DE202020106563U1 - Thawing device for thawing a substrate - Google Patents

Abstract

Thawing device for thawing a frozen substrate (1), in particular blood plasma, the substrate (1) being contained in a container (2), in particular a bag, comprising the thawing device
a. a receiving unit (3) for arranging the container (2) containing the substrate (1), the receiving unit (3) having a heating device for providing the thermal energy required to thaw the substrate (1);
b. a first movement device (21) which is set up to transmit a first movement to the receiving unit (3) and to the container (2) received therein, including the substrate (1), the first movement being a movement which is essentially executed in one plane, in particular a linear movement; marked by
c. a second movement device (22) which is set up to transmit a second movement to the receiving unit (3) and to the container (2) and substrate (1) received therein, the second movement being a flexing movement.

Description

The present invention relates to a thawing device for thawing a substrate in the frozen aggregate state, in particular blood plasma, the substrate being contained in a container, in particular a bag. The thawing device comprises a receiving unit for the arrangement of the container containing the substrate, the receiving unit having a heating device for providing the thermal energy required for thawing the substrate. Furthermore, the thawing device comprises a first movement device, which is set up to transmit a first movement to the receiving unit and the container received therein including the substrate, the first movement being a movement essentially in one plane, in particular a linear movement.

Thawing devices for thawing medical substrates are well known in the art. Let us first look at the publication as an example DE 195 48 826 A1 received, which discloses a generic thawing device. The problem described there can - at least in part - be transferred to the present invention, which is why the following is initially the in the DE 195 48 826 A1 already discussed problem described should be listed.

As described there, it is customary in clinical practice to dilute pharmaceutical active ingredients, which are supplied by the industry in standard concentrations and standard volumes, with carrier solutions to a patient-specific concentration and to administer them. Since these individually prepared preparations are often used in long-term therapies, a correspondingly large total volume is used in the production of the patient-specific active ingredient mixture. The partial volumes of the total volume provided for the individual administrations must therefore be filled into syringes or other containers and then stored frozen. This is the only way to preserve the generally thermally unstable active ingredients over the required long periods of time.

A problem with this established and widespread conventional preservation method is that a relatively long thawing time must be provided for the individual samples. This is particularly cumbersome in that the point in time at which the next volume of active substance is administered cannot be precisely determined in advance. Although a schedule for the administration of the active substance volumes is created for the individual patient, a blood sample is usually first taken from the patient in order to decide whether and - if so - at what precise time the next partial active substance volume should be applied only after it has been analyzed can be. This approach therefore often leads to schedule delays and consequently to the loss of the previously thawed active ingredients.

This problem was countered with the rapid defrosting device described there.

The DE 195 48 826 A1 problematizes that frozen liquids can be thawed on the basis of microwave thawing devices, which are heated by microwave radiation at frequencies between 2.425 and 2.475 GHz. However, these have the disadvantage that predominantly the frozen liquid is strongly heated due to the focusing of the radiation in a certain area of the frozen liquid, so that a uniform heating of the frozen liquid is prevented. The heating of the frozen liquid only in a certain area can lead to damage to the ingredients or active ingredients of the liquid, so that chemical modification of the ingredients or active ingredients is to be expected. In addition to a chemical modification of the (thawed) pharmaceuticals, depending on the type of substrate, vaccines, proteins or serums can also be denatured in the infusion and injection solutions through the application of microwave radiation.

Manual thawing of substrates contained in containers under warm, running water can lead to contamination of the substrate by microorganisms which can penetrate into the container from the outside opening gaps, leaks or the like. Even heating with the palm of the hand of the user does not rule out such contamination by microorganisms. In addition, thawing in the hands of a user is associated with a relatively large amount of time. But in hospitals in particular in daily routine work, emergency stations or in the event of on-site accidents, it is urgently necessary and vital to be able to thaw and apply medical substrates quickly.

The DE 195 48 826 A1 suggests to circumvent these problems to set the substrate to be thawed in motion during heating (via heating elements, no microwave device) by means of a shaking mechanism. Although this technology enables thawing that is more gentle on the substrate compared to a microwave-based thawing process and faster thawing compared to the manual methods described, the thawing times are not sufficient for certain medical substrates or applications. As one such example of a medical substrate in which frozen storage and rapid thawing are common is indispensable is called blood plasma. Blood plasma is usually stored (preserved) at -30 to -40 ° C, but can only be administered in a liquid state (i.e. thawed).

In large, complicated operations and especially in emergencies, blood plasma must be quickly available and applicable in order to counteract massive blood loss from patients (e.g. victims of an accident). Such high blood losses can also occur during transplants that the rapid availability of blood plasma is necessary.

Since with the conventional (e.g. from the DE 195 48 826 A1 ) known devices and methods can achieve thawing times of approx. 30 minutes, blood plasma is often thawed on "stock" during pending operations so that it is immediately available when needed. Any plasma that is not required is disposed of after the operation, which has a negative effect on the already limited stocks of blood plasma.

The provision of shorter thawing times for frozen blood plasma is therefore of significant interest in ensuring efficient and life-saving patient care. At the same time, care must be taken to ensure that the blood plasma is thawed gently.

Accordingly, the present invention is based on the object of proposing a thawing device for thawing a substrate in the frozen aggregate state, in particular blood plasma, which enables a thawing time that is shorter than before and at the same time enables a gentle thawing process.

The aforementioned object is achieved with a thawing device having the features of claim 1.

It should be pointed out that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technically meaningful manner and show further embodiments of the invention. The description additionally characterizes and specifies the invention, in particular in connection with the figures.

It should also be pointed out that a conjunction “and / or” used here between two features and linking them must always be interpreted in such a way that only the first feature can be present in a first embodiment of the subject matter according to the invention, in a second embodiment only the second feature can be present and, in a third embodiment, both the first and the second feature can be present.

1. a. eine Aufnahmeeinheit zur Anordnung des das Substrat enthaltenden Behältnisses, wobei die Aufnahmeeinheit eine Heizeinrichtung zur Bereitstellung von zum Auftauen des Substrats benötigter Wärmeenergie aufweist;
2. b. eine erste Bewegungseinrichtung, die dazu eingerichtet ist, eine erste Bewegung auf die Aufnahmeeinheit sowie das darin aufgenommene Behältnis samt Substrat zu übertragen, wobei die erste Bewegung eine im Wesentlichen in einer Ebene ausgeführte Bewegung, insbesondere eine Linearbewegung, ist.

