Coupling device, housing and analysis system

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device (200) for coupling an analyzer (105) and a further analyzer and / or an additional analyzer for an analyzer system. The coupling device (200) has a lateral coupling element (205) and additionally or alternatively a vertical coupling element (600). The lateral coupling element (205) forms a first rail and a second rail. The first rail is designed to engage in a recess on the underside of a housing of the analyzer (105). The second rail is designed to engage in a recess on the underside of a housing of the additional analyzer in order to couple the analyzer (105) and the additional analyzer to each other in a positive-locking and / or force-locking manner.The vertical coupling element (600) forms a projection on its upper side to engage in a projection-receiving recess of a housing of an additional analyzer in order to couple the analyzer (105) and the additional analyzer to each other in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device, a housing and an analysis device system according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0002] An analytical instrument system can consist of several analytical instruments. To securely connect the analytical instruments, at least one suitable coupling unit should be provided. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] Against this background, the approach presented here introduces a coupling device, a housing, and an analysis device system according to the main claims. Advantageous further developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim are possible through the measures listed in the dependent claims.

[0004] The advantages achievable with the approach presented here consist in particular of creating a coupling device that can enable reliable coupling of at least two analyzers for an analyzer system.

[0005] A coupling device for connecting an analyzer to another analyzer and / or an additional analyzer for an analyzer system is presented. The coupling device comprises a lateral coupling element and, additionally or alternatively, a vertical coupling element. The lateral coupling element forms a first rail and a second rail. The first rail is designed to engage in a recess on the underside of the analyzer housing. The second rail is designed to engage in a recess on the underside of the additional analyzer housing, thus coupling the analyzer and the additional analyzer to each other by positive locking and / or friction locking.The vertical coupling element forms a protrusion on its upper side to engage in a protrusion-receiving recess of a housing of an additional analyzer, in order to couple the analyzer and the additional analyzer to each other in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0006] The analyzers can be compact devices for molecular diagnostics. Each analyzer can accommodate a cartridge. The cartridge can be a familiar lab-on-a-chip cartridge, which can be used, for example, to analyze a patient sample as a fluid. The cartridge can also include a microfluidic network for processing fluids. The analyzer system can comprise at least two analyzers, which can be coupled to each other using a coupling device, either positively or non-positively. The lateral coupling element can couple the analyzer and the other analyzer in parallel, while the vertical coupling element can couple the analyzer and the additional analyzer one above the other. The lateral coupling element and / or the vertical coupling element can be molded in one piece and manufactured, for example, using injection molding.

[0007] The approach presented here allows for the robust and well-defined arrangement of multiple analytical instruments, also known as analyzers, in at least two rows, one above the other, in a well-defined orientation relative to each other, for example, in a minimum configuration of 2x2. Furthermore, the approach presented here can also be used to ensure that only one row of analytical instruments is regularly aligned. This approach can also be understood as a stacking system for analytical instruments, which can also be referred to as laboratory instruments.

[0008] In other words, in point-of-care settings such as hospitals or laboratories, floor space for analytical instruments can be very limited, making it a crucial factor in purchasing decisions. A coupling device can address this by allowing multiple analytical instruments to be set up in parallel and / or aligned uniformly, for example, with regard to spacing in depth, width, and rotation angle. To minimize and optimize floor space, users can stack analytical instruments without the need for additional shelving.

[0009] The rails can be aligned parallel to each other. The lateral coupling element can thus be designed to couple the analyzer and the other analyzer in parallel to each other. The lateral coupling element can, for example, be designed as a parallel aligner.

[0010] The vertical coupling element can be configured to couple the analyzer and the additional analyzer one above the other. In particular, the vertical coupling element can be configured as a depth stop element.

[0011] The first rail can have a first locking element. This first locking element can be designed to engage in a groove in the housing of the analyzer. Additionally or alternatively, the second rail can have a second locking element. This second locking element can be designed to engage in a groove in the housing of the other analyzer. In this way, a secure and reliable coupling of the lateral coupling element to the analyzer and the other analyzer is ensured. Furthermore, the lateral coupling element can be manually removed from the grooves.

[0012] The first locking element can be located on the side of the first rail facing the second rail. Additionally or alternatively, the second locking element can be located on the side of the second rail facing the first rail.

[0013] The structure can be shaped like a pylon. This can enable a secure and reliable coupling of the vertical coupling element to the additional analyzer.

