MEDIA CHANNEL FOR A LABORATORY DEVICE

Abstract

Media channel (1) for a laboratory system, more particularly a media cell, media column, suspended media boom or media station, for supplying a laboratory workplace with and/or removing laboratory media comprising a longitudinal profile element (100) which along its longitudinal axis defines a duct (102, 104) for laboratory cables and pipelines and has a supply and/or removal side and at least one panel (2, 2a, 2b), which is in the form of a blank panel or is equipped with at least one function-specific fitting for laboratory media supply and/or removal, whereby the panel (2, 2a, 2b) is detachably connected to the profile element (100) by means of connection elements (121, 125) provided on the supply and/or removal side of the profile element (100), and whereby the profile element (100) and the connection elements (121, 125) are in one piece in the form of a folded metal component.

Description

The invention relates to a media channel for a laboratory system, more particularly a media cell, media column, suspended media boom or media station for supplying a laboratory workplace with and/or removing laboratory media.

The flexibility and mobility of laboratory systems in a laboratory ensure that laboratory media, such as water, waste water, gas, compressed air, connections for generating a vacuum and for electrical power are available where they are needed. For this purpose media cells, media columns, suspended media booms have so-called media channels, in which there are supply and removal pipelines for the laboratory media connected to supply and disposal facilities in the building.

A media cell can be in the form of a cell against a wall with a laboratory workbench in front, a free-standing cell for a laboratory workbench or double workbench, or in the form of table-top cells. The media cell provides media-specifically designed fittings and sockets and is used for various storage systems. The media cell can have a number of media panels with various components from which the laboratory media are taken, but via which they are also removed to disposal facilities installed in the building.

In a media column suspended from a laboratory ceiling the media channel runs vertically through the media column.

A suspended media boom has several raster cells, which like the media column can be equipped on both sides with appropriate media panels. The media panels run horizontally and usually extend over several, mainly mobile laboratory workbenches.

In specialist circles a media station is seen as a system for supplying and removing media directly which is attached to the laboratory workplace and which is connected by cables and pipelines to corresponding supply and disposal systems installed in the building.

In all these laboratory systems the modular structure plays a major part as significant cost saving can already be made at the planning stage of a laboratory.

Conventional media channels for use in the above laboratory systems, as disclosed, for example in EP 0 800 865 A2 and DE 196 14 370 C1 are produced by way of side frames arranged at a distance from each other, which depending on the height of the laboratory system are connected to each other by one or more crossbeams. On the crossbeams there are clamping devices into which raised flanges of the relevant media panels can be clamped. The media removal and supply cables and pipelines run vertically through openings provided in the crossbeams or horizontally between adjacent crossbeams.

A disadvantage of this is the relatively small depth of the media channels which is uniform over the entire media cell, media column, suspended media boom or media station, as a result of which electrical connections in particular, which compared with gas fitting for example, require a relatively large structural depth, project out of the media channels and/or media panels over a certain length. Furthermore the upgrading of conventional media channels with additional components, such as device holders, supports for reagents, stand holders etc is restricted. In addition, one and the same media channel cannot be used for different laboratory systems as the structural requirements of media channels differ from those of suspended media booms, which results in greater planning, manufacturing and assembly costs.

DE 101 54 128 A1 discloses a media cell for a laboratory having a wall-shaped, vertically aligned installation element, which above the height the worktop of a laboratory bench is equipped with installation pipelines and distributor connections. The installation pipelines and distributor connections are arranged within the contour of the side frames, on the narrow side of which facing the worktop, there are closing sections and/or panels. In this media cell stationary and pivoting panels are arranged alternately and attached to the side frames with screws.

From DE 37 39 815 A1 a duct board with an essentially box-shaped duct is known. The duct has nodal points from which several sections extend in different directions.

Other media channels of this type are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,915 A and U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,214 A.

It is therefore the aim of this invention to provide a media channel for a laboratory system, the modular structure of which is improved in terms of handling, variability, upgradability and cost-efficiency compared with conventional media channels and which is suitable for mass production.

This is achieved through a media channel for a laboratory system, more particularly a media cell, media column, suspended media boom or media station for supplying a laboratory workplace with laboratory media and/or removing them, which has a longitudinally arranged profile element, which defines an duct for laboratory media cable and pipelines along its longitudinal axis, and a supply and/or removal side as well as at least one panel in the form of a blank panel or one equipped with at least one function-specific fitting for laboratory media supply/removal, whereby the panel is detachably fastened to the profile element by means of connection elements provided on the supply and/or removal side, with the profile element and the connection elements being configured in one piece and as a folded metal component.

The profile element of the media channel in accordance with the invention fulfils two functions. On the one hand it provides a duct for the laboratory media. The structural space which in conventional media channels is taken up by the crossbeams is therefore available in full for the supply and removal of media, which is advantageous in terms of the achieved space saving. On the other hand it already has the connection element necessary for fastening the media panels. In addition it can also be manufactured cost-effectively and simply assembled in the laboratory as it is folded from metal and the connection elements for the media panels are already part of the profile element. The media channel can be used for various laboratory systems which results in a considerable reduction in the manufacturing and assembly costs.

Preferably the connection elements provide a non-positive connection, particularly preferably a clamp fastening or a positive connection, particularly preferably a snap-type or swallowtail-type fastening of the panel on the profile element.

Preferably the connection elements are resilient.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the connection elements essentially extend over the entire length of the profile element.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention the profile has an external rail defined by undercuts as a result of which the upgrading of the media channel with additional component is improved.

Preferably the rail extends essentially over the entire length of the profile element.

Preferably the profile element defines two longitudinally extending ducts.

Particularly preferably the profile element tapers in cross-section. This results in more space in places within the media channel which is particularly advantageous in the case of electrical connections. At the same time, when using a media channel of this type for a laboratory workbench the use of the entire worktop is not restricted.

In addition, on the broader side of the profile element seen in cross-section a storage panel can be applied by means of non-positive fastening. This storage panel can be used as a storage surface for various laboratory equipment, which again increases the versatility of the media channel.

Preferably a number of panels can be fastened in modular fashion to the profile element. This modular assembly principle allow the media channels to be fitted with panels required by the user, which is advantageous for conducting various tests in which different laboratory media are used in one and the same laboratory system.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the panels can be attached to the profile element without a gap. This prevents the penetration of fluids and foreign bodies into the media channel.

More particularly, the panels can be provided with devices for the supply and/or removal of water, waste water, gas, compressed air, electricity, light as well as with connections for generating a vacuum and for electronic dataprocessing.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the media channel comprises a support structure which allows the profile element to be fastened to a wall or ceiling or can be fitted on both sides with a profile element. In this way almost identically designed media channels can be used in media cells, media columns, suspended media booms or media stations, which for the builder of a laboratory as well as the manufacturer of laboratory equipment is advantageous in economic terms.

Preferably the support structure allows raster-like attachment of the profile element to the support structure. This means the laboratory personnel can move the media channel horizontally and/or vertically as required and the media channel and/or the media fittings are available in the laboratory at the place they are needed.

Also preferably there are openings between the profile element and the support structure through which the supply and/or removal cables and pipelines for the laboratory media can pass and through which, in particular in the case of electrical connections which require a greater installation depth, the hollow space of the support structure is available for the electrical connection cables.

Preferably the media channel meets the requirements of protective classes IP 44 and IP 54 valid on the day of application. In this way the operation of the media channel is guaranteed against the penetration of moisture and dust (foreign bodies) for many years. More particularly the media channel guarantees contact protection against foreign bodies with a diameter of >1 mm as well as full protection against dust deposits. In addition, it also guarantees adequate protection against spray water.

Various forms of embodiment of the invention are described below purely as examples with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective external view of a media channel in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a support structure for fastening to a room ceiling fitted with a media channel on both sides (suspended media boom).

FIG. 3 shows a support structure fitted with a media channel on both sides for a double laboratory workbench (media cells).

FIG. 4 shows two media cells attached to a support structure for fastening to a ceiling or wall (media column).

FIG. 5 shows a perspective rear view of a media channel with a support structure for wall fastening.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective front view of a profile element including an enlarged view of one area of the profile element.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective rear view of the profile element shown in FIG. 6A including an enlarged view of one area of the profile element.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective front view of a panel.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a storage panel.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a media channel with a support structure, water tap and sink.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a media channel with an electrical connection.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a media channel with a subsequently fitted pipette holder.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a media channel with a subsequently fitted storage surface.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a media channel with a subsequently fitted drip board.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a media channel with a subsequently mounted monitor.

FIG. 15 show a cross-sectional view of a section of a media channel in the area of the function rail with subsequently mounted splash protection and

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the clamping device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a media channel 1 in accordance with the invention with modularly attached panels (2) on the media supply and/or removal side. Depending on its purpose of use, for example in media cells, media columns, suspended media booms or media stations, the media channel can be arranged vertically or horizontally. If the building's laboratory media cables and pipelines enter the media channel 1 from above or below, the lateral ends of the media panel 1 are closed with a side panel 9. A further panel 6 is applied at the top of the media channel which in the event of the media channel 1 being used in a media cell serves as a storage surface for laboratory instruments.

