Mixing apparatus, mixing device and method for operating the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a mixing device (100) comprising a drive unit (1) having a drive (10) and a shaft (11) pivotable about a pivot axis A and operatively connected to the drive (10), and a pivotable receptacle (2) arranged on the shaft (11), wherein the pivot axis A is oriented essentially horizontally, wherein the pivotable receptacle (2) comprises a base plate (20) and at least one holder spaced apart therefrom, wherein the pivotable receptacle (2) is configured such that a holder (3) for a container can be inserted between the base plate (20) and the at least one holder in the direction of the pivot axis A.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on July 24, 2019, with application number 201980048278.7 (international application number PCT / EP2019 / 069871) and entitled "mixing apparatus, mixing system and method for mixing substances in a closed container". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a mixing apparatus, and more particularly to a mixing apparatus for mixing substances in a closed container. Background Technology

[0003] Hybrid devices of the prior art are known, in which ampoules are arranged, for example, on a rotating platform that can be pivoted by means of a drive. The rotating platform includes separate, specific supports for ampoules of different diameters, or the rotating platform includes finger-like patterns protruding from the platform surface, and different ampoules can be arranged between them, wherein, when pivoting, smaller ampoules roll back and forth between the fingers.

[0004] In another well-known mixing device, the holder for the ampoule is mounted on both sides, allowing it to rotate on both sides, wherein the holder can pivot by means of an actuator. An ampoule can be inserted into each container receiving portion of the holder.

[0005] With such a mixing device, there is a risk of ampoules becoming mixed up before or during insertion into the holder, or when the ampoules are removed from the holder. Additionally, inserting and removing ampoules is time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide a mixing device that reduces the possibility of contamination and facilitates the insertion and removal of containers containing the substances to be mixed. This is particularly important for patient samples, where container contamination must be avoided.

[0007] This objective is achieved by a mixing device having the features of the present invention. Other embodiments of the mixing device, mixing apparatus, and methods for operating the mixing device or mixing apparatus are defined by the features of the present invention.

[0008] The mixing device according to the invention includes: a drive unit having a driver and a shaft pivotable about a pivot axis and operatively connected to the driver, and including a pivotable receiving portion arranged on the shaft, wherein the pivot axis is oriented substantially horizontally, wherein the pivotable receiving portion includes a base plate and at least one retainer spaced apart therefrom, wherein the pivotable receiving portion is configured such that a holder for a container can be inserted between the base plate and the at least one retainer in the direction of the pivot axis. With this design, containers can be inserted into the holder independently of the mixing device, i.e., before they are inserted into the mixing device. Therefore, insertion can be performed in a short time. Furthermore, containers cannot be mixed during insertion because they can be placed in the holder without time pressure. Insertion of the holder with containers in the direction of the pivot axis is very easy and ergonomic. The drive unit includes a housing in which an electromechanical driver, with or without gears, is arranged. The drive unit may include a belt drive.

[0009] In one embodiment, the pivotable receiver is capable of pivoting at any angle about a pivot axis in both directions. This means, for example, that the pivotable receiver can rotate back and forth at any angle by means of a drive unit, or that the pivotable receiver can rotate once or several times about a pivot axis in one of the two rotational directions. This allows for optimal mixing of all possible substances within the container. Thus, powders or liquids, such as suspensions or emulsions, can be mixed. For example, whole blood, i.e., plasma or serum, can be mixed with blood cells or with additional substances. For example, the substances to be mixed can be filled into test tubes or ampoules. Ampoules comprise glass or plastic containers that are closed at the top with a cap containing a sealing septum. The septum contains a soft plastic, such as PTFE or silicone, that can be pierced with a pipette needle or tip. For example, such a cap can be screwed onto a container with a top opening using threads.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mixing device includes a control unit that can adjust the pivot angle, pivot speed, and pivot direction. By adjusting these values, optimal mixing of the substances can be achieved.

