Laboratory Shaker

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laboratory shaker (1) for shaking laboratory samples contained in sample containers in a chamber (2), the chamber (2) having an extraction mechanism (10) which can be withdrawn through a chamber opening to extend a sample base (14) supporting the sample container in an extraction direction (A), the extraction mechanism (10) being vibrable in a retracted position (P1) and preferably having a locking mechanism (20) having a pivotable handle (40) for locking the retracted position (P1), the pivotable handle (40) being locked in a locked position (S1), and unlocking and a pivoting movement commencing in the extraction direction (A) releases the locking caused by the locking mechanism.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laboratory shaker for shaking laboratory samples, particularly microorganisms in suspension, contained in sample containers. [Background technology]

[0002] Temperature-controlled laboratory shakers are used in biological, medical and pharmaceutical laboratories for the cultivation of bacteria, yeast and other organisms in suspension. They are essential for, for example, the production of recombinant DNA, the expression of proteins and the screening of cultures. Laboratory shakers are, above all, shared equipment operating 24 hours a day at high speeds and variable loads, and therefore must be durable and reliable.

[0003] The important parameters for users of laboratory shakers, especially culture shakers, are firstly a specific target temperature for the sample storage chamber, a specific speed, and also a specific load-bearing capacity of the shaker base. Most applications require the use of different sizes and types of vessels, ranging from plates for initial screening, to conical vessels for preliminary cultures, to large flasks for plasmid production and protein expression. Due to the ever-increasing demand for higher product yields, new types of flasks are invented that are more breathable than standard shake flasks. This allows the standard loading volume to be increased by up to 40%, but the result is an increase in weight on the base. For applications such as E. coli, high rotation speeds of 250 rpm and above are common to achieve a significant increase in cell density. The demands on laboratory shakers are therefore extensive, including continuous load capacity as well as sufficient versatility to accommodate all kinds of base configurations, loads, and also high rotation speeds. Durability and robustness are required for years of reliable operation.

[0004] An orbital shaker is a laboratory shaker that moves a stage such that all points on the stage move in a circular orbit with a common radius in the XY plane, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,323. Typically, a beaker, flask, or other container is fixed to the stage above, and the liquid contained in the container is caused to swirl along the inside sidewall of the container, thereby promoting mixing and improving interaction or exchange between the liquid and the local gaseous environment.

[0005] Such laboratory shakers have a chamber for containing a temperature-regulated experimental sample, which is usually arranged in a housing. Access to this chamber by the user to store and remove the sample inside the housing, in particular in the chamber, is usually via a housing opening which can be closed by a housing door. In another embodiment, the chamber also comprises a gas supply. This type of equipment is suitable for use with CO 2 These allow the cultivation of cells in an atmospheric environment. These are called culture shakers.

[0006] A known laboratory shaker is the Innova® S44i, available from Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. This shaker is equipped with a pull-out mechanism that allows the sample base to be pulled out of the chamber, making it very easy to take the shaker in and out of the laboratory. The pull-out mechanism has a handle with a release button that is locked in a vertical fixed position. To unlock it, the handle is first moved towards the chamber in the opposite direction to the pull-out direction while pressing the release button, thereby releasing the locking catch. The handle is then pulled away from the chamber while pressing the lock button, lowering it to a horizontal position, at which point the sample base can be pulled outwards using the handle and pull-out mechanism. This locking mechanism provides a high degree of stability to lock the sample base in a fixed position where it is fully located in the chamber and the shaking motion of the shaker is performed. However, users sometimes find the unlocking process to be quite complicated and not very intuitive. Furthermore, the chamber of the above mentioned laboratory shaker must be prepared in several steps for cleaning or sterilization, and in particular the pull-out mechanism must be dismantled using tools and sufficient expertise for these steps. The chamber must be cleaned in particular if the culture medium (cell culture medium) has leaked out, for example due to a broken sample container. In such a situation, it is essential to remove the contents of the chamber as quickly as possible, in particular the platform, in order to be able to clean the chamber. The chamber must then be set up again and made ready for use. Here too, speed is important in order to resume the movement of the sample or the cultivation of the cells as quickly as possible. Immobile CO 2 In the case of cultivation, a procedure is known in which the chamber is subjected to a high temperature of 180° C. for several hours. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2714253(B1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved laboratory shaker, the locking mechanism for fixing the basic position of the sample base being on the one hand secure and on the other hand easy and intuitive to unlock, and in particular ergonomically operable with one hand without the application of significant force.It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved laboratory shaker, the chamber of which can be easily cleaned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention solves the above mentioned problems by a laboratory shaker as described in claims 1, 16 and 19 respectively. Further technical solutions and preferred embodiments are described herein and further preferred embodiments are also the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The locking mechanism of the laboratory shaker according to the invention can be unlocked by actuating the actuating element with one hand and simultaneously pulling the handle in the withdrawal direction A. This results in a smooth sequence of movements that is perceived by the user as being very ergonomic and intuitive. To unlock the locking mechanism, one only has to press the actuating element, in particular spring-supported, with the fingers of one hand, which unlocks the locking device, in particular the locking element and the locking opening in the support element, in particular via a pulling mechanism. If at the same time the user pulls the handle in the withdrawal direction A, it moves downwards. The spring-supported actuating element can then be immediately released again, which is comfortable and intuitive. The handle engages in particular automatically by spring tension in the second handle position S2, and the user withdraws the support device (including the sample base and the vessel) with the same withdrawal movement that locked the handle. Locking in the opposite direction to the withdrawal direction is likewise simple and intuitive. Only a small force is applied by the user (see FIG. 9). This represents a significant simplification for the user. This is because the user can smoothly open and close the shaker with one hand while performing other tasks with the other hand, and can concentrate particularly on these tasks, since the risk of making operational errors is reduced.Typically, for example, a user operates a laboratory shaker with one hand while carrying sample containers with a total mass of several kilograms that are placed into or removed from the laboratory shaker with the other hand.

[0011] The laboratory shaker according to the invention for shaking samples contained in sample containers comprises: a temperature-controllable chamber (2) with a closable chamber opening (3); A support device (12) for supporting a sample base (14) on which a sample container can be placed; an extraction mechanism (10) for extracting a support device (12) that is disposed completely within the chamber at a first position (P1), passes through a chamber opening (3) when manually extracted along an extraction direction (A), and is disposed outside the chamber (2) at a second position (P2); A vibration device for vibrating the sample; The locking device (30) and the handle (40) have a fixing mechanism (20) for fixing and unlocking the first position (P1), the handle (40) is fixed to the support device (12) and is movable between a first handle position (S1) in which the locking device (30) is locked and a second handle position (S2) in which the locking device (30) is unlocked; The locking device (30) can prevent movement of the first handle position (S1), and the locking device (30) has a manually operable actuating element (42) arranged on the handle (40), and actuation of the actuating element unlocks the locking device (30) in the first handle position (S1) to allow the handle (40) to move to the second handle position (S2), and the fixing mechanism (20) can be unlocked by actuating the actuating element (42) and simultaneously pulling out the handle (40) in the pulling-out direction (A).

[0012] The support device serves to support a sample base on which a sample vessel can be placed. The support device is preferably a structural element, in particular fixed to the pull-out mechanism, which in a first position (P1) is completely located inside the chamber, which is manually pulled out along the pull-out direction (A) through the chamber opening, and in a second position (P2) is located outside the chamber. The support device can have at least one, preferably two or more, support elements, preferably two support elements, which are preferably respectively fixed to rail elements of the pull-out mechanism. One or more, in particular two rail elements of the pull-out mechanism can serve as support elements of the support device. The support elements can in particular have an L-shaped profile fixed to the rail element. The two support elements can be connected by at least one connecting element, in particular a front support element, in particular a front profile. The front support element can in particular be provided with a base part of a handle, in particular formed integrally or fixed thereto. The base part of the handle in particular supports the handle, in particular the pivot axis (X1) of the handle is formed in the base part of the handle.

[0013] Preferably, the support device has at least one, in particular at least two or three positioning elements, in particular positioning pins, which are in particular fixedly connected to the support device. The positioning elements serve to align, position and in particular fix the sample base in at least one direction (x, y, z) of a Cartesian coordinate system, preferably in two directions x, y, in which the withdrawal direction A runs parallel to the y axis. In the negative z-axis direction, the sample base rests in the inserted position on at least one support of the support device, in particular on at least one support element. In the positive z-axis direction, the sample base can preferably be removed without tools.

[0014] Preferably, the extraction mechanism, in particular the support device, has at least one sub-base, in particular a plate element extending in the xy-plane, which plate element can in particular be fixed between two support elements of the support device or in particular forms a support element, the sub-base being designed to support at least one positioning element and / or to support or carry the sample base, in particular in the first position.

[0015] However, the sample base can also be connected rigidly to the support device, in particular so that it cannot be removed or cannot be removed without tools.

[0016] The pull-out mechanism in particular comprises or consists of a rail system. This rail system can have at least one rail element formed as a base rail element, which is designed for assembly, in particular for fastening, in the chamber of a laboratory shaker, in particular for indirect or direct assembly / fastening to at least one connecting element of a vibration device arranged in the chamber. A sub-base can serve as the connecting element. The base rail element is in particular designed so that it cannot be pulled out of the chamber, for which a telescopic rail element is used. The rail system preferably has at least one rail element installed as a telescopic rail element, which is formed to slide or roll along the at least one base rail element in the pull-out direction A.

[0017] The rail system preferably comprises two base rail elements arranged or assembled in the chamber adjacent to opposing chamber walls. The rail system preferably comprises two telescopic rail elements, each one arranged on the base rail element for translational movement along the withdrawal direction, in particular connected to the base rail element. In this way, a full withdrawal is realized in which the sample base is substantially completely advanced out of the chamber in the second position (P2), which leads to a simple operation of the sample base. In particular, a cascaded rail system can be implemented in which at least one further telescopic rail element is arranged to slide / roll on at least one telescopic rail element. For example, two further telescopic rail elements can be provided, each one arranged to slide / roll on the first-mentioned telescopic rail element. The cascaded rail system can in particular realize an over-extension in which the support device or the sample base is advanced out of the chamber by more than 100%, for example 101% to 120%, in the second position (P2). This makes the operation of the support device or the sample base even easier.

[0018] The rail elements preferably have or consist of stainless steel. The drawer mechanism, in particular the rail system, is designed to remain inside the chamber and be sterilized in the same way, especially during a high-temperature process carried out inside the chamber to sterilize the chamber interior. In this high-temperature process, the chamber, the drawer mechanism, in particular the rail system, are exposed to temperatures between 150°C and 200°C for a period of a few seconds to a few hours. The drawer mechanism is preferably designed lubricant-free. The drawer mechanism is grease-free, even if it is possible and preferred to use high-temperature resistant lubricating grease. A lubricant-free design is a particularly preferred embodiment, even if it is possible and preferred to use high-temperature resistant grease to lubricate the support of the mutually supported rail elements.

