• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    A sample container receiving device (30) according to the invention contains a base element (31), which is designed to receive a sample container, wherein the base element (31) contains a recess (32), which is designed to receive the sample container. The base element (31) comprises a base surface (33) and a cover surface (36), the base surface (33) being arranged opposite the cover surface (36). The recess (32) extends from the base surface (33) to the top surface (36), wherein the base surface (33) and the top surface (36) are arranged at a distance H to each other. The recess (32) has a recess width AB and a recess length AL. The recess width AB of the recess (32) on one of the base surfaces (33) or cover surfaces (36) is smaller than in an intermediate surface (37) which extends between the base surface (33) and the top surface (36). The invention also relates to a calorimeter with a receptacle for sample containers.
    公开号:CH714343A2
    申请号:CH01383/17
    申请日:2017-11-16
    公开日:2019-05-31
    发明作者:Göpfert Beat；von Tscharner Vinzenz
    申请人:Calbact Ag；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Description The present invention relates to a sample container receiving device. The invention also encompasses a calorimeter containing a sample container receiving device. The invention also comprises a system containing a calorimeter for measuring a heat flow of a sample, a sample container receiving device and one or more sample containers. The invention further relates to a sample container for use in the sample container receiving device. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a sample container receiving device and a sample container for the calorimeter.
    A calorimeter can have a plurality of measuring stations for measuring the heat absorption or heat emission of a sample, so that a simultaneous measurement of heat absorption or heat emission of a plurality of samples can take place.
    Such a multi-channel calorimeter is marketed by Fa, which contains between 8 and 48 channels, which are intended for receiving an ampoule. Depending on the configuration, the difference in heat production between a pair of ampoules can also be measured. As a rule, one of the ampoules of the pair of ampules contains the sample to be examined and the other of the ampoules of the pair of ampules contains a reference sample. Each of the ampoules is designed as a circular cylindrical vessel, which has a flat bottom, a cylindrical jacket and a lid with any insertion or removal aids. The ampoule is placed in a calibration cylinder corresponding to the shape of the ampoule in order to take a measurement. The flat bottom of the ampoule stands on a heat flow sensor, which can be designed as a Seebeck element. The heat flow sensor is mounted on a first heat sink. A second heat sink is located above the ampoules to shield them from environmental influences.
    The manipulation of the ampoules is characterized in that their positioning and removal must take place separately, which increases the time required for sample manipulation at the expense of the analysis time.
    There is therefore a need for a sample container receiving device which enables the simultaneous positioning and removal of a plurality of sample containers.
    [0006] There is also a need for a calorimeter which is designed in such a way that a simultaneous measurement of a plurality of samples is possible. Such a calorimeter has been proposed, for example, in WO 2007/139 498 A1, the problem of producing a stable thermal measurement environment being one of the major obstacles to the use of sample container arrangements which contain several rows of sample containers, since it is used to load and remove the sample container arrangements a large free manipulation space was required. According to WO 2007/139 498, therefore, a calorimeter with a horizontally running channel is proposed, in which the sample container arrangement is transported to the measuring chamber. This channel forms the connection between the environment and the measuring chamber located inside the calorimeter. There are a number of heat flow sensors in the bottom of the measuring chamber. The sample container arrangement is placed on the heat flow sensors. Only the measuring chamber floor is therefore available for heat transfer. In order to measure the total heat flow of a sample, each sample container must therefore be thermally insulated in such a way that no heat flow can get into the measuring chamber via the sample container walls or the cover of the sample container. Therefore, thermally insulated sample containers are required if the measurement is to determine the entire heat flow of the sample.
    The object of the invention is to develop a sample container receiving device that enables simultaneous positioning and removal of the sample container, wherein a large part of the sample container surface can be used to measure the heat flow of the sample.
    The object of the invention is achieved by a sample container receiving device according to claim 1. Advantageous variants of the sample container receiving device are the subject of claims 2 to 8. A system and an assembly containing a sample container receiving device are the subject of claims 8 to 10.
    When the term "for example" is used in the following description, this term refers to exemplary embodiments and / or embodiments, which is not necessarily to be understood as a more preferred application of the teaching of the invention. Similarly, the terms “preferred”, “preferred” are to be understood by referring to an example from a set of exemplary embodiments and / or embodiments, which is not necessarily to be understood as a preferred application of the teaching of the invention. Accordingly, the terms “for example”, “preferably” or “preferred” can refer to a plurality of exemplary embodiments and / or exemplary embodiments.
    [0010] The following detailed description contains various exemplary embodiments for a sample container receiving device. The description of a specific sample container receiving device is only to be regarded as an example. In the description and the claims, the terms “contain”, “comprise”, “have” as “included, but not limited to interpreted.
    The object of the invention is achieved in that a sample container can be held by means of a sample container receiving device containing a base element, which is designed to receive a sample container. The base element contains a recess which is designed to receive the sample container, the base element comprising a base surface and a cover surface. The base area is arranged opposite the top surface
    CH 714 343 A2 net. The recess extends from the base surface to the cover surface, the base surface and the cover surface being arranged at a distance H from one another. The recess has a recess width AB and a recess length AL. The recess width AB of the recess on one of the base surfaces or cover surfaces is smaller than in an intermediate surface which extends between the base surface and the cover surface.
    According to one embodiment, the recess is designed as a guide groove. The sample container can be inserted into this guide groove and is held in a defined position in this guide groove. If the sample container receiving device is used with the sample container or containers, each sample container is thus already exactly at the point which enables optimal contact with the heat transfer elements of the calorimeter. In particular, the measurement of the heat flow can take place over at least one of the sample container walls. In particular, the sample container (s) are designed in such a way that the sample container walls make up a large part of the surface of the sample container. In particular, the proportion of the sample container walls on the surface of the sample container can be from 30% up to and including 90%. In particular, the proportion of the sample container walls on the surface of the sample container can be from 50% to 90%.
