Laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus, laboratory automation system, and use

Abstract

To provide a laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus of which characteristics are improved and that enables easy handling of a laboratory sample container, in particular, a laboratory sample container carrier.SOLUTION: A laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus 1 includes a revolving device 2, a guiding surface S, and a force-applying device FA. The force-applying device FA is configured to apply force FO to a laboratory sample container carrier 3 supplied to the revolving device 2 to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier 3 is forced against the guiding surface S to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier 3 rolls off at the guiding surface S pushed by the revolving device 2. A laboratory automation system 100 comprising such a laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus 1 and such a laboratory sample container carrier handling apparatus 1 for handling the laboratory sample container carrier 3 is used in particular such a laboratory automation system 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laboratory sample container carrier processing apparatus, a laboratory automation system including such a laboratory sample container carrier processing apparatus, and, in particular, to the use of such a laboratory sample container carrier processing apparatus for processing a laboratory sample container carrier in such a laboratory automation system.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] An object of the present invention is to provide a laboratory sample container carrier processing apparatus with improved characteristics, in particular enabling easy processing of laboratory sample containers and / or laboratory sample container carriers. A further object of the present invention is to provide a laboratory automation system including such a laboratory sample container carrier processing apparatus, and, in particular, to provide the use of such a laboratory sample container carrier processing apparatus for processing a laboratory sample container carrier in such a laboratory automation system.

[0003] This object is solved by a laboratory sample container carrier processing apparatus, a laboratory automation system, and a use having the features of the respective independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] The present invention relates to a laboratory sample container carrier processing device. In particular, the laboratory sample container carrier processing device can be configured to be connected to a laboratory sample dispensing system configured to distribute a particularly circular laboratory sample container carrier, which is particularly configured to carry a particularly open laboratory sample container configured to contain laboratory samples. The laboratory sample container carrier processing device comprises an orbiting device, particularly a lateral guide surface or wall, and a force applying device or biasing device. The guide surface has an open ring shape that particularly partially surrounds the periphery, side, or outside of the orbiting device. In particular, the guide surface can be configured to guide the laboratory sample container carrier. The orbiting device is configured to push or move the laboratory sample container carrier, particularly while it is being supplied to the orbiting device, particularly along or in contact with the guide surface. The force application device is configured to apply force to the laboratory sample container carrier, particularly while it is being supplied to the orbiting device, such that the laboratory sample container carrier is pressed against the guide surface, and particularly to the extent that it rotates on or around the guide surface when the laboratory sample container carrier is pushed by the orbiting device.

[0005] This enables a predetermined or reproducible rotation, in particular automatic rotation, of the laboratory sample container when it is being carried by the laboratory sample container carrier, or when it is being carried by the laboratory sample container carrier. This, in turn, enables a predetermined orientation or alignment, or reproducible orientation or alignment, in particular automatic orientation or alignment, of the laboratory sample container when it is being carried by the laboratory sample container carrier, for example, a laboratory sample container take-up device and / or optical reader. This, in turn, enables easy handling of the laboratory sample container when it is being carried by the laboratory sample container carrier and / or in particular.

[0006] In particular, laboratory sample container carrier processing equipment can be referred to as a carousel.

[0007] The laboratory sample container carrier may be circular, and / or have a round shape or cross-section, particularly a circular shape or cross-section, in the area where it contacts the orbiting device and / or guide surface and / or in the top view. In addition to or instead of this, the laboratory sample container carrier may be included in the laboratory sample container carrier processing device.

[0008] Laboratory sample containers may be open at the top. In addition, or alternatively, the term “uncapped” may be used as a synonym for the term “open.” In addition, or alternatively, laboratory sample containers may be tubes.

[0009] Laboratory samples may be, in particular, bodily fluids or liquids, especially blood samples.

