at one end to the bottom surface 32 of the frame element 7 via the respective holder 25b', 26b' and at the other end to the cover surface 31 of the frame element 7 via the respective holder 25b, 26b. This is shown as an example for the spring element 26 in Fig. 3. Thus, the cover surface 31 is provided so as to be movable relative to the bottom surface 32 in a second direction perpendicular to the central axis Z and perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the spring elements 25, 26 of the second opposite pair. Overall, the described configuration of the frame element 7 results in the cover surface 31 enclosing the output flange 8 being movable in a plane perpendicular to the central axis Z, in particular in a horizontal plane. This enables the above-mentioned circular or oval oscillating movement (orbital or

[0091] Vibration movement) of the output flange 8 and the mounting plate 2 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis Z.

[0092] During operation of the shaking and / or mixing device 1 of the first embodiment, the drive 3 is activated to set the output shaft 5 in a rotational movement about the central axis Z via the belt 4 and the flange 12. The rotational movement of the output shaft 5 is transmitted eccentrically to the output flange 8 and thus causes the above-mentioned circular or oval oscillating movement (orbital or vibration movement) of the output flange 8 and the support plate 2, on which a sample (not shown in the figures) is arranged. By attaching the output flange 8 to the frame element 7, the spatial orientation of the output flange 8 and the support plate 2 is maintained, i.e., there is no rotation of the output flange 8 and the support plate 2 about the central axis M.The output flange 8 and thus also the mounting plate 2 are arranged essentially horizontally or perpendicularly to the central axis Z due to the essentially horizontal alignment of the cover surface 31 of the frame element 7 and the extension of the bores 21, 22 and the fastening element 14 parallel to the central axis Z, so that the mounting plate 2 carries out the orbital or vibration movement in the plane of the mounting plate, ie perpendicular to the central axis Z, during operation of the shaking and / or mixing device 1.

[0093] The modularity of the shaking and / or mixing device 1 of the first embodiment is already provided by the fact that the output flange 8 with the mounting plate 2 can be selectively attached to one of the two bores 21, 22. This allows orbital or vibration movements with different radii or movement amplitudes to be achieved.

[0094] A second embodiment of a laboratory device according to the invention is described below with reference to Figs. 7 to 11. The laboratory device of the second embodiment is also designed as a shaking and / or mixing device 100. Elements of the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment that are identical or similar to elements of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals in the figures, and explanations thereof will not be repeated in detail.

[0095] In particular, the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment can be provided with the base unit, i.e., the base plate 9, the drive 3, and the bearing unit 6, of the above-described shaking and / or mixing device of the first embodiment, as well as its mounting plate 2. The output shaft 105, the frame element 107, and the output flange 108 according to the second embodiment differ from the respective elements of the first embodiment. The output shaft 105 according to the second embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 9a and 9b. Similar to the output shaft of the first embodiment, the output shaft 105 of the second embodiment extends along its central axis Z from an upper end 5a to a lower end 5b and has the above-described sections 15, 16, 17, and 18.In contrast to the output shaft of the first embodiment, the output shaft 105 has an additional end section 115 at its upper end 5a. The end section 115 has a surface 115a at the upper end 5a that forms an angle α other than 90° with the central axis Z. The angle α can be, for example, 85°. The surface 115a at the upper end 5a of the end section 115 preferably serves as a contact surface on which the output flange 8 rests and / or to which it can be fastened.

[0096] The output shaft 105 of the second embodiment has a bore 121 extending from the upper end 5a toward the lower end 5b of the output shaft 105 and designed to receive the fastening element 14 for attaching the output flange 108 to the output shaft 105 (see Fig. 9a and Fig. 11). The bore 121 does not extend parallel to the central axis Z, but forms an angle ß with the central axis Z. In other words, the central axis M of the output flange 108 intersects the central axis Z at a central point E (see Fig. 11), wherein the two axes Z and M enclose the angle ß. Preferably, the axis of the bore 121 is selected such that the center axis M of the output flange 108 runs perpendicular to the surface 115a of the end section 115 (contact surface) of the output shaft 105 (see Fig. 9b). For the case of α = 85°, β = 5° is therefore preferably selected.A mounting position of the mounting plate 2 is defined by the angle α of the surface 115a and / or the angle β of the bore 121. In other words, the plane of the mounting surface 2a in the present second embodiment is inclined by the angle β relative to the horizontal.

