Laboratory Equipment, Laboratory Systems, and Uses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laboratory device (1), comprising a housing (2) with a through opening (3) configured to allow a conveying device (4) to pass therethrough for conveying laboratory sample containers (5) into and / or out of the housing (2), and a cover (6) with at least two ring segments (7a, 7b) with ends (7aE) of the ring segments (7a, 7b) for positioning the ring segments (7a, 7b) around the conveying device (4) after it has passed through. and a cover (6) which is mutually adjustable between a remote adjustment (da) having a distance (DIa, DIb) of at least one between the ends (7aE, 7bE) of the ring segments (7a, 7b) for surrounding the passing transport device (4), the cover (6) in the close adjustment (na) having little or no distance between the ends (7aE, 7bE) of the ring segments (7a, 7b) being configured to cover a part (3f) of the through opening (3) left open by the passing transport device (4), and the laboratory device (1) is a pre-analytical, analytical and / or post-analytical laboratory device (1'), in particular a sorting module (1").

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laboratory device comprising a housing and a cover, to a laboratory system comprising such a laboratory device, and to the use of such a cover together with such a housing in such a laboratory device and / or in such a laboratory system. Summary of the Invention

[0002] It is an object of the present invention to provide a laboratory device which comprises a housing and a cover which includes improved properties and which allows safety in a particularly easy manner. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a laboratory system which comprises such a laboratory device, as well as to provide a use of such a cover together with such a housing of such a laboratory device and / or of such a laboratory system.

[0003] This object is solved by a laboratory device, a laboratory system and a use with the features of the respective independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] The present invention relates to a laboratory device. The laboratory device comprises a housing and a cover. The housing comprises a through opening. The through opening is configured to pass a transport device for transporting laboratory sample containers in and / or out of the housing. The cover comprises at least two ring segments. The ring segments are mutually adjustable between a remote adjustment with a distance of at least one between the ends of the ring segments to position the ring segments around the passed transport device, and a close adjustment with little or no distance between the ends of the ring segments to surround the passed transport device. The cover in the close adjustment is configured to cover a part of the through opening that is left free by the passed transport device.

[0005] This allows in particular remote and close adjustment and allows easy assembly or mounting of the cover on the housing, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the cover, which in particular covers a part of the through-opening, may leave little or no gap between the housing or the outer edge of the through-opening, respectively, and the transport device. This therefore makes it possible to reduce or prevent the risk of a person reaching into the housing through the through-opening, in particular inadvertently. This therefore makes it possible to reduce or prevent the risk of a person, in particular inadvertently, injury or external disturbance in the workflow of the laboratory device and / or the transport device, in particular.

[0006] In particular, the laboratory device may be a laboratory handling device for handling laboratory sample containers.

[0007] The laboratory sample container may be a tube. Additionally or alternatively, the laboratory sample container may be configured to contain a laboratory sample.

[0008] The laboratory sample may in particular be a bodily liquid or fluid, respectively, and in particular a blood sample.

[0009] The term "has / have" may be used synonymously with the term "comprise / s."

[0010] The term "configured" may be used synonymously with the term "adapted."

[0011] The term "shield" may be used synonymously with the term "housing". Additionally or alternatively, the housing may be configured to accommodate a laboratory sample container. Additionally or alternatively, the housing and cover may be distinct from each other, or may be particularly completely separate from each other, especially in remote adjustments.

[0012] The cover may comprise exactly two ring segments. Additionally or alternatively, in particular in remote adjustment, the ring segments may each be different or may in particular be completely separate from one another. Additionally or alternatively, the cover or its ring segments may each be rigid or shape stable.

[0013] The term "positionable" may be used synonymously with the term "adjustable". Additionally or alternatively, the term "positioning" may be used synonymously with the term "adjustment". Additionally or alternatively, the remote adjustment may be an interrupted or unconnected adjustment, respectively, with at least one interruption or non-connection, between the ends of the ring segments. Additionally or alternatively, the proximal adjustment may be an uninterrupted or connected adjustment, respectively, with at least one non-interruption or at least one connection, between the ends of the ring segments. In particular, the connection may be mechanical.

[0014] Distances, especially distance values, may be greater than zero.

[0015] The remote adjustment may comprise at least, and in particular exactly, two distances between the ends of the ring segments.