[0011] In one embodiment, the side of the substrate facing at least one holder is provided with a receiving portion aligned in the direction of the pivot axis, and the support of the container can be inserted into the receiving portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the receiving portion includes a protrusion that can project into a complementary recess of the support. For example, the protrusion is an element extending directly from the substrate of the pivotable receiving portion. The protrusion can be a pin, such as a pin with a circular cross-section. However, other cross-sections are also contemplated. The protrusion can also be a slider, such as for a T-slot or dovetail slot. Alternatively, the receiving portion can include a recess into which the complementary protrusion of the support can project, and the recess also forms a pin-groove connection or a slider-groove connection.

[0013] In one embodiment, a plurality of receiving portions are arranged one after another along a pivot axis. For example, the receiving portions include a first receiving portion arranged in a region of the substrate near the axis and a second receiving portion arranged in a region of the substrate away from the axis. A first end of the support can be inserted into the first receiving portion, and a second end can be inserted into the second receiving portion. Thus, the position and orientation of each support are clearly and reliably defined.

[0014] Alternatively, an additional receiving portion aligned with the first receiving portion may be provided between it and a second receiving portion aligned with it in the direction of the pivot axis. The additional receiving portion provides additional support for the support or allows the insertion of shorter supports that do not extend along the entire length of the pivotable receiving portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, several receiving portions are arranged side-by-side in a direction transverse to the pivot axis. Therefore, several identical or different supports can be inserted adjacent to each other into the pivotable receiving portions, thereby allowing the contents of several containers to be mixed simultaneously. For example, the receiving portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the pivot axis.

[0016] In one embodiment, the mixing device includes a first spacer and a second spacer. The first spacer is insertable into a receiving portion, and a container support is insertable therein. The second spacer is arranged between the receiving portions, and the container support rests on it. The spacers increase the distance between the inserted support and the substrate of the pivotable receiving portion. Advantageously, shorter containers are inserted into the support, and the distance between the upper end of the inserted container and the substrate should be substantially the same as that of longer containers. By grading the thickness of the spacers, it is possible to achieve that when shared containers are in the mixing device, their upper ends are substantially aligned with each other. Different spacers can be placed simultaneously on the pivotable receiving portion, thereby allowing different containers to be placed simultaneously in the mixing device with their upper ends substantially aligned.

[0017] In one embodiment, a drive plate is disposed in a first end region of the substrate, the drive plate being substantially perpendicular to the substrate and aligned substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis and connecting the axis to the substrate.

[0018] In one embodiment, the substrate is connected to at least one retainer via a drive board.

[0019] In one embodiment, a support element is provided in a second end region of the substrate opposite to the first end region. The support element includes a cylindrical sheath surface whose axis is aligned with the pivot axis.

[0020] In one embodiment, the substrate is connected to at least one retainer via a support element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the support element comprises a plate substantially perpendicular to the substrate and the pivot axis.

[0022] In one embodiment, the support element includes a central opening, and the substrate at least partially protrudes through the central opening.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one connector is provided to connect the drive board to the support element.

[0024] In one embodiment, the drive plate includes at least one recess to receive at least one retainer. Alternatively, the drive plate may be provided with a protrusion in which at least one retainer is held, or at least one retainer is guided or clamped by a protrusion. For example, such a protrusion may be a rib or a pin.

[0025] In one embodiment, the support element includes at least one fastener for attaching at least one retainer. Such a fastener may include at least partially removable elements. For example, the fastener may be pivotable and may include a fixing element. Alternatively or additionally, the drive plate may also be provided with a fastener by which at least one retainer can be detachably secured.

[0026] In one embodiment, the mixing device includes a carrier unit having at least one roller, on which a support element and a sheath surface are rotatably mounted. The carrier unit is positioned relative to a pivotable receiver and a drive unit. The support element is pivotally mounted in the carrier unit, aligned with a shaft. Due to the double-sided bearing of the pivotable receiver, the dimensions of the corresponding carrier and the pivotable receiver must be less fixed, meaning they require less space and have a smaller mass to move.

[0027] In one embodiment, the support unit includes two or more rollers, with support elements rotatably mounted on the rollers and sheath surfaces. At least one roller may be equipped with a spring. At least one roller can be driven synchronously with the drive unit.