As mentioned, the present invention initially relates to a thawing device for thawing a substrate in the frozen aggregate state, in particular blood plasma, the substrate being contained in a container, in particular a bag, comprising the thawing device

1. a. a receiving unit for arranging the container containing the substrate, the receiving unit having a heating device for providing the thermal energy required for thawing the substrate;
2. b. a first movement device which is set up to transmit a first movement to the receiving unit and to the container and substrate received therein, the first movement being a movement that is essentially executed in one plane, in particular a linear movement.

The thawing device is characterized according to the invention by c. a second movement device which is set up to transmit a second movement to the receiving unit and to the container and substrate received therein, the second movement being a flexing movement. The first and second movement devices are assembled on one or more stable (fixed in position) floor panels.

The thawing device can be set up for the parallel thawing of a plurality of substrates, in particular blood plasma, contained in individual containers. For the sake of simplicity, the following explanations relate to the description of those design features which are required for thawing a substrate contained in a single bag. In the thawing device, the described features can thus readily be present in a plurality, i.e. the thawing device can comprise several thawing units, in each of which a substrate contained in an individual container can be thawed. The following explanations therefore relate to a single defrosting unit.

In the context of the invention, a “substrate” can in particular be understood to mean a medical substrate. A “medical” substrate is primarily used in the field of medicine, for example for intravenous or injection treatment of patients. In order to be able to use the medical substrate (for example for administration to a patient), it must be in a liquid form. It does not have to be a (pure) liquid composed of a single chemical compound in the actual (chemical) Act senses. The substrate can be, for example, a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture of substances. The solution is an example of a homogeneous mixture of substances. Heterogeneous mixtures of substances can be emulsions, suspensions or foams. Fine particles (eg nanoparticles, proteins, etc.) can also be distributed as solids in a liquid or a mixture of several liquids. A “liquid” can also be understood here to be a pasty or viscous mass which, for example, has a significantly reduced flowability compared to water. As mentioned, the substrate is in a frozen aggregate state before the thawing process. In order to experience a thawing process in the thawing device according to the invention, the substrate can be completely or partially frozen. It is conceivable, for example, that the substrate is subjected to a pre-thawing process before thawing in the thawing device, for example by thawing at room temperature, so that the substrate is already thawed to a certain extent before the actual thawing in the thawing device. In particular, a “substrate” can be understood to mean a blood preparation such as blood plasma.

Nevertheless, a “substrate” can also be another substrate, e.g. a food, a feed, a chemical, a medical analyte or the like.

The substrate is contained or stored in a container. The container can be hermetically sealed or even kept under a vacuum seal. Furthermore, in addition to the substrate, an inert gas (for example N ₂ ) can be located in the container. The container can have an opening device which can be opened once or several times and then closed again. The container can in particular be a bag, preferably a medical bag. Often these are medical disposable plastic bags.

The particular advantages of a thawing device according to the invention are explained below using the example of the thawing process of blood plasma as the substrate to be thawed. In the thawing devices known from the prior art (without microwave heating), that is to say, for example, in the device according to FIG DE 195 48 826 A1 , the top layer of the frozen blood plasma is initially warmed up relatively quickly when it is thawed. A thin liquid film forms on the surface of the blood plasma, which remains in this liquefied state. As a result, the original temperature difference between the liquid film and the heating element is drastically reduced. Correspondingly, starting from the heating element, the heat in the direction of the inner (still frozen) blood plasma can only insufficiently be tracked in order to also supply the inner layers of the blood plasma with sufficient heat and quickly thaw it. This results from the fact that, by means of temperature sensors that are present in the thawing device and associated with a heating control system, essentially only the temperature of the outer (already melted) liquid film is recorded. However, since the heat supply is regulated on the basis of the measured temperature difference between the molten blood plasma (measured by the temperature sensors) and the heating element, the temperature difference between the interior of the blood plasma and the heating element is not taken into account. As a result, too little heat is supplied to the system to allow the blood plasma to thaw sufficiently quickly.

When thawing blood plasma (or other substrates) with a thawing device according to the invention, on the other hand, the movements exerted on the blood plasma (the first movement or the second movement exerted via the first and second movement device) ensure that already liquefied (thawed) blood plasma is continuously cooled and levels off at temperatures between 0 ° C and 5 ° C. The movements are carried out until the entire blood plasma is liquefied (thawed). The particular advantage of this procedure is the resulting (largely greater) temperature difference between blood plasma and the heating element (s) of the thawing device. The subsequent heat transport into the interior of the substrate (e.g. the blood plasma) can thus be replenished more efficiently and distributed more evenly based on the total volume of the substrate contained in the container. This further reduces the thawing time compared to the thawing devices known from the prior art. Based on a volume of 300 mL blood plasma as substrate, contained in a plasma bag as a container, thawing times of 5-8 minutes can be achieved with a thawing device according to the invention, but in particular thawing times of 6-8 minutes.

The mentioned receiving unit is designed for the temporary arrangement and / or fastening of the container (including the substrate contained therein). The receiving unit can partially or completely enclose the container in an appropriate state. The receiving unit can be designed in one or more parts. As mentioned, the receiving unit comprises a heating device for providing the thermal energy required for thawing the substrate. In particular, the heating device is a device for emitting thermal radiation, but preferably not microwave radiation. It can be advantageous if the heating device is designed or arranged in such a way that there is a Receiving unit evenly surrounds placed container. A uniform heat transfer is advantageous to ensure a gentle and rapid thawing process. The heating device is connected to a control and regulation device. Furthermore, at least one temperature sensor, preferably a plurality of temperature sensors, is assigned to the control and regulation device, by means of which the temperature of the substrate to be thawed can be detected (at least in the surface area). The heat supply can be adjusted depending on the measured temperature. The control and regulation can take place automatically.

A collecting tray can be provided below the receiving unit, in which moisture, overflowing substrate or the like can be collected. This prevents impurities or moisture from collecting in the thawing device. The drip tray can be removed from the defrosting device for emptying.

