Sample receiving device and sample receiving method

Abstract

The sample receiving device according to the present disclosure comprises a first part (1) and a second part (2). The first part (1) comprises at least two rod-shaped sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) connected to each other via a bendable connection part (17). The ends of the two rod-shaped sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing away from the bendable connection part (17) are spatially separated in a basic state. The second part (2) has a locking device which is designed such that when the first part (1) is positioned facing away from the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) on the second part (2), the bendable connection (17) is bent by the shape of the locking device and the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are guided relative to each other so that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing the sample are positioned adjacent to each other, and the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are locked in this position by the locking device, and a single sample is received in or using the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sample receiving device and a sample receiving method. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of sample processing, particularly in liquid samples where small volumes are collected and analyzed, the rapid collection and further processing of an adequate number of samples is a challenge. Here, efficiency can be improved by using so-called "aliquots," i.e., partial samples without adversely affecting the quality of the analysis. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,741,412 discloses an arrangement with multiple capillaries for sample collection and analysis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,741,412 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A drawback of such systems is the rigid arrangement which allows for continuous flow but limits analytical flexibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present disclosure aims to propose a sample receiving device that avoids the above-mentioned drawbacks, allows for rapid sample collection, and allows for flexible handling of subsequent analysis.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the problem by a sample receiving device as defined in the main claim and a method as defined in the independent claims, in which advantageous embodiments and further developments are defined.

[0007] In one embodiment, the sample receiving device includes a first part and a second part. The first part includes at least two rod-shaped sample receiving units interconnected via a bendable connection, and ends of the at least two rod-shaped sample receiving units facing away from the bendable connection are spatially separated from each other in a basic state. The second part includes a locking device designed such that, when the first part is placed on the second part facing away from the sample receiving units, the bendable connection is bent by the shape of the locking device, and the ends of the at least two sample receiving units can be guided relative to each other, so that the ends of the at least two sample receiving units facing the samples are positioned next to each other and locked in this position by the locking device, allowing a single sample to be received in or by the at least two sample receiving units.

[0008] The fact that the sample receiving units are at a defined distance from each other in the base state and are not guided by their tips or ends, i.e., the sides facing the received sample, relative to each other until an appropriate translational movement, i.e., coupling of the first part with the second part or placement of the first part onto the second part, occurs provides a clear spatial separation and nevertheless allows for rapid sample reception after the movement has occurred. The bendable or articulated connection of the sample receiving units allows for a flexible design, i.e., bendable and extensible, and allows the sample receiving units to be moved in a reproducible manner. Guiding the ends or tips of the sample receiving units relative to each other is typically achieved by tilting the sample receiving units.

[0009] The first portion may be referred to as the upper portion and the second portion as the lower portion, or the first portion may be referred to as the lower portion and the second portion as the upper portion. The end of the sample receiving unit away from the bendable connection is typically directed downward, i.e., toward the center of the Earth. An individual sample picked up by the sample receiving unit (i.e., the sample receiving unit is designed to pick up the sample) may be picked up entirely by the sample receiving unit, or may be designed to pick up only a partial volume of the sample. The second portion may include only a locking device, or in addition to the locking device, other elements, such as a holding unit for gripping and holding the second portion, may be part of the second portion of the sample receiving device.

[0010] Preferably, the tips of the sample receiving units or the ends of the sample receiving units are in direct contact with each other after the first part is placed on the second part and the bendable connection is bent or angled. In this context, the term "direct contact" should be understood to mean not only a distance of 0 mm between the tips of the sample receiving units, but also a small distance of up to 2 mm, typically 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0011] The bendable connection may also be referred to as an articulated connection, and may be provided as a hinge-shaped connection. Alternatively, the connection may be designed as an articulated connection, preferably as a solid articulated connection or a swivel joint connection. Typically, the sample receiving unit and the connection are designed as a material bond, i.e., as a single component or one piece. However, alternatively, the sample receiving units may each exist as individual parts that are in contact with and connected to each other by form-fit connections. Also, sample receiving units designed as individual units may have adhesive connections between them and be connected to each other by adhesive connections. This allows for easy connection and modification.

[0012] The bendable connection can be located centrally between two sample receiving units, or, if more than two sample receiving units are provided, centrally between two adjacent sample receiving units, which results in a uniform bend. However, provisions can be made to allow asymmetric bends, for example, by locating the bendable connection off-center between the two sample receiving units.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sample receiving device has an upper portion and a lower portion that can be connected to each other by mating and / or press-fitting. The upper portion includes a holding housing, on which at least two rod-shaped sample receiving units or at least two bendable sample receiving units are arranged and connected via bendable connections, and these sample receiving units are spatially spaced apart from each other in a basic state. The lower portion has a locking device designed to guide the at least two sample receiving units toward each other either by an external force or by a locking device on the lower portion, such that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units facing the sample direction are positioned next to each other and locked in this position by the locking device, allowing the at least two sample receiving units or the at least two sample receiving units to receive a single sample. Thus, although the first portion corresponds to the upper portion and the second portion corresponds to the lower portion, in further embodiments, the first portion can correspond to the lower portion and the second portion can correspond to the upper portion.

[0014] The fact that the sample receiving units are at a defined distance from each other in the base state and are not guided from each other at their tips, i.e., opposite sides of the holding housing, until an appropriate translational movement of the lower part toward the upper part or the upper part toward the lower part is performed nevertheless provides a clear spatial separation that enables rapid sample receiving unit movement after those translational movements are performed. The bendable connection of the sample receiving unit to the holding housing is a flexible design, i.e., bendable and expandable, allowing the sample receiving unit to be moved in a reproducible manner. In that the upper and lower parts are connected or connectable to each other in a mating and / or press-fit manner, a compact and mechanically stable arrangement is also provided, allowing the described movements to be performed as desired.