The media channels 1 described below meet the requirements of protective classes IP 44 and IP 54 valid on the date of application. In addition, the externally visible and/or exposed components of the media channel are preferably provided with a high-quality powder coating through which the media channel is ideally protected against the environmental conditions in the laboratory room. The panels are attached without tools so that they can be rapidly and easily adjusted to changing laboratory conditions.

Examples of embodiment of the media channel shown in FIG. 1 are described below by way of FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a suspended media boom which has a support structure 20 for attaching to a ceiling. The support structure 20 has two raster-like support columns 22, which depending on the length of the support columns 22 are stabilized by means of one or more crossbeams 26. The lower end of the support column 22 is fitted with a media channel 1 on both sides.

In the example shown in a very simplified form in FIG. 2 the two media channels 1 are only provided with blank panels. Due to the tapered cross-section of both media channels 1 the panel are arranged at an incline with regard the vertically support columns 22, which in the event of equipping the panels with devices for tapping laboratory media, for example, water, waste water, gas, compressed air, electricity light or with connections for generating a vacuum and for electronic dataprocessing makes handling easier. If required further, though differently dimensioned, media channels 1 can be attached to the support projection 24. In the example shown in FIG. 2 the lateral support projections 24 are connected to a storage compartment 29. The media supply from the building to the media channels 1 takes place through the vertical shaft 28.

FIG. 3 shows a very simplified form of a media cell which comprises a double laboratory workbench. Both laboratory workbenches 30 each have a laboratory worktop 32 which adjoin each other without a gap in the area of the support structure 20a for the media channel 1. The support structure 20a has two side supports 22a at a distance from one other essentially corresponding with the width of the laboratory worktops 32 which stand on the floor of the laboratory in a levelling manner. The length of the side stands 22a is such that the media channel 1 running between the side supports 22a at the top is arranged approximately at the chest height of the laboratory personnel. However the raster-like design of the side supports 22a allows variable setting of the height of the media channels 1. In the case of the media cell shown in FIG. 3 the supply and removal of laboratory media from and to the building takes place via shaft 28a. Even without explicitly being shown in FIG. 3, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the media cell can be supplemented with other media channels and/or other laboratory furniture.

FIG. 4 shows a double-sided media column which can be attached to the ceiling or a section of the building projecting from the ceiling by means of a support structure 20b. In the example of a media column shown in a very simplified form in FIG. 4 the support structure 20b has a horizontal rail support 23a to which to lateral support columns 22b are attached. Depending on the required spacing of the media channels 1 both support columns 22b can be moved along the support rail 23b. After determining the required spacing between the two media channels, these can be connected to each other via storage panels 29b. As can be seen in FIG. 4 the cross-section of the two media channels is conical (tapered), as a result of which the media channels 1 provided with laboratory media supply and/or removal devices are more easily accessible to the user.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective rear view of a media channel 1 in accordance with the invention with a support structure 50. The media channel comprises a profile element 100, described in detail in FIG. 6A and 6B, to which modular panel 2 can be attached in a positive and non-positive manner. The upper side of the profile element 1 is closed off by a storage panel 6.

In addition to the profile element 100, the media channel shown in FIG. 5, the media channel shown in FIG. 5 also has a support structure 50 for attaching to walls. Fastening to the wall takes place via the lateral inward projecting fastening flange 54. At the bottom the support structure has a base plate 52 rigidly connected to the fastening flanges 54. Openings 59 are provided between the profile element 100 and the support structure 50. This means that in addition to the interior of the profile element 100, the internal space defined by the support structure 50 is available for the supply and/or removal of laboratory media.

The support structure 50 has vertical braces 58 arranged at a horizontal distance from one another to which the profile element 100 can be attached. This raster-like design of the support structure 50 allows a high level of variability of fastening the profile element 100 to the support structure 50. The support structure 50 also has one or more abutments 56 arranged at a horizontal distance from each other which serve as a support/rest element for a storage panel (not shown) for closing off the upper side of the support structure 50.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective front view of the profile element 100 shown in FIG. 5 as well as an enlarged detailed view of the circled area of the profile element 100. The front side in FIG. 6A will hereinafter be referred to as the supply and/or removal side of the profile element 100.