The first movement transmitted from the first movement device to the receiving unit and the container received therein including the substrate is preferably a shaking movement in the sense of a back and forth movement in one plane. The shaking movement is carried out with a frequency of approx. 20 Hz and preferably comprises a movement of approx. 10 mm. The shaking movement can be a linear movement, but also a movement guided in a circle. More complex movement sequences (movement patterns) executed in one plane are also conceivable. The plane can be a horizontal plane, but it can also be a plane arranged elsewhere in space (e.g. inclined). As mentioned, the movement takes place “essentially” in one plane. This means that the main direction of movement runs within a plane, but that slight deviations are nevertheless possible. Such deviations can result, for example, from imbalances, weight distributions or the like.

The second movement exerted by the second movement device on the receiving unit and the container received therein including the substrate is - as mentioned - a flexing movement. When exercising a “flexing movement” (also called “flexing”), the container and the substrate contained therein are at least partially deformed. The process of “flexing” can also be understood as kneading or pressing. According to the invention, both the first movement and the second movement (flexing movement) are exerted in parallel and transferred to the receiving unit and the container and substrate received therein. This enables better mixing of the substrate during thawing together with the associated more uniform heat transfer to the substrate, a decisive factor in reducing the thawing time.

Further advantageous configurations of a thawing device according to the invention emerge from the features specified in the subclaims and the features described below. The features specified in the subclaims are also described below.

According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that the receiving unit is designed in the form of a shell, the shell comprising a first half-shell and a second half-shell, the first half-shell being a lower half-shell and the second half-shell being an upper one Half-shell is, and wherein the first and second half-shell are releasably connectable to one another. A shell shape is advantageous with a view to a secure arrangement of the container in the receiving unit without the risk of the container being moved out of the receiving unit during the transfer of movement. The shape of the receiving unit is not limited to a shell shape. The half-shells can at least partially have different flexibility and / or deformability. “Deformability” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, reversible (elastic) deformability. It is therefore advantageous if the lower half-shell has at least partially greater flexibility and / or deformability than the upper half-shell. This is because the flexing movement exerted on the receiving unit, that is to say the shell, is primarily exerted on the lower half-shell. This deformability (material flexibility) is necessary so that a flexible change in shape of the container is made possible during flexing. Because the shape of the container changes constantly during the thawing process.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that the first and second half-shells are adapted to the shape of the container, the first and second half-shells at least partially surrounding the container when it is arranged in the shell. By adapting the shape of the first and second half-shells to the shape of the container, a secure fit of the container in the receiving unit is ensured. The shape, size and material structure of the first and second half-shells can be designed in such a way that expansion of the container when the substrate is thawed can be compensated for. The first and second half-shells preferably expand in the event of a volume expansion of the substrate by one for volume expansion corresponding measure. Alternatively, it can be provided that the receiving volume of the receiving unit is slightly larger than the volume of the container, so that the container can be placed in the receiving unit with a certain amount of play. The half-shells can, for example, have a rectangular half-shell base, the shell shape being provided by side wall sections adjoining side regions of the half-shell base and extending along a half-shell longitudinal axis. Those side wall sections of the lower half-shell are preferably designed to be flexible, while the side wall sections of the upper half-shell are designed to be dimensionally stable, that is to say rigid.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that fixing means are provided on the first and second half-switches, with which the container can be fixed. The fixing means can be implemented, for example, in the form of tabs or retaining clips formed or arranged on the respective half-shells, which interact with corresponding fixing means arranged or formed on the respective opposite half-shell. The fixing means interacting with the tabs or retaining clips can be fastening openings, Velcro fastener elements, clamping elements or the like. The fixation can also be achieved by means of push buttons.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that the first and second half-shells each have a multilayer structure, with a heating element being provided in each layer of the layer structure of a respective half-shell. The heating elements of the respective half-shells provide the heating device. The heating elements can be connected to the aforementioned control and regulating device for signaling purposes. The heating elements also have an electrical supply line. The heating elements can extend in a meandering or spiral fashion along the half-shell (in particular over the surface of the half-shell base), it being possible for the heating elements to be made of stainless steel, for example. The heating elements preferably have a thickness of 50 μm. With heating elements made of stainless steel, the width of the heating elements and the maximum heating can be increased compared to conventional copper elements. The respective heating element can also be designed in the form of a heating film.

The multi-layer structure of the half-shells can preferably be composed as follows. Facing the container arranged in the receiving unit, the half-shells have an outer skin or a supporting layer for supporting the container. This can preferably be made of stainless steel and preferably have a thickness of 100 μm to 150 μm. This can be followed by an electrical insulation layer, preferably 50 μm thick, which can be made from a polyimide film, for example. The layer comprising the heating element can adjoin the insulation layer, this layer being able to have a thickness of 50 μm. That layer comprising the heating element can be designed in the form of a stainless steel foil, but also, as it were, from an electrically insulating material into which one or more heating elements made of stainless steel are integrated. This can be followed by a carrier or insulation layer, which can preferably be formed from a glass fiber reinforced plastic and can have a thickness of 0.3 mm. This can be followed by a mounting support for the heating shell, which can be made of aluminum and can have a thickness of 0.5 to 1.0 mm.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a Thawing device according to the invention can be provided that the first movement device comprises a linear drive which is mechanically operatively connected to at least one movably mounted guide unit via a mechanical coupling device, the at least one guide unit being mechanically operatively connected to the receiving unit for transmitting the first movement. The mechanical coupling device can be of any type, as long as it is suitable for transmitting the first movement generated by the linear drive to the receiving unit. It is also conceivable that it is an electrical coupling device. A “mechanical operative connection” can be understood to mean any connection by virtue of which the transmission of motion between two components can be enabled or conveyed. A mechanical operative connection can be provided by a direct mechanical connection of two components, but also by one or more intermediate components arranged between two components to be connected in a movement-transmitting manner. The linear drive generates a translational movement which is transmitted to the recording unit. The movement can be a linear movement or some other movement with a predetermined course. The linear drive can be a threaded rod drive (ball screw drive), a roller screw drive, a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive or an electromechanical linear drive (eg a linear motor).