[0015] Here, the term "bendable" is intended to refer specifically to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the bending radius before fracture is between 0.25° and 180°, preferably between 0.25° and 90°, and in which the elastic, plastic, large elastic, or large plastic deformation of the sample receiving unit occurs with a small irreversible plastic or elastic deformation component. Also, the sample receiving unit may be separable from the retaining housing by bending the sample receiving unit beyond its respective bending radius, typically at a mesh-like joint, such that the joint fractures. Typically, the connection points are designed such that, when the lower portion is pulled away from the upper portion, the sample receiving unit returns to its original position, i.e., the position before the lower portion was attached, or to a position further away from the original position or the position where the sample receiving units were attached, facilitating separation of the sample receiving units.

[0016] The term "rod-shaped" should be understood, particularly in the context of this document, to mean that the length of the element designated thereby is at least 10% greater than its width and / or depth. In particular, cylindrical elements or hollow cylindrical elements shall be described by the term "rod-shaped".

[0017] The lower part may be provided with a housing having an opening as a locking device, whereby the sample receiving unit can be spatially fixed in a predetermined manner through the opening. The lower part is typically disk-shaped or ring-shaped.

[0018] The sample receiving units are inserted into openings in the housing and after insertion, the sample receiving units are locked into the openings which act as locking devices, allowing them to move relative to each other by an external force so that the sample receiving units are securely held in place.

[0019] The lower part has a housing with a through opening that functions as a locking device, and the housing has at least one tapered portion. The lower part can be arranged to accommodate at least two sample receiving units in a translational movement such that, when the at least two sample receiving units are inserted into the tapered portion of the lower part, they are guided by the tapered shapes of the sides arranged oppositely in the direction of the sample. The lower part may also have a linearly extending portion. If the tapered portion of the lower part is provided and is not formed only by a tapered portion in the opening direction, the spatial distance from the holding housing is greater than if the linearly extending portion of the lower part were formed, thereby ensuring the guidance of the sample receiving units. After the translational movement, the tips of the sample receiving units are usually in direct contact with each other, at least in the region of the tips. This fact of direct contact means that the sample receiving units can be guided through the opening of the lower part and occupy a relatively small sample volume. In this context, the term "direct contact" should be understood to mean not only a distance of 0 mm between the tips of the sample receiving units, but also a small distance of up to 2 mm, usually 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0020] The lower portion may have a conical tapered portion, typically a conical tapered lower portion, to provide uniform guidance for the tip of the sample receiving unit.

[0021] The lower linear portion may be insertable into a corresponding recess in the upper portion to prepare the at least two sample receiving units for translation. This allows for a compact sample receiving device and allows the lower portion to be held and guided specifically during translation. The lower linear portion may also be tapered in the direction of the tapered portion, although it may be less tapered than the tapered portion of the lower portion. A taper of up to 5° is considered "linear" in this context.

[0022] The length of the lower linearly extending portion can correspond to the length of the sample receiving unit, so that in the base state, the lower or lower sample receiving units are spaced apart and, at the start of the translational movement, immediately join their tips by contacting the tapered portion. Alternatively or additionally, the length of the sample receiving unit can be selected so that the side of the sample receiving unit facing the sample is located in the area of ​​the opening provided in the lower portion. Here, the area of ​​the opening is understood to mean, in particular, an area whose distance from the opening is shorter than the length of the opening.

[0023] The lower part is typically movably guided within a guide disposed within the upper part's holding housing, and its movement is preferably limited by at least one stopper. This provides a clearly defined movement when the sample receiving device is moved from a base state in which the upper and lower parts are not pressed together to a pressed-together state. The lower part and upper part may also be connected to each other via a plug-in connection. Typically, the lower part and upper part are made of the same material, but it is also possible to use different materials for the lower and upper parts. The first and second parts of the lower part may also be the same length.

[0024] The holding device, which is generally made up of two parts, can also be used as a locking device for clamping in position at least two sample receiving units that are displaced by an external force, for which purpose the holding device is preferably attached to or within the connection.

[0025] At least one of the sample receiving units may be in the form of a capillary, tube, fiber, preferably a hollow fiber, swab, brush, spatula, spatula knife, needle, membrane, scoop, spoon, sponge, preferably a solid sponge, or rod, preferably a helical rod. Alternatively, it may have a capillary, tube, fiber, preferably a hollow fiber, swab, brush, spatula, spatula knife, needle, membrane, scoop, spoon, sponge, preferably a solid sponge, or rod, preferably a helical rod. Thus, different types of sample receiving units are possible and can be adapted to each application. The sample itself may be in liquid form as a solid, or it may be a gel. A rod-shaped or elongated sample receiving unit can move the sample toward the opening while leaving a sufficient volume to accommodate the sample.

[0026] The upper or first part has exactly three sample receiving units arranged in a row, with the sides of the two end sample receiving units facing away from the holding housing arranged in a first plane in the base state, and the side of the central sample receiving unit facing away from the holding housing arranged in a second plane, different from the first plane in the base state compared to the two side sample receiving units, and closer to the holding housing. In particular, by appropriately adjusting the lengths of the sample receiving units, a compact and space-saving arrangement can be realized in which all sample receiving units end up in the same plane, i.e., at the same height, after translational movement, i.e., in the pressed-together state. In particular, an arrangement in which a triangle is formed in the plan view of the tip, i.e., on the side facing the sample or away from the holding housing, with the largest internal angle being at least 120°, is considered a row arrangement in this context. Therefore, it is possible to provide both that all three sample receiving units are arranged in a single plane when viewed laterally, and that at least one of the sample receiving units is arranged in a plane offset from the planes of the other two sample receiving units.