    This means that at least 30% to 90% of the surface of the sample container can be in contact with a heat flow sensor element, which can be designed, for example, as a heat transfer element. In particular, at least 50% to 90% of the surface of the sample container can be in contact with a heat flow sensor element, which can be designed, for example, as a heat transfer element.
    [0014] The sample container arrangement according to the invention is therefore designed in such a way that the sample container can be held at the point which has the lowest surface proportion. The sample container has a media exchange element. The media exchange element is used to supply the sample. This media exchange element has a connection channel in the rehearsal room. The connecting channel can be designed as a tubular element. This tube element forms a neck of the sample container. The sample container receiving device of the invention is accordingly designed such that it receives the neck of the sample container in each case. For this purpose, the sample container can contain one or more guide elements which are attached to the tubular element. The guide element or elements can be received in the corresponding recess of the sample container receiving device.
    [0015] In particular, the guide groove can contain a first guide groove, a second guide groove and a third guide groove. According to one embodiment, the second guide groove is arranged between the first guide groove and the third guide groove. According to one exemplary embodiment, the second guide groove has, at least in part, a larger recess width AB than the first guide groove and the third guide groove. According to one embodiment, the second guide groove has, at least in part, a larger recess length AL than the guide groove and the third guide groove. This arrangement is particularly suitable for receiving one of the sample containers shown in the exemplary embodiments.
    According to one embodiment, the base element can be covered by means of a cover element.
    A system comprising a calorimeter for measuring a heat flow of a sample includes a receiving space for a sample container containing a sample, a heat sink, a first heat transfer element, the first heat transfer element including a heat receiving surface that is in contact with the sample container when the sample container is positioned in the receiving space by means of a sample receiving device, in particular according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments, and a heat absorption surface which is in contact with the heat sink. A second heat transfer element is provided, the second heat transfer element including a second heat absorbing surface that is in contact with the heat sink and a second heat absorbing surface that is in contact with the sample container when the sample container is positioned in the receiving space.
    In particular, the sample container and / or the sample container receiving device can be removable from the receiving space.
    The system can include an insulation unit for insulating the receiving space at any point that does not correspond to the location of the first and second heat transfer elements, the insulation unit being in particular a thermal insulation unit.
    The receiving space can be provided between the first and second heat transfer elements according to an embodiment. The accommodating space can extend between the first and second heat transfer elements, which are arranged on the same side of the accommodating space, and the insulation unit on the opposite side of the accommodating space. Each of the first and second heat transfer elements can be equipped with electrical connectors which are connected to a detection unit via first and second electrical conductors, so that when a current is generated by the heat flow in the operating state, the current is conducted to the detection unit in order to provide an electrical connection Detect signal as an indicator of the heat flow determined by the first and second heat transfer elements.
    A compilation contains a sample container receiving device and a sample container for a calorimeter, comprising a first sample container wall, a second sample container wall and a connecting element for connecting the first sample container wall to the second sample container wall, one of the first and second sample container walls, the connecting element Floor area and a ceiling area a rehearsal room is formed.
    CH 714 343 A2
    The floor area and the ceiling area are connected to one another via the first and second sample container walls and the connecting element. An opening is provided in the ceiling area, the opening in the ceiling area being connected to the sample room, at least one of the first or second sample container walls being equipped with a variable contour.
    [0022] In particular, at least one of the first or second sample container walls can be at least partially flexible. According to one embodiment, an inner container can be provided in the rehearsal room. The distance between the first and second sample container walls can in particular be less than a third of the distance between the ceiling area and the floor area. According to one embodiment, the ceiling area contains a guide element. The guide element can in particular be inserted into a corresponding recess, in particular a guide groove of the sample container receiving device. The guide element may include a plurality of ribs. A connecting channel can be provided in order to connect the opening to the rehearsal room. According to one embodiment, the guide element can extend essentially in a normal plane with respect to the axis of the connecting channel.
    The sample container according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments can be used for a sample which contains a heat source and a gas for measuring the generation of heat in the sample by at least one element from the group of chemical reactions, cell reactions, cell activities, biological metabolisms, Bacteria in the sample. The sample container receiving device can be used in particular for a sample container according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments.
    The sample container can be a disposable product which can be disposed of after a single use. Since the sample container does not have to meet any special requirements with regard to thermal insulation, a sample container in the form of a bag, in particular a flexible bag, can be used.
    The sample container receiving device is preferably used in a calorimeter according to one of the embodiments described above. No special requirements with regard to the thermal insulation have to be made for the sample container receiving device either. The sample container receiving device can therefore also be produced from conventional materials, for example polymers. For example, an injection molding process or an additive manufacturing process can be used to manufacture the sample container receiving device.
    The sample container receiving device according to the invention is illustrated below with the aid of some exemplary embodiments. It shows
    1 is a partial sectional view of a calorimeter according to a first embodiment of the invention,
    2 is a partial sectional view of a calorimeter according to a second embodiment of the invention,
    3 is a plan view of a sample container according to a first embodiment of the invention,
    4 is a side view of the sample container of FIG. 3,
    5 is a side view of the sample container according to a second embodiment of the invention,
    6 shows a detail of a heat measuring element,
    7 is a partial sectional view of a calorimeter according to a third embodiment of the invention,
    8 is a side view of a sample container according to a third embodiment of the invention,
    9 shows a section through a sample container according to a first variant,
    10 shows a section through a sample container according to a second variant,
    11 is a view of a sample container receiving device according to a first embodiment,
    12 is a view of the sample container receiving device according to the first embodiment in the closed state,
    13a is a plan view of a sample container,
    13b is a view of the sample container according to FIG. 13a from above,
    14 is a view of a sample container receiving device with inserted sample container from above,
    15 is an illustration showing the sectional arrangement for FIGS. 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b,
    16a is a vertical section through a calorimeter in the closed state,
    CH 714 343 A2
    16b shows a vertical section through the calorimeter according to FIG. 16a in the open state,
    17a shows a horizontal section through a calorimeter in the closed state,
    17b shows a horizontal section through a calorimeter in the open state.
