Device for stirring samples

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for shaking samples, comprising a carrier (62), a drive element (66) rotatably mounted on the carrier (62), and a tray (61) arranged to load samples (69). The apparatus further comprises a tray shaft (67) connected to the tray (61) and eccentrically mounted on the drive element (66), and an openable and closable housing (64). The tray (61), the tray shaft (67), the drive element (66) and the carrier (62) are located in an interior space in the housing (64). The apparatus further comprises a main drive shaft (63) drivable by a drive (65) and extending at least partially through the housing (64) perpendicular to the tray (61). The drive element (66) is drivable via the main drive shaft (63). The tray (61) together with the carrier (62) are pivotally mounted about a main drive shaft (63), and the tray (61) together with the carrier (62) are pivotable to at least partially out of the housing (64) in the open state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for shaking a sample, in particular for shaking and / or mixing a sample containing a liquid, in particular a laboratory shaker. [Background technology]

[0002] Shakers are used to shake and / or mix liquids in containers, e.g. cell cultures, biofuels or blood samples. Shaking units often comprise a tray in which the containers containing the samples, e.g. Erlenmeyer flasks, test tubes or other ampoules, are placed. On the one hand, a high shaking frequency is desirable for good mixing. On the other hand, liquids may spill or splash during the shaking process, which may also contaminate other components, such as the housing around the tray and / or the drive of the shaker. In conventional shakers, the tray can only be removed with considerable effort. This means that cleaning after contamination also requires considerable effort, especially since some components are difficult to access due to the housing. The poor accessibility of the tray and the samples also makes automation with conventional shakers more difficult, e.g. the manipulation of the samples using a robotic arm.

[0003] The challenge is therefore to provide an apparatus for shaking samples which is easy to operate, whereby the trays are easily accessible and therefore the cleaning effort, especially in the case of contamination, is as low as possible and / or automatic handling of the samples is possible. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This problem is solved by a device for shaking a sample according to claim 1. By sample is meant in particular a substance or composition of matter containing a liquid, for example a cell culture, a biofuel or a blood sample. The sample is usually contained in a container, for example a test tube or a microtiter plate, which can then be held by a container holder or a stand.

[0005] The apparatus comprises: -Carrier: The carrier is specifically designed to carry or support the tray; - a drive element rotatably mounted on the carrier: the drive element may comprise, for example, a hollow shaft or a drive pulley; - a tray for loading samples: in particular, the tray is a surface element on which the samples can be mounted. Advantageously, the tray comprises fastening elements for fastening at least one container with the sample or for fastening at least one container holder or stand; - A tray shaft connected to the tray, in particular rigidly connected and eccentrically journalled on the drive element: Advantageously, the tray shaft is attached centrally to the tray, in particular close to the tray's centre of gravity or the centre of gravity of the tray with the intended load sample. The term "close" refers in particular to the area around the centre of gravity up to + / - 10% of the tray's length and width. By means of a central attachment, the tray shaft (with the intended load) supports the tray close to the centre of gravity. The eccentricity of the (bearing of) the tray shaft on the drive element is in particular the distance between the rotation axis of the tray shaft and the rotation axis of the drive element, which run parallel to each other. The eccentricity determines the deflection of the tray (and therefore the sample) during shaking. In particular, the eccentricity of the bearing of the tray shaft on the drive element may be 0.5 to 50 mm, in particular 1 to 3 mm. This results in a deflection of the tray that is suitable for shaking samples in smaller containers, for example test tubes or microtiter plates. - an openable housing, in which the tray, the tray shaft, the drive element and the carrier are located in an interior space within the housing: on the one hand, the housing can serve to close the tray and the samples from the environment of the device. On the other hand, the device can be equipped with a climate control element, which is set to control the temperature and / or humidity inside the housing. For this purpose, in particular to create ideal environmental conditions for the samples, the climate control element can comprise, for example, a heater, a cooler, a humidifier and / or a dehumidifier, which can be attached to the housing. In order to openably close the housing and thus maintain ideal ambient conditions, the housing advantageously comprises a door, for example a hinged door, in particular at the front of the housing; - a main drive shaft, which can be driven, for example by a drive with a motor, and which extends at least partly through the housing perpendicular to the tray: advantageously, the main drive shaft extends vertically through the housing, i.e. in particular perpendicular to a bearing surface of the housing, which may be provided, for example, by a plane through the legs of the housing. The tray then extends horizontally in the housing, i.e. in particular perpendicular to gravity when used as intended. It is possible, but not necessary, for the main drive shaft to extend through the tray or through the plane of an extension of the tray.

[0006] The drive element can be driven via a main drive shaft, which means that the tray can be shaken via the main drive shaft and the drive element, for example by a drive having a motor.

[0007] Furthermore, the carrier together with the tray is pivotally mounted around the main drive shaft. The carrier can be mounted via a bearing, in particular on the main drive shaft itself, or on the housing or on a carrier element attached to the housing. The pivotable bearing provides better access to the tray, for example for loading and unloading samples from the tray. In particular, this allows the operation of the shaker to be automated, for example via a computer-controlled robot arm. At the same time, better access to the interior of the housing is achieved, for example by pivoting the tray from the housing. This makes it easier to clean the interior and internal components and therefore easier to operate under controlled, in particular sterile, conditions.

[0008] Pivotable tray The carrier together with the tray can be pivoted at least partially out of the housing in the open state, in particular to the extent that more than 50% or more than 70% of the surface of the tray is exposed. In one embodiment, the carrier together with the tray can be pivoted at least 45°, in particular at least 90°, around the main drive shaft. These measures improve the accessibility of the tray and the interior of the housing.

[0009] Advantageously, the tray comprises an opening through which the main drive shaft passes. This allows a compact design of the device, in particular with several trays driven via the main drive shaft. Furthermore, the opening is advantageously located in an edge region of the tray, in particular less than 20% of the length and / or width of the tray from the edge of the tray. Due to such a position of the opening or the main drive shaft relative to the tray, the tray can be pivoted out of the housing, i.e. in particular up to more than 50% or more than 70% of the tray's surface. It is particularly suitable for the opening to be located in a corner region of the tray, in particular less than 20% of the length and width of the tray from the edge of the tray. Preferably, the opening or the main drive shaft is located in a corner region of the tray close to the door.

[0010] Alternatively, the main drive shaft can extend beyond the surface of the tray, in which case a compact design of the housing can be achieved by operating the main drive shaft close to the tray, in particular less than 20% of the tray's length or width away from the tray's edge. Preferably, the main drive shaft runs close to a corner of the tray near the door.

[0011] In one embodiment, the tray has a rectangular shape. By "rectangular" is meant any shape, for example substantially rectangular with rounded corners, or parallelogram or trapezoid. In particular, the tray can have a length of 50-100 cm and / or a width of 30-70 cm, which allows loading a large number of samples and using conventional containers and container holders.

[0012] Additionally, the carrier includes a latch at the end remote from the main drive shaft for releasably attaching the carrier to the housing or a support structure within the housing. This allows for better fastening of the carrier supporting the tray during operation. In particular, the latch is designed to prevent the carrier (and thus the tray) from pivoting about the main drive shaft. At the same time, the latch may include, for example, a bayonet lock or a latchable flap, allowing the tray to be unlocked and swung out of the housing in a quick and easy to use manner.

[0013] Furthermore, the device may comprise a belt arranged to drive the drive element via the main drive shaft. In particular, in this case, a first pulley is attached to the drive element and a second pulley is attached to the main drive shaft, over which the belt runs. Alternatively, a gear drive for driving the drive element via the main drive shaft is also conceivable.

[0014] Advantageously, the tray is fixed against rotation relative to the carrier, so that, in particular, when the drive element rotates, the tray does not rotate, or at least does not rotate significantly, in particular not by more than 10°. Several variants for fixing the tray against rotation in this way are conceivable: on the one hand, mechanical guides that are attached to the housing and are set up to limit the degree of freedom of the tray to translation in the tray plane, for example via elastic elements such as springs acting in particular in the edge region of the tray. On the other hand, the drive itself, for example via a belt, can be designed to fix the tray against rotation. For this purpose, the device can comprise a second tray shaft that is connected to the tray and eccentrically journalled on the main drive shaft, for example on a second pulley, in particular with the same eccentricity as the tray shaft. A double bearing of the tray also prevents rotation.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment comprising the first and second pulleys, the first and second tray shafts and the first and second drive elements, the tray comprises a first and second tray part. The first and second tray shafts are in particular rigidly connected to the first and second tray parts and eccentrically journalled to the first and second drive elements. To prevent rotation of the tray, the first and second tray parts are connected to each other by linear guides. Such linear guides are in particular designed to ensure that the first and second tray parts can move relative to each other along the axis of the linear guides but cannot rotate relative to each other. In other words, the linear guides limit all degrees of freedom of the tray parts relative to each other, except for the translational degree of freedom along the axis of the linear guides. The embodiment with two tray parts connected to linear guides has the advantage that damaging forces on the tray shaft bearings, caused for example by thermal expansion of the integral tray, are prevented. This allows for higher shaking frequencies, longer operating times, and smoother shaker operation.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device also comprises a carrier element mounted on the housing. The carrier together with the tray is pivotally mounted on the carrier element via a bearing, in particular via a plain bearing. Advantageously, the pivot axis of the carrier coincides with the main drive shaft. In particular, the carrier is therefore not in mechanical contact with the main drive shaft. This mechanical separation of the main drive shaft and the carrier bearing reduces undesirable friction, wear and vibrations, in particular at high vibration frequencies (and therefore high rotational frequencies of the main drive shaft).

[0017] Several trays In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one further tray in the interior of the housing, together with a further tray shaft, a further drive element and a further carrier. In particular, the device can comprise at least five further trays in the interior of the housing, together with a further tray shaft, a further drive element and a further carrier. This increases the capacity of the device, i.e. in particular the number of samples that can be shaken simultaneously. Advantageously, the at least one further drive element or the at least five further drive elements can also be driven via the main drive shaft. In this way, a compact design with easy maintenance is achieved.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one further tray is pivotally mounted about the main drive shaft independently of one or more other trays. In particular, all trays can be pivoted about the main drive shaft independently of one another, e.g. outside the housing. This improves the accessibility of the trays, e.g. when loading and unloading samples.

