Sampler and analyzer with same

Abstract

The invention relates to a sampler and an analyzer with the sampler. The invention relates to a sample feeder (1) for dispensing a sample (S). The base device (2) comprises an output device (4) and an activation device (5). A carrier device (3) comprises a carrier plate (11), a plurality of sample containers (6) in the form of traversing channels, and a plate-like closure device (7). The activation device (5) comprises a rotational movement device (9) and a linear movement device (10). The rotary movement device (9) rotates the carrier plate (11) about an axis (12), and the closure device (7) is embodied so as to be movable relative to the axis (12). The closure device (7) closes the end (13) of each sample container (6) in a first position relative to the axis (12) and opens exactly one end (13) of the sample container (6) in a second position relative to the axis (12). Linear movement means (10) move the closure means (7) between a first position and a second position. Furthermore, the invention relates to an analyzer (S) having a sample feeder (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sampler, in particular a sample feeder. In addition, the present invention relates to an analyzer having at least one sample feeder. Background Art

[0002] In the field of analysis, a sample feeder is capable of automatically processing a large number of samples, which are sequentially fed to an analyzer by the sample feeder.

[0003] DE 202019102011 U1 describes a sample feeder with a magazine tray having an opening for each sample. The tray below the magazine tray prevents the sample from sliding out of the opening due to gravity. The tray has an opening, and the sample can be selected via the opening. The details of doing so are not disclosed. Shown in DE 2818614 A1 is a sample feeder in which a trap door below the star wheel can select the sample. The structure in US 2011 / 0239792 A1 is similar. Described in DE 3689521 T2 is a sample feeder with a turntable for each sample. The angular position of the turntable is recorded by a Hall sensor. The sample feeder according to DE3102774 A1 includes a probe that draws liquid from a rotatable sample supply. A rotating sample holder is also disclosed in EP3578968 B1. In this case, the sample container is held by a blocking device in the housing seat. In each case, the sensor monitors whether the container is located in the seat.

[0004] The problem with sample feeders is that, most often, they have a construction which is usually very complex and is therefore in principle quite susceptible to malfunctions. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a simple embodiment of sample feeding with the opportunity to select any sample as the next fed sample.

[0006] The present invention achieves this object by providing a sample feeder and an analyzer having the sample feeder.

[0007] The invention achieves this object by a sample feeder comprising at least one base device and a carrier device, wherein the base device comprises an output device and an activation device, wherein the carrier device comprises a plurality of sample containers for receiving samples and a closing device, wherein the activation device is embodied in such a way that it controls the carrier device and the closing device so that the sample reaches the output device from the selected sample container, wherein the activation device comprises a rotational movement device and a linear movement device, wherein the carrier device comprises a carrier plate and the closing device, wherein the sample containers are traversing channels, wherein the rotational movement device rotates the carrier plate about an axis, wherein the closing device is embodied in the form of a plate, wherein the closing device is embodied to be movable, preferably linearly movable, relative to the axis, wherein the closing device closes the end of each sample container in a first position relative to the axis, wherein the closing device opens the end of exactly one sample container in a second position relative to the axis, and wherein the linear movement device moves the closing device from the first position to the second position and / or from the second position to the first position.

[0008] The activation device causes each sample to fall out of its sample container from the carrier device by gravity. Therefore, the activation device can also be referred to as a sample release device.

[0009] The sample feeder of the present invention has a base device and a carrier device. Preferably, the base device and the carrier device are separable from each other. Therefore, the carrier device can be filled with a sample, for example, at another position, which is very advantageous. In this case, the carrier device is preferably closed during filling to prevent the sample from falling out. Then, the carrier device with the sample is connected to the base device, preferably inserted or arranged on the base device.

[0010] The base device comprises an output device and an activation device. The output device is used to connect to, for example, an analyzer. Therefore, this is a type of interface for transferring samples. The activation device causes the selected sample to reach the output device from the carrier device in each case. The carrier device has a plurality of - i.e., in particular more than two, or for example 40 - sample containers, in which the samples are placed, and a closing device. The closing device - at least partially and / or at least preferably in a (removable) direction - closes the sample container so that the sample in the sample container is prevented from sliding out due to the pull of the gravity acting.

[0011] The activation device is embodied so that it acts on the carrier device and the closure device. The action is, for example, to cause the activation device to move the carrier device and / or the closure device. The goal of the action on the carrier device and the closure device is that the sample from the selected sample container reaches the output device.

