Apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, method for operating the apparatus, toilet, and configuration comprising the apparatus, and sample container.

Abstract

To provide a device for an onsite analysis of an excrement.SOLUTION: A device for an onsite analysis of an excrement comprises: a housing; a removal device which can remove a sample of an excrement, is movable to the housing in an axial moving direction, and has an arm element for a sample container which is guided so as to be at least partially retreated and elongated in a guide portion; a supply device which can supply a new sample container to the removal device; and an analysis device which can at least partially analyze the removed sample. The guide portion comprises a contaminated region having a guide path for guiding the movable arm element, and a clean region in which the new sample container can be arranged while partially adjoining the guide path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] On the one hand, the present invention relates to an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing, a removal device capable of removing a sample of excrement, an arm element for a sample container which is movable relative to the housing and is guided so as to be able to retract and extend at least partially within a guide part, a supply device capable of providing a new sample container to the removal device, and an analysis device capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample.

[0002] On the other hand, the present invention relates to an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing, a removal device capable of removing a sample of excrement, an arm element for a sample container which is movable relative to the housing and is guided so as to be able to retract and extend at least partially within a guide part, and an analysis device capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method of operating an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein the sample container is linearly moved relative to a sensor unit by an axially movable arm element for sampling, the sample container is held by a holder of the axially movable arm element, and the sample of excrement contained by the sample container is at least partially analyzed on the apparatus.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a configuration comprising a toