Experimental machinery and methods for processing samples

Abstract

To provide an experimental machine for processing sample 70. [Solution] The experimental machine comprises a treatment chamber 10 for processing a sample 70, a sample receiving element 7 positioned within the treatment chamber 10 to receive the sample 70, and an illumination unit 11. The sample receiving element 7 is positioned on the illumination unit 11 to irradiate the sample 70 with primary radiation. An analysis unit 5 is positioned within the treatment chamber 10 to analyze the sample 70, which is analyzed by receiving secondary radiation emanating from the sample 70 and induced by the primary radiation within the treatment chamber 10. The experimental machine 1 is characterized in that the sample receiving element 7 is positioned at least partially above the illumination unit 11 such that the sample receiving element 12 is irradiated by primary radiation generated by the illumination unit 11 in a first region A and in a different region B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laboratory machine for processing samples and a method for processing samples according to the preamble of an independent claim.

Background Art

[0002] When processing a plurality of samples, a plurality of processing steps must be performed. For this purpose, laboratory machines are commonly used because accurate pipetting of reagents into and out of containers such as microtiter plates must be ensured.

[0003] Prior art laboratory machines generally comprise a treatment chamber into which samples are introduced, held in a microtiter plate (or other container), a pipetting device for performing processing steps, a movement device for moving the pipetting device within the treatment chamber, and an electronic control device for controlling and commanding the pipetting device and other parts of the laboratory machine to perform processing steps.

[0004] Accordingly, laboratory machines enable automated sample processing processes with increased efficiency and improved throughput. An improved version of a laboratory machine is shown, for example, in European Patent No. 3894871.

[0005] Laboratory machines often also have an integrated optical detection device for analyzing samples.

[0006] Laboratory machines are particularly preferably used in biochemistry for processing biological samples such as biomolecules (e.g., DNA or RNA), for example for molecular biology and biochemical analyses, sequencing preparation, cell culture analysis, or immunological tests (e.g., ELISA).

[0007] Therefore, experimental machinery has a wide range of applications, for example, in clinical diagnosis, pharmaceutical research (e.g., active ingredient screening), forensic analysis, food analysis, and environmental analysis, or for materials research and surface research.

[0008] In particular, emission spectroscopy is an important analytical method for biomolecules, and in this method, the emission generated based on the photon absorption of biomolecules is evaluated.

[0009] For this purpose, a fluorescent chemical group that functions as a marker for this biomolecule can be attached to a larger biomolecule by fluorescent labeling.

[0010] Fluorescence, in this context, is understood as the short, spontaneous emission of light that occurs during the transition of an electronically excited system back to a lower energy state. Thus, fluorescence is a form of emission (photoluminescence) in which excitation occurs through the absorption of photons. Formally, fluorescence represents the reversal of light absorption, where the excited electronic state is deactivated by the re-emission of the excitation energy as radiation.

[0011] In many processes, the concentration of a fluid sample (i.e., relevant molecules in solution) plays a crucial role in further processing and can be easily determined, particularly by fluorescence spectroscopy.

[0012] In conventional technology, an illumination unit is used to illuminate or irradiate a region or partial region of the sample being inspected.

[0013] This is done particularly frequently in microscopes and binoculars, as shown in German Patent Application Publication No. 102007029894 and German Patent Application Publication No. 102009028149.

[0014] As already mentioned above, an improved experimental machine for processing samples has already been disclosed in European Patent No. 3894871.

[0015] A known drawback of conventional laboratory equipment is the illumination of the sample being examined. In conventional equipment, illumination is performed from above, which further complicates the analysis of the sample. For example, to analyze a sample, if radiation is to be transmitted through the sample, especially throughout the entire sample, the analytical part of the laboratory equipment must be positioned beneath the sample. However, such a position is associated with a complex structure, especially if several samples are to be processed by that laboratory equipment. Alternatively, the sample must be introduced into the analytical device, which is an additional complex processing step. However, such a structure is more complex, less flexible, and does not allow for efficient processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3894871 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102007029894 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 102009028149 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0017] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for illuminating a sample, and in particular a device that eliminates known drawbacks of the prior art in order to improve laboratory machinery for processing samples so that the analysis of the sample can be performed more easily and efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] This objective is satisfied by the present invention with an experimental machine for processing a sample and a method for processing a sample with the experimental machine having the features of an independent claim.