[0027] The lower portion can have a variable-volume cleaning element, preferably a sponge, covering the openings through which at least two sample receiving units can be inserted. Alternatively, variable-volume cleaning elements covering the openings can be placed on at least two sample receiving units. This allows at least the exterior of the sample receiving units to be cleaned after each sample collection. The cleaning element typically displaces along with the lower portion, thus sliding along the exterior of the sample receiving units. Ideally, these exterior sides drop down once vertically. The cleaning element can be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), typically PVC foam, polyurethane (PU), typically PU foam, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, soft polyethylene (low-density polyethylene, LDPE), typically LDPE foam, neoprene, expanded polystyrene, silicone rubber foam, polypropylene foam, polyterephthalate foam, cellulose, nitrocellulose, or cotton, or can include at least the above materials.

[0028] The opening itself is preferably elongated, i.e. its length is greater than its width. This makes it easier to insert the sample receiving unit into the opening. Alternatively, the opening may be circular, or the opening may have rounded corners.

[0029] The holding housing or first part may be closed on one of the sides facing away from the at least two sample receiving units to increase mechanical stability, prevent undesirable effects on the sample contained in the sample receiving unit, or form a barrier for the received sample.

[0030] The locking device of the second part may be funnel-shaped to receive the first part. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the first part and the second part are connected or connectable to each other in a mating or press-fit manner. Two parts connected or connectable in a mating or press-fit manner also enable a compact and mechanically stable arrangement that can perform the described movements as desired.

[0031] At least the first part, along with the at least two sample receiving units, can be made from or consist of a plastic that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the optically visible wavelength range, i.e., the wavelength range between 400 nm and 700 nm. "Transparent" in this case should be understood to mean that at least 90% of the incident electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the component, allowing the user to visually check the fill level of the sample receiving unit. This is particularly advantageous when accurate sample collection is difficult (e.g., when taking a blood sample from a fingertip). Typically, the first and second parts are formed from the same material, although it is also possible to use different materials for the first and second parts.

[0032] The sample receiving unit may be formed of an upper or first portion and a lower or second portion, or may be composed of at least a polymer, metal, rubber, glass, or elastomer. The upper and lower portions are typically made of the same material, although different materials can be used for different parts or units. Preferably, the sample receiving unit, i.e., the upper and lower portions, are composed of or at least include polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polystyrene (PS), cycloolefin copolymer (COC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rigid polyethylene (high-density polyethylene, HDPE) or flexible polyethylene (low-density polyethylene, LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), typically PVC foam, polyurethane (PU), typically PU foam, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), typically LDPE foam, neoprene, expanded polystyrene, silicone rubber foam, polypropylene foam, or polyterephthalate foam. Typically, however, only the lower part is formed from a foam, usually one of the foams mentioned above, or a foam and one of the polymers mentioned above, or is composed of a foam or a foam and one of the polymers mentioned above, i.e. the upper part may preferably be manufactured or is manufactured from the polymeric material mentioned above, excluding the foam.

[0033] The present disclosure also relates to an embodiment of a method for receiving a sample using the described sample receiving device, in which at least two sample receiving units are guided relative to each other by an external force or a locking device at the bottom, and are positioned so that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units facing the sample are adjacent to each other and locked in this position by the locking device, and a single sample is received in or using the at least two sample receiving units.

[0034] In the sample receiving method, in particular, at least two sample receiving units are inserted into the tapered portion of the lower part, and the lower part of the described sample receiving device is moved relative to the upper part so that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units facing the sample are guided against each other, and the sides of the at least two sample receiving units facing the sample are positioned adjacent to each other, so that a single sample can be picked up into the at least two sample receiving units.

[0035] The present disclosure also provides one embodiment of a method for collecting a sample using the sample receiving device, wherein when the first part is placed on the second part facing opposite to the end of the sample receiving device, the bendable connecting portion is bent by the shape of the locking device, the ends of the at least two sample receiving devices are guided relative to each other, and the ends of the at least two sample receiving devices facing the sample direction are positioned adjacent to each other, and are locked in this position by the locking device, and a single sample can be received within or using the at least two sample receiving devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed invention are illustrated in the drawings and will now be described with reference to FIGS. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the sample receiving device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the upper portion shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram summarizing the upper sample receiving unit corresponding to FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 under the conditions shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower part. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lower part. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the upper and lower parts. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7, in which the upper and lower parts are pressed together. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5, but with a cleaning element. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8, showing a cleaning element. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7 with a disk-shaped or ring-shaped lower portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 12 with the lower part in place. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a two-part clamping system corresponding to FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 13 with the two-part clamping system installed. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 12, with the lower disc and cleaning element in place. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a view of the two-part clamping system corresponding to FIG. 14 with the cleaning element installed. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first and second parts of the sample receiving device separated. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a view corresponding to FIG. 17 in an assembled state. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a view corresponding to FIG. 17 of a further embodiment of a sample receiving device. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a view corresponding to FIG. 18 of the embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a view corresponding to FIGS. 17 and 19 of a further embodiment of a sample receiving device. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a view corresponding to FIG. 18 of the embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an example of an embodiment with a connection mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the upper part 1 of the sample receiving device. In the illustrated embodiment, the one-piece upper part 1 comprises a holding housing 3 made of a plastic material that is transparent to electromagnetic waves in the optically visible wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm, so that at least 90% of incident electromagnetic waves are transmitted through the upper part 1. However, the upper part 1 can also be made of an opaque material that has a transmittance of less than 30% for incident electromagnetic waves in the optically visible wavelength range. Three sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are arranged opposite the holding housing 3 and are connected to the holding housing 3 via flexible connections 4, 5, and 6, i.e., connection points.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 and the holding housing 3 are made from the same material, but different materials may be used, or may differ in terms of different properties, such as transparency.