[0010] The orbital device may be driven by a motor. In addition, or alternatively, the terms “star wheel” or “star-shaped rotating body” can be used as a synonym for the term “orbital device.” In addition, or alternatively, the orbital device may comprise several (e.g., between 5 and 20) push cavities or compartments configured to receive and rotate laboratory sample container carriers and push the received laboratory sample container carriers. Thus, each laboratory sample container carrier may have its own cavity. In particular, each push cavity may comprise two side walls, the side walls of which can rotate about the center or axis of rotation of the orbital device, and the side walls can push the laboratory sample container carrier in contact with the side walls. In particular, the side walls may be in contact with each other along the axis of rotation of the orbital device. This can be thought of as actual visible side walls, or as lines that can be used to define the dimensions of the cavities. In addition, or alternatively, the orbital device may be configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier circumferentially from the inlet position to the outlet position. In addition to or alternatively, the inlet position may be a position from which the laboratory sample container carrier can be supplied to a laboratory sample container carrier processing device, particularly an orbiting device, or a position from which it can be received by a laboratory sample container carrier processing device, particularly an orbiting device. In addition to or alternatively, the outlet position may be a position from which the laboratory sample container carrier can be supplied or transferred by a laboratory sample container carrier processing device, particularly an orbiting device, or a position from which it can be received from a laboratory sample container carrier processing device, particularly an orbiting device.

[0011] The orbiting device and / or guide surface may be configured such that, at the same time or simultaneously, one laboratory sample container carrier can be positioned at the entrance or enter the orbiting device and / or guide surface, and another laboratory sample container carrier can be positioned at the exit or exit the orbiting device and / or guide surface.

[0012] The guide surface or its open ring shape may be non-parallel to the circumferential direction, and may surround the orbital device, particularly in the orthogonal radial direction. In addition, or alternatively, the guide surface may be continuous in the circumferential direction. In addition, or alternatively, the terms “guide arch” or “aligned surface” may be used as synonyms for the term “guide surface.”

[0013] The term "has / have" can be used as a synonym for the term "comprise / s".

[0014] The term "encompass" can be used as a synonym for the term "surround."

[0015] The term "configured" can be used as a synonym for the term "adapted."

[0016] Contact may be direct and / or physical contact. In addition, or instead, the term “touch” may be used as a synonym for the term “contact.”

[0017] The phrase "in such a way" can be used as a synonym for "to such an extent."

[0018] The laboratory sample container carrier may rotate or turn on the guide surface due to contact between the laboratory sample container carrier and the guide surface, particularly friction, resulting from an applied force. Alternatively, or in addition, the applied force may differ from, and in particular be of a different type, from, the centrifugal force, particularly due to being pushed by the orbital device. Alternatively, or in addition, the orbital device, the guide surface, and / or force-applying device, and / or their functions may differ from, and in particular be of a different type.

[0019] The force application device may be configured to apply a radial force from the center of the orbital device to the guide surface, in particular.

[0020] The force application device may be configured to apply force such that the laboratory sample container carrier is pressed against the guide surface, particularly in the radial direction.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the force application device is configured to apply force such that the laboratory sample container carrier is pulled, particularly radially, against the guide surface. This facilitates the placement of the force application device.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the force application device is configured to apply force in a non-contact manner, particularly so that the laboratory sample container carrier is attracted to the guide surface. This enables a simple embodiment of the force application device. In particular, the laboratory sample container carrier may be attracted.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the force is a magnetic force. In addition to or instead of this, the force application device comprises at least one magnetically active device, in particular at least one permanent magnet. This enables a simple embodiment of the force application device. In particular, a laboratory sample container carrier may comprise at least one magnetically active device, in particular at least one permanent magnet.