[0019] The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] According to the present invention, an experimental machine for processing a sample is proposed, comprising a treatment chamber for processing the sample, a sample receiving element disposed within the treatment chamber for receiving the sample, and a lighting unit.

[0021] In this case, the sample receiving element may be positioned on an illumination unit to irradiate the sample, particularly a fluid sample, with primary radiation. In addition, the laboratory machine includes an analysis unit positioned in a treatment chamber for analyzing the sample. In this case, the analysis may be carried out by receiving secondary radiation induced by the primary radiation, which originates from the sample. According to the present invention, the sample receiving element may be positioned at least partially above the illumination unit so that the sample receiving element (or the sample / multiple samples positioned inside it) may be irradiated by primary radiation that can be generated by the illumination unit in a first region and in another region different from the first region. In this case, these regions may overlap with each other or may be completely separate, and the regions may be irradiated simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the sample receiving element may be positioned on an illumination unit. In this case, the illumination unit may emit different wavelengths or wavelength ranges as primary radiation.

[0022] The arrangement according to the present invention has the advantage that specific areas of the sample receiving element, and therefore specific areas of the sample, can be irradiated individually and independently in a targeted manner. That is, only specific areas of a single sample, or specific multiple samples or only a single sample, can be selectively irradiated. In particular, the device according to the present invention allows irradiation from below, and as a result, sample analysis can be flexibly performed by arranging the analysis unit at any accessible point.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, since different samples differing in mass, volume or density can be individually processed without the need to modify the structure of the internal laboratory machine, the flexibility of the laboratory machine can be improved. In addition, the illumination of the sample from below, which is synchronized with the transmission of radiation through the entire sample, enables the analysis of the sample to be performed by an analysis unit that is and / or can be arranged laterally and / or above the sample. Particularly in the case of analysis of a plurality of samples within a laboratory machine, the structure is simplified by the present device since the movement of the analysis unit between individual samples to be analyzed can thus be carried out more easily. Nevertheless, it can be ensured in this laboratory machine according to the invention that the sample is sufficiently irradiated so that all necessary details are visible or detectable by the analysis unit.

[0024] The analysis can be used here, particularly in cell analysis, for example for tracking cells, markers, biomolecules and / or macromolecules. Furthermore, the analysis enables observation and assessment of the growth of cells, biomolecules and / or macromolecules.

[0025] In this case, irradiation of different regions of the sample receiving element can be performed by illumination from different directions.

[0026] In the context of the present invention, the term "sample" can be understood to mean a fluid sample comprising a liquid containing substances such as biomolecules (inter alia, DNA, RNA, nucleic acids, proteins, cells and cell components, monomers) or other chemical substances. In the context of the invention, the liquid may be a suitable solvent.

[0027] The experimental machine according to the present invention may also have a sample processing device for receiving and distributing fluids, which is located within a treatment chamber. In this case, the sample processing device may be configured in particular as a pipetting device for receiving and distributing fluids. In this case, the sample processing device may be designed to receive a pipette tip, preferably in a liquid-tight manner. The sample can be transferred into the sample receiving element by pipetting with the pipetting device for receiving and distributing fluids. The sample receiving element, which contains the sample, may then be positioned above a lighting unit in the experimental machine so that the sample can be illuminated or irradiated from below. In this case, the sample receiving element may be a pipette tip in particular. Similarly, the sample receiving element may be configured to receive a pipette tip. Thus, fluids can be pipetted in various processing steps. However, in the context of this application, analysis by an analysis unit is also a processing step.

[0028] In this case, irradiation can be performed from directly below the sample, from below to the side of the sample, or from the side of the sample. This has the advantage that the relative positions of the analysis unit and the illumination unit, as well as the arrangement of the analysis unit and illumination unit around the sample receiving element, can be adapted to the characteristics of the sample being analyzed, the arrangement of the sample receiving element, and / or the selected analytical method. In this way, the flexibility of the experimental machine according to the present invention is increased, and faster operating modes are enabled.

