Centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a centrifuge (1) for rotating a sample carrier (2), having a receiving portion (3) for receiving the sample carrier, which has at least one receptacle for receiving a liquid sample, a rotor (4) for rotating the sample carrier, which has a rotor receiving portion (5) for receiving the sample carrier, and a displacement device (6) for moving the sample carrier along a displacement path from the receiving portion (3) into the rotor receiving portion (5) or vice versa, wherein the centrifuge has a detection device (7) for detecting a position of the sample carrier within a detection region (8) in the displacement path of the sample carrier.

Description

[0001] Centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier

[0002] The invention relates to a centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier.

[0003] Centrifuges into which sample carriers can be inserted are known from the prior art. The sample carriers have a microtiter plate with a plurality of containers, each serving to hold a liquid sample. The centrifuge has a rotor with a receiving section that receives the sample carrier. The rotor is arranged in a rotor chamber of the centrifuge and rotates therein. As a result of the rotation of the rotor, a portion of the liquid sample is ejected from the sample carrier due to the centrifugal force acting on the liquid sample. Thus, a desired biological particle remains in the container, which can then be further processed. In particular, liquid can be introduced into the container using a dispensing device, which can then be ejected from the container again.A rotor housing enclosing the rotor chamber has an outlet through which the ejected liquid and / or particles are removed from the rotor chamber. The centrifuge can be used, for example, to remove liquid and / or biological particles from the container, leaving only the desired cells and / or magnetic beads containing DNA, RNA, proteins, or cells.

[0004] The known centrifuges also have a dispensing device, by means of which a liquid can be introduced into the respective containers. To move the sample carrier, the known centrifuge has a drive device comprising a flexible belt and a stepper motor that drives the flexible belt. The flexible belt can be coupled to the sample carrier at one end and moves the sample carrier. The centrifuge has a detection device with a step counter that counts the revolutions of a drive shaft of the stepper motor. This allows the position of the sample carrier coupled to the flexible belt to be determined. Such a centrifuge is known from DE 20 2014 01 1 521 U1.

[0005] In the known design, the position of the sample carrier cannot be precisely adjusted and / or is unknown. This results from potential slippage between a rubber shaft driven by the drive motor and the flexible belt. However, precise positioning of the sample carrier is necessary for sample carriers with more than 384 containers. Without knowledge of the exact position of the container, it cannot be guaranteed that the dispensing device dispenses the liquid into the desired container and / or that the liquid does not dispense into an area adjacent to the desired container. As a result, the known centrifuges cannot be operated with such sample containers, so their application is limited to sample carriers with a maximum of 384 containers.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a centrifuge which has a wide range of applications and can therefore also be used with sample carriers with more than 384 containers.

[0007] The object is achieved by a centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier, with a receiving section for receiving the sample carrier, which has at least one container for receiving a liquid sample, a rotor for rotating the sample carrier, which has a rotor receiving section for receiving the sample carrier, and a displacement device for displacing the sample carrier along a displacement path from the receiving section into the rotor receiving section or vice versa, characterized in that the centrifuge has a detection device for detecting a position of the sample carrier within a detection range in the displacement path of the sample carrier.

[0008] The invention has the advantage that a detection device is provided that detects the position of the sample carrier within the detection range in the displacement path of the sample carrier. The detection device allows the position of the sample carrier to be precisely detected. This enables the use of sample carriers with more than 384 containers. As explained in detail below, the sample carrier can be moved to a desired target position, in which precise dispensing of liquid into the desired container or containers is possible. In particular, this prevents liquid from being dispensed into the desired container.

[0009] As a result, in addition to sample carriers with 384 or fewer containers, the centrifuge can also accommodate sample carriers with more than 384 containers. This also allows washing with sample carriers with more than 384 containers, especially with 1536 containers. In this process, the containers, especially all containers of the sample carrier, are filled with a liquid, which is then removed from the containers by centrifugation. The containers can then be refilled with a liquid and emptied by centrifugation. These steps can be repeated several times as needed.

[0010] The sample carrier comprises a single container or a microtiter plate with a plurality of containers. Microtiter plates can be configured with a varying number of containers. Microtiter plates with 6 to 4096 containers are known, although microtiter plates with 96, 384, or 1536 containers are typically used. The sample carrier can comprise a carrier device into which the microtiter plate is removably inserted. The outer contour of the sample carrier, in particular of the carrier device and of the microtiter plate, can be designed to complement the shape of the rotor receiving section and / or can be connected to the rotor receiving section in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. This ensures that the sample carrier can be fixedly arranged in the rotor receiving section and, in particular, is not movable in the radial and / or tangential direction relative to a rotational axis of the rotor relative to the rotor receiving section.The rotor receiving section can be configured such that a plane comprising a surface of the rotor receiving section onto which the microtiter plate or container is placed runs parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor. A longitudinal axis of the container of the sample carrier can extend in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the rotational axis of the rotor.