[0024] In particular, the force application device may comprise multiple magnetically active devices, especially multiple permanent magnets. In particular, the laboratory sample container carrier does not have to rotate or turn on the guide surface, or is not required to rotate or turn on the guide surface, due to the different magnetic orientations or alignments of the multiple magnetically active devices. In other words, the multiple magnetically active devices do not have to be configured, or are not required to be configured, to rotate the laboratory sample container carrier by their different magnetic orientations or alignments, either individually or directly.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the force application device comprises a Halbach array extending in particular along a guide surface. This enables a high magnetic force. In particular, the Halbach array may be a special arrangement of permanent magnets that enhances the magnetic field on one side of the array while canceling out the magnetic field to near zero on the other side. In particular, this can be achieved by having a spatially rotating magnetization pattern. In this regard, see the relevant technical literature.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the force application device extends particularly in the circumferential direction along the guide surface. In addition, or alternatively, the force application device is arranged particularly around or outside the guide surface in the radial direction. This enables a simple embodiment of the force application device.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the orbiting device is configured to push a laboratory sample container carrier circumferentially from an inlet position to an outlet position. The guide surface includes an inlet portion. A force application device is positioned behind the inlet portion in the circumferential direction, and / or the laboratory sample container carrier rotates. In addition, or alternatively, the guide surface includes a circular portion. The circular portion has a circular shape, and / or, in particular, the distance of the circular portion from the center of the orbiting device, in particular the value of the distance, is constant in the circumferential direction. A force application device is positioned in the circular portion, and / or the laboratory sample container carrier rotates. In particular, the circular portion is positioned behind the inlet portion in the circumferential direction, or adjacent to the inlet portion. In particular, the term "start" may be used as a synonym for the term "entry". In addition, or alternatively, the inlet portion may have a non-convex shape, and in particular may only have a non-convex shape. In addition, or alternatively, the inlet portion does not have to have a circular shape, or is not required to have a circular shape. In addition, or alternatively, the term “form” may be used as a synonym for the term “shape.” In addition, or alternatively, the entrance portion and the circular portion may transition smoothly from one another. In addition, or alternatively, the guide surface, entrance portion, and / or circular portion may be continuous in the circumferential direction and / or have a concave shape, or more specifically, have only a concave shape.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the revolving device is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier in the circumferential direction from the inlet position to the outlet position. The guide surface surrounds the revolving device in an angular range between 205° (degrees) and 290° in the circumferential direction, centered on the center of the revolving device. In addition to this, or alternatively, the force applying device surrounds the revolving device in an angular range between 45° and 135° in the circumferential direction, centered on the center of the revolving device. In addition to this, or alternatively, the inlet portion surrounds the revolving device in an angular range between 40° and 70° in the circumferential direction, centered on the center of the revolving device. In addition to this, or alternatively, the circular portion surrounds the revolving device in an angular range between 165° and 220° in the circumferential direction, centered on the center of the revolving device. These values enable a highly reproducible rotation of the laboratory sample container carrier. Therefore, this enables a highly reproducible orientation or alignment of the laboratory sample container carrier and / or the laboratory sample container. Therefore, this enables an extremely easy handling of the laboratory sample container carrier and / or the laboratory sample container.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide surface is roughened and / or made wavy and / or serrated and / or rubberized and / or has increased friction with respect to the laboratory sample container carrier. In addition to this, or alternatively, the guide surface is at least partially or completely made of POM. This enables high friction between the laboratory sample container carrier and the guide surface.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the laboratory sample container carrier processing device is configured to be connected to a transport surface, particularly at the bottom, of a laboratory sample distribution system configured to support a laboratory sample container carrier. The laboratory sample container carrier processing device includes a drive surface, particularly at the bottom, configured to support the laboratory sample container carrier. The orbiting device is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier, particularly at the inlet and / or outlet positions, on the drive surface and particularly on the drive surface and the transport surface, or on the drive surface, and particularly in contact with the drive surface and the transport surface. In particular, the orbiting device and / or drive surface are configured such that the transport surface can partially extend below or below the orbiting device. In other words, the orbiting device can rotate partially above the transport surface. In addition or alternatively, the drive surface may be configured such that the transport surface is adjacent to the drive surface. In addition or alternatively, the drive surface may start at the inlet position and / or end at the outlet position. In addition or alternatively, the inlet position may be a position from which the laboratory sample container carrier can be received from the transport surface. In addition to or alternatively, the exit position may be a position from which the laboratory sample container carrier can be moved to the transport surface. In addition to or alternatively, the drive surface may be fixed in particular with respect to the positioning and / or transport surface.