[0016] The ends of the ring segments may be the ends of at least two, in particular exactly four, ring segments.

[0017] The multiple ring segments, in particular each may each include an interior or inner shape or cross-section or edge that is semicircular.

[0018] The cover or ring segment thereof, respectively, may be continuous or closed, respectively, in proximal arrangement, or may each include or form a closed ring shape.

[0019] The surrounding may be continuous or uninterrupted or complete, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the term "enclosing" may be used synonymously with the term "surrounding."

[0020] In remote alignment, the ring segments may not, or need not, be configured to surround a passing transport device. Additionally or alternatively, in close alignment, the ring segments may not, or need not, be configured to position the ring segments around a passing transport device.

[0021] The cover in the proximity adjustment may indicate that the ring segment is in the proximity adjustment.

[0022] The cover in the proximity adjustment may be configured to cover only a portion of the through opening and / or to completely cover the portion.

[0023] The terms "close" or "shut" may be used synonymously with the term "cover."

[0024] The term "portion" may be used synonymously with the term "part."

[0025] The portion of the through opening that is left open by the passing transport device may present a gap between the outer edge of the housing or the through opening and the transport device, in other words the cover may fill the gap between the connected devices.

[0026] The laboratory equipment may be a pre-analytical, analytical and / or post-analytical laboratory equipment, in particular a sorting module.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, in particular in the close adjustment, the cover is displaceable along the through opening, in particular without the conveying device passing through the through opening. In particular, the through opening defines an opening normal. The cover is displaceable at least along at least one direction non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal. This makes it possible to compensate or overcome, respectively, the mutual alignment tolerances of the housing, in particular its through opening, and the conveying device, in particular the conveying device passing through the through opening. In particular, the cover may be displaceable in particular exactly along two directions non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises an unmounted state, in particular an unmounted and unfixed state, in which the cover is not mounted, in particular not mounted and not fixed, with respect to the through opening, in particular to the housing, in order to adjust the ring segments between a remote adjustment and a proximal adjustment. Additionally or alternatively, the cover comprises a mounted state, in particular mounted and not fixed, with respect to the through opening, in particular to the housing, in order to displace the cover along the through opening. Additionally or alternatively, the cover comprises a fixed state, in which the cover is fixed with respect to the through opening, in particular to the housing, in order to cover a part of the through opening. This allows, in particular the unmounted state, to easily adjust the ring segments between a remote adjustment and a proximal adjustment. Additionally or alternatively, this allows, in particular the mounted state, to easily displace the cover along the through opening. Additionally or alternatively, this allows, in particular the fixed state, to safely cover a part of the through opening. In particular, the terms "captive" or "retained" or "floating" may be used synonymously with the term "mounted". Additionally or alternatively, the term "fasten" may be used synonymously with the term "fixed". Additionally or alternatively, the fixation may be stationary. Additionally or alternatively, the cover in the fixed state may not be or need not be displaceable along the through opening, in particular in at least one direction non-parallel, in particular orthogonal, to the opening normal, and / or the direction non-orthogonal, in particular parallel, to the opening normal. Additionally or alternatively, the cover in the mounted state may not be or need not be displaceable along a non-orthogonal direction, in particular parallel, to the opening normal. Additionally or alternatively, the mounted, unmounted and / or fixed states may be different from each other.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the laboratory device comprises mounting and / or fastening means, which are configured for mounting and / or fastening the cover to the through opening, in particular to the housing, and comprise a number of through holes in the cover, in particular in at least one of the ring segments and / or extending from the housing side of the cover to the opposite side of the cover, a number of shafts and a number of stop elements. The shafts are configured to pass through the corresponding number of through holes, in particular away from the housing, in particular from the housing side of the cover to the opposite side of the cover. The stop elements are configured to stop on the cover, in particular on its opposite side, and are configured to apply a force to the cover towards the housing, in particular by the corresponding number of shafts, in particular by passing through the number of through holes. In particular, the number of through holes, the number of shafts and the number of stop elements are dimensioned for the mounting and / or fastening state. In particular, the term "fastening" may be used synonymously with the term "fixing". Additionally or alternatively, the number of through holes may be in two ring segments. Additionally or alternatively, the number of shafts may be in particular male-threaded. Additionally or alternatively, the housing may comprise a plurality of, in particular female, threads for screwing in the plurality of externally threaded shafts, and / or the plurality of shafts may be fixed to the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of stop elements may be a plurality of screw heads, nuts and / or washers. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of shafts and the plurality of stop elements may be a plurality of screws. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of stop elements, in particular the plurality of screws and / or the plurality of nuts, may be respectively loose or untightened in the mounted state and / or tight in the fixed state. Additionally or alternatively, the dimensions, in particular the dimensional values, of the plurality of through holes may be in particular twice as large as the dimensions, in particular the dimensional values, of the plurality of shafts, in particular along the through openings. Additionally or alternatively, the dimensions, in particular the dimensional values, of the plurality of stop elements may be in particular larger than the dimensions, in particular the dimensional values, of the plurality of through holes, in particular along the through openings. Additionally or alternatively, the dimensions may be diameters.Additionally or alternatively, the force may be a pulling force to pull the cover towards the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting and / or fastening means may be arranged laterally adjacent, in particular around, the through opening. Additionally or alternatively, multiple through holes may extend, multiple shafts may be configured to pass through multiple through holes, and / or multiple stop elements may be configured to apply a force along a non-orthogonal direction, in particular a direction parallel to the opening normal. The mounting and / or fastening and / or stop may be direct.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover is configured to stop on the housing, in particular on its outer side, in order to cover a part of the through opening, so that little or no gap can be left between the outer edge of the housing or through opening and the cover. In particular, the stop can be direct.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cover is a cover plate, especially in close adjustment. Additionally or alternatively, the housing, especially on its outer side, is planar in the area of ​​its through opening. In particular, the cover and / or its ring segments may in particular be merely two-dimensional and / or comprise a constant thickness. Additionally or alternatively, the term "area" or "range" may be used synonymously with the term "range".