[0019] To avoid imbalance in the case of several trays, it is advantageous for the angular position of the bearing of the additional tray shaft on the additional drive element to be offset from the angular position of the bearing of the tray shaft on the drive element, which would otherwise act on the main drive shaft and cause the whole device to vibrate, especially in the case of heavy tray loads.

[0020] This can be avoided in particular if the angular positions of the bearings of the various tray shafts differ from each other by 360° / N, where N is the number of trays in the machine, thereby compensating for any imbalances on the main drive shaft.

[0021] Drive unit In one embodiment, the drive comprises a motor, for example an electric motor, mounted outside the housing. In particular, the motor is coupled to the main drive shaft via a gearbox. Mounting the motor outside the housing has the advantage that heat generated during operation of the motor is not introduced into the interior of the housing. For many applications or samples, temperature and / or humidity control is desirable, for example climate control as described above. In particular, the humidity is kept close to the dew point, in particular with a relative humidity of 80% to 100%. However, if the interior has to be cooled at the same time, for example due to heat input from an internal engine, the humidity may exceed 100% locally in the climate control or radiator and condense. Condensation is undesirable, as it may result in uncontrolled growth of foreign bacteria that may be harmful to the sample. In particular, the interior of the housing should be thermally isolated from the motor. This problem is solved by a motor mounted outside the housing.

[0022] In particular, the motor can be mounted on the underside of the housing. This lowers the centre of gravity of the device, i.e. closer to the bearing surface, and therefore increases the stability of the device, in particular at high vibration frequencies. The main drive shaft is advantageously guided through an opening in the underside of the housing.

[0023] In general, the shaking frequency of the tray by the drive is advantageously at least 1000 rpm, in particular at least 1500 rpm, at least 2000 rpm or at least 2500 rpm, for example at a circular motion diameter of 3 mm. Such high shaking frequencies are particularly suitable for shaking and mixing samples in small containers, for example test tubes or microtiter plates. Similar forces on the sample occur, for example, at a shaking frequency of 350 rpm and a circular motion diameter of 50 mm. In particular, high shaking frequencies of at least 1000 rpm, at least 1500 rpm, at least 2000 rpm or at least 2500 rpm result in better mixing of the shaken sample as well as faster oxygen transfer from the gas phase to the liquid phase, which allows for better growth of cell cultures in the sample.

[0024] Inside the housing To further simplify internal cleaning and to create a controlled environment for the samples, the device can be designed according to "Hygienic Design" specifications, as set out, for example, in the ISO 14159 standard "Safety of machinery-Hygiene requirements for the design of machinery" or in various papers of FDA CFR 177.

[0025] In particular, the device may have the following advantageous features: The part of the housing facing the interior may be at least 50%, in particular at least 75%, covered with stainless steel. The parts of the housing facing the inside can be provided with rounded corners and edges. Advantageously, the radius of the corners and edges is at least 10 mm, in particular at least 15 mm. At least a part, in particular at least 70%, of the underside of the inner chamber can extend at an angle to the bearing surface of the housing. As a result, splashed or spilled test material collects in the deepest area of ​​the underside, in particular in the area closest to the bearing surface, from where it can be easily removed. Advantageously, the angle between the underside of the inner chamber and the bearing surface of the housing is between 1° and 30°, in particular between 5° and 15°. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the housing to be provided with an outlet opening, particularly through the housing, in the region of its inner underside closest to the bearing surface. The outlet opening can also be closed with respect to a possible climate control device.

[0026] Each of these features, alone or in combination with the others, improves the cleanability of the interior and interior components.

[0027] The described embodiments and features should be considered as disclosed in any combination, so far as is reasonably practicable, where they have synergistic effects and advantages, especially with regard to easy handling and good cleanability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] Further embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention are evident from the dependent claims and the following description with reference to the drawings.

[0029] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for shaking a sample according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is a top view of the device of FIG. [Figure 1c] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for shaking a sample according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for shaking samples using an internal motor according to the state of the art. [Figure 3a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for shaking a sample using an external motor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for shaking a sample using an external motor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 4a. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4b is a detailed view of the corner region B of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention having several trays. [Figure 6a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an apparatus for shaking a sample according to one embodiment; [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a detailed view of area C of FIG. 6a. [Figure 6c] 4 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of an apparatus for shaking a sample according to a further embodiment; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional or top view of a tray and counterweight according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid sample in a container with increasing shaking frequency. [Figure 8b] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid sample in a container with increasing shaking frequency. [Figure 8c] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid sample in a container with increasing shaking frequency. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bearing with a tray journalled to a main drive shaft according to one embodiment. [Figure 10a] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pivoting tray having a latch mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 10b] FIG. 10b is a close-up view of the latch mechanism of FIG. [Figure 11a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment having a dividing tray. [Figure 11b] FIG. 2 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of an embodiment having a dividing tray. [Figure 11c] FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an embodiment having a dividing tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Figures 1a and 1b show an apparatus for shaking samples, a so-called shaker, according to one embodiment. Figure 1a shows a perspective view of the apparatus, and Figure 1b shows a top view. The apparatus comprises a tray 11, on which samples can be loaded. The tray 11 is mounted and supported on a carrier 12 (not visible in Figures 1a and 1b). The carrier 12 and thereby the tray 11 can pivot around a main drive shaft 13. For this purpose, the carrier 12 is connected to the main drive shaft via a bearing 13a. Furthermore, the tray 11 has in its edge region an opening 11a through which the main drive shaft 13 passes. The opening 11a is larger than the diameter of the main drive shaft 13, depending on the eccentricity of the tray's bearing, in particular the deflection of the shaking movement.