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that the mechanical coupling device is a cross-spring joint, which is arranged between the linear drive and the at least one guide unit and both with the linear drive and with the at least one guide unit or a component that is operatively connected to it is connected via a connecting means, for example a stainless steel band. Instead of a stainless steel band, the connecting means can also be some other force transmission means, e.g. a tension band, a chain, a spring or the like. Cross spring joints are characterized by their freedom from friction, lubrication and maintenance.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that the linear drive is connected to a mechanical or electrical spring system which is set up to set the running properties and efficiency of the linear drive. The aforementioned mechanical coupling between the linear drive and the at least one guide unit (using the mechanical coupling device) provides a mechanical oscillating circuit. This is supported by the aforementioned mechanical or electrical spring system, which in particular can improve the efficiency and smoothness of the oscillating circuit. A mechanical spring system can include an adjustable ribbon spring. An electrical spring system can comprise a transformer with a movable yoke, which is preferably coupled in combination with a linear drive designed as a reluctance motor.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a defrosting device according to the invention it can be provided that the linear drive is an electromechanical linear drive which has at least one stator and one rotor arrangement, the rotor arrangement being connected to the mechanical coupling device via the connecting means, in particular the stainless steel strip . The electromechanical linear drive is preferably a linear motor with which translatory feed movements can be generated. A linear motor is the linear embodiment of a rotating machine, imaginable as a development of a rotary motor cut open to the middle. It is composed of a current-carrying primary part (comparable to the stator of a rotary motor, here referred to as a stator arrangement), and a reaction or secondary part (comparable to the rotor of a rotary motor, here referred to as a rotor arrangement). Linear motors can be designed as synchronous linear motors, asynchronous linear motors, stepping linear motors or direct current linear motors. While the stator arrangement in the asynchronous design is equipped with short-circuit rods, in the synchronous motor this consists of permanent magnets. The linear drive can also be a reluctance motor which comprises a stator arrangement and a rotor arrangement.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that the at least one guide unit and the rotor arrangement are each movably mounted on guide rods, the guide rods preferably being arranged in a common plane. The mounting of the at least one guide unit and the rotor arrangement on the respective guide rods are preferably slide bearings. The movement of the rotor arrangement and the at least one guide unit are preferably in opposite directions. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the rotor arrangement and the guide unit (including the components connected to it) have approximately the same weight mass, since otherwise undesired imbalances can arise in the movement sequence. A pivot point is required for the mentioned opposing movements, here provided by the coupling device, in particular the cross-spring joint. The cross-spring joint is non-positively connected to the rotor arrangement and to the at least one guide unit or to a component that is operatively connected to it via a connecting means, for example a stainless steel band. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rods can run horizontally and be arranged in alignment with one another. Instead of separate guide rods guiding the rotor arrangement and the at least one guide unit, a common guide rod can also be provided for guiding the rotor arrangement and the at least one guide unit.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that the second movement device comprises at least one second movement unit which is set up to exert a lifting movement on the receiving unit, in particular the lower half-shell, with a partial movement when the lifting movement is carried out Deformation of the receiving unit, in particular the lower half-shell, caused to an extent that corresponds to a thawed portion of the substrate. This is because the substrate can only be deformed in an at least partially thawed state. The greater the proportion of thawed substrate, the greater the lifting movement that can be transmitted to the substrate. When the lifting movement is exerted on the lower half-shell, it is raised to the extent that the substrate is already in the way of the Has liquefied during the defrosting process. From a physical point of view, frozen blood plasma (as an example of a substrate that can be thawed with the thawing device according to the invention) is in a crystalline state. Since the blood plasma initially warms up increasingly on the surface during the thawing process, the blood plasma increasingly changes into an amorphous state near the surface. This increases the deformability of the blood plasma. The second movement device can comprise a plurality of second movement units which exert a lifting movement on the receiving unit, in particular the lower half-shell, at different spatial positions, so that a flexing movement is generated by the plurality of lifting movements. The lifting movements exerted on the lower half-shell with the second movement units at the respective different positions can be carried out at all positions simultaneously or one after the other. It can also be provided that a lifting movement is carried out at a predetermined number of positions at the same time. The lifting movements are preferably carried out in such a way that continuously changing positions of the lower half-shell (and thus of the container) are subjected to pressure. The second movement units can be controlled by control electronics (for example a microcontroller) in a predetermined scheme, so that the second movement units can perform lifting movements in a desired sequence in the direction of the receiving unit and the container and substrate arranged therein. The lifting movements exert pressure on the blood plasma at continuously changing positions, which causes the amorphous portion of the blood plasma to liquefy or thaw more quickly than without exerting a flexing movement.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that a force transmission element is arranged between the receiving unit, in particular the lower half-shell, and the at least one second movement unit, which for transmitting the lifting movement to the receiving unit, in particular the lower half-shell, is connected both to the receiving unit, in particular the lower half-shell, and to the at least one second movement unit. If several of the second movement units are provided, it is advantageous to provide a number of force transmission elements corresponding to the number of second movement units, and to arrange these between the receiving unit and the respective second movement units and to connect them to both components. The force transmission element can be connected to a component component belonging to the respective second movement unit, for example a housing.

In an alternative embodiment, the force transmission element, in addition to the stroke movement, can also be provided for transmission of the first movement. This is because the first movement (shaking movement) is transmitted via the mechanical coupling / connection between the guide unit and the receiving unit to the container (including the substrate) arranged in the receiving unit. If the guide unit is connected to the force transmission element, the first movement (shaking movement) can also be transmitted to the receiving unit via the force transmission element. In this case, the force transmission element can therefore be provided for transmitting the first and second movements. In a further alternative embodiment, a plurality of guide units can also be provided, which are movably mounted either on a common guide rod or on separate (in particular parallel arranged) guide rods. The guide units can be mechanically connected to one another for the synchronous transmission of movement starting from the linear drive. It can also be provided that the linear drive is in mechanical operative connection with the respective movably mounted guide units via a plurality of mechanical coupling devices. The mechanical coupling devices can each be a cross spring joint, which can be arranged between the linear drive and the guide units, and can be connected to the linear drive as well as to a respective guide unit or a component that is functionally connected to it via a connecting means, e.g. a stainless steel band . If a plurality of guide units is provided, each guide unit can be connected to a force transmission element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a thawing device according to the invention it can be provided that the force transmission element comprises a ball bearing and that the force transmission element is attached to the receiving unit, in particular the lower half-shell, via a welded connection. A ball bearing, in particular via a ball joint, is advantageous since the trigonometric conditions (due to the substrate, which always changes shape during thawing) change with the transmission of force. The force transmission paths can be adapted to the changed shape of the substrate contained in the container via a ball bearing. Instead of a welded connection, another type of fastening can also be considered, for example a temperature-stable adhesive connection or a mechanical connection (for example a riveted connection).