[0011] The liquid sample may comprise a liquid and biological particles. The biological particles may be cells, DNA, RNA, or proteins. The liquid sample may comprise a single or multiple biological particles. The liquid may be a cell suspension, which can promote the growth of the cells arranged in the liquid. Alternatively, the particle may be a glass or polymer bead and have essentially the same volume as a cell.

[0012] A receiving section is a section of the centrifuge into which the sample carrier can be inserted or from which the sample carrier can be removed. The sample carrier can be inserted into the receiving section to perform at least one washing operation. Alternatively, the sample carrier can be removed from the receiving section after one or more washing operations have been performed. Alternatively, the container or microtiter plate can be removed from the carrier device and replaced with another container or microtiter plate. In this case, not the entire sample carrier is inserted into or removed from the receiving section, but only the container or microtiter plate.

[0013] Washing operation refers to centrifuge operation in which the rotor rotates at a speed sufficiently high that, in particular, a portion of the liquid sample is ejected from the container(s) due to the centrifugal forces acting on it. However, it can be ensured that certain biological particles are retained in the container against the centrifugal force. Thus, after the washing operation is completed, the desired biological particle remains in the container.

[0014] The retention of biological particles can be achieved through cell adhesion, magnetic forces, covalent chemical bonds, or similar mechanisms. For example, a washing process is possible in which the container base is coated with a specific coating to which the biological particles adhere. Furthermore, a washing process using magnetic beads is possible. In this washing process, biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins are first bound to magnetic beads, which are then held to the container base by a magnet positioned below the container in the centrifuge. It is also possible for cells to be bound to magnetic beads.

[0015] Another known washing technique involves binding biological particles, such as proteins, to the bottom of the container, which has previously been treated with a specific reagent. In another washing technique, biological particles, preferably cells, especially suspension cells, are first vigorously centrifuged to form a pellet at the bottom. The pellet then remains in the container while a portion of the liquid sample is ejected.

[0016] After completing the washing process, liquid can be dispensed into the container(s) using a dispensing device described in more detail below. The washing process can then be repeated.

[0017] A displacement path is understood to be the path along which the sample carrier is moved during transfer from the rotor receiving section to the receiving section, or vice versa. The sample carrier can be displaced linearly along the displacement path using the displacement device. The detection range in the displacement path is a section of the displacement path that is viewed by the detection device. The detection range extends along the displacement path of the sample carrier, so that multiple positions of the sample carrier within the detection range can be detected. This distinguishes the detection device from other detection devices in which a position of the sample carrier can be detected optically, for example, using a light barrier.The ability to detect multiple positions of the sample carrier located within the detection range offers the advantage that a target position can be assigned to one or more containers. Thus, depending on the container into which the liquid is to be dispensed, the sample carrier can be moved to a target position assigned to the container. As a result, by observing the detection range, it is possible to move the sample carrier to multiple target positions. Details of the process are described in more detail below.

[0018] The rotor can be arranged in a rotor chamber of the centrifuge. The rotor chamber can be delimited by a rotor housing. The rotor housing can have an upper shell and a lower shell, which can be releasably connected to one another. The rotor housing can be designed such that it delimits the rotor chamber, particularly in the radial and tangential directions. As a result, a compact rotor housing can be provided.

[0019] A compact rotor housing is achieved when the rotor housing has a cylindrical inner housing surface. The rotor housing has the cylindrical inner housing surface in a normal plane that is normal to the rotor's axis of rotation and encompasses part of the upper and lower shell. The inner housing surface is understood to be the surface of the rotor housing that immediately borders the rotor chamber. The cylindrical inner housing surface can be achieved by appropriately designing the upper shell and / or lower shell. The cylindrical inner housing surface enables the rotor chamber in which the rotor rotates to be as compact as possible, i.e. the distance between the rotor and the rotor housing is small, particularly in the radial direction.The terms "radial", "tangential" and "axial" are each understood to mean a direction that refers to a longitudinal axis of the centrifuge, which can run parallel to a rotational axis of the rotor.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the centrifuge can have a computer device for controlling or regulating a drive device for driving the displacement device. The computer device can be a processor or have at least one processor. The computer device can have a circuit board.