[0028] In one embodiment, the drive unit and the support unit are arranged on a common connecting plate. The connecting plate can be designed to be completely closed, or it can include at least one recess in the area of ​​the pivotable receiving portion.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one retainer includes at least one plate having at least one through opening, wherein the through opening is arranged to align with a container receiving portion formed in the support when the support is inserted.

[0030] In one embodiment, the internal dimension of the through opening is smaller than the internal dimension of the container receiving portion into which the support can be inserted. The internal dimension of the through opening may also be smaller than the external dimension of the container lid.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one retainer includes a first plate and a second plate, wherein the distance between the substrate and the first plate is greater than the distance between the substrate and the second plate. The two plates may be independent of each other or may be connected to each other.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first plate and the second plate are integrally formed.

[0033] In one embodiment, at least one tab is integrally formed and substantially flush with at least one plate.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least one rib is integrally formed with at least one plate, extending along a pivot axis over at least a portion of the at least one plate. The at least one rib may be formed in one or both side edge regions of each plate. Alternatively or additionally, the rib may be located between two edge regions of each plate.

[0035] In one embodiment, at least one flap is integrally formed with at least one rib and is spaced apart from and parallel to at least one plate. At least one tab may be located at one or both of the two free ends of the retainer.

[0036] In one embodiment, the hybrid device includes at least one encoder that can determine the position of the pivotable receiving portion.

[0037] In one embodiment, the mixing device includes at least one locking device that can secure the position of the pivotable receiving portion.

[0038] In one embodiment, the mixing device includes at least one support for the container, which is inserted between the substrate and at least one retainer. At least one support can be additionally inserted into the receiving portion.

[0039] In one embodiment, each support includes a plurality of container receiving portions arranged along a longitudinal axis, formed between the two ends. The container receiving portions may, for example, be countersunk holes with a circular cross-section. Other cross-sections are also possible. Each container receiving portion may include at least one lateral opening extending laterally outward from the corresponding container receiving portion transverse to the longitudinal axis. The at least one opening may be a slot or a window. Each container receiving portion may have two lateral openings arranged opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis and forming a channel in the support together with the container receiving portions. Thus, it is possible to provide one slot and one window, two slots, or two windows for each container receiving portion. Each container receiving portion or window of the support may be provided with a clamping tab that protrudes through the window into the corresponding container receiving portion, thereby enabling the container contained therein to be held in a clampable manner. On the side of the support including the window, the support may have a tab plate including all the clamping tabs. Alternatively, the clamping tabs may be integrally formed with the rest of the support.

[0040] The various embodiments of the aforementioned hybrid devices can be used in any combination, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0041] The mixing apparatus according to the invention includes a frame on which the mixing device according to the invention is arranged.

[0042] The mixing device may include a working surface located on a frame, wherein the mixing equipment is arranged on the working surface.

[0043] In one embodiment, the mixing system includes a pipetting unit that enables the addition of fluid to or removal of fluid from a container in the mixing apparatus.

[0044] In one embodiment, the pipetting unit includes a delivery unit on which a pipette tip is disposed, and the pipette tip is movable horizontally and / or vertically in an area above the rack or above the work surface via the delivery unit.

[0045] In one embodiment, the mixing system includes a reading unit capable of reading markings from a container to be received by the mixing device. The markings may be selected from the group consisting of 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes, RFID tags, or the like. The reading unit can also identify markings placed on supports for receiving the container. The reading unit can also identify which positions of the container receiving section already contain a container and which positions are empty. It can also determine whether all supports for the container inserted into the mixing device are fully inserted between the substrate and the retainer.

[0046] The aforementioned embodiments of the mixing device can be used in any combination, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0047] The method for operating a mixing device or mixing apparatus according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0048] - Provides a mixing device according to the invention;

[0049] - Insert the support containing the container into the receiving part of the pivotable receiving part; and

[0050] - The pivotable receiving part is pivoted about the pivot axis by a drive unit.

