Shelf column for laboratory containers for laboratory operation

Abstract

A shelf column (11) for laboratory containers (18) that are transported, placed, and picked up by means of an unmanned transport device (16), which shelf column (11) has several compartments (17, 23) arranged one above the other, each of which can accommodate a laboratory container (11) that can be moved into and out of the compartment (17, 23) by a handling unit (21) that can be moved up and down along the shelf column (11), and which shelf column (11) has an upper horizontal platform (15) that serves as a transfer point for the transport device (16), which can be positioned on the transfer point such that the receptacle (43) of the transport device (16) is aligned with a compartment (17, 23) of the shelf column (11), so that a laboratory container (18) can be moved from the handling unit (21) into or out of the receptacle (43) of the transport device (16), characterized in that the shelf column is mounted on It can be mounted on a laboratory table in such a way,that at least one lower compartment (23) is reachable by a handling robot (24, 37) mounted on or at the laboratory table in order to move the laboratory container (18) contained therein out of the compartment (23) or to open the laboratory container (18) contained therein for removal or filling, and that the shelf column can be mounted between two adjacent handling robots (24, 37) such that both handling robots (24, 37) can reach at least one lower compartment (23) which is accessible from opposite sides by a handling robot (24, 37) each.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rack column for laboratory containers, which are transported, placed and picked up by means of an unmanned transport device, which rack column has several compartments arranged one above the other, into which a laboratory container fits, which can be moved into and out of the compartment by a handling unit that can be moved up and down along the rack column, and which rack column has an upper horizontal platform which is designed as a transfer point for the transport device, which can be positioned on the transfer point such that the receiving of the transport device is aligned with a compartment of the rack column, so that a laboratory container can be moved from the handling unit into or out of the receiving of the transport device.

[0002] Shelf column for laboratory containers that are transported, placed and picked up by means of an unmanned transport device, which shelf column has several compartments arranged one above the other, into which a laboratory container fits, which can be moved into and out of the compartment by a handling unit that can be moved up and down along the shelf column.

[0003] In today's world, a large number of samples must be examined in a laboratory every day. Laboratory systems exist in which individual analyses are performed fully or semi-automatically. However, handling the samples is time-consuming and sometimes problematic, as only specific or standardized sample containers can be used for fully automated operation. These sample containers are opened in the laboratory analyzer, and a portion of the sample is extracted and examined and analyzed within the machine. The test result is recorded. The sample and its origin, for example, a patient, are known, so the test result can be attributed to the sample and thus to the patient. A fully automated laboratory system is therefore feasible.

[0004] However, problems typically arise from the local conditions in a laboratory, the availability of individual laboratory equipment, and the integration of existing, and sometimes very expensive, laboratory facilities. It is always necessary to transport specific samples to specific laboratory equipment in order for the analyses to be carried out. An existing, older laboratory device cannot simply be automated. In this case, the sample still has to be manually inserted into the device. This is time-consuming, expensive, and also prone to errors.

[0005] For fully automated laboratory operation, all necessary laboratory equipment would ultimately need to be available at a single workstation and operable by a control unit. However, the samples still need to be inserted into the respective instrument. Due to the varying input devices of different instruments, automation is not readily achievable.

[0006] Another problem is the variety of sample containers used. Samples are brought to the laboratory in different tubes with various opening mechanisms. For example, tubes or vials with screw caps or flip-top closures (so-called Eppis) are common. Different holders or trays may also be used. Finally, microtiter plates are known to be used to analyze multiple samples. This complicates the automation of laboratory operations.

[0007] This problem can be solved with adaptive handling robots capable of handling a wide variety of objects. These robots can, for example, remove sample containers of various designs from a carrier, open them, and place them precisely and accurately in another location. These handling robots are known as collaborative robots or cobots and require no further explanation. They are adaptive robots that can be specifically tailored to particular requirements and tasks. However, collaborative robots have a limited operating range and can only exert limited force, as they work directly alongside a human operator.

[0008] Smaller and therefore less expensive handling robots have a limited operating radius. In particular, the space behind the robot is inaccessible to its handling arm. Within its operating radius, the robot can generally reach any location and exert a certain force on an object. For greater forces, such as when opening sample tubes, the object must be brought closer to the robot's base, as higher forces are possible there.