[0014] The vertical coupling element can form a clamping element to engage in a recess on a side wall of the analyzer housing. Additionally or alternatively, the clamping element can be formed on the opposite side of the vertical coupling element from the protrusion. In particular, the clamping element can be U-shaped. This can enable a secure and reliable coupling of the vertical coupling element to the analyzer.

[0015] The vertical coupling element can form a projection on its upper side, opposite the clamping element. This projection can be designed to engage in a groove in the analyzer housing. This can ensure a secure and reliable coupling of the vertical coupling element to the analyzer.

[0016] The vertical coupling element can be at least partially tapered on the side of the projection opposite the clamping element to allow for manual removal of the vertical coupling element from the analyzer. This enables a user to remove the vertical coupling element from the analyzer easily and quickly.

[0017] A housing for an analytical instrument has a lateral receiving recess for receiving at least one rail of the lateral coupling element of an embodiment of a coupling device mentioned herein, and at least one vertical receiving recess for receiving at least one clamping element and / or a projection of the vertical coupling element of an embodiment of a coupling device mentioned herein. The lateral receiving recess can, for example, be formed as a depression to receive the first rail of the lateral coupling element. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral receiving recess can, for example, be formed as a groove to receive the first locking element of the lateral coupling element. The vertical receiving recess can, for example, be formed as a groove to receive the projection of the vertical coupling element.Additionally or alternatively, the vertical receiving recess can, for example, be shaped as a recess to accommodate the clamping element of the vertical coupling element.

[0018] An analysis system comprises an embodiment of a coupling device described herein. The analysis system includes an analysis device and / or a further analysis device and / or an additional analysis device, which are coupled and / or can be coupled to one another by means of at least the lateral coupling element and / or the vertical coupling element. This enables a secure arrangement of the analysis devices. The analysis device and the further analysis device can, for example, be arranged parallel to one another by means of the lateral coupling element. The analysis device and the additional analysis device can, for example, be arranged one above the other by means of the vertical coupling element.

[0019] Examples of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1. A representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis instrument system; Fig. 2 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 3 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 4 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 5 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 6 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 7 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 8 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 9 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 10 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 11 a representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis system; Fig. 12 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 13 a representation of an embodiment of a coupling device; Fig. 14 a representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis system; Fig. 15 a representation of an embodiment of an analysis system; and Fig. 16 a representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis system.

[0020] In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and acting similarly, without repeating these elements.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an analysis system 100.

[0022] The analyzer system 100 includes one analyzer 105, another analyzer 110, and optionally an additional analyzer 115 and a fourth analyzer 120.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the analyzer 105 and the further analyzer 110 are arranged parallel to each other. The additional analyzer 115 and the fourth analyzer 120 are, for example, arranged parallel to each other, with the additional analyzer 115 arranged above the analyzer 105 and the fourth analyzer 120 arranged above the further analyzer 110.

[0024] The analyzers 105, 110, 115, 120 are coupled to each other by means of a coupling device, the coupling device being in Fig. Figure 1 is not visible. The coupling device has a lateral coupling element and a vertical coupling element. For example, the lateral coupling element couples the analyzer 105 and the additional analyzer 110 in parallel. The vertical coupling element couples the analyzer 105 and the additional analyzer 115 one above the other. Additionally or alternatively, the additional analyzer 115 and the fourth analyzer 120 are coupled in parallel by means of another lateral coupling element. Additionally or alternatively, the additional analyzer 110 and the fourth analyzer 120 are coupled one above the other by means of another vertical coupling element. The coupling device is shown and described in more detail in the following figures.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is designed to couple one analytical instrument and another analytical instrument, for example the one described in Fig. 1 analytical instruments shown.

[0026] The coupling device 200 includes a lateral coupling element 205, which can also be referred to as a parallel aligner. The lateral coupling element 205 is, for example, formed in one piece.

[0027] The lateral coupling element 205 forms a first rail 210 and a second rail 215, wherein the rails 210, 215 are aligned parallel to each other, for example.

[0028] The first rail 210 is designed to engage in a recess on the underside of a housing of the analyzer, as shown only by way of example in Fig. 15 and / or Fig. Figure 16 shows that the second rail 215 is designed to engage in a recess on the underside of a housing of the further analysis device, as shown only by way of example in Figure 16. Fig. 15 and / or Fig. Figure 16 shows that the lateral coupling element 205 couples the analyzer and the other analyzer together in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first rail 210 has a first locking element 220. The first locking element 220 is, for example, arranged on one side of the first rail 210 facing the second rail 215.