[0019] The drawer mechanism preferably has a drawer base, also called base of the drawer mechanism, in particular a base plate, also called sub-base, which in particular supports the rail system, with the rail system being in particular fastened to the drawer base, which is preferably assembled / fastened to at least one connecting element of the vibration device arranged in the chamber and can in particular be removed without tools.

[0020] Preferably, the drawer base, in particular the base plate, has at least one support member, preferably a sliding support member, on which at least one complementary support member or sliding support member of the support device or sub-base slides or rolls when the drawer mechanism is pulled out. The sliding support member can be a plastic part, which is particularly wear-resistant and allows low-friction sliding. Heat-resistant and / or sliding-optimized plastics are preferred. The plastic part can comprise or consist of PEEK, polyoxymethylene or polyamide 66. The complementary sliding support member can be the outside of the base plate or the sub-base of the drawer mechanism.

[0021] The locking mechanism serves to lock and unlock the first position (P1), in which in particular the support device is prevented from being pulled out in the pull-out direction, and in which in the unlocked position (P1) this is particularly allowed.

[0022] The locking mechanism can be unlocked by actuating the actuating element and simultaneously pulling the handle in the drawer direction (A). The locking mechanism can be unlocked preferably by moving the handle from a first handle position (S1) to a second handle position (S2). This is especially successful by moving a connecting element, which is moved by the handle and in particular connected with the support device and / or the handle, from a first position (V1), in which the connecting element connects the support device with the drawer base and / or the chamber, to a second position (V2), in which the connecting element no longer connects the support device with the drawer base and / or the chamber.

[0023] The connecting element can be rigidly and immovably connected to the handle or movably connected to the handle. The connecting element can be part of a connecting device, in particular having a connecting mechanism. One or more, in particular two or more, of such connecting elements can be provided. At least one connecting element can be an integral part of the handle, in particular the handle lever. The handle itself, in particular the handle lever, or the actuating element of the locking device or a part connected to this actuating element can form the connecting element, in particular by the drawer base or the chamber having a stop element which in the first handle position (S1) prevents the support device from moving from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) by the connecting element hitting against the stop element.

[0024] The fixing mechanism preferably comprises a coupling device for establishing and releasing a detachable connection between the support device and a base of the drawer mechanism ("drawer base") in a first position (P1), in particular comprising a coupling element movably arranged in movable connection with the handle. The coupling element is in particular arranged to be movable relative to the drawer base and / or the support device and / or the handle. The coupling element may in particular be fixedly arranged on the handle.

[0025] The fixing mechanism preferably comprises a coupling device for establishing and releasing a releasable connection between the support device and the base of the drawer mechanism in a first position (P1), in particular including a movably arranged coupling element movably connected to the handle. Preferably, a releasable connection between the support device and the base of the drawer mechanism is formed in the first position (V1) of the coupling element and unlocked in the second handle position (S2) and in the second position (V2) of the coupling element, in particular by positioning (V1, V2) the coupling element in the first handle position (S1).

[0026] The handle (40) is preferably designed in such a way that, in particular, by moving the handle (40) (B) or by actuating an actuating element, a connecting element (52) is moved so that in a first handle position (S1) a removable connection between the support device (12) and the base (11) of the pull-out mechanism (10) is formed and in a second handle position (S2) the connection is unlocked.

[0027] The handle is designed such that movement of the handle moves a coupling element which in a first handle position (S1) forms a releasable connection between the support device and the base of the pull-out mechanism and is unlocked in a second handle position (S2).

[0028] The locking device is preferably designed so that the actuating element can be moved independently of the connecting element. In this case shown in the figures, actuation of the actuating element does not yet release the connection between the support device and the drawer base caused by the connecting element. In this way, a lock is formed by the actuating element and the latch part connected to this actuating element, which allows the first handle position (S1) to be fixed on the support device in addition to the fixation formed by the latch element, in that the support device is connected to the drawer base by the connecting element in the first position P1 and is only released by a movement of the handle, in particular a pivoting movement. This results in the advantage that the force required to hold the total held mass (drawer, support device, sample base and sample) does not have to be exerted by the latch part, but by an independent connecting element. The spring-supported restoring force of the actuating element can thus be designed to be small, and actuation of the actuating element by one or several fingers of the user is comfortable.

[0029] However, it is also possible and expedient to provide a locking device such that the actuating element can be moved depending on the connecting element. The actuating element, which preferably forms part of the handle or is arranged on the handle base or on the support device, can be designed to move the connecting element by actuation, such that in a first handle position (S1) a releasable connection between the support device and the base of the drawer mechanism is formed and in a second handle position (S2) it is unlocked. The actuating element is preferably connected, in particular movably, or immovably or integrally, with the connecting element. Upon actuation of the actuating element, the releasable connection between the support element and the drawer base is preferably released. The connecting element is preferably released from the drawer base by actuation of the actuating element. In this case, the actuating element preferably acts as a latch of the locking device, which latch in particular locks the support device to the drawer base, possibly to the chamber or to a component connected in particular movably with the chamber. This component can in particular allow a vibrating movement while the first position is fixed.

[0030] The handle is in particular a part that is pivotally fixed to the support device, the pivot axis extending in particular perpendicular to the pull-out direction.

[0031] The actuating element is in particular a spring-supported part operable by at least one finger of the user, in particular supported on the handle. The actuating element can be connected to the connecting element by at least one connecting element, in particular by a gear and / or a cable.

[0032] The locking mechanism and / or the coupling device are preferably designed in such a way that when moving the handle from the first handle position (S1) to the second handle position (S2) by manually operating the handle, a tension force present in the dead center position must be overcome when the handle moves between the first handle position (S1) and the second handle position (S2). The tension force present in the dead center position forms the maximum force that the user must apply by moving the handle. This design prevents the handle from automatically unlocking in the first position P1 during the oscillating movement, even if a locking device operating independently of the coupling element is accidentally released. This advantage can also be achieved by a toggle lever arrangement instead of a mechanism implementing a spring element, in particular a dead center spring.

[0033] The coupling device preferably has at least one spring element, which is preferably arranged on the handle and can be tensioned such that when the handle is moved from the first handle position (S1) to the second handle position (S2) by manually operating the handle, a tension force generated by the at least one spring element has to be overcome when the handle moves between the first handle position (S1) and the second handle position (S2).

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the fixing mechanism preferably comprises a toggle lever arrangement which allows a dead center position of the handle. The toggle lever arrangement in particular has a toggle lever. If the toggle lever is extended beyond the dead center position, a locking effect is achieved, in particular by providing a mechanical stop for the toggle lever on the support device. Even if the locking device is accidentally released, the locking effect of the toggle lever arrangement is maintained and the clamped support device is not automatically released.

[0035] Preferably, at least one spring element is arranged between the connecting element and the handle such that in the first handle position (S1) the connection between the support device and the base is fixed by the tension of the at least one spring element.

[0036] Preferably, at least one spring element is arranged between the connecting element and the handle in such a way that when the handle moves between the first handle position (S1) and the second handle position (S2), a dead center position of the handle is provided which has to be overcome, in particular by manual manipulation of the handle, whereby the handle can be fixed against pivoting to the second handle position (S2) by the tension of the at least one spring element, by providing a handle dead center position between the first handle position (S1) and the second handle position (S2), in particular where the dead center spring is under maximum tension.

[0037] The locking device can preferably be locked in the second handle position (S2) so that movement of the second handle position (S2) is prevented by the locking device, and the locking device in the second handle position can be released by manual operation of the actuating element, so that the handle can be moved to the first handle position (S1).

[0038] The handle is preferably pivotable about a first pivot axis (X1), which is in particular positioned on the support device, and the connecting element is preferably pivotable about a second pivot axis (X2), which is in particular positioned on the handle and arranged on the handle exactly parallel to the first pivot axis (X1). In this way, an efficient kinematic coupling of the handle movement and the connecting element required for locking / unlocking can be achieved.

[0039] Preferably, the support device is provided with a restraint guide 60 with a restraint guide. Preferably, the connecting element has a guide element which is guideable by the restraint guide in a first position (P1) of the support device. The guide element is preferably positionable in a first position (R1) relative to the restraint guide, in which a connection between the support element and the base of the pull-out mechanism is formed, and in a second position relative to the restraint guide, in particular in which the connection between the support element and the base of the pull-out mechanism is released. When manually moving the handle from the first handle position (S1) to the second handle position (S2), the guide element is preferably guided from the first position to the second position by the restraint guide.

[0040] The constrained guide is preferably designed such that the movement of the guide element in the constrained guide takes place in a plane (E) in which the pivot axis (X1) of the handle extends perpendicularly. The guide element is preferably arranged in an end portion of the constrained guide extending along the y direction in the first position (R1), and the constrained guide is preferably shaped to guide the guide element in the negative z direction when moving the handle (40) from the first handle position (S1) to the second handle position (S2), in particular by the constrained guide extending obliquely downwards in the z direction starting from the end portion extending along the y direction, whereby in particular the coupling element is released from the abutment element, in particular the hook element.

[0041] Preferably, the base of the drawer mechanism is fixedly connected to an abutment element, in particular a hook element, on which a connecting element is supported in the first handle position (S1) to form a connection between the support device and the base of the drawer mechanism and to prevent translational relative movement between the support device and the base.

[0042] The guide element is preferably supported in the first handle position (S1) on the abutment element, in particular by a form connection suitable for transmitting forces, forming a connection between the support device and the base of the pull-out mechanism.

[0043] The extraction mechanism preferably has a base, preferably with at least one fastening member, the base being fixed to the fastening member, and the chamber preferably has a chamber bottom with at least one opening, in particular the fastening members being respectively disposed in the openings and connected to a vibration device, such that the fastening members can vibrate and move parallel to the chamber bottom.

[0044] The laboratory shaker preferably has a sample base, and the handle has at least one holding part, in particular a first bearing part, wherein the fixing mechanism has at least one first stop part, in particular an abutment part fixedly connected to the base (11), wherein the sample base is positioned on the at least one positioning element and held between the at least one holding part of the handle and the at least one first stop part of the base, in particular the support device is fixed in a first position (P1) of the support device and in a first handle position (S1) of the handle.

[0045] The chamber preferably has a chamber bottom, the drawer mechanism preferably has a base and at least one drawer element, in particular the drawer element forming a component of a rail system of the drawer mechanism and arranged on the base so as to be movable along a drawer direction (A), and wherein the support device is fixed to said at least one drawer element. The laboratory shaker preferably has a fastening device, in particular at least one fastening member arranged on the chamber bottom and connected to the vibration device, and at least one connecting member by which the base can be releasably fixed to the at least one fastening member, and wherein the at least one fastening member and the at least one connecting member are provided for manual, tool-free fastening.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a laboratory shaker for shaking a sample contained in a sample container, according to an embodiment also shown herein, the laboratory shaker comprising: a temperature-controllable chamber having a chamber opening; A support device for supporting the sample base; a sample base for supporting a sample container disposed on the support device; a pull-out mechanism for pulling out a support device which in a first position P1 is completely located inside the chamber, which when manually pulled out along a pull-out direction A passes through the chamber opening and which in a second position P2 is located outside the chamber, the pull-out mechanism having a base and at least one pull-out element arranged on the base so as to be movable along the pull-out direction A, the support device being fixed to the at least one pull-out element which in particular forms a component of a rail system of the pull-out mechanism, the support device and / or the at least one pull-out element having at least one positioning element by which a sample base can be positioned on the support device; a vibration device for moving the drawing mechanism and the support device at a first position P1, The laboratory shaker has a fixing mechanism for fixing a first position P1 of the support device, the fixing mechanism comprising a handle fixed to the support device, the handle being movable between a first handle position S1 and a second handle position S2, the support device and / or the handle having at least one holding part, in particular a first bearing part, in particular a second stop part, the fixing mechanism having at least one first stop part, in particular an abutment part fixedly connected to the base, The support device is fixed at a first position P1 of the support device and a first handle position S1 of the handle by positioning the sample base in the at least one positioning element and holding the support device and / or the sample base between the at least one holding part and at least one first stop part of the base. These embodiments of the laboratory shaker can be combined with any of the other embodiments of the laboratory shaker described herein.

[0047] The present invention also relates to a laboratory shaker for shaking a sample contained in a sample container, according to an embodiment also shown herein, the laboratory shaker comprising: a temperature-controllable chamber having a chamber bottom and a chamber opening; a support device for supporting a sample base on which a sample container can be placed; a withdrawal mechanism for withdrawing the support device, the withdrawal mechanism being disposed completely within the chamber at a first position P1, passing through the chamber opening when manually withdrawn along a withdrawal direction A, and being disposed outside the chamber at a second position P2; In particular, the device has a pull-out mechanism and a vibration device for moving the support device at a first position P1, The drawer mechanism has a base and at least one drawer element, which is arranged on the base so as to be movable along a drawer direction A, in particular forming a component of a rail system of the drawer mechanism, and the support device is fixed to the at least one drawer element, The laboratory shaker has a fastening device, in particular at least one fastening member arranged at the chamber bottom and connected to the vibration exciter, and at least one connecting member by which the base can be releasably fixed to the at least one fastening member, the at least one fastening member and the at least one connecting member being arranged for manual, tool-free fastening. "Tool-free" means that besides the fastening device, in particular besides both components "fastening member" and "connecting member", no tools are required to release and / or establish the connection. In particular for this purpose the connecting device has an integrated tool, for example a lever or a handle, which is permanently connected to the fastening member or the connecting member, respectively. These laboratory shaker embodiments can be combined with all other optional embodiments of the laboratory shaker described herein. Just as the fastening is performed without tools, the removal of the fastening is also performed without tools. This has the advantage for the user that the base can be quickly removed and removed from the chamber without tools. This makes cleaning inside the chamber very easy. Reinstallation of the parts is also possible very quickly.

[0048] Laboratory shakers for shaking experimental samples are especially designed for temperature regulation of the experimental sample. Such devices are electrically driven and have a power supply. The laboratory shaker regulates the temperature of the experimental sample, i.e. keeps the interior of the housing and thus the experimental sample stored therein within an acceptable range, in particular by temperature control to a target temperature which can be set by the user. The target temperature can be above room temperature (ambient temperature), as in the case of heating cabinets or incubations, or below room temperature, as in the case of refrigerators or freezers. In laboratory shakers designed as climate-controlled shakers, the climatic parameters inside the housing are also preferably controlled within an acceptable range. These climatic parameters can be air humidity and / or gas concentrations, e.g. CO 2 , 0 2 and / or N 2 Such climate-controlled shakers are for example laboratory shakers with incubation functions for shaking experimental samples, in particular living cell cultures, also called incubation shakers.

[0049] Typical features of such laboratory shakers may include one or more of the following: Chamber temperature controllability: cooling down to 4°C, heating up to 80°C. Vibration motion speed range: (25-500 rpm). Laboratory-compatible housing formats (on-bench, under-bench, and stackable stand models). Stackability of housings (2 or more). Capacity and throughput: vessel type, size, capacity. Loading method (front or top). CO 2 control. Light for photosynthesis.

[0050] Particularly preferably, the laboratory shaker is designed to carry out a high temperature process inside the chamber using a temperature regulator and / or a heating device to sterilize the inside of the chamber, the chamber being exposed to a temperature of 150°C to 200°C, preferably at least 180°C, for a period of a few seconds (e.g. 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 seconds) to a few minutes (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480 or 600 minutes), preferably without the need to remove the pull-out mechanism including the mounted sample base. Particularly preferably, the laboratory shaker, in particular the electronic control device controlling the temperature regulator and / or the heating device, is designed to expose the chamber to a target temperature of 150°C to 200°C, preferably at least 180°C, for a period of more than one hour, in particular for a period of several hours, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 hours. Generally, the chamber requires a heating time to reach the target temperature and a cooling time to cool from the target temperature to the normal use temperature. In particular, when performing high temperature cycles, the extraction mechanism is arranged in a closed chamber, and the extraction mechanism and the sample base are in particular made of a material that can withstand a correspondingly high temperature, in particular stainless steel.

[0051] The laboratory shaker preferably has a housing. The housing is preferably an outer housing with the housing wall in contact with the environment. Thus, the housing door can be an outer housing door that abuts the environment in the closed position.

[0052] In particular, the housing door has a hinge arrangement pivotally connecting the housing door to the housing, such hinge door being movable by rotation between an open position and a closed position. The hinge arrangement may be located at a vertical outer edge of the rectangular housing, particularly adjacent the housing opening, in normal use of the laboratory shaker. A base plate of the rectangular housing is arranged horizontally in normal use of the laboratory shaker, the side walls of the housing are arranged particularly vertically, and a top plate of the housing is arranged horizontally opposite the base plate, in particular.

[0053] The data processing device is preferably included in the laboratory shaker and is preferably part of an electrical control device which controls the functions of the laboratory shaker. The functions of the control device are in particular implemented by electronic circuits. The control device may have a microcontroller, a computing unit (CPU) for processing data and / or a microprocessor, each of which may comprise a data processing device. The control device and / or the data processing device are preferably adapted to execute a control process, also called control software or control program. Such a control process may define the time course of the vibration movement which can be performed with the vibration device. This vibration movement is defined in particular by the direction of the translational movement performed in the xy plane and / or by the amplitude of successive movement sections. This xy plane is usually parallel to the sample base and / or the chamber bottom. The preferred diameter of the vibration movement performed in the xy plane is 0-5 cm. The vibration device, in particular the orbital drive, is preferably designed for vibration movements with a maximum diameter of 0-5 cm. The functions of the laboratory shaker and / or the control device may be described in process steps. These may be realized as components of the control program, in particular as subprograms of the control program.

[0054] The laboratory shaker is preferably a culture shaker. A culture shaker is an apparatus which can also be operated as a laboratory culture and thus create and maintain controlled climatic conditions for various biological development and growth processes. It is used in particular to create and maintain a microclimate with controlled gas conditions and / or humidity conditions and / or temperature conditions in a chamber, whereby this treatment may be time-dependent. The culture shaker is equipped with a temperature control device, in particular designed as a timer, in particular a time switch, a heating device and / or a cooling device, and a setting device for controlling the exchange gas preferably supplied to the chamber, for the composition of the gas in the chamber of the culture shaker, in particular the gas CO. 2 and / or O 2 and / or N 2It may have a setting device for setting the content and / or a setting device for setting the humidity in the chamber of the culture shaker.

[0055] In particular, the culture shaker comprises a culture chamber (= chamber) and further preferably comprises a control device with at least one control circuit to which at least one temperature regulator as actuating element and at least one temperature sensor as measuring element are assigned. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the air humidity can also be adjusted, although the air humidity itself is not measured by an air humidity sensor (rH sensor) and the air humidity is not an input variable of the control circuit. A tray filled with water in the culture chamber can be heated or cooled to adjust the humidity by evaporation. CO 2 The culture shaker is used in particular for culturing animal or human cells. The culture shaker may comprise an inversion device for inverting at least one cell culture vessel.

[0056] The control device can be designed such that the program parameters or control parameters of the laboratory shaker, in particular the culture shaker, are automatically selected as a function of other data. The treatment of the at least one cell culture in the at least one cell culture vessel controlled by the control parameters corresponds to a climatic treatment to which the at least one cell culture is subjected in the culture. Possible parameters, in particular program parameters, in particular user parameters, used to influence the climatic treatment are in particular the temperature of the chamber in which the at least one sample is cultured, the O in the chamber, the temperature of ... 2 and / or CO 2 and / or N 2 The relative gas concentrations in the chamber, the air humidity in the chamber, and / or at least one sequence parameter that determines the sequence, particularly the order, of the incubation treatment program and / or the vibration program consisting of multiple steps is defined.

[0057] The temperature control device can be a combined heating / cooling device. The temperature control device is preferably a heating device only. The heating device can generate heat in particular via an electrical resistance wire. The resistance wire is preferably attached to the outside of at least one chamber wall, several chamber walls, or all chamber walls forming the chamber.

[0058] A laboratory shaker or culture shaker can have exactly one chamber, but also several chambers in which the atmosphere (temperature, relative gas concentrations, air humidity) can be set individually or collectively. The typical size of the inside of the chamber is 50-400 liters, but smaller chamber sizes are also possible for special applications (in vitro fertilization), especially 10-49 liters.