[0012] A great advantage of the sample feeder of the invention is that, with some means, individual samples can be selected, using the easily available gravity force.

[0013] The activation device operates the rotary movement device, which includes, for example, a stepper motor and a linear movement device, to move the sample from the selected sample container to the output device.

[0014] Thus, by means of the rotary movement device, a carrier plate belonging to the carrier device is rotated about an axis. This preferably positions the selected sample container relative to the output device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the carrier plate is rotated so that the selected sample container is positioned, preferably aligned, over the output device.

[0016] The linear movement device moves the closing device from one position to another. In this way, the closing of the selected sample container is achieved, and preferably only one selected sample container is opened and the sample can leave the selected sample container. The slide-out assumes that gravity can act properly on the sample and therefore the sample feeder is properly oriented. Between the two positions of the closing device, a linear movement occurs relative to the axis, about which the carrier device rotates.

[0017] The closure device has a plate-like basic form. The two positions of the closure device differ in that either all sample containers are closed at one end (lower end) (first position) or one, i.e. the selected, sample container is open at this end (second position). Depending on the position of the closure device, the mentioned and closed end is preferably the lower end of the sample container in the direction of gravity traction, so that in the case of an open end, the selected sample can freely escape under the influence of gravity traction. Therefore, if the closure device moves from the first position to the second position, this means that the end of the sample container is opened. On the contrary, if a movement from the second position to the first position occurs, the end of the selected sample container is reclosed. In this case, the linear movement device performs a movement from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, depending on the embodiment. Alternatively, a reciprocating movement between the two positions is realized.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sample containers are distributed on a circle and are preferably arranged with the same angular displacement relative to each other. Thus, in this embodiment, there is a uniform distribution of the sample containers around a shared center. In this case, the number of samples is limited by the diameter of the part of the carrier device for accommodating the sample containers and also by the size of the sample containers. The advantage of a circular arrangement is that embodiments with few sample containers can also be realized and variable sample metering can be easily and reliably realized.

[0019] In a supplementary embodiment, the sample containers are located on a plurality of circles of different radii.

[0020] An embodiment of the sample feeder provides that the base device further comprises a housing, and the output device is embodied as an opening in the housing. In this embodiment, the output device is, for example, a hole in the housing of the base device, through which hole the sample reaches (particularly falls into) the analyzer, for example under the effect of gravity.

[0021] The embodiment of the sample feeder provides that the closure device has a substantially closed area, the opening is centrally located in the closed area, and the edge cut is located on the outer edge of the closed area. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped closure device has a closed area, which allows at least one end, preferably on the lower end, to close the sample container. The closed area is interrupted by at least two openings: a central opening and an edge cut. The central opening is preferably centrally located in the closed area, and realizes the position of the closure device relative to the carrier device, particularly linear, alternation. A band of the closed area preferably embodied in a wider embodiment is positioned around the central opening. On the outer edge of the closure device, there is an edge cut, which is formed such that an elongated fjord extends in a radial direction. Then, if the position of the closure device and the carrier device is changed relative to each other, the position between the sample container and the edge cut is also changed, so that the sample container selected is no longer closed by the closure device and the sample located therein can, for example, slide out. The end of the selected sample container, preferably the lower end, and the edge cut are, for example, aligned with each other, which is controlled by the rotation of the carrier device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sample feeder further comprises a spring element, wherein the spring element exerts a force on the closing device, the force acting from the second position in the direction of the first position or from the first position in the direction of the second position. In this embodiment, the linear movement device on the one hand and the spring element on the other hand act on the closing device. Preferably, the linear movement device and the spring element act in different directions.

[0023] An embodiment of the invention provides that the carrier device comprises an axis device, the base device comprises a carrier receiving device for receiving the axis device and a detection device, and the detection device is embodied in the following manner: it detects whether the carrier device with the axis device is arranged on the carrier receiving device. In this embodiment, the base device has a carrier receiving device, which preferably defines an axis around which the carrier device rotates. The carrier receiving device is, for example, a rotatable shaft. The axis device of the carrier device is arranged on the carrier receiving device, so that preferably the carrier device can rotate around the axis. In this case, there is a detection device, which detects whether the carrier device has been installed. Thus, for example, the sample feeder is only activated when the detection device generates a corresponding signal that the carrier device is present.

