EP1944080A1 - Device and method for moving a liquid in a cavity - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a container (12), which borders a cavity (14) under keeping free of an opening. The container has a deflecting body (20), which extends into the cavity and is distant from a container wall (22). The deflecting body has two flow conducting surfaces (26, 28), which differently oriented relative to a movement path. An actuator is designed to move the container in a forward phase and a reverse phase of the movement with phase wise different processes. An independent claim is also included for a method for moving liquid in a cavity.

Description

The invention relates to a device for moving a liquid in a cavity, in particular for mixing, dissolving, dispersing, emulsifying, suspending or homogenizing a substance, with a cavity optionally confining the opening under the provision of an opening, which at least one projecting from a container wall and in having the cavity projecting static deflecting body, and a container on a trajectory cyclically forward and backward moving actuator. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for moving a liquid.

Various process engineering operations are known for mixing liquids or dissolving or distributing substances in liquids. These include batch mixing by stirring and continuous flow mixing. In both cases, due to the required external means (engaging stirrer or pumps to be connected) use in smaller containers, especially for diagnostic single examinations difficult. In connection with microtiter plates therefore devices of the type indicated above have already been proposed by a uniform oscillating motion, if desired, with the assistance of flow orifices in conjunction with open surfaces to effect a vortex mixing. The problem here is the formation of waves on the surface, which can lead to a spillover of the liquid. In addition, there are other disadvantages such as soil areas with poor mixing and long mixing times.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and to optimize a device or a method of the type specified in the sense of improved mixing efficiency and reduced contamination, with an aim of the invention also being to provide a suitable device Mixing container consists.

To solve this problem, the combination of features specified in the independent claims is proposed. Advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

• der Umlenkkörper mindestens zwei relativ zu der Bewegungsbahn unterschiedlich orientierte Strömungsleitflächen aufweist oder/und
• der Aktuator dazu ausgebildet ist, den Behälter in einer Vorwärts- und Rückphase der Bewegung mit phasenweise unterschiedlichem Verlauf zu bewegen.

The invention is based on the idea to enable efficient mixing by simple container installations in conjunction with a container movement. Accordingly, the invention proposes that

• the deflecting body has at least two flow guide surfaces oriented differently relative to the movement path and / or
• the actuator is adapted to move the container in a forward and backward phase of the movement with phase-wise different course.

By means of these alternative or combined measures, a resulting liquid flow is achieved, which makes it possible to penetrate the entire cavity in a comparatively short time. For this, no open liquid surfaces are required, and the risk of contamination by external stirring or Umwälzeunheiten is avoided. Due to the (stationary) deflecting body rigidly connected to a container wall, it is possible to realize flow guide surfaces which, due to a different transverse orientation with respect to the path of the container movement, introduce a resulting impulse into the liquid. The same can also be achieved by having a different course of movement, i. non-congruent curves in the local time diagram of the container movement in the forward and reverse phase, in the region of the deflecting a net flow is generated.

A manufacturing technology advantageous embodiment provides that the deflecting body is integrally formed on the container wall.

For an effective fluid movement, it is advantageous if the flow guide surfaces taper toward one another in a wedge shape toward the interior of the cavity.

Expediently, the flow guide surfaces are at mutually different angles of attack on the adjacent container wall. It is advantageous if the angles of attack in the range between 0 ° and 85 ° with respect to the solder in the base of the flow on the container wall, and if the difference in the angle of attack of the associated flow control between 5 ° and 85 °.

In principle, it is also possible that the flow control surfaces are curved or arched. Here, too, the desired effect is achieved if the mutually associated flow control surfaces with respect to the movement path have a different average curvature or slope. The flow guide surfaces then do not run with respect to a center plane perpendicular to the movement path mirror-symmetrical to each other.

A further increase in efficiency can be achieved in that a plurality of deflecting bodies are arranged in the shape of a sawtooth or matrix on the container wall.

The volume of the cavity is preferably between 5 μl and 50 ml.

Advantageously, the movement path is at least partially linear or circular. In this case, complex container movements can be performed, such as two mutually perpendicular linear movements that are performed simultaneously or sequentially or temporally nested.

It is advantageous if the amplitude of the linear movement of the container is in a range of 20 microns to 20 mm, or the amplitude of the circular movement of the container in a range of 0.5 ° to nx 360 °, where n is a natural number is. The frequency of the movement can also be in a wide range of 0.1 to 10,000 Hz.

Particularly short mixing times are achieved when the container oscillates with a sawtooth-like motion profile, the forward and back phases take different lengths.

