Heating device for a microfluidic analysis device for analyzing a sample, method for operating a heating device and microfluidic analysis device

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating device (120) for a microfluidic analysis device (100) for the analysis of a specimen, the heating device (120) being formed such that it can be coupled to a microfluidic cartridge (105) which can be inserted into the microfluidic analysis device (100) and contains the specimen. The heating device (120) has at least one heating cartridge (200) and at least one heat conducting element (300). The heating cartridge (200) is housed in the heat conducting element (300) and is additionally or alternatively in thermal contact with the heat conducting element. The heat conducting element (300) is designed to conduct heat from the heating cartridge (200) via the heat conducting element to the microfluidic cartridge (105).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title a sample

[0003] State of the art

[0004] The invention relates to a heating device for a microfluidic analysis device for analyzing a sample, a method for operating a heating device, and a microfluidic analysis device according to the preamble of the independent claims. The present invention also relates to a computer program.

[0005] To analyze a patient sample, the sample's DNA must be amplified using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This is done using several temperature steps. In this process, several chambers on the cartridge are heated to different temperatures. For this purpose, it is advantageous for the analyzer to provide heating elements that are thermally contacted to the corresponding points on the cartridge to heat these chambers.

[0006] Disclosure of the invention

[0007] Against this background, the approach presented here provides an improved heating device for a microfluidic analysis device for analyzing a sample, an improved method for operating a heating device, and an improved microfluidic analysis device according to the main claims. The measures listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous refinements and improvements of the device specified in the main claims.

[0008] The concept presented here enables reliable heat transfer to a microfluidic cartridge.

[0009] A heating device for a microfluidic analysis device for analyzing a sample is presented. The heating device is designed to be coupled to a microfluidic cartridge that can be inserted into the microfluidic analysis device and contains the sample. The heating device has at least one heating cartridge and at least one conductive heating element. The heating cartridge is accommodated in the conductive heating element and additionally or alternatively thermally contacted with the conductive heating element. The conductive heating element is designed or configured to conduct heat from the heating cartridge via the conductive heating element to the microfluidic cartridge.

[0010] A microfluidic analysis system, also called a lab-on-chip (LoC for short), referred to here as a microfluidic analysis device, can enable, for example, automated, reliable, fast, compact, and cost-effective processing of patient samples for medical diagnostics. By combining a variety of operations for the controlled manipulation of fluids, complex molecular diagnostic test sequences can be performed in a microfluidic device, which is also referred to as a lab-on-chip cartridge or microfluidic cartridge. The processing of the microfluidic cartridge and the analysis of the sample can take place in a compact analysis device, the microfluidic analysis device. Different types of microfluidic analysis systems are known, which can also be referred to as lab-on-chip platforms or lab-on-chip systems.Such lab-on-chip platforms pursue diverse technological approaches to provide microfluidic operations. The microfluidic analysis device can be used, for example, for research purposes and additionally or alternatively in the diagnostic field. The heating cartridge can be formed with a small surface area, allowing multiple heating devices in the microfluidic analysis device to be constructed in the same way, thus also exploiting scaling effects. The heating cartridge is designed to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The heating cartridge can be an electric heating rod or an electric heater. In this case, the heating cartridge can be a simple heating cartridge with an electrical heating resistor, for example, for a 3D printer, which can save manufacturing costs.In this context, a heat-conducting element can be understood as a component designed to conduct heat from the heating cartridge to the cartridge. The heating cartridge can be mechanically detachably received by the heat-conducting element. In other words, the heating cartridge and the heat-conducting element are preferably detachably connected to one another. For example, the heat-conducting element can be in the form of a sleeve into which the heating cartridge can be accommodated.

[0011] The heating element can have a small heating surface, which can enable local heating of the microfluidic cartridge with less crosstalk to neighboring microfluidic cartridges. Peltier elements for active cooling, for example, are no longer required in this case. The small contact surfaces of the heating element can compensate for possible cartridge topology errors and are only lightly pressed against, significantly reducing the force required for pressing. This can ensure better force distribution on the microfluidic cartridge. This results in reliable thermal contact. The feed mechanism of the heating element, which can also be referred to as the actual heater on the cartridge, is thus significantly simplified.