[0029] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental machine, the illumination unit comprises an illumination element. In this case, the illumination element can be moved within the illumination unit so that it can irradiate a sample receiving element within a first region and in another region different from the first region by primary radiation that can be generated by the illumination unit.

[0030] This has the advantage of allowing the sample to be irradiated in a targeted manner. Therefore, the sample can be irradiated from different directions at the same time, which can improve the quality of the collected data or allow for comparative measurements. In addition, it is thus possible to irradiate individual sections in a very targeted manner, and as a result, the energy consumed may be less than that of illumination units known from the prior art. When multiple samples are placed in the laboratory machine, some samples can be irradiated in this manner. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, only one illumination element is required, whereas in the prior art, several illumination elements are used to illuminate the entire size of the sample receiving element. This multiple measure is costly and difficult to maintain. However, the illumination unit of the present invention requires only one illumination element because the illumination element can be moved within the illumination unit. As a result, material costs and maintenance costs can thus be reduced compared to the prior art. In addition, by placing the illumination unit below the sample, a space-saving arrangement in the laboratory machine is possible, resulting in a more compact structure.

[0031] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental machine, the lighting unit comprises a lighting element comprising a plurality of light sources which can be operated to irradiate a sample receiving element within a first region and in another region different from the first region by primary radiation which can be generated by the lighting unit.

[0032] This has the advantage of allowing for targeted irradiation of a sample or multiple samples. Similarly, it is possible to irradiate samples or multiple samples individually and section by section in a targeted manner. In addition to improving the flexibility of the experimental equipment, the error rate in measurement and observation can also be reduced. Therefore, at the same time, samples can be irradiated from different directions, and as a result, the quality of the collected data can be improved.

[0033] The treatment chamber may, in particular, be equipped with a storage container for the sample. This allows for faster processing of the sample, on the one hand, because the sample and the receiving container provided for it are already inside the treatment chamber, and on the other hand, it ensures safer storage of potentially hazardous and / or valuable samples. Furthermore, the storage container enhances the cleanliness of the treatment chamber because it does not need to be opened as frequently to provide new samples.

[0034] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental apparatus, the illumination element includes a deuterium lamp, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, and / or an LED. This has the advantage that the illumination element can emit different radiations. As a result, different wavelengths can be examined during the analysis of a sample to detect information such as changes within the sample. Preferably, these wavelengths are in the spectrum of visible light, UV radiation, or X-ray radiation. Particularly preferably, the illumination unit is a light-emitting plate (or a plurality of light-emitting plates), in particular an LED light-emitting plate, and / or a light-emitting plate having operable pixels.

[0035] In this case, the radiation from the illumination element can reach the sample receiving element in different ways, for example, as direct radiation, by a lens optical unit, by an optical guide, via a fiber, such as a glass fiber, or a combination thereof.

[0036] In this case, the illumination element can be particularly vibrating, and / or triggered or pulsed. This offers the advantage of improving the quality of light analysis, as it can thus enhance image sharpness, for example, in the case of HDR recording. Therefore, changes can be shown more clearly. This is particularly advantageous when the acquired images are intended to be combined to improve image quality.

[0037] To improve analytical quality, all methods and apparatus known to those skilled in the art, such as filters and diffusers to affect radiation, can be considered.

[0038] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental machine, the analysis unit is equipped with multiple detectors for receiving secondary radiation. This has the advantage that the data received by each detector can be evaluated together to compensate for errors or inaccuracies in the sensors. In particular, the data from individual sensors can be averaged over the mean to increase the load-bearing capacity of the data. Data with greater load-bearing capacity is synonymous with qualitatively higher results and therefore can increase the efficiency of the experimental machine.

[0039] Since multiple samples can be irradiated by the illumination unit, multiple samples can be analyzed simultaneously by multiple detectors. As a result, several samples can be processed in the same time period, which is advantageous for the efficiency of the experimental equipment.