[0059] Further preferred embodiments of the laboratory shaker according to the invention are described in the description of the embodiments with reference to the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1a is a perspective side front view of a laboratory shaker according to the invention with the housing door closed, according to an embodiment. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b shows the laboratory shaker of FIG. 1a with the housing door removed, filled with sample containers and with the handle of the support device of the withdrawal mechanism arranged in position P1 in handle position S1. [Figure 1c] FIG. 1c shows the laboratory shaker of FIG. 1b with the handle of the support device of the drawer mechanism arranged in position P1 in handle position S2'. [Figure 1d] FIG. 1d shows the laboratory shaker of FIG. 1b with the handle of the support device of the drawer mechanism arranged in position P1 in handle position S2. [Figure 1e] FIG. 1e shows the laboratory shaker of FIG. 1d with the support device of the drawer mechanism partially drawn out and in position P2'. [Figure 1f] FIG. 1f shows the laboratory shaker of FIG. 1d with the support device of the drawer mechanism fully extended and in position P2. [Figure 1g] FIG. 1g shows a modified laboratory shaker similar to that of FIG. 1f with the handle in handle position S1 and the support arrangement of the pull-out mechanism fully extended and positioned in position P2. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a shows the laboratory shaker of FIG. 1f without the sample container and with the sample base removed upwardly from the support device. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows the laboratory shaker of FIG. 2a with the sample base faded out. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a view corresponding to FIG. 1f, with the sample vessel removed from the sample base. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a view corresponding to FIG. 3a after disassembly without tools for cleaning of the chamber, with the extraction mechanism including the base, rail system, support device and sample base removed. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3c is a front view of the drawer mechanism of the laboratory shaker of the previous figure, specifically showing the tongue and groove connection guides for fixing the translation constraint guides of the support device to the base. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is a perspective side view of the withdrawal mechanism of the laboratory shaker according to the previous figure in a fully inserted state as in position P1. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a side elevational view of the drawer mechanism of the laboratory shaker according to the previous figure in a fully drawn out state as in position P2. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4c is a side front bottom view of the drawer mechanism of the laboratory shaker according to the previous figure in a fully drawn out state as in position P2. [Figure 5a]FIG. 5a is a side perspective view showing a detail of the support device with the sample base of a laboratory shaker according to the previous figure, in which a fixing mechanism capable of fixing the first position P1 of the support device is shown, the handle of the fixing mechanism is in a vertical first handle position S1 and the guiding or coupling element is in a position R1 relative to the constraint guide. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b shows a view according to FIG. 5a, with the handle of the fixing mechanism in handle position S2' and the guide element or coupling element in position R2' relative to the restraining guide. [Figure 5c] FIG. 5c shows a view according to FIG. 5a, with the handle of the locking mechanism in the horizontal second handle position S2 and the guide element or coupling element in position R2 relative to the restraining guide. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a shows a more detailed view of the diagram according to FIG. 5c. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b shows a more detailed view of the diagram according to FIG. 5c. [Figure 6c] FIG. 6c shows a more detailed view of the diagram according to FIG. 5a. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an optional detail of the laboratory shaker according to the previous figures, namely a prismatic first stop part of the base of the withdrawal mechanism and a complementary prismatic second stop part of the support device, which abuts against the first stop part of the base in position P1 when the support device moves from position P1 to position P2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side perspective bottom view of a detail of the fixing mechanism according to FIGS. 5a-5c. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a displacement-force curve showing the force applied by the user when the handle is moved from a first handle position to a second handle position and the support device is pulled by the handle in the pull-out direction to the pull-out position, this movement being continuous in the pull-out direction A (except for the rotational component in the negative z-direction). [Figure 10a] FIG. 10a is a cross-sectional view along the yz plane of the laboratory shaker in the state of FIG. 1b. [Figure 10b]FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view along the yz plane of the laboratory shaker in the state of FIG. 1d. [Figure 10c] FIG. 10c is a cross-sectional view along the yz plane of the laboratory shaker of FIG. 1f without the sample container and with the support device partially extended. [Figure 11a] FIG. 11a is a partial view of the support device and handle part with the coupling device of the locking mechanism according to another embodiment of the laboratory shaker according to the invention in the coupling position V1 of the coupling element, in the first position P1 of the drawer and in the first handle position S1 of the handle. [Figure 11b] FIG. 11b is a view of the handle part with the coupling device shown in FIG. 11a in the released position V2 of the coupling element, the first position P1 of the drawer and the second handle position S2 of the handle. [Figure 11c] FIG. 11c is a perspective view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 11b. [Figure 11d] FIG. 11d shows the arrangement of the pivot axes of the connecting element, the locking lever and the connection point between the connecting element and the locking lever, as well as the pivot axis of the handle of the support device, with the relative positions of these pivot axes fixed by the dead center positions shown in FIG. 11a. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a detailed side perspective view of another embodiment of a locking device for a securing mechanism of a laboratory shaker according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a sample base with stop elements against which the sample base and its support rest against the drawer base of a laboratory shaker according to the invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective side view of a base with a stop element for abutting against a complementary stop element of the sample base of the laboratory shaker according to the invention shown in FIG. [Figure 15a]FIG. 15a is a detailed side perspective bottom view of a support device with a sample base of a laboratory shaker according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the handle of the fixation mechanism in a horizontal second handle position S2 and the guiding or coupling element in position R2 relative to the constraining guide, and a fixation mechanism capable of fixing the first position P1 of the support device is shown. [Figure 15b] FIG. 15b is a view according to FIG. 15a, with the handle of the fixing mechanism in the vertical first handle position S1 and the guide element or coupling element in position R1 relative to the restraining guide. [Figure 15c] FIG. 15c is a view according to FIG. 15a similar to FIG. 15b, with the handle of the locking mechanism in a first vertical handle position S1 and the guide element or coupling element in position R1 relative to the restraining guide. [Figure 16a] FIG. 16a is a detailed perspective side view of a base with a stop element for abutting against a complementary stop element of a sample base of a laboratory shaker according to the present invention. [Figure 16b] FIG. 16b is a detailed partial view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 16a. [Figure 16c] FIG. 16c is a detailed partial view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 16a. [Figure 16d] FIG. 16d is a partial view of the sample base with the stopper element and the complementary stopper element assembled thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] The laboratory shaker 1 shown in the figure is a culture shaker capable of performing a shaking movement in this example. The shaking movement is generated by an orbital drive, not described in detail here, arranged below the chamber bottom 2a in the region of the housing 3b (FIG. 1a). The samples to be shaken are contained in sample containers 99 placed on a sample base 14. The sample base 14 can in particular be equipped with a removable holder (not shown) for the sample container.

[0062] The sample base is placed vertically from above on positioning pins 16 of the support device 12 so that the sample base is substantially immobile, i.e. immobile within the xy plane (the horizontal plane in the intended use of the laboratory shaker, i.e. the plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, FIG. 1a), and rests on the support device or on a part rigidly connected thereto in the negative z direction.

[0063] The support device can be translated along a pull-out direction A (y in the illustrated Cartesian coordinate system) by the pull-out mechanism 10, in particular by its rail system with at least one, in this case several, rail elements 15. The maximum amplitude of this translational movement is determined by a stop device, which is determined by a part of the base of the pull-out mechanism 10, in particular by a part of the sub-base 11 of the pull-out mechanism. A first stop part 11a or 13b (FIG. 4a) is fixedly connected to the sub-base 11, i.e. the base 11. A second stop part 12c is fixedly connected to the support device, here in the form of a second stop part 12c fixed to the underside of the support device, or here rather to the underside of a sample base 14 connected to the support device 12 (FIG. 4c; "downwards" refers to the direction of the negative z-axis and "forwards" refers to the direction of the positive y-axis).

[0064] The drawer mechanism is designed here in such a way that the support device 12 is substantially immobile relative to the base 11 along the z and x axes and can only move translationally along the y axis. However, it is also possible that the drawer mechanism is designed in such a way that the drawer does not have a translational guidance in only one direction but performs, for example, a translational drawer movement with a mixture of different translation directions, or a rotational drawer movement, or a combination of translational and rotational drawer movements, for example along the xy plane.

[0065] The base 11 of the drawer mechanism 10, or the sample base assembled thereto, is connected to a vibration device, in particular an orbital drive (not shown), in particular via a fastening device 72 (FIG. 3b) or a fastening device 70, which can be operated without tools and in particular comprises a nut element 74 (FIG. 4b) with a fine thread. For this purpose, the fastening elements are arranged inside the opening 2b of the chamber bottom 2a, for example within a diameter of 5 cm of the opening 2b, and extend vertically from the area below the chamber bottom 2a to the area above the chamber bottom. The fastening elements 72 then have a flange part for supporting the sub-base 11 of the drawer mechanism base. This arrangement allows vibration movements with deflections in a diameter range of, for example, up to 5 cm. The entire drawer mechanism moves. This is aided by the sufficiently low mass of the structure of the drawer mechanism. In particular, the drawer element or rail element 15 has or consists of stainless steel.

[0066] Figure 1a shows a perspective side front view of a laboratory shaker 1 according to the invention according to an embodiment with the housing door 4 closed. The housing door 4 has a handle 40 of the support device 12 and a viewing window 4a through which the interior of the chamber 2 can be seen. The housing 3a, 3b of the shaker 1 is substantially rectangular, as is the interior of the chamber.

[0067] The laboratory shaker 1 is designed for shaking a sample contained in a sample container 99 . Laboratory shaker 1 a temperature-controllable chamber 2 having a closable chamber opening 3; A support device 12 for supporting a sample base 14 on which a sample container 99 is placed in FIG. 1a; a pull-out mechanism 10 for pulling out a support device 12 which in a first position P1 (FIGS. 1a, 1b) is arranged completely inside the chamber 2 and which, when manually pulled out along a pull-out direction A, passes through the chamber opening 3 and in a second position P2 is arranged outside the chamber 2, in particular completely outside the chamber 2a (FIG. 1f) if the pull-out is fully pulled out as preferred here; A vibration device for vibrating the sample container 99; and a locking mechanism 20 for locking and unlocking the first position P1 with a locking device 30 and a handle 40, which is fixed to the support device 12 and can be moved between a first handle position S1 in which the locking device 30 is locked and a second handle position S2 in which the locking device 30 is unlocked. The handle is designed in particular here as a pivot lever, which is fixed to the support device 12 so as to be pivotable about an axis X1. The support device 12 preferably comprises rail elements 15, in particular L-shaped bars 15d (Fig. 4b) are assembled thereto, to which the positioning elements 16 are fixed, and / or a front profile 17 (Fig. 4b) on which the handle 40 and the restraining guide 60 are preferably assembled.

[0068] In this case, the locking device 30 can prevent the locking device 30 from moving to the first handle position S1 (Figs. 1b, 5a). The locking device 30 has a manually operable actuating element 42 arranged on the handle 40, which can be operated in the direction towards the handle, i.e. in particular with one hand, to unlock the locking device 30 in the first handle position S1, and the handle 40 can be moved to the second handle position S2 (Figs. 1d, 5c), so that the fixing mechanism 20 can be unlocked by actuating the actuating element 42 and simultaneously pulling the handle 40 in the pull-out direction A. This results in a successive operating sequence that the user finds very ergonomic. To unlock the fixing mechanism 20, it is only necessary to press the spring-supported button 42 with the finger of one hand, which triggers the unlocking of the locking element 31 and the arresting opening 32 on the support element via a tension mechanism. At the same time, the user pulls with the handle in the pull-out direction, which moves the handle downwards. The button 42 can then be immediately released again, which is convenient and intuitive. The handle automatically latches in the second handle position S2 based on spring tension (FIG. 5c) and the user pulls the support device 12 (including the sample base and container) in the same pulling motion which also locks the handle.