[0012] The approach presented here can be understood as a heater contact and can enable mechanical and thermal contacting of at least one heating cartridge in a microfluidic analysis device without active positioning, as well as the integration of a temperature sensor. The approach presented here can be used in the deployment and adaptation of heating elements or heating cartridges on surfaces to be heated. According to one embodiment, the heating cartridge can be cylindrically shaped and have at least one side wall and at least one end face. The heat-conducting element can be arranged on the end face of the heating cartridge and additionally or alternatively at least partially on the side wall of the heating cartridge. Thus, the heating device can be installed in the microfluidic analysis device in a space-saving manner and individually depending on the installation position.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, a longitudinal direction of the heating cartridge can be arranged substantially parallel or orthogonal to a side surface of the microfluidic cartridge when the microfluidic cartridge is inserted. Advantageously, the heating device can be installed in the microfluidic analysis device in a space-saving manner. A parallel arrangement of the heating cartridge can advantageously minimize the distance between the side surface of the microfluidic cartridge and the heating cartridge, especially if the heat is generated preferentially in the center of the heating cartridge.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the heat-conducting element can be designed to bridge a gap between the heating cartridge and the microfluidic cartridge when the microfluidic cartridge is inserted into the heating device. This advantageously improves direct heat transfer from the heating cartridge to the microfluidic cartridge.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the heating device can have at least one spring element. The spring element can be configured to exert pressure on the heating cartridge and additionally or alternatively on the heat-conducting element in order to contact the heat-conducting element with the microfluidic cartridge. This advantageously enables reliable contact between the heat-conducting element and the microfluidic cartridge in a simple and quick manner. The heating device can thus be pressed against the microfluidic cartridge automatically, solely by spring force, without any active components.

[0016] Advantageously, the spring element simplifies the device because motors and guides are no longer required, thus saving costs. According to a further embodiment, the spring element can be designed as a spiral spring, a leaf spring, a disc spring, a leg spring, or a flat spring. Additionally or alternatively, the spring element can be configured to exert a spring force on the heating element substantially perpendicular to a direction of insertion of the microfluidic cartridge into the heating device. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of being able to use a simple yet very efficient and effective means for establishing secure thermal contact between the heating element or the heating device and the microfluidic cartridge.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the heating device can have a housing. The spring element can be supported on an inner wall of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the spring element can be preloaded by means of a thread and additionally or alternatively with a nut. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of being able to effectively protect the heating device from environmental influences and, on the other hand, of being able to provide the spring element with a defined support surface for a force acting in a desired direction.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the heating device can have a slide element that can rest against the heating element when the heating device is at rest. The slide element can be designed to be pushed away from the heating element upon insertion of the microfluidic cartridge in order to release thermal and, additionally or alternatively, mechanical contact between the heating element and the microfluidic cartridge. This advantageously enables reliable and cost-effective pre-tensioning of the heating element. The heating element can be directly pre-tensioned by a user upon insertion of the microfluidic cartridge into the microfluidic analysis device. In this case, an end face of the microfluidic cartridge can directly push the heating element apart, resulting in the pre-tensioning.The slide element, which can also be referred to as a guide plate, can enable cartridge insertion that is comfortable and smooth for customers. According to a further embodiment, the heating element can have a bevel on at least one end face. This advantageously enables pre-tensioning of the heating element in a reliable and cost-effective manner. According to a further embodiment, the heating device can have a temperature sensor that can be arranged on the heating element. This advantageously allows a temperature of the heating device to be tapped and, for example, controlled in a cost-effective manner. The temperature sensor can, for example, be plugged into the heating element, glued, or otherwise fastened via form, force, or material connection. The temperature sensor can, in particular, comprise a thermal paste for contacting the heating element and / or the heating cartridge.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the heating device can have a further heating cartridge and a further heat-conducting element. The further heating cartridge can be accommodated in the further heat-conducting element and additionally or alternatively be thermally contacted with the further heat-conducting element. The further heat-conducting element can be designed to conduct heat from the further heating cartridge via the further heat-conducting element to the microfluidic cartridge. For example, the further heat-conducting element can be arranged opposite the heat-conducting element, so that the microfluidic cartridge is also arranged between the heat-conducting element and the further heat-conducting element. Such an embodiment of the approach proposed here offers the advantage of being able to hold the microfluidic cartridge securely, on the one hand, and of being able to introduce heat very precisely into a specific position in the microfluidic cartridge, on the other.

[0020] Also presented is a method for operating an embodiment of a heating device mentioned herein, which comprises a step of activating a heating cartridge to conduct heat from the heating cartridge through the heating element into the microfluidic cartridge.

[0021] This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware, or in a hybrid form of software and hardware, for example, in a control unit. The approach presented here further creates a control unit configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a control unit also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0022] For this purpose, the control unit can have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or an actuator for reading sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting control signals to the actuator, and / or at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The computing unit can be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, or the like, wherein the memory unit can be a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a magnetic storage unit.The communication interface can be designed to read in or output data wirelessly and / or wired, wherein a communication interface that can read in or output wired data can read this data, for example, electrically or optically from a corresponding data transmission line or output it to a corresponding data transmission line.

[0023] In this context, a control unit can be understood as an electrical device that processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals depending on them. The control unit can have an interface that can be implemented in hardware and / or software. In a hardware implementation, the interfaces can, for example, be part of a so-called system ASIC, which contains a wide variety of functions of the control unit. However, it is also possible for the interfaces to be separate integrated circuits or to consist at least partially of discrete components. In a software implementation, the interfaces can be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.A microfluidic analysis device for analyzing a sample has an embodiment of a heating device mentioned herein and an embodiment of a control device mentioned herein, in particular wherein the microfluidic analysis device has an evaluation unit for analyzing a sample arranged in the microfluidic cartridge.

[0024] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and is used to carry out, implement and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above, in particular when the program product or program is executed on a computer or a control device.

[0025] Examples of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a microfluidic analysis device according to an embodiment;

[0027] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a heating cartridge of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0028] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0029] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0030] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device; Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0031] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0032] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0033] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0034] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0035] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0036] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0037] Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0038] Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device;

[0039] Fig. 15 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a heating device; and

[0040] Fig. 16 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control unit for operating a heating device.

[0041] In the following description of advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and having a similar effect, whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a microfluidic analysis device 100 according to an embodiment. The microfluidic analysis device 100 is designed to analyze a sample or to perform an analysis of a sample. The microfluidic analysis device 100 can also be referred to as an analysis device. The analysis device or the microfluidic device 100 is designed to analyze input samples, for example, PCR tests being possible. For this purpose, a microfluidic device or microfluidic cartridge 105, which is merely an example of a cartridge with a plastic housing and a microfluidic network for processing the sample, can be inserted into a receiving area 110 of the microfluidic analysis device 100. The microfluidic cartridge 105 contains the sample. The microfluidic analysis device 100 also includes a heating device 120.The heating device 120 is designed to be coupled to the microfluidic cartridge 105. The heating device 120 will be discussed in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0043] According to the exemplary embodiment presented here, the microfluidic analysis device 100 further comprises a display 115 with a touch function, by means of which settings for the desired analysis process can be manually entered, merely by way of example. Furthermore, the display 115 is designed, merely by way of example, to display analysis results.

[0044] The microfluidic analysis device 100 additionally has a control unit 125 and an evaluation unit 130 for analyzing a sample arranged in the microfluidic cartridge.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a heating cartridge 200 of an exemplary embodiment of a heating device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the heating cartridge 200 is cylindrically shaped and has at least one side wall 205 and at least one end face 210.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the heating cartridge 200 has lines 220 for electrical contact on a further end face 215. Furthermore, the heating cartridge 200 is surrounded by a protective tube 225.

[0047] The heating cartridge 200, for example, consists of a stainless steel protective tube 225, in which a heating wire is wound around a ceramic winding body. An insulating layer, such as magnesium oxide, ensures electrical insulation of the heating wire from the protective tube 225 while maintaining a good thermal connection.