[0097] As a result, a rotational movement of the output shaft 105 about its central axis Z is transmitted as a wobbling movement to the output flange 108 and to the mounting plate 2, during which the mounting plate 2 executes a rotating tilting movement about the central point E. The output flange 108 of the second embodiment is designed similarly to the output flange of the first embodiment, but only has a first cylinder section 108a and a second cylinder section 108b, as shown in Fig. 11. The first cylinder section 108a has, analogously to the first embodiment, a smaller diameter than the second cylinder section 108b and is designed to extend through the central recess of the mounting plate 2, so that the mounting plate 2 rests on a projection formed by the second cylinder section 108b and can be fastened to this. The second cylinder section 108b can, as shown in Fig.11, for example, have a diameter that increases downwards or have a constant diameter (not shown in the figures), and is designed to be pivotally attached to the frame element 107. For this purpose, the second cylinder section 108b in the present embodiment has two bores 109 that are opposite one another in the circumferential direction and each extend from an outer surface of the second cylinder section 108b along a common bore axis F in the direction of the central axis M of the output flange 108. The bores 109 are designed such that the bore axis F intersects the central axis Z of the output shaft 105 and the central axis M of the output flange 108 at the central point E (see Fig. 11). The bores 109 are designed to receive pins 110 of the frame element 107 (see Fig. 10) such that the pins 110 are held in the bores 109 so as to be rotatable about the bore axis F.

[0098] The frame element 107 of the second embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 10. The frame element 107 has a frame 111, which in the present embodiment is substantially round, or square with rounded corners, with a central recess 112, which is designed such that the frame 111 encloses the second cylindrical section 108b of the output flange 108 without being in contact with it when the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device (see Figs. 7, 8, 11). In other words, a circumferential inner surface 111a of the frame 111, which delimits the central recess 112, is provided at a distance from the output flange 108 when the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device.The frame element 107 has the above-mentioned two pins 110, wherein the pins 110 are provided on opposite sides of the inner surface 111a and extend along a common axis H from the inner surface 111a into the central recess 112. The pins are designed to be received in the bores 109 of the output flange 108 when the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device (see Fig. 11). When the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device, the axis H of the pins 110 thus corresponds to the bore axis F of the bores 109 of the output flange 108.

[0099] On an outer side 111b of the frame 111, facing away from the central recess 112, holders 113 are provided on opposite sides of the frame 111. The holders 113 can be fastened to the base plate 9 (see Fig. 7, 8). The holders 113 are pivotally connected to the frame 111, so that the frame 111 can be tilted relative to the holders 113 about an axis G, wherein the axis G runs perpendicular to the axis H of the pins 110. The axis G of the holders 113 is preferably perpendicular to the central axis Z when the frame element 107 is attached to the laboratory device. Preferably, the axis H of the pins 110 and the axis G of the holders 113 intersect at a common point and run perpendicular to one another. In other words, the holders are preferably offset by 90° from the pins 110 in the circumferential direction of the frame 107.

[0100] The pivotable mounting of the frame 111 with respect to the brackets 113 allows a rocking movement of the frame about the axis G, in which the frame 111 is tilted alternately in opposite directions about the axis G. The frame element 107 of the present second embodiment is therefore also referred to as a rocking frame.

[0101] On an upper side 111c of the frame 111, i.e., a side facing away from the base plate 9 when the frame element 107 is attached to the base plate 9, fastening elements in the form of spacer bolts 114 are provided. In the present embodiment, the frame element 107 comprises four spacer bolts 114, which are provided at regular intervals and each at locations between the pins 110 and the brackets 113 on the upper side 111c. The spacer bolts 114 each extend upward from the upper side 111c, i.e., away from the base plate 9 when the frame element 107 is attached to the base plate 9. The spacer bolts 114 are designed to fasten the mounting plate 2 to the frame element 107. The spacer bolts 114 are dimensioned such that they extend upwards along the central axis Z beyond the first cylinder section 108a of the output flange 108 when the spacer bolts 114 are attached to the frame element 107 (see Fig. 12).Attaching the support plate 2 to the spacer bolts thus defines an alternative mounting position for the support plate 2 on the laboratory device (see Fig. 12). The spacer bolts are detachably connected to the frame 111. In the presently described embodiment, in which the support plate 2 is set in a wobbling motion, the spacer bolts 114 are not used (see Fig. 11, where the spacer bolts are not attached to the frame element 107 and the support plate 2 is attached to the output flange 108).