    Fig. 1 is a schematic partial sectional view of a calorimeter 1, in particular the part of the calorimeter 1, which contains a sample. The sample is received in a sample container 40. The sample is not visible because the sample container is not shown in section in FIG. 1. The calorimeter 1 for measuring a heat flow of the sample contains a receiving space 6 for a sample container 40 which contains the sample, a heat sink 4, a first heat transfer element 2, the first heat transfer element 2 having a heat absorption surface 24 which is in contact with the sample container 40 , when the sample container 40 is in the receiving space 6 and a heat absorption surface 25 which is in contact with the heat sink 4. A second heat transfer element 3 is provided, the second heat transfer element 3 having a second heat absorption surface 34 and a second heat absorption surface 35, which is in contact with the sample container 40 when the sample container 40 is located in a receiving space 6. The heat sink 4 can contain a foot element 16.
    A second heat transfer element 3 is provided, the second heat transfer element 3 having a second heat receiving surface 34 which is in contact with the heat sink 4 and a second heat absorption surface 35 which is in contact with the sample container 40 when the sample container 40 is in the receiving space 6 is positioned. The heat sink 4 can contain a foot element 16.
    The sample container 40 can be removed from the receiving space 6. The first heat transfer element 2 can be a plate-shaped element. The second heat transfer element 3 can also be a plate-shaped element. The first heat transfer element 2 and the second heat transfer element 3 can comprise the part of the side walls of the receiving space 6 which faces the first and second sample container walls 41, 42 of the sample container 40. The first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 can be arranged such that a v-shaped receiving space 6 is obtained. A V-shaped receiving space is advantageous because the sample container 40 can easily be introduced into the receiving space 6, also to use a sample container manipulation unit, whereby automatic or semi-automatic manipulation or positioning of the sample container 40 can be realized.
    The distance between the lower edges of the first and second heat transfer element can also be smaller than the thickness of the sample container 40. This ensures that the sample container 40 is positioned exactly between the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3. According to this embodiment, the receiving space 6 is provided between the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3. According to this embodiment, the receiving space 6 is open on the top and at least on one side. In this arrangement, the top is opposite the foot element 16. The bottom of the foot element 16 can be arranged in a horizontal plane. The underside of the foot element 16 can be arranged in a vertical plane.
    According to one embodiment, an insulation unit 5 is provided in order to provide insulation for the receiving space 6 at the points at which the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 are not located. The insulation unit 5 is in particular a thermal insulation unit. The insulation unit 5 ensures that the entire heat flow is led to the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3, so that it can be ensured that the complete heat flow is measured by means of the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3.
    Each of the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 is equipped with electrical connectors 22 which, as shown in FIG. 6, are connected to a detection unit 10 by means of electrical conductors 7, 8, so that a current through the heat flow in the operating state can be generated, the current being passed to the detection unit 10 in order to detect an electrical signal which is an indicator of the heat flow which is detected by the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3.
    The detection unit 10 comprises a first electrical conductor 7, which connects the detection unit 10 to the first heat transfer element. A resistor R1 is arranged in the first conductor in order to provide a current output which is led to a summation point 14. The detection unit 10 contains a second electrical conductor 8, which connects the detection unit 10 to the second heat transfer element 3. A resistor R2 is arranged in the second electrical conductor in order to provide a current output which is led to the summation point 14. A third electrical conductor 9 leads from the summation point 14 to the negative input 12 of an amplifier 11. The positive input of the amplifier 11 is connected to the earth.
    The combined current output from the summing point 14 is introduced through the third electrical conductor 9 into the amplifier 11 via the negative input 12. Because the current in the first electrical conductor 7, which leaves the resistor R1, has the opposite direction with respect to the current in the second electrical conductor 8, which leaves the resistor R2, the difference between these two currents in the summation point 14 is obtained. The current resulting from this difference can be zero amperes if the current of R1 and the current of R2 have the same absolute value.
    CH 714 343 A2 The ohmic resistance value of each of the resistors R1 or R2 can be zero ohms, the Seebeck currents which are not equal to zero canceling one another. Therefore, an anti-parallel arrangement of the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 of the calorimeter 1 eliminates the non-zero Seebeck currents, in contrast to any calorimeter according to the prior art. The resistance Rf is used in the amplification process.
    The amplifier 11 generates an output voltage 15 which corresponds to the heat flow that is generated in the sample container 40. The amplifier 11 contains a positive input 13 which is grounded. The use of the amplifier 11 makes it possible to reliably detect very small heat flows, for example those which are generated by some type of chemical reaction or a biological process, for example by cell activity, pathogens or bacteria. The heat flow can be recorded for a certain period of time and can be characteristic of a certain phenomenon. Therefore, the location of the peaks in the heat flow curve can be used to determine the type of pathogens, cells, or bacteria that are present in the sample in sample container 40. Therefore, calorimeter 1 is not only useful for detecting the existence of a heat source in the sample, it can also be useful for determining the type of heat source, for example the type of pathogens, cells or bacteria responsible for the generation of heat ,
    Fig. 2 shows a calorimeter in an arrangement which differs from the arrangement shown in Fig. 1. The reference numerals of FIG. 1 were also used for the same parts or parts with the same function for this exemplary embodiment. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the receiving space 6 extends between the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 which are arranged next to one another on the same side of the receiving space 6, and an insulation unit 5, which is located on the opposite side of the receiving space 6 is located. The first heat transfer element 2 can be designed as a plate-shaped element. The second heat transfer element 3 can also be designed as a plate-shaped element. The first heat transfer element 2 and the second heat transfer element 3 form part of one of the side walls of the receiving space 6, which face the first sample container wall 41. Alternatively, the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 can face the second sample container wall 42. The first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 can be arranged such that a V-shaped receiving space 6 is obtained. A V-shaped receiving space is advantageous because the sample container 40 can be easily inserted into the receiving space, even using an arrangement that is not shown in the drawings because it corresponds to an essentially mirror-image arrangement of FIG. 2. The sample container 40 contains a sample container manipulation unit, wherein automatic or semi-automatic manipulation or positioning of the sample container 40 can be implemented.