[0024] An embodiment of the sample feeder provides that the detection device comprises a Hall sensor and that the carrier receiving device has a magnet component. In this embodiment, for example, the mounting of the carrier device acts on the preferably axially movable magnet component in such a way that the mounting is detected by the Hall sensor. Thus, for example, a force exerted by the carrier device on the carrier receiving device during mounting moves the magnet component in the direction of the Hall sensor. An advantage of the Hall sensor is that its sensitivity is generally large enough so that, for example, a stainless steel shaft, about which the carrier device rotates, hardly interferes with the measurement.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the detection means comprises a reed contact.

[0026] An embodiment of the sample feeder provides that the linear movement device and the closing device are releasably connected to each other via the force transmission device when the carrier device is mounted on the base device. In this embodiment, the positioning of the carrier device on the base device causes a releasable contact to be produced between the linear movement device and the closing device via the force transmission device. Preferably, such a releasable connection is necessary because the linear movement device and the closing device are associated with mutually releasable building blocks: the base device and the carrier device, which are preferably only connected together when in use.

[0027] An embodiment of the sample feeder provides that the force transmission device has a pin unit and a hole unit. In this embodiment, the force transmission is produced by the pin unit engaging in the hole unit. Therefore, this type of coupling in a variant takes into account in particular that the carrier device is arranged on the base device.

[0028] An embodiment of the sample feeder provides that the axis means and / or the carrier receiving means comprise an orientation means, and that the orientation means enable the carrier means to be arranged on the carrier receiving means in only one orientation. In this embodiment, it is ensured that there is a predetermined orientation between the axis means and the carrier receiving means. This is particularly advantageous when the sample containers are coded in order to simplify the selection of the individual sample containers. Thus, the orientation means ensure that, for example, a sample container having the number "1" has a predetermined solid angle relative to the base means.

[0029] In an embodiment, the orientation means has an extension structure (eg in the manner of a lug) which engages in a cavity of the carrier means.

[0030] An embodiment of the sample feeder provides that the linear movement device has a motor, preferably in the form of a rotary motor or a stepper motor, and an eccentric device. In one embodiment, the eccentric device changes the rotary movement of the rotary motor into a linear movement. In one embodiment, the rotary motor belongs to the rotary movement device and only the eccentric device is activated when moving the closing device. The rotary motor is, for example, a DC motor. In an alternative embodiment, the stepper motor is directly connected to the eccentric device.

[0031] An embodiment of the sample feeder provides that the rotational movement means comprises a rotational angle sensor, preferably in the form of a rotary encoder. In this embodiment, the rotational angle sensor is used to ensure that the selected sample container is in the correct position, preferably aligned above the output device.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to an analyser having at least one sample feeder according to one of the above or following embodiments.To avoid repetitions, the above and subsequently discussed embodiments of the sample feeder also apply to the analyser and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention will now be explained in more detail based on the accompanying drawings, which are shown below:

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sample feeder,

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a base assembly of a sample feeder,

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an activation device;

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the area surrounding the carrier receiving device of the base device,

[0038] Figure 5 is a greatly simplified schematic plan view of the cooperation between the carrier plate and the closure device ( Figure 5 a) and a cross-sectional view through it ( Figure 5 b);

[0039] Figure 6 Is has Figure 1 a perspective view of the analyzer of the sample feeder, and

[0040] Figure 7 is a side view schematically showing a second embodiment of the activation device ( Figure 7 a) and plan view ( Figure 7 b). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 It is shown how the sample feeder 1 consists of a base device 2 and a carrier device 3 .

[0042] The plate-like carrier plate 11 of the carrier device 3 contains a plurality of sample containers 6 which are numbered distributed around the outer area of ​​the carrier plate 11. In use, the carrier device 3 is rotated around an axis 12 which extends centrally through a knob-like axis device 30 of the carrier device 3. The housing 8 of the base device 2 has an opening which serves as an output device 4 for the samples in the carrier plate 11.

[0043] Figure 2 The base device 2 is shown without the carrier device 3 .

[0044] The top of the housing 8 includes a planar area. Figure 2 Visible in the figure is the orientation device 15 which adjoins the cylindrical carrier receiving device 20 and on which the carrier device 3 is placed. When in place, it is kept at a certain distance from the top of the housing 8. Located to the side (here on the left) is the cut-out area of ​​the top of the housing 8, in which the output device 4 is located in the form of a hole in the housing 8.