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the remote adjustment is a non-joint adjustment with no joint between the ends of the ring segments. The proximal adjustment is a jointed adjustment with at least one joint between the ends of the ring segments. This allows the cover to be easily displaced along the through opening and / or to safely cover a part of the through opening. In particular, the joint may be mechanical.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, the through openings in particular define an opening normal. The ring segments, in particular with their ends, are mutually adjustable between a remote adjustment and a close adjustment, at least, in particular firstly, partially along at least one direction non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal, and / or at least, in particular secondly, partially along a direction non-orthogonal, in particular parallel to the opening normal. This makes it possible to position the ring segments around the device to be passed through, in particular by adjusting along at least one direction non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal. Additionally or alternatively, it makes it possible to form at least one joint between the ends of the ring segments, in particular by adjusting along a non-orthogonal, in particular parallel, direction to the opening normal. In particular, the ring segments may be mutually adjustable, in particular along exactly two directions non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the ring segments is provided at its end with a tab and at least another of the ring segments is provided at its end with a corresponding recess for receiving the tab, in particular for joint adjustment, for joining the ends of the ring segments. This allows for an easy and / or strong joint, in particular like a jigsaw puzzle. In particular, the term "interjamb" may be used synonymously with the term "tab". Additionally or alternatively, the term "blank" may be used synonymously with the term "recess". Additionally or alternatively, the term "complementary" may be used synonymously with the term "corresponding". Additionally or alternatively, the term "interlock" may be used synonymously with the term "joint". Additionally or alternatively, the joint may be a dovetail joint.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the laboratory device comprises an alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism is configured to align the housing, in particular its through opening, with respect to a support for supporting the laboratory device, in particular the ground floor. In particular, the through opening defines in particular an opening normal. The alignment mechanism is configured to align the housing at least along at least one direction non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal. This makes it possible to compensate or overcome, respectively, non-uniformities of the support and / or inaccuracies in the setup. In particular, the alignment mechanism may be configured to align the housing in particular exactly along two directions non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal.