[0021] The computer device can receive a signal from the detection device. In particular, the computer device can control or regulate the drive device based on the signal received from the detection device when the sample carrier is at least partially arranged within the detection zone. The computer device can continuously receive signals from the detection device. This means that the computer device can receive signals from the detection device even when the sample carrier is arranged outside the detection zone. This offers the advantage of quickly detecting when the sample carrier enters the detection zone.

[0022] The computer device cannot control or regulate the drive device based on the signals received from the detection device if the sample carrier is located outside the detection range. As explained below, the computer device can control the drive device based on further signals from another detection device if the sample carrier is located outside the detection range.

[0023] The detection device can be configured such that the signal transmitted to the computer device contains information about the position of the sample carrier. Alternatively, the computer device can determine the position of the sample carrier in the detection area based on the received signal. In both cases, the drive device is controlled or regulated based on the received signal.

[0024] The additional detection device can be used to detect the position of the sample carrier. The additional signal provided by the additional detection device can be transmitted to the computer device. The additional signal can contain information regarding the position of the sample carrier. Alternatively, the additional signal can contain information that the computer device can use to determine the position of the sample carrier.

[0025] The computer device can receive, in particular continuously, the further signal from the further detection device. Thus, the computer device can receive, in particular continuously, the signal and the further signal. The computer device can control or regulate the drive device based on the further signal received from the further detection device when the sample carrier is arranged outside the detection area.

[0026] As previously described, the computer device can be configured to determine the position of the sample carrier based on the signal and / or the position of the sample carrier based on the further signal. Alternatively, the received signal and / or the further signal can already contain information regarding the position of the sample carrier. The computer device can then determine, based on the received signal and / or the further signal, whether the sample carrier is located within the detection range or not. Accordingly, the computer device can control the drive device based on the signal or the further signal.

[0027] In a special embodiment, the detection area can extend in particular along the displacement direction of the sample carrier such that the extent of the detection area corresponds at least to the extent of the sample carrier in the displacement direction of the sample carrier. This means that the detection area is at least as long as the sample carrier. The detection area in the displacement direction of the sample carrier can be longer than the sample carrier. In particular, the detection area in the displacement direction can be at least as long as the carrier device of the sample carrier. The displacement direction is understood to be the direction of the sample carrier along which the sample carrier is displaced by the displacement device. This means that the sample carrier is displaced along the displacement direction in order to be displaced from the rotor receiving section into the receiving section or vice versa.

[0028] The displacement of the sample carrier within the detection range can be smaller than the remaining displacement. This has the advantage that a detection device can be used that can determine the position of the sample carrier with high accuracy. Determination is quick because only a portion of the entire displacement is considered. In an alternative design, the displacement of the sample carrier within the detection range can be larger than the remaining displacement.

[0029] The receiving section can comprise at least part of the detection area. Furthermore, the detection area can be located outside the rotor receiving section. This has the advantage that the design of the centrifuge is not complex because it is not necessary to place the detection area in the rotor receiving section. The detection area can comprise a position of the sample carrier in which a dispensing device of the centrifuge dispenses liquid into the sample carrier. As explained in more detail below, this position of the sample carrier can be used as the target position. This means that the computer device controls or regulates the drive device such that the sample carrier is arranged in the target position.

[0030] The detection device can be a contactless detection device for detecting the position of the sample carrier. In particular, the detection device can have a magnetic position sensor whose measuring principle is based on the Hall effect. As a result, a simply constructed detection device can be used to detect the position of the sample carrier. Furthermore, the detection device can be designed such that it detects the position of the sample carrier more accurately than the additional detection device. In this case, the detection device can have a first measuring means arranged on the sample carrier, in particular on the carrier device, and a second measuring means arranged on the receiving section. The first measuring means can interact with the second measuring means, wherein the interaction is contactless. The interaction can consist of a field acting from the first measuring means acting on the second measuring means.

[0031] The second measuring device can be stationary and / or the second measuring device can move together with the sample carrier. Thus, the first measuring device can move relative to the second measuring device. The extension of the second measuring device in the displacement direction can define the extension of the detection range in the displacement direction. In other words, the longer the second measuring device is in the displacement direction of the sample carrier, the greater the extension of the detection range in the displacement direction. The extension of the detection range in the displacement direction can be equal to the extension of the second measuring device. The second measuring device can be a magnetostrictive element. In contrast, the first measuring device can be a magnet.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the speed of the sample carrier arranged at least partially within the detection zone can differ from the speed of a sample carrier arranged outside the detection zone. In particular, the speed of the sample carrier arranged at least partially within the detection zone can be lower than the speed of a sample carrier arranged outside the detection zone. This offers the advantage that, on the one hand, the sample carrier can be positioned precisely in the desired position and, on the other hand, the sample carrier can be moved quickly when the sample carrier is arranged outside the detection zone.