[0030] The first locking element 220 is designed, for example, to engage in a groove in the housing of the analyzer. The second rail 215 has a second locking element, which is not visible in the view shown here. The second locking element is designed to engage in a groove in the housing of the other analyzer. For this purpose, the second locking element is arranged, for example, on one side of the second rail 215 facing the first rail 210.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the lateral coupling element 205 has a surface 225 between the rails 210, 215 which is designed to create a distance between the analysis devices.

[0032] In other words, the lateral coupling element 205 engages with a rail 210, 215 in a recess on the underside of an analyzer, so that the two undersides and thus the two analyzers are aligned parallel to each other with a gap of predetermined width between them.

[0033] The rails 210, 215 preferably have locking elements 220 on their inner side, or optionally alternatively on their outer side. These locking elements can also be described as elongated projections. The locking elements 220 are designed, for example, to engage in a groove in the housing of the analyzer, allowing for a clip connection between the respective rail 210, 215 and the analyzer. The locking elements 220 are designed, for example, with recesses on the inner side and, due to the material of the rail 210, 215, as spring elements made of plastic. This prevents the lateral coupling element 205 from falling out.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the rails 210, 215 are, for example, designed to be long, thereby reducing tolerances for the angle of rotation between the analysis devices.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is similar to or corresponds to the coupling device from Fig. 2 except that a side view of the coupling device 200 is shown.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is similar to or corresponds to the coupling device from one of the figures described above, except that a bottom view of the coupling device 200 is shown.

[0037] Shown are the first locking element 220 and the second locking element 400.

[0038] Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is similar to or corresponds to the coupling device from one of the figures described above, except that a section through the coupling device 200 is shown.

[0039] Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is designed to couple an analyzer and an additional analyzer, for example, the one described in Fig. 1 analytical instruments shown.

[0040] The coupling device 200 has a vertical coupling element 600, which can also be called a depth stop.

[0041] The vertical coupling element 600 forms a protrusion 605 on a top surface, the protrusion 605 being shaped, for example, as a pylon.

[0042] The projection 605 is designed to engage in a projection receiving recess of a housing of an additional analyzer in order to couple the analyzer and the additional analyzer to each other in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, as shown only by way of example in Fig. 13 is shown.

[0043] The vertical coupling element 600 is designed, for example, to couple the analyzer and the additional analyzer one above the other, as shown only by way of example in Fig. Figure 1 shows that, according to one embodiment, the vertical coupling element 600 has a square base.

[0044] The vertical coupling element 600, for example, forms a clamping element 610 to engage in a recess on a side wall of the housing of the analyzer, as shown only by way of example in Fig. Figure 13 shows the clamping element 610, for example, which is U-shaped.

[0045] The vertical coupling element 600 prevents relative movement of two superimposed analyzers along the direction of the rails by means of the clamping element 610, which can also be referred to as a clamp, engaging at the upper end of the rear of the lower analyzer, and the projection 605, which engages in the additional analyzer, which can also be referred to as the upper analyzer, and which is located on the top of the vertical coupling element 600.

[0046] In other words, the vertical coupling element 600 comprises the clamping element 610, with the projection 605 for engaging a recess on the underside of an analyzer being located on the upper side of the vertical coupling element 600, which can also be referred to as the upper clamping arm. The clamping element 610, which can also be referred to as the lower clamping arm, engages in a recess in the upper region of the rear of the analyzer, which can also be referred to as the bottom analyzer. The vertical coupling element 600 forms a projection, see Fig. 7, for locking the vertical coupling element 600 in the aforementioned recess in the upper area of ​​the rear of the analyzer. The clamping element 610, for example, has a projection on the inside, see Fig. 7, which engages in a recess in the top of the analyzer and, when the clamping element 610 is subjected to load by the additional analyzer, prevents the clamping element 610 from being pulled out of the back of the analyzer.

[0047] The vertical coupling element 600 has a tapered section at its tip to form a gap or tab in the area of ​​the tapered section between the upper clamp arm and the top of the analyzer, in which, for example, a fingernail can be used to remove the vertical coupling element 600 from the analyzer, see Fig. 9. When the additional analyzer is in place, this gap or tab is practically inaccessible.

[0048] A recess 615 in the vertical coupling element 600 has no functional significance, but is necessary for demolding in the injection molding tool.