[0031] The tray 11 advantageously comprises at least on its upper side, i.e. the side facing the samples, an easily cleanable, e.g. metallic, surface, which allows a sterile operation of the device. Furthermore, the tray 11 can have a standard size of 850 mm x 470 mm.

[0032] The tray 11 in the folded state 11' and at least a part of the main drive shaft 13 are enclosed by a housing 14 with a door 14a for opening and closing. The housing 14 generally fulfills several functions: firstly, it forms a fixed frame that can be placed, for example via legs 14b, on a table, in a laboratory or generally on a base. The shaking movement of the tray is performed relative to this fixed frame. Secondly, the housing provides protection of the environment of the device from splashes or spills or steam of samples, which is particularly desirable, for example, in harmful samples or in sterile laboratories. Thirdly, controlled conditions, for example in terms of temperature and / or humidity, can be set inside the housing, as is advantageous for many samples. For this purpose, the device may be equipped with a climate control for the interior (not shown in Figures 1a and 1b).

[0033] In Figures 1a and 1b the tray is shown in two positions, on the one hand (reference number 11) swung out of the housing 14 and on the other hand (dashed line, reference number 11') swung in the operating state into the housing. In the figures the angle between the two positions is 90°. However, in general an angle of at least 45° is already advantageous as it improves the accessibility of the tray 11 and the interior of the housing 14.

[0034] Moreover, in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b it can be seen that mounting the main drive shaft 13 in an edge or even corner area of ​​the tray (as defined above) is advantageous for the pivotability and accessibility of the tray. Alternatively, the same advantage can be achieved by the main drive shaft 13 extending outside the tray 11 near its edge area (not shown in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b). In this case, the opening 11a in the tray 11 is unnecessary and the carrier 12 projects horizontally beyond the tray 11. In general, the pivotability of the tray from the housing improves the accessibility of the samples. In particular, a pivoting tray allows the automation of the sample filling and removal process, since for example a robotic arm can operate the device more easily under computer control.

[0035] The above mentioned advantages are also achieved by a modified mounting of the carrier 12 together with the tray 11 as per Fig. 1c. In contrast to the arrangement of Fig. 1a, the carrier 12 is here journalled via a bearing 15a, in particular a plain bearing, to a carrier element 15 which may be part of the housing 14 or may be attached to the housing 14. This mechanically decouples the carrier 12 from the main drive shaft 13. This results in smoother operation and less wear on the device.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shaker according to the state of the art. The tray 21 is driven by a motor 25 located inside the housing 24. Placing the motor 25 inside the housing 24 has the disadvantage that the heat generated by the motor 25 directly heats the interior and thus the samples located inside. However, for some samples, it is necessary to air-condition the interior, in particular to control the temperature and / or humidity, for example via the air-conditioning control 26. As mentioned above, this can cause condensation of moisture inside, in particular in the air-conditioning control 26 or in a cooler, which can in turn damage the samples. The internal motor 25 contributes to this problem, since the heat generated by the motor 25 must be removed from the interior by the air-conditioning control 26.

[0037] Figures 3a and 3b show further aspects of the invention, in each case with a schematic cross-section of one embodiment of the shaker. In contrast to Figure 2 (prior art), the tray 31 can here be driven via a main drive shaft 33 by a motor 36 mounted outside the housing 34. The main drive shaft 33 extends orthogonally to the tray 31 into the majority of the interior of the housing 34, a smaller part of the main drive shaft 33 extending outside the housing. The positioning of the motor 36 below the housing 34 is advantageous with regard to a low centre of gravity of the device.

[0038] Figure 3b shows a cross-section of one embodiment of the device, where the carrier 32 is journalled via bearing 36a to a carrier element 35 mounted in a housing 34. As in Figure 1c, this achieves mechanical decoupling of the carrier bearing / mounting from the drive, in particular the main drive shaft 33.

[0039] In particular a motor mounted outside the housing as in Fig. 3a generally has the advantage that the heat generated by the motor is not introduced into the interior of the housing and therefore does not heat up the housing. This means that less cooling power is needed to keep the interior at a constant temperature. As a consequence, less moisture condenses locally inside, for example in climate control units or radiators, which can be harmful to the specimen. This makes it easier to create controlled environmental conditions inside, in particular constant temperature and high humidity, for example 80% to 100% relative humidity.