[0048] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This may be the heating device 120 described in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows the microfluidic cartridge 105 in an inserted state in the heating device 120.

[0049] The heating device 120 has the heating cartridge 200 and a heat conducting element 300. The heating cartridge 200 is accommodated in the heat conducting element 300 and / or is thermally contacted with the heat conducting element 300. The heat conducting element 300 is designed to conduct heat from the heating cartridge 200 via the heat conducting element 300 to the microfluidic cartridge 105. The heat conducting element 300 is arranged, for example, on the end face 210 of the heating cartridge 200 and / or at least partially on the side wall 205 of the heating cartridge 200 and can be at least partially designed as a sleeve for receiving the heating cartridge 200. The heat conducting element 300 is designed, for example, to bridge a gap 330 between the heating cartridge 200 and the microfluidic cartridge 105 when the microfluidic cartridge 105 is inserted into the heating device 120.

[0050] In the state illustrated here, a longitudinal extension direction of the heating cartridge 200 is arranged orthogonally to a side surface 325 of the microfluidic cartridge 105. According to one embodiment, the heating device 120 has a spring element 305. The spring element 305 is shaped, for example, as a leaf spring. Alternatively, the spring element is shaped as a spiral spring, a disc spring, a leg spring, or a flat spring. In the embodiment shown here, the spring element 305 is arranged on an input frame 315 by means of a screw 310. Furthermore, a stop 320 is arranged, for example, on the heating element 300 and / or the input frame 315.

[0051] The spring element 305 is configured, for example, to exert pressure on the heating cartridge 200 and / or the heat conducting element 300 in order to contact the heat conducting element 300 with the microfluidic cartridge 105. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the heat conducting element 300 is thermally contacted with the microfluidic cartridge 105 because the spring element 305 presses the heat conducting element 300 onto a region of the microfluidic cartridge 105. In this way, heat can be conducted from the heating cartridge 200 to the microfluidic cartridge 105 via the heat conducting element 300.

[0052] The adaptation of the heating cartridge 200 to the geometry of the microfluidic cartridge 105, which can also be referred to as the cartridge chamber, is achieved by the heating element 300, which can also be referred to as a heat spreader. The heating element 300 is a body made of a thermally highly conductive material in which the heating cartridge 200 is anchored. The heat from the heating cartridge 200, which can also be referred to as a heating cartridge, is introduced into the microfluidic cartridge 105, which can also be referred to as a PCR chamber, via the heating element 300. Depending on the orientation of the heating cartridge 200 in the microfluidic analysis device, a heating element 300 can be attached to the end face 210, which can also be referred to as the end face, or to a side wall 205, which can also be referred to as the side face, of the heating cartridge 200. Fig. 3 shows the heating element 300 on the front side 210 of the heating cartridge 200 for vertical installation.

[0053] To thermally contact the heating element 300 with the microfluidic cartridge 105, the heating element 300 is suspended from the input frame 315 of the microfluidic analysis device, which can also be referred to as an analyzer, using a spring element 220. The orientation of the heating device 120, which can also be referred to as a heater, is then vertical or horizontal, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4. The axis of the heating cartridge 200 is thus arranged either parallel or orthogonal to the side surface 325, which can also be referred to as the cartridge plane, of the microfluidic cartridge 105.

[0054] The deflection of the heating element 300, which can also be referred to as a heater, to achieve a preload is possible either through the front of the microfluidic cartridge 105 as in Fig. 3 to Fig. 6 or through an upstream movable slide element, which can also be referred to as a slide plate, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10.

[0055] If the deflection is induced directly by the front of the microfluidic cartridge 105, the heating element 300 and / or a front side of the microfluidic cartridge 105, which can also be referred to as the cartridge front side, have a chamfer, which can also be referred to as an insertion bevel. The chamfer is described in more detail in Fig. 11.

[0056] In other words, Fig. 3 shows a possible thermal contact between the heating cartridge 200 and the microfluidic cartridge 105. Contact between the heating cartridge 200 and the microfluidic cartridge 105 is achieved by pressing the heating cartridge 200 against the area to be heated. The heating cartridge 200 is thermally contacted at its front end.