[0039] The sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are elongated or rod-like and hollow, i.e., hollow cylinders or hollow tubes. However, in further embodiments, the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, or at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, may be in the form of a swab, brush, spatula, spatula knife, needle, membrane, rod, helical rod, fiber, hollow fiber, scoop, spatula, spoon, sponge, or foam. Furthermore, all of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 need not be of the same type. Furthermore, at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 may be of a different type than the other sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the side of the sample receiving unit facing away from the holding housing 3 (facing away from the holding housing 3) and where sample is collected and analyzed has a smaller diameter than the side facing the holding housing 3. The holding housing 3 itself is open on the side facing the sample receiving units 4, 5, and 6, but in other embodiments, it may be closed.

[0040] The sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can be bent or rotated slightly via the flexible, i.e., bendable and stretchable, connecting portions 4, 5, 6, which are hinge-shaped. It is also possible to bend the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 beyond their respective bending radii and separate them from the holding housing 3, i.e., separate the connecting portions 4, 5, 6. The connecting portions 4, 5, 6, or at least one or two of the connecting portions 4, 5, 6, may be designed to return to their original positions, i.e., the positions reproduced in FIG. 1, when the lower portion 2 is removed.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the two laterally positioned sample receiving units 7, 9 are shorter than the centrally positioned sample receiving unit 8; that is, the length of each sample receiving unit 7, 9 is shorter than the length of the central sample receiving unit 8. Furthermore, the ends of the two laterally positioned sample receiving units 7, 9 facing away from the holding housing 3 are aligned in a common plane, while the end of the central sample receiving unit 8 is not aligned in this common plane but is aligned in a plane closer to the holding housing 3. The sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 may be identical in design, or different sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 may be used in pairs. The number of sample receiving units may also vary; in addition to the three sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 shown, there may be only two sample receiving units, or more than two sample receiving units, for example, up to ten sample receiving units. The length of the sample receiving units is typically between 1 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 14 mm.

[0042] Each of the illustrated sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 is designed as a capillary for holding a liquid sample, e.g., a drop of blood from a fingertip, in the milliliter range of a particular liquid to be analyzed. Each of the illustrated sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 can preferably hold a sample volume of 0.25 μl to 25 μl, particularly preferably 1 μl to 20 μl. Regardless of the exact number of sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, each of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 generally has the same internal volume or an internal cavity with the same volume, i.e., each of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 can hold an equally large sample volume. However, in further embodiments, the sample volume of at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 may differ from the volume of the other sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9. However, samples present as solids, e.g., samples present as granules, powders, or other bulk materials, or samples in gel form, can also be accommodated. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are rigid, however in other embodiments the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 may be bendable.

[0043] 2 shows a top view of the above-mentioned upper part 1, so that it can be seen from below, i.e., from the sample to be received (picked up). Recurring elements are given the same reference numerals in this and the following figures. The sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are arranged in a row, i.e., their lower ends form an isosceles triangle with an angle of the sample receiving unit 8 greater than 120°.

[0044] Figure 3 shows, in a view corresponding to Figure 1, the top 1 with joined sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, i.e. these are bent at the mesh connections 4, 5, 6 respectively and guided with their tips in direct contact with each other. In this position, all tips are at the same height, i.e. all tips end in a single plane, so that samples can be taken and each of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can contain a partial sample or aliquot.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows, in a view corresponding to FIG. 2, the combined state shown in FIG. 3, in which the three tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 essentially form a common suction tip.

[0046] The perspective view of FIG. 5 shows a lower part 2, which is a single-piece or integral part corresponding to the upper part 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. The housing 11 of the lower part 2 is also made of the same material as the upper part 1 and has a linear first part 12 and a tapered second part 13 connected to the first part 12 in a form-fitting manner. The first part 12 is hollow and, in the illustrated embodiment, has a length corresponding to the length of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, allowing the first part 12 to receive a sample without changing its position relative to the sample receiving units. The first part 12 may be tapered toward the second part 13, but in this case, the pitch angle of the taper is smaller than the corresponding pitch angle of the second part 13. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the pitch angle of the first part 12 is 0° (although it can be up to 5°) because it is linear, and the pitch angle of the second part 13 is 45°.

[0047] The second part 13 has an internal cavity and terminates in an elongated opening 10, thereby forming a through opening in the housing 11, i.e., openings on both sides of the lower part 2. However, the second part 13 is conically tapered in the direction of the opening 10. A recess 15 is provided laterally in the first part 12 of the housing 11. The recess 15 is inserted into a corresponding guide part in the upper part 1, along which the lower part 2 can be displaced and sink into the upper part 1 like a dish. When the upper part 1 and the lower part 2 are translated in this way, the second part 13 of the lower part 2 moves the tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 relative to each other, and they eventually rise again at the opening 10, thereby determining the sample receiving positions of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

[0048] In Figure 6, for illustrative purposes, the lower part 2 is shown in a cross section corresponding to Figure 5. Here, the diameter decreasing in the direction of the opening 10 can be seen more clearly, and the tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are guided relative to one another so that they slide along the inner surface. For this reason, the inner surface of the second part 13 is smooth, i.e. stepless, allowing the tips to slide without resistance.