[0040] Figures 4a-c show a further embodiment of the invention which improves cleanability by showing a top view of the device (Figure 4a), a cross-sectional view of the device (Figure 4b, tray and main drive shaft not shown), and a detailed view of an internal corner area (Figure 4c).

[0041] In the top view of Figure 4a, the housing 44 is shown in an open position with a door 44a, and further, the tray 41 and main drive shaft 43 are shown in dashed lines.

[0042] Here, Fig. 4b shows a vertical section along line AA' from Fig. 4a. The housing 44 comprises legs 44b arranged to support the housing 44. The legs 44b define a bearing surface, in particular as a plane passing through the legs 44b. The legs 44b or the bearing surface can be used to place the device on a surface, for example a table.

[0043] The interior of the housing 44 has rounded corners and edges 44c (see corner area B in FIG. 4b and its detailed view in FIG. 4c). Advantageously, at least the majority of the interior corners and edges 44c are rounded. "Rounded" in particular means that the corners and edges 44c have a rounding radius R of at least 1 mm. Advantageously, the rounding radius R is at least 10 mm, for example 15 mm. This prevents accumulation of test material or dirt at difficult-to-clean corners and edges. The interior can be thoroughly cleaned, for example by spraying with the spray nozzle 46.

[0044] On the other hand, the lower surface 44d of the interior can also be inclined, i.e. extend at an angle to the bearing surface of the housing. As a result, the liquid collects inside at the lowest point of the lower surface 44d, i.e. the point closest to the bearing surface. An outlet opening 44e is located there through the housing 44, through which the liquid can flow out. This also improves the cleanability of the device, for example by the possibility of simply spraying the interior.

[0045] Figure 5 shows a shaker with several, in particular six, trays 51, drivable by a single main drive shaft 53, in a housing 54 with a door 54a. All the trays 51 are therefore drivable by a motor (not shown in Figure 5), which, as mentioned above, is mounted outside the possibly air-conditioned interior of the housing 54. Advantageously, the main drive shaft 53 again extends through the trays 51 in the edge regions, in particular in the corner regions, for optimal pivoting of the trays 51.

[0046] Figures 6a and 6b focus on the mechanical aspects of how the tray 61 is pivotally mounted on the main drive shaft 63 via a carrier 62 with bearings 63a (Figure 6a) and on the details of the drive of the tray 61 via a drive element 66 (Figure 6b). Figure 6c shows an alternative solution for mounting the tray 61 via a carrier 62 with bearings 166a, in particular a plain bearing, on a carrier element 166 which is part of or attached to the housing 64. In principle, the described mechanism can also be applied to some trays, for example the shaker according to Figure 5.

[0047] The tray 61 is set up to be loaded with one or more samples 69 to be shaken, for example in a microtiter plate. For this purpose, the tray 61 preferably has fastening elements, for example for a vessel stand, to hold the sample 69 or vessel, in particular a microtiter plate, stationary relative to the tray 61 during the shaking process.

[0048] The tray 61 is rotatably mounted to the drive element 66 via a fixed tray shaft 67. The drive element 66 is in turn rotatably mounted to a carrier 62, which is pivotally mounted to the main drive shaft 63 via bearings 63a. The bearings of the tray shaft 67 in or on the drive element 66 are eccentric so that the axis of rotation of the tray shaft 67 does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the drive element 66. This eccentricity of the tray shaft 67 results in a circular motion in which the tray 61 rotates when the drive element 66 rotates, thus resulting in the desired shaking of the tray 61 together with the sample 69.

[0049] Optionally, the tray 61, when pivoted, is surrounded by a housing 64, which serves to protect against splashing and / or to condition the samples, as described above. A main drive shaft 63 extends through the housing 64, particularly vertically, i.e., in the direction of gravity, and is rotatably journalled to the housing 64. Additionally, a motor 65 for driving the main drive shaft 63 is attached, preferably externally, to the housing 64.

[0050] Additionally, the housing 64 (as previously described with reference to FIG. 1a) may include legs 64b adapted to support the weight of the device. In general, the legs may also be adapted for attachment to a support such as a laboratory bench.

[0051] FIG. 6b is an enlarged view of section C of FIG. 6a and FIG. 6c. A tray 61, which can be loaded with samples 69, for example in microtiter plates, is rotatably mounted on a drive element 66 via a tray shaft 67. The drive element 66 preferably comprises a pulley which is driven by a main drive shaft via a belt 68. For this purpose, a second pulley is attached to the main drive shaft and the belt 68 is tensioned across the two pulleys. Advantageously, the tray 61 is also eccentrically mounted on the second pulley, as well as on the first pulley on the drive element 66. This provides the tray 61 with an anti-rotation lock, since the degree of freedom of movement of the tray 61 is limited to a circular translation. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the anti-rotation tray can comprise two tray parts connected to each other, for example by a linear guide. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 11a, FIG. 11b and FIG. 11c (see below).