[0051] For example, if the pivotable receiving portion includes a cylindrical pin and the bracket is provided with a corresponding complementary hole, the insertion can be an installation. Alternatively, if the pivotable receiving portion includes a slider and the bracket is provided with a corresponding complementary groove, the insertion can also be a push-in.

[0052] In one embodiment, the method includes the following steps:

[0053] - Remove the retaining element before inserting the bracket; and

[0054] - After the bracket is inserted, the retaining element is attached.

[0055] For example, the fastening element securing the retaining element in the corresponding receiving portion can be removed, and the retaining element can then be lifted and placed in a different position independent of the mixing equipment. Alternatively, the retaining element can be linearly pushed away from the area above the pivotable receiving portion by means of a sliding mechanism. In another alternative, the retaining element can be pivoted away from the area above the pivotable receiving portion in a plane by means of a torsion mechanism. If the retaining element is secured to the pivotable receiving portion, a bracket must be pushed into the pivotable receiving portion located below the retaining element, for example, along the pivot axis.

[0056] In one embodiment, the method includes the following steps:

[0057] - Before or during bracket insertion, the markings on the containers arranged in the bracket are read using a reading unit. If the markings are read during bracket insertion, each container can be assigned to a specific position in the bracket and correspondingly to the pivotable receiving section or mixing device. If reading is performed during insertion, the bracket must be inserted into the pivotable receiving section. If reading is performed before insertion, it must be ensured that the bracket is correctly inserted. To prevent incorrect insertion, the first and second receiving sections of the pivotable receiving section, and correspondingly the first and second ends of the bracket, can be designed differently. Furthermore, the markings applied to the bracket can also be read.

[0058] In one embodiment, the method includes the following steps:

[0059] - After pivoting the pivotable receiving part, remove the fluid from the container provided in the mixing device;

[0060] - Before pivoting the pivotable receiving section, the fluid is fed into a container located in the mixing device.

[0061] For example, the contents of a mother tube containing, for example, whole blood can be mixed with itself or with additional substances. After mixing, a portion of the whole blood can be pipetted from the mother tube to a daughter tube. The daughter tube may be empty or may contain substances such as reagents. The contents of the daughter tube can then be mixed again. After mixing, the stent and its container can be removed from the mixing device and transferred to the analyzer. To withdraw and / or add fluid from a container sealed by a cap including a septum, it is necessary, for example, to puncture the septum with a pipette needle.

[0062] The foregoing embodiments of the method can be used in any combination, as long as they do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with the aid of accompanying drawings. These drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. In the drawings:

[0064] Figure 1 A perspective view of the mixing device according to the present invention is shown;

[0065] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A hybrid device that does not have a driver, a holder, or a read unit;

[0066] Figure 3A It shows Figure 1 Holder;

[0067] Figure 3B It shows Figure 1 Alternative embodiments of the retainer;

[0068] Figure 3C It shows the crossing of the axis through the high and low containers. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the mixing equipment;

[0069] Figure 4 A perspective view of a second embodiment with a pivotable receiving portion having an alternative retainer is shown;

[0070] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A bottom-view perspective of the retainer;

[0071] Figure 6 As shown Figure 2 The illustrated support has a container inserted therein; and

[0072] Figure 7 A mixing device according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Figure 1 A perspective view of a mixing device 100 according to the present invention is shown. The mixing device 100 includes a drive unit 1 having a driver 10, a control unit 12, and a shaft 11 pivotable about a substantially horizontal pivot axis A and operatively connected to the driver 10. Furthermore, the mixing device 100 includes a pivotable receiving portion 2 arranged on the shaft 11. The pivotable receiving portion 2 includes a base plate 20 and a retainer 4 spaced apart therefrom, wherein the pivotable receiving portion 2 is designed such that a support 3 for a container can be inserted between the base plate 20 and the retainer 4 in the direction of the pivot axis A. A disc-shaped drive plate 21 connects the shaft 11 to the base plate 20. The drive plate 21 is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis A and substantially perpendicular to the base plate 20. At the end of the pivotable receiving portion 2 opposite to the drive plate 21, a disc-shaped support plate 22 is provided, parallel and flush with the drive plate 21. The outer diameters of the two discs are substantially the same. The retainer 4, in this embodiment, is a retainer plate with holes, detachably arranged between the drive plate 21 and the support plate 22. In the case of the drive plate 21, the retainer 4 can be fixed by a pivot fastener 211; in the case of the support plate 22, it is fixed by a pivot fastener 222. On the base plate 20, a slider-shaped protrusion 200 is provided on the side facing the retainer 4. On the side of the support plate 22 opposite to the drive side, a reading unit 82 with a limiter 83 is provided. Using the reading unit 82, markings on the support 3 and / or containers arranged in the support 3 can be read. The support plate 22 is supported and rotatably mounted on the two rollers 50 of the carrier unit 5. The drive unit 1, the carrier unit 5, the reading unit 82, and the limiter 83 are arranged on a common connecting plate 6.