[0049] 7 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the assembled lower part 2 and upper part 1. The lower part 2 is positioned on top of the upper part 1, and the first part 12 simply surrounds the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, preventing the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 from moving from their initial spaced apart positions.

[0050] Figure 8, which corresponds to Figure 7, shows the state after the lower part 2 has been moved toward or away from the upper part 1. In this case, the lower part 2 is inserted into the recess of the upper part 1, the first part 12 is inside and surrounded by the holding housing 3, and the second part 13 is outside the holding housing 3. In this pressed-together state, the tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 protrude from the opening 10 to form a common suction tip, which is also mechanically fixed by the opening 10. This allows the lower part 2 and the upper part 1 to be connected to each other via a form-fit or force-fit connection. A stopper can also be provided on the upper part 1 or lower part 2 to stop the translational movement between the two parts, i.e., the first part 12 and the second part 13, at a predetermined position.

[0051] Thus, the sample receiving device can passively collect partial samples or aliquots from a single sample in a single step, either manually or automatically, typically as a single-use consumable. The collected partial samples can then be further analyzed. Furthermore, because each sample receiving unit 7, 8, and 9 can be separated from the holding housing 3, each partial sample can be further processed and analyzed separately, improving diagnostic capabilities. According to the present disclosure, even small sample volumes can be minimized in terms of sample material variation, and by collecting partial samples from a single original sample, a high degree of partial sample homogenization can be achieved. Furthermore, unnecessary stress on the patient due to multiple sample collections, such as when collecting samples from a fingertip, can be avoided. With appropriate design of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, e.g., capillaries, the device does not require complex microfluidic or other active components, and can be easily operated by hand, if necessary, without the need for further complex equipment.

[0052] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the lower part 2 in a view corresponding to FIG. 5. Here, the opening 10 is covered by a sponge-like cleaning element 14 that fills at least the opening 10 and is located inside or outside the housing 11. The cleaning element 14 can alternatively or additionally be located within the second part 13 or the first part 12. The cleaning element 14 can be composed of a single part, i.e., one part or monolithic (single mass), or it can be formed from several individual parts, which can be connected to each other, for example, welded together. The cleaning element 14 moves along and cleans the outside of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 during the relative movement of the upper part 1 and the lower part 2 described above. Therefore, cleaning also occurs when the lower part 2 and the upper part 1 are separated and the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are spatially separated to receive the sample and clean the outside. Therefore, FIG. 10 shows the collapsed state in a view corresponding to FIG. 8.

[0053] The variable-volume cleaning element 14 is particularly advantageous for use when the user of the sample-receiving device may have special training for laboratory work and therefore may not be fully or completely familiar with the rules for clean sample receipt. For samples that are time-critical for analysis due to ongoing biological or chemical processes, such as urine, the external cleaning is already performed during stripping, allowing for faster analysis. Furthermore, the cleaning element 14 can avoid contamination of the interior walls of the lower portion 2 as well as the outside of the sample-receiving units 7, 8, and 9, thereby improving reproducibility due to clean sample containers, increasing the probability that the sample-receiving units 7, 8, and 9 contain only the desired sample, and improving user safety by avoiding unintentional contact with the sample.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 7 of the upper part 1 already described, but now with a disk- or ring-shaped lower part 2 attached. To this end, the disk-shaped lower part 2 has a conventional centrally located opening 10, but its height is significantly less than its length or width, typically a maximum of 10% of its length or width. The sample-receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are moved, for example, manually or by external force from another machine, along the connecting parts 4, 5, and 6 to the desired position where their tips contact each other, and are then inserted into the opening 10, i.e., by placing the lower part 2 on top, thereby locking or fixing them in this position. The connection between the upper part 1 and the lower part 2 can be, in turn, a form-fitting or force-fitting connection. FIG. 12 shows the connection between the upper part 1 and the lower part 2 in the embodiment described in FIG. 11.

[0055] As a further form of locking device, a holding device in the form of two clamps 16 can also be used for the lower part 2, as shown in Figure 13 in a perspective view corresponding to Figure 7. In this case, as in the example reproduced in Figures 11 and 12, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are moved to the desired position by an external force and are fixed in this position by the two clamps 16, as shown in the corresponding view in Figure 14. A particular advantage of this design is that different distances between the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can be set. In further embodiments, only a single clamp 16 can be used, or the two clamps can be of one-piece design, i.e., comprise only a single part.

[0056] Figures 15 and 16 reproduce the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 14, but now the cleaning element 14 is arranged at the tip of the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9. To this end, the cleaning element 14 does not have to be integrated into the lower part 2 but can also be present as a separate component.

[0057] 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first part 1 (e.g., a lower part) and a second part 2 (e.g., an upper part) of a sample receiving device. In the first part 1, three rod-shaped sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are arranged side by side. A hinge-shaped flexible connection part 17 is arranged in the center between two adjacent sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9. In the basic state shown in FIG. 17, the ends or tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 that face away from the flexible connection part 17, i.e., the ends that face the direction of the received sample, are spatially separated.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 , the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are arranged in a row, with the sides of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 facing the sample arranged on a plane. The sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 have the same length, but in other embodiments, at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 can be designed to have a different length than the other sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9. Similarly, the sides of the first part 1 facing the sample are arranged on a plane in the basic state. The sides of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 facing away from the sample (i.e., the sides where the flexible connection portion 17 is also located) are closed, and the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are designed as capillaries with openings on the sides facing the sample. The number of sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 may also be varied. In addition to the three sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 shown, only two sample receiving units may be included, or more than two sample receiving units, for example, up to ten sample receiving units. The length of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 is typically between 1 mm and 20 mm, preferably in the range of 8 mm to 14 mm.