[0040] The ability to flexibly adjust the illuminated area allows for selective irradiation and analysis of the sample, regardless of its placement within the sample receiving element, thus enabling even more selective analysis.

[0041] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental machine, the analysis unit comprises multiple types of sensors for detecting signals or secondary radiation. This means that, in particular, secondary radiation can be recorded by the sensors, but other information, such as temperature changes, can also be recorded by the sensors. This has the advantage that several different parameters are detected by different sensors in each case.

[0042] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental apparatus, the analytical unit comprises a photometer, in particular a spectrometer, and in particular a flowmeter. Needless to say, the analytical unit may also comprise some or all of these detectors.

[0043] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of a laboratory machine for processing a sample, the machine comprises a moving device positioned to be movable in at least one first spatial direction within a treatment chamber, and an analysis unit may be moved to the sample by the moving device. A movable analysis unit has the advantage that it does not need to move the sample for analysis. This is advantageous when a process in an aqueous solution is being investigated. The transport of a sample in an aqueous solution can move the target being investigated, e.g., cells or macromolecules, due to external influences, and thus the analytical results may be distorted by external influences. By moving the analysis unit toward the sample, this risk is minimized.

[0044] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental machine, the moving device may be moved in a second spatial direction perpendicular to a first spatial direction of the treatment chamber, and in a third spatial direction perpendicular to the first and second spatial directions of the treatment chamber.

[0045] As a result, the analysis unit can be more precisely and individually adapted to the specific requirements of each sample, such as the direction of illumination or the physical shape of the sample receiving element. This leads to greater load-bearing capacity and, more importantly, more efficient and therefore faster processing of individual samples through more easily adjustable parameters, such as distance and illumination direction.

[0046] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the experimental machine includes an electronically controlled device for controlling the illumination element. In this case, the control device is signal-connected to the moving device and the analysis unit so that the primary radiation emitted by the illumination element is incident on the analysis unit as secondary radiation. This has the advantage that the departing primary radiation can be precisely and individually directed to the sample or sample receiving element without generating extraneous scattered light. Thus, for example, the fact that the radiation takes the least scattered path can be ensured by, for example, illuminating the container so that the radiation penetrates directly into the container only through the base and does not travel through the walls of the container fitted perpendicularly to the base, but is strongly scattered in this process.

[0047] Signal connections can be made, in particular, by cable, but they can also be made wirelessly, for example, via Bluetooth® or wirelessly.

[0048] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental apparatus, the analysis unit comprises an infrared photometer for optical temperature measurement and / or a camera for analyzing the sample. In this case, the camera can sense and record wavelengths of visible light, UV light, and X-ray radiation, but other radiations as well. In this way, on the one hand, different wavelengths can be collected with respect to information about the sample and / or chemical and / or biological processes within it. On the other hand, these can be recorded for re-evaluation of these processes if necessary. More precisely, with respect to continuously improving evaluation programs, it is advantageous to be able to repeatedly analyze these processes without having to reconstruct and perform the entire process in the laboratory.

[0049] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the laboratory apparatus, the illumination unit may be detachably mounted inside and / or outside the treatment chamber. In this case, the treatment chamber is formed of a transparent, i.e., translucent material. Here, the illumination unit preferably extends across all sides of the treatment chamber and / or inside. This has the advantage that the illumination direction of the sample or sample receiving element can be individually adapted to the sample being examined. This increases flexibility and allows for improved quality of the data collected. In particular, the arrangement of the illumination unit across all sides of the chamber and / or inside increases flexibility because this arrangement not only allows for individual illumination of the sample from all directions, but also because this is possible simultaneously with multiple light sources in the illumination unit. In addition, it is thus possible to block interfering light from outside the treatment chamber, and as a result, the light inside the treatment chamber, and therefore the illumination of the sample, can be better controlled. A further advantage here is that the light used for illumination does not need to be very strong because there are fewer external influences to counteract.

