Laboratory device and laboratory system

Abstract

The invention relates to a laboratory device (1) for handling a laboratory sample container shelf (50), the laboratory device (1) comprising: a base (2) extending horizontally, the base (2) being adapted to support a laboratory sample container shelf (50) placed thereon; a first finger (3) movable relative to the base (2), the first finger (3) being adapted to position a laboratory sample container shelf (50) on the base (2); a second finger (4) adapted to support horizontally opposite the first finger (3) such that the laboratory sample container shelf (50) positioned on the base (2) can be held between the first finger (3) and the second finger (4); a downward holder (5) movable relative to the base (2), the downward holder (5) being adapted to releasably and vertically fix the laboratory sample container shelf (50) positioned on the base (2); and a linkage (6) which kinematically couples the first finger (3) and the second finger (4) and the downward holder (5) to each other.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a laboratory apparatus for disposing of laboratory sample containers. Furthermore, this invention relates to a laboratory system having such an apparatus and adapted for transferring laboratory sample containers.

[0002] Methods and automated modules for pre-analytical processing of biological samples for analysis are known from EP 3 408 675 B1. Furthermore, US 2007 / 0105214 A1 discloses an automated cell assay system, along with related components and methods. Additionally, US 2002 / 0009391 A1 discloses an integrated sample processing system.

[0003] Typically, laboratory systems used for transferring laboratory sample containers require a pick-up operation to detach the laboratory sample containers from a laboratory sample container rack. At least one laboratory sample container to be detached from the laboratory sample container rack is easily movable and / or lifted relative to the base of the common laboratory system supporting the laboratory sample container rack.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a laboratory apparatus for disposing of laboratory sample container racks and a laboratory system for transferring laboratory sample containers, thereby achieving particularly reliable separation of at least one laboratory sample container from the laboratory sample container rack in each case.

[0005] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The laboratory apparatus according to the invention is adapted to handle a laboratory sample container rack. This laboratory sample container rack is adapted to carry at least one laboratory sample container, particularly several laboratory sample containers. Such a laboratory sample container may be a sample tube. A sample may be stored within such a laboratory sample container. The sample may be a sample liquid, such as a portion of a blood sample. The laboratory sample container rack may be a five-position rack, for example, a rack for up to five sample tubes. The laboratory apparatus includes a horizontally extending base. The base is adapted to support the laboratory sample container rack placed thereon, particularly relative to gravity. Furthermore, the laboratory apparatus has a first finger. The first finger is movable relative to the base. The first finger is adapted to position the laboratory sample container rack on the base. Specifically, the first finger is adapted to push the laboratory sample container rack onto the base. The laboratory apparatus has a second finger. The second finger is adapted to horizontally support the first finger. The second finger is adapted to horizontally support the first finger, such that the laboratory sample container rack positioned on the base can be held between the first finger and the second finger. In other words, after the first finger pushes the specific laboratory sample container rack onto the base, the second finger can contact the specific laboratory sample container rack, thus clamping the specific laboratory sample container rack between the first and second fingers. Furthermore, the laboratory apparatus includes a downward retainer. The downward retainer is movable relative to the base. The downward retainer is adapted to releasably and vertically fix the laboratory sample container rack positioned on the base. Specifically, the downward retainer can vertically fix the laboratory sample container rack held by the first and second fingers. The laboratory apparatus includes a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism kinetically connects the first and second fingers and the downward retainer to each other, particularly at least unidirectionally or only unidirectionally. Therefore, the corresponding movements of the first finger and the downward retainer relative to the base can be mechanically dependent. In other words, the linkage mechanism can coordinate the movements of the first and second fingers and the downward retainer relative to each other, particularly in a forced-drive manner. When the laboratory sample container holder is held between the first and second fingers and vertically secured by the downward retainer, the retrieval operation for separating the laboratory sample container from the holder can be performed substantially without shifting the holder and / or substantially without lifting the holder from the base. Therefore, particularly reliable separation of the laboratory sample container from the holder is achieved.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, a first finger is adapted to position a laboratory sample container rack on a base in the lateral direction of the laboratory apparatus. Specifically, the first finger is adapted to position the laboratory sample container rack on the base by pushing it onto the base in the lateral direction. Alternatively, the laboratory sample container rack positioned on the base may be secured between the first and second fingers in the lateral direction. Specifically, the laboratory sample container rack is considered to be positioned on the base after it has been pushed onto the base by the first finger. The queue of laboratory sample container racks may be arranged in a line on top of the base along the longitudinal direction of the laboratory apparatus, particularly after the laboratory sample containers have been detached from the laboratory sample container rack.