[0059] The illustrated sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are each designed as capillaries for holding a liquid sample, e.g., a drop of blood from a fingertip, in the milliliter range, preferably between 0.25 μl and 25 μl, and particularly preferably between 1 μl and 20 μl. Regardless of the exact number of sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, each sample receiving unit 7, 8, and 9 generally has the same internal volume or an internal cavity with the same volume. That is, each sample receiving unit 7, 8, and 9 can hold equally large sample volumes. However, in further embodiments, the sample volume of at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 may differ from the volume of the other sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9. However, samples present as solids, such as granules, powders, or other bulk materials, or gel-like samples, can also be received. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are rigid, but in further embodiments, they may themselves be flexible.

[0060] 17, the second part 2 is made of the same material as the first part 1, but in further embodiments it may be made of a different material. The second part 2 has a locking device designed such that when the first part 1 is placed facing away from the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 on the second part 2, the bendable connection 17 is bent by the shape of the locking device, e.g., a funnel-shaped recess is shown, and the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are tilted towards each other.

[0061] As shown in Figure 18, which corresponds to Figure 17, in the assembled state, the first part 1 and the second part 2 are in direct contact with each other, and the tips or ends of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are in direct contact with the direction of the sample (or at least a partial volume or aliquot thereof) to be received. The intersection of the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 is where the sample to be picked up, typically a liquid, is located and can enter the capillary. A form-fitting connection between the first part 1 and the second part 2 secures the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 in position.

[0062] As previously described, the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are elongated or rod-shaped and hollow, i.e., capillaries or hollow cylinders or tubes. However, in further embodiments, the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, or at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, may be in the form of a swab, brush, spatula, spatula knife, needle, membrane, rod, helical rod, fiber, hollow fiber, scoop, spatula, spoon, sponge, or foam. Furthermore, all of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 need not be of the same type. Furthermore, at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 may be of a different type than the other sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the side of each sample receiving unit 7, 8, and 9 facing the flexible connection 17 and spaced apart from the sample to be picked up and analyzed has a smaller diameter than the side facing the flexible connection 17.

[0063] The flexible, i.e., bendable and stretchable, connectors 17 allow the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 to bend or rotate within a small range, and thus the connectors 17 are hinge-shaped. It is also possible to separate the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 from one another by bending them beyond their respective bending radii, i.e., by cutting the connectors 17. Connectors 17, or at least one or two of connectors 17, may be configured to return to their original positions, i.e., the positions depicted in FIG. 1, when the first part 1 is removed from the second part 2.

[0064] In Figure 19, a side view corresponding to Figure 17, shows another embodiment in which the first part 1 has three rod-shaped sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 arranged side by side. A hinge-like bendable connection 17 is again arranged centrally between two adjacent sample receiving units 7, 8, 9. In this case, the second part 2 is designed as a bendable plate, which has similar mechanical properties to the bendable connection 17 of the first part 1 and in which a bendable region 20 is arranged corresponding to the bendable connection 17. In Figure 20, a view corresponding to Figure 18, the sample receiving device is shown in an assembled state, i.e., the first part 1 and the second part 2 are connected to each other, the bendable connection 17 and the bendable region 20 are respectively bent outward, and the first and second parts are held together by friction, adhesive connection, or a combination of both.

[0065] Figure 21, in a view corresponding to Figures 1 and 3, shows a further embodiment in which, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the second part 2 has bolt-like projections 18 which can be inserted into corresponding recesses in the first part 1. Figure 22 shows a preformed second part 2 onto which the first part 1 can then be placed and fastened again by adhesive connection and / or connection held by friction between the projections 18 and the recesses into which they are inserted.

[0066] Figure 23 shows a possible design of the recess 19 in a side cross-sectional view in Figure 23b), while in Figure 23a) the bolt-like protrusion 18 is shown as a hollow body. In Figure 23c) both elements are assembled and a stop 21 on the recess 19 limits the movement of the recess 18. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the second part 2 is inserted into the first part 1.

[0067] In this way, the sample receiving device can passively collect partial samples or aliquots from a single sample in a single step, either manually or automatically, typically as a single-use consumable. The collected partial samples can then be further analyzed. Furthermore, the ability to separate different sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 allows each partial sample to be further processed and analyzed separately, improving diagnostic performance. According to the present disclosure, even small sample volumes can be collected with minimal alteration of the sample material, and by collecting partial samples from a single original sample, a high degree of partial sample homogenization can be achieved. Furthermore, unnecessary stress on the patient due to multiple sample collections, such as when collecting samples from a fingertip, can be avoided. With appropriate design of the sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, such as capillaries, the device does not require complex microfluidic or other active components, and can be easily operated by hand, if necessary, without the need for further complex equipment.

[0068] The described device or a corresponding sample receiving method comprising said sample receiving device can be used in the medical or veterinary field, but also industrially or for the analysis of food products such as beverages or for ecological analysis. The described device is particularly advantageous in that both sample loss (which should generally be avoided), sample smear (which can lead to erroneous measurement results), and user exposure to potentially infectious or other harmful samples are completely or largely avoided.