[0052] Figure 6c also shows an advantageous design of the mounting of the tray 61 on the carrier 62, independent of the different mounting of the carrier with respect to Figure 6a. In addition to the drive element 66 and the tray shaft 67, the device comprises a second drive element 166 and a second tray shaft 167. The tray 61 is thus connected to both the tray shaft 67 and the second tray shaft 167, which are journalled eccentrically, i.e. with the same eccentricity, to the drive elements 66 and 166, respectively. To ensure that the two drive elements 66 and 166 rotate synchronously, they are mechanically coupled to each other, for example via a toothed belt 168. This mounting of the tray 61 on the carrier 62 prevents undesired rotation of the tray 61 during the desired orbital movement during shaking.

[0053] In general, it is advantageous to compensate for the imbalances that occur when rotating the components of the device. In addition to the main drive shaft, this applies in particular to the drive element 66, see the section "Multiple Trays" above. In particular, at high vibration frequencies and therefore speeds, such as those that the device can achieve, for example, with a circular motion of 3 mm diameter, for example more than 1000 rpm, more than 1500 rpm, more than 2000 rpm or more than 2500 rpm, the imbalances would otherwise result in vibrations, increased wear of bearings and mountings, and excessive noise generation.

[0054] FIG. 6b shows an arrangement of a counterweight 66a on the drive element 66, which compensates particularly simply and effectively for the imbalance caused by the eccentric mounting of the tray 61 (with the specimen 69) on the drive element 66. The center of gravity SP2 of the counterweight 66a is advantageously located in the same plane, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive element 66, as the center of gravity SP1 of the tray 61 together with the intended load of the specimen 69. According to FIG. 6b, this can be solved in that the tray 61 is provided with an upward projection 61a, under which at least a part of the counterweight 66a is located. The torques exerted by SP1 and SP2 when the drive element 66 rotates about its axis of rotation generally only need to cancel each other out. The arrangement shown allows compensation of both static and dynamic imbalances. This makes it possible, for example, to achieve high shaking frequencies of more than 1000 rpm, in particular more than 1500 rpm, more than 2000 rpm or more than 2500 rpm with a circular motion diameter of 3 mm in a space-saving design.

[0055] In the embodiment of Figure 6c, counterweights are advantageously arranged on the drive elements 66 and 166 for similar reasons. These counterweights are again (similarly to what has been explained above) adapted to compensate for both static and dynamic imbalance during the orbital movement of the tray 61.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows a top view or horizontal section of a tray 91 with a counterweight 96a. Two microtiter plates with a plurality of samples 99 are mounted on the tray 91, for example by means of a vessel holder. As described above in connection with FIG. 6b, the counterweight 96a is attached to the drive element 96, so that the imbalance caused by the eccentric mounting of the tray 91 (with samples 99) on the drive element 96 is particularly simply and effectively compensated. As shown, the counterweight 96a can be attached to the drive element 96, for example by means of a screw. Here too, the center of gravity of the counterweight 96a lies in the same plane as the center of gravity of the tray 91 together with the intended load of samples 99, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive element 96.

[0057] Advantageously, the counterweight 96a is provided with an opening through which the tray shaft 97 extends. Furthermore, the counterweight 96a may advantageously be shaped similarly to a sector of a circle when viewed from above. Both embodiments allow for the largest possible volume, and therefore the largest possible mass, of the counterweight 96a, which nevertheless can rotate together with the drive element 96 within the protruding portion of the tray 91. This maximizes the space available for the specimens 99 on the tray 91.

[0058] Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show the effect of different shaking frequencies n1, n2 and n3 on a liquid sample in a container, such as a test tube or a microtiter plate. The sample volume V is the same in each figure: V1 = V2 = V3.

[0059] In Figure 8a, the sample is at rest, i.e. the shaking frequency n1 = 0. The sample liquid has an approximately flat horizontal surface. It fills the container to a height H1. This height can be considered as a measure of the diffusion distance d1 that oxygen must travel from the surrounding gas into the sample: d1 = H1.

[0060] In Figure 8b, the sample is oscillated at an oscillation frequency n2 > 0, for example n2 = 1000 rpm. The liquid is pressed upward at the edge of the container, and a meniscus, that is, a concave surface of the sample liquid, is formed. While the surface area becomes larger compared to the situation in Figure 8a, the diffusion distance d2 = H2 - h2 decreases, and d2 < d1. As a result, oxygen enters the sample more rapidly in both cases.

[0061] In Figure 8c, the sample is oscillated much faster (n3 > n2), for example n3 = 2000 rpm. The sample liquid is "pulled" high up to the edge of the container. As a result of the increase in the meniscus, the surface area further increases, the diffusion distance d3 = H3 - h3 further decreases, and d3 < d2. Therefore, the oxygen transport to the sample is further improved.

[0062] This demonstrates one of the main advantages of the described device that can achieve oscillation frequencies above 1000 rpm, especially above 1500 rpm, above 2000 rpm, or above 2500 rpm: the oxygen transport from the gas phase to the liquid phase, that is, to the sample, increases significantly. In particular, cells can be cultured at a rapid growth rate similar to that when cultured in a bioreactor and can produce a similar amount of biomass. Therefore, such a device can be used to conduct initial tests during cell culture under conditions similar to those used later in a maturation process, especially in a bioreactor.