[0069] The fastening mechanism 20 preferably comprises a coupling device 50, which comprises a movably arranged coupling element 52, in particular movably connected to the handle 40, for establishing and releasing a detachable connection between the support device 12 and the base 11 of the drawer mechanism 10 in the first position P1. This coupling element is made of several parts and is shown in detail in FIG. 8. The handle 40 is preferably designed to move the coupling element 52 by its pivoting movement B, so that in the first handle position S1 a detachable connection between the support device 12 and the base 11 of the drawer mechanism 10 is formed and in the second handle position S2 it is unlocked. In this way the support device 12 is fixed to the base. As an alternative or additional embodiment, it is preferred that the latch 31 of the locking device 30 of the handle 40 engages with a part 32', which is fixedly connected to the chamber or the chamber bottom, in the first position P1, in particular in the handle position S2, of the drawer mechanism or the support device. This embodiment is not shown here.

[0070] Preferably, the coupling device comprises at least one spring element 56, which is preferably arranged on the handle and can be tensioned such that when the handle is moved from the first handle position S1 to the second handle position S2 by manually operating the handle, a tension force generated by the at least one spring element must be overcome when the handle moves between the first and second handle positions, thereby locking the first handle position S1 and, by virtue of the coupling of the coupling element 52 with the base 11 (hook 54), also the base position P1 of the pull-out mechanism. This embodiment is shown herein.

[0071] Preferably, at least one spring element 56 is arranged between the connecting element 12 and the handle 40, such that in the first handle position S1 the connection between the support device 12 and the base 11 is fixed by the tension of the at least one spring element 56. This embodiment is shown herein.

[0072] Preferably, at least one spring element 56 is disposed between the connecting element 52 and the handle 40 such that the spring element 56 provides a dead center position for the handle that must be overcome by manually manipulating the handle (as shown here) as the handle moves between the first handle position (S1) and the second handle position (S2). This embodiment is shown herein.

[0073] Preferably, the tension of the at least one spring element 56 prevents the handle 40 from pivoting to the second handle position S2. This is achieved here in that between the first handle position S1 and the second handle position S2, a handle dead center position is provided in which in particular the dead center spring 56 is under maximum tension. This embodiment is shown here.

[0074] A dead center is when the force vectors acting on the connecting joint in a flat lever mechanism are on a common straight line. A dead center position exists in particular when, viewed in the yz plane, the axes X1, X2 and the axis of the guide element 53 are on a straight line. The corresponding handle position is called the handle dead center position ST.

[0075] The applied force is only transmitted to the holding point of the mechanism, and the lever cannot be moved without external influence. This state can only be changed by applying a force transverse to the main axis of the mechanism. A dead point, which can only be reached and overcome against a spring force (e.g. 22 N, see Fig. 8), is utilized to fix the fixed position P1, which is a self-locking mechanism. This embodiment is shown here.

[0076] Preferably, the handle 40 is lockable in the second handle position S2, and movement to the second handle position S2 can be prevented by the locking device 30. Preferably, the locking device 30 can be unlocked in the second handle position S2 by manual operation of the actuating element 42, and the handle 40 can be moved to the first handle position S1. This embodiment is shown herein.

[0077] The handle (40) is preferably pivotable about a first pivot axis (X1), which is in particular positioned on the support device. This embodiment is shown in the present specification. Preferably, the connecting element 52 is pivotable about a second pivot axis X2, which is in particular positioned on the handle 40 and arranged on the handle 40 substantially parallel to, i.e. at a distance from, the first pivot axis X1. This embodiment is shown in the present specification.

[0078] Preferably, a restraining guide 63, here in particular a restraining guide 60 with a link, is provided on the support device 12, and the connecting element 52, here in particular a spring-loaded tie rod, has at least one guide element 53, here in particular a link guide 53, which can be guided by the restraining guide 63, preferably in a first position P1 of the support device 12. This guide element 53 can be arranged in a first position R1 relative to the restraining guide 63, where the connection between the support element 12 and the base 11 of the drawer mechanism 10 is formed, and in a second position relative to the restraining guide, where the connection between the support element 12 and the base 11 of the drawer mechanism 10 is released, and the guide element 53 is guided from the first position to the second position by the restraining guide when the handle is manually moved from the first handle position S1 to the second handle position (S2). In this way, the locking mechanism 20 can be released simply, intuitively and reliably. These embodiments are shown in the present specification.

[0079] The restraining guide 63 is preferably designed such that the movement of the guide element 53 along it takes place in a plane E, perpendicular to which plane E the pivot axis X1 extends at the base of the handle 40. The guide element 53 is arranged in an end portion 63a of the restraining guide 63 extending along the y direction in the first position R1, the restraining guide 63 being preferably shaped to guide the guide element 53 in the negative z direction when moving the handle 40 from the first handle position S1 to the second handle position S2, in particular by the fact that the restraining guide extends obliquely downwards in the z direction starting from the end portion extending along the y direction, whereby in particular the coupling element (52) is released from the abutment element, in particular the hook element 54. These embodiments are shown in the present description.

[0080] Preferably, the base 11 of the drawer mechanism is fixedly connected to at least one abutment element 54, in particular a hook element 54, on which the connecting element 52 is supported in the first handle position S1, forming a connection between the support device and the base 11 of the drawer mechanism 10 and preventing translational relative movement between the support device 12 and the base 11. These embodiments are shown herein.

[0081] The guide element 53 is preferably supported by an abutment element 54 in the first handle position S1, in particular by a form connection suitable for the transmission of forces, forming a connection between the support device 12 and the base 11 of the pull-out mechanism 10.

[0082] The extraction mechanism 10 preferably has a base 11, particularly preferably a sub-base 11 arranged parallel to the chamber bottom 2a, in particular the sample base 14, which can be used to assemble the extraction mechanism 10 to a vibration device. At least one fastening element 72 is preferably provided, to which the base 11 is fixed. The chamber 2 preferably has a chamber bottom 2a with at least one opening 2b (here four openings 2b). In this case, preferably one fastening element 70 is arranged in each opening 2b, in particular connected to a vibration device, so that the assembly of the extraction mechanism 10, including the fastening element 72, in particular the support device 12 connected to the fastening element 72 and the sample base 14, can be moved in a vibrating manner parallel to the chamber bottom 2a. These embodiments are shown in the present specification.

[0083] Preferably, in each of the openings 2b there is arranged at least partially a hollow cylindrical insert element 75 which protrudes beyond the chamber bottom and surrounds the respective opening within which the fastening members 72 move, preferably without contacting the hollow cylindrical part of the insert element 75. This opening allows the vibrational movement of the extraction mechanism and all components connected thereto to be transmitted from the fastening members 72.

[0084] The handle preferably has at least one holding part 43, in particular a first bearing part 43, and the fixing mechanism 20 preferably has at least one first stop part 11a (complementary prismatic block) or 13b (stop element), in particular an abutment part fixedly connected to the base 11. In particular, the sample base 14 is positioned on the at least one positioning element 16 and is held between the at least one holding part 43 of the handle 40 and the at least one first stop part 11a; 13b of the base 11, in particular by tightening with the force of a spring 56 or another spring, so that the support device 12 is fixed in the first position P1 of the support device 12 and in the first handle position S1 of the handle 40. In this way, the sample base 14 is even better prevented from moving in the z and y directions in the first position P1. These embodiments are also shown for the most part in the present specification.

[0085] The chamber 2 preferably has a chamber bottom 2a, the drawer mechanism 10 preferably has a base 11 and at least one drawer element 15, in particular the drawer element 15 forming a component of the rail system of the drawer mechanism and arranged on the base 11 in a movable manner along the drawer direction A, where the support device 12 is fixed to the at least one drawer element 15. The laboratory shaker 1 preferably has a fastening device 70, in particular at least one fastening member 72 arranged on the chamber bottom 2a and connected to the vibration device, and at least one connecting member 74 by which the base 11 can be releasably fixed to the at least one fastening member 72, where the at least one fastening member 72 and the at least one connecting member 74 are designed for manual, tool-free fastening. These embodiments are shown in the present specification. Such manual, tool-free fastening allows for convenient cleaning of the chamber, which makes working with the laboratory shaker more efficient and safer. These embodiments are shown in the present specification. In particular, the connecting element 74 is designed to be screwed into the fastening element, in particular by a fine thread. Alternatively, single-start threads, multiple-start threads, bayonets, quick-release fasteners, snap-on nuts, respectively, may be suitably used for the fastening element 72 and / or the connecting element 74, so that connection and removal can be performed without tools. This allows the connection to be achieved in a convenient, reliable and durable manner.

[0086] The invention also relates to a laboratory shaker 1 for shaking samples contained in sample containers, according to the embodiment also shown in the present specification, said laboratory shaker comprising: a temperature-controllable chamber 2 having a chamber opening 3; A support device 12 for supporting a sample base 14; a sample base 14 for supporting a sample container placed on the support device 12; a pull-out mechanism 10 fixed in the chamber 2 for pulling out a support device 12 which in a first position P1 is completely arranged inside the chamber 2 and which, when manually pulled out along a pull-out direction A, passes through the chamber opening 3 and which in a second position P2 is arranged outside the chamber 2, the pull-out mechanism 10 comprising a base 11 and at least one pull-out element 15 arranged on the base 11 so as to be movable along the pull-out direction A, the support device 12 being fixed to the at least one pull-out element 15 which in particular forms a component of a rail system of the pull-out mechanism, the pull-out element 15 having at least one positioning element 16 by which a sample base 14 can be positioned on the support device 12; a vibration device for moving the drawing mechanism and the support device (12) at a first position (P1); The laboratory shaker 1 has a fixing mechanism 20 for locking a first position P1 of the support device 12, the fixing mechanism 20 including a handle 40, the handle 40h being fixed to the support device 12 and movable between a first handle position S1 and a second handle position S2, the fixing mechanism 20 having at least one holding part 43, in particular a first bearing part 43, the fixing mechanism 20 having at least one first stopper part 11a; 13b, in particular an abutment part 11a; 13b fixedly connected to the base 11; The support device 12 is locked in a first position P1 of the support device 12 and in a first handle position S1 of the handle 40 by the sample base 14 being positioned on the at least one positioning element 16 and held between the at least one holding portion 43 of the handle 40 and the at least one first stop portion 11a; 13b of the base 11. This laboratory shaker embodiment can be combined with all other embodiments of the laboratory shaker 1 described herein. In particular, it can be combined with the following embodiments:

[0087] Preferably, at least one holding portion 43 of the handle 40 is pressed against the sample base 14 in the first handle position S1 by a spring element 56 of the fixing mechanism 20, in particular by a dead center spring 56, and this sample base 14 is pressed against at least one second stop portion 11a; 13b functioning as an abutment portion via at least one second stop portion 12c fixedly connected to the support device.