[0036] The invention further relates to a laboratory system. The laboratory system comprises a laboratory device as described above and in particular a transport device. The transport device is configured to pass through a through-opening of the housing of the laboratory device, in particular for transporting laboratory sample containers into and / or out of the housing. This allows, firstly, an easy passage of the transport device through the through-opening of the housing and, secondly, an easy assembly of the cover on the housing, in particular with a cover whose ring segments are adjustable between a remote adjustment and a close adjustment. In particular, a cover whose ring segments are close adjusted may comprise an internal or inner, respectively, shape or cross-section or edge that is form-fitted or in particular corresponds completely to an external or external, respectively, shape or cross-section or edge of the transport device. In other words, the cover may protrude or extend, respectively, at least from the outer edge of the through-opening, in particular beyond the outer edge and / or up to the transport device, in particular so as to come into contact with the transport device. In particular, the contact may be direct and / or physical. Additionally or alternatively, the term "touch" may be used synonymously with the term "contact". Additionally or alternatively, the laboratory system may include a laboratory sample container.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the transport device comprises an alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism is configured to align the transport device with respect to the laboratory device, in particular its housing, in particular its through opening, and / or with respect to a support, in particular a ground floor, for supporting the transport device. In particular, the through opening defines in particular an opening normal. The alignment mechanism is configured to align the transport device at least along at least one direction, in particular non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal. This makes it possible to compensate or overcome, respectively, non-uniformities of the support and / or inaccuracies in the setup. In particular, the alignment mechanism may be configured to align the transport device in particular precisely along two directions, in particular non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, the transport device comprises a transport surface. The transport surface is configured to support, in particular, the laboratory sample containers for moving the laboratory sample containers over the transport surface. In particular, the transport device may comprise a flat housing. The flat housing may in particular accommodate or surround, respectively, the transport surface, continuously or intermittently or completely. Additionally or alternatively, the transport surface, in particular the flat housing, may be configured to pass through a through opening in the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the transport surface may be a bottom transport surface and / or a stop surface. Additionally or alternatively, the transport device, in particular the transport surface, may be configured as disclosed in EP 2773968. In this regard, reference is made to the relevant technical literature.

[0039] The present invention further relates to the use of a cover with a housing of the above-mentioned laboratory device and / or with the above-mentioned laboratory system.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1]1 shows diagrammatically a perspective view of a laboratory system according to the invention comprising a laboratory device according to the invention and a transport device; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the laboratory device of FIG. 1 with the housing and cover in proximity adjustment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the cover of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the cover of FIG. 2 in remote adjustment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of another laboratory device according to the invention, comprising a proximity-adjustable housing and cover, and mounting and / or fixing means. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged view of the laboratory apparatus of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a laboratory system 100 according to the invention. The laboratory system 100 comprises a laboratory device 1 according to the invention, which is shown diagrammatically in Figs. 1 and 2 and in Figs. 5 and 6, and a transport device 4.

[0043] The laboratory device 1 comprises a housing 2 and a cover 6, which is shown diagrammatically in Figures 1 to 4 and 5 and 6. The housing 2 comprises a through opening 3, which is arranged to allow passage of a transport device 4 for transporting laboratory sample containers 5 in and out of the housing 2, one of which is shown diagrammatically in Figure 1.

[0044] The transport device 4 is configured to pass, in particular through, the through-opening 3 in the housing 2 of the laboratory device 1 for transporting, in particular transporting, laboratory sample containers 5 in and out of the housing 2 .

[0045] The cover 6 comprises at least two ring segments 7a, 7b. The ring segments 7a, 7b are mutually adjustable, in particular adjusted, between a remote adjustment da with a distance DIa, DIb of at least 1 between the ends 7aE, 7bE of the ring segments 7a, 7b, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, for positioning the ring segments around the conveying device 4 that has passed, and a close adjustment na with little or no distance between the ends 7aE, 7bE of the ring segments 7a, 7b, as shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1-3 and 5 and 6, for surrounding the conveying device 4 that has passed. The cover 6 in the close adjustment na is configured to cover a part 3f of the through opening 3 that is left open by the conveying device 4 that has passed.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 6 comprises exactly two ring segments 7a, 7b, in particular in a remote adjustment da having exactly two distances DIa, DIb between exactly four ends 7aE, 7bE of the ring segments 7a, 7b. In an alternative embodiment, the cover may comprise at least three ring segments, in particular in a remote adjustment having at least two, in particular at least three distances between at least four, in particular at least six ends of the ring segments.