[0049] The vertical coupling element 600 prevents the additional analyzer from shifting backwards, especially due to backward pressure during device use, for example when inserting a cartridge.

[0050] The use of at least two vertical coupling elements 600 and the connection of two analyzers with a lateral coupling element ensures that the upper analyzers no longer twist.

[0051] Fig. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is similar to or corresponds to the coupling device from Fig. 6 except that a side view of the coupling device 200 is shown.

[0052] The 700 projection is designed to engage in a groove in the housing of the analyzer, see Fig. 13.

[0053] Fig. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is similar to or corresponds to the coupling device from Fig. 7, except that a further side view of the coupling device 200 is shown.

[0054] Fig. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is similar to or corresponds to the coupling device from one of the figures described above, except that a bottom view of the coupling device 200 is shown.

[0055] Adjacent to the projection 700, the vertical coupling element 600 is at least partially tapered in order to allow the vertical coupling element 600 to be manually removed from the analyzer.

[0056] Fig. Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is similar to or corresponds to the coupling device from one of the figures described above, except that the coupling device 200 is arranged on an analyzer 105 or on a housing 1005 of the analyzer 105.

[0057] The coupling device 200 comprises the lateral coupling element 205, the vertical coupling element 600 and optionally another lateral coupling element 1000.

[0058] The vertical coupling element 600 is arranged on a top side of the analyzer 105 and is designed to couple the analyzer 105 with an additional analyzer.

[0059] The lateral coupling element 205 is arranged with the first rail on a bottom side of the analyzer 105 and is designed to couple the analyzer 105 with another analyzer.

[0060] Optionally, the additional lateral coupling element 1000 is arranged on a top side of the analyzer 105 and designed to laterally couple a second level to it and, for example, to align it with the lower level including the analyzer 105 via the vertical coupling element 600.

[0061] Fig. Figure 11 shows an embodiment of an analysis system 100. The analysis system 100 is similar to or corresponds to the analysis system from Fig. 1 except that the coupling device 200 is arranged on the analyzer 105 and on the further analyzer 110.

[0062] The analyzers 105 and 110 are shown only as examples. The coupling device 200 has the lateral coupling element (not visible here), the vertical coupling element 600, optionally the additional lateral coupling element 1000, and optionally another vertical coupling element 1100. The additional lateral coupling element 1000 is, for example, arranged on the housings 1005 and 1105 of the analyzers 105 and 110.

[0063] The additional vertical coupling element 1100 is, for example, arranged on a top side of the additional analyzer 110 and is designed to couple a fourth analyzer to the additional analyzer 110.

[0064] In other words, a minimum configuration of 2x2 analyzers can be achieved by using two vertical coupling elements 600, 1100 and two lateral coupling elements 1000, see also Fig. 1. The use of only the lateral coupling elements 1000 enables a simple series of analyzers of any length with equal gap widths.

[0065] Fig. Figure 12 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is similar to or corresponds to the coupling device from one of the figures described above, except that the coupling device 200 is shown before use on an analyzer 105.

[0066] More precisely, a sectional view of the analyzer 105 and the vertical coupling element 600 is shown. The projection 700 is designed to engage in the groove 1200 and the clamping element 610 is designed to engage in the recess 1205.

[0067] Fig. Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 200. The coupling device 200 is similar to or corresponds to the coupling device from Fig. 12, except that the coupling device 200 couples the analyzer 105 and the additional analyzer 115 together.

[0068] The projection 700 is arranged in the groove 1200 and the clamping element 610 is arranged in the recess 1205. The protrusion 605 engages in a protrusion receiving recess 1300 of the additional analysis device 115.

[0069] Fig. Figure 14 shows an embodiment of an analysis system 100. The analysis system 100 is similar to or corresponds to the analysis system 100 from Fig. 1.

[0070] More precisely, a partial view of the analyzer system 100 is shown. The additional analyzer 115 is coupled to the analyzer 105 by means of the vertical coupling element 600. The analyzer 105 and the further analyzer 110 are coupled by means of the lateral coupling element, which is not visible here. The further vertical coupling element 1100 is arranged on the further analyzer 110; this element is designed to couple the further analyzer 110 to a fourth analyzer, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0071] Fig. Figure 15 shows an embodiment of an analysis system 100. The analysis system 100 is similar to or corresponds to the analysis system shown in one of the figures described above, except that a bottom view of the analysis system 100 is shown. More precisely, a bottom view of the analysis device 105 and the further analysis device 110 is shown, wherein the coupling device 200, more precisely the lateral coupling element 205, couples the analysis devices 105 and 110 to each other.