[0088] Preferably, at least one second stop portion 11a is configured to form a tongue-and-groove connection (12c; 13) movable along the withdrawal direction A and / or has an inclined contour along the withdrawal direction A, whereby the sample base 14 can be fixed at a first position P1 relative to the z-direction of the base 11.

[0089] The invention also relates to a laboratory shaker 1 for shaking samples contained in sample containers, according to the embodiment also shown in the present specification, said laboratory shaker comprising: a temperature-controllable chamber 2 having a chamber bottom 2a and a chamber opening 3; a support device 12 for supporting a sample base 14 on which a sample container can be placed; a withdrawal mechanism 10 for withdrawing a support device 12, which is disposed completely within the chamber 2 at a first position P1, passes through a chamber opening 3 when manually withdrawn along a withdrawal direction A, and is disposed outside the chamber 2 at a second position P2; The apparatus includes a drawer mechanism and a vibration device for moving the support device 12 at a first position P1, The drawer mechanism 10 comprises a base 11 and at least one drawer element 15, which is arranged on the base 11 so as to be movable along a drawer direction A, in particular forming a component of a rail system of the drawer mechanism, and the support device 12 is fixed to the at least one drawer element 15, The laboratory shaker comprises a fastening device 70, which comprises in particular at least one fastening member 72 arranged on the chamber bottom 2a and connected to the vibration device, and at least one connecting member 74 by which the base 11 can be releasably locked to the at least one fastening member 72, designed for manual, tool-free fastening of the at least one fastening member 72 and the at least one connecting member 74. "Tool-free" means that besides the connecting device, in particular besides both components "fastening member" and "connecting member", no tools are required to release and / or establish the connection. In particular for this purpose the connecting device has an integrated tool, for example a lever or a handle, which is permanently connected to the fastening member or connecting member, respectively. These laboratory shaker embodiments can be combined with all other optional embodiments of the laboratory shaker 1 described herein.

[0090] Preferably, each one of the fastening elements 72 and the connecting element 74 can be connected by a frictional and / or positive connection, in particular by a screw connection, preferably with a fine thread, a screw thread, a bayonet or a snap-on clamp. The fastening device 70 preferably comprises at least one snap-on clamping device for fixing the base 11.

[0091] The chamber preferably has a chamber bottom 2a with at least one opening 2b, in which at least one fastening member 72 is arranged to move parallel to the chamber bottom 2a, in particular to perform an orbital movement. The orbital movement includes a translational movement. In particular, the translational movement is superimposed so that a circular movement is mapped at each integral point over the entire base. In particular, it is performed according to an orbital mixer, with an eccentric specifying the orbit and specifying the amplitude. In particular, z-strokes are avoided, preferably a planar translational movement in the xy plane.

[0092] FIG. 1b shows the laboratory shaker 1 of FIG. 1a with the housing door 4 removed, filled with sample containers 99 and with the handle of the support device of the drawer mechanism 10 arranged in the first position P1 in the handle position S1. FIG. 1c shows the laboratory shaker 1 of FIG. 1b with the handle of the support device 12 of the drawer mechanism 10 arranged in the position P1 in the handle position S2'. FIG. 1d shows the laboratory shaker 1 of FIG. 1b with the handle position S2 of the handle of the support device 12 of the drawer mechanism 10 arranged in the first position P1. FIG. 1e shows the laboratory shaker 1 of FIG. 1d with the support device 12 of the drawer mechanism 10 partially drawn out and arranged in the position P2'. FIG. 1f shows the laboratory shaker 1 of FIG. 1d with the support device 12 of the drawer mechanism 10 fully drawn out and arranged in the position P2.

[0093] Figure 2a shows the laboratory shaker 1 of Figure 1f without the sample container 99 and with the sample base 12 removed upward (in the positive z direction) from the support device 12. Figure 2b shows the laboratory shaker 1 of Figure 2a with the sample base faded out.

[0094] Figure 3a corresponds to figure 1f, with the sample container 99 removed from the sample base 14. Figure 3b corresponds to figure 3a, with the pull-out mechanism 10 including the base 11, the rail system 15, the support device 12 and the sample base 14 removed and after dismantling without tools for cleaning the chamber. Figure 3c shows a front view of the pull-out mechanism 10 of said laboratory shaker 1, in particular the tongue and groove connection guides (12c; 13) for fixing the translational constraint guides of the support device 12 to the base 11.

[0095] Fig. 4a shows a side perspective view of the drawer mechanism 10 of the laboratory shaker 1 according to the previous figure in a fully extended state as in the first position P1. Fig. 4b shows a side front view of the drawer mechanism 10 of the laboratory shaker 1 according to the previous figure in a fully extended state as in position P2. Fig. 4c shows a side front bottom view of the drawer mechanism 10 of the laboratory shaker 1 according to the previous figure in a fully extended state as in position P2.

[0096] Fig. 5a shows a side perspective view showing a detail of the support device 12 of the laboratory shaker 1 with the sample base 14 according to the previous figure, with the fixing mechanism 20 capable of fixing the first position P1 of the support device 12, with the handle 40 of the fixing mechanism 20 in a vertical first handle position S1 and in a position R1 relative to the restraining guide 63 of the guiding element 53 or the connecting element 52. Fig. 5b shows a view according to Fig. 5a with the handle of the fixing mechanism 20 in a handle position S2' and the guide element 53 or the connecting element 51 in a position R2' relative to the restraining guide 63. Fig. 5c shows a view according to Fig. 5a with the handle of the fixing mechanism in a horizontal second handle position S2 and the guide element 53 or the connecting element 52 in a position R2 relative to the restraining guide 63.

[0097] Figure 6a shows a diagram according to figure 5c in more detail, Figure 6b shows a diagram according to figure 5c in more detail, and Figure 6c shows a diagram according to figure 5a in more detail.

[0098] FIG. 7 shows an optional detail of the laboratory shaker 1 according to the previous figure, namely the prismatic first stop portion 11a of the base 11 of the withdrawal mechanism 10 and the complementary prismatic second stop portion of the support device 12, which abuts against the stop portion 11a in position P1 at the second stop portion when the support device moves from position P1 to position P1.

[0099] FIG. 8 shows a side perspective bottom view of a detail of the fastening mechanism according to FIGS. 5a-5c. The connecting element 52 is shown in detail. It is movably connected to the handle 40 via a pivot axis X2. In a first position P1 shown here, the connecting element 52 serves to establish and release a detachable connection between the support device 12 and the base 11 of the pull-out mechanism 10. The connecting element is bush-like arranged around the pivot axis X2 and has an axis element 52c. Perpendicular to the pivot axis X2, a pin element 52d is fixedly connected to the axis element 52c. At this pin element, a spring element 56 serves to spring-support the connecting element 52b, here designed as a clip. The clip 52b holds a connecting rod 52a at its end opposite the axis X2. This connecting rod 52a runs parallel to the axis X2 and serves to engage a hook 54 to enable the connection or fastening of the support device 12 or the sample base 14 to the base 11. The spring support of the connecting element 52b on the pin element 52d is made possible here by the external thread of the pin element and two nuts 52e and 52f, between which a spring 56 wound around the pin element and a part of the connecting element 52b are arranged. When the lever is raised, the pin element 52d is pulled away from the connecting element 52e, so that the spring 56 is compressed. On both sides of the extension of the connecting rod 52a, guide pins 53 are arranged, which, when the handle is pivoted, engage in restraining guides 60, by which the connecting rod 52a is raised to the height of the hook.

[0100] FIG. 9 shows the displacement-force curve, and the steering wheel is at the dead center position ST (measurement value F max 1 shows the force F exerted by the user when the handle 40 is moved from the first handle position S1 to the second handle position S2 through a force of 0.1 mm (=22 N) and the support device 12 is pulled in the pull-out direction A to the pull-out position P2 by the handle 40. This movement is continuous in the pull-out direction A except for the rotational component in the negative z-direction. Preferably, the fixing mechanism, and in particular the spring element 56, is adapted to prevent the maximum pull-out force F exerted by the user when pulling the handle from position S1 to position S2, or in particular from position S1 to position P2, from exceeding 0.1 mm. maxis preferably set to be 50N or less, preferably 40N or less, preferably 30N or less, preferably 20N or less, preferably 10N or less.

[0101] Figure 10a shows a cross-section along the yz plane of the laboratory shaker 1 in the state of Figure 1b, Figure 10b shows a cross-section along the yz plane of the laboratory shaker 1 in the state of Figure 1d, and Figure 10c shows a cross-section along the yz plane of the laboratory shaker 1 in the state of Figure 1f, without the sample container 99.

[0102] FIG. 11a shows a cross section of the support device and handle portion with the coupling device 150 of the locking mechanism according to another embodiment of a laboratory shaker according to the invention in the coupling position V1 of the coupling element, the first position P1 of the drawer base and the first handle position S1 of the handle.

[0103] The coupling device 150 is assigned the members necessary for coupling the support device 12 and the drawer base 11 and locking them in the first position P1. The coupling device 150 comprises a locking lever 152 which acts as a coupling element 152 and is pivotally arranged on the support device 12 (offset with respect to the pivot axis XX1 of the handle 140) and a stop part 54 integrated into the drawer base 11 which cooperates with the locking lever in the coupling position V1.

[0104] The coupling device 150 can also essentially be operated without the below-described toggle lever arrangement or locking lever 155, if the coupling position V1 and thus the first position P1 of the support device 12 on the drawer base 11 is locked by the restraining of the locking device 30, which is already latched in the first handle position S1. The locking device 30 provides a locking of the locking element 31 in the restraining opening 32, which can be released by the actuating element 42, which will be explained briefly below.

[0105] In the embodiment of Figures 11a-d, the coupling device 150 operates as a toggle lever device and achieves locking in the coupling position V1 using a lock lever 155. This locking is achieved by utilizing a dead center position of the toggle lever device, which acts similarly to a dead center spring of the coupling device 50, such that the toggle lever device of the coupling device 150 does not require a spring element.

[0106] The coupling device 150 comprises a lock lever 155, one end of which is connected to the handle base 141 of the handle 140 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis XX3. The other end of the lock lever 155 is pivotally connected to the firing lever 152 at a pivot axis XX4, which is arranged on the lock lever 152 at a distance from the pivot axis XX2 of the lock lever. The handle base 141, which is fixedly connected to the handle 140, extends substantially horizontally and has a stop edge 142 against which a side edge 155' of the lock lever 155 abuts at the coupling position V1 of the lock lever 152.