[0047] In particular, the cover 6 or its ring segments 7a, 7b, respectively, are arranged around the passed conveying device 4 and surround it.

[0048] The cover 6 in the proximity adjustment na covers a portion 3f of the through opening 3.

[0049] In particular, the cover 6 is displaceable, in particular displaceable, along the through opening 3, in particular in the proximity adjustment na.

[0050] In particular, the through opening 3 defines an opening normal 3n.

[0051] The cover 6 is displaceable at least along at least one direction y, z non-parallel, in particular orthogonal, to the opening normal 3n.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, one direction y is horizontal and one direction z is vertical.

[0053] The cover 6 includes an unmounted state, in particular an unmounted and unfixed state us, in which the cover 6 is not mounted, in particular an unmounted and unfixed state, in relation to the through opening 3, in order to adjust the ring segments 7a, 7b between a remote adjustment da and a proximal adjustment na, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, and / or an mounted state, in particular an mounted and unfixed state ms, in which the cover 6 is mounted, in particular an mounted and unfixed state, in relation to the through opening 3, in order to displace the cover 6 along the through opening 3, as shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 2 and 6, and / or a fixed state fs, in which the cover 6 is fixed, in relation to the through opening 3, in order to cover a portion 3f of the through opening 3, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1.

[0054] The laboratory device comprises mounting and / or fastening means 8a, 8b, 8c, which are configured to mount and / or fasten, in particular to mount and / or fasten, the cover 6 relative to the through-opening 3, and which comprise a plurality of through-holes 8a, a plurality of shafts 8b and a plurality of stop elements 8c, which are in the cover 6, in particular in at least one of the ring segments 7a, 7b, and / or extend from the housing side 6hs of the cover 6 to the opposite side 6os of the cover 6. The plurality of shafts 8b are configured to pass, in particular to pass, through the plurality of through-holes 8a, away from the housing 2, in particular from the housing side 6hs of the cover 6 to the opposite side 6os of the cover 6. The plurality of stop elements 8c are configured to stop, in particular to stop, on the cover 6, in particular at its opposite side 6os, and are configured to apply, in particular to apply, a force FO to the cover 6 towards the housing 2 by the plurality of shafts 8b passing through the plurality of through-holes 8a. In particular, the through holes 8a, the shafts 8b and the stop elements 8c are dimensioned for the mounting state ms and / or the fixed state fs.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the mounting and / or fastening means 8a, 8b, 8c comprise three through holes 8a, three shafts 8b and three stop elements 8c. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the mounting and / or fastening means 8a, 8b, 8c comprise four through holes 8a, four shafts 8b and four stop elements 8c. In alternative embodiments, the mounting and / or fastening means may comprise at least two through holes, at least two shafts and at least two stop elements.

[0056] 1 to 4, the through holes 8a have a larger dimension in the direction z than in the direction y. This allows the housing 2, in particular its through opening 3, and the conveying device 4 passing through it in particular to have a larger alignment tolerance relative to one another in the direction z than in the direction y. This allows the conveying device 4 to pass through the through opening 3 with a shoveling motion.

[0057] The cover 6 is adapted to rest, in particular to rest, on the housing 2, in particular on its outer side 2os, in order to cover a portion 3f of the through opening 3.

[0058] The cover 6, particularly in the close adjustment na, is a cover plate 6'.

[0059] The housing 2, in particular its outside 2os, is flat in the region of its through opening 3.

[0060] The remote adjustment da is a non-joint adjustment ua between the ends 7aE, 7bE of the ring segments 7a, 7b. The proximal adjustment na is a joint adjustment ja between the ends 7aE, 7bE of the ring segments 7a, 7b by at least one joint jo.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the jointed adjustment ja has exactly two joints jo between the ends 7aE, 7bE of the ring segments 7a, 7b. In alternative embodiments, the jointed adjustment may have at least one joint or at least three joints between the ends of the ring segments.

[0062] The ring segments 7a, 7b, in particular having the ends 7aE, 7bE, are adjustable, in particular adjusted, with respect to one another, at least, in particular firstly, partially along at least one direction y that is non-parallel, in particular perpendicular, to the opening normal 3n, and / or at least, in particular secondly, partially along a direction x that is non-orthogonal, in particular parallel, to the opening normal 3n, between a remote adjustment da and a proximal adjustment na.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the direction x is horizontal.