[0033] Likewise, the speed of the sample carrier may be lower than the speed of the sample carrier when the sample carrier is located outside the detection range, when the sample carrier is moved from the target position to another target position after dispensing liquid into the container(s). Furthermore, the speed of the sample carrier may be constant when the sample carrier is located outside the detection range. The speed of the sample carrier depends on the speed of the drive device, in particular the speed of the drive shaft of the drive device.

[0034] The computer device can control or regulate the drive device such that the speed of the sample carrier decreases within the detection range. In particular, the computer device can control or regulate the drive device such that the speed of the sample carrier decreases within the detection range toward a target position of the sample carrier. The speed decrease can occur continuously or in steps.

[0035] The drive device can be controlled or regulated by the computer device as follows. For example, after the sample carrier enters the detection area, the detection device detects a signal, such as a voltage value. The signal differs, in particular in value and / or curve, from signals detected by the detection device when the sample carrier is not arranged in the detection area. The computer device controls the drive device such that the detected signal corresponds to a target signal. When the target signal is present, the sample carrier is in the target position in which liquid can be dispensed into at least one predetermined container of the sample carrier. In this case, several containers of the sample carrier that are arranged adjacent to one another in the direction of displacement of the sample carrier can each be assigned a target position.

[0036] The containers can be arranged in a matrix. Several containers can be arranged in a row perpendicular to the displacement direction. In this case, the individual rows of containers can be spaced apart from each other in the displacement direction. Each row of containers can be assigned a target position. The sample carrier is then moved, according to the method described above, to the target position assigned to the container or row of containers into which the liquid is to be dispensed.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the centrifuge can have a dispensing device for dispensing liquid into at least one container of the sample carrier arranged in a target position. As already described above, the computer device can cause the dispensing device to dispense liquid into the container or containers when the sample carrier is arranged in the target position. After dispensing the liquid into the at least one container, the computer device can cause the sample carrier to be moved to a different target position. In the new, different target position, the dispensing device can dispense liquid into other containers. The dispensing device can be arranged such that it is located in the displacement path of the sample carrier between the receiving section and the rotor receiving section.

[0038] The further detection device can measure a movement of the drive device, in particular of a stepper motor of the drive device. In particular, the further detection device can measure a rotational position of a drive element, such as a drive shaft, of the drive device. The further detection device can have a pedometer that counts the number of revolutions of the drive shaft, wherein the pedometer value can be transmitted to the computer device as a further signal. The computer device can determine the position of the sample carrier based on the received further signal. Alternatively or additionally, the further detection device can determine the position of the sample carrier based on the pedometer value.

[0039] The position of the sample carrier can be determined via the drive device, in particular via the stepper motor, if a reference position is previously approached. The further detection device can have at least one, in particular two, reference sensors, in particular light sensors, by means of which at least one, in particular two, reference positions can be determined. For this purpose, a belt of the displacement device can have at least one hole, in particular two holes, which is detected by the reference sensor. The sample carrier is in a first reference position when a first reference sensor detects a first hole in the belt. The sample carrier is in a second reference position, which differs from the first reference position, when a second reference sensor detects a second hole in the belt. The two holes are arranged at a distance from one another along the displacement direction of the sample carrier.The drive device can be designed such that it can move the sample carrier by a distance of less than 2 mm (millimeters) per movement. In particular, the sample carrier can be moved within a range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. This ensures that a sample carrier with 1536 containers can be used.

[0040] In a special embodiment, the displacement device can be designed to displace the sample carrier in a linear direction. The displacement device can be releasably connected to the sample carrier. The displacement device can comprise the band, which can be connected to the sample carrier at one end. For this purpose, the displacement device can comprise a coupling element that can be releasably connected to the sample carrier. The connection between the sample carrier and the displacement device can be a magnetic connection.

[0041] The coupling element can thus comprise at least one magnet. The sample carrier can comprise a counter magnet or a magnetic material, such as iron. The counter magnet can be arranged on the sample carrier and / or the sample carrier can be designed such that the counter magnet does not interact with the detection device, in particular the second measuring means of the detection device.