[0074] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The mixing device 100, without a housing and drive unit 1, driver 10, retainer 4, read unit 82, and limiter 83. Drive plate 21 and support plate 22 are connected by two rod-shaped connectors 23. The connectors 23 are designed and arranged such that the retainer 4 can be evenly placed on the two connectors 23 during installation. A pattern of T-shaped sliders or T-shaped protrusions 200 is arranged on the base plate 20 of the pivotable receiving part 2. Double rows of sliders are arranged in the two end regions of the base plate 20, and a single row of sliders is arranged in the central region of the base plate 20. Container 7 is arranged in the inserted support 3; the sample tube shown has a pierceable cap, i.e., a cap with a pierceable diaphragm.

[0075] Figure 3AIt shows Figure 1 The retainer 4 includes a curved plate having a hole 40, two first plates 41 or two edge plates 41, and a second plate 42 or a center plate 42. The two edge plates 41 are flush with each other, and the center plate 42 is parallel to the two edge plates 41. Continuous tabs 43 are provided at the two free ends of the retainer 4, which are formed flush with the corresponding plates. Ribs 44 extend substantially along the entire length of the retainer at the lateral outer boundaries of the corresponding edge plates 41. Due to the overall design of the retainer 4, the offset of the first plate 41 relative to the second plate 42 forms the ribs 44 in the corresponding transition regions.

[0076] Figure 3B It shows Figure 1 An alternative embodiment of the retainer 4 has only a first plate 41 and a second plate 42. (Compared to...) Figure 3A Compared to the retainer, this one has mutually separated tabs 43, which are located only at one of the two free ends of the retainer. In this embodiment, only one rib 44 is formed in the transition region between the two plates 41, 42.

[0077] Figure 3C It shows a transverse line to axis A passing through the high container 7 and the low container 70. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the mixing device 100. The high container 7 is inserted between the substrate 20 of the holder 4 and the first plate 41, while the low container 70 is inserted between the substrate 20 of the holder 4 and the second plate 42.

[0078] Figure 4 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the pivotable receiving portion 2 with an alternative retainer 400 is shown. The drive plate 21 is provided with a groove 210 into which the retainer 400 can be inserted. The support plate 22 is provided with a fastener 222 through which the retainer 400 can be detachably attached. The connector 23 is designed as a laterally arranged round rod. A central opening 221 is provided in the support plate 22 through which the substrate 20 protrudes, and through which a retainer for a container can be inserted. In the variant of the pivotable receiving portion 2 shown, a support with a tall container can be inserted into the retainer 400. If a deeper container is to be inserted, the retainer 400 must be rotated 180 degrees so that the outward-facing surface of the plate 401 faces the substrate 20, and the open end of the retainer 400 faces the drive plate 21.

[0079] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4A bottom perspective view of a retainer 400. The retainer 400 includes a plate 401 with a slot 402 extending substantially along the entire length of the plate. The width of the slot 402 is less than the outer dimension of the container cap and greater than the piercing area of ​​the container cap. Ribs 403 extend substantially along the entire length of the retainer 400 in two lateral edge regions. A first free end of the retainer 400 is formed in an open manner, while a second free end opposite to the first free end is formed in a closed manner at the side. At the open end of the retainer 400, a first tab 404 is provided, designed to be parallel to the plate 401 and slightly offset from the plate 401 in the region of the plate 401, and protruding beyond the first free end of the retainer 400. At the closed end of the retainer 400, a second tab 405 is provided, designed to be parallel to the rib 403 and slightly offset from the rib 403 in the region of the rib, and protruding beyond the second free end of the retainer 400.

[0080] Figure 6 As shown Figure 2 The diagram shows a support with a container inserted therein. The support 3 extends along a longitudinal axis L and has a container receiving portion 32, which includes two lateral slots 320 and a clamping tab 322 integrally formed with the rest of the support 3 and protruding into the interior of the container receiving portion 32. Furthermore, the support 3 has a recess 33 located on the underside of the support 3, i.e., on the side of the support 3 opposite to the container receiving portion 32. A T-shaped slot is shown. Alternatively, a dovetail slot or another type of retaining recess may be provided. The recess 33 extends along the longitudinal axis L at least above the region of the support 3 including the container receiving portion 32. The recess 33 opens at a first end 30 of the support 3, allowing the protrusion 200 of the pivotable receiving portion to easily move into the recess 33. A handle 34 is provided on a second side 31 of the support 3, allowing the support 3 to be easily gripped by hand. A recess 340 is provided in the handle 34, which allows the reading unit 82 to recognize that the bracket 3 is fully inserted into the pivotable receiving part 2.

[0081] Figure 7 A perspective view of a mixing apparatus is shown, comprising a pivotally oriented mixing device 100 and a non-pivotible mixing device 100 according to the invention. Both devices are arranged on a working surface 80 having a receiving element 800 arranged on a frame 8. The mixing unit also includes a pipetting unit 81 having a delivery unit 810 and a pipette tip 811. The delivery unit 810 allows the pipette tip 811 to move above the working surface 80 in a first horizontal direction X, a second horizontal direction Y, and a vertical direction Z. Figure 1In contrast to the embodiment of the mixing device 100, the reading unit 82 and the limiter 83 are arranged adjacent to the mixing device 100 on the working surface 80. The reading unit 82 is also aligned and secured to the receiving element 800 on the working surface 80. In front of the reading unit 82, a support can be pushed past the receiving element 800 to identify markings on the support 3 and / or on containers arranged in the support 3.

