Quick coupling for mounting an NMR probe on a shim system

Fastening device for releasably fastening an NMR probe to a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) magnet having a main axis that runs parallel to a z-direction, comprising:

• an insert part which, for fastening the NMR probe, is
• configured to press against a retaining system which is arranged on the NMR magnet, is rigidly connected to the magnet and forms part of the fastening device,
• configured to establish a fixed mechanical connection between the probe and the insert part on the one hand and between the insert part and the retaining system on the other hand, once the NMR probe is pressed against a side of the insert part that faces away from the retaining system until the probe comes into contact with the retaining system,
• configured, with at least one spring element, to establish, in addition to a form fit, a force-variable connection between the probe and the retaining system,
• a plurality of one-piece rigid retaining elements, each of fixed length, configured to fasten the probe to the insert part, and in a closed state, to form a connection without mechanical play between the insert part and the retaining elements when the spring element is under mechanical tension, and
• an annular disc-shaped pretensioning element arranged between the insert part and the retaining system, configured such that, by rotating the pretensioning element about its disc axis relative to the insert part, the pretensioning element presses on and thereby pretensions the spring element,
• wherein the spring element of the insert part and the retaining elements are geometrically configured to provide, in an open state, a connection with a mechanical play of 0.5 mm to 5 mm between the insert part and the retaining elements when the spring element is pretensioned by the pretensioning element.