The intermediate base 110 running in the longitudinal direction of the profile element 100 divides the profile into two ducts 102, 104 for media supply and/or removal. For example, the duct 104 can be used for thin tubes/pipes for generating a vacuum or for electrical and data cables, while duct 102 can be used for water, waste water or gas pipelines. In the intermediate base 100 openings 112 are provided at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the profile element 100 which connect duct 102 with duct 104. The braces 106 running in the vertical direction in FIG. 6A are for fastening the profile element 100 to a wall or to the support structure 50 shown in FIG. 5. On the rear side of the profile element 100 there is a continuous longitudinal flange 108 projecting vertically from the intermediate base 110 which serves as an abutment for the storage panel 6 shown in FIG. 5. On the supply and/or removal side of the profile element 100 connection elements 121 (FIG. 6A) and 125 (FIG. 6B) are provided for fastening the panels 2. The enlarged views in FIGS. 6A and 6B show the structural details of these connection elements 121, 125.

The connection element 121 is formed by an S-shaped section 122 and an L-shaped section 120. Both sections 122, 120 are pre-tensioned so that on introducing a component to be clamped, more particularly a flange 3 of the panels 2 (FIG. 7) projecting laterally from the panel surface, the two sections 122, 120 are spread apart and brought into clamping contact with the component to be clamped. The function of the connection element 121 resembles that of a spring clip. On the bottom the profile element 110 has a base 114 which is adjoined by a rail 117 formed by two undercuts 116, 118 and projecting into the interior of the profile element. On the wall side the base 113 is connected with the two vertical braces 106. The purpose of use of the rail 117 is described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15.

FIG. 6B shows the profile element shown in FIG. 6, but this time in a perspective view from the rear. The circled area is shown in detail in the enlarged view and shows the structural design of the connection element 125. This connection element, shown in FIG. 6A in the upper part of the profile element 100 and as a lateral boundary on the supply and/or removal side of the duct 104, is formed by an L-shaped section 126 and a section 124 forming an acute angle. As in the case of the connection element 121 the two sections are pre-tensioned so that their function is also similar to that of a spring clip.

In turn the section 130 acts as an abutment for the storage panel 6 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8. Section 130 is double-walled in order to increasing its flexural rigidity which prevents deformation when applying the support panel with positive force. Adjoining section 124 is the intermediate base 110, already described in connection with FIG. 6A, which has openings 112. The intermediate base is in turn connected with the vertical braces 106.

The profile element 100 shown in FIG. 6A and 6B is designed as folded metal component and therefore in one piece. It is therefore suitable for mass production. At this point it should be pointed out that the profile element can also be made of a plastic component which exhibits the required flexural rigidity.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a panel 2 which on its edge has flange sections 3, 4 and 5 projecting at a 90° angle. The flange sections 2, 4 are clamping sections for inserting into the connection elements 121, 125. Flange section 5 serves as protection to prevent the penetration of fluids and foreign bodies into the closed media channel 1 shown in FIG. 1. The panel in FIG. 7 is shown without devices for the supply and/or removal of media. Function-specific panels 2 are described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 8 show a cross-sectional view of a storage panel 6, which can be non-positively inserted into the sections 108 and 130 shown in FIG. 6A and 6B. The support panel 6 has two engaging sections 7, 8 which, as shown in FIG. 9, can be non-positively connected to section 108 and 120. The engaging section 8 is L-shaped, while the cross-section of engaging section 7 is V-shaped.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a media channel comprising a profile element 100 and a panel 2a equipped with a water fitting 2a′. The supply pipeline 2a″ to the water fitting 2a′ is initially taken through the support structure 60 and transversely to the duct 102 to the water fitting 2a′. A storage panel 6 is envisaged on the top of the profile element 100 and is used as a storage surface for laboratory equipment when the media channel is used in a media cell. The two ducts 102 and 104 can also be clearly seen.

The profile element 100 is fastened to a support structure 50. The interior of the support structure 50 can be used in addition to the ducts 102, 104 for water supply and removal. Beneath the profile element 100 there is a screen 46 which is equipped with a sink 42, the drain 44 of which also passes through the interior of the support structure 50.

The upper end of the screen 46 shown is FIG. 9 passes through the slit-like recesses which are shown in FIG. 5 and are provided in the base 114 (base 6A).

Both the screen 46 and the panel 2a meet the requirements of protective classes IP 44 and IP 54 in order to prevent the penetration of fluids and foreign bodies into the media channel and support structure.

FIG. 10 shows a further example of a panel 2b equipped with a socket 2b′. In order to prevent the penetration of fluid to avoid short-circuits the electrical apparatus is accommodated in a sealed casing 2b′ which is arranged in duct 102. Duct 104 contains further media cables and pipelines for the supply and/or removal of media which are only shown schematically here. The upper side of the profile element 100 is again closed by support panel 6.

The panels 2a, 2b shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are only equipped as an example with a water fitting 2a′ and an electrical socket 2b′. Depending on requirements the panels can of course be equipped with corresponding devices for different laboratory media, such as, for example, water, waste water, gas, compressed air, electricity, light as well as connections for the generation of a vacuum and electronic data processing.