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in a thawing device according to the invention that the at least one second movement unit comprises at least one lifting magnet which is designed to perform a stroke, in particular a lifting and lowering stroke, on the power transmission element by performing lifting movements to transfer the receiving unit connected to the force transmission element and the container arranged in the receiving unit together with the substrate contained therein. If the second movement device comprises a plurality of second movement units, then each of the second movement units can comprise a lifting magnet. When executing the lifting movement, the lifting magnet can initially transfer the stroke to a linkage associated with the respective second movement unit. The linkage can be connected to a movably mounted slide, the slide being connected to the force transmission element. The slide is movably mounted in such a way that it also reproduces the first movement (shaking movement) triggered by the linear drive. The movable mounting of the carriage has the effect that the second movement units (for generating the flexing movement) are decoupled from the first movement or the associated vibrations. The second movement units therefore preferably do not follow the first movement. The slide can be movably mounted on a guide rod mounted in a housing belonging to a respective second movement unit.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in a thawing device according to the invention it can be provided that the at least one second movement unit comprises at least one mechanical lifting device which is set up to perform a stroke, in particular a lifting and lowering stroke, to a transverse, in particular to transmit perpendicular, movable to the stroke axis force transmission pin.

The power transmission pin can be moved transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the stroke axis between a first and a second position, and in its second position a lifting movement performed by the at least one mechanical lifting device on the power transmission element, the receiving unit connected to the power transmission element and that in the receiving unit arranged container including the substrate contained therein. In particular, the force transmission pin can be set up in its second position to transmit a lifting movement carried out by the at least one mechanical lifting device to a component connected directly or indirectly to the force transmission element. In particular, it can be provided that the force transmission pin, in its second position, transmits the lifting movement to a housing part in which a slide connected to the force transmission element is movably mounted. The slide can be movably mounted on a guide rod arranged in the housing part. The movable mounting of the carriage has the effect that in this embodiment the second movement units (for generating the flexing movement) are decoupled from the first movement.

In the first position of the power transmission pin, there is no transmission of the stroke movement in the direction of the power transmission element. The force transmission pin can be controlled by a control unit and moved back and forth transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the stroke axis via a movement mechanism. The force transmission pin can be movably guided in a guide device, for example a guide groove. In contrast to a design based on lifting magnets, such a variant requires less power. In this embodiment, the lifting movement can be generated by a gear motor which drives a camshaft at approx. 60 rpm. The movement is first transmitted to a tappet connected to the camshaft and arranged to be linearly movable along the stroke axis, the tappet in the second position of the power transmission pin engaging a (lower) end of the power transmission pin and transferring the stroke movement to it.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Auftauvorrichtung samt ihren wesentlichen Bestandteilen;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Auftauvorrichtung im Längsschnitt, wobei die Darstellung insbesondere jene der ersten Bewegungseinrichtung zugehörigen Komponenten zu erkennen gibt;
• 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer der erfindungsgemäßen Auftauvorrichtung zugehörigen Aufnahmeeinheit samt Behältnis;
• 4 eine den Schichtaufbau wiedergebende Darstellung einer der Aufnahmeeinheit nach 3 zugehörigen Halbschale;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung einer der zweiten Bewegungseinrichtung zugehörigen zweiten Bewegungseinheit in einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer der zweiten Bewegungseinrichtung zugehörigen zweiten Bewegungseinheit in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
• 7 eine Darstellung einer möglichen räumlichen Anordnung einer Mehrzahl zweiter Bewegungseinheiten nach 5;
• 8 eine Darstellung einer möglichen räumlichen Anordnung einer Mehrzahl zweiter Bewegungseinheiten nach 6;
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung des Aufbaus eines elektromechanischen Linearantriebs samt elektrischem Federsystem;
• 10 eine schematische Darstellung des Aufbaus eines Reluktanzmotors als Linearantrieb samt elektrischem Federsystem.

Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of non-restrictive exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In these drawings show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a thawing device according to the invention including its essential components;
• 2 a schematic representation of the defrosting device according to the invention in longitudinal section, the representation showing in particular those components belonging to the first movement device;
• 3rd a perspective view of a receiving unit belonging to the defrosting device according to the invention, including the container;
• 4th a representation of one of the recording units showing the layer structure 3rd associated half-shell;
• 5 a schematic representation of a second movement unit associated with the second movement device in a first embodiment;
• 6th a schematic representation of a second movement unit associated with the second movement device in a second embodiment;
• 7th a representation of a possible spatial arrangement of a plurality of second movement units according to 5 ;
• 8th a representation of a possible spatial arrangement of a plurality of second movement units according to 6th ;
• 9 a schematic representation of the structure of an electromechanical linear drive including an electrical spring system;
• 10 a schematic representation of the structure of a reluctance motor as a linear drive including an electric spring system.

The 1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a thawing device according to the invention for thawing a substrate in the frozen aggregate state 1 . With the substrate 1 it can in particular be blood plasma. The frozen substrate 1 is in a container 2 , in particular a bag included.

The thawing device has a housing 4th on, which has an opening flap 5 can be opened. The opening flap 5 is about a hinge 6th on the housing 4th articulated or pivoted. Inside the case 5 is a recording unit 3rd arranged in which the container 2 (including substrate 1 ) can be arranged or inserted. For the following explanations it is assumed that the container 2 is a form-flexible blood plasma bag. The recording unit 3rd includes a heater (in 1 not shown) to provide the thermal energy required to thaw the substrate. The recording unit 3rd is designed in the form of a shell, the shell being a first half-shell 8th and a second half-shell 9 includes. The first half-shell 8th represents a lower half-shell and the second half-shell 9 an upper half-shell ready. The half-shells 8th , 9 can be releasably connected to each other. The first half-shell 8th and second half-shell 9 are to the shape of the container 2 adapted, the first and second half-shells 8th , 9 the container 2 when arranged in the shell, at least partially surrounded (cf. 1 ).

