Laboratory sample container carrier handling device, laboratory automation system, and use - Patents.com

Abstract

The invention relates to a laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) comprising a rotating device (2) and a guideway (S), an entrance segment (EP) of the guideway (S) being configured for smoothly receiving a laboratory sample container carrier (3). Furthermore, the invention relates to a laboratory automation system (100) comprising such a laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) and to the use of such a laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) in particular for handling laboratory sample container carriers (3) in such a laboratory automation system (100).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laboratory sample container carrier handling device, a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample container carrier handling device, and in particular the use of such a laboratory sample container carrier handling device for handling laboratory sample container carriers in such a laboratory automation system. Summary of the Invention

[0002] It is an object of the present invention to provide a laboratory sample container carrier handling device with improved properties and in particular which allows problems to be reduced or prevented. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample container carrier handling device, and in particular to provide the use of such a laboratory sample container carrier handling device for handling laboratory sample container carriers in such a laboratory automation system.

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

[0004] The invention relates to a laboratory sample container carrier handling device. In particular, the laboratory sample container carrier handling device may be configured to be coupled to a laboratory sample distribution system allowing different or variable entry positions for laboratory sample container carriers carrying (in particular open) laboratory sample containers containing laboratory samples. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device comprises a rotating device and in particular a lateral guide surface or wall. The guide surface comprises an open ring shape, in particular only partially surrounding the circumference or the side or the outside of the rotating device. In particular, the guide surface may be configured to guide the laboratory sample container carrier. The rotating device is configured to push or move the laboratory sample container carrier when it is fed into the rotating device from an entry position (in particular of various possible entry positions) to an exit position, in particular along or in contact with the guide surface in a circumferential direction. The guide surface comprises an entry segment. The entry segment comprises a non-convex shape, in particular only a non-convex shape. The distance (particularly the value of the distance) of the inlet segment from the centre of the rotating device is greater at the beginning (particularly the starting point) of the inlet segment than at the end (particularly the ending point) of the inlet segment in the circumferential direction.

[0005] This allows the laboratory sample container carrier to be moved in contact with the guide surface, in particular from various possible entry positions, at a small or no angle, or (in particular) essentially tangentially or flatly, in contrast to an entry segment, in particular with a convex shape and / or a constant distance. This therefore allows the laboratory sample container carrier to be entered smoothly or gently, or with small or even no impact. This therefore allows the risk of laboratory samples (in particular accidentally) spilling out of (in particular open) laboratory sample containers to be reduced or prevented. This therefore allows the risk of inadvertent cross-contamination to be reduced or prevented in particular.

[0006] In particular, the laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device may be referred to as a carousel.

[0007] The laboratory sample container may be open at the top. Additionally or alternatively, the term "uncapped" may be used as a synonym for the term "open." Additionally or alternatively, the laboratory sample container may be a tube.

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

[0009] The rotating device may be driven by a motor. Additionally or alternatively, the terms "star rotor" or "star wheel" may be used as synonyms for the term "rotating device". Additionally or alternatively, the rotating device may comprise a pushing element surrounding a rotating pushing area with a guide surface. The pushing area may be configured to push a laboratory sample container carrier fed to the rotating device from an entry position to an exit position. In particular, the pushing area may increase, in particular continuously, so as to eventually form-fit with the footprint of the laboratory sample container carrier. In particular, form-fit may mean to fit with a tolerance of less than 5 mm (millimeters), in particular 1 mm, especially less than 1 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the rotating device may comprise a plurality (for example 5 to 20) pushing cavities configured to receive the laboratory sample container carrier to be rotated and to push the received laboratory sample container carrier. Each laboratory sample container carrier may thus have its own cavity. In particular, each push cavity may comprise two side walls, which may be rotated around a center or axis of rotation of the rotating device, and which push the laboratory sample container carrier in contact with the side walls. In particular, the side walls may contact each other along the axis of rotation of the rotating device. This may be considered in terms of the actual visible side walls, or in terms of a line that may be used to define the dimensions of the cavity.

[0010] The guide surface or its open ring shape may surround the rotating device, in particular in a radial direction that is not parallel to the circumferential direction, in particular perpendicular to the circumferential direction. Additionally or alternatively, the guide surface may be continuous in the circumferential direction. Additionally or alternatively, the term "guide arch" may be used as a synonym for the term "guide surface".

[0011] The term "has / have" may be used synonymously with the term "comprise / s."

[0012] The term "morphology" may be used as a synonym for the term "shape."

[0013] The term "encompass" may be used as a synonym for the term "surround."

[0014] The term "configured" may be used as a synonym for the term "adapted."

[0015] The term "start" may be used as a synonym for the term "entry."

[0016] Contact may be direct and / or physical contact. Additionally or alternatively, the term "touch" may be used as a synonym for the term "contact."

[0017] The entry position may be a position at which the laboratory sample container carrier may be received by a laboratory sample container carrier handling device, in particular a rotating device. Additionally or alternatively, the exit position may be a position at which the laboratory sample container carrier may be transported by a laboratory sample container carrier handling device, in particular a rotating device.

[0018] The rotating device and / or the guide surface may be configured such that at the same time or simultaneously, one laboratory sample container carrier, in particular said one laboratory sample container carrier, may be located at an entrance position or may enter the rotating device and / or guide surface and another one laboratory sample container carrier may be located at an exit position or may exit the rotating device and / or guide surface.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the laboratory sample container carrier handling device is configured to be coupled to a laboratory sample distribution system, in particular configured to support a laboratory sample container carrier, in particular a bottom transport plane of said laboratory sample distribution system. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device comprises a drive surface, in particular a bottom drive surface, in particular configured to support a laboratory sample container carrier. The rotating device is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier on the drive surface and in particular on or in contact with the transport plane in the entry position and / or in the exit position. In particular, the rotating device and / or the drive surface may be configured such that the transport plane may extend partially below or below the rotating device. In other words, the rotating device may rotate partially above the transport plane. Additionally or alternatively, the drive surface may be configured such that the transport plane is adjacent to the drive surface. Additionally or alternatively, the drive surface may start in the entry position and / or end in the exit position. Additionally or alternatively, the entry position may be a position at which the laboratory sample container carrier may be received from the transport plane. Additionally or alternatively, the exit position may be a position at which the laboratory sample container carrier may be transferred to the transport plane. Additionally or alternatively, the drive surface may be stationary, in particular with respect to the positioning and / or transport plane.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide surface comprises at least an intermediate segment. The at least intermediate segment is in particular directly adjacent to the inlet segment in the circumferential direction and comprises a circular shape. In particular, the distance of the at least intermediate segment from the center of the rotating device, in particular the value of the distance, is constant in the circumferential direction. Additionally or alternatively, the distance of the inlet segment from the center of the rotating device is equal at the end of the inlet segment to the distance of the at least intermediate segment from the center of the rotating device at least at the inlet segment. This allows a smooth transition of the laboratory sample container carrier from the inlet segment to the at least intermediate segment. In particular, the inlet segment and the at least intermediate segment may transition smoothly into each other. Additionally or alternatively, the guide surface or the at least intermediate segment may comprise an outlet segment. The outlet segment may in particular directly adjacent to the intermediate segment in the circumferential direction.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide surface comprises at least a first portion, in particular directly adjacent to at least the intermediate segment. The radius, in particular the value of the radius, of the first portion is greater than the radius, in particular the value of the radius, of at least the intermediate segment at least at the inlet segment. This allows the laboratory sample container carrier to be moved in contact with the guide surface, in particular from various possible inlet positions, at a very small or no angle. This therefore allows the laboratory sample container carrier to be entered very smoothly or with very small and possibly even without any shocks. In particular, the term "part" can be used as a synonym for the term "portion".

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide surface comprises a first portion, in particular said first portion, and a second portion, in particular directly adjacent to the first portion in the counter-circumferential direction. The radius of the first portion, in particular said radius, in particular the value of the radius, in particular at least the radius of the intermediate segment at least at the inlet segment, is greater than the radius of the second portion. This allows the laboratory sample container carrier to be moved in contact with the guide surface, in particular from various possible inlet positions, at a very small or no angle. This therefore allows the laboratory sample container carrier to be entered very smoothly or with very small and possibly even without shocks. In particular, the first and second portions may transition smoothly into each other.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide surface comprises a third portion, in particular directly adjacent to the second portion in the counter-circumferential direction. The radius of the second portion is greater than the radius, in particular the value of the radius, of the third portion. In particular, the second portion and the third portion may smoothly transition into each other.