[0063] Figure 9 shows how the tray 71 can be axially attached to the main drive shaft 73 via the carrier 72. Such an attachment is, for example, compatible with the embodiments of Figures 1a / 1b, 3, 5, and 6a / 6b. As in Figures 6a / 6b, the tray 71 is axially attached eccentrically on a drive element (not shown) having a first pulley. The drive element or the first pulley is rotatably axially attached on the support 72 and is arranged to be driven via the belt 78. The belt 78 is also attached to the main drive shaft 73 and thus runs on a second pulley 75 that is driven by a drive unit or a motor via the main drive shaft 73.

[0064] The carrier 72, designed to support the weight of the tray 71 together with the sample load, is journalled to the main drive shaft 73 via a bearing 73a, e.g. a ball bearing. In this way the support 72 can remain stationary while the main drive shaft 73 rotates, e.g. by being locked via a latch as in Fig. 10a / 10b. Preferably the bearing 73a is located below the second pulley 75.

[0065] Optionally, the carrier 72 together with the tray 71 can alternatively or additionally be journalled above the second pulley 75 on the main drive shaft 73 via bearing 73b. In general, care must be taken to ensure that the tray has sufficient clearance for the circular translation caused by the eccentric bearing. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the opening in the tray 71 through which the main drive shaft 73 passes must be larger than the diameter of the main drive shaft 73 or the second bearing 73b, if present, by at least the eccentricity of the bearing.

[0066] Several carriers may be pivotally mounted up and down on the main drive shaft 73 using bearings 73a or 73b and driven simultaneously.

[0067] Figures 10a and 10b show the possibility of locking the tray 81, which is attached to the carrier 82 via a drive element (not visible) (for example as described in connection with Figures 6a / 6b and 9), for the shaking process in the housing or on a support structure 86 in the housing so that it cannot be temporarily pivoted about the main drive axis. The support structure 86 can be part of the housing or a separate component attached to the housing. To pivot the tray 81, the support 82 is pivotally mounted to the main drive shaft 83 via a bearing 83a (see for example Figure 9).

[0068] FIG. 10b shows an enlarged view of section D of FIG. 10a. It comprises a first locking element 82a as a latch at or near its end away from the main drive shaft. As a counterpart of the first locking element 82a, a second locking element 82b is attached to the support structure 86. The first and second locking elements 82a and 82b are designed in particular to establish a detachable connection upon contact. As a result, the carrier 82 can be connected to the support structure 86 for the shaking process, in particular to prevent pivoting of the carrier 82 around the main drive shaft 83. Furthermore, part of the weight of the carrier 82 and the tray 81 together with the samples can be supported by the support structure 86, reducing the load on the bearing 83a on the main drive shaft.

[0069] Typically, the latching means comprises, for example, mechanical or magnetic components for releasably connecting the carrier 82 to the support structure 86. For example, the latching elements 82a and 82b may comprise magnets adapted to latch the carrier 82 to the support structure 86 by their mutual attractive force. Alternatively, the locking elements 82a and 82b may be designed as a snap lock or hinged lock in which the releasable connection is generated mechanically.

[0070] Figures 11a, 11b and 11c show an embodiment of a shaker with divided trays, by means of which a particularly simple and reliable anti-rotation device for the trays can be realized. Figure 11a is a perspective view similar to Figure 1a, Figure 11b is a schematic cross-section of the shaker in the plane of the drive element similar to Figure 1b, and Figure 11c is a schematic vertical cross-section similar to Figure 6a. The features explained for the previous embodiment are equally applicable here.

[0071] The shaker comprises a housing 114 with a door 114a arranged to open and close the front of the housing. In Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b, the door 114a is shown in an open state. Furthermore, the shaker comprises a main drive shaft 113 which can be driven by a motor 115. A carrier 112 is rotatably mounted on the main drive shaft 113, which can be engaged with the housing, for example, by a latch mechanism (described above). A first drive element 116a and a second drive element 116b are then rotatably mounted on the carrier 112. The first drive element 116a is connected to the main drive shaft 113 via a first belt 118a and is driven by the first belt 118a. The second drive element 116b is connected to the first drive element 116a via a second belt 118b and is therefore also driven. It is important that the two drive elements 116a, 116b operate synchronously. For this reason, at least the second belt 118b is advantageously a toothed belt.

[0072] The first tray shaft 117a or the second tray shaft 117b is eccentrically journalled on or in the first drive element 116a or the second drive element 116b. The first tray part 111a or the second tray part 111b is attached, in particular non-rotatably attached, to the first tray shaft 117a or the second tray shaft 117b. Samples 119 can be placed on the tray parts 111a and 111b as described above, for example in test tubes or microtiter plates.

[0073] Here, a particularly simple and reliable anti-rotation device for the two tray parts 111a and 111b can be achieved by means of a flexible connection (not shown in Figures 11a-11c) between the two tray parts. Advantageously, this connection comprises a linear guide between the first tray part 111a and the second tray part 111b. The linear guide may, for example, be fixedly attached to one tray part while allowing the other tray part to slide along the guide. Such a flexible connection avoids, for example, damaging forces on the tray shaft and the bearings of the drive element, in particular as a result of thermal expansion of the support 112.