Like in the 3rd shown in detail are on the first and second half-shells 8th , 9 fixer 10 arranged in the form of retaining clips with which the container 2 in that of the half-shells 8th , 9 formed shell is fixable. Furthermore, the half-shells 8th , 9 by means of the fixative 10 be connected to each other. The half-shells 8th , 9 have a rectangular half-shell base 11 , 12th on, the shell shape through on side areas of the half-shell base 11 , 12th adjoining and extending along a half-shell longitudinal axis L. extending sidewall sections 13th , 14th provided. Preferably those are side wall sections 13th the lower half-shell 8th formed flexible, while the side wall sections 14th the upper half-shell 9 are dimensionally stable, so rigid. The fixing means in the form of retaining clips 10 can by means of suitable fastening devices on the opposite half-shells 8th , 9 attached.

The first and second half-shell 8th , 9 each have a multilayer structure 15th on ( 4th ), each in a layer of the layer structure 15th a respective half-shell 8th , 9 a heating element 16 is provided. The heating elements 16 of the respective half-shells 8th , 9 provide the heating device. The heating elements 16 can meander or spiral along the half-shell 8th , 9 (especially over the area of the half-shell base 11 , 12th ) extend with the heating elements 16 are made of stainless steel. The heating elements preferably have 16 a thickness of 50 µm. The respective heating element 16 be designed in the form of a heating foil.

The multi-layer structure 15th the half-shells 8th , 9 is composed as follows (cf. 4th ). The one in the recording unit 3rd arranged container 2 facing the half-shells 8th , 9 an outer skin 17th or a support layer to support the container 2 on. This is preferably made of stainless steel and has a layer thickness of 100 µm to 150 µm. This is followed by an electrical insulation layer, preferably 50 μm thick 18th on, which can be made, for example, from a polyimide film. To the insulation layer 18th that closes the heating element 16 comprehensive layer, which layer can have a thickness of 50 microns. Those the heating element 16 comprehensive layer can also be designed in the form of a stainless steel foil, but also made of an electrically insulating material, in which one or more heating elements 16 made of stainless steel are integrated. This is followed by a carrier or insulation layer 19th on, which is preferably made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic and has a thickness of 0.3 mm. This is followed by an assembly carrier 20th for the respective half-shell 8th , 9 which is made of aluminum and has a thickness of 0.5 to 1.0 mm.

Like in the 1 Another component of the thawing device is shown in the housing 4th below the receiving unit 3rd arranged drip tray 7th , which prevents moisture or other contamination (for example from a leak in the container 2 escaping substrate 1 ) reaches points on the thawing device where electrical components, for example, could be damaged. The drip tray 7th is preferably designed and arranged in such a way that it can be emptied from the housing 4th can be taken.

In the case 4th is a first movement device 21 arranged, which is set up to perform a first movement (indicated by the movement arrows 24 ) onto the acquisition unit 3rd as well as the container received in it 2 including substrate 1 transferred to. The first movement is a movement carried out essentially in one plane, in particular a linear movement. The first movement device 21 includes a linear drive 25th , via a mechanical coupling device 26th with at least one movably mounted guide unit 27 is in mechanical operative connection ( 2 ), the at least one guide unit 27 to transfer the first movement with the recording unit 3rd is mechanically operatively connected.

The mechanical coupling device 26th is a universal spring joint, which is between the linear drive 25th and the at least one guide unit 27 arranged and both with the linear drive 25th as well as with the at least one guide unit 27 or a component that is operatively connected to it via a connecting means 28 , for example a stainless steel band, is connected. The linear drive 25th is an electromechanical linear drive which has at least one stator arrangement 29 and a rotor assembly 30th having, wherein the rotor assembly 30th via the lanyard 28 , in particular the stainless steel band, with the mechanical coupling device 26th connected is. The at least one management unit 27 and the rotor assembly 30th are each on guide rods 31 , 32 movably mounted, the guide rods 31 , 32 in a common plane E. are arranged. Will the rotor arrangement 30th set in motion (see the movement arrows 23 ) so this movement is made by the mechanical coupling device 26th to the management unit 27 transfer. The management unit 27 also experiences a movement (see the movement arrows 24 ), which, however, run counter to the movement of the rotor assembly 30th is.

Furthermore, the thawing device has a second movement device 22nd which is set up to perform a second movement on the receiving unit 3rd as well as the container received in it 2 including substrate 1 to be transmitted, the second movement being a flexing movement. In the 1 is shown schematically that the second movement device 22nd a plurality of second moving units 36 having a movement on the receiving unit at a plurality of positions 3rd transfer. Same is in the 7th and 8th reproduced.

The second movement device 22nd thus comprises at least one, preferably several, second movement unit (s) 36 , wherein the at least one second movement unit 36 is set up for this purpose, a lifting movement (see, for example, the movement arrow 37 in 5 and the movement arrows 38 in 6th , all characterizing vertical lifting movements) on the receiving unit 3rd , especially the lower half-shell 8th to exercise, with a partial deformation of the receiving unit when the lifting movement is exercised 3rd , especially the lower half-shell 8th , is effected to an extent commensurate with a thawed portion of the substrate 1 corresponds.

The second movement units 36 are arranged at different spatial positions in order to achieve a lifting movement on the receiving unit 3rd , especially the lower half-shell 8th to exercise, so that a flexing movement is generated by the plurality of lifting movements.

In the 5 and 6th are different configurations of second movement units 36 shown. What both variants have in common, however, is that between the receiving unit 3rd , namely the lower half-shell 8th , and the at least one second movement unit 36 a power transmission element 39 is arranged, which is used to transmit the lifting movement to the receiving unit 3rd , namely the lower half-shell 8th , both with the acquisition unit 3rd (the lower half-shell 8th ), as well as with the at least one second movement unit 36 connected is. The power transmission element 39 has a ball bearing 40 on and is via a welded connection 41 on the lower half-shell 8th attached.