[0045] Centrally located at the top of the housing 8 is a cylindrical carrier receiving means 20, on which the axis means 30 of the carrier means 3 rests when in use. Extending through the carrier receiving means 20 is also the axis 12, about which the rotation of the carrier means 3 occurs. Aligned behind the output means 4 on the carrier receiving means 20 is an orientation means 15 in the shape of a lug, which ensures that the carrier means 3 is mounted with orientation from the start.

[0046] Also aligned with the output device 4 in this case is a force transmission device 14, which uses a pin unit 140. In use, the pin unit 140 engages in a hole unit 141. In this case, the force transmission device 14 belongs to the activation device 5 and first slides the sample out of the selected sample container.

[0047] Figure 3 The structure of the linear displacement device 10 as part of the activation device 5 is schematically shown. In this case, the pin unit 140 is linearly displaced by the interaction of the motor 100 (embodied here as a rotary motor) with the rotational movement of the eccentric device 101. The pin unit 140 in turn displaces the closing device 7 (compare Figure 5 ).

[0048] Figure 4 The principle of detecting whether the carrier device 3 is on the base device 2 is shown.

[0049] The axis device 30 rests on the carrier receiving device 20 formed by the shaft and on the orientation device 15. In this case, it is around its upper end (compare Figure 1). In this way, which presses the upper push rod 20 'and presses downwards along the axis 12 against the spring under such a movable magnet part 200, the carrier plate 11 rotates about the axis 12 (indicated by the curved double arrow). This causes the Hall sensor 210 as a further component of the detection device 21 to generate a signal indicating that the sample feeder is occupied and ready for use. In this case, this signal is received by a control unit (not shown), which also controls the sample feeder or here, for example, also the rotary movement device 9. In order to control the rotation of the carrier device 3 so that the selected sample container 6 is preferably arranged aligned above the output device 4, a rotary encoder is present in the example as a rotation angle sensor 90.

[0050] Then, in use, the carrier device 3 of the samples in the sample containers 6 closed at the lower end by the closing device 7 is placed on the base device 2. The result of this placement is detected and the desired sample container 6 is rotated into the discharge position above the output device 4. Then, the closing device 7 is moved linearly so that exactly one desired sample container 6 can emit its sample.

[0051] Now we will use Figure 5 a) and Figure 5 b) Schematic plan and cross-sectional views to explain sample selection and release.

[0052] In the example shown, there are only four sample containers 6 as transverse holes on and in the carrier plate 11. The sample S to be examined next in the analyzer is located on the left. The curved double arrow shows that the carrier plate 11 can be rotated by the rotary movement device 9 about the axis 12 in two directions.

[0053] Located below the carrier plate 11 is a closure device 7, which is part of the carrier device 3. The closure device 7 has a substantially closed region 70, which extends at least in a circular strip, so that the sample containers 6 in the first position illustrated here relative to the axis 12 are closed at their lower ends 13 and the samples therein are prevented from sliding out.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the central opening 71 is oval. The central opening 71 is embodied as being sized so that a linear movement perpendicular to the axis 12 causes the edge cutout 73 to open just one sample container 6 - namely, in this case, the one on the left. The edge cutout 73 is a recess extending inwardly from the outer edge 72. If the edge cutout 73 is aligned below the selected sample container 6, the sample S can fall downwardly.

[0055] Located on the closure device 7 diametrically opposite the edge cutout 73 is a hole unit 141 which interacts with the pin unit 140 located below it. The carrier device 3 is placed on the base device 2, wherein the pin unit 140 protrudes into the hole unit 141 of the closure device 7, so that the opening of the selected sample container 6 can be achieved.

[0056] The linear movement device 10 is thus able, such as indicated by the straight double arrow, to move the closing device 7 into the second position. Returning from the second position to the first position is accomplished by means of the spring element 16 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0057] Figure 6 An analyzer A is shown, on which is mounted a sample feeder 1. In this case, an oven is located, for example, below the output device for burning the sample for further analysis.

[0058] Figure 7 The linear motion device 10 is schematically shown in a cross-sectional side view ( Figure 7 a) and plan view ( Figure 7 b) A second embodiment. In this case, the motor 100 of the linear movement device 10 is a stepper motor directly connected to the eccentric device 101. The eccentric device 101 moves (as indicated by the straight double arrow) the plate-like carrier on which the pin unit 140 is located. The axis about which the eccentric device 101 rotates (indicated by the curved arrow) is in this case perpendicular to the axis along which the pin unit 140 is displaced.