[0064] At least one of the ring segments 7a, 7b is provided at its end 7aE, 7bE with a tab 9, and at least another one of the ring segments 7b, 7a is provided at its end 7bE, 7aE with a corresponding recess 10, in particular for receiving the tab 9 for joining the ends 7aE, 7bE of the ring segments 7a, 7b, in particular for joint adjustment ja.

[0065] 1-4, each ring segment 7a, 7b includes a tab 9 at one end 7aE, 7bE and a recess 10 at the other end 7aE, 7bE. In alternative embodiments, one of the ring segments may include multiple tabs at its end and / or at least another of the ring segments may include multiple recesses at its end.

[0066] The laboratory device 1 is a pre-analytical, analytical and / or post-analytical laboratory device 1', in particular a sorting module 1''.

[0067] The laboratory device 1 comprises an alignment mechanism 11. The alignment mechanism 11 is configured to align, in particular align, the housing 2, in particular its through opening 3, with respect to a support 12, in particular a ground floor 12', for supporting the laboratory device 1. In particular, the alignment mechanism 11 is configured to align the housing 2 at least along at least one direction y, z non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal 3n.

[0068] The transport device 4 comprises an alignment mechanism 13. The alignment mechanism 13 is configured to align, in particular align, the transport device 4 with respect to the laboratory device 1, in particular its housing 2, in particular its through opening 3, and / or to a support 12, in particular a ground floor 12', for supporting the transport device 4. In particular, the alignment mechanism 13 is configured to align the transport device 4 at least along at least one direction y, z non-parallel, in particular orthogonal to the opening normal 3n.

[0069] The transport device 4 comprises a transport surface 14. The transport surface 14 is adapted to support, in particular to support, the laboratory sample containers 5 for moving the same over the transport surface.

[0070] The cover 6 is for use with the housing 2 of the lab device 1 and / or the lab system 100 .

[0071] In detail and / or in other words, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the housing 6 itself comprises two segments 7a, 7b, each of which comprises, in particular consists of, PMMA or plexiglass, and which fit together like a puzzle. This makes it possible or possible to attach the cover 6 after the housing 2 and the transport device 4 have been aligned. To fasten the cover 6, three slotted holes 8a are provided or equipped respectively. The slotted holes 8a are exactly as large as the tolerance between the housing 2 and the transport device 4. To fasten the cover 6 towards the housing 2, three aluminum disks 8c are used. These disks 8c are respectively slightly larger or larger than the slotted holes 8a. This makes it possible to properly fasten the cover 6 in any position. The disks 8c themselves are then fastened respectively towards the housing 2 with three screws, in particular with shafts 8b in the corresponding centres or middles.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in figures 5 and 6, the stop elements 8c are provided with rings. These rings hold the plexiglass in place. These rings are slightly larger or thicker, respectively, than the plexiglass in order to exert the force FO or pressure of the disks 8c, respectively, on the plexiglass. The disks 8c serve to bias or press, respectively, the rings and to hold them in place. These disks are in particular each fixed by only one central screw.

Claims

1. A laboratory device (1), comprising: a housing (2) comprising a through-opening (3) configured to allow a conveying device (4) to pass through for conveying laboratory sample containers (5) into and / or out of the housing (2); A cover (6), comprising at least two ring segments (7a, 7b), the ring segments (7a, 7b) being mutually adjustable between a remote adjustment (da) having a distance (DIa, DIb) of at least one between ends (7aE, 7bE) of the ring segments (7a, 7b) for positioning the ring segments (7a, 7b) around the conveying device (4) that has passed, and a close adjustment (na) having little or no distance between the ends (7aE, 7bE) of the ring segments (7a, 7b) for surrounding the conveying device (4) that has passed, the cover (6) in the close adjustment (na) being configured to cover a portion (3f) of the through opening (3) that is left open by the conveying device (4) that has passed; Equipped with The laboratory device (1) comprises: Pre-analytical, analytical and / or post-analytical laboratory equipment (1'), and / or Sorting module (1") This is a laboratory device (1).

2. 2. The laboratory device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (6) is displaceable along the through opening (3).