Advantageously, the container is designed as a disposable article preferably for receiving body fluids to be examined.

For parallel processing, it is also possible for the container to have a multiplicity of cavities, in particular in the form of a microtiter plate.

In order to carry out analytical investigations, it is possible for the container to have a test surface which is designed in particular as a sensor and can be acted upon by the moving liquid.

For continuous or intermittent loading of the cavity with liquid, the opening may form an inlet or outlet.

Advantageously, the actuator comprises a holder for the container and a coupled thereto, oscillating drive unit. A further improvement can be achieved in that the actuator is formed by a laboratory device comprising a control device.

The invention also relates to a container having at least one deflecting body projecting on the inside for use in a device according to the invention. Preferably, the deflecting body does not have mirror-symmetrical flow guidance surfaces.

In procedural terms, the object mentioned in the introduction is achieved by introducing the liquid into the cavity defined by a container is, and the container is moved cyclically back and forth on a trajectory, wherein at least one deflecting protrudes into the cavity, and wherein the liquid is deflected during the container movement by at least two relative to the trajectory differently oriented flow control surfaces of the deflecting and / or the container is moved in a forward and backward phase of the cyclic container movement with phase-wise different course.

Fig. 1

ein Blockschaltbild einer Mischvorrichtung mit einem Behälter zur Aufnahme des Mischguts und einem Aktuator für eine Mischbewegung des Behälters;

Fig. 2a und b

eine Ausschnittsvergrößerung des Behälters nach Fig. 1 in der Vorwärts- und Rückphase der Mischbewegung;

Fig. 3

einen Querschnitt eines Behälters mit einem in das Behälterinnere hineinragenden Umlenkkörper;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Ausführungsform in einer Fig. 3 entsprechenden Darstellung;

Fig. 5a und b

Behälter mit unterschiedlich angeordneten Umlenkkörpern in vereinfachter schaubildlicher Darstellung;

Fig. 6 bis 10

weitere Ausführungsformen von Behältern in Fig. 5 entsprechender Darstellung;

Fig. 11

einen mit einer Testfläche versehenen Mischbehälter;

Fig. 12

einen Mischbehälter mit einem ringförmigen Innenraum;

Fig. 13

einen Umlenkkörper mit symmetrischen Strömungsleitflächen in einem Mischbehälter; und

Fig. 14 und 15

eine scheibenförmige Anordnung mit einem Hohlraum und darin befindlichen Umlenkkörpern im Axial- und Radialschnitt.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments schematically illustrated in the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a block diagram of a mixing device with a container for receiving the mix and an actuator for a mixing movement of the container;

Fig. 2a and b

an enlarged detail of the container after Fig. 1 in the forward and backward phases of the mixing movement;

Fig. 3

a cross section of a container with a projecting into the container interior deflecting body;

Fig. 4

another embodiment in one Fig. 3 corresponding representation;

Fig. 5a and b

Container with differently arranged deflection bodies in a simplified perspective view;

Fig. 6 to 10

Further embodiments of containers in Fig. 5 corresponding representation;

Fig. 11

a mixing container provided with a test area;

Fig. 12

a mixing vessel having an annular interior space;

Fig. 13

a deflecting body with symmetrical flow guide in a mixing container; and

FIGS. 14 and 15

a disc-shaped arrangement with a cavity and therein deflecting bodies in axial and radial section.

The apparatus shown in the drawing enables an effective flow movement of a liquid, in particular for mixing, dissolving, dispersing, emulsifying, suspending or homogenizing a further substance in the liquid. For this purpose, the device 10 comprises a container 12 with at least one cavity 14 for receiving the liquid 16 and an actuator 18 for a cyclic forward and backward running Mixed movement of the container 12 on an at least partially linear or curved trajectory.

As in Fig. 1 illustrated, the container 12 in the respective cavity 14 projecting deflecting body 20. These are integrally formed on a container wall 22 and have at least two relative to the movement path or movement axis (double arrow 24) differently oriented inclined flow guide 26, 28. It is also conceivable that the flow guide are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the movement path, and the mixing movement is different in the forward and reverse phases, as explained below.

The actuator 18 comprises a holder 30 for the container 12 and a coupled to the holder, oscillating drive unit 32. Preferably, this arrangement is formed by a laboratory device, which also has a control device 34 for an automatic process sequence.