[0009] Due to the limited reach of such a typically one-armed robot, not all laboratory and testing equipment can be present at a single laboratory workstation. Therefore, each handling robot can only be assigned a specific selection of laboratory equipment. For more complex analyses, it is thus necessary to transport the sample tube to different workstations.

[0010] The sample tubes are usually held in carriers or trays, which facilitate handling. Even a full tray of filled sample tubes is very lightweight. It is therefore possible to transport such trays using unmanned aerial vehicles, so-called drones.

[0011] WO 2020 / 098 949 A1 discloses the use of drones for transporting sample containers or sample carriers. These drones transport the sample carrier from one workstation to another, eliminating the need for manual transport. The control system described in this document allows for collision-free operation even when multiple drones are used in a laboratory. WO 2017 / 041 145 A1 describes an automated loading system for a dispensing cabinet. The container is brought to the rear of the cabinet by a transport device and placed into the designated compartment via vertical and horizontal conveyors. This compartment is separately accessible from the front.

[0012] US 9,714,139 B1 concerns a storage arrangement in which items in containers are transported by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The containers are stored in storage columns, which can also be transported by an aircraft or a crane. Therefore, it is not necessary for the storage column to be accessible from the side. WO 2017 / 041 145 A1 describes an unmanned aerial vehicle for transporting items.

[0013] The problem here lies in the transfer of sample carriers from the drone to the workstation and vice versa. For fully automated laboratory operations, however, an automated transfer of sample carriers to and from the respective workstation is essential. Furthermore, care must be taken to ensure that the drones remain out of reach of human personnel to prevent injury.

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the objective of designing a shelving column of the type described above in such a way that it allows for the storage of laboratory containers as well as the transfer of laboratory containers to and from the shelving column. This should enable more efficient use of workspaces.

[0015] The problem is solved according to the invention by the fact that the shelving column can be mounted on a laboratory table such that at least one lower compartment is accessible to a handling robot mounted on or attached to the laboratory table in order to move the laboratory container located therein out of the compartment or to open the laboratory container located therein for removal or filling, and that the shelving column can be mounted between two adjacent handling robots such that both handling robots can reach at least one lower compartment, which is accessible from opposite sides by a handling robot each. Here, the advantage of the relatively slim and tall column becomes particularly clear. The shelving column accommodates a large number of laboratory containers on one side. On the other hand, it occupies very little space in the horizontal plane.The collaborative robot or handling robot positioned next to it can then easily grasp the laboratory container and its contents. Furthermore, a large area of ​​the lab bench within the handling robot's operating radius remains free, allowing for the arrangement of laboratory equipment and the like. This enables fully automated laboratory operation. The shelving unit is therefore designed like a high-bay warehouse, enabling the storage of multiple laboratory containers stacked on top of each other. The handling unit running alongside the shelving unit allows individual laboratory containers to be placed in and removed from their respective compartments.

[0016] The shelving unit therefore allows for the storage of several laboratory containers at a workstation until they are needed for the examination taking place there. The handling unit is designed so that a laboratory container can be removed from or inserted into the appropriately positioned transport device.

[0017] The handling unit can have a gripping fork that can be moved back and forth in the horizontal plane, similar to a forklift, which can be inserted under the laboratory container to lift and move it. It is advantageous for the laboratory container to have downward-facing projections on its base such that the gripping fork of the handling unit can fit underneath it to lift and move it horizontally.

[0018] Furthermore, the design stipulates that the gripping fork is positioned above the handling unit, so that when the handling unit is raised, only the gripping fork protrudes above the upper platform. This has the advantage that the upper platform forms the highest point of the rack column, and the gripping fork only extends slightly beyond it. The transport device can therefore be positioned on the rack column without obstruction, even when the handling unit is raised.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transport device is designed as an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0020] The upper platform of the shelf column then forms the landing site for this aircraft or drone.

[0021] The height of the shelving column is preferably dimensioned such that the upper platform is outside the danger zone for people. This allows drones or flying devices to operate even when human personnel are present in the laboratory without the risk of collision. The platform can be located, for example, at a height of 1.9 m to 2.7 m, and particularly 2.0 m to 2.4 m, above the floor. It can also be provided that a net is stretched across the platform area or that a suspended ceiling is installed in the laboratory to prevent any falling flying devices from endangering personnel or falling onto other work areas. The net or suspended ceiling has openings in the platform area to allow flying devices to land on the platform.