3. 2. The laboratory device (1) of claim 1, wherein the cover (6) comprises an unattached state (us) in which the cover (6) is not attached to the through opening (3) in order to adjust the ring segments (7a, 7b) between the remote adjustment (da) and the close adjustment (na), and / or an attached state (ms) in which the cover (6) is attached to the through opening (3) in order to displace the cover (6) along the through opening (3), and / or a fixed state (fs) in which the cover (6) is fixed to the through opening (3) in order to cover the portion (3f) of the through opening (3).

4. The laboratory device (1) comprises mounting and / or fastening means (8a, 8b, 8c), which are configured to mount and / or fasten the cover (6) to the through-opening (3), and the mounting and / or fastening means (8a, 8b, 8c) a plurality of through holes (8a) in the cover (6) and / or in at least one of the ring segments (7a, 7b) and / or extending from the housing side (6hs) of the cover (6) to the opposite side (6os) of the cover (6); a plurality of shafts (8b) configured to pass through the plurality of through holes (8a) away from the housing (2) and / or from the housing side (6hs) of the cover (6) to the opposite side (6os) of the cover (6); a plurality of stop elements (8c) configured to stop on the cover (6) and / or on the opposite side (6os) of the cover (6) and configured to apply a force (FO) to the cover (6) towards the housing (2) by the plurality of shafts (8b); 2. The laboratory device (1) according to claim 1, comprising:

5. 2. The laboratory device (1) of claim 1, wherein the cover (6) is configured to rest on the housing (2) and / or on the outside (2os) of the housing (2) to cover the portion (3f) of the through opening (3).

6. said cover (6) is a cover plate (6'), and / or 2. The laboratory device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (2) is flat in the area of ​​its through-opening (3).

7. The cover (6) is a cover plate (6') in the proximity adjustment (na), and / or 2. The laboratory device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outside (2os) of the housing (2) is flat in the area of ​​its through-opening (3).

8. the remote adjustment (da) is a non-joint adjustment (ua) in which the ends (7aE, 7bE) of the ring segments (7a, 7b) are not joined together, 2. The laboratory device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the proximity adjustment (na) is a joint adjustment (ja) with at least one joint (jo) between the ends (7aE, 7bE) of the ring segments (7a, 7b).

9. the through opening (3) defines an opening normal (3n); The ring segments (7a, 7b) and / or the ends (7aE, 7bE) of the ring segments (7a, 7b) are The remote adjustment (da) and the close adjustment (na) are mutually adjustable; and / or 2. The laboratory device (1) of claim 1, which is adjustable at least firstly partially along at least one direction (y) that is non-parallel and / or orthogonal to the aperture normal (3n) and / or at least secondly partially along a direction (x) that is non-orthogonal and / or parallel to the aperture normal (3n).

10. 2. The laboratory device (1) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ring segments (7a, 7b) comprises a tab (9) at its end (7aE, 7bE) and at least another of the ring segments (7b, 7a) comprises a corresponding recess (10) at its end (7bE, 7aE) for receiving the tab (9) to join the ends (7aE, 7bE) of the ring segments (7a, 7b).

11. 2. The laboratory device (1) of claim 1, wherein the laboratory device (1) comprises an alignment mechanism (11), the alignment mechanism (11) being configured to align the housing (2) and / or the through opening (3) of the housing (2) with respect to a support (12) for supporting the laboratory device (1) and / or a ground floor (12').

12. A laboratory device (1) according to claim 1, a transport device (4) configured to pass through the through-opening (3) of the housing (2) of the laboratory device (1) in order to transport laboratory sample containers (5) into and / or out of the housing (2); A laboratory system (100) comprising:

13. 13. The laboratory system (100) of claim 12, wherein the transport device (4) comprises an alignment mechanism (13) configured to align the transport device (4) with respect to the laboratory device (1) and / or the housing (2) of the laboratory device (1) and / or the through-opening (3) of the housing (2), and / or with respect to a support (12) and / or ground floor (12') for supporting the transport device (4).

14. 13. The laboratory system (100) of claim 12, wherein the transport device (4) comprises a transport surface (14), the transport surface (14) being configured to support the laboratory sample container (5) for moving the laboratory sample container (5) on the transport surface (14).

15. Use of a cover (6) with a housing (2) of a laboratory device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and / or a laboratory system (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

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