[0069] In particular, the present disclosure also relates to the following aspects:

[0070] In a first embodiment, the sample receiving device has an upper part 1 and a lower part 2 that can be connected to each other by at least one of mating and press-fitting, the upper part 1 has a holding housing 3, and at least two rod-shaped sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 or at least two bendable sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are arranged on the holding housing 3, and the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are connected to each other via bendable connecting parts 4, 5, 6 that are arranged spatially spaced apart from each other in a basic state, the lower part 2 has a locking device designed to guide the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 against each other by an external force or the locking device of the lower part 2, and the sides of the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are arranged facing the direction of the sample, arranged next to each other and locked in this position by the locking device, and one sample can be received in or using the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

[0071] In a second embodiment, the sample receiving device of the first embodiment, wherein the lower part 2 comprises a housing 11 with an opening 10 as a locking device.

[0072] In a third aspect, the sample receiving device of the second aspect, wherein the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are insertable into openings 10 of the housing 11 and are movable relative to each other by an external force so that the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are locked in the openings 10 as the locking device after insertion.

[0073] In a fourth embodiment, the lower part (2) comprises a housing 11 having a through opening 10 as a locking device, and the housing 11 has at least one tapered portion 13; A sample receiving device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the lower portion 2 is capable of being translated onto and placed on the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 such that when the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are introduced into the tapered portion 13 of the lower portion 2, the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are guided by each other by the tapered shapes on both sides facing the direction of the sample.

[0074] A fifth aspect is the sample receiving device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the tapered portion of the lower portion 2 is configured as a conical tapered portion 13.

[0075] A sixth aspect is a sample receiving device according to any of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the lower part 2 has a linearly extending portion 12, which is insertable into a corresponding recess in the upper part 1 to establish operational readiness of at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 during the translational movement.

[0076] A seventh aspect is a sample receiving device according to any of the second to sixth aspects, wherein the length of the linearly extending portion 12 of the lower portion 2 corresponds to the length of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, and is selected so that the side of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 facing the sample is positioned within the area of ​​the opening 10 provided in the lower portion 2.

[0077] An eighth aspect is a sample receiving device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the lower part 2 is movably guided in a guide arranged in a holding housing 3 of the upper part 1, and preferably the movable force is limited by at least one stopper.

[0078] A ninth aspect is a sample receiving device according to the first aspect, characterized in that the lower part 2 is provided with a preferably two-part holding device as a locking device for clamping in position at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 that are moved by the external force.

[0079] A tenth aspect is a sample receiving device according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 is in the form of a capillary, a tube, a fiber, preferably a hollow fiber, a cotton swab, a brush, a spatula, a spatula knife, a needle, a membrane, a scoop, a spoon, a sponge, preferably a solid sponge, a rod, preferably a helical rod, or is formed by a capillary, a tube, a fiber, preferably a hollow fiber, a cotton swab, a brush, a spatula, a spatula knife, a needle, a membrane, a scoop, a spoon, a sponge, preferably a solid sponge, or a rod, preferably a helical rod.

[0080] In an eleventh aspect, in a sample receiving device, the upper part 1 has exactly three sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 arranged in a row, and of the two sample receiving units 7, 9, the sides of the two sample receiving units 7, 9 arranged at the ends facing away from the holding housing 3 are arranged in a first plane in the basic state, and the side of the centrally arranged sample receiving unit 8 facing away from the holding housing 3 is arranged in a second plane that is different from the first plane and closer to the holding housing 3 in the basic state, relative to the two laterally arranged sample receiving units 7, 9.

[0081] In a twelfth aspect, in a sample receiving device, the lower part 2 includes a variable volume cleaning element 14, preferably a sponge, that covers the opening 10, and at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can be inserted, or the variable volume cleaning element 14 that covers the opening 10 can be placed on top of the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

[0082] In a thirteenth aspect, in the sample receiving device, the holding housing 3 is formed so as to be closed on a side facing away from the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

[0083] A fourteenth aspect is a method for receiving a sample using a sample receiving device of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, in which at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are guided relative to each other by an external force or a locking device at the lower part 2, the sides of the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 arranged facing the sample direction are arranged adjacent to each other and locked in this position by the locking device, and a single sample is received in or using the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

[0084] A fifteenth aspect is a sample receiving method in which the lower part 2 of a sample receiving device of any one of aspects 4 to 8 and 10 to 13 is positioned relative to the upper part 1, and at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 are inserted into the tapered portion 13 of the lower part 2, and the sides of the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 arranged facing the direction of the sample are guided relative to each other so that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9 arranged facing the direction of the sample are arranged adjacent to each other, and a single sample is collected in the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9, and the sides of the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8 are moved in a guided manner so that they are arranged adjacent to each other while facing the sample direction, and the single sample is received into the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, and 9.

[0085] Features of the various embodiments, which are disclosed only as examples, may be claimed in combination and individually.

Claims

1. A sample receiving device comprising: It comprises a first part (1) and a second part (2), The first part (1) comprises at least two rod-shaped sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) connected to each other via a flexible connection (17), the ends of the at least two rod-shaped sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing away from the flexible connection portion (17) are spatially spaced apart from each other in a basic state; The second part (2) has a locking device, The locking device is when the first part (1) is placed on the second part (2) facing away from the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9), the flexible connection (17) is bent due to the shape of the locking device, and the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are designed to be guided relative to each other, the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing the sample are arranged next to each other and locked in this position by the locking device; A single sample can be received into or by said at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9), Sample receiving device.