[0024] The radius may be configured to be larger or increase circumferentially, particularly continuously, along the inlet segment.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the radius of the first section is in the range of 150 mm to 190 mm and / or in the range of 7.5 to 9.5 times the radius of the push cavity or section of the rotating device, in particular of said push cavity or section. The push cavity is configured to receive the laboratory sample container carrier to be rotated and to push the received laboratory sample container carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the radius of the second section is in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm and / or in the range of 2 to 3 times the radius of the push cavity. Additionally or alternatively, the radius of the third section is in the range of 40 mm to 50 mm and / or in the range of 2 to 2.5 times the radius of the push cavity. Additionally or alternatively, the radius of at least the intermediate segment at least in the inlet segment is in the range of 50 mm to 70 mm and / or in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 times the radius of the push cavity. This value / these values ​​allow the laboratory sample vessel carrier to be moved in contact with the guide surface, in particular from various possible entry positions, at a very small or no angle. This therefore allows the laboratory sample vessel carrier to be entered very smoothly or with very small and possibly even without impacts. In particular, the range may include the limiting values. Additionally or alternatively, the push cavity may have a shape that is in particular partially form-fitted or corresponds to the shape or cross-section or circumference of the laboratory sample vessel carrier.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide surface surrounds the rotating device in an angular range of 205° (degrees) to 290° in the circumferential direction around the center of the rotating device. Additionally or alternatively, the inlet segment surrounds the rotating device in an angular range of 40° to 70° in the circumferential direction around the center of the rotating device. Additionally or alternatively, at least the intermediate portion surrounds the rotating device in an angular range of 165° to 220° in the circumferential direction around the center of the rotating device. This value / these values ​​allow the laboratory sample container carrier to be moved in contact with the guide surface, in particular from the various possible inlet positions, with very small or no angles. This therefore allows the laboratory sample container carrier to be entered very smoothly or with very small and possibly even without any shocks. In particular, the range may include the limit values.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide surface, the inlet segment and / or at least the intermediate segment are circumferentially continuous, in particular only circumferentially continuous and / or comprise a concave shape, in particular only a concave shape. Additionally or alternatively, the inlet segment comprises a shape between an oval and a rounded rectangle. In particular, the inlet segment does not have to comprise or include a circular shape.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to a laboratory automation system. The laboratory automation system comprises a laboratory sample distribution system, in particular said laboratory sample distribution system, which in particular allows different entry positions for a laboratory sample container carrier carrying a (in particular open) laboratory sample container containing a laboratory sample. The laboratory automation system comprises a laboratory sample container carrier handling device as described above. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device is coupled to the laboratory sample distribution system. In particular, the laboratory automation system comprises a laboratory sample container carrier. This allows smooth handling of the laboratory sample container carrier. In particular, the laboratory sample container carrier may have a round shape or cross-section, in particular a circular shape or cross-section, in particular in the place of contact with the rotating device and / or the guide surface and / or in top view. Additionally or alternatively, the laboratory sample container carrier may be configured to carry one or more laboratory sample containers, in particular only one laboratory sample container. Additionally or alternatively, the laboratory sample container carrier may be configured as or similar to the laboratory sample container carriers disclosed in EP 2 908 139 A or EP 3 456 415 A. Additionally or alternatively, the laboratory sample distribution system may be configured as disclosed in EP 2 773 968 A. Reference is made in this regard to the relevant technical literature.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the laboratory automation system comprises a laboratory sample container carrier handling device as described above with regard to its coupling to a transport plane. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a transport plane, in particular configured to support laboratory sample container carriers. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device is coupled to the transport plane. In particular, the transport plane can adjoin the drive plane. Additionally or alternatively, the transport plane and the drive plane may smoothly transition into one another. Additionally or alternatively, the transport plane and the drive plane may be identical to one another. Additionally or alternatively, the transport plane may be configured as disclosed in EP 2773968. In this regard, reference is made to the relevant technical literature.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the laboratory sample distribution system comprises a drive means. The drive means is configured to move the laboratory sample container carrier on or in contact with a transport plane, which is in particular directly adjacent to the drive surface. The drive means is configured to feed the laboratory sample container carrier to the rotation device and / or receive the laboratory sample container carrier from the rotation device. This allows an efficient exchange of the laboratory sample container carrier between the transport plane and the rotation device. In particular, the drive means may be configured as disclosed in EP 2 773 968. In this regard, reference is made to the relevant technical literature.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the laboratory sample vessel carrier comprises at least one magnetic actuation device, in particular at least one permanent magnet. The drive means comprises a number of electromagnetic actuators arranged in rows and columns fixed below the transport plane. The electromagnetic actuators are configured to apply a magnetic force to the laboratory sample vessel carrier. This allows a smooth and flexible drive of the laboratory sample vessel carrier.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laboratory automation system comprises at least one pre-analytical, analytical and / or post-analytical laboratory device. The laboratory device is configured to interact with the laboratory sample container carrier, the (particularly opened) laboratory sample container carried by the laboratory sample container carrier and / or the laboratory sample contained in the laboratory sample container, in particular while being fed to the rotating device. In particular, the laboratory device may be a monitoring device, in particular a camera, a recap device and / or an identification device, in particular a barcode reader. Additionally or alternatively, the laboratory device may be at least in the middle segment, in particular in the circumferential direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention further relates to the use of a laboratory sample container carrier handling device as described above, in particular in a laboratory automation system as described above, in particular in said laboratory automation system, for handling, in particular rotating, a laboratory sample container carrier carrying, in particular a (in particular open) laboratory sample container containing a laboratory sample.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic top view of a laboratory automation system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a laboratory sample container carrier included in a laboratory automation system; [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a laboratory sample container carrier handling device according to the invention included in a laboratory automation system; [Figure 4] 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a guideway of the laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device of FIG. 3; [Diagram 5]5 shows a schematic top view of the guide surface of FIG. 4; [Figure 6] 2A and 2B show schematic diagrams of another top view of the laboratory automation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] 1 shows a schematic top view of a laboratory automation system 100 according to the invention. The laboratory automation system 100 comprises a number of laboratory sample container carriers 3, one of which is shown diagrammatically in FIGS.