[0102] During operation of the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment, the drive 3 is activated to cause the output shaft 105 to rotate about the central axis Z via the belt 4 and the flange 12. The rotational movement of the output shaft 105 causes the above-mentioned rotating tilting movement of the output flange 108 and the support plate 2, on which a sample not shown in the figures is arranged, about the central point E (wobbling movement). In other words, the central axis M of the output flange 108 rotates about the central axis Z during this movement. Due to the fastening of the output flange 108 to the frame element 107 by means of the pins 110, there is no rotation of the output flange 108 about the central axis M. At the same time, the wobbling movement of the output flange 108 is not hindered by the rotatable mounting of the pins 110 in the bores 109 about the bore axis F and the pivotability of the frame 111 about the axis G.The frame 111 is thereby set in a rocking motion about the axis G. According to a modification of the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the support plate 2 is not attached to the output flange 108 as a first attachment position, but rather to the spacer bolts 114 as a second attachment position. The support plate 2 therefore does not follow the wobbling motion of the output flange 108, but rather the rocking motion of the frame about the axis G. In Fig. 12, the axis G runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing through point E.

[0103] The modularity of the shaking and / or mixing device 100 of the second embodiment is already provided by the fact that the support plate 2 can be attached either to the output flange 108 (first attachment position) or to the frame element 107 (second attachment position) by means of the spacer bolts 114. This allows the user to choose whether the support plate 2 should be set in a tumbling or rocking motion during operation of the laboratory device.

[0104] A third embodiment of a laboratory device according to the invention is described below with reference to Figs. 13 to 17. The laboratory device of the third embodiment is also designed as a shaking and / or mixing device 200. Elements of the shaking and / or mixing device 200 of the third embodiment that are identical or similar to elements of the first and / or second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals in the figures, and explanations thereof will not be repeated in detail.

[0105] In particular, the shaking and / or mixing device 200 of the third embodiment can be provided with the base unit, i.e., the base plate 9, the drive 3, and the bearing unit 6, of the above-described shaking and / or mixing device of the first and / or second embodiment, as well as its mounting plate 2 (see in particular Fig. 15). The output shaft 205 and the frame element 207 according to the third embodiment differ from the respective elements of the first and / or second embodiment. In particular, the shaking and / or mixing device 200 of the third embodiment can be provided without an output flange described above with respect to the first and / or second embodiment. The output shaft 205 according to the third embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 16a, 16b, and 16c.Similar to the output shaft of the first and / or second embodiment, the output shaft 205 of the third embodiment extends along its central axis Z from an upper end 5a to a lower end 5b and has the above-described sections 15, 16, 17, and 18. In contrast to the output shaft of the first and / or second embodiment, the output shaft 205 has an additional transmission section 215 at its upper end 5a. In the present embodiment, the transmission section 215 is cylindrical and defines a central axis M', which is parallel to the central axis Z and offset from it by a distance d'.

[0106] Optionally, the transmission section 215 can have a bore 221 for attaching the support plate 2 and / or an output flange, which bore can define a further attachment position of the support plate 2, in particular when the shaking and / or mixing device 200 is used without the frame element 207 (not shown in the figures). The optional bore 221 can, for example, be designed similarly to the bore 21, 22 described above with reference to the first embodiment, i.e., it can extend, for example, along the central axis M', and a center point C of the bore 221 can lie on the central axis M' (see Fig. 16c), so that the central axis M' and / or a central axis of an output flange attached to the output shaft (not shown in the figures) is offset from the central axis Z by the distance d' (see Fig. 16c).In this case, an exposed surface of the transmission section 215 can be formed perpendicular to the central axis M' and serve as a contact surface on which an output flange (not shown) rests and / or to which it can be fastened (see the explanations with regard to the first embodiment).