[0072] Fig. Figure 16 shows an embodiment of an analysis system 100. The analysis system 100 is similar to or corresponds to the analysis system from Fig. 15, except that a section through the analyzer system 100 is shown.

[0073] The first rail 210 of the lateral coupling element 205 and the first locking element 220 engage in the housing 1005 of the analyzer 105. More precisely, the first rail 210 engages in a recess 1600 on the underside of the housing 1005 of the analyzer 105, and the first locking element 220 engages in a groove 1610 on the underside of the housing 1005 of the analyzer 105. The second rail 215 and the second locking element 400 engage in the housing 1105 of the other analyzer 110. More precisely, the second rail 215 engages in a recess 1605 on the underside of the housing 1105 of the further analyzer 110 and the second locking element 400 engages in a groove 1615 on the underside of the housing 1105 of the further analyzer 110.

[0074] If an embodiment includes an “and / or” connection between a first feature and a second feature, this is to be read as meaning that the embodiment according to one embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature, and according to another embodiment either only the first feature or only the second feature.

Claims

[1] Coupling device (200) for coupling an analyzer (105) and another analyzer (110) and / or an additional analyzer (115) for an analyzer system (100), wherein the coupling device (200) has at least one of the following features: a lateral coupling element (205) forming a first rail (210) and a second rail (215), wherein the first rail (210) is configured to engage in a lateral receiving recess, in particular a depression (1600), on a bottom surface of a housing (1005) of the analyzer (105), and wherein the second rail (215) is configured to engage in a lateral receiving recess, in particular a depression (1605), on a bottom surface of a housing (1105) of the further analyzer (110) in order to couple the analyzer (105) and the further analyzer (110) to each other in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner; and / or a vertical coupling element (600) which forms a projection (605) on a top side to engage in a projection receiving recess (1300) of a housing of an additional analyzer (115) in order to couple the analyzer (105) and the additional analyzer (115) to each other in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. [2] Coupling device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the rails (210, 215) are aligned parallel to each other. [3] Coupling device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first rail (210) has a first locking element (220), wherein the first locking element (220) is designed to engage in a groove (1610) of the housing (1005) of the analyzer (105) and / or wherein the second rail (215) has a second locking element (400), wherein the second locking element (400) is designed to engage in a groove (1615) of the housing (1105) of the further analyzer (110). [4] Coupling device (200) according to claim 3, wherein the first locking element (220) is arranged on one side of the first rail (210) facing the second rail (215) and / or wherein the second locking element (400) is arranged on one side of the second rail (215) facing the first rail (210). [5] Coupling device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical coupling element (600) is configured to couple the analyzer (105) and the additional analyzer (115) one above the other, in particular wherein the vertical coupling element (600) is configured as a depth stop element. [6] Coupling device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (605) is formed as a pylon. [7] Coupling device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical coupling element (600) forms a clamping element (610) to engage in a vertical receiving recess (1205), in particular recess (1205) on a side wall of the housing (1005) of the analyzer (105) and / or wherein the clamping element (610) is formed on a side of the vertical coupling element (600) opposite the protrusion (605), in particular wherein the clamping element (610) is U-shaped. [8] Coupling device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical coupling element (600) forms a projection (700) on its upper side opposite the clamping element (610), which is designed to engage in a vertical receiving recess, in particular a groove (1200) of the housing (1005) of the analyzer (105). [9] Coupling device (200) according to claim 8, wherein the vertical coupling element (600) is at least partially tapered on a side of the projection (700) opposite the clamping element (610) in order to manually remove the vertical coupling element (600) from the analyzer (105). [10] Housing (1005) for an analyzer (105) with a lateral receiving recess (1600, 1610) for receiving at least one rail (210, 215) of the lateral coupling element (205) of a coupling device (200) according to one of the preceding claims and / or with at least one vertical receiving recess (1200, 1205) for receiving at least one clamping element (610) and / or a projection (700) of the vertical coupling element (600) of the coupling device (200) according to one of the preceding claims. [11] Analysis system (100) with a coupling device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the analysis system (100) - comprising an analyzer (105) and another analyzer (110) which are coupled and / or can be coupled to each other by at least the lateral coupling element (205) and / or comprising an analyzer (105) and an additional analyzer (115) which are coupled and / or can be coupled to each other by at least the vertical coupling element (600).

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