Fig. 2 shows a section in the movement axis of the linear forward or backward movement (arrows 24 ', 24'') in the region of the deflecting body 20. Their flow guide surfaces 26, 28 run towards the interior of the cavity 14 asymmetrically toward each other in a wedge shape. Accordingly own the angle of attack φ _1,2 can be determined, for example, with respect to the solder 29 at the base of the respective flow guide 26, 28 on the container wall 22. In the example shown, the flow guide surface 28 has an angle of incidence φ ₂ of approximately 57 °, while the angle of incidence φ _{1 of} the steeper flow guide surface 26 is approximately 10 ° with respect to the vertical 29 on the container wall 22.

The transmission of kinetic energy to the liquid 16 is primarily in the immediate vicinity of the oscillating flow guide 26, 28. Due to the inertia of the liquid, a shock wave is generated, which propagates in the cavity. As illustrated by arrows 36, 38, the generated pulse has a different direction in the forward phase 24 'and the back phase 24 ". Since in this case the pulse from the forward phase 24 'is not completely compensated by an opposite pulse from the back phase 24 ", the liquid undergoes a net movement In this way, an effective swirling of the liquid can be achieved with static deflection bodies 20, ie fixed on the container wall ,

Suitably, the amplitude of the linear movement phases 24 'and 24''of the container 12 is in a range of 20 microns to 20 mm. Accordingly, the frequency the movement can be selected in a wider range from 0.1 to 10,000 Hz.

In the following Fig. 3 to 12 and 14 Further embodiments of containers 12 with asymmetric deflecting bodies 20 are shown by way of example. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals, as described above.

Fig. 3 shows a cuvette-like configuration of a container 12, in which the deflecting body 20 is formed asymmetrically with respect to the axis of a (horizontal) linear movement. The volume of the cavity 14 bounded by the container can be in a wide range between 5 μl and 50 ml. Such a container may be formed as a disposable for receiving body fluids to be examined.

Fig. 4 shows a cylindrical container 12 for a circular oscillating movement (double arrow 24) about the container axis 40. The movement amplitude can be in a wide range of 0.5 ° to nx 360 °, where n is a natural number. Again, the flow guide 26, 28 in their transverse orientation with respect to the circular path of movement 24 are different steep.

Fig. 5a and b show container 12 similar to Fig. 3 but with a plurality of on a container wall 22nd Sawtooth-shaped deflecting bodies 20. According to Fig. 5a the path of movement 24 extends horizontally, wherein the deflection body 20 are arranged on the bottom side, while Fig. 5b illustrates a vertical trajectory 24 in the gravity axis, wherein the deflecting body 20 protrude from a side wall 22.

As in Fig. 6 shown, several rows of deflectors 20 may be arranged side by side to provide with counter-oriented flow control surfaces for additional mixing flows in the cavity 14.

At the in Fig. 7 shown embodiment, a plurality of deflecting bodies 20 are arranged like a matrix on the container bottom. The mixing movement of the container 12 takes place in two mutually perpendicular trajectories 24 1, _{2 in} such a way that the irregularly tetrahedral deflecting bodies 20 each have at least two flow guide surfaces oriented differently relative to the respective trajectory.

Fig. 8 shows a similar embodiment with prismatic deflecting bodies 20. Here are the flow guide 26,28 perpendicular to the container bottom, but at different angles with respect to the trajectory 24th

In the comments after FIGS. 9 and 10 Further examples of mixing vessels 12 are shown, which are provided for a circular mixing movement. The deflection body 20 are here on the bottom side or coat side into the container inside, with different steep flow guide surfaces 26, 28 provide in the circular motion for a resulting liquid flow. The cylindrical container 12 are provided with an upper end opening 42 to fill the mix. In principle, it is also conceivable that the containers 12 have an inlet and outlet for the continuous loading of the cavity.

According to the embodiment Fig. 11 The container 12 has a test area 44, for example in the form of an electrode or reagent layer, which responds to an analyte in the liquid within the cavity 14. The mixing bodies 20 ensure an effective flow over the test surface 24.

Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a container 12, wherein the cavity 14 annularly rotates about an inner structure 46. By such complex cavity structures, a resulting macroscopic flow can be achieved, for example, as a ring flow.

Fig. 13 shows a container 12, in which a deflecting body 20 is configured symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation 48 of the circular trajectory 24. The Flow guide surfaces 26, 28 provide here, due to a phase-wise different course of motion for a resulting fluid flow. This means that the loci (rotation angle plotted against time) of the movement phases in the clockwise and counterclockwise direction are not mirror images or congruent. For example, the movement in one direction of rotation can be faster than in the other direction of rotation. Such an asymmetrical course of motion can also be realized for a linear forward and backward movement. In principle, it is also conceivable to combine an asymmetrical course of movement with asymmetrically positioned flow guidance surfaces with respect to the movement path.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a disc-shaped container assembly which is rotatable about the central axis 48 back and forth and laterally closed cavities 14, in which deflecting body 20 provide for a mixing movement of the liquid via an inlet channel 50 einleitbaren. The displaced upon introduction of the liquid air can escape via an outlet channel 52. In the cavities 14 optionally submitted dry chemicals can react with an analyte, so that the arrangement operates as it were a mini-laboratory.

The cavities 14 are bounded on all sides in the disk-shaped container 12, keeping the mouths of the channels 50, 52 free. As best of all Fig. 15 seen the container 12 is composed of a base part 54 and a lid 56. The base member 54 includes the cavities 14 including the baffles 20 and the channels 50, 52 as laterally applied (punched-in) recesses, while the lid 56 provides a laterally sealed termination in the joint plane. For this purpose, the base member 54 and the lid 56 are connected to each other by suitable bonding methods such as gluing, laser welding, thermal sealing, ultrasonic welding together. Such an arrangement can be provided as a disposable part or disposable. The base part 54 may suitably consist of an injection-molded part made of a thermoplastic material, preferably polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethymethacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC). Thermoplastic films, composite films (laminates with at least one plastic and one aluminum layer) and films with an adhesive layer with a typical thickness of 40 to 300 μm can be used as the cover material.

Claims (23)

Device for moving a liquid (16) in a cavity (14), in particular for mixing, dissolving, dispersing, emulsifying, suspending or homogenizing a substance, with a) a container (12) delimiting the cavity (14) optionally with an opening (42) free, b) which has at least one of a container wall (22) projecting and into the cavity (14) projecting static deflecting body (20), c) and a cyclically forward and backward moving the container (12) on a movement path (24) actuator (18),
characterized in that d) the deflecting body (20) has at least two relative to the movement path (24) differently oriented flow guide surfaces (26,28) and / or e) the actuator (18) is adapted to move the container (12) in a forward and backward phase of the movement with phase-wise different course. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the deflection body (20) on the container wall (22) is integrally formed. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow guide surfaces (26,28) to the interior of the cavity (14) taper towards each other in a wedge shape. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flow guide surfaces (26,28) protrude at mutually different angles of attack on the adjacent container wall (22). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the angles of attack in the range between 0 ° and 85 ° with respect to the solder in the base of the flow guide surfaces (26,28) on the container wall (22). Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the difference of the angle of attack of the associated flow guide surfaces (26,28) is between 5 ° and 85 °. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mutually associated flow guide surfaces (26,28) with respect to the movement path (24) have a mutually different average pitch. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a plurality of deflecting bodies (20) are sawtooth or matrix-shaped on the container wall (22). Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the volume of the cavity (14) is between 5 ul and 50 ml. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the movement path (24) extends at least partially linear or circular. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the amplitude of the linear movement of the container (12) is in a range of 20 microns to 20 mm. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the amplitude of the circular movement of the container (12) is in a range of 0.5 ° to nx 360 °, where n is a natural number. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the frequency of the movement is in a range of 0.1 to 10,000 Hz. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the container (12) oscillates with a sawtooth-like motion profile, wherein the forward and back phase take different lengths. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the container (12) is designed as a disposable article preferably for receiving body fluids to be examined (16). Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the container (12) in particular in the form of a microtiter plate having a plurality of cavities (14). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the container (12) has a test surface (44), which is designed in particular as a sensor and can be acted upon by the moving liquid (16). Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the opening (42) forms an inlet or outlet for the continuous or intermittent loading of the cavity (14) with liquid (16). Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the actuator (18) has a holder (30) for the container (12) and a coupled thereto, oscillating drive unit (32). Device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the actuator (18) by a control device (34) comprehensive laboratory device (10) is formed. Container (12) with at least one deflecting body (20) projecting on the inside for use in a device according to one of the preceding claims. Container according to claim 21, characterized in that the deflecting body (20) has at least two flow guide surfaces (26, 28) oriented differently with respect to the movement path (24). Method for moving a liquid (16) in a cavity (14), in particular for mixing, dissolving, dispersing, emulsifying, suspending or homogenizing, in which the liquid (16) is introduced into the cavity (14) bounded by a container (12) is moved and the container (12) on a movement path (24) cyclically back and forth, wherein at least one deflecting body (20) protrudes into the cavity (14), characterized in that the liquid (16) is deflected during the container movement by at least two flow guide surfaces (26, 28) of the deflection body (20) oriented differently relative to the movement path (24) and / or the container (12) in a forward and backward phase with phases different course is moved.

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