[0042] The centrifuge may comprise a belt housing in which the belt end remote from the sample carrier is located. The belt end is at least partially wound in the belt housing. The belt is thus sufficiently flexible so that it can be wound onto the reel. Furthermore, the belt is sufficiently stiff to allow the sample carrier to be displaced. In particular, the belt is sufficiently stiff to allow the sample carrier to be displaced from the rotor receiving section to the receiving section, or vice versa.

[0043] The displacement device can be arranged partially within the rotor receiving section for displacing the sample carrier from the receiving section into the rotor receiving section, or vice versa. In particular, the displacement device can move within the rotor receiving section. In this case, the displacement device is operatively connected to the sample carrier. When there is an operative connection between the displacement device and the sample carrier, a movement of the displacement device, in particular of the belt, causes a movement of the sample carrier. Furthermore, the displacement device is designed such that it is arranged outside the rotor receiving section when the rotor rotates. In this case, the displacement device is not operatively connected to the sample carrier. Thus, the rotor can rotate without colliding with the displacement device, in particular with a component of the displacement device.

[0044] The figures show the subject matter of the invention schematically, with identical or equivalent elements generally being provided with the same reference numerals. Here:

[0045] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of part of a centrifuge according to the invention,

[0046] Fig. 2 is a perspective interior view of a centrifuge with a computer device and in which the sample carrier is arranged in the rotor receiving section,

[0047] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the centrifuge, without the computer device and in which the sample carrier is arranged in the rotor receiving section,

[0048] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the centrifuge, in which the sample carrier is arranged in the receiving section,

[0049] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the interior of the centrifuge, in which the sample carrier is arranged in a different area of ​​the receiving section,

[0050] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the receiving section and

[0051] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the centrifuge with a centrifuge housing.

[0052] Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of the control or regulation of a drive device of the centrifuge by the computer device.

[0053] A centrifuge 1 shown in Figure 1 is used to rotate a sample carrier 2. The centrifuge 1 has a receiving section 3 for receiving the sample carrier 2 and a rotor 4 for rotating the sample carrier 2. The rotor 4 has a rotor receiving section 5 for receiving the sample carrier 2. The centrifuge 1 also has a displacement device 6 for displacing the sample carrier 2 along a displacement path from the receiving section 3 into the rotor receiving section 5 or vice versa. The centrifuge 1 also has a detection device 7 by means of which a position of the sample carrier 2 within a detection range 8 in the displacement path of the sample carrier 3 is detected.

[0054] The detection device 7 has a first measuring means 13 and a second measuring means 14. The first measuring means 13 is mounted on the sample carrier 2 and the second measuring means 14 is mounted on the receiving section 3. The first measuring means 13 moves together with the sample carrier 2 when the sample carrier 2 is moved by the displacement device 6 along a

[0055] displacement direction V. The first measuring device 13 can be a magnet.

[0056] The second measuring device 14 is arranged in a stationary manner. The extension of the second measuring device 14 along the displacement direction V defines the length of the detection range 8. The second measuring device 14 is designed such that the detection range 8 forms only a portion of the entire displacement path. The detection device 7 transmits a signal to a computer device 9 shown in Figure 2. The signal can contain information about the position of the sample carrier 2 within the detection range 8.

[0057] The centrifuge 1 also has a dispensing device 12. In Figure 1, only one dispensing line of the dispensing device 12 is shown. However, the dispensing device 12 can have a plurality of dispensing lines (not shown) that are arranged at a distance from one another in a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction V. As explained in more detail below, a computer device 9 shown in Figure 2 controls or regulates a drive device 10 based on the received signal, which contains a position of the sample carrier 2 as information. In particular, the computer device 9 controls or regulates the drive device 10 such that a position of the sample carrier 2 detected by the detection device 7 corresponds to a target position of the sample carrier 2. The target positions of the sample carrier 2 can be stored in an electrical memory (not shown).

[0058] The drive device 10 can comprise a stepper motor. The centrifuge 1 can have a further detection device 11, by means of which the position of the sample carrier 2 is determined. In particular, the further detection device 11 can comprise a step counter, by means of which the number of revolutions of a shaft of the drive device 10 is counted. The position of the sample carrier 2 depends on the number of revolutions of the shaft of the drive device. The further detection device 11 transmits a further signal to the computer device 9. The signal can contain a measurement counter value or information about the position of the sample carrier 2.