[0057] For better heat input and mechanical contact of the heating cartridge 200, the heating element 300 made of thermally highly conductive materials is used as a heat distributor.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows the suspension of the heating cartridge 200 from a leaf spring in a vertical installation. The heating element 300 is arranged on the end face 210 of the heating cartridge 200. The input frame 315 serves the function of positioning the heating element 300, which can also be referred to as a heater. When using the leaf spring shown in Fig. 3, or even a flat spring, a counterplate as shown in Fig. 12 can be omitted. This is a particularly advantageous variant. With this concept, both a vertical variant, as shown here in Fig. 3, and a horizontal variant, as shown in Fig. 4, can be realized. The leaf spring presses on the heating element 300. Stops 320 on the heating element 300 ensure that the heating cartridge 200, which can also be referred to as a heater, does not sag when there is no microfluidic cartridge 105 in the microfluidic analysis device.The force application point of the spring element 305 is located as low as possible, i.e., close to the surface of the microfluidic cartridge 105, to increase tipping stability and achieve a flat contact. The heating cartridge 200, which can also be referred to as a heater, can be glued into the heating element 300.

[0059] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This can be the heating device described in Fig. 3. More precisely, the heating device 120 is similar to the heating device in Fig. 3, with the exception that the longitudinal extension direction of the heating cartridge 200, in the inserted state of the microfluidic cartridge 105, is arranged parallel to the side surface 325 of the microfluidic cartridge 105. Furthermore, the heating element 300 in Fig. 4 has a square shape.

[0060] In other words, Fig. 4 shows the heating element 300 on the front side of the heating cartridge 200 for horizontal installation. The heating cartridge 200 is thus thermally contacted laterally.

[0061] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This may be the heating device described in Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 4. More specifically, the heating device 120 is similar to the heating device in Fig. 4, with the exception that the heat conducting element 300 is arranged circumferentially around the heating cartridge 200.

[0062] In other words, Fig. 5 shows the heating element 300 on the side wall 205, which can also be referred to as the lateral surface or cylindrical surface, of the heating cartridge 200 for horizontal installation. The heating element 300 completely encloses the heating cartridge. In other words, the heating element 300 is arranged completely circumferentially on the side of the heating cartridge 200.

[0063] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This can be the heating device described in Fig. 3 and / or Fig. 4 and / or Fig. 5. More precisely, the heating device 120 is similar to the heating device in Fig. 5, with the exception that the heating conducting element 300 is arranged partially circumferentially around the heating cartridge 200. In other words, the heating conducting element 300 on the side of the heating cartridge 200 only partially encloses the heating cartridge 200. Fig. 6 shows the heating conducting element 300 on the side wall 205 of the heating cartridge 200 for horizontal installation. The shape of the heating conducting element 300 corresponds, in the contact surface with the microfluidic cartridge 105, to the shape of the microfluidic cartridge 105 to be heated, which can also be referred to as a PCR chamber. In the embodiment shown here, the shape is circular.

[0064] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This can be a heating device described in the previous figures, with the exception that a further heating device 700 is shown.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the spring element 305 is arranged on the heating cartridge 200. In the state illustrated here, the longitudinal extension direction of the heating cartridge 200 is arranged orthogonally to the side surface 325 of the microfluidic cartridge 105.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the additional heating device 700 comprises an additional heating cartridge 705 and an additional heating element 710. A further spring element 715 is arranged on the additional heating cartridge 705, wherein a longitudinal extension direction of the additional heating cartridge 705 is arranged orthogonally to a further side surface 720 of the microfluidic cartridge 105. In the embodiment shown here, the microfluidic cartridge 105 is partially inserted into the heating device 120 and into the additional heating device 700. An arrow shows, by way of example, a direction of movement 725 of the microfluidic cartridge 105 during insertion. According to one embodiment, the microfluidic cartridge 105 is inserted between the input frame 315 and an additional input frame 730.The heating element 300 and the further heating element 710 are arranged parallel to one another, with a gap 735 formed between the heating element 300 and the further heating element 710. The microfluidic cartridge 105 is inserted into this gap 735. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, an end face 740 of the microfluidic cartridge 105 partially rests against the heating element 300 and the further heating element 710. When the microfluidic cartridge 105 is fully inserted into the heating device 120 and the further heating device 700, the microfluidic cartridge 105 pushes the heating element 300 and the further heating element 710 apart with its end face 740, so that thermal contact is established between the heating element 300 and the further heating element 710. An insertion direction 745, into which the heating elements 300, 700 are pushed, is shown as an example by means of a double arrow.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, the spring element 305 and / or the further spring element 715 is designed to exert a spring force substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction 745 of the microfluidic cartridge 105 into the heating device 120 on the heating conducting element 300 and / or the further heating conducting element 710.