    The distance between the lower edges of the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3, which form a side wall of the receiving space 6 and the insulation unit 5, which forms the opposite side of the receiving space 6, can be smaller than the thickness of the sample container 40. This ensures that the sample container 40 is positioned exactly on the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3.
    3 and 4 show a sample container 40 for a calorimeter 1 according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments. The sample container 40 contains a first sample container wall 41, a second sample container wall 42 and a connecting element 43, which connects the first sample container wall 41 to the second sample container wall 42, the first sample container wall 41, the second sample container wall 42, the connecting element 43, a bottom region 44 and a Ceiling area 45 are formed to surround a rehearsal room 46. The sample space 46 is not visible in FIG. 3 or 4. 9 shows a section through a sample container 40, which shows the interior of the sample container and consequently an embodiment of the sample space 46. The connecting element 43 can be shaped as a projecting section, for example as a hem or rib. The floor area 44 and the ceiling area 45 are connected to one another via the first and second sample container walls 41, 42 and the connecting element 43. An opening 47 is provided in particular at the upper end of the ceiling area 45. The opening 47 in the ceiling area 45 is connected to the sample space 46 in order to place a sample in the sample space 46. At least one of the first or second sample container walls 41, 42 is provided with a variable contour.
    [0040] In particular, at least one of the first or second sample container walls 41, 42 can be flexible. The wall thickness of the first and second sample container walls is advantageously less than 1 mm if it is produced by an injection molding process. The wall thickness of the first and second sample container walls can be 50 microns up to and including 200 microns if a film is used. The rehearsal space 46 can be arranged in a bag, wherein the bag can comprise a flexible bag, in particular a flexible plastic bag. The sample container 40 can be designed as a bag, in particular as a flexible bag.
    The distance between the first and second sample container walls 41, 42 according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 or 4 corresponds to less than a third of the distance between the ceiling area 45 and the bottom area 44. The distance between the first and second sample container walls 41, 42 corresponds to the thickness of the sample container 40. The thickness can be variable if the sample container is designed as a flexible bag. In particular, the thickness of the empty sample container 40 can be less than the thickness of the sample container if a sample is contained in the sample container 40.
    CH 714 343 A2 The ceiling area 45 can contain a guide element 50. The guide element 50 can be received by a sample container receiving device according to one of FIGS. 11 to 17 in order to insert the sample container 40 into the sample space 6 of a calorimeter 1 according to one of the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1, 2 or 7, 16a, 16b, Fig. 17a, 17b.
    A connecting channel 48 is provided in order to connect the opening 47 to the sample space 46. The guide element 50 extends in a direction that is normal to the axis of the connecting channel 48.
    5 shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a sample container 40. The sample container according to FIG. 5 differs from the sample container according to one of FIGS. 3 and 4 in that the first sample container wall and the second sample container wall 24 are not arranged essentially parallel to one another , but form a V-shape. The V-shape of the first and second sample container walls 41, 42 advantageously corresponds to the V-shape of the receiving space 6. The first and second sample container walls 41, 42 can be accommodated exactly in the receiving space 6. The first and second sample container walls 41, 42 can be formed from dimensionally stable material, so that the heat exchange between the first and / or second sample container walls 41, 42 and the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 is optimized because the sample container walls 41, 42 are in direct contact stand with the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3.
    Fig. 6 shows an example of a heat transfer element 21 which may correspond to the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 used in the previous embodiments. The heat transfer element works as a heat flow sensor. The heat transfer element is an element for generating an electromotive force (emf) which has an internal resistance R. It converts the heat flow into an electrical parameter (voltage and / or current). The internal resistor contains a temperature dependent resistor. The heat transfer element 21 includes a heat absorption surface and a heat absorption surface 25. The heat absorption surface 24 and the heat absorption surface can be in contact with the wall of the sample container 40 or connected to a heat sink, such as a heat sink 4 according to one of FIGS. 1 or 2.
    The heat absorption surface 24 and the heat absorption surface 25 contain a thermally conductive electrical insulator 23. A layer stack containing a conductive p-material and layers containing a conductive n-material are arranged between the heat absorption surface 25 and the heat absorption surface 24 to reduce the heat flow from the To transform the heat absorption surface 25 and the heat absorption surface 24 into an electrical current. The layer which contains a conductive p-material and the layer which contains a conductive n-material are advantageously arranged in an alternating arrangement in a stack, that is to say a layer containing a conductive p-material is followed by a layer containing a conductive n -Material and vice versa. The layer containing a conductive p-material 28 and the layer containing a conductive n-material 29 are connected by electrical connectors 22 such that the layer containing a conductive p-material 28 is always connected to a layer which is a conductive Contains n-material 29 and a layer containing a conductive n-material 29 is always connected to a layer containing a conductive p-material 28. The two outermost electrical connectors 22 are connected to end connectors 26, 27, which lead to an electrical conductor. When the heat transfer element 21 is operated as a sensor, a heat flow is conducted from the heat absorption surface 25 to the heat absorption surface 24, i.e. the heat absorption surface 25 is heated and the heat absorption surface 24 is cold, thereby generating a negative current. When the heat transfer element 21 is operated as a Peltier element, a positive current generates a heat flow from the heat absorption surface 25 to the heat absorption surface 24, thereby cooling the heat absorption surface 25.