According to the embodiment according to 5 comprises the at least one second movement unit 36 at least one lifting magnet 42 , which is set up for this, by performing lifting movements (cf. the movement arrow 37 ) a stroke, in particular a lifting and lowering stroke, on the power transmission element 39 associated with the power transmission element 39 connected acquisition unit 3rd and that in the receiving unit 3rd arranged container 2 including the substrate contained therein 1 transferred to. Includes the second movement device 22nd a plurality of second moving units 36 so can each of the second moving units 36 include a lifting magnet.

When executing the lifting movement ( 5 ) the stroke is taken from the lifting magnet 42 first on one of the second movement unit 36 associated linkage 43 (or a housing part) transferred. The Linkage 43 (or housing part) is with a movably mounted slide 44 connected, with the carriage 44 again with the power transmission element 39 connected is. The sled 44 is on a guide rod 45 mounted movably in such a way that it is the from the linear drive 25th the triggered first movement (shaking movement) (see the movement arrow 46 ). The movable mounting of the slide 44 causes the second movement units 36 (for generating the flexing movement) are decoupled from the first movement or the associated vibrations. The second movement units 36 do not follow the first movement.

According to the embodiment according to 6th comprises the at least one second movement unit 36 at least one mechanical lifting device 47 which are set up to perform a stroke, in particular a lifting and lowering stroke, on a transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the lifting axis by performing lifting movements H movably arranged power transmission pin 48 transferred to.

Here is the power transmission pin 48 transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the lifting axis H movable between a first position 101 and a second position 102. In its second position 102, the power transmission pin transmits 48 one from the mechanical lifting device 47 generated stroke movement on the power transmission element 39 associated with the power transmission element 39 connected acquisition unit 3rd and that in the receiving unit 3rd arranged container 2 including the substrate contained therein 1 . In particular is the power transmission pin 48 set up for this, in its second position 102 one of the mechanical lifting device 47 generated stroke movement on a housing part 49 to transmit, in which one with the power transmission element 39 connected slide 50 is movably mounted. The sled 50 is on one in the housing part 49 arranged guide rod 51 movably mounted. The movable mounting of the slide 50 causes the second movement unit 36 from the first moving device 21 and is decoupled from the first movements generated thereby.

In the first position 101 of the power transmission pin 48 there is no transmission of the stroke movement in the direction of the force transmission element 39 . The power transmission pin 48 is controlled by a control unit 52 controlled and via a movement mechanism 53 transversely, in particular vertically, to and fro to the stroke axis. In this embodiment, the lifting movement is carried out by a geared motor 54 which generates a camshaft 55 drives with approx. 60 rpm. The movement is first on one with the camshaft 55 connected and along the lifting axis H linearly movably arranged ram 56 transferred, with the plunger 56 in the second position 102 of the power transmission pin 48 at one (lower) end of the power transmission pin 48 attacks and can transfer the lifting movement to this. At the lower end of the housing part 49 is, however, a recess 57 formed leading to an upper end of the power transmission pin 48 corresponds and enables a form fit. For the arrangement of a plurality of tappets 56 can be a tappet plate 58 be provided.

The 7th illustrates how the second movement units 36 (according to the design variant according to 5 including lifting magnets 42 ) across the width of the receiving unit 3rd (Illustration on the left) and over the length of the recording unit 3rd can be distributed or arranged. There are a total of six second movement units in this variant 36 with a total of six lifting magnets 42 intended.

The 8th illustrated in analogy to 7th also a distribution of the second movement units 36 , but for one variant according to 6th (mechanical lifting device 47 ). In the illustration on the left is the distribution of the second movement units 36 across the width of the receiving unit 3rd reproduced, while in the right representation the distribution of the second movement units 36 over the length of the recording unit 3rd is shown. As shown, there are six plungers 56 on a common tappet plate 58 arranged. The tappet plate 58 and with it the tappets 56 are made using a gear motor 54 and a camshaft 55 set in a lifting movement. Every pestle 56 is - as in the embodiment of 6th described - a power transmission pin 48 assigned, which can each assume a first position 101 and a second position 102. Corresponds to each of the six power transmission pins 48 a control unit 52 and a movement mechanism 53 assigned.

The linear drive 25th is with a mechanical or electrical spring system 33 connected, which is set up to run properties and efficiency of the linear drive 25th adjust. In particular is the spring system 33 provided to improve the oscillating circuit of the shaker drive (first movement device) and at the same time to ensure smoother running.

In the 9 is an electric spring system in combination with an electromechanical linear drive 25th reproduced, in particular a permanent magnet linear motor as a linear drive 25th acts. Such a linear drive 25th includes the following components: neodymium permanent magnets 59 , a flat copper coil 60 , a laminated Fe stator yoke 61 , one laminated Fe-rotor inference 62 as well as a rotor bearing 63 with plain bearings. The electric spring system 33 is about the rotor bearing 63 connected to or operatively coupled to the permanent magnet linear motor.

In the 10 is the electric spring system 33 shown in connection with a reluctance motor, which is based on the permanent magnet linear motor 9 replaced. Reluctance motors are generally known from the prior art and relate to a special design of an electric motor in which a moment of force is generated solely by reluctance force and not to a significant extent by the Lorentz force, as is the case with magnetically excited machines.

In combination with the electric spring system 33 acts like the reluctance motor. The in 10 transformer shown on the left 64 behaves magnetically neutral and remains without electricity. The left transformer 64 is a braided yoke 67 assigned. The right transformer 65 is supplied with current at a certain point in time, so that a force, proportional to the level of the applied current, arises to the right and the left transformer 64 remains without power supply at the same time. Has the yoke now 66 of the right transformer 65 reaches a neutral position, the sequence described above is repeated, but in the opposite direction. The electric spring system 33 (Transformer 68 ) has a slightly larger dimension than the reluctance transformers 64 , 65 . The transformer 68 of the spring system 33 is continuously energized, with the result that it is in a neutral position (despite current flow) and does not exert any forces (cf. the yoke position of the laminated yoke 71). Now the reluctance motor moves the slide 69 (see the movement arrow 70 ), this is how the spring system creates 33 a force that opposes the force of the reluctance motor. It is crucial that the current of the spring system is set in such a way that the entire drive system is supported by the spring force and the maximum mechanical deflection is achieved with the lowest current flow of the reluctance motor.

Other components of the thawing device are - as in 1 shown - devices of power electronics 34 and electronics 35 .