[0068] In other words, the spring elements 305, 715 preload the heat-conducting elements 300, 710, which can also be referred to as heating elements. Either coil springs, flat springs, or other types of springs, such as disc springs and / or leg springs, can be used. Fig. 7 shows a deflection of the heating cartridges 200, 705, which can also be referred to as heaters, suspended from the spring elements 305, 715, which can also be referred to as springs, through the cartridge front for a vertical installation.

[0069] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a

[0070] Heating device 120. This can be the heating device shown in Fig. 7, with the exception that Fig. 8 shows a deflection of the heating cartridges 200, 705 suspended on the spring elements 305, 715 through the cartridge front for a horizontal installation.

[0071] The longitudinal extension directions of the heating cartridge 200 and the further heating cartridge 705 are arranged parallel to the side surface 325 and the further side surface 720 of the microfluidic cartridge 105.

[0072] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This may be the heating device shown in Fig. 7, with the exception that Fig. 9 additionally shows a slide element 900. The slide element 900 may also be referred to as a slide plate.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the slide element 900 is arranged in the intermediate space 735, wherein the slide element 900 is arranged on an additional spring element 905. The slide element 900 is designed to be pushed away from the heat-conducting element 300 and / or the further heat-conducting element 710 upon insertion of the microfluidic cartridge 105 in order to release thermal and / or mechanical contact between the heat-conducting element 300 and / or the further heat-conducting element 710 and the microfluidic cartridge 105. In Fig. 9, the heating device 120 and the further heating device 700 are in a rest state, so that the slide element 900 is arranged between the heating conducting element 300 and / or the further heating conducting element 710, wherein a gap 915 is formed between the end face 740 of the microfluidic cartridge 105 and an end face 910 of the slide element 900 in the rest state.

[0074] When using the slider element 900, there is no longer any need for an insertion bevel, as shown and described in more detail in Fig. 11. The end face 740 of the microfluidic cartridge 105 does not press directly onto the heating elements 300, 710, but rather onto the slider element 900. This moves backward and allows the heating elements 300, 710, which can also be referred to as heaters, to then jump onto the microfluidic cartridge 105, as shown and described in more detail in Fig. 10. When the microfluidic cartridge 105 is removed, the pre-tensioned slider element 900 moves forward again, and the heating elements 300, 710, which can also be referred to as heaters, jump from the microfluidic cartridge 105 onto the slider element 900. The heating elements 300, 710, which can also be referred to as heaters, therefore remain pre-tensioned at all times.This principle can be implemented with both vertically installed heating cartridges, which can also be referred to as heaters, and with horizontally installed heating cartridges, which can also be referred to as heaters, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0075] Fig. 9 shows a deflection of the heating cartridges 200, 705, which can also be referred to as heaters, suspended on spring elements 305, 715, by the slide element 900. The heating elements 300, 710, which can also be referred to as heaters, are pre-tensioned on the slide element 900.

[0076] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This can be the heating device shown in Fig. 9, with the exception that in Fig. 10, the slide element 900 is deflected rearward, toward the additional spring element 905. Furthermore, the heat-conducting elements 300, 710, which can also be referred to as heaters, contact the microfluidic cartridge 105.

[0077] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This may be a heating device described in the previous figures. More specifically, the heating device 120 may also be the additional heating device.