[0022] It can be arranged that the net is attached to the underside of the platform. This has the advantage that the net is held in place and does not sag as much.

[0023] Even though unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can land with relative precision, this accuracy is not always sufficient for the automated handling unit to remove the relevant laboratory container from or place it into the aircraft's receptacle. Even slight deviations can cause the laboratory container to become stuck and the aircraft to shift. This inevitably disrupts the process, requiring manual intervention.

[0024] It is therefore advisable that the aircraft, once landed, be secured, particularly horizontally. Furthermore, the landing must be possible in such a way that the aircraft, with or without the laboratory container, is oriented in a defined and reproducible position relative to the platform. This allows the handling unit to safely grasp or set down the laboratory container.

[0025] To this end, the invention proposes that upwardly pointing and conically tapered guide projections or downwardly tapered guide recesses be arranged on the upper platform, which interact with corresponding recesses or downwardly pointing projections on the aircraft to achieve a precise landing position. The guide projections or recesses and the recesses or projections can be designed as corresponding cones, truncated cones, or spherical segments. Only a conically tapered design is essential, so that the landing aircraft can be brought safely and automatically into a definite position.

[0026] These protrusions serve, firstly, to capture the aircraft hovering above the landing area or platform. It has been shown that achieving a stable and precise hover of such an aircraft over a specific location is extremely difficult. The presence of a downward-tapering conical protrusion on the aircraft, which engages in a corresponding, downward-tapering recess on the platform, allows for a rough positioning of the aircraft above the platform, such that initially the free ends of the protrusions are positioned over the openings of the associated recesses. As the aircraft is lowered further, the downward-pointing protrusions engage with the recesses. The aircraft can then be landed by reducing the rotor speed, with the conical shape ensuring precise positioning of the aircraft on the platform.For example, three or four interacting pairs of protrusions and recesses can be provided.

[0027] When the aircraft lands with its protrusions in the recesses, this positive fit also provides a certain resistance to horizontally acting forces. If the handling unit or its gripper fork gets caught on the loading container during removal, or if the loading container gets caught on the aircraft, this does not cause the aircraft to shift on the platform. Rather, a detectable resistance is generated, which may cause the handling unit to repeat the process with a slight change in the position of the laboratory container. Trouble-free operation is possible.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one guide projection or at least one guide recess and the associated recess or projection on the aircraft have cooperating electrical contact surfaces. This makes it possible to charge the battery for operating the aircraft in its landing position. The aircraft is in the landing position more often than it is flying. Furthermore, the distances are relatively short, so only a relatively small charging capacity is required to move the aircraft for these purposes. The battery can therefore be relatively small and thus lightweight. The payload capacity of the aircraft can thus be increased.

[0029] It can further be provided that at least one guide projection or at least one guide recess is magnetizable or designed as a magnet in order to interact with corresponding magnetic recesses or projections on the aircraft. This automatically attracts the aircraft as soon as it is in the correct position above the platform. It is then also held relatively firmly on the platform.

[0030] Preferably, the magnets on the platform are designed to be switchable, thus enabling easy launching of the aircraft from the platform. Alternatively, a switchable electromagnet with alternating polarity can be provided, such that a landing aircraft is attracted and a launching aircraft is repelled.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the shelf column can be mounted on a laboratory table in such a way that at least one lower compartment is accessible to a handling robot mounted on or at the laboratory table in order to move the laboratory container located therein out of the compartment or to open the laboratory container located therein for removal or filling.

[0032] During laboratory operation, the handling unit moves the laboratory container into a lower compartment. There, it must be held against horizontal forces to prevent it from being displaced by the handling robot during loading, opening, or closing. Therefore, the floor of at least this compartment is designed to have recesses that are aligned with the protrusions on the laboratory container and have a depth less than the height of the protrusions, allowing the gripper fork of the handling unit or robot to fit between the laboratory container and the compartment floor. The interacting protrusions and recesses in the floor create a counterweight against horizontal forces, thus enabling safe operation by the handling robot.