[0059] The rotor 4 is arranged in an interior space of a rotor housing 17. The rotor 4 is designed such that it can rotate about a rotor axis R. The rotor axis R is supported at both ends on the rotor housing 17. The rotor 4 has two rotor receiving sections 5 which are radially opposite one another with respect to the rotor axis R. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rotor 4 is rotated into a position in which the sample carrier 2 can be moved from the rotor receiving section 5 into the receiving section 3 or vice versa. The rotor receiving section is designed such that a plane E, which has a surface of the rotor receiving section onto which the microtiter plate is placed, runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor 4.

[0060] The receiving section 3 is a section of the centrifuge 1 that serves to receive the sample carrier 2 and is accessible from outside the centrifuge 1. This means that a user places the sample carrier 2 into the receiving section 3 when, for example, a washing operation is to be carried out. Alternatively, the user can remove the sample carrier 2 from the receiving section 3 after a washing operation has been carried out. Furthermore, the displacement device 6 can move the sample carrier 2 into a position within the receiving section 3 so that the dispensing device 12 can dispense liquid into the individual containers. The dispensing device 12 is attached to the rotor housing 17.

[0061] The displacement device 6 has a belt 24, which is connected at one end to the sample carrier 2, in particular magnetically, by means of a coupling element 15. A belt end 16, shown in Figure 2, is wound up and arranged in a belt housing (not shown) of the centrifuge 1. The drive device 10 causes the belt 24, and thus the sample carrier 2, to move linearly in the displacement direction V along the displacement path, in particular by rotating the shaft.

[0062] The centrifuge 1 also has a centrifuge housing 18. The rotor housing 17, the drive device 10, the dispensing device 12, and the displacement device 6 are arranged in an interior space enclosed by the centrifuge housing 18. The receiving section 3 is at least partially not arranged in the interior space enclosed by the centrifuge housing 18.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a perspective interior view of a centrifuge 1 with a computing device 9 and in which the sample carrier 2 is arranged in the rotor receiving section 5. In Figure 2, the centrifuge 1 is shown in more detail than in Figure 1. However, both figures show the same centrifuge 1. In Figure 2, the centrifuge housing 18 is not shown.

[0064] As can be seen from Figure 2, the sample carrier 2 comprises a microtiter plate 19 with a plurality of containers arranged in a matrix. Furthermore, the sample carrier 2 comprises a support device 20 on which the microtiter plate 19 is arranged. The support device 20 serves to support the microtiter plate 19 between the rotor receiving section 5 and the receiving section 3.

[0065] The coupling element 15 of the displacement device 6 is not connected to the sample carrier 2. This means that the coupling element 15 is arranged outside the rotor receiving section 5.

[0066] The rotor housing 17 has a holding section 23. The holding section 23 serves to hold a dispensing device 12 shown in Figure 1. The dispensing device 12 can have a plurality of dispensing lines arranged at a distance from one another in a direction perpendicular to a displacement direction V of the sample carrier. The number of dispensing lines can correspond to the number of containers arranged in a container row. Containers are arranged in a container row and are spaced from one another along the direction perpendicular to the displacement direction.

[0067] Fig. 3 shows a perspective interior view of the centrifuge 1, in which the sample carrier 2 is arranged in the rotor receiving section 5. Figure 3 differs from Figure 2 in that the computing device 9 is not shown. From Figure 3, it can be seen that the rotor 4 has a further rotor receiving section 21. The further rotor receiving section 21 is diametrically opposite the rotor receiving section 5 with respect to the rotor axis R of the rotor 4 shown in Figure 1. The centrifuge 1 has a further drive device 22 for driving the rotor axis R.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows a perspective interior view of the centrifuge 1, in which the sample carrier 2 is arranged in the receiving section 3. The displacement device 6, in particular the coupling means 15 of the displacement device 6, is connected to the sample carrier 2, in particular to the carrier device 20, in particular magnetically. To displace the sample carrier 2 from the position shown in Figure 3 in the rotor receiving section 5 into the receiving section 3, the sample carrier 2 is moved by a displacement path along a displacement direction V. For this purpose, the displacement device 6 extends partially through the rotor receiving section 5. In the position shown in Figure 4, the sample carrier can be removed from the receiving section 3.

[0069] Fig. 5 shows a perspective interior view of the centrifuge, in which the sample carrier 2 is arranged in a different area of ​​the receiving section 3. The sample carrier 2 is arranged in an area of ​​the receiving section 3 in which the dispensing device 12 (not shown) can dispense liquid into containers of the microtiter plate 19. Starting from the position shown in Figure 4 in the receiving section 3, the sample carrier 2 is displaced along the displacement direction V in the direction of the rotor receiving section 5. In the present case, the displacement direction V is directed opposite to the displacement direction when displacing the sample carrier 2 from the rotor receiving section 5 into the receiving section 3.