[0050] Similarly, the lighting unit may be freely positioned within the treatment chamber. This is particularly advantageous when only small sample receiving elements are used. In this case, it is sufficient to use a lighting unit that does not cover a large area and therefore uses less material. Furthermore, free positioning within the treatment chamber can be particularly advantageous when the treatment chamber becomes very small and narrow, for example due to external influences, and therefore only a small amount of space is available for the placement of the lighting unit. Placement in the space outside the treatment chamber can be considered similarly.

[0051] Furthermore, the illumination unit can be positioned within the treatment chamber in a movable manner, similar to the sample container. In this case, the movable illumination unit is signal-connected to the movable sample container and / or control device so that the illumination unit can follow the sample container and thus the sample container is optimally irradiated. In this way, the illumination element and therefore the material can be reduced without compromising the quality of the data collected.

[0052] In this case, the movement of the lighting unit can be performed by a gripper, preferably an automatic gripper.

[0053] In this case, the lighting unit may be configured to have an energy storage unit, such as a rechargeable battery, and as a result, the lighting unit may be positioned at various locations within the treatment chamber. To charge the energy storage unit, the treatment chamber may have at least one docking point from which the lighting unit and / or the energy storage unit can be docked, charged, and / or replaced.

[0054] Similarly, it is disclosed that the lighting unit may be positioned outside the treatment chamber by a gripper. For this purpose, the docking point may also be positioned outside the treatment chamber. It is also possible to provide a docking point that enables a signal connection between the lighting element and the experimental machine. In this case, this signal connection may exist in addition to or without the charging function of the docking point.

[0055] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental machine, the lighting unit forms a wall surrounding the treatment chamber.

[0056] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the experimental machine according to the present invention, the experimental machine has a base element on which a sample receiving element can be placed. In this case, the base element is entirely formed by an illumination unit, the illumination unit comprising a plurality of light sources which can be operated to irradiate the sample receiving element in a first region and in another region different from the first region by primary radiation which can be generated by the illumination unit.

[0057] This has the advantage of allowing the sample or sample receiving element to be irradiated in a targeted manner, enabling the experimental machine to operate more efficiently.

[0058] In addition, irradiation of the sample or sample receiving element from below is advantageous because, in this method, the primary radiation travels through the sample, and the emitted secondary radiation falls directly onto the analysis unit without passing through another wall of the sample receiving element, especially when the sample receiving element is open at its upper end, i.e., the end away from the base element.

[0059] In particular, the base element can be a light-emitting plate. In this case, the base plate can have the following dimensions (length × width × height), namely 120-130 mm, 80-90 mm, 10-12 mm, preferably 125-130 mm, 83-88 mm, 12-17 mm, and especially preferably 127.076 mm, 85.48 mm, and 14.35 mm.

[0060] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the illumination unit may be adapted to the shape of the sample receiving element, particularly its external shape, in order to enable the most accurate illumination possible of the sample receiving element.

[0061] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the experimental machine has a heat source, in particular a heat source that can be placed on and / or within the lighting element, thereby forming a combination of light source and heat source. This is hereafter referred to as the light element and heating element. The light element and heating element may have a separate light source and a separate heat source and / or a combination of heat source and light source.

[0062] The heat source may also be operated to heat the sample receiving element within the first region and in another region different from the first region.

[0063] In this case, targeted heating can be performed in the same way as targeted irradiation, that is, for example, by multiple individually operable heat sources and / or by movable heat sources and / or by individually operable and / or movable heating elements that together form a heat source.

[0064] In this case, targeted heating offers the advantage of enabling the implementation of heat-dependent analyses and methods, such as PCR or other isothermal amplification.

[0065] To enhance the accuracy of such analysis and methods, the heating element and / or heat source may be equipped with a temperature measuring element, such as a thermometer. In this case, the temperature measuring element can be signal-connected to the experimental machine, controllable, and in particular, movable.

[0066] In addition, a method according to the present invention for processing a sample using an experimental machine is proposed, comprising the following steps: providing an experimental machine; introducing a sample into a treatment chamber; irradiating the sample with an illumination unit; and analyzing the sample with an analysis unit; receiving the analysis unit with a mobile device; moving the analysis unit through the treatment chamber to the sample using the mobile device; and analyzing the sample with the analysis unit.