[0107] By spacing the center axis M' of the transmission section 215 from the

[0108] Central axis Z causes a rotational movement of the output shaft 5 about the central axis Z, an eccentric movement of the transmission section 215. The frame element 207 of the third embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 17. The frame element 207 is essentially designed as a carriage that can be moved along guide elements. In detail, the carriage is formed by a plate 211, in the present case a rectangular plate, which is provided so that it can be moved by means of sleeves 210 along guide elements in the form of two rods 208, 209 extending parallel to one another and having respective longitudinal axes K1, K2, so that the plate 211 is provided so that it can be moved along the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2. The rods 208, 209 can be attached at their ends to the base plate 9 of the shaking and / or mixing device 200 by respective holders 213 (see Figs. 13-15).The mounts 213 are preferably provided on one side of the rods 208, 209 opposite the plate 211 and / or extend away from the rods parallel to the central axis Z when the frame element 207 is attached to the laboratory device. Preferably, the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209 is perpendicular to the central axis Z when the frame element 207 is attached to the base plate 9.

[0109] The plate 211 has an elongated recess 212, the longitudinal axis L of which extends perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209. The recess 212 is designed to accommodate the transmission section 215 of the output shaft 205 (see Fig. 16a, 16b) and allows movement of the transmission section 215 in the recess 212 along its longitudinal axis L, as well as rotation of the transmission section 215 about its central axis M'.

[0110] On an upper side 211a of the plate 211, i.e., a side facing away from the base plate 9 when the frame element 207 is attached to the base plate 9 (see Fig. 13-15), fastening elements in the form of spacer bolts 214 are provided. In the present embodiment, the frame element 207 comprises four spacer bolts 214, each extending upward from the upper side 211a of the plate 211, i.e., away from the base plate 9 when the frame element 207 is attached to the base plate 9. The spacer bolts 214 are designed to fasten the mounting plate 2 to the frame element 207 and are dimensioned such that they extend upward along the central axis Z beyond the transmission section 215 of the output shaft 205 (see Fig. 13-15). The spacer bolts 214 can, for example, be detachably connected to the plate 211.Preferably, the plane of the installation surface 2a of the installation plate 2 is perpendicular to the central axis M' and to the central axis Z when the installation plate 2 is attached to the frame element 207 by means of the spacer bolts 114.

[0111] This configuration of the frame element 207 ensures that the eccentric movement of the transmission section 215 of the output shaft 205, when the output shaft moves about the central axis Z, is transferred to an oscillating or reciprocal movement of the plate 211 along the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209. This movement of the plate 211 along the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 is made possible in particular by the fact that the transmission section 215 of the output shaft 205 can move exclusively along the longitudinal axis L of the recess 212 of the plate 211, and the plate 211 can be moved exclusively along the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209. The frame element 207 of the present third embodiment is therefore also referred to as a reciprocal frame.By rotating the transmission section 215 about its central axis M' in the recess 212, as well as guiding the plate 211 along the rods 208, 209, rotation of the plate 211 and thus of the mounting plate 2 about the central axis M' or the central axis Z can also be prevented.

[0112] Figs. 13 to 15 show views of the shaking and / or mixing device 200 with the attached frame element 207 and support plate 2. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 13, a section of the plate 211 of the frame element 207 with the recess 212, through which the transmission section 215 of the output shaft 205 extends, is visible through a central recess in the support plate 2 (see also Fig. 15). During operation of the shaking and / or mixing device 200 of the third embodiment, the drive 3 is activated to set the output shaft 205 in a rotational movement about the central axis Z via the belt 4 and the flange 12 (not shown in Figs. 13-15). This rotational movement of the output shaft 205 causes a movement of the mounting plate 2 and a sample arranged thereon, not shown in the figures, into an oscillating movement exclusively in the direction of the longitudinal axes K1, K2 of the rods 208, 209.A modularity of the shaking and / or mixing device 200 of the third embodiment can be provided, for example, in that the mounting plate 2 is optionally attached to the plate 211 of the frame element 207 via the spacer bolts 214 (first attachment position), or optionally can be attached to the bore 221 of the transmission section 215 and / or an output flange (not shown) (second attachment position).