[0082] List of reference numerals

[0083] 1. Drive Unit

[0084] 10 drives

[0085] 11-axis

[0086] 12 Control Units

[0087] 100 Mixing Equipment

[0088] 2. Pivotable receiving section

[0089] 20 substrate

[0090] 200 protrusions

[0091] 21 Driver Board

[0092] 210 Groove

[0093] 211 Fastener

[0094] 22 Support plate

[0095] 220 Sheath Surface

[0096] 221 Opening

[0097] 222 Fastener

[0098] 23 Connectors

[0099] 3 supports

[0100] 30 First End

[0101] 31 Second End

[0102] 32 Container Receiving Section

[0103] 320 slot

[0104] 322 Clamping tab

[0105] 33 Grooves

[0106] 34 handles

[0107] 340 recess

[0108] 4. Holder

[0109] 40 holes

[0110] 41 First board

[0111] 42 Second board

[0112] 43 protrusions

[0113] 44 ribs

[0114] 400 retainer

[0115] 401 board

[0116] 402 slot

[0117] 403 Ribs

[0118] 404 First protrusion

[0119] 405 Second protrusion

[0120] 5. Bearing Unit

[0121] 50 rolls

[0122] 6 Connecting Plate

[0123] 7 Containers

[0124] 70 containers

[0125] 8 racks

[0126] 80 working surface

[0127] 800 receiving element

[0128] 81 Pipette Unit

[0129] 810 Conveyor Unit

[0130] 811 Pipette tip

[0131] 82 Reading Unit

[0132] 83 Limiter

[0133] A pivot axis

[0134] L longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A mixing device (100), comprising: A drive unit (1) having a driver (10) and a shaft (11) pivotable about a horizontally aligned pivot axis A and operatively connected to the driver (10). A pivotable receiving part (2) is arranged on the shaft (11). The pivotable receiving portion (2) includes a base plate (20) and at least one retainer spaced apart from the base plate. The pivotable receiving portion (2) is configured such that a support (3) for a container can be inserted between the base plate (20) and the at least one retainer in the direction of the pivot axis A. The at least one retainer includes at least one plate having at least one through hole (40) or slot (402). The through hole (40) or slot (402) is arranged such that when the support (3) is inserted, they are flush with the container receiving portion (32) formed in the support (3). Characterized by the fact that the at least one retainer comprises: - The at least one plate including a first plate and a second plate, wherein the distance between the substrate (20) and the first plate is greater than the distance between the substrate (20) and the second plate; or - The at least one plate, the first tab, and the second tab of the plate, wherein the distance between the substrate (20) and the first tab is greater than the distance between the substrate (20) and the plate.

2. The mixing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes a control unit (12) which can adjust the pivot angle, pivot speed and pivot direction, wherein the pivotable receiving part (2) can pivot about the pivot axis A in both directions through any angle.

3. The mixing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A protrusion (200) is provided on the side of the substrate (20) facing the at least one holder, the receiving part is aligned in the direction of the pivot axis A, and the support (3) for the container can be inserted into the receiving part.

4. The mixing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate (20) is connected to the at least one retainer via a drive plate (21).

5. The mixing device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The substrate (20) is connected to the at least one retainer via a support element (22), wherein the support element (22) comprises a plate aligned perpendicular to the substrate (20) and the pivot axis A, the support element (22) comprises a central opening (221), and wherein the substrate (20) at least partially protrudes through the central opening (221).

6. The mixing device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one connector (23) is provided, which connects the drive plate (21) to the support element (22).

7. The mixing device (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The drive plate (21) includes at least one groove (210) for receiving the at least one retainer.

8. The mixing device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support element (22) includes at least one fastener (222) for securing the at least one retainer.

9. The mixing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner dimensions of the through hole (40) or slot (402) are smaller than the inner dimensions of the container receiving portion (32) into which the insertable bracket (3) is located.

10. The mixing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one retainer includes at least one tab, which is integrally connected to and flush with the first plate.

11. The mixing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one rib is integrally formed with the first plate, and the at least one rib extends along the pivot axis A on at least a portion of the first plate.

12. The mixing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one rib is integrally formed with the plate, and the at least one rib extends along the pivot axis A over at least a portion of the plate.

13. The mixing device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second tab is integrally formed with the at least one rib and spaced parallel to the plate.

14. The mixing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes at least one support (3) for the container, the at least one support being inserted between the substrate (20) and the at least one retainer.

15. A mixing device, comprising: A frame (8) on which a mixing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is arranged. A pipetting unit (81) is provided, by which fluid can be added to or removed from a container located in the mixing device (100), wherein the pipetting unit (81) includes a delivery unit (810), a pipette tip (811) is disposed on the delivery unit, and the pipette tip (811) is movable horizontally and / or vertically in an area above the frame (8) or above the working surface (80) via the delivery unit.

16. The mixing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, Includes a reading unit (82) arranged on the rack (8) or on the connection plate (6) of the mixing device (100), and is capable of reading the markings of the container to be housed in the mixing device (100) and / or the markings of the support (3) to be housed in the mixing device (100).

17. A method for operating a mixing device (100) or mixing apparatus, comprising the following steps: - Provide a mixing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14; - Insert the support (3) in which the container is arranged between the base plate (20) and the at least one retainer in the direction of the pivot axis A; and - The pivotable receiving part (2) is pivoted about the pivot axis A by the drive unit (1).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: - Before or during the insertion of the bracket (3), the markings of the bracket (3) and / or the container arranged in the bracket (3) are read by means of the reading unit (82).

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, Includes at least one of the following steps: - After pivoting the pivotable receiving part (2), fluid is removed from the container located in the mixing device (100) by means of the pipetting unit (81); - Before pivoting the pivotable receiving part (2), fluid is fed into the container located in the mixing device (100) by means of the pipetting unit (81).

Images