[0033] Typically, a single shelf column above the workbench is sufficient to hold enough laboratory containers for processing by the handling robot. For higher throughput or greater storage capacity, however, the shelf column can extend below the workbench. This also utilizes the otherwise unused space under the lab bench. The workbench must be modified with a corresponding recess to accommodate this.

[0034] The laboratory container must also meet specific requirements for automated laboratory operation and handling by a robot. In particular, the laboratory container must be designed so that it can be picked up and transported by an unmanned aerial vehicle. This means, especially, that it, including its load, must not be too heavy.

[0035] The invention therefore also relates to a laboratory container for a laboratory, in which sample tubes or laboratory supplies or carriers for and with sample tubes can be transported, and which is essentially cuboid in shape with a base and a lid as well as two opposing side walls. Such a closed container offers the advantage that the sample tubes and the like contained therein are well protected from environmental influences.

[0036] For use in a shelving unit according to the invention, it is proposed that the usable space of the laboratory container be accessible to a handling robot from two opposing side walls designed as access sides. This means that the laboratory container, in its stored position in a lower compartment of the shelving unit, is accessible to a handling robot from both sides.

[0037] For example, the access sides of the laboratory container can be designed with flaps that can be opened and closed by a handling robot. This allows a closed laboratory container to be placed in a shelf compartment of the shelving unit until it is moved to a lower shelf compartment for further processing. There, the laboratory container can be accessed from either side. Only the corresponding flap needs to be opened. This flap can be held closed by a lever or a rotary latch, both of which can be easily operated by a handling robot. Alternatively, magnets can be used to hold the flaps closed.The flaps are clearly visible from the outside when closed through an optical unit on the handling robot, so that labels can also be provided there to identify the transport container and its contents.

[0038] The advantage of such a laboratory container is that a single shelving unit can supply two workstations with materials, sample tubes, and the like. The handling robots are positioned on either side of the shelving unit and can access the same laboratory container independently. It is also possible for the access compartment of the shelving unit for one handling robot to be located above the access compartment for the other, with both access compartments within the respective robot's operating range. In this case, each workstation can be served by different laboratory containers.

[0039] This training is particularly advantageous when both workstations are to process the same samples consecutively. The relevant sample tube or carrier can then be easily passed through the laboratory container. No new handling techniques need to be learned, as for one handling robot it is a conventional process of placing the carrier or sample tube into the laboratory container, and for the other adjacent handling robot it is a conventional process of removing a carrier or sample tube. The carrier or sample tube can thus be transported from one workstation to the other without the need for an aircraft. Even extensive analyses can then be carried out sequentially in a row of workstations without significant time loss.

[0040] In any case, it is advisable for the base of the laboratory container to be designed as a liquid-tight tray. Alternatively or additionally, the base of the laboratory container can be lined with an absorbent fleece. Both measures will contain any liquids that may leak due to violent movement, improperly sealed sample tubes, or damaged sample tubes. This reliably prevents contamination of the laboratory by leaking liquids.

[0041] The sample tube holders are typically designed so that the tubes hang freely in a corresponding recess on the holder. A frame is provided on the underside, allowing the holder to be placed on a table without any further adjustments. Depending on the holder's design, guide rails may be present on the other, non-opening, opposite side walls of the laboratory container, on which at least one sample tube holder can be mounted. The holder can then be inserted into the laboratory container, for example, by a handling robot. Once inside, the tubes are securely held in place during transport by the closed flaps.

[0042] The laboratory container rests on a platform within the shelf compartment. According to the invention, downward-facing projections are provided on the underside of the base of the laboratory container, allowing it to stand at a distance from the platform such that a gripper fork of a handling unit or robot can fit underneath it to lift and move it horizontally. The handling unit or robot can then insert the gripper fork under the container, lift it, and move it out of the compartment.

[0043] Because the handling robot needs to perform actions on the flaps, the laboratory container, or its contents, it is necessary or advisable that it be fixed in its stationary position in the shelf compartment or in the aircraft's receptacle, at least horizontally. This creates a counter-support required for actuating, for example, a locking lever to open the flap. It should be noted that currently used handling robots are single-armed and therefore cannot hold the laboratory container in place. Without such a counter-support, it would move, interrupting the workflow.