[0070] Fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of the receiving section 3. It can be seen from Figure 6 that the first measuring means 13 is in the form of a magnet and is attached to the carrier device 20. The second measuring means 14 is attached to the receiving section 3 and extends in the displacement direction V. The second measuring means 14 is arranged in a stationary manner and extends along the displacement direction V of the sample carrier 2. The length of the second measuring means 14 along the displacement direction V defines the detection area 8 in which the detection device 7 detects the position of the sample carrier 2.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the centrifuge 1 with the centrifuge housing 18. Figure 7 shows the receiving section 3 into which the sample carrier 2 can be inserted. Starting from the position shown in Figure 7, the sample carrier 2 is moved to the position shown in Figure 5 for dispensing liquid into the containers.

[0072] Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of the control or regulation of the drive device 10 by the computer device 9. In a first step S1, the detection device 3 and the further detection device 11 directly or indirectly detect a position of the sample carrier 2. Thus, it can be determined that the position of the sample carrier 2 is within the detection range 8 if the signal from the detection device 7 is greater than a predetermined signal.

[0073] The additional detection device 11 has a pedometer for counting the revolutions of a shaft of the drive device 10. The position of the sample carrier 2 can be determined depending on the pedometer travel. The signal provided by the detection device 3 and the signal provided by the additional detection device 11 are transmitted to the computer device 9.

[0074] In a second step S2, the computer device 9 checks whether the sample carrier 2 is located in the detection area 8. If this is not the case, the drive device 10 is controlled or regulated in a third step S3 such that it maintains a certain speed or the speed of the sample carrier is increased.

[0075] If it is determined in the second step S2 that the sample carrier 2 is at least partially arranged in the detection area 8, the drive device 10 is regulated or controlled in a fourth step S4 such that the speed of the sample carrier 2 decreases. This means that in this case, the control of the drive device is based on the signal provided by the detection device 7. This continues as long as the sample carrier 2 is arranged in the detection area 8.

[0076] Furthermore, the computer device 9 controls or regulates the drive device 10 such that the speed of the sample carrier 2 is reduced within the detection range 8. Thus, the speed is reduced after the sample carrier enters the detection range 8. The speed is reduced such that it becomes zero when a detected position of the sample carrier 2 corresponds to a target position. In the target position, the measured measurement signal corresponds to a stored target signal.

[0077] Thereafter, in a fifth step S5, the liquid is dispensed from the dispensing device 12 into the containers of the microtiter plate.

[0078] Subsequently, steps S1 to S5 are repeated until liquid has been dispensed into all desired containers of the sample carrier 2. In particular, the sample carrier 2 is moved so that new containers of a container row, which are adjacent to the previous container row along the displacement direction V, pass under the dispensing device 12. The computer device 9 controls or regulates the drive device 10 such that the sample carrier 2 is transferred to a further desired position in which the containers of the other container row are arranged under the dispensing device 12 so that liquid can be dispensed into them. The speed of the sample carrier 2 is selected such that it is lower than the speed of the sample carrier 2 when it is outside the detection range 8.

[0079] As already described above, the containers of each container row are assigned a target position. Thus, based on the signal detected by the detection device, the sample carrier 2 can control or regulate the drive device 10 such that the sample carrier is transferred to the respective target position.

[0080] After all or the specified number of containers have been filled with liquid, the sample carrier 2 is moved further toward the rotor receiving section 5. As soon as the sample carrier is no longer located in the detection area 8, the computer device 9 controls or regulates the drive device 10 based on the signal transmitted by the additional detection device 11. Furthermore, the speed of the sample carrier can be increased in this case.

[0081] List of reference symbols:

[0082] 1 centrifuge

[0083] 2 sample carriers

[0084] 3 Recording section

[0085] 4 Rotor

[0086] 5 Rotor receiving section

[0087] 6 Shifting device

[0088] 7 Recording device

[0089] 8 Detection range

[0090] 9 Computer setup

[0091] 10 Drive device

[0092] 11 additional recording devices

[0093] 12 Dispensing device

[0094] 13 first measuring instrument

[0095] 14 second measuring instrument

[0096] 15 coupling element

[0097] 16 End of volume

[0098] 17 Rotor housing

[0099] 18 Centrifuge housing

[0100] 19 microtiter plate

[0101] 20 carrier device

[0102] 21 additional rotor receiving section

[0103] 22 additional drive devices

[0104] 23 stopping section

[0105] 24 volumes

[0106] E Level

[0107] V Shift direction

[0108] S1 -S5 first to fifth step

Claims

Patent claims 1. Centrifuge (1) for rotating a sample carrier (2), comprising a receiving section (3) for receiving the sample carrier (2), which has at least one container for receiving a liquid sample, a rotor (4) for rotating the sample carrier (2), which has a rotor receiving section (5) for receiving the sample carrier (2), and a displacement device (6) for displacing the sample carrier (3) along a displacement path from the receiving section (3) into the rotor receiving section (5) or vice versa, characterized in that the centrifuge (1) has a detection device (7) for detecting a position of the sample carrier (2) within a detection area (8) in the displacement path of the sample carrier (3).

2. Centrifuge (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the centrifuge (1 ) has a computer device (9) for controlling or regulating a drive device (10) for driving the displacement device (6).

3. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a. the computer unit (9) receives a signal from the detection unit (7), in particular continuously, and / or that b. the computer unit (9) controls or regulates the drive unit (10) on the basis of a signal received from the detection unit (7) when the sample carrier (2) is at least partially arranged in the detection area (8).

4. Centrifuge (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the centrifuge (1 ) has a further detection device (1 1 ) for detecting the position of the sample carrier (2).

5. Centrifuge (1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that a. the computer unit (9), in particular continuously, receives a further signal from the further detection device (1 1 ) and / or that b. the computer unit (9) controls or regulates the drive unit (10) on the basis of a further signal received from the further detection device (1 1 ) when the sample carrier (2) is arranged outside the detection area (8).

6. Centrifuge (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the extent of the detection area (8) in a displacement direction (V) of the sample carrier (2) corresponds at least to the extent of the sample carrier (2) in the displacement direction (V) of the sample carrier (2).

7. Centrifuge (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a. the receiving section (3) has at least a part of the detection area (8) and / or that b. the detection area (8) lies outside the rotor receiving section (5) and / or that c. the detection area (8) comprises a position of the sample carrier (2) in which a dispensing device (12) of the centrifuge (1 ) dispenses liquid into the sample carrier (2).

8. Centrifuge (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the detection device (7) is a non-contact detection device (7) for detecting the position of the sample carrier (2).

9. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a. the detection device (7) has a first measuring means (13) arranged on the sample carrier (2) and a second measuring means (14) attached to the receiving section (3), and / or that b. the detection device (7) has a first measuring means (13) and a second measuring means (14) that interacts with the first measuring means (13), and / or that c. the detection device (7) has a second measuring means (13), wherein the extent of the detection area (8) in the displacement direction (V) defines the extent of the detection area (8) in the displacement direction (V).

10. Centrifuge (1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first measuring means (14) is a magnet and / or the second measuring means (13) is a magnetoresistive element.

1. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a. the speed of the sample carrier (2), which is at least partially within the that the detection area (8) is arranged, differs from the speed of a sample carrier (2) arranged outside the detection area (8) and / or that b. a speed of the sample carrier (2), which is at least partially within the The detection area (8) is arranged, is less than the speed of a sample carrier (2) arranged outside the detection area (8).

12. Centrifuge (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 1 1 , characterized in that a. the computer unit (9) controls or regulates the drive unit (10) such that the speed of the sample carrier (2) within the detection area (8) decreases and / or that b. the computer unit (9) controls or regulates the drive unit (10) such that the speed of the sample carrier (2) within the detection area (8) decreases in the direction of a target position of the sample carrier (2).

13. Centrifuge (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a. the centrifuge (1 ) has a dispensing device (12) for dispensing liquid into at least one container of the sample carrier (2) arranged in a target position and / or that b. the computer device (9) causes the dispensing device (12) to dispense liquid into the sample container when the sample container (2) is arranged in the target position.

14. Centrifuge (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a. the further detection device (1 1 ) comprises a pedometer and / or that b. the further detection device (1 1 ) detects a rotational position of a drive element of the drive device.

15. Centrifuge (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a. the displacement device (6) is designed such that it displaces the sample carrier (2) in a linear direction and / or that b. the displacement device (6) can be releasably connected to the sample carrier (2).

16. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the The sliding device (6) has a band (24) which is connected at one end to the Sample carrier (2) can be connected. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a. the displacement device (6) for displacing the sample carrier (2) from the receiving section (3) into the rotor receiving section (5) or vice versa is partially arranged in the rotor receiving section (5) and / or that b. the displacement device (6) is designed such that it is arranged outside the rotor receiving section (5) when the rotor (4) is rotating.

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