[0107] The additional fixation of the locking lever 152 in the coupling position V1 is achieved in that a force acting on the locking lever 152 at the stop 152a against the pulling-out direction A (which would in principle occur if an attempt was made to pull out the support device in position V1) presses the locking lever 155 or its side edge 155' (upwards in the figure) against the stop edge 142 of the handle base 141, making any pulling or opening movement of the support device 12 impossible. This is also shown by the arrangement of the pivot axes in Fig. 11d.

[0108] Figure 11d shows the arrangement of the pivot axes, including the pivot axis XX2 of the connecting element, the pivot axis XX3 of the locking lever and the pivot axis XX4 of the connection point between the connecting element and the locking lever shown in Figure 11a, as well as the pivot axis XX1 of the handle in the support device. The pivot axis XX1 of the handle and the pivot axis XX2 of the locking lever are fixedly arranged in the support device 12, whereas the pivot axis XX3 of the locking lever and the pivot axis XX4 of the connection point are movable relative to the support device. All pivot axes run parallel to each other and to the X-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system. In the position according to Figure 11a shown in Figure 11d, the pivot axis XX4 is not located on the line L connecting the centers of the pivot axes XX1 and XX3, but slightly above it. By positioning XX4 slightly above line L, forces acting against the pull-out direction will have a small component acting "upwards" (in the positive z-direction) on XX4, but no downwards, so that the side edge of the lock lever 155 will be pressed against the stop edge 142 of the handle base, and not downwards. (If the pivot axes XX4, XX3 and XX1 were on a common line L, this would be a dead centre position where no upward or downward force components would act as a result of forces directed against the pull-out direction.)

[0109] Without the stop edge 142, the upward force component in the above considered experiment would generate a torque on the handle opposite to the pivot direction required for opening, since the axis XX3 would be pushed away from the axis XX2. This would be a possible embodiment, but will not be described further. Since the handle is preferably constrained to the support device by the locking device 30, the locking element 31 would be subjected to a lateral force based on the torque on the handle, but would ultimately remain locked and would therefore oppose further pulling out via the locking lever 152. The stop edge 142 would therefore release the locking device 30.

[0110] The kinematics are also generated by comparing the positions of the members and pivot shafts in FIG. 11b when the locking lever is located in the uncoupled position V2.

[0111] Basically, it would also be possible to dispense with the locking lever 155 and to connect the locking lever 152 fixedly to the handle part 141 in the position relative to this part shown in FIG. 11a, and to dispense with the connection of the locking lever to the support device via XX2 in FIG. 11a. In that case, opening of the locking lever in the connection position V1 or pulling out beyond the stop 154 ​​of the support device at the base would be prevented, and the forces occurring in this case would be transmitted directly to the locking device 30 in the handle position S1. In this case, the locking device 30 would have to be designed accordingly safely. In contrast, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5, 6 and 11, the pulling forces do not act directly on the locking device 30, and the locking device 30 can be dimensioned accordingly and comfortably for the user.

[0112] 11c shows a perspective view of the coupling device 150 in the position V2 shown in FIG.

[0113] FIG. 12 shows in a detailed perspective side view another embodiment of a locking device 30' of a locking mechanism of a laboratory shaker according to the present invention. The locking device 30' has an actuating pin 30' that can be manually pulled out against a spring force, and the actuating pin can be pulled out with one hand of a user while the handle 40' is pulled forward with the other hand. Thus, the illustrated locking device 30' cannot be operated with one hand. When the actuating pin 30' is pulled out, a latch (not shown) integrally connected to the actuating pin is pulled out of a latch opening (not shown) provided in the support device, allowing the handle to pivot.

[0114] Figure 13 shows a perspective view from above of a drawer base 11 of a laboratory shaker according to the invention with stop elements against which the sample base 14 and its support device 12 rest. A number of stop elements 14a, in particular prismatic, fixedly connected to the underside of the sample base 14 (alternatively they could also be fixedly connected to the support device 12) are arranged in such a way that in the first position P1 of the drawer they rest against complementary shaped stop elements 11a arranged on the upper side of the sub-sample base of the base 11. These are shown in figure 14.

[0115] Figure 14 shows in a detailed perspective side view a base with a stop element 11a against which a complementary stop element 14a of the sample base 14 of the laboratory shaker according to the invention shown in figure 13 rests. The sub-base 11 of the base is a load-bearing plate which rests on a connecting element of the vibration device and is fixed there. It has a number of sliding support members 17, in particular made of plastic, on which at least one sliding element, in particular a plate, of the support device 12 or the sample base 14 rests when the sample base, loaded or unloaded, is moved by means of a pull-out between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0116] FIG. 15a is a detailed side perspective bottom view of a support device with a sample base 14″ of a laboratory shaker according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a locking mechanism by which the support device is locked in a first position P1, with the handle of the locking mechanism in a horizontal second handle position S2 and with the guiding or coupling element in position R2 relative to the constraint guide. The device of FIG. 15a corresponds in principle to the device of FIG. 5c. Similar components in FIG. 5c and FIG. 15a are therefore provided with the same or similar reference numbers.

[0117] The arrangement of FIG. 15a has modified details compared to the arrangement of FIG. 5c. Due to these details, on the one hand, the overall height of the already flat arrangement consisting of the base 11″, the support device 12″ and the sample base 14″ of FIG. 15a is further reduced compared to FIG. 5c. In particular the vertical position of the restraining guide 60″ is shifted vertically further towards the sample base compared to the corresponding part 60, in particular because the hook 54″ has an upwardly shifted position compared to the part 54. Here instead of the guide pin 53, a guide with a sliding bush 53″ is provided on both sides of the extension of the connecting rod 52a″. This guide cooperates with the special shape of the recesses 11b″, 11c″ of the base plate 11″. While the recess 11b of the base 11 is shaped to freely accommodate the restraining guide 60 including the connecting element 52, both sliding bushes 53″ expand the restraining guide 60″ to prevent the connecting rod 52a″ from engaging in the recess 11b″, while the support device (with the horizontal handle at S2) is pressed from position P2 to position P1, and the sliding bush 53″ slides along the underside of the base plate 11″, i.e. along the sliding surface marked in FIG. 15c. Only at position P1 does the sliding bush 53″ reach the area of ​​the recess 11c″ which is wider than the recess 11b″, and the sliding bush 53″ enters and engages in the recess 11c″ and is guided upwards along the restraining guide towards the sample base 14″ by pivoting the lever 40 from S2 to S1.

[0118] Figure 15b shows a view according to Figure 15a, with the handle 40 of the fixing mechanism in the first vertical handle position S1 and the guide element 53" or the connecting element 52" in position R1 relative to the restraining guide 60". Figure 15c shows a view according to Figure 15a, similar to Figure 15b, with the handle 40 of the fixing mechanism in the first vertical handle position S1 and the guide element 53" or the connecting element 52" in position R1 relative to the restraining guide 60".

[0119] FIG. 16a shows a detailed perspective side view of the base 11″ with the stop elements 11a1″, 11a2″ against which the complementary stop elements 14a″ of the sample base 14″ of the laboratory shaker according to the invention abut. The stop elements serve to lock and position the sample base 14″ in the base 11″ in position P1. When position P1 is reached, the sample base 14″, which is supported by the support device 12 in a non-free manner in the xy-plane direction, is pressed against the base 11″. This is done by pressing one stop element 14a″ in each case against the stop element 14a1″ with the flat stop wall 11a1_1″ and against the stop element 14a2″ with the V-shaped stop wall 11a2_1″. The stop surfaces form an acute angle with the base plate 11" to create a respective, approximately wedge-shaped receiving space into which a corresponding wedge portion of the complementary stop portion 14a" of the support plate can enter and engage (see Fig. 16d). Both stop elements 11a1", 11a2" realise position-tolerant stops according to the floating support member / fixed support member principle, whereby stop element 14a" is a floating support member and stop element 14a" is a fixed support member.

[0120] Both stopper elements 11a1", 11a2" are preferably made of a metal, e.g. brass, bronze, stainless steel or ceramic, respectively, or of a wear-resistant plastic. This reduces or prevents the risk of unacceptable wear of both stopper elements 11a1", 11a2" due to the movements of the laboratory shaker, in particular the vibration movements. The sliding support 17 is preferably made of plastic.

[0121] As a result of these measures and the preferred configuration of the laboratory shaker, handling is easy. In particular the sample base, but also the pull-out mechanism, can be easily removed. The sample base is only locked in the final position P1 and can be easily removed otherwise. This allows the laboratory shaker to be easily cleaned and maintained, increasing the operational safety and the service life.

[0122] The mechanical structure of the laboratory shaker 1 according to the embodiment can alternatively be described as follows. The whole device 1 is based on a chassis. On the chassis rests the vibration device (X-drive). On the X-drive rests a transmission plate (not shown). On the transmission plate there are connecting rods or fasteners 72. These run vertically upwards through the chamber opening 2b. Inside the chamber opening there are insert elements. On the connecting rods 72 rests a sub-base 11 which forms the base 11 of the pull-out mechanism 10. The sub-base 11 and the pull-out plate 12d (in one variant a continuous plate 12d, otherwise a frame 12d') are screwed to the complete pull-out rail 15. On the pull-out plate 12d the sample base 14 can be placed. In one embodiment (FIGS. 16a-d), two mushroom-shaped clamping elements 14a" are arranged on the underside of the sample base 14. These "clamping mushroom-shaped elements" communicate with clamping supports 11a1", 11a2" on the sub-base 11" and engage through recesses in the puller plate. The force flow from the sample base 14 to the clamping supports 11a1", 11a2" of the clamping system is as follows: the sample base 14 abuts against the pressure member. The clamping lever 40 pulls the puller plate with the sample base on it into a hook 54" fixed to the sub-base 11" by means of an eccentric clamping system. The eccentric clamp is equipped with a compression spring 56 to compensate for tightening tolerances and maintain the clamping force. The spring-loaded clamping system pulls the puller plate with the base 11 into the "fixed and floating" clamping support. As a result, the sub-base 11'', the puller plate and the sample base 14 are clamped together. This clamping force is greater than the maximum centrifugal force that occurs during operation of a laboratory shaker.