[0113] The modularity of a piece of laboratory equipment, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device, can be further increased by combining elements of the first, second and / or third embodiments. For example, a modular piece of laboratory equipment can be provided with a base unit described above and a support plate described above, as well as the respective output shafts, output flanges and / or frame elements of the first and / or second and / or third embodiments. A user can then decide, for example, whether the laboratory equipment is operated with the respective output shaft, the frame element and optionally the output flange of the first, second or third embodiment. Furthermore, as described above, the user has the choice between two different attachment positions for the support plate, at least in the first and second (optionally also the third) embodiments.This allows different types of movement to be implemented to mix a sample.

[0114] The above-described embodiments of the shaking and / or mixing device are to be understood as non-limiting examples. The individual components can also be implemented differently, and in particular, their shape can differ from the design described above.

[0115] In the first embodiment of the laboratory device described above, instead of the frame element designed as a leaf spring frame, any other frame element can be used that is designed to accommodate the output flange in such a way that rotation of the output flange about its central axis is prevented, while at the same time allowing the desired movement (vibration or orbital movement) in a plane perpendicular to the central or center axis. Accordingly, the frame element of the second and third embodiments is not limited to the described design.

[0116] In the shaking and / or mixing device described above, the sample receiving element is designed as a plate. However, within the scope of the present application, sample receiving elements other than plate-shaped are also possible, for example a holder in which the sample is held in an upright and / or suspended position. The present invention is not limited to shaking and / or mixing devices, but can also be applied to other laboratory devices. For example, the invention is also applicable to a magnetic stirrer as a laboratory device, which is designed to mix a sample by means of a magnetically driven stirring rod arranged in the sample itself. This makes it possible, for example, to mix a sample using the movement sequences achievable with the laboratory device according to the invention, in addition to or as an alternative to mixing the sample using the stirring rod.

Claims

Claims 1 . Modular laboratory device, in particular a shaking and / or mixing device (1, 100, 200), comprising: a sample receiving element (2) designed to receive a sample, a drive (3), and at least one transmission element (5, 7, 8, 105, 107, 108, 205, 207) having a central axis (Z) and designed to be driven by the drive (3) to perform a rotational movement about the central axis (Z) and to transmit this rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) such that the latter executes a defined movement sequence, wherein the laboratory device comprises at least a first transmission element and a second transmission element, wherein the first and second transmission elements are selectively and interchangeably insertable into the laboratory device (1, 100, 200), and the first transmission element is designed to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) such that the sample receiving element executes a first movement sequence,and the second transmission element is designed to transmit the rotational movement to the sample receiving element (2) such that the sample receiving element executes a second movement sequence that differs from the first movement sequence, and / or wherein the laboratory device comprises at least one third transmission element designed such that the sample receiving element (2) can be attached to the third transmission element in a first attachment position and in a second attachment position different from the first attachment position, and to transmit the rotational movement in the first attachment position to the sample receiving element (2) such that the sample receiving element executes a third movement sequence, and to transmit it to the sample receiving element (2) in the second attachment position such that the sample receiving element executes a fourth movement sequence that differs from the third movement sequence.

2. Modular laboratory device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second movement sequences and / or the third and fourth movement sequences are each one of the following group of movement sequences: - a movement exclusively in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (Z), - a movement that has only movement components parallel to the central axis (Z), - a movement which has both a movement component parallel to the central axis (Z) and a movement component perpendicular to the central axis (Z), and is preferably one of the following group of movement sequences: - an oscillating movement in only one direction (K1, K2) perpendicular to the central axis (Z), - a circular or oval oscillating movement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (Z) with a first radius or a second radius different from the first radius, - a rocking movement in which the sample receiving element is tilted alternately in opposite directions about an axis (G), preferably an axis perpendicular to the central axis (Z), - a wobbling movement in which the sample receiving element performs a rotating tilting movement around a central point (E), preferably a central point on the central axis (Z).

3. Modular laboratory device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and the second transmission element differ in a mounting position of the sample receiving element (2) on the respective transmission element.