2. 2. The sample receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible connection (17) is a hinge-shaped connection.

3. 3. A sample receiving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flexible connection (17) is arranged in the middle of the two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9).

4. At least one of the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) is in the form of a capillary, a tube, a fiber, a swab, a brush, a spatula, a spatula knife, a needle, a membrane, a scoop, a spoon, a sponge, or a rod; or At least one of the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) comprises a capillary, a tube, a fiber, a swab, a brush, a spatula, a spatula knife, a needle, a membrane, a scoop, a spoon, a sponge, or a rod. A sample receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first part (1) has exactly three sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) arranged in a row, the sides of the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing the sample being arranged in a plane in a basic state; One sample receiving unit (8) arranged in the middle of the two sample receiving units (7, 9) is connected to the two adjacent sample receiving units (7, 9) via one of the flexible connecting portions (17), respectively. A sample receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The sample receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first part (1) is formed closed on a side remote from the tips of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) arranged opposite each other in the direction of the sample.

7. The sample receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking device of the second part (2) is funnel-shaped for receiving the first part (1).

8. 8. The sample receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first part (1) and the second part (2) can be connected by fitting or press-fitting.

9. 9. The sample receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first part (1) having the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) is made from a plastic material that is transparent to electromagnetic waves in the optically visible wavelength range.

10. The first part (1) is an upper part, and the second part (2) is a lower part, which can be connected to each other by at least one of a fitting method and a press-fit method; the upper part (1) has a holding housing (3), and the at least two rod-shaped sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) or at least two bendable sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are arranged on the holding housing (3), connected to each other via bendable connecting parts (4, 5, 6), and are spatially separated from each other in a basic state; The lower part (2) is the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are guided relative to one another either by an external force or by a locking device on the lower part (2), and the locking device is designed so that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing the direction of the samples are arranged next to one another, the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are locked in this position by the locking device; A single sample can be received in or by means of said at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9), 2. The sample receiving device of claim 1.

11. The lower part (2) comprises a housing (11) having an opening (10) as the locking device.

11. The sample receiving device of claim 10.

12. The sample receiving unit (7, 8, 9) is insertable into an opening (10) of the housing (11); After insertion, the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) can be relatively moved by an external force so as to be locked in the opening (10) as the locking device.

12. The sample receiving device of claim 11.

13. A housing (11) having at least one tapered portion (13), the lower part (2) is translatably mountable on the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) such that when the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are introduced into the tapered part (13) of the lower part (2), they are guided relative to each other by the tapered shapes of the sides arranged facing the sample; 13. A sample receiving device according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The tapered section of the lower part (2) is designed as a conical tapered section (13), 14. The sample receiving device of claim 13.

15. The lower part (2) includes a linearly extending portion (12), the linearly extending portions (12) of the lower portion (2) are insertable into corresponding recesses of the upper portion (1) to establish operational readiness of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) during the translational movement; 15. A sample receiving device according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The length of the linearly extending portion (12) of the lower portion (2) is equal to the length of the sample receiving unit (7, 8, 9) and the length of the sample receiving unit (7, 8, 9) in the direction of the sample. a length corresponding to at least one of the lengths of the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) selected so that the lower side is positioned within the area of ​​the opening (10) provided in the lower part (2); 16. The sample receiving device of claim 15.

17. the lower part (2) is movably guided in a guide arranged in a holding housing (3) of the upper part (1); A sample receiving device according to any one of claims 11 to 16.

18. the lower part (2) has a two-part holding device as the locking device by clamping the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) in position when moved by the external force; 11. The sample receiving device of claim 10.

19. said upper part (1) having exactly three sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) arranged in a row, The sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are arranged such that the side of the two sample receiving units (7, 9) arranged at the ends facing away from the holding housing (3) is arranged in a first plane in a basic state; The side of the centrally arranged sample receiving unit (8) facing away from the holding housing (3) is arranged in a second plane, different from the first plane and closer to the holding housing (3), relative to the two laterally arranged sample receiving units (7, 9) in the basic state. A sample receiving device according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

20. The lower portion (2) has a variable volume cleaning element (14) that covers the opening (10), the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) can be inserted or a variable volume cleaning element (14) covering the opening (10) can be placed on the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9); A sample receiving device according to any one of claims 10 to 19.

21. The sample receiving device according to any one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that the holding housing (3) is formed closed on a side facing away from the side of at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) arranged facing the sample direction.

22. A sample receiving method using the sample receiving device according to any one of claims 10 to 21, When the first part (1) is placed on the second part (2) facing away from the end of the sample receiving unit (7, 8, 9), the flexible connection (17) is bent by the shape of the locking device, and the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are guided relative to each other; the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing the sample are arranged adjacent to each other and locked in this position by the locking device; A single sample can be received into or by means of said at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9), How to receive samples.

23. the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are guided relative to each other by an external force or a locking device of the lower part (2), and the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are arranged so that their sides are adjacent to each other and are locked in this position by the locking device; receiving a single sample into or using the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9); A method for receiving a sample using a sample receiving device according to any one of claims 10 to 21.

24. A sample receiving method, comprising: The lower part (2) of the sample receiving device according to any one of claims 13 to 17 or 19 to 21 is moved relative to the upper part (1) such that at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are introduced into the tapered part (13) of the lower part (2) and the sides of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing the samples are guided relative to each other, The at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are arranged so that their sample-facing sides are adjacent to each other, and a single sample is received in the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9). How to receive samples.

Images