[0037] Each laboratory sample container carrier 3 is configured to carry, in particular carries, one laboratory sample container 16. The laboratory sample container 16 contains a laboratory sample 17 to be analysed.

[0038] The laboratory automation system 100 further comprises a laboratory sample distribution system 101, shown diagrammatically in FIGS.

[0039] The laboratory sample distribution system 101 comprises in particular a flat transport plane 18. The transport plane 18 is configured to support, in particular supports, the laboratory sample container carriers 3. In other words, the laboratory sample container carriers 3 are arranged on the transport plane 18.

[0040] The laboratory sample distribution system 100 further comprises drive means 19. The drive means 19 is configured to move, in particular to move, the laboratory sample container carrier 3 on the transport plane 18.

[0041] In particular, the laboratory sample vessel carrier 3 comprises at least one magnetic actuator 20, in particular at least one permanent magnet, in particular at the bottom of the laboratory sample vessel carrier 3, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 2. The drive means 19 comprises a number of electromagnetic actuators 19' arranged in rows and columns fixedly below the transport plane 18. The electromagnetic actuators 19' are configured to apply, in particular to apply, a magnetic force to the laboratory sample vessel carrier 3. In this way, the electromagnetic actuators 19' are configured to move, in particular to move, the sample vessel carrier 3.

[0042] The laboratory sample distribution system 100 further comprises a laboratory sample container carrier handling device 1 according to the invention, which is shown diagrammatically in figures 3 to 6. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device 1 comprises a rotating device 2, of which only a part is shown in figure 3. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device 1 further comprises a guide surface S, which is shown in figures 3 to 6. The guide surface S comprises an open ring shape ORS partially surrounding the circumference of the rotating device 2. The rotating device 2 is configured to push, in particular to push, a laboratory sample container carrier 3 fed to the rotating device 2 in a circumferential direction u along the guide surface S from an entry position En to an exit position Ex. The guide surface S comprises an entry segment EP. The entry segment EP comprises a non-convex shape NCS. A distance DI of the entry segment EP from a centre C of the rotating device 2 is greater at a start EPS of the entry segment EP than at an end EPE of the entry segment EP in the circumferential direction u.

[0043] In particular, the laboratory sample container carrier handling device 1 is adapted for, and in particular is adapted to be coupled to, a laboratory sample distribution system 101, in particular to the transport plane 18 thereof.

[0044] The laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device 1 comprises a drive surface 5. The rotation device 2 is configured to, in particular pushes, the laboratory sample vessel carrier 3 over the drive surface 5 and over a transport plane 18, in particular in the entry position En and / or the exit position Ex.

[0045] The transport plane 18 adjoins the drive plane 5. Drive means 19 are configured for supplying, in particular supplying, the laboratory sample container carriers 3 to the rotating device 2 and / or configured for receiving, in particular receiving, the laboratory sample container carriers 3 from the rotating device 2.

[0046] The guide surface S comprises at least a middle segment CP, which adjoins the inlet segment EP in the circumferential direction u and comprises a circular shape CIS.