[0044] It is therefore still advantageous if the base of the shelf compartment or a storage surface on the laboratory table or on the lid of a laboratory container has recesses that are aligned with the projections on the underside, such that several identical laboratory containers can be stacked on top of each other in a defined position. The recesses can be shallower than the height of the projections, allowing the gripper fork of a handling unit or robot to fit between two stacked laboratory containers or between the base of the shelf compartment and the laboratory container. This has the advantage that several laboratory containers can be stacked on top of each other for storage and removed by the handling robot. Furthermore, the interlocking of the downward-facing projections in the corresponding recesses provides the desired and necessary support in the horizontal plane.Finally, the laboratory containers are held in a defined position in the shelf compartment, in the receiving compartment of the aircraft and also on the laboratory table, so that the container cannot be moved.

[0045] For fully or at least partially automated laboratory operation, it is further necessary that the unmanned aerial vehicle used for transport purposes can be loaded and unloaded with the laboratory container by the handling unit of the shelving column or by the handling robot. Therefore, according to the invention, it is further proposed that the aircraft for transporting the laboratory containers have a receptacle into which the laboratory container fits. This receptacle is arranged below the aircraft and is designed as a compartment into which the laboratory container can be moved in and out of the horizontal plane by a handling unit or a handling robot when the aircraft has landed. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the laboratory container and its contents are not particularly heavy. It also does not necessarily have to be locked in the receptacle, since violent movements during flight do not generally occur.

[0046] This design of the receptacle on the underside of the aircraft creates an additional compartment on the platform of the shelving column when the aircraft has landed. This compartment can then be easily accessed by the handling unit as the uppermost compartment. Since the gripper fork is located above the drive unit of the handling unit, the vertical guide rail along which the handling unit moves up and down does not need to extend above the platform. It is sufficient for the gripper fork, in the highest position of the handling unit, to protrude just enough above the platform to fit under the laboratory container in order to move it. This slight elevation on the platform does not impede the aircraft's landing approach. Of course, it can also be arranged that the handling unit is only raised to its full height after the aircraft has landed.

[0047] The laboratory container is removed or placed in the compartment in the usual manner, just as the other shelf compartments are loaded.

[0048] Even though the weight of the laboratory container is usually sufficient to hold it in the holder and secure it against shifting, it is advisable for the base of the holder to have recesses into which the downward-facing protrusions of the laboratory container can engage. This ensures that the laboratory container is securely held in the holder and prevented from slipping.

[0049] Furthermore, it maintains a defined position within the receptacle, as required for automatic grasping by the handling unit. The aircraft then only needs to land on the platform in such a way that the receptacle forms the additional, and therefore uppermost, shelf compartment of the shelf column. For precise landing and alignment of the aircraft in the landing position, the invention provides that downwardly pointing and downwardly tapered projections or upwardly tapered recesses are located below the receptacle, which interact with corresponding guide recesses or upwardly pointing guide projections on the landing surface. It can be provided that the recesses or projections taper conically and are designed as cones, truncated cones, or spherical segments, which interact with correspondingly conical, truncated cone, or spherical segment-shaped guide projections or recesses on the landing surface.This allows for precise landing of the aircraft on the platform using simple means. Furthermore, the aircraft, and thus its mounting, is securely held in this position, enabling the handling unit to easily place the laboratory container into or remove it from the mounting.

[0050] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one recess or projection has electrical contact surfaces that interact with corresponding contact surfaces on the associated guide projection or recess in the landed position. This allows the aircraft's downtime to be used simultaneously for charging the batteries. The batteries can then be made correspondingly smaller. The empty weight is reduced, thus increasing the payload. The aircraft can therefore be built smaller overall. Instead of contact charging, contactless inductive charging can also be used.

[0051] It can also be advantageous if at least one projection or recess is made of magnetic material, interacting with magnetizable or magnetically designed guide recesses or projections on the landing pad. This assists the landing approach and the precise placement of the aircraft on the platform.

[0052] It can also be provided that the recesses are elastically mounted on the platform or aircraft. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the protrusions on the aircraft or platform are elastically mounted or designed to be elastic or spring-like. This enables a soft landing.

[0053] Furthermore, the platform, protrusions, and / or recesses on the aircraft or platform do not need to be fully formed. A grid-like design of the corresponding surfaces is sufficient to ensure safe landing and safe handling of the aircraft. A grid-like platform also does not impair lift, and no unwanted turbulence is created on the platform that could complicate the landing approach.