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a laboratory automation system. The laboratory automation system particularly includes a laboratory sample distribution system. The laboratory automation system includes a laboratory sample container carrier processing device as described above. The laboratory sample container carrier processing device is connected to the laboratory sample distribution system. Particularly, the laboratory automation system includes a round laboratory sample container carrier. Particularly, the laboratory sample container carrier can be configured to carry one or more laboratory sample containers, particularly just one laboratory sample container. In addition to or instead of this, the laboratory sample container carrier can be configured as disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 2,908,139 or European Patent Application Publication No. 3,456,415, or can be configured similarly to those laboratory sample container carriers. In addition to or instead of this, the laboratory sample distribution system can be configured as disclosed in European Patent No. 2,773,968. In this regard, related technical documents are referred to.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laboratory automation system includes the laboratory sample container carrier processing device described above with respect to connection to the transport surface. The laboratory sample distribution system particularly includes a transport surface configured to support a laboratory sample container carrier. The laboratory sample container carrier processing device is connected to the transport surface. Particularly, the transport surface can be adjacent to the drive surface. In addition to or instead of this, the transport surface and the drive surface can smoothly transition to each other. In addition to or instead of this, the transport surface and the drive surface can be the same as each other. In addition to or instead of this, the transport surface can be configured as disclosed in European Patent No. 2,773,968. In this regard, related technical documents are referred to.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a laboratory sample distribution system comprises a drive means. The drive means is configured to move a laboratory sample container carrier on or in contact with a transport surface. In particular, the transport surface is directly adjacent to the drive means. The drive means is configured to supply the laboratory sample container carrier to a revolving device and / or to receive the laboratory sample container carrier from the revolving device. In addition, or alternatively, the laboratory sample container carrier comprises at least one magnetically active device, in particular at least one permanent magnet. The drive means comprises a plurality of electromagnetic actuators fixedly arranged in rows and columns below the transport surface. The electromagnetic actuators are configured to apply magnetic force to the laboratory sample container carrier. This enables efficient exchange of the laboratory sample container carrier between the transport surface and the revolving device. In addition, or alternatively, it enables smooth and flexible driving of the laboratory sample container carrier. In addition, or alternatively, it enables the use of multiple at least one magnetically active device on the laboratory sample container carrier for the application of magnetic force by a force application device and by the drive means. In particular, the force application device and the driving means and / or their functions may differ from each other, and may be of different types. In addition, or instead, the driving means may be configured as disclosed in European Patent No. 2,773,968. In this regard, see the relevant technical documents.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an automated laboratory system, and more particularly to the automated laboratory system. The automated laboratory system comprises a laboratory sample container carrier processing apparatus as described above. The automated laboratory system comprises a laboratory sample container carrier rotating apparatus, particularly comprising a rotating plate at the bottom and / or an optical reader. The laboratory sample container carrier rotating apparatus is configured to rotate a laboratory sample container, particularly a laboratory sample container carrier that carries the laboratory sample container, which has an optically readable identification element, about itself or about its own center, and to align the identification element, particularly with respect to the optical reader and / or by the optical reader, particularly with respect to the direction of rotation. The automated laboratory container carrier processing apparatus is arranged such that a laboratory sample container carrier that carries a laboratory sample container, which has an optically readable identification element that is aligned or aligned with respect to the direction of rotation, rotates on a guide surface. In addition to or instead of this, the automated laboratory system comprises a laboratory sample container take over apparatus. The laboratory sample container retrieval device is configured to retrieve laboratory sample containers that are transported by a laboratory sample container carrier that rotates on a guide surface when supplied to a revolving device, and which have optically readable identification elements that are aligned with respect to alignment or rotation. This enables alignment and maintenance. In addition to this, or alternatively, it is possible to retrieve laboratory sample containers that have aligned optically readable identification elements. This prevents other alignments. In particular, the terms “table” or “disc” may be used as synonyms for the term “table.” In addition to this, or alternatively, the optical reader may be equipped with a barcode scanner, and / or the optically readable identification element may be a barcode. In addition to this, or alternatively, the terms “badge” or “label” or “tag” may be used as synonyms for the term “element.”In addition to or alternatively, the laboratory sample container carrier processing device may be positioned particularly directly behind or adjacent to the laboratory sample container carrier rotating device. In addition to or alternatively, the laboratory sample container retrieval device may include a laboratory sample container pickup device. In addition to or alternatively, the laboratory sample container retrieval device may be positioned particularly circumferentially behind the inlet portion and / or in the circular portion.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the laboratory sample container processing apparatus described above for processing laboratory sample container carriers in a laboratory automation system, particularly the laboratory automation system described above, and especially for causing them to revolve and rotate.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] A schematic top view of the laboratory automation system according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of a laboratory sample container carrier included in an automated laboratory system. [Figure 3] A schematic perspective view of the laboratory sample container carrier processing device according to the present invention, which is included in the laboratory automation system, is shown. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of the laboratory sample container carrier processing device. [Figure 5] Another schematic top view of the laboratory automation system is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Figure 1 schematically shows a top view of the laboratory automation system 100 according to the present invention. The laboratory automation system 100 comprises, in particular, a plurality of circular laboratory sample container carriers 3, one of which is schematically shown in Figures 2 and 5.

[0039] Each laboratory sample container carrier 3 is configured to carry one laboratory sample container 16, and moreover, it carries one laboratory sample container 16 containing the laboratory sample 17 to be analyzed.

[0040] The laboratory automation system 100 further comprises a laboratory sample distribution system 101, schematically shown in Figures 1 and 5.

[0041] The laboratory sample distribution system 101 is equipped with a flat transport surface 18 in particular. The transport surface 18 is configured to support, and in particular to support, the laboratory sample container carrier 3. In other words, the laboratory sample container carrier 3 is placed on the transport surface 18.

[0042] The laboratory sample distribution system 100 further comprises a drive means 19. The drive means 19 is configured to move, in particular, the laboratory sample container carrier 3 on the transport surface 18.

[0043] More specifically, the laboratory sample container carrier 3 is provided with at least one magnetically active device 20, particularly at least one permanent magnet, at the bottom of the laboratory sample container carrier 3, as schematically shown in Figure 2. The driving means 19 comprises several electromagnetic actuators 19' fixedly arranged in rows and columns below the transport surface 18. The electromagnetic actuators 19' are configured to apply a magnetic force to the laboratory sample container carrier 3, particularly to move it. In this way, the electromagnetic actuators 19' are configured to move the sample container carrier 3, particularly to move it.

[0044] The laboratory sample distribution system 100 further comprises a laboratory sample container carrier processing device 1 according to the present invention, schematically shown in Figures 3 to 5. The laboratory sample container carrier processing device 1 comprises a revolving device 2, of which only a portion is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The laboratory sample container carrier processing device 1 further comprises a guide surface S, shown in Figures 3 and 5. The guide surface S comprises an open ring shape ORS that partially surrounds the periphery of the revolving device 2. The revolving device 2 is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier 3 supplied to the revolving device 2, particularly along the guide surface S, particularly in the circumferential direction u, from an inlet position En to an outlet position Ex. The laboratory sample container carrier processing device 1 further comprises a force application device FA. The force application device FA is configured to apply force FO to the laboratory sample container carrier 3 supplied to the orbital device 2, to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier 3 is pressed against the guide surface S to the extent that it rotates clockwise on the guide surface S in Figure 5, or to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier 3 is pressed against the guide surface S.

[0045] In detail, the laboratory sample container carrier processing device 1 is configured to be connected to the laboratory sample distribution system 101, particularly to its transport surface 18.

[0046] The laboratory sample container carrier processing device 1 includes a drive surface 5. The orbiting device 2 is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier 3 on the drive surface 5 and especially on the transport surface 18, particularly at the inlet position En and / or the outlet position Ex.

[0047] The transport surface 18 is adjacent to the drive surface 5. The drive means 19 is configured to supply the laboratory sample container carrier 3 to the orbiting device 2, in particular supplying it, and / or to receive the laboratory sample container carrier 3 from the orbiting device 2, in particular receiving it.

[0048] The force application device FA is configured to apply a force FO such that the laboratory sample container carrier 3 is pulled against the guide surface S, and in particular, it applies a force FO.

[0049] The force application device FA is configured to apply force FO in a non-contact manner, particularly so that the laboratory sample container carrier 3 is attracted to the guide surface S.

[0050] Force FO is the magnetic force MFO.

[0051] In addition to or instead of this, the force application device FA comprises at least one magnetically active device MAD, in particular at least one permanent magnet.

[0052] In detail, the force application device FA includes a Halbach array HAL that extends particularly along the guide surface S.

[0053] In particular, the force application device FA has multiple holes H. Each hole H is configured to receive a permanent magnet, and in particular, it receives a permanent magnet. The permanent magnets are arranged to form a Halbach array HAL. The Halbach array has a magnetic orientation as shown in Figure 5. In other words, each arrow corresponds to one magnetic orientation.

[0054] The force application device FA extends along the guide surface S.

[0055] In addition to this, or alternatively, the force application device FA is positioned particularly around the guide surface S in the radial direction r.

[0056] The guide surface S includes an inlet portion EP. A force application device FA is positioned behind the inlet portion EP in the circumferential direction u, and / or the laboratory sample container carrier 3 rotates.

[0057] In addition to or instead of this, the guide surface S includes a circular portion CP. The circular portion CP has a circular shape CIS, and / or, in particular, the distance DI of the circular portion CP from the center C of the orbiting device 2 in the radial direction r is constant in the circumferential direction u. A force application device FA is positioned in the circular portion CP, and / or the laboratory sample container carrier 3 rotates.

[0058] In particular, the circular portion CP is located behind the inlet portion EP in the circumferential direction u.