[0008] In particular, the first finger is adapted to push the laboratory sample container holder onto the base in the lateral direction, especially properly and / or horizontally.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, the linkage mechanism coordinates the movement of the first finger, the second finger, and the downward retainer relative to each other. Specifically, each of the linkage mechanism, the first finger, the second finger, and the downward retainer is movable relative to the base.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, the downward retainer is movable relative to both the first finger and the second finger. Specifically, the downward retainer is movable vertically relative to both the first finger and the second finger. In other words, the downward retainer is movable not only relative to the base, but also relative to both the first finger and the second finger.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the downward retainer is movable perpendicular to the lateral direction of the laboratory apparatus, particularly relative to the base. Specifically, the downward retainer is movable vertically perpendicular to the lateral direction. Both the first and second fingers are movable, particularly horizontally and / or substantially along the lateral direction relative to the base. In other words, the downward retainer is movable perpendicular to the lateral direction, while both the first and second fingers are movable substantially along the lateral direction. "Substantially" can imply that the corresponding movement may, particularly temporarily, deviate from being completely parallel to the lateral direction, particularly such that only one, particularly the principal component, of the movement is parallel to the lateral direction.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the downward retainer includes an engagement portion. This engagement portion is adapted to engage a complementary engagement profile of a laboratory sample container holder for vertical fixation. The engagement portion allows for lateral alignment of the laboratory sample container holder along a transverse direction relative to the base. The engagement portion and the complementary engagement profile can be matched such that the vertical distance between the engagement portion and the base can be particularly small. Therefore, the laboratory sample container holder can be vertically fixed particularly reliably by the downward retainer.

[0013] The first finger-like component can be a pushing finger-like component. The second finger-like component can be a grasping finger-like component.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second finger is movable relative to the base and relative to the first finger. Therefore, the laboratory sample container holder can be releasably clamped and / or secured between the first and second fingers.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the laboratory apparatus includes a lever. The lever is pivotable relative to a base. The finger-like portions of the lever form second fingers. The linkage mechanism includes a rod. The first finger is linearly connected to the rod, particularly in at least one or only one direction, relative to the lateral direction of the laboratory apparatus. Specifically, the lever including the second finger is pivotally hinged to the rod at a distance from its first finger portion. In other words, the hinge of the lever is arranged at a distance from the finger portion of the lever, at which the lever is pivotally connected to the rod. In particular, the hinge allows the lever to pivot about a vertical spatial axis relative to the base, the lateral and longitudinal directions of the laboratory apparatus spanning a plane perpendicular to the vertical spatial axis. Therefore, said plane can be a horizontal plane. Specifically, the first finger is connected to the rod, and the lever is hinged at the rod, such that when the first finger and the rod move together in the lateral direction, at least a portion of the second finger moves against the lateral direction, and vice versa. Therefore, when the first finger pushes the laboratory sample container holder onto the base in the lateral direction, the movement of the first finger can be transmitted to the second finger, particularly through the rod and lever, so that the laboratory sample container holder is directly or automatically secured between the first and second fingers at the target position where the laboratory sample container holder is positioned on the base. To release the laboratory sample container holder from between the first and second fingers after the laboratory sample container has been separated from the laboratory sample container holder, the aforementioned movements of the first finger, rod, and lever can be reversed.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, a linkage mechanism movably connects the first and second fingers and the downward retainer to each other, such that when the first and second fingers together hold the laboratory sample container rack in the lateral direction, the downward retainer releasably and vertically fixes the laboratory sample container rack. Therefore, a separate actuator for moving the downward retainer is avoided in order to vertically fix the laboratory sample container rack.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the linkage mechanism, particularly the links of the linkage mechanism, is movably guided at the base along the transverse direction of the laboratory apparatus. The downward retainer is movably guided at the base along the longitudinal direction of the laboratory apparatus. In particular, the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the transverse direction. This allows for specific and precise positioning and / or fixation of the laboratory sample container holder relative to the base.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the downward retainer includes a slot, and the linkage mechanism, particularly the links of the linkage mechanism, includes protrusions, or vice versa. In other words: the downward retainer includes a slot, and the linkage mechanism includes protrusions, or the downward retainer includes protrusions, and the linkage mechanism includes a slot. The slot extends at least partially along the direction of the slot in the laboratory apparatus. The protrusions complementarily engage the slot, such that the protrusions are movably guided along the direction of the slot, particularly within the slot. Preferably, the slot receives the protrusions, particularly along and / or in the direction of gravity parallel to the vertical spatial axis. The slot direction is inclined relative to the lateral direction of the laboratory apparatus. This inclination relative to the lateral direction allows the downward retainer to move in the longitudinal direction when the linkage mechanism moves in the lateral direction. Therefore, the inclination of the slot direction relative to the lateral direction allows for the deflection of the driving force acting between the linkage mechanism and the downward retainer.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the laboratory apparatus includes more than one, particularly two, downward retainers arranged spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction of the laboratory apparatus. This minimizes or avoids swaying of the laboratory sample container rack when it is vertically fixed by the downward retainers.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first finger has angled claw portions. Furthermore, or alternatively, the second finger has angled claw portions. These claw portions are adapted to hold a laboratory sample container rack along the longitudinal direction of the laboratory apparatus, particularly when the first and second fingers together hold the laboratory sample container rack along the transverse direction of the laboratory apparatus. The claw portions may be adapted to partially surround the laboratory sample container rack.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the laboratory apparatus includes a biasing element. The biasing element is adapted to self-reset the first finger and / or the second finger and / or the downward retainer and / or the linkage mechanism. Specifically, the biasing element is adapted to self-reset at least one of the first finger, the second finger, the downward retainer, and the linkage mechanism toward a release position of the first finger and / or the second finger and / or the downward retainer. Therefore, a one-way actuator of the laboratory apparatus can be fully utilized to move the first finger, the second finger, the downward retainer, and the linkage mechanism relative to the base.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the laboratory apparatus includes a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is adapted to drive, in particular directly drive, the first finger and / or the second finger and / or the linkage mechanism to perform corresponding and / or sequential movements.