[0078] The heating cartridge 200 is accommodated in the heating element 300. According to one embodiment, the heating element 300 has a chamfer 1100, which can also be referred to as an insertion bevel. The chamfer 1100 is arranged, for example, on an end face 1105 of the heating element 300.

[0079] In other words, Fig. 11 shows a one-sided chamfer 1100 on the end face 1105, which can also be referred to as the lower edge of the heating element 300. The chamfer 1100 runs along the end face 1105 of the heating element 300 and is either circumferential or single-sided. A one-sided design has the advantage that less of the contact surface of the heating element 300 is sacrificed for the chamfer 1100. Fig. 11 shows the geometry of a one-sided chamfer 1100. The principle can also be applied to horizontal installation.

[0080] Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This may be a heating device described in the previous figures. According to one embodiment, the spring element 305 is formed as a spiral spring.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the heating device 120 comprises a housing 1200, which is shown cut away in Fig. 12 to show the interior. The housing 1200 surrounds, for example, the heating cartridge 200 and / or partially the heat-conducting element 300. Furthermore, the spring element 305 is arranged between the heating cartridge 200 and the housing 1200. More precisely, the spring element 305 is supported on an inner wall of the housing 1200. The spring element 305 can be additionally and / or alternatively preloaded by means of a thread 1205 and / or by means of a nut 1210.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the heating device 120 has a counterplate 1215 and / or a spacer 1220 for preloading the spring element 305. Additionally, a flattened portion 1225 is arranged between the nut 1210 and the lines 220 for aligning the chamfer 110.

[0083] Fig. 12 shows the heating cartridge 200 suspended from a coil spring with adjustable preload. The spring preload without the microfluidic cartridge is adjustable with nut 1210. The projection above the lower input frame 315 is also adjustable.

[0084] The preload when the microfluidic cartridge is inserted is determined by the length of the components, such as the spacer 1220. The nut 1210 then no longer serves a function. The housing 1200, which can also be referred to as the heater housing, is shown cutaway to demonstrate the internal structure.

[0085] When using the coil spring, the construction requires both a support surface for the spring at the bottom and a support surface on the top. If the spring preload is to be easily adjusted in the installed state, the housing 1200 is required. The heating cartridge 200 is mounted in the housing 1200 together with the heating element 300. The housing 1200 has the thread 1205 on the top. The nut 1210 on this thread 1205 defines the spring preload and ensures that the heating device 120, which can also be referred to as a heater, does not fall through downward without the microfluidic cartridge. The counterplate 1215 with spacer 1220 is required as a support for the nut 1210 and as the upper support for the spring element 305.

[0086] Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This can be the heating device described in Fig. 12, with the exception that a housing, a thread, and a nut are omitted in Fig. 13. The counterplate 1215 is narrower than the counterplate in Fig. 12. The heating device 120 additionally has stops 320.

[0087] Fig. 13 shows the heating cartridge 200 suspended from a coil spring without a housing—in other words, a coil spring without adjustable preload in the installed state. If preload adjustment is not required, the housing can be omitted. The steps in the heating element 300 ensure that the heating device 120, which can also be referred to as a heater, stops downward when no microfluidic cartridge is present in the microfluidic analysis device.

[0088] Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a heating device 120. This can be a heating device described in the preceding figures, for example the heating device in Fig. 11. According to one embodiment, the heating device 120 has a temperature sensor 1400 which is arranged on the heating element 300. For example, an electrical contact 1405 is arranged on the temperature sensor 1400. Either a thermocouple or a resistance temperature detector can be used as the temperature sensor 1400. The temperature sensor is, for example, glued directly into the heating element 300 or plugged into the heating element, for example without a fixed connection. The temperature sensor can have a thermal paste, in particular for contacting the heating cartridge and / or the heating element.

[0089] Fig. 15 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1500 for operating a heating device. The heating device corresponds to or is similar to the heating device from one of the figures described herein. The method includes a step 1505 of activating a heating cartridge to conduct heat from the heating cartridge through the heat conduction element into the microfluidic cartridge.