[0059] The guide surface S surrounds the orbiting device 2 in the circumferential direction u between 205° and 290°, particularly within an angular range of 247.5°, with respect to the center C of the orbiting device 2.

[0060] In addition to this, or alternatively, the force application device FA surrounds the orbiting device 2 in the circumferential direction u between 45° and 135°, particularly in the angular range of 90°, with respect to the center C of the orbiting device 2.

[0061] In addition to this, or alternatively, the entrance portion EP surrounds the orbiting device 2 in an angular range of 40° to 70°, particularly 55°, in the circumferential direction u centered on the center C of the orbiting device 2.

[0062] In addition to this, or alternatively, the circular portion CP surrounds the orbiting device 2 in an angular range of 165° to 220° in the circumferential direction u centered on the center C of the orbiting device 2, particularly within an angular range of 192.5°.

[0063] The guide surface S is roughened and / or corrugated and / or serrated and / or rubberized and / or has increased friction against the laboratory sample container carrier 3.

[0064] In addition to this, or alternatively, the guide surface is made of POM at least partially or entirely.

[0065] The laboratory automation system 100 further comprises a laboratory sample container carrier rotating device RO, which in particular includes a rotating plate RP and / or an optical reader OR. The laboratory sample container carrier rotating device RO is configured to rotate a laboratory sample container carrier 3, which carries laboratory sample containers 16 having optically readable identification elements ID, in alignment of the identification elements ID. The laboratory sample container carrier processing device 1 is positioned so that the laboratory sample container carrier 3, which carries the aligned laboratory sample containers 16 having optically readable identification elements ID, rotates on a guide surface S.

[0066] In particular, the laboratory sample container carrier rotating device RO is positioned after the inlet position En within the drive surface 5.

[0067] In addition to or instead of the above, the laboratory automation system 100 further comprises a laboratory sample container retrieval device TOA. The laboratory sample container retrieval device TOA is configured to retrieve laboratory sample containers 16, which are transported by a laboratory sample container carrier 3 that rotates on a guide surface S, and which are in particular equipped with aligned optically readable identification element IDs.

[0068] The laboratory sample container processing device 1 is used in the laboratory automation system 100 to process the laboratory sample container carrier 3, particularly by causing it to revolve and rotate.

Claims

1. A revolving device (2), A guide surface (S); Force application device (FA) and It is equipped with the guide surface (S) has an open ring shape (ORS) that partially surrounds the circumference of the revolving device (2); the revolving device (2) is configured to push a laboratory sample container carrier (3) fed to the revolving device (2) along the guide surface (S); the force application device (FA) is configured to apply a force (FO) to the laboratory sample container carrier (3) fed to the revolution device (2) to such an extent that the laboratory sample container carrier (3) is pushed by the revolution device (2) to rotate on its axis on the guide surface (S), and thus the laboratory sample container carrier (3) is pressed against the guide surface (S); Laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1).

2. 2. The laboratory sample container carrier processing device (1) of claim 1, wherein the force application device (FA) is configured to apply the force (FO) such that the laboratory sample container carrier (3) is pulled against the guide surface (S).

3. 2. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said force application device (FA) is configured to apply said force (FO) in a contactless manner.

4. A laboratory sample container carrier processing device (1) as described in claim 1, wherein the force application device (FA) is configured to apply the force (FO) in a non-contact manner so that the laboratory sample container carrier (3) is attracted against the guide surface (S).

5. said force (FO) is a magnetic force (MFO), and / or 2. The laboratory sample vessel carrier processing device (1) of claim 1, wherein said force application device (FA) comprises at least one magnetically active device (MAD).

6. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) of claim 5, wherein the force application device (FA) comprises a Halbach array (HAL).

7. A laboratory sample container carrier processing device (1) as described in claim 5, wherein the force application device (FA) comprises a Halbach array (HAL) extending along the guide surface (S).

8. said force application device (FA) extends along said guide surface (S); and / or 2. Laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said force application devices (FA) are arranged around said guiding surface (S).

9. the revolving device (2) is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier (3) in a circumferential direction (u) from an entrance position (En) to an exit position (Ex), the guide surface (S) comprises an inlet portion (EP), behind which in the circumferential direction (u) the force application device (FA) is arranged and / or the laboratory sample container carrier (3) rotates about its own axis, and / or the guide surface (S) comprises a circular portion (CP), the circular portion (CP) comprises a circular shape (CIS), and / or the distance (DI) of the circular portion (CP) from the center (C) of the revolution device (2) is constant in the circumferential direction (u), and in the circular portion (CP) the force application device (FA) is arranged and / or the laboratory sample container carrier (3) rotates about its axis; A laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1.