[0047] In particular, the distance DI of at least the intermediate segment CP from the centre C of the rotating device 2 is constant in the circumferential direction u.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the distance DI of the inlet segment EP from the center C of the rotating device 2 at the end EPE of the inlet segment EP is equal to the distance DI of at least the intermediate segment CP from the center C of the rotating device 2 at the inlet segment EP.

[0049] The guide surface S comprises at least a first portion P1.

[0050] The first portion P1 is adjacent to at least the intermediate segment CP. The radius R1 of the first portion P1 is greater than the radius RC of at least the intermediate segment CP at least at the entrance segment EP.

[0051] The guide surface S comprises a second portion P2 adjacent to the first portion P1 in the direction against the circumferential direction u. The radius R1 of the first portion P1, in particular the radius RC of at least the intermediate segment CP at least in the inlet segment EP, is greater than the radius R2 of the second portion P2.

[0052] The guide surface S includes a third portion P3 adjacent to the second portion P2 in the direction opposite to the circumferential direction u. The radius R2 of the second portion P2 is greater than the radius R3 of the third portion P3.

[0053] In particular, the radius R1 of the first portion P1 is in the range of 150 mm to 190 mm, in particular 170 mm, and / or in the range of 7.5 to 9.5 times, in particular 8.5 times, the radius RA of the push cavities CA of the rotating device 2. The push cavities CA are configured to receive, in particular receive, the laboratory sample container carrier 3 to be rotated and to push, in particular push, the received laboratory sample container carrier 3. In particular, the rotating device 2 comprises eight push cavities CA. Additionally or alternatively, the push cavities have a semicircular shape.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, the radius R2 of the second portion P2 is in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm, in particular 50 mm, and / or in the range of 2 to 3 times, in particular 2.5 times, the radius RA of the pressing cavity CA.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the radius R3 of the third portion P3 is in the range of 40 mm to 50 mm, in particular 45 mm, and / or in the range of 2 to 2.5 times, in particular 2.25 times, the radius RA of the pressing cavity CA.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the radius RC of at least the intermediate segment CP, at least in the inlet segment EP, is in the range of 50 mm to 70 mm, in particular 60 mm, and / or is in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 times, in particular 3 times, the radius RA of the push cavity CA.

[0057] The guide surface S surrounds the rotating device 2 in a range of 205° to 290°, particularly an angular range of 247.5°, in the circumferential direction u around the center C of the rotating device.

[0058] In addition, the inlet segment EP surrounds the rotating device 2 in an angular range of 40° to 70°, particularly 55°, in the circumferential direction u around the center C of the rotating device 2.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, at least the intermediate segment CP surrounds the rotating device 2 in an angular range of 165° to 220°, in particular 192.5°, in the circumferential direction u around the center C of the rotating device 2.

[0060] The guide surface S, the inlet segment EP and / or at least the intermediate segment CP are continuous in the circumferential direction u, in particular only in the circumferential direction u and / or have a concave shape COS, in particular only have a concave shape COS.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, the inlet segment EP has a shape SERR between an oval and a rounded rectangle.

[0062] The laboratory automation system 100 further comprises at least one pre-analytical, analytical and / or post-analytical laboratory device 102, which is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 6. The laboratory device 102 is configured to, and in particular to interact with, the laboratory sample container carriers 3 supplied to the rotating device 2, the laboratory sample containers 16 carried by the laboratory sample container carriers 3 and / or the laboratory samples 17 contained in the laboratory sample containers 16.

[0063] The laboratory sample vessel handling device 1 is used for handling, and in particular rotating, laboratory sample vessel carriers 3 in a laboratory automation system 100 .

Claims

1. A rotating device (2), Guide surface (S) and It is equipped with the guide surface (S) has an open ring shape (ORS) that partially surrounds the periphery of the rotating device (2); the rotating device (2) is configured to push a laboratory sample container carrier (3) fed to the rotating device (2) in a circumferential direction (u) along the guide surface (S) from an entrance position (En) to an exit position (Ex), said guide surface (S) comprises an entrance segment (EP), said entrance segment (EP) having a non-convex shape (NCS); 1. A laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1), wherein the distance (DI) of the entrance segment (EP) from the center (C) of the rotating device (2) is greater at the beginning (EPS) of the entrance segment (EP) than at the end (EPE) of the entrance segment (EP) in the circumferential direction (u), The laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) is characterized in that the entrance segment (EP) surrounds the rotating device (2) in an angular range of 40° to 70° in the circumferential direction (u) around the center (C) of the rotating device (2).