[0090] Fig. 16 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a control unit 125 for operating a heating device. The control unit 125 is configured to execute the method from Fig. 15 or a similar method. The control unit 125 has an activation unit 1600. The activation unit 1600 is configured to execute and / or control the activation step.

[0091] If an embodiment comprises an “and / or” link 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 has either only the first feature or only the second feature.

Claims

Claims 1. A heating device (120) for a microfluidic analysis device (100) for analyzing a sample, wherein the heating device (120) is designed to be coupled to a microfluidic cartridge (105) that can be inserted into the microfluidic analysis device (100) and contains the sample, and wherein the heating device (120) has the following features: at least one heating cartridge (200); and at least one heat-conducting element (300), wherein the heating cartridge (200) is received in the heat-conducting element (300) and / or is in thermal contact with the heat-conducting element (300), wherein the heat-conducting element (300) is designed to conduct heat from the heating cartridge (200) via the heat-conducting element (300) to the microfluidic cartridge (105).

2. Heating device (120) according to claim 1, wherein the heating cartridge (200) is cylindrically shaped and has at least one side wall (205) and at least one end face (210), wherein the heat conducting element (300) is arranged on the end face (210) of the heating cartridge (200) and / or at least partially on the side wall (205) of the heating cartridge (200).

3. Heating device (120) according to claim 2, wherein a longitudinal extension direction of the heating cartridge (200) in an inserted state of the microfluidic cartridge (105) is arranged substantially parallel or orthogonal to a side surface (325) of the microfluidic cartridge (105).

4. Heating device (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (300) is designed to be inserted into the microfluidic cartridge (105) in an inserted state. Heating device (120) for bridging a gap (330) between the heating cartridge (200) and the microfluidic cartridge (105). Heating device (120) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one spring element (305) designed to exert pressure on the heating cartridge (200) and / or the heat-conducting element (300) in order to contact the heat-conducting element (300) with the microfluidic cartridge (105). Heating device (120) according to claim 5, wherein the spring element (305) is formed as a spiral spring, a leaf spring, a disc spring, a leg spring, or a flat spring and / or wherein the spring element (305) is designed to exert a spring force on the heat-conducting element (300) substantially perpendicular to an insertion direction (725) of the microfluidic cartridge (105) into the heating device (120).Heating device (120) according to claim 5 or 6, comprising a housing (1200), wherein the spring element (305) is supported on an inner wall of the housing (1200) and / or wherein the spring element (305) can be preloaded by means of a thread (1205) and / or a nut (1210). Heating device (120) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a slide element (900) which, in a rest state of the heating device (120), rests against the heat-conducting element (300), wherein the slide element (900) is designed to be pushed away from the heat-conducting element (300) upon insertion of the microfluidic cartridge (105) in order to release thermal and / or mechanical contact between the heat-conducting element (300) and the microfluidic cartridge (105). Heating device (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat-conducting element (300) has a chamfer (1100) on at least one end face. Heating device (120) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a temperature sensor (1400) arranged on the heat-conducting element (300). Heating device (120) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a further heating cartridge (705) and a further heat-conducting element (710), wherein the further heating cartridge (705) is received in the further heat-conducting element (710) and / or is thermally contacted with the further heat-conducting element (710), wherein the further heat-conducting element (710) is designed to conduct heat from the further heating cartridge (705) via the further heat-conducting element (710) to the microfluidic cartridge (105). Method (1500) for operating a heating device (120) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method (1500) comprises a step (1505) of activating a heating cartridge (200) to conduct heat from the heating cartridge (200) through the heating conduction element (300) into the microfluidic cartridge (105).A control device (125) configured to execute and / or control step (1505) of the method (1500) according to claim 12 in a corresponding unit (1600). A computer program configured to execute and / or control step (1505) of the method (1500) according to claim 12. A microfluidic analysis device (100) for analyzing a sample, wherein the microfluidic analysis device (100) comprises a heating device (120) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 and a control device. (125) according to claim 13, in particular wherein the microfluidic analysis device has an evaluation unit (130) for analyzing a sample arranged in the microfluidic cartridge (105).