    According to a further embodiment, the heat transfer element can be designed as a thermistor. The thermistor can contain a semiconductor material, for example a metal oxide of manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper, uranium, iron, zinc, titanium, barium, magnesium. The temperature coefficient is determined by the properties of the oxides in the mixture. The thermistor contains a tape or a rod and the first and second electrically conductive surfaces can be designed as electrical guide elements, in particular bifilar guide elements containing an electrically conductive material, for example copper.
    The sample container 40 according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments can be used for a sample which contains a heat source, the sample being for measuring the heat generation in the sample by means of a chemical reaction, a cell activity, a biological metabolism, bacteria in the sample can be used. Fig. 7 shows a calorimeter 1 according to an arrangement which differs from the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2. The reference numerals of Fig. 1 were also used for this embodiment for the same parts or parts of the same function. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the receiving space 6 extends between the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3, which are arranged adjacent to one another on the same side of the receiving space 6 and the insulation unit 5 on the opposite side of the receiving space 6. The receiving space 6 according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 has parallel side walls. According to this exemplary embodiment, one of the side walls is essentially constructed from the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3, which are attached to the heat sink 4. The first heat transfer element can be designed as a plate-shaped element. The second heat transfer element 3 can also be a plate-shaped one
    CH 714 343 A2
    Element. The first heat transfer element 2 and the second heat transfer element 3 form the part of one of the side walls of the receiving space 6, which is oriented in the direction of the first sample container wall 41. Alternatively, the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 can face the second sample container wall 42. The first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 can be arranged such that a U-shaped receiving space 6 is obtained. A U-shaped receiving space is advantageous because the sample container 40 can be inserted into the receiving space with a particularly good fit, so that losses due to insufficient direct contact with the two heat transfer elements 2, 3 are avoided. The sample container 40 contains a sample container manipulation unit, wherein automatic or semi-automatic manipulation or positioning of the sample container 40 can be implemented.
    The distance between the lower edges of the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3, which form a side wall of the receiving space 6 and the insulation unit 5, which is arranged on the opposite side and which forms the opposite side of the receiving space 6, can substantially correspond to the thickness of the sample container 40. This ensures that the sample container 40 is positioned exactly on the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3. The speed and the accuracy of the positioning of the sample container 40 in the receiving space 6 can be further increased if the sample container 40 has a variable contour, such a variable contour being obtained, for example, if the first and second container walls 41, 42 are flexible.
    8 is a variant of FIG. 5 and shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a sample container 40. The sample container 40 according to FIG. 8 differs from the sample container 40 according to FIG. 3, 4 or 5 in such a way that the first sample container wall 41 and the second sample container wall 42 may be substantially parallel to one another, but in particular in the state in which the sample container 40 contains a sample, may differ significantly from a parallel configuration of the first and second sample container walls. At least in the filled state, that is, when there is a sample in the sample container 40, the first sample container wall 41 is not parallel to the second sample container wall 42. Advantageously, the first and second sample container walls 41, 41 are flexible, that is, they can adapt their shape in such a way that that they correspond to the shape of the receiving space 6. The first and second sample container walls 41, 42 can thus be inserted into the receiving space 6 in a precisely fitting manner. The first and second sample container walls 41, 42 can be made of a flexible material. The flexible material can contain at least one layer of a thermally conductive material. The heat transfer between the first and / or second sample container walls 41, 42 and the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 can be optimized because the sample container walls 41, 42 are in direct contact with the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3.
    The ceiling area 45 contains a media exchange element 49. The media exchange element 49 can comprise a filling, dispensing or pouring element. The media exchange element 49 comprises an opening 47 for the supply or removal of a fluid or a flowable sample into the sample container 40 or from the sample container 40. The opening 47 is connected by means of a connecting channel 48 to the interior of the sample container 40, which is from the first and second sample container walls 41, 42 is limited. The media exchange element 49 can include a closure cover, as shown for example in FIG. 10.
    [0053] FIG. 9 shows a section through a sample container according to a first variant. The sample container 40 contains a media exchange element 49, which forms the ceiling area 45 of the sample container 40. The media exchange element 49 contains an opening 47 which leads to the connecting channel 48 for supplying or taking a sample into or from the sample space 46, which is located between the first and second sample container walls, as shown in one of the preceding exemplary embodiments. The second sample container wall 42 is not visible in this sectional illustration because it lies in front of the sectional plane. The first sample container wall 41 is connected along its circumference to the second sample container wall 42 via a connecting element 43. The connecting element 43 can contain an element from the group of adhesives, layers, hems or can comprise a weld seam. The first and second sample container walls 41, 42 are also connected to the media exchange element 49. According to one embodiment, the connecting element 43 can also provide the connection between the first and second sample container walls 41, 42 and the media exchange element 49. According to one embodiment, the connection between the first and second sample container walls 41, 42 can be made by heat welding.
    An inner container 51 can be provided in the sample space 46 for applications for which a certain size of a sample receiving volume 53 is required. The sample holding volume 53 corresponds to the space inside the inner container 51. Sample holding volume 53 is designed to hold a sample. The sample can be supplied 49 to the sample receiving volume 53 via the media exchange element. The sample receiving volume 53 is advantageously smaller than the sample space 46.