[0054] In principle, the laboratory containers can also be moved from one shelf column to another using mobile transport devices. These transport devices have a receptacle that can accommodate at least one laboratory container. The invention also relates to an arrangement of at least two shelf columns of the type described above. The shelf columns are positioned at a distance above the laboratory floor such that a transport device, capable of moving back and forth between two shelf columns and equipped with a receptacle for the laboratory container, can be positioned under the lowest shelf column in such a way that the receptacle is accessible from the handling unit. Two adjacent shelf columns can be connected to each other via rails. In this case, the transport device can be positioned under a shelf column without complex controls. There, it can be loaded and unloaded using the handling unit.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the platforms can be connected by a bridge connecting at least two adjacent rack columns. A mobile transport device travels back and forth on this bridge, featuring a receptacle for a laboratory container accessible from the respective handling unit of the rack column. Rails can also be provided on the bridge to simplify positioning the transport device. As with the aircraft, the receptacle is aligned with a further compartment above the platform and is therefore accessible from the handling unit.

[0056] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 the shelf column according to the invention in perspective view, Fig. 2 the side view of the shelf column according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 the top view of the shelf column according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 the front view of the shelf column according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 a workplace with a shelf column according to the invention, Fig. 6 a -c the laboratory container according to the invention in side view, front view and interior view, Fig. 7 in perspective view a laboratory container according to Fig. 6, and Fig. 8 the view of an aircraft according to the invention.

[0057] The shelf column 11 shown in the drawing has a substantially column-shaped base 12, which, in its assembled position, extends upright from the tabletop 13 of a laboratory table. In principle, however, the shelf column 11 can also extend upwards from the floor. At its lower end, the shelf column 11 rests on feet 14 or is anchored to the tabletop 13 or the floor. At its upper end, there is a platform 15, which serves as a landing pad for an unmanned aerial vehicle 16. In its assembled position, the platform 15 can have a height of approximately 2.5 m, so that it is located outside the danger zone for human personnel.

[0058] The base unit 12 contains several compartments 17, each of which can accommodate at least one laboratory container 18. A vertical conveyor 20, which can be moved up and down along the base unit, is located on the rear 19 or front side. The vertical conveyor 20 has a handling unit 21 with a horizontally movable gripping fork 22, which can grasp a laboratory container 18 standing in a compartment 17, lift it, and pull it out of the compartment 17 in order to transport it up or down next to the base unit 12.

[0059] Specifically, the arrangement is such that the gripping fork 21 is positioned at the upper end of the handling unit 21. This ensures that the top surface of the platform 15 remains flat and only the gripping fork protrudes above the level of the platform 15. A flying device 16 can then land on the platform 15 without obstruction.

[0060] Due to this geometry, there is a space below the lowest compartment 23 of the shelf column 11, above the tabletop 13 on which it stands. This lowest compartment 23 is designed as an access compartment for a handling robot 24, which is mounted next to the shelf column 11 on the laboratory table. The operating radius 25 of the handling robot 24, or rather its arrangement relative to the shelf column 11, is chosen such that the robot's gripper arm 26 can reach at least the lowest access compartment 23.

[0061] The handling robot 24 can be configured as a so-called collaborative robot, which is capable of learning and can autonomously perform certain work processes. It typically has a gripper arm 26, at the free end of which various tools 27 can be mounted for carrying out specific tasks. The robot itself can also change the tools. Such handling robots 24 are well-known and therefore require no further explanation.

[0062] Laboratory containers 18 are used for transporting, storing, and / or preserving sample material, such as sample tubes, sample tube holders, or laboratory equipment. The latter are not shown in the drawing. In the Fig. 6 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the laboratory container 18 is designed as a closed, cuboid box, which can be closed at its smaller end faces by flaps 28. The laboratory container 18 can have a length of 100 mm to 150 mm, a width of 80 mm to 110 mm, and a height of 80 mm to 110 mm. This makes it large enough to accommodate typical laboratory-grade sample tube holders.

[0063] The flaps 28 are preferably located on the shorter broad side. The flaps 28 can, for example, be hinged to the laboratory container 18 along their lower edge 29 and held in the closed position by rotatable or sliding levers 30. Such a lever 30 can be easily operated by a handling robot 24, allowing the handling robot 24 to open and close the laboratory container 18. After opening, the flap 28 remains in the open position, so that the interior 31 is also accessible by a single-armed handling robot 24. The interior 31 may contain receptacles 32 for the sample tube holders.