[0023] The laboratory system according to the invention is suitable for transferring laboratory sample containers. The laboratory system includes a laboratory apparatus according to the invention as described above. The aforementioned advantages of the laboratory apparatus according to the invention are transferred to the laboratory system according to the invention, which has such an apparatus. Furthermore, the laboratory system includes a clamping device. This clamping device is adapted to detach at least one laboratory sample container from a laboratory sample container holder while a downward retainer releasably and vertically secures the laboratory sample container holder.

[0024] The clamping device is adapted to clamp a corresponding laboratory sample container at a distance relative to the top surface of the laboratory sample container holder. This distance can be from 3 mm to 10 mm, particularly about 5 mm.

[0025] When detaching laboratory sample containers from the laboratory sample container holder, the holder may be easily displaced and / or lifted relative to the base due to the adhesive label or spring force of the holder. Therefore, the downward retainer allows the laboratory sample container holder to be vertically secured, preventing it from moving vertically upward relative to the base. Additionally, the pick-up position of the laboratory sample container holder can be in the sample and / or holder rescue area of ​​the laboratory apparatus, from which the operator can remove the laboratory and / or holder without special tools.

[0026] As indicated above, the first finger can be configured to push the laboratory sample container holder to a defined position for a retrieval operation. When the laboratory sample container holder is moved to the defined position, the first finger triggers a lever of a linkage mechanism. Using this lever, a downward retainer can extend or retract as the second finger grasps the rear end of the laboratory sample container holder and pushes it obliquely to the accurate position, particularly for the retrieval operation. After the retrieval operation, the first finger can release the laboratory sample container holder, and the spring-loaded lever can move the downward retainer and the second finger back to their original positions, particularly ready to repeat the aforementioned procedure. The required stroke of the first finger can be from 5 mm to 15 mm, particularly about 10 mm. The stroke of the first finger defines the range of motion of the first finger relative to the base.

[0027] After the laboratory sample container is detached from the laboratory sample container holder, the first finger, the second finger, and the downward retainer can be released. The laboratory sample container holder can then be pushed into the holder buffer of the laboratory apparatus using different pushing fingers. The holder buffer can be arranged on top of the base. Within the holder buffer, the laboratory sample container holders from which the laboratory sample containers have been detached can be queued, particularly along the longitudinal direction. If the first finger fails to release the laboratory sample container holder in the event of an error, the operator can push the first finger away from the second finger to release the laboratory sample container holder.