4. Modular laboratory device according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fastening element (8, 13, 14, 21, 22, 108, 121, 221) which is designed to attach the sample receiving element (2) in the respective attachment position to the respective transmission element, wherein the fastening element has a central axis (M) which defines the attachment position, and wherein the respective attachment position is defined by one of the following features: - the central axis (M) of the fastening element is parallel to the central axis (Z) and offset from it, in particular by a first distance (d1) or a second distance (d2) different from the first distance; - the central axis (M) of the fastening element intersects the central axis (Z) at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably at an angle between 2° and 10°, in particular 5°.

5. Modular laboratory device according to claim 4, wherein the respective transmission element is designed to maintain a spatial orientation of the sample receiving element (2) with respect to the central axis (M) of the fastening element, in particular to prevent a rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis (M) of the fastening element.

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

7. Modular laboratory device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the respective transmission element comprises an output shaft (5, 105) which extends over the central axis (Z) from an upper end (5a) to a lower end (5b) and which is designed to be driven by the drive (3) to rotate about the central axis (Z), wherein the fastening element comprises a bore (21, 22, 121) provided in the output shaft (5, 105), which bore extends from the upper end (5a) in the direction of the central axis (M), and / or wherein the output shaft (5, 105) comprises a contact surface (115a) at the upper end (5a) for attaching the sample receiving element, and the contact surface (115a) extends perpendicular to the central axis (M) of the fastening element.

8. Modular laboratory device according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the respective transmission element comprises a frame element (7, 107) which is designed to prevent rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis (M).

9. Modular laboratory device according to claim 8, wherein the frame element (7) comprises at least one elastic element, in particular a spring element (23, 24, 25, 26), preferably a leaf spring, and is designed to allow a movement of the sample receiving element (2) in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (Z), in particular a circular or oval oscillating movement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (Z), and preferably allows a movement exclusively in this plane.

10. Modular laboratory device according to claim 8, wherein the frame element (107) comprises a frame (111) which is pivotally mounted on the laboratory device about a first axis (G), and wherein the sample receiving element is pivotally mountable on the frame (111) about a second axis (H, F), wherein the first axis (G) and the second axis (H, F) intersect the central axis (Z) at a central point (E).

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

12. Modular laboratory device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the transmission element comprises an output shaft (105) which is designed to be driven by the drive (3) to a rotational movement about the central axis (Z), and an output flange (108) which has an upper section (108a) and a lower section (108b) along the central axis (M) of the fastening element, which intersects the central axis (Z) at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, wherein the lower section (108b) is attached to the output shaft (105) and the upper section (108a) defines a first attachment position of the sample receiving element (2), in which the sample receiving element (2) is attached to the upper portion (108a), and wherein the frame member (107) defines a second mounting position of the sample receiving element (2) in which the sample receiving element (2) is mounted on the frame member (107).

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

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

15. Modular laboratory device according to claim 14, wherein the frame element (207) has a carriage (210, 211) and a guide element (208, 209) extending along a first axis (K1, K2), on which guide element the carriage (210, 211) is provided so as to be movable, and wherein the carriage (210, 211) has an elongated recess (212) whose longitudinal axis (L) extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the first axis (K1, K2), and wherein further preferably the output shaft (205) has at its upper end (5a) a transmission section (215) which has a central axis (M 1 ) which are parallel to the central axis (Z) and separated from it by a distance (d 1 ) is provided offset, and the recess (212) of the carriage is designed to receive the transmission section (215), so that the transmission section (215) is provided in the recess (212) so as to be movable along its longitudinal axis (L), and / or wherein preferably the sample receiving element (2) is attachable to the carriage.

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

17. Modular laboratory device according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sample receiving element is designed as a support plate.

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

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

20. Frame element according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the frame element (107) is designed to prevent rotation of the sample receiving element about the central axis (M) of the output flange (108) and / or wherein the laboratory device is designed such that the sample receiving element (2) executes a wobbling movement about the central point (E) during operation of the laboratory device when it is in the first attachment position, and / or wherein the frame element is designed such that the sample receiving element (2) executes a rocking movement about the first axis (G) during operation of the laboratory device when it is in the second attachment position. 21 . A method for using a modular laboratory device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising selecting a transmission element from at least the one first transmission element and the second transmission element and inserting the selected transmission element into the laboratory device, and / or comprising selecting the attachment position of the sample receiving element from at least the first attachment position and the second attachment position on the third transmission element and attaching the sample receiving element in the selected attachment position.

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