[0059] Reference numerals list

[0060] 1 Sample feeder

[0061] 2 Base device

[0062] 3 Carrier device

[0063] 4 Output devices

[0064] 5Activation Device

[0065] 6 Sample Containers

[0066] 7 Closure device

[0067] 8 Shell

[0068] 9 Rotating moving device

[0069] 10 Linear motion device

[0070] 11 Carrier board

[0071] 12 axis

[0072] 13 End of sample container

[0073] 14 Force transmission device

[0074] 15 Orientation Device

[0075] 16 Spring elements

[0076] 20 Carrier receiving device of base device

[0077] 20' Putt

[0078] 21. Detection device of base device

[0079] 30 Axis device of carrier device

[0080] 70 Enclosed area of ​​the enclosure

[0081] 71 Closure device center opening

[0082] 72 Outer edge of closure device

[0083] 73 Edge cutouts on outer edges

[0084] 90° rotation angle sensor

[0085] 100 motors

[0086] 101 eccentric device

[0087] 140 pin units

[0088] 141 hole unit

[0089] 200 magnet parts

[0090] 210 Hall sensor

[0091] AAnalyzer

[0092] S-sample

Claims

1. A sample feeder (1) for emitting a sample (S), comprising at least one base device (2) and one carrier device (3), in, The base device (2) comprises an output device (4) and an activation device (5), The carrier device (3) comprises a plurality of sample containers (6) for receiving samples (S) and a sealing device (7). The activation device (5) is embodied in the following manner: the activation device (5) controls the carrier device (3) and the closing device (7) so that the sample (S) reaches the output device (4) from the selected sample container (6). The activation device (5) comprises a rotational movement device (9) and a linear movement device (10). The carrier device (3) comprises a carrier plate (11) and the closing device (7). Wherein, the sample container (6) is a transverse channel, The rotary movement device (9) causes the carrier plate (11) to rotate around an axis (12). The sealing device (7) is embodied in a plate shape. wherein the closure device (7) is embodied to be movable, preferably linearly movable, relative to the axis (12), wherein the closing device (7) closes the end (13) of each sample container (6) in a first position relative to the axis (12), wherein the closure device (7) opens the end (13) of exactly one sample container (6) in a second position relative to the axis (12), and Wherein, the linear moving device (10) moves the closing device (7) from the first position to the second position and / or from the second position to the first position.

2. The sample feeder (1) according to claim 1, in, The base device (2) further comprises a housing (8), and the output device (4) is embodied as an opening in the housing (8).

3. The sample feeder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The closure device (7) has a substantially closed area (70), wherein an opening (71) is centrally located in the closed area (70), and wherein an edge cutout (73) is located on an outer edge (72) of the closed area (70).

4. The sample feeder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in, The sample feeder (1) further comprises a spring element (16), and wherein the spring element (16) exerts a force on the closure device (7), the force acting from the second position in the direction of the first position or from the first position in the direction of the second position.

5. The sample feeder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in, The carrier device (3) comprises an axis device (30), wherein the base device (2) comprises a carrier receiving device (20) and a detection device (21) for receiving the axis device (30), and wherein the detection device (21) is embodied in the following manner: the detection device (21) detects whether the carrier device (3) having the axis device (30) is set on the carrier receiving device (20).

6. The sample feeder (1) according to claim 5, in, The detection device (21) comprises a Hall sensor (210), and the carrier receiving device (20) has a magnetic component (200).

7. The sample feeder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in, When the carrier device (3) is mounted on the base device (2), the linear movement device (10) and the closing device (7) are releasably connected to each other via a force transmission device (14).

8. The sample feeder (1) according to claim 7, in, The force transmission device (14) comprises a pin unit (140) and a hole unit (141).

9. The sample feeder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in, The axis device (30) and / or the carrier receiving device (20) comprises an orientation device (15), wherein the orientation device (15) enables the carrier device (3) to be arranged on the carrier receiving device (20) in only one orientation.

10. The sample feeder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in, The linear movement device (10) has a motor (100), preferably in the form of a rotary motor or a stepper motor, and an eccentric device (101).

11. The sample feeder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in, The rotary movement device (9) comprises a rotation angle sensor (90), preferably in the form of a rotary encoder. 12 . An analyzer (A) having at least one sample feeder ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11 .

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