10. A laboratory sample container carrier processing device (1) as described in Claim 9, wherein the circular portion (CP) is after the inlet portion (EP) in the circumferential direction (u).

11. the revolving device (2) is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier (3) in a circumferential direction (u) from an entrance position (En) to an exit position (Ex), the guide surface (S) surrounds the revolving device (2) in an angular range of 205° to 290° in the circumferential direction (u) around the center (C) of the revolving device (2); and / or the force application device (FA) surrounds the revolution device (2) in an angular range between 45° and 135° in the circumferential direction (u) around the center (C) of the revolution device (2); and / or the inlet portion (EP) surrounds the revolution device (2) in an angular range of between 40° and 70° in the circumferential direction (u) around the center (C) of the revolution device (2); and / or The laboratory sample container carrier processing device (1) of claim 9, wherein the circular portion (CP) surrounds the revolving device (2) in an angular range between 165° and 220° in the circumferential direction (u) around the center (C) of the revolving device (2).

12. the guiding surface (S) is roughened and / or corrugated and / or serrated and / or rubberized and / or has increased friction against the laboratory sample container carrier (3), and / or 2. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the guide surface (S) consists at least partly or entirely of POM.

13. the laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) is configured to be coupled to a transport surface (18) of a laboratory sample distribution system (101); The laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) comprises a drive surface (5), 2. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) of claim 1, wherein the revolving device (2) is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier (3) over the drive surface (5).

14. A laboratory sample container carrier processing device (1) as described in Claim 13, wherein the orbital device (2) is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier (3) over the drive surface (5) and the transport surface (18).

15. a laboratory sample distribution system (101); a laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1, coupled to said laboratory sample distribution system (101); A laboratory automation system (100) comprising:

16. A laboratory automation system (100) as described in claim 15, further comprising a circular laboratory sample container carrier (3).

17. A laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) according to claim 13, the laboratory sample distribution system (101) comprising the transport surface (18); 16. The laboratory automation system (100) of claim 15, wherein the laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) is coupled to the transport surface (18).

18. 18. The laboratory automation system (100) of claim 17, wherein the laboratory sample distribution system (101) comprises a driving means (19), the driving means (19) being configured to move the laboratory sample container carrier (3) over the transport surface (18).

19. A laboratory automation system (100) as described in claim 18, wherein the transport surface (18) is adjacent to the drive surface (5) and the drive means (19) is configured to supply the laboratory sample container carrier (3) to the revolving device (2) and / or receive the laboratory sample container carrier (3) from the revolving device (2).

20. A laboratory automation system (100) as described in claim 18, wherein the laboratory sample container carrier (3) comprises at least one magnetically active device (20) and / or at least one permanent magnet, and the driving means (19) comprises a plurality of electromagnetic actuators (19') immovably arranged in rows and columns below the transport surface (18), the electromagnetic actuators (19') being configured to apply a magnetic force to the laboratory sample container carrier (3).

21. A laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1, a laboratory sample container carrier rotating device (RO) configured to rotate the laboratory sample container carriers (3) carrying the laboratory sample containers (16) with optically readable identification elements (IDs) into an aligned state of the identification elements (IDs), and the laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) is arranged so that the laboratory sample container carriers (3) carrying the aligned laboratory sample containers (16) with the optically readable identification elements (IDs) rotate about their own axes on the guide surface (S); and / or A laboratory automation system (100) comprising a laboratory sample container take-off device (TOA) carried by the laboratory sample container carrier (3) rotating on the guide surface (S) and configured to take-off the laboratory sample container (16).

22. The laboratory sample container carrier rotator (RO) comprises a rotating plate (RP) and / or an optical reader (OR), and / or The laboratory automation system (100) of claim 21, wherein the laboratory sample container take-up device is configured to take-up the laboratory sample container (16) having the aligned optically readable identification element (ID) carried by the laboratory sample container carrier (3) rotating on the guide surface (S).

23. Use of a laboratory sample container carrier processing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for processing and / or revolving and rotating the laboratory sample container carrier (3) in a laboratory automation system (100).

Images