    Fig. 10 shows a section through a sample container 40 according to a second variant, according to which is provided in the inner container 52, which has a smaller size and / or a different shape. The sample container 40 according to FIG. 10 has the same outer dimensions as the sample container 40 according to FIG. 9. If the dimensions of the 40 sample container can be standardized, the provision of the sample container 40, that is to say in particular the filling, the transport, the insertion, the removal recycling can be automated.
    CH 714 343 A2 [0056] FIG. 10 also shows an example of a closure cap 17. Such a closure cap 17 can comprise a screw closure or a cover with a snap closure. The closure cap 17 or the media exchange element 49 can be equipped with a security closure for the detection of unintentional or not prohibited opening attempts. The closure cap 17 can be closed after the sample has been filled into the sample space 46 or into the sample receiving volume 53 of the sample container. A safety lock can, in particular, provide an indication in the frame for an inspector to determine whether the sample has been manipulated after sampling has been completed.
    [0057] The sample container 40 according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments can undergo a sterilization, for example an electron beam sterilization, in particular a gamma ray sterilization.
    11 shows a view of a sample container receiving device 30 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The sample container receiving device 30 contains a base element 31, which is designed to receive a sample container 40 according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments. The base element 31 can be designed as a plate-shaped element. The base element 31 contains at least one recess 32, which serves to receive a guide element 50 of the sample container 40. The guide element 50 is inserted into the recess 32 and held in the recess 32 until it is removed. The recess 32 therefore has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the guide element 50.
    The base element 31 of the sample container receiving device 30 has in particular a base area 33 and a cover area 36, which is arranged opposite to the base area 33. The base element 31, which is designed to receive a sample container 40, contains the recess 32, which is designed to receive the sample container 40. If reference is made in the following to the recess 32 in the singular number, this wording only represents one or more recesses 32. The base element 31 comprises a base surface 33 and a cover surface 36, the base surface 33 being arranged opposite the cover surface 36. The recess 32 extends from the base 33 to the cover 36. In particular, the recess 32 can be formed as a continuous slot which extends from the base 33 to the cover 36. The base surface 33 and the top surface 36 are arranged at a distance H from one another. The distance H should in particular be the smallest distance between the base 33 and the top surface 36 at any point thereof, that is to say generally correspond to the normal distance between the base surface and the top surface. The recess 32 has a recess width AB and a recess length AL. The recess width AB of the recess 32 on one of the base surfaces 33 or cover surfaces 36 is smaller than in an intermediate surface 37 which extends between the base surface 33 and the cover surface 36.
    In particular, the top surface 36 can be parallel to the base surface 33. The intermediate surface 37 can be parallel to one of the base surfaces 33 or cover surface 36. In the installed state of the base 33 and the top surface 36 can run in a substantially horizontal direction. The base 33 and the top surface 36 have a length L and a width B. The length L is not shown completely in FIG. 11 since part of the sample container receiving device 30 has been cut away in order to make the recess 32 more visible. According to the present exemplary embodiment, there is a solid body between the base surface 33 and the top surface 36, which is essentially cuboid in the present exemplary embodiment. The recess 32 is located in this solid body, so that part of the material of the solid body has been removed at the location of the recess 32 or the recess 32 is designed as a cavity. In particular, the length L of the base element 31 can be greater than the width B.
    The base 33 and the top surface 36 are arranged at a distance H from one another. The distance H is in particular smaller than the length L or the width B. According to the present exemplary embodiment, four side surfaces are formed, two of which can be arranged opposite one another. According to the present illustration, two of the side surfaces have the dimensions W χ H and two of the side surfaces have the dimensions L x H. Of course, exemplary embodiments are conceivable according to which the dimensions of two opposite side surfaces or the base and top surfaces 33, 36 are not the same. The present, essentially cuboid sample container receiving device 30 is only to be regarded as one possible configuration. In particular, the top surface 36 could have a larger surface area L χ B than the base surface 33 if the sample container receiving device 30 has, for example, a truncated pyramid shape.
    In particular, the recess 32 or the recesses 32 can run essentially parallel to at least one of the base surfaces 33 or cover surfaces 36.
    The recess 32 can be designed as a guide groove. The guide groove has the recess width AB and the recess length AL.
    The recess width AB of the recess 32 on one of the base surfaces 33 or cover surfaces 36 is smaller than in an intermediate surface 37 which extends between the base surface 33 and the cover surface 36.
    The recess 32 may include a first guide groove 61, a second guide groove 62 and a third guide groove 63. The first, second and third guide grooves 61, 62, 63 form the cavity of the recess 32. The second guide groove 62 is arranged between the first and third guide grooves 61, 63. The first guide groove 61 and the third guide groove 63 have a smaller recess width AB than the second guide groove 62.
    CH 714 343 A2 The recess length AL of the first and third guide grooves 61, 63 is in particular smaller than the recess length AL of the second guide groove 62. In particular, the third guide groove 63 can be suitable for receiving a media exchange element 49 of a sample container 40, which, for example, is a 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13a, 13b. The second guide groove 62 can in particular be designed to receive a guide element 50 of a sample container 40.
    11 also shows a cover element 38 which can be provided to cover the base element 31. The cover element 38 has a plurality of cover openings 18. The number of lid openings 18 corresponds to the number of recesses 32. The lid openings 18 each serve to receive a media exchange element 49 of a sample container 40. The media exchange element 49 projects into the cover element 38 at least to a certain extent when the cover element 38 is closed. If the media exchange element 49 is provided with a closure cap 17, the cover opening 18 can be designed to receive this closure cap 17. The size of the lid opening 18 thus essentially corresponds to the outside diameter of the media exchange element 49 or a closure cap 17, depending on which diameter is the larger diameter. If different sample containers 40 or sample containers 40 with different samples are used, the media exchange element 49 or the closure cap 17 can contain a color coding, so that even when the cover element 38 is closed, it can be seen which sample container 40 is located in which recess 32.