[0028] Further advantages and features of the invention arise from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention as depicted in the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical parts.

[0029] It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the above features and the features described below can be used not only in the combinations described, but also in other combinations or individually.

[0030] Figure 1 schematically depicts, from a top view, an embodiment of a laboratory system according to the invention, having an embodiment of the laboratory apparatus according to the invention, wherein a laboratory sample container rack is pushed onto the base of the laboratory apparatus.

[0031] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the laboratory system of Figure 1 from a top view, wherein the laboratory sample container rack is fixed to the base.

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates the laboratory system according to Figure 2 in perspective view.

[0033] Figure 4 schematically illustrates, in a top view, another embodiment of the laboratory system according to the invention, having an embodiment of the laboratory apparatus according to the invention, wherein a laboratory sample container rack is pushed onto the base of the laboratory apparatus.

[0034] Figure 5 schematically illustrates the laboratory system according to Figure 4 in a top view, wherein the laboratory sample container rack is fixed to the base, and

[0035] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the laboratory system of Figure 5 from a top view.

[0036] Laboratory system 100 is adapted for transferring laboratory sample containers. To transfer the laboratory sample containers, they can be detached from the laboratory sample container rack 50. Laboratory system 100 includes laboratory apparatus 1.

[0037] Laboratory apparatus 1 is adapted to handle laboratory sample container racks 50. Laboratory apparatus 1 includes a horizontally extending base 2. The base 2 is adapted to support the laboratory sample container racks 50 placed thereon. Laboratory apparatus 1 includes a first finger 3. The first finger 3 is movable relative to the base 2. The first finger 3 is adapted to position one, particularly a single, laboratory sample container rack 50, on the base 2.

[0038] Laboratory apparatus 1 includes a second finger 4 adapted to be horizontally supported opposite to a first finger 3. The second finger 4 is adapted to be horizontally supported opposite to the first finger 3 such that a laboratory sample container holder 50 positioned on a base 2 can be held between the first finger 3 and the second finger 4.

[0039] Furthermore, the laboratory apparatus 1 includes a downward retainer 5. The downward retainer 5 is movable relative to the base 2. The downward retainer 5 is adapted to be releasably and vertically fixed to a laboratory sample container holder 50 positioned on the base 2, particularly when the laboratory sample container holder 50 is held between the first finger 3 and the second finger 4.

[0040] Laboratory apparatus 1 includes a linkage mechanism 6. The linkage mechanism 6 movably connects the first finger 3, the second finger 4, and the downward retainer 5 to each other. The linkage mechanism 6 can coordinate the movement of the first finger 3, the second finger 4, and the downward retainer 5 relative to each other, particularly in a forced-drive manner.

[0041] For example, the linkage 6 coordinates the movement of the first finger 3, the second finger 4, and the downward retainer 5 relative to each other.

[0042] For example, the downward retainer 5 can move relative to both the first finger 3 and the second finger 4. The downward retainer 5 can move vertically relative to both the first finger 3 and the second finger 4.

[0043] In Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6, the laboratory sample container holder 50 is currently held between the first finger 3 and the second finger 4, and is vertically fixed to the base 2 by the downward holder 5.

[0044] The laboratory system 100 includes a clamping device 101. The clamping device 101 is adapted to detach at least one laboratory sample container from the laboratory sample container rack 50 while the downward retainer 5 releasably and vertically secures the laboratory sample container rack 50.

[0045] For example, the first finger 3 is adapted to position the laboratory sample container holder 50 on the base 2 in the lateral direction T of the laboratory apparatus 1. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 4, the first finger 3 may be able to position the laboratory sample container holder 50 by pushing it onto the base 2 in the lateral direction T.

[0046] When the laboratory sample container holder 50 is positioned on the base 2, the laboratory sample container holder 50 can be fixed in the lateral direction T between the first finger 3 and the second finger 4, as best seen from Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6.

[0047] For example, the downward retainer 6 can move perpendicular to the lateral direction T, particularly along the direction of gravity G. Both the first finger 3 and the second finger 4 can move, particularly at least substantially, along the lateral direction T.

[0048] For example, the downward retainer 5 includes an engagement portion 15. According to the figures, the engagement portion 15 is adapted to engage a complementary engagement profile 51 of the laboratory sample container holder 50. The engagement portion 15 may include a protrusion. The complementary engagement profile 51 may include a groove.