[0067] This has the advantage of allowing laboratory equipment to operate more quickly and efficiently. This is because samples or multiple samples and analysis units can be quickly, efficiently, and accurately positioned relative to each other, and samples do not need to be moved manually by employees. This reduces the risk of leakage on the one hand, and on the other hand, the quality of the samples, and therefore the data collected, is not thus reduced by potential contamination by employees. Thus, all of these together result in a safer, faster, and more efficient workflow.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the area of ​​the sample receiving element irradiated by primary radiation is determined by the position of the analysis unit. This is done by the fact that a control device is signal-connected to the analysis unit and the sample receiving element, and therefore can determine their relative positions to each other. Furthermore, the control device is also signal-connected to the illumination unit, and as a result, the control device can control the illumination unit.

[0069] Needless to say, the exemplary embodiments mentioned herein are not limiting in nature, and various features of the exemplary embodiments and the exemplary embodiments themselves can be combined with one another.

[0070] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0071] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a conventional microscope equipped with a lighting unit. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an experimental machine known from conventional technology. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of an experimental machine according to the present invention, which includes a lighting element. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a movable lighting unit. [Figure 5]This is a schematic diagram of a lighting unit with multiple light sources. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the spatial directions X, Y, and Z. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of an experimental machine with a lighting unit covering the outside of the treatment chamber. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of an experimental machine with a base element. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0072] In Figure 1, a microscope for inspecting a sample or object 20' is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view, with the entire structure shown at 700'. The microscope has a microscope body 4' on which a microscope stage 30' is arranged. The sample 20' is positioned on the microscope stage 30'. An objective lens 10' is mounted on the object holder 6'. An incident light illumination device 5' is provided, in particular for illuminating the sample 20', although this will not be described in more detail below. Furthermore, the microscope 700' is equipped with an illumination device configuration 400'.

[0073] The illumination light reflected by sample 20' reaches the eyepiece 9' in the observation beam path via tube 8'.

[0074] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of experimental machine 1, which is known from the prior art.

[0075] The experimental machine 1' for the fluid sample 70' comprises a treatment chamber 10' for receiving the fluid sample 70' and a sample processing device 6' positioned within the treatment chamber 10' to perform at least one processing step on the sample 70'. In addition, a storage container 2' for the sample 70' is positioned within the treatment chamber 10.

[0076] Figure 2 further shows a sample receiving element 7' positioned within the treatment chamber 10' to receive a sample 70' and an illumination unit 11', the sample receiving element 7' may be positioned on the illumination unit 11' to irradiate the sample 70' with primary radiation.

[0077] In addition, a mobile device 4' is positioned within the treatment chamber 10'. The mobile device 4' can be moved in at least one first spatial direction x' within the treatment chamber 10'. In this case, the mobile device 4' is connected to the sample processing device 6' (i.e., the sample processing device 6' is incorporated into the mobile device 4') so that the sample processing device 6 can be moved within the treatment chamber 10' in the first spatial direction x' by the mobile device 4'.

[0078] In addition, the experimental machine 1' includes an electronically controlled device 3' that is signal-connected to a sample processing device 6', a moving device 4', and an analysis unit 5'. The signal connections are shown here by dotted lines.

[0079] Therefore, in operation, the control device 3' can transmit control signals to the sample processing device 6', the transfer device 4', and the analysis unit 5' to perform various processing steps. Naturally, the control device 3' can also receive signals from the sample processing device 6', the transfer device 4', and the analysis unit 5'.

[0080] For the sample processing device 6' and / or the mobile device 4', signal connection is made by cable connection to the control unit 3'. For the analysis unit 5', signal connection is wireless. Therefore, data / signal transmission is performed via free space (air or vacuum) as the transmission medium. Electromagnetic radiation such as Bluetooth® or WLAN is used for transmission.

[0081] The analysis unit 5' is controlled by the control device 3', and as a result, analysis can be performed on the sample 70', which is carried out in the sample receiving element 7' located within the treatment chamber 10'. In the features and sample processing described above, the experimental machine shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the experimental machine according to the present invention, and therefore the basic functions of this experimental machine are not described again below.

[0082] In contrast to the present invention, in the case of experimental machines from the prior art, the sample 70' is not targeted, and individual illumination is performed from below or from below laterally. The flexible arrangement of the analysis unit 5 in the experimental machine according to the present invention and the advantages derived therefrom are also not shown herein.

[0083] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an experimental machine according to the present invention having a lighting unit 11, the lighting unit 11 being removablely mounted inside the treatment chamber 10.

[0084] The experimental machine shown in Figure 3 is substantially the same as the experimental machine shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the reference signals there are simply replaced with reference symbols without quotation marks.

[0085] Furthermore, the experimental apparatus shown in Figure 3 further comprises an analysis unit 5 positioned within the treatment chamber 10 to analyze the sample 70 by receiving secondary radiation induced by primary radiation originating from the sample 70, and the sample receiving element 7 is at least partially positioned above the illumination unit 11 so that the sample receiving element 7 can be irradiated by primary radiation that may be generated by the illumination unit 11 in a first region A and in another region B distinct from the first region A.

[0086] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the movable lighting unit 11 inside the experimental machine.

[0087] In this case, the illumination unit 11 of the experimental machine comprises an illumination element 12. The illumination element 12 can be moved within the illumination unit 11 so that it can irradiate the sample receiving element 7 within a first region and in another region different from the first region by the primary radiation that can be generated by the illumination unit 11. In this case, the movement of the illumination unit 11 is schematically shown by a dotted line.

[0088] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an illumination unit 11 having a plurality of light sources 13, wherein the illumination unit 11 comprises an illumination element 12, and the illumination element 12 comprises a plurality of light sources 13 that can be operated to irradiate the sample receiving element 12 in a first region and in another region different from the first region by primary radiation that can be generated by the illumination unit 12.

[0089] In the experimental apparatus shown in Figure 5, the lighting element 12 can be a deuterium lamp, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, and / or an LED.

[0090] Furthermore, the analysis unit 5 has multiple detectors (not shown) for receiving secondary radiation.

[0091] In this case, the analysis unit 5 of the experimental machine illustrated here has multiple types of sensors / detectors for detecting signals or secondary radiation.

[0092] Figure 6 shows schematic details of the experimental machine according to the present invention, and the moving device 4 can be moved in a second spatial direction y perpendicular to the first spatial direction of the treatment chamber 10, and in a third spatial direction z perpendicular to the first spatial direction x and the second spatial direction y of the treatment chamber 10.

[0093] Figure 7 shows an experimental machine 1 having a wall surrounding the outside of a treatment chamber 10, with the illumination unit 11 forming the wall surrounding the treatment chamber 10. Furthermore, the illustrated experimental machine 1 includes an electronic control device 3 for controlling the illumination element 12, which is signal-connected to a mobile device 4 and an analysis unit 5 so that the primary radiation emitted by the illumination element 12 is incident on the analysis unit 5 as secondary radiation.

[0094] Figure 7 shows experimental apparatus 1, which has a base element 14 on which a sample receiving element 7 is placed. In this case, the base element 14 is entirely formed by an illumination unit 11, which comprises a plurality of light sources (not shown) that can be operated to irradiate the sample receiving element 7 in a first region and in another region different from the first region by primary radiation that can be generated by the illumination unit 11.

[0095] Therefore, as a result of the features described above, the present invention makes it possible for the first time to provide and use an experimental machine having an illumination unit that can be operated in a targeted manner so as to irradiate each section of a sample receiving element or a sample contained therein in a targeted manner.

[0096] As a result, the quality of sample testing can be improved because the process is carried out where illumination is needed, and at the same time, the generated scattered light or even excessive exposure can be controlled to be minimized.

[0097] The coordinated control of the analysis unit, lighting unit, and mobile unit by the control device can also ensure that the relative positions of the individual components are optimally arranged, resulting in the best possible lighting results.

[0098] Therefore, a faster, better, and thus qualitatively higher-quality workflow becomes possible.