    The sample container 40 is also held in the recess 32 in a defined position, since the media exchange element 49 or the closure cap 17 must be positioned exactly at the point at which the lid opening 18 is located. If the position of the sample container 40 does not correspond to the position of the lid opening 18, the lid element 38 cannot be closed or cannot be closed completely. Only if the cover element 38 can be closed is it ensured that the sample container 40 or each of the sample containers 40 are in the correct position.
    The cover element 38 can be provided with a closing mechanism 39. The locking mechanism 39 can contain an element from the group of snap locks or locking elements. Of course, the locking mechanism 39 can also take on a different configuration known to the person skilled in the art, so that the present illustration is in no way to be regarded as limited to the locking mechanism 39 shown here.
    12 shows a view of the sample container receiving device 30 according to the first exemplary embodiment in the closed state, in which the cover element 38 is closed. FIG. 12 also shows only a part of the sample container receiving device 30 in order to illustrate how the recess 32 is in line with the lid openings 18 in the lid element 38 when the lid element 38 is closed. The sample container 40 is also omitted in the present illustration, see, for example, FIG. 14.
    13a shows a plan view of a sample container 40, which essentially corresponds to one of the sample containers 40 shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10. The sample container 40 according to FIG. 13a has a media exchange element 49 which is cylindrical. The media exchange element 49 in particular does not have a closure cap which projects beyond the media exchange element 49. A closure cap, not shown, could be in the opening 47. For example, such a sealing cap can be designed as a sealing plug, which, however, is not visible in the present illustration.
    The sample container 40, like the previous variants, has two guide elements 50. According to an exemplary embodiment that is not shown, one of the guide elements 50 could be dispensed with if the guide element 50 is suitably received in the corresponding recess 32 of the sample container receiving device 30, which is shown for example in FIG. 14. The distance between the two guide elements 50 can in particular essentially correspond to the recess height of the first guide element 61 according to one of FIGS. 11 or 12. If the guide element 50 is precisely guided in the second guide groove 62, a tilting of the sample container 40 can be avoided. In this way, unwanted agitation of the sample during manipulation can be reduced to a minimum, so that the sample can be treated gently.
    13b shows a view of the sample container 40 according to FIG. 13a from above, the guide element 50 covering the actual sample space 46, which is laterally delimited by the first and second sample container walls 41, 42, details of which can be found in FIG 13a and FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10.
    FIG. 14 shows a view of a sample container receiving device 30 with a plurality of inserted sample containers 40 from above, the cover element 38 being omitted in this illustration in order to better illustrate the end position of the sample container 40 in the sample container receiving device 30. The sample containers 40 are arranged such that adjacent sample containers 40 do not touch. Each of these sample containers 40 can be inserted into a measuring arrangement as shown in detail in FIGS. 1, 2 or 7. An example of a possible arrangement of the sample container 40 in a sample container receiving device 30 in a calorimeter is shown in the following figures.
    15 shows an illustration of a calorimeter 1, which shows the sectional arrangement for FIGS. 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b. 16a and 16b show a vertical section of the calorimeter 1. FIGS. 17a and 17b show a horizontal section of the calorimeter 1. According to the present illustration, the calorimeter is qua first approximation
    CH 714 343 A2 designed like this. The cuboid shape has the advantage that a plurality of calorimeters can be stacked on top of one another. If a large number of measurements are therefore to be carried out in parallel, a corresponding number of calorimeters 1 can be stacked on top of one another, as a result of which the space requirement in the laboratory does not increase, even if the demand for analyzes doubles or triples, for example.
    16a shows a vertical section through a calorimeter 1 in the closed state, which contains three sample container receiving devices 30, each with at least one sample container 40. The number of sample container receiving devices 30 is selected as an example and can change depending on the size of calorimeter 1. The sample container receiving devices 30 are each received in a sample container arrangement holder 55. The sample container arrangement receptacle 55 has a shape which is designed to correspond to the side surfaces of the associated sample container receptacle device 30. The sample container receiving device 30 can be inserted into the sample container arrangement holder 55 manually or automatically and removed again in a simple manner. The sample container arrangement receptacle 55 is connected to a guide element 56, which can be designed as a guide rail. The guide element 56 can contain a linear guide known to the person skilled in the art, by means of which the sample container arrangement receptacles 55 can be displaced in a substantially horizontal direction.
    16b shows a vertical section through the calorimeter according to FIG. 16a in the partially opened state, in which the sample container receiving devices 30 are accessible for removal or insertion into the sample container arrangement receptacles 55. Similar to a drawer, the sample container arrangement receptacles 55 can be displaced in the horizontal direction, with the sample container receptacle devices 30 with the sample container or containers 40 being able to be removed or inserted when the drawer is open. With the drawer closed, as shown in Fig. 16a, an analysis cycle can be performed. The use of a plurality of sample container arrangement receptacles 55 is suitable for providing an intermediate storage for sample containers 40 or for storing samples in a controlled thermal environment until an analysis cycle is carried out for these samples. In particular, the calorimeter can contain one or more subspaces 57, 58 which ensure that the thermal environment for the sample containers 40 lies within the required tolerance, so that it can be excluded that the samples in the sample containers are exposed to unknown thermal influences. In addition, the calorimeter can contain a shielding arrangement 54, which serves to introduce undesired heat flows from the surroundings or into the surroundings of the calorimeter 1. The calorimeter 1 can also contain a control unit 20, which serves to record the measured values, if necessary to store them, and to control the operation of the calorimeter 1. The calorimeter 1 can contain a signaling system 19, which indicates whether the calorimeter is in operation, is ready for operation, or there is a fault. The signaling 19 can in particular be designed as an optical signaling. For example, different colors can serve the user as an indication of the operating state of the calorimeter.