List of reference symbols

1

Substrate

2

container

3

Recording unit

4th

casing

5

Opening flap

6th

hinge

7th

Drip tray

8th

first half-shell

9

second half-shell

10

fixer

11

Half-shell base

12th

Half-shell base

13th

Sidewall section

14th

Sidewall section

15th

Layer structure

16

Heating element

17th

Outer skin

18th

electrical insulation layer

19th

Carrier or insulation layer

20th

Mounting bracket

21

first movement device

22nd

second movement device

23

Movement arrow

24

Movement arrow

25th

linear actuator

26th

mechanical coupling device

27

Guide unit

28

Lanyard

29

Stator assembly

30th

Rotor arrangement

31

Guide rod

32

Guide rod

33

Spring system

34

Power electronics

35

electronics

36

second movement unit

37

Movement arrow

38

Movement arrow

39

Power transmission element

40

Ball bearing

41

Welded joint

42

Lifting magnet

43

Linkage

44

Sledge

45

Guide rod

46

Movement arrow

47

mechanical lifting device

48

Power transmission pin

49

Housing part

50

Sledge

51

Guide rod

52

Control unit

53

Movement mechanics

54

Gear motor

55

camshaft

56

Plunger

57

Recess

58

Tappet plate

59

Neodymium permanent magnets

60

Cu flat coil

61

Bonded Fe-Stator Inference

62

Wounded Fe-runner inference

63

Rotor bearings

64

transformer

65

transformer

66

yoke

67

yoke

68

transformer

69

Sledge

70

Movement arrow

E.

level

H

Lifting axis

L.

Half-shell longitudinal axis

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 19548826 A1 [0002, 0006, 0008, 0010, 0022]

Claims (16)

Thawing device for thawing a frozen substrate (1), in particular blood plasma, the substrate (1) being contained in a container (2), in particular a bag, the thawing device comprising a. a receiving unit (3) for arranging the container (2) containing the substrate (1), the receiving unit (3) having a heating device for providing the thermal energy required to thaw the substrate (1); b. a first movement device (21) which is set up to transmit a first movement to the receiving unit (3) and to the container (2) received therein, including the substrate (1), the first movement being a movement which is essentially executed in one plane, in particular a linear movement; characterized by c. a second movement device (22) which is set up to transmit a second movement to the receiving unit (3) and to the container (2) and substrate (1) received therein, the second movement being a flexing movement. Defrosting device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the receiving unit (3) is designed in the form of a shell, the shell comprising a first half-shell (8) and a second half-shell (9), the first half-shell (8) having a lower half-shell and the second half-shell ( 9) is an upper half-shell, and wherein the first and second half-shells (8, 9) can be detachably connected to one another. Defrosting device after Claim 2 , characterized in that the first and second half-shells (8, 9) are adapted to the shape of the container (2), the first and second half-shells (8, 9) at least partially forming the container (2) when it is arranged in the shell surround. Defrosting device after Claim 2 or 3rd , characterized in that fixing means (10) with which the container (2) can be fixed are provided on the first and second half-shell (8, 9). Thawing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second half-shells (8, 9) each have a multi-layer structure (15), with a heating element in each layer of the layer structure (15) of a respective half-shell (8, 9) (16) is provided. Thawing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first movement device (21) comprises a linear drive (25) which is in mechanical operative connection via a mechanical coupling device (26) with at least one movably mounted guide unit (27), the at least one Guide unit (27) for transmitting the first movement is mechanically operatively connected to the receiving unit (3). Defrosting device after Claim 6 , characterized in that the mechanical coupling device (26) is a cross-spring joint, which is arranged between the linear drive (25) and the at least one guide unit (27) and both with the linear drive (25) and with the at least one guide unit (27) or is connected to a component that is operatively connected to it via a connecting means (28), for example a stainless steel band. Thawing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the linear drive (25) is connected to a mechanical or electrical spring system (33) which is set up to adjust the running properties and efficiency of the linear drive (25). Thawing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the linear drive (25) is an electromechanical linear drive which has at least one stator and one rotor arrangement (29, 30), the rotor arrangement (30) via the connecting means (28), in particular the stainless steel band is connected to the mechanical coupling device (26). Thawing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one guide unit (27) and the rotor arrangement (30) are each movably mounted on guide rods (31, 32), the guide rods (31, 32) preferably in a common Level (E) are arranged. Thawing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second movement device (22) comprises at least one second movement unit (36) which is set up to exert a lifting movement on the receiving unit (3), in particular the lower half-shell (8), whereby when the lifting movement is exercised, a partial deformation of the receiving unit (3), in particular of the lower half-shell (8), is effected to an extent that corresponds to a thawed portion of the substrate (1). Thawing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a force transmission element (39) is arranged between the receiving unit (3), in particular the lower half-shell (8), and the at least one second movement unit (36) which is used to transfer the lifting movement to the Receiving unit (3), in particular the lower half-shell (8), both with the receiving unit (3), in particular the lower half-shell (8), as well as with the at least one second movement unit (36) is connected. Defrosting device after Claim 12 , characterized in that the force transmission element (39) comprises a ball bearing (40), and that the force transmission element (39) is attached to the receiving unit (3), in particular the lower half-shell (8), via a welded connection (41). Defrosting device after Claim 11 , characterized in that the at least one second movement unit (36) comprises at least one lifting magnet (42) which is designed to perform a stroke, in particular a lifting and lowering stroke, on the force transmission element (39), which is connected to the Force transmission element (39) connected to the receiving unit (3) and the container (2) arranged in the receiving unit (3) together with the substrate (1) contained therein. Defrosting device after Claim 11 , characterized in that the at least one second movement unit (36) comprises at least one mechanical lifting device (47) which is set up to perform a lifting movement, in particular a lifting and lowering stroke, to a transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the lifting axis ( H) to transmit movably arranged force transmission pin (48). Defrosting device after Claim 15 , characterized in that the force transmission pin (48) can be moved transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the stroke axis (H) between a first and a second position (101, 102), the force transmission pin (48) being set up in its second position ( 102) a lifting movement performed by the at least one mechanical lifting device (47) on the force transmission element (39), the receiving unit (3) connected to the force transmitting element (39) and the container (2) arranged in the receiving unit (3) including the substrate contained therein (1) to transfer.

Images