[0099] The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. By examining the figures, disclosures, and dependent claims, those skilled in the art can understand and generate other variations of the disclosed embodiments when carrying out the claimed invention. In the claims, the term “equipped with” does not exclude any other elements or steps, and the articles “a” or “an” do not exclude plurals. The mere fact that certain measures are repeated in different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these measures cannot be taken to one's advantage. Reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An experimental machine for processing a sample (70), A treatment chamber (10) for processing the sample (70), A sample receiving element (7) is placed inside the treatment chamber (10) to receive the sample (70), A lighting unit (11), wherein the sample receiving element (7) can be placed on the lighting unit (11) to irradiate the sample (70) by primary radiation, An analysis unit (5) is positioned within the treatment chamber (10) to analyze the sample (70) by receiving secondary radiation induced by the primary radiation generated from the sample (70). In an experimental machine equipped with, The experimental machine is characterized in that the sample receiving element (7) can be positioned at least partially above the illumination unit (11) such that the sample receiving element (7) can be irradiated by the primary radiation that can be generated by the illumination unit (11) within a first region (A) and within another region (B) different from the first region (A).

2. The experimental machine according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit (11) comprises a lighting element (12), the lighting element (12) being movable within the lighting unit (11) so as to be able to irradiate the sample receiving element (12) within the first region (A) and within the other region (B) different from the first region (A) by the primary radiation that can be generated by the lighting unit (11).

3. The experimental machine according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit (11) comprises a lighting element (12), the lighting element (12) comprising a plurality of light sources (13) which can be controlled to irradiate the sample receiving element (7) within the first region (A) and within the other region (B) different from the first region (A) by the primary radiation that can be generated by the lighting unit (11).

4. The experimental machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lighting element (12) is a deuterium lamp, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, and / or an LED.

5. The experimental machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the analysis unit (5) comprises a plurality of detectors for receiving the secondary radiation.

6. The experimental machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the analysis unit (5) is a photometer, and more particularly a spectrometer, and more particularly a flow meter.

7. The laboratory machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a moving device (4) positioned to be movable in at least one first spatial direction (X) of the treatment chamber (10), wherein the analysis unit (5) is receivable by the moving device (4) and can be moved by the moving device (4) to the sample (70).

8. The experimental machine according to claim 8, wherein the moving device (4) can be moved in a second spatial direction (y) perpendicular to the first spatial direction of the treatment chamber (10), and in a third direction (z) perpendicular to the first spatial direction (x) and the second spatial direction (y) of the treatment chamber (10).

9. The experimental machine according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising an electronic control device (3) for controlling the illumination element (12), wherein the control device (3) is signal-connected to the moving device (4) and the analysis unit (5) such that the primary radiation emitted by the illumination element (12) is incident on the analysis unit (5) as secondary radiation.

10. The experimental machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the analysis unit (5) comprises an infrared photometer for measuring optical temperature and / or a camera for analyzing the sample (70).

11. The laboratory machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lighting unit (11) can be detachably mounted inside and / or outside the treatment chamber (10).

12. The experimental machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lighting unit (11) extends over the entire outside and / or inside of the treatment chamber (10).

13. The experimental machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lighting unit (11) forms a wall surrounding the treatment chamber (10).

14. The experimental machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the experimental machine has a base element (14) on which the sample receiving element (7) can be placed, the base element (14) is entirely formed by the illumination unit (11), and the illumination unit (11) comprises a plurality of light sources (13) which can be operated to irradiate the sample receiving element (7) in the first region (A) and in the other region (B) different from the first region (A) by the primary radiation that can be generated by the illumination unit (11).

15. A method for processing a sample (70) using an experimental machine (1), a) Providing an experimental machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, b) The step of introducing the sample (70) into the treatment chamber (10), c) The step of irradiating the sample (70) with the illumination unit (11), d) The step of analyzing the sample (70) with the analysis unit (5) Methods that include...

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the position of the analysis unit (5) determines the region of the sample receiving element (7) that is irradiated by the primary radiation.

Images