Claims

Claim 1 A laboratory shaker (1) for vibrating a sample contained in a sample container, comprising: A temperature - controllable chamber (2) having a closable chamber opening (3); A support device (12) for supporting a sample pedestal (14) on which the sample container can be placed; A drawer mechanism (10) for pulling out the support device (12), wherein the support device (12) is completely disposed within the chamber (2) at a first position (P1), and when the support device (12) is manually pulled out along a drawer direction (A), it passes through the chamber opening (3) and is disposed outside the chamber (2) at a second position (P2), the drawer mechanism (10); A vibration device for vibrating the sample; A fixing mechanism (20) having a locking device (30) and a handle (40) for fixing and releasing the first position (P1), wherein the handle (40) is fixed to the support device (12) and is movable between a first handle position (S1) where the locking device (30) is locked and a second handle position (S2) where the locking device (30) is unlocked, the fixing mechanism (20); Movement to the first handle position (S1) can be blocked by the locking device (30), the locking device (30) having a manually operable actuating element (42) disposed on the handle (40), and by actuating the actuating element (42), the locking device (30) can be unlocked at the first handle position (S1), whereby the handle (40) becomes movable to the second handle position (S2); The laboratory shaker, wherein the fixing mechanism (20) can be unlocked by actuating the actuating element (42) and simultaneously pulling the handle (40) in the drawer direction (A). Claim 2 The fixing mechanism (20) has a connecting device (50), the connecting device (50) including a movably arranged connecting element (52) that is movably connected to the handle in particular, for establishing and releasing a removable connection between the support device (12) and the base (11) of the drawer mechanism (10) at the first position (P1). The handle (40) is configured to move the connecting element (52) by the movement (B) of the handle (40), whereby, in the first handle position (S1), a detachable connection is established between the support device (12) and the base (11) of the drawer mechanism (10), and is released in the second handle position (S2), the laboratory shaker according to claim 1.

3. The connecting device (50) has at least one spring element (56), and the at least one spring element (56) is preferably arranged on the handle, and by manually operating the handle, when moving from the first handle position (S1) to the second handle position (S2), the tension generated by the at least one spring element (56) can be tensioned so that it must be overcome when the handle moves between the first handle position (S1) and the second handle position (S2), the laboratory shaker according to claim 2.

4. The at least one spring element (56) is arranged between the connecting element (52) and the handle, and the connection between the support device (12) and the base (11) in the first handle position (S1) is locked by the tension of the at least one spring element (56), the laboratory shaker according to claim 3.

5. The at least one spring element (56) is arranged between the connecting element (52) and the handle so that the dead center position of the handle is established by the at least one spring element (56), and the dead center position of the handle must be overcome by manually operating the handle, especially when the handle moves between the first handle position (S1) and the second handle position (S2), By providing a handle dead center position between the first handle position (S1) and the second handle position (S2), the handle is preferably locked so as not to pivot to the second handle position (S2) by the tension of the at least one spring element (56), especially when the at least one spring element (56) is under maximum tension, the laboratory shaker according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The locking device (30) can be locked at the second handle position (S2), and the movement of the second handle position (S2) can be blocked by the locking device (30). The locking device (30) can be unlocked at the second handle position (S2) by manual operation of the operating element (42), whereby the handle (4) can be moved to the first handle position (S1). The laboratory shaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The handle (40) is pivotable particularly about a first pivot axis (X1) located on the support device (12), and the connecting element (52) is arranged particularly on the handle (40) and is pivotable about a second pivot axis (X2) arranged on the handle (40) truly parallel to the first pivot axis (X1). The laboratory shaker according to claim 2.

8. A restraining guide part (60) provided with a restraining guide (63) is provided on the support device (12), and the connecting element (52) has a guiding element (53) that can be guided by the restraining guide (63) at the first position (P1) of the support device (12). The guiding element (53) can be arranged at a first position (R1) with respect to the restraining guide (63), a connection between the support device (12) and the base (11) of the drawing mechanism (10) is established, and it can be arranged at a second position with respect to the restraining guide. When the connection between the support device (12) and the base (11) of the drawing mechanism (10) is released and the handle is manually moved from the first handle position (S1) to the second handle position (S2), the guiding element (53) is guided from the first position to the second position by the restraining guide (63). The laboratory shaker according to claim 2.

9. The restraint guide (63) is arranged such that the movement of the guide element (53) in the restraint guide (63) extends in a plane (E) in which the pivot axis (X1) of the handle extends vertically. The guide element (53) is arranged at an end (63a) of the restraint guide (63) extending along the y-direction in the first position (R1). The restraint guide (63) is formed to guide the guide element in the negative z-direction when moving the handle (40) from the first handle position (S1) to the second handle position (S2) by the restraint guide extending obliquely downward in the z-direction starting from an end portion extending along the y-direction. Thereby, in particular, the connecting element (52) is released from the abutting element (54), in particular a hook element (54). The laboratory shaker according to claim 8.

10. The abutting element (54) is fixedly connected to the base (11) of the drawing mechanism, in particular a hook element (54). The connecting element (52) is supported by the hook element (54) at the first handle position (S1), forms a connection between the support device (12) and the base (11) of the drawing mechanism, and prevents translational relative movement between the support device (12) and the base (11). The laboratory shaker according to claim 2.

11. The guide element (53) is supported at the first handle position (S1) by an abutting element (54) fixedly connected to the base (11) of the drawing mechanism (10), in particular by a form-fit suitable for transmitting force, and forms a connection between the support device (12) and the base (11) of the drawing mechanism (10). The laboratory shaker according to claim 8.

12. The drawing mechanism (10) has a base (11), and at least one fastening member (72) is provided. The base (11) is fixed to the at least one fastening member (72). The chamber (2) has a chamber bottom (2a) with at least one opening (2b). The fastening members (72) are arranged in the openings (2b) in each case and are connected to the vibration device. The fastening members (72) are enabled to move while vibrating parallel to the chamber bottom (2a). The laboratory shaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

13. The laboratory shaker according to claim 12, wherein the support device (12), the extraction mechanism (10) and the fixing mechanism (20) are preferably supported exclusively by the at least one fastening member (72), and in particular are not supported by the chamber (2).

14. It has the sample base (14), the handle has at least one holding part (43), in particular a first bearing part, and the fixing mechanism (20) has at least one first stopper part (11a, 13b), in particular an abutting part (11a, 13b) fixedly connected to the base (11) of the extraction mechanism (10). By positioning the sample base (14) on at least one positioning element (16) and holding it between at least one holding part (43) of the handle (40) and at least one first stopper part (11a, 13b) of the base (11), the support device (12) is fixed at the first position (P1) of the support device (12) and the first handle position (S1) of the handle (40). The laboratory shaker according to claim 1.

15. The chamber (2) has a chamber bottom (2a), the extraction mechanism (10) has a base (11) and at least one extraction element (15), in particular the extraction element (15) forms a component of the rail system of the extraction mechanism (10) and is arranged on the base (11) so as to be movable along the extraction direction (A), and the support device (12) is fixed to the at least one extraction element (15). The laboratory shaker has a fastening device (70), the fastening device (70) has at least one fastening member (72) arranged in particular on the chamber bottom (2a) and connected to the vibration device, and at least one connecting member (74) capable of releasably fixing the base (11) to the at least one fastening member (72), and the at least one fastening member (72) and the at least one connecting member (74) are provided to be fixed manually without tools. The laboratory shaker according to claim 1.

16. A laboratory shaker for vibrating a sample contained in a sample container, A temperature controllable chamber (2) with a chamber opening (3), A support device (12) for supporting a sample base (14), A sample base (14) for supporting a sample container placed on the support device (12). It is disposed entirely within the chamber (2) at the first position (P1), passes through the chamber opening (3) when manually pulled out along the pulling direction (A), and is disposed outside the chamber (2) at the second position (P2). A pulling mechanism (10) fixed within the chamber (2) for pulling out the support device (12), the pulling mechanism (10) having a base (11) and at least one pulling element (15) movably disposed on the base (11) along the pulling direction (A), the support device (12) being fixed to the at least one pulling element (15), in particular the at least one pulling element (15) forming a component of the rail system of the pulling mechanism, the at least one pulling element (15) having at least one positioning element (16) capable of positioning the sample base (14) on the support device (12). A pulling mechanism (10). A vibration device for moving the pulling mechanism (10) and the support device (12) at the first position (P1). The laboratory shaker (1) has a fixing mechanism (20) for fixing the first position (P1) of the support device (12), the fixing mechanism (20) including a handle (40), the handle (40) being fixed to the support device (12), the support device (12) being movable between a first handle position (S1) and a second handle position (S2), having at least one holding portion (43), in particular a first bearing portion, the fixing mechanism (20) having at least one first stopper portion (11a; 13b), in particular a contact portion fixedly connected to the base (11). By positioning the sample base (14) on at least one positioning element (16) and holding the sample base (14) between at least one holding portion (43) of the handle (40) and at least one first stopper portion (11a; 13b) of the base (11), the support device (12) is fixed at the first position (P1) of the support device (12) and the first handle position (S1) of the handle (40). A laboratory shaker.

17. At least one holding part (43) of the handle (40) is pressed against the sample base (14) by a spring element (56) of the fixing mechanism (20), in particular by a dead center spring (56), at the first handle position (S1), and presses the sample base (14) against a first stopper part (11a; 13b) that functions at least as a contact part via at least one second stopper part (12c) fixedly connected to the support device. The laboratory shaker according to claim 16.

18. The at least one second stopper part (12c) is configured to form a sliding connection part movable along the pulling-out direction (A), and / or has an inclined contour along the pulling-out direction (A) at which the sample base can be held at a first position in the z direction of the base. The laboratory shaker according to claim 17.

19. A laboratory shaker for vibrating a sample contained in a sample container, A temperature-controllable chamber (2) having a chamber bottom (2a) and a chamber opening (3), A support device (12) for supporting a sample base (14) on which the sample container can be placed, A pulling-out mechanism (10) for pulling out the support device (12) that is completely arranged inside the chamber (2) at a first position (P1), passes through the chamber opening (3) when manually pulled out along a pulling-out direction (A), and is arranged outside the chamber (2) at a second position (P2), A vibrating device for moving the pulling-out mechanism (10) and the support device (12) to the first position (P1), The pulling-out mechanism (10) has a base (11) and at least one pulling-out element (15), and the at least one pulling-out element (15) particularly forms a component of a rail system of the pulling-out mechanism (10) and is arranged on the base (11) so as to be movable along the pulling-out direction (A). The support device (12) is fixed to at least one of the pulling-out elements (15). The laboratory shaker has a fastening device (70), the fastening device (70) being arranged, in particular, on the chamber bottom (2a) and having at least one fastening member (72) connected to the vibration device, and at least one connecting member (74) enabling the base (11) to be releasably fixed to the at least one fastening member (72), the at least one fastening member (72) and the at least one connecting member (74) being provided so as to be manually fixed without tools, a laboratory shaker.

20. In each case, the fastening member (72) and the connecting member (74) are screwable and have fine threads, or the fastening device (70) has at least one one-touch clamping device for fixing the base (11), the laboratory shaker according to claim 19.

21. The chamber (2) has a chamber bottom (2a) with at least one opening, the at least one fastening member (72) being arranged within the at least one opening so as to be movable while vibrating parallel to the chamber bottom (2a), the laboratory shaker according to claim 19 or 20.

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