[0074] It should be expressly noted that while preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in this application, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for shaking a sample, comprising: - 1 carrier (62), a drive element (66) rotatably mounted on said carrier (62); - a tray (61) arranged to be loaded with said samples (69); - a tray shaft (67) connected to said tray (61) and eccentrically mounted on said drive element (66); - an openable and closable housing (64), said tray (61), said tray shaft (67), said drive element (66) and said carrier (62) being located in an internal space of said housing (64); a main drive shaft (63) which extends at least partially through said housing (64) perpendicular to said tray (61) and which is drivable by a drive (65); said drive element (66) being drivable via said main drive shaft (63); the carrier (62) together with the tray (61), in particular together with the bearings (63a, 166a), is pivotally mounted around the main drive shaft (63); The apparatus, wherein the carrier (62) together with the tray (61) is pivotable at least partially out of the housing (64) in an open state.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrier (62) is pivotable with the tray (61) to such an extent that more than 50% of a surface of the tray (61) is out of the housing (64) in the open state.

3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carrier (62) together with the tray (61) is pivotable about the main drive shaft (63) by at least 45°, in particular by at least 90°.

4. the tray (11, 61) has an opening (11a) through which the main drive shaft (13, 63) passes; 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening (11a) is located in an edge region of the tray (11, 61), in particular located away from the edge of the tray (11, 61) by less than 20% of the length and / or width of the tray (11, 61).

5. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main drive shaft (63) extends outside the surface of the tray (61).

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrier (62, 82) includes a latch (82a) at an end remote from the main drive shaft for releasably securing the carrier (62, 82) to the housing (64) or to a support structure (86) within the housing.

7. a belt (68) arranged to drive said drive element (66) via said main drive shaft (63); The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

8. 8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tray shaft (67) is centrally mounted on the tray (61).

9. The tray (61) is fixed against rotation relative to the carrier (62); 9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the tray comprises a first tray portion (111a) and a second tray portion (111b); the first tray portion (111a) and the second tray portion (111b) are eccentrically journalled to a first drive element (116a) and a second drive element (116b) via a first tray shaft (117a) and a second tray shaft (117b) respectively connected to the first tray portion and the second tray portion, the first drive element (116a) and the second drive element (116b) are rotatably mounted on the carrier (112) and are drivable via the main drive shaft (113); the first tray part and the second tray part are connected to each other by a flexible connection, in particular by a linear guide.

10. The apparatus of claim 9.

11. 11. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one further tray (51, 61), in particular at least five further trays, together with further tray shafts, further drive elements and further carriers, inside the housing, said at least one further drive being drivable via the main drive shaft (53, 63).

12. said at least one further tray (51, 61) being pivotally mounted about said main drive shaft (53, 63) independently of one or more other said trays; 12. The apparatus of claim 11.

13. the angular position of the bearing of the further tray shaft on the further drive element is offset from the angular position of the bearing of the tray shaft on the drive element, 13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, in particular, wherein the angular positions of the bearings of the various tray shafts differ from each other by 360° / N, N being the number of trays in the apparatus.

14. 14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a climate control element for controlling the temperature and / or humidity inside the housing.

15. The drive unit (65) comprises a motor mounted outside the housing (64), in particular on the underside of the housing (64), In particular, the main drive shaft (63) extends through an opening in the underside of the housing (64); and / or In particular, the interior of the housing (64) is thermally isolated from the motor.

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. the eccentricity of the bearing of the tray shaft (67) on the drive element (66) is between 0.5 and 50 mm, in particular between 1 and 3 mm; 16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The frequency of shaking of the tray (61) by the drive (65) is at least 1000 rpm, in particular at least 1500 rpm, at least 2000 rpm or at least 2500 rpm; 17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The tray (61) is rectangular, In particular, said tray (61) has a length of 50 to 100 cm, and / or In particular, said tray (61) has a width of 30 to 70 cm, 18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. the portion of the housing (64) facing the interior is at least 50% coated with stainless steel; 19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. the portion of the housing (44, 64) facing the interior includes rounded corners and edges (44c); In particular, the radius (R) of the corners and edges (44c) is at least 10 mm; 20. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. At least a portion, in particular at least 70%, of the inner lower surface (44d) extends obliquely with respect to a bearing surface of the housing (44, 64), In particular, the angle between the lower surface (44d) of the interior and the bearing surface of the housing (44, 64) is between 1° and 30°, in particular between 5° and 15°; 21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. the housing (44, 64) comprises, in the region of the lower surface (44d) of the interior closest to the bearing surface, in particular an outlet opening (44e) passing through the housing (44, 64), in particular the outlet opening being closable, 22. The apparatus of claim 21.

23. - a carrier element (166) attached to said housing (64); the carrier (62) together with the tray (61) is pivotally mounted on the carrier element (166) via the bearing (166a), in particular via a slide bearing, In particular, the pivot axis of the carrier (62) coincides with the main drive shaft (63); 23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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