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

3. A laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) as described in claim 2, wherein the rotating device (2) is configured to push the laboratory sample container carrier (3) onto the drive surface (5) and onto the transport plane (18) at the entrance position (En) and / or the exit position (Ex).

4. said guide surface (S) comprises at least an intermediate segment (CP); the at least intermediate segment (CP) is adjacent to the inlet segment (EP) in the circumferential direction (u) and has a circular shape (CIS); Laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1.

5. The distance (DI) of at least the intermediate segment (CP) from the center (C) of the rotating device (2) is constant in the circumferential direction (u), and / or 5. A laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) as described in claim 4, wherein the distance (DI) of the entrance segment (EP) from the center (C) of the rotating device (2) is equal to the distance (DI) of the at least intermediate segment (CP) from the center (C) of the rotating device (2) at least at the end (EPE) of the entrance segment (EP).

6. the guide surface (S) comprises at least a first portion (P1) adjacent to the at least intermediate segment (CP), 5. Laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the radius (R1) of the first part (P1) is greater than the radius (RC) of the at least intermediate segment (CP) at least in the entrance segment (EP).

7. The guide surface (S) comprises a first portion (P1) and a second portion (P2) adjacent to the first portion (P1) in a direction opposite to the circumferential direction (u), 2. Laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the radius (R1) of said first portion (P1) is greater than the radius (R2) of said second portion (P2).

8. The guide surface (S) includes a third portion (P3) adjacent to the second portion (P2) in a direction opposite to the circumferential direction (u), 8. Laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the radius (R2) of the second part (P2) is greater than the radius (R3) of the third part (P3).

9. the radius (R1) of the first portion (P1) is in the range of 150 mm to 190 mm and / or in the range of 7.5 to 9.5 times the radius (RA) of a pushing cavity (CA) of the rotating device (2), the pushing cavity (CA) being configured to receive the laboratory sample container carrier (3) to be rotated and to push the received laboratory sample container carrier (3); and / or the radius (R2) of the second portion (P2) is in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm and / or in the range of 2 to 3 times the radius (RA) of the pressing cavity (CA); and / or the radius (R3) of the third portion (P3) is in the range of 40 mm to 50 mm and / or in the range of 2 to 2.5 times the radius (RA) of the pressing cavity (CA); and / or 7. The laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the radius (RC) of at least the intermediate segment (CP) at least in the entrance segment (EP) is in the range of 50 mm to 70 mm and / or in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 times the radius (RA) of the pushing cavity (CA).

10. 2. The laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the guide surface (S) surrounds the rotating device (2) in an angular range of 205° to 290° in the circumferential direction (u) around the center (C) of the rotating device (2).

11. the guide surface (S) and / or the inlet segment (EP) are continuous in the circumferential direction (u) and / or have a concave shape (COS); Laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1.

12. The guide surface (S) and / or the inlet segment (EP) are continuous only in the circumferential direction (u) and / or have only a concave shape (COS), Laboratory sample vessel carrier handling device (1) according to claim 1.

13. 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:

14. A laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) according to claim 2, The laboratory sample distribution system (101) comprises the transport plane (18), 14. The laboratory automation system (100) according to claim 13, wherein the laboratory sample container carrier handling device (1) is coupled to the transport plane (18).

15. 15. The laboratory automation system (100) of claim 14, 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) on the transport plane (18).

16. A laboratory automation system (100) as described in claim 15, wherein the transport plane (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 rotating device (2) and / or receive the laboratory sample container carrier (3) from the rotating device (2).

17. said laboratory sample vessel carrier (3) comprising at least one magnetic actuator (20) and / or at least one permanent magnet; said drive means (19) comprising a plurality of electromagnetic actuators (19') arranged in fixed rows and columns below said transport plane (18); 16. The laboratory automation system (100) of claim 15, wherein the electromagnetic actuator (19') is configured to apply a magnetic force to the laboratory sample vessel carrier (3).

18. at least one pre-analytical, analytical, and / or post-analytical laboratory device (102); 14. The laboratory automation system (100) of claim 13, wherein the laboratory device (102) is configured to interact with the laboratory sample container carrier (3), the laboratory sample container (16) carried by the laboratory sample container carrier (3), and / or the laboratory sample (17) contained in the laboratory sample container (16) supplied to the rotating device (2).

19. Use of a laboratory sample vessel handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for handling and / or rotating said laboratory sample vessel carriers (3) in a laboratory automation system (100).

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