FIGS. 11 to 15 show examples of the use of the rail 117 shown in FIG. 6A. In FIGS. 11 to 14 the profile element 100 is attached purely as an example to a raster-like rail 20c. The profile element 100 can of course be fastened to differently designed support structures. The upper side of the profile element 100 is closed with a storage panel 6. On the side, i.e. on the supply and/or removal side of the profile element 100 panels 2 are provided. Beneath the panels 2 and above a worktop 32 a screen 46 is arranged.

By means of the clamping device shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 various additional components can be detachably fastened in the rail 117. In FIG. 11 these additional components involve a pipette holder, in FIG. 12 a storage surface 70 in addition to the storage panel 6, in FIG. 13 a so-called drip board 80 for various laboratory vessels, in FIG. 14 a monitor holder 90 for attaching a monitor, for example a flat screen, and in FIG. 15 an intermediate wall for splash protection.

The clamping device 200 is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. The clamping device 200 comprises a clamping shoe 206 as well as a clamping tab 204 which can be moved relative to the clamping shoe 6 within the rail 117 by means of a star knob 202. To clamp the clamping shoe in the rail 117 the star knob 202 is turned clockwise, whereby the clamping tab 204 on the one hand and the adjacent part of the clamping shoe 6 on the other hand are pressed against the undercut 118, while the threaded section of the star knob comes into contact with the undercut 116. The clamping shoe 206 can be provided with an appropriately designed clamping adaptor for mounting the monitor holder 90, the drip board 80, the storage surface 70, the pipette holder 60 or other additional components required in laboratory work,

The above-described media channels are not restricted to the illustrated forms. For example media channels, more particularly their profile elements, can be designed so the corresponding panels can be connected to the profile element in a chequer-board fashion.

The conical linear cross-section in the upper section of the media channel provide more room, particularly for electronic equipment elements, so that these can be accommodated in a hermetically sealed casing for protection against moisture in order to prevent short-circuits. At the same time the tapered side of the media channel ensures that when using the media channel in a media cell the complete surface area of the worktop can be used for carrying out experiments. However, to achieve these two objectives other cross-section shapes are conceivable, for example conical-convex shapes.

Furthermore, the above connection elements are not restricted to resilient clamping devices. A person skilled in the arts knows that to achieve the same effect, i.e. a simply detachable fastening, other positive and non-positive connection methods can be used. Examples of these are snap-type, swallowtail, possibly also magnetic fastenings.

Claims

1. Media channel for a laboratory system, more particularly a media cell, media column, suspended media boom or media station, for supplying a laboratory workplace with and/or removing laboratory media comprising:

an elongate profile element which along its longitudinal axis defines a duct for laboratory cables and pipelines and has a supply and/or removal side, and

at least one panel, which is in the form of a blank panel or is equipped with at least one function-specific fitting for laboratory media supply and/or removal, wherein the panel is detachably connected to the profile element by means of connection elements provided on the supply and/or removal side of the profile element, and

wherein the profile element and the connection elements are configured in one piece and in the form of a folded metal component, characterised in that the profile element defines two longitudinally extending ducts.

2. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection elements provide a positive or non-positive connection of the panel to the profile element.

3. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection elements provide a clamping, snap-type or dovetail connection of the panel to the profile element.

4. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection elements are configured to be resilient.

5. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection elements substantially extend over the entire length of the profile element.

6. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the profile element has an external rail defined by undercuts.

7. Media channel in accordance with claim 6, wherein the rail substantially extends over the entire length of the profile element.

8. (canceled)

9. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the profile element is substantially C-shaped.

10. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the profile element is tapered in cross-section.

11. Media channel in accordance with claim 10, wherein on the broader side of the profile element seen in cross-section a storage panel is non-positively attachable.

12. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein a plurality of panels are attachable to the profile element in modular fashion.

13. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one panel is attachable to the profile element without a gap.

14. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one panel is provided with fittings for the supply and/or removal of water, waste water, gas, compressed air, electricity as well as connections for generating a vacuum and connections for electronic dataprocessing.

15. Media channel in accordance with, also comprising a support structure which permits the profile element to be fastened to a wall or ceiling or can equipped on both sides with a profile element.

16. Media channel in accordance with claim 15, wherein the support structure allows raster-like connection of the profile element to the support structure.

17. Media channel in accordance with claim 15, wherein openings are provided between the profile element and the support structure.

18. Media channel in accordance with claim 1 which meets the requirements of protective classes IP 44 and/or IP 54 valid on the filing date.