[0049] For example, the second finger 4 can move relative to the base 2 and relative to the first finger 3.

[0050] For example, laboratory apparatus 1 includes a lever 7. Lever 7 is pivotable relative to base 2. Lever 7 includes finger portions 8 that form second fingers 4. Linkage mechanism 6 includes a link 9. A first finger 3 is linearly connected to link 9 relative to the transverse direction T. Lever 7 is pivotally hinged to link 9 at a distance from finger portions 8. The first finger 3 is connected to linkage mechanism 6, and lever 7 is hinged to linkage mechanism 6 such that when the first finger 3 and link 9 move together in the transverse direction T, at least a portion of the second finger 4 moves against the transverse direction T, and vice versa.

[0051] For example, the linkage 6 moves to connect the first finger 3, the second finger 4, and the downward retainer 5 so that when the first finger 3 and the second finger 4 together hold the laboratory sample container rack 50 in the lateral direction T, the downward retainer 5 can be releasably and vertically fixed to the laboratory sample container rack 50, especially automatically.

[0052] According to the accompanying drawings, the linkage 6, particularly its link 9, is movably guided at the base 2 along the transverse direction T. The downward retainer 5 is movably guided at the base 2 along the longitudinal direction L of the laboratory apparatus 1. The longitudinal direction L may be perpendicular to the transverse direction T. Both the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T may be perpendicular to the direction of gravity G.

[0053] For example, the downward retainer 5 includes a slot 11, and the linkage 6 includes a protrusion 12. Alternatively, the downward retainer 5 may include a protrusion 12, and the linkage 6 may include a slot 11. The slot 11 extends at least partially along the slot direction S of the laboratory apparatus 1. The protrusion 12 complementarily engages the slot 11 such that the protrusion 12 is movably guided along the slot direction S. The slot direction S is inclined relative to the lateral direction T, such that when the linkage 6 moves along the lateral direction T, the downward retainer 5 moves along the longitudinal direction L.

[0054] In the examples of Figures 1 to 3, laboratory apparatus 1 has a single downward retainer 5. However, laboratory apparatus 1 may include more than one downward retainer 5. For example, as seen from Figures 4 to 6, laboratory apparatus 1 may include two downward retainers 5. More than one downward retainer 5 may be arranged at a distance from each other along the lateral direction T, particularly equidistantly and / or uniformly distributed.

[0055] For example, the first finger 3 and / or the second finger 4 have angled claw portions 13. According to the figures, only the second finger 4 may have angled claw portions 13. The claw portions 13 are adapted to hold the laboratory sample container rack 50 along the longitudinal direction L. For example, the claw portions 13 may hold the laboratory sample container rack 50 along the longitudinal direction L, while the first finger 3 and the second finger 4 together hold the laboratory sample container rack 50 along the transverse direction T, see Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6.

[0056] Laboratory apparatus 1 may include a biasing element 14. The biasing element 14 is adapted to self-reset the first finger 3 and / or the second finger 4 and / or the downward retainer 5 and / or the linkage 6. According to the figures, the biasing element 14 is adapted to self-reset the first finger 3 and the second finger 4, the downward retainer 5, and the linkage 6 toward a release position of the first finger 3, the second finger 4, and the downward retainer 5. In the release position, the laboratory sample container carrier 50 may not be fixed to the base 2 and / or may be movable relative to the base 2.

[0057] In the example shown in the accompanying drawings, the laboratory apparatus 1 includes an actuating element 10. The actuating element 10 is adapted to drive the first finger 3 and / or the second finger 4 and / or the linkage 6 to corresponding movements, particularly relative to each other and / or relative to the base 2. The actuating element 10 may be adapted to directly drive one of the first finger 3, the second finger 4, or the linkage 6.

Claims

1. A laboratory apparatus (1) for disposing of laboratory sample container racks (50), said laboratory apparatus (1) comprising: - A base (2), which extends horizontally and is adapted to support a laboratory sample container holder (50) placed thereon. - A first finger (3), movable relative to the base (2), the first finger (3) being adapted to position a laboratory sample container holder (50) on the base (2). - A second finger (4), adapted to horizontally support the first finger (3), such that the laboratory sample container holder (50) positioned on the base (2) can be held between the first finger (3) and the second finger (4). - A downward retainer (5), the downward retainer being movable relative to the base (2), the downward retainer (5) being adapted to be releasably and vertically fixed to the laboratory sample container holder (50) positioned on the base (2), and - Linkage mechanism (6), which movably connects the first finger (3), the second finger (4), and the downward retainer (5) to each other.

2. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that... - The first finger (3) is adapted to position the laboratory sample container holder (50) on the base (2) in the lateral direction (T) of the laboratory apparatus (1), particularly by pushing the laboratory sample container holder (50) onto the base (2); and / or in The laboratory sample container holder (50) positioned on the base (2) is able to be held between the first finger (3) and the second finger (4) along the lateral direction (T).

3. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... - The linkage mechanism (6) coordinates the movement of the first finger (3) and the second finger (4) and the downward retainer (6) relative to each other.

4. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that... - The downward retainer (6) is movable relative to both the first finger (3) and the second finger (4), particularly vertically.

5. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... - The downward retainer (6) is capable of moving perpendicular to the lateral direction (T) of the laboratory apparatus (1), and particularly vertically. - Both the first finger (3) and the second finger (4) are capable of moving substantially along the lateral direction (T).

6. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... -The downward retainer (5) includes an engagement portion (15), - The engagement portion (15) is adapted to engage the complementary engagement profile (51) of the laboratory sample container holder (50).

7. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The second finger (4) is movable relative to the base (2) and relative to the first finger (3).

8. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... - The laboratory apparatus (1) includes a lever (7) pivotable relative to the base (2), the finger-like portion (8) of the lever (7) forming the second finger (4). - The linkage (6) includes a rod (9), the first finger (3) being linearly connected to the rod in the lateral direction (T) relative to the laboratory apparatus (1), and the lever (7) being pivotally hinged to the rod at a distance from its finger portion (8), in particular such that when the first finger (3) and the rod (9) move together in the lateral direction (T), at least a portion of the second finger (4) moves against the lateral direction (T), and vice versa.

9. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism (6) moves to connect the first finger (3) and the second finger (4) and the downward retainer (5) to each other, such that when the first finger (3) and the second finger (4) together hold the laboratory sample container rack (50) along the lateral direction (T), the downward retainer (5) can be releasably and vertically fixed to the laboratory sample container rack (5).

10. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... - The linkage (6), particularly the links (9) of the linkage (6), is movably guided at the base (2) along the transverse direction (T) of the laboratory apparatus (1). - The downward retainer (5) is movably guided at the base (2) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the laboratory device (1), in particular the longitudinal direction (L) is perpendicular to the transverse direction (T).

11. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that... - The downward retainer (5) includes a slot (11) and the linkage (6) includes a protrusion (12), or vice versa. - The slot (11) extends at least partially along the slot direction (S) of the laboratory apparatus (1), - The protrusion (12) complementarily engages the slot (11) such that the protrusion (12) is movably guided along the slot direction (S). - The slot direction (S) is inclined relative to the lateral direction (T) of the laboratory device (1), such that when the linkage (6) moves along the lateral direction (T), the downward retainer (5) moves along the longitudinal direction (L).

12. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... - The laboratory apparatus (1) includes more than one, particularly two, downward retainers (5) arranged at a distance from each other along the lateral direction (T) of the laboratory apparatus (1).

13. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... - The first finger (3) and / or the second finger (4) have angled claw portions (13), - The claw portion (13) is adapted to hold the laboratory sample container holder (50) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the laboratory device (1), especially when the first finger (3) and the second finger (4) together hold the laboratory sample container holder (50) along the transverse direction (T) of the laboratory device (1).

14. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... - The laboratory apparatus (1) includes a biasing element (14) adapted to self-reset the first finger (3) and / or the second finger (4) and / or the downward retainer (5) and / or the linkage (6), particularly towards the release position of the first finger (3) and / or the second finger (4) and / or the downward retainer (5).

15. The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... - The laboratory apparatus (1) includes a drive mechanism (10) adapted to drive, in particular directly drive, the first finger (3) and / or the second finger (4) and / or the linkage (6) to move accordingly.

16. A laboratory system (100) for transferring laboratory sample containers, said laboratory system (100) comprising: -The laboratory apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - A clamping device (101) adapted to detach at least one laboratory sample container from the laboratory sample container holder (50) when the downward retainer (5) releasably and vertically fixes the laboratory sample container holder (50).

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