    17a shows a horizontal section through a calorimeter 1 in the closed state, which shows a plan view of three rows of sample container receiving devices 30 which are arranged in a sample container arrangement receptacle 55. The shielding arrangement 43 encloses all sample container receiving devices 30. The subspace 57 surrounds the sample container receiving device 30, for which an analysis is or can be carried out. The sample container 40 of this sample container receiving device 30, which is accommodated in the sub-space 57, is in the measuring position, that is to say a heat flow measurement can take place.
    The sample container 40 of the sample container receiving device 30, which is located in the middle of the sample container arrangement holder 55, is located in the subspace 58.
    The sample container 40 of the sample container receiving device 30, which is located on the right side of the sample container arrangement receptacle 55 in the illustration, is located in the shielding arrangement 54.
    The closer the sample containers 40 are to the associated measuring sensors, the smaller the deviations from the desired measuring temperature, so that temperature-related influences during the measurement can be excluded as far as possible. Thus, temperature influences both from the temperature of the sample container and temperature influences resulting from temperature fluctuations in the receiving space 6 can be largely eliminated.
    17b shows a horizontal section through the calorimeter 1 of FIG. 17a in the open state. The sample container receiving devices 30 can be removed, inserted or exchanged. The illustration in FIG. 17b also shows the measuring sensors, which include the first and second heat transfer elements 2, 3 and the heat sink 4 according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments. The sample containers of the sample container receptacles on the left can be introduced precisely into the measuring position by means of the linear guide via the guide elements 56. The measuring position is reached when the drawer is closed.
    It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that many further modifications are possible in addition to the exemplary embodiments described, without deviating from the inventive concept. The object of the invention is thus not restricted by the preceding description and is determined by the scope of protection which is defined by the claims. The widest possible reading of the claims is decisive for the interpretation of the claims or the description. In particular, the terms “contain” or “contain” should be interpreted in such a way that they
    CH 714 343 A2 refer to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive meaning, which is intended to indicate that the elements, components or steps may be present or can be used, that they are combined with other elements, components or steps that are not explicitly mentioned. If the claims relate to an element or component from a group which can consist of A, B, C ... N elements or components, this wording should be interpreted in such a way that only a single element of this group is required, and not a combination of A and N, B and N or any other combination of two or more elements or components of this group.
    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [1]
    claims
    1. sample container receiving device (30) containing a base element (31) which is designed to receive a sample container (40), the base element (31) containing a recess (32) which is designed to receive the sample container (40), the Base element (31) comprises a base surface (33) and a cover surface (36), the base surface (33) being arranged opposite the cover surface (36), the recess (32) extending from the base surface (33) to the cover surface (36) extends, the base surface (33) and the top surface (36) being arranged at a distance H from one another, the recess (32) having a recess width AB and a recess length AL, characterized in that the recess width AB of the recess (32) one of the base surfaces (33) or cover surfaces (36) is smaller than in an intermediate surface (37) which extends between the base surface (33) and the cover surface (36).
    [2]
    2. sample container receiving device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (32) is designed as a guide groove (60).
    [3]
    3. sample container receiving device (30) according to claim 2, wherein the guide groove (60) includes a first guide groove (61), a second guide groove (62) and a third guide groove (63).
    [4]
    4. sample container receiving device (30) according to claim 3, wherein the second guide groove (62) between the first guide groove (61) and the third guide groove (63) is arranged.
    [5]
    5. sample container receiving device (30) according to claim 4, wherein the second guide groove (62) at least partially has a larger recess width AB than the guide groove (61) and the third guide groove (63).
    [6]
    6. sample container receiving device (30) according to claim 4, wherein the second guide groove (62) at least partially has a larger recess length AL than the guide groove (61) and the third guide groove (63).
    [7]
    7. sample container receiving device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (31) by means of a cover element (38) can be covered.
    [8]
    8. A system containing a calorimeter (1) for measuring a heat flow of a sample contains a receiving space (6) for a sample container (40) containing a sample, a heat sink (4), a first heat transfer element (2), the first heat transfer element ( 2) includes a heat receiving surface (24) that is in contact with the sample container (40) when the sample container (40) is positioned in the receiving space (6) by means of a sample container receiving device (30) and a heat absorbing surface (25) that is in contact with the heat sink (4), a second heat transfer element (3) being provided, the second heat transfer element (3) including a second heat absorption surface (34) which is in contact with the heat sink (4) and a second heat absorbing surface (35) which is in contact with the sample container (40) when the sample container (40) is positioned in the receiving space (6).
    [9]
    9. The system of claim 1, wherein the sample container (40) and / or the sample container receiving device (30) from the receiving space (6) are removable.
    [10]
    10. An assembly comprising a sample container receiving device (30) and a sample container (40) for a calorimeter, the sample container comprising a first sample container wall (41), a second sample container wall (42) and a connecting element (43) around the first sample container wall (41 ) with the second sample container wall (42), a sample space (46) being formed from the first and second sample container walls (41, 42), the connecting element (43), a base region (44) and a ceiling region (45), wherein the floor area (44) and the ceiling area (45) are connected to one another via the first and second sample container walls (41, 42) and the connecting element (43), an opening (47) being provided in the ceiling area (45), the opening ( 47) in the ceiling area (45) is connected to the sample room (46), at least one of the first or second sample container walls (41, 42) being equipped with a variable contour.
    CH 714 343 A2
    CH 714 343 A2
    CH 714 343 A2
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CH714343B1|2021-07-15|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    2020-02-14| PCOW| Change of address of patent owner(s)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    CH01383/17A|CH714343B1|2017-11-16|2017-11-16|Sample container holder and calorimeter.|CH01383/17A| CH714343B1|2017-11-16|2017-11-16|Sample container holder and calorimeter.|
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