[0064] The base 33 of the laboratory container 18 can be designed as a tray, and / or an absorbent fleece can be laid on the base to absorb any liquid that may leak from the sample containers. Furthermore, downward-pointing projections 34 are provided under the base 33, upon which the laboratory container 18 rests, leaving a gap between the base 33 and a supporting surface. The gripping fork 22 of the handling unit 21 fits into this gap.

[0065] On the upper lid 35 of the laboratory container 18, there are recesses 36 which are aligned with the projections 34 under the base 33 and whose depth is less than the height of the projections 34. This allows several identical laboratory containers 18 to be stacked directly on top of each other with a gap between them, so that a grabber can still fit between two laboratory containers. The laboratory containers also achieve a defined and stable position relative to each other.

[0066] At least the base of the lower access compartment 23 of the shelf column 11 can also have such recesses 37 into which the projections 34 of the laboratory container 18 engage, leaving a gap between the shelf and the container base 33. The laboratory container 18 can still be grasped and moved with the gripper fork 22. Furthermore, the laboratory container 18 is held firmly in the horizontal plane on the shelf of the access compartment 23, so that the flaps 28 and the levers 30 can be easily operated by the handling robot without the laboratory container 18 being moved.

[0067] The illustrated laboratory container 18 has such a flap 28 on each of its opposite end faces. This allows access to the contents of the laboratory container from two sides. This enables the in Fig. 5 Laboratory setup shown, in which a shelf column 11 is arranged between two handling robots 24, 37.

[0068] The laboratory container 18 in the lowest access compartment 23 can be assigned to one handling robot 24, while the adjacent handling robot 37 is assigned a compartment above it, which is accessible to it and located on the opposite side of the shelf column. Furthermore, an access compartment, and thus the laboratory container 18 within it, can be accessible from both sides and therefore to both handling robots 24 and 37. In this case, the laboratory container can also serve as a pass-through through which a sample tube or carrier can be transferred from one workstation to the adjacent workstation.

[0069] The laboratory containers 18 are transported to the respective workstations and to the corresponding rack columns 11 by means of unmanned aerial vehicles 16. These remotely controlled aircraft or drones, designed for cargo transport, can land with sufficient accuracy even on the spatially limited platform 15. For automated operation, however, it is necessary that the aircraft assumes a precise landing position relative to the gripping fork 22 of the handling unit 21 of the rack column 11. Only then can the transported laboratory container 18 be gripped securely and safely.

[0070] Platform 15 has 38 recesses 39 on its free upper surface, into which corresponding downward-pointing projections 40 on the aircraft 16 can engage. Preferably, four recesses 39 are arranged around the landing area on platform 15. The aircraft 18 has four corresponding projections 40 on its underside. In the landed position, the projections 40 are engaged by the recesses 39, and the aircraft 18 assumes a precise and reproducible position on platform 15.

[0071] The aircraft 16 has, beneath its rotors 41, a space 42 for the control system and the batteries that power the rotors. For example, four or six rotors 41 can be provided, enabling stable flight.

[0072] Secondly, a receptacle 43 is located below the rotors 41, into which a laboratory container 18 fits. In the landed position, this receptacle lies like another compartment above the compartments 17 of the shelf column 11 and can be accessed by the handling unit 21 and its gripping fork 22. Therefore, when the aircraft 16 is landed, it is possible to load or unload it with a laboratory container.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 39 and the projections 40 are designed as cones. This also provides a landing aid, since the aircraft 16 only needs to hover approximately above the landing area such that the lower tips 44 of the cones 40 are located within the upper circular opening 45 of the recess 39. A precise landing can then be achieved by stopping or slowing down the rotors 41.

[0074] Furthermore, the cones 40 and the recesses 39 can have electrical contact surfaces on their facing sides, which make contact when the aircraft is landed. This allows the batteries to be charged in the landed position. The batteries therefore do not need to have a large capacity and can be correspondingly small. This makes the batteries lighter and increases the payload capacity of the aircraft 16.

[0075] The receptacle 43 can be designed as an open frame to save weight. It is advantageous if the base of the receptacle 43 is formed by two parallel crossbeams 46, which have recesses or openings 47 in the area of ​​the projections 34 of the laboratory containers 18, the diameter of which is smaller than the larger diameter of the conical projections 34. This creates a horizontal gap 48 between the crossbeam 46 and the base 33 of the laboratory container 18, into which the gripping fork 22 of the handling unit 21 of the rack column can engage in order to move the laboratory container 18 out of or into the receptacle 43.

[0076] Overall, these measures enable automated laboratory operations for sample analysis. The analyses themselves are carried out either by appropriate handling robots 24, 37 or by human personnel at the workstation. The samples are automatically transported there by drones and can be temporarily stored in the shelving unit 11 until processing.

Claims

[1] A shelf column (11) for laboratory containers (18) which are transported, placed and picked up by means of an unmanned transport device (16), which shelf column (11) has several compartments (17, 23) arranged one above the other, each of which can hold a laboratory container (11) that can be moved into and out of the compartment (17, 23) by means of a handling unit (21) that can be moved up and down along the shelf column (11), and which shelf column (11) has an upper horizontal platform (15) which is designed as a transfer point for the transport device (16) which can be positioned on the transfer point such that the receptacle (43) of the transport device (16) is aligned with a compartment (17, 23) of the shelf column (11), so that a laboratory container (18) can be moved from the handling unit (21) into or out of the receptacle (43) of the transport device (16), characterized by, that the shelf column can be mounted on a laboratory table such that at least one lower compartment (23) is accessible by a handling robot (24, 37) mounted on or at the laboratory table in order to move the laboratory container (18) contained therein out of the compartment (23) or to open the laboratory container (18) contained therein for removal or filling, and that the shelf column can be mounted between two adjacent handling robots (24, 37) such that both handling robots (24, 37) can reach at least one lower compartment (23) which is accessible from opposite sides by a handling robot (24, 37) each. [2] Shelf column according to claim 1, characterized by , that the handling unit (21) includes a gripping fork (22) for the laboratory container (18), which is arranged above the handling unit (21), so that when the handling unit (21) is in a raised position, only the gripping fork (22) protrudes above the upper platform (15). [3] Shelf column according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the unmanned transport device is an unmanned aircraft and the transfer point is designed as a landing site. [4] Shelf column according to claim 3, characterized by , that upwardly pointing guide projections or guide recesses (39) are arranged on the upper platform (15) which interact with corresponding recesses or downwardly pointing projections (40) on the aircraft (16) to effect an exact landing position. [5] Shelf column according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the guide projections or guide depressions (39) and the depressions or projections (40) are formed as corresponding cones or truncated cones. [6] Shelf column according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by, that at least one guide projection or guide recess has two electrical contact surfaces that interact with electrical contact surfaces on at least one guide recess or guide projection associated with it or with it, or at least two guide projections or guide recesses and the associated recesses or projections on the aircraft have interacting electrical contact surfaces. [7] Shelf column according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by that at least one guiding projection or at least one guiding recess is magnetizable or designed as a magnet in order to interact with corresponding magnetic recesses or projections on the aircraft. [8] Shelf column according to claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the floor of at least the compartments (23) accessible by the handling robots has recesses (37) which are in line with the corresponding projections (34) on the laboratory container (18) and have a depth that is less than the height of the projections, so that the gripping fork (22) of the handling unit (21) or of the handling robot (24, 37) fits between the laboratory container (18) and the floor of the compartment (17, 23). [9] Shelf column according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that their height is such that the upper platform (15) is outside the danger zone for persons. [10] Shelf column according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that it extends to below the tabletop (12). [11] Arrangement of at least two shelf columns according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized bythat the shelf columns end at such a distance above the floor of the laboratory that a transport device that can be moved back and forth between two shelf columns and has a receptacle for the laboratory container can be positioned under the lowest compartment in such a way that the receptacle is accessible from the handling unit. [12] Arrangement according to claim 11, characterized by that two adjacent shelf columns are connected to each other via rails. [13] Arrangement of at least two shelf columns according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the platforms are connected to at least two adjacent shelf columns via a bridge on which a mobile transport device moves back and forth, which has a receptacle for a laboratory container that is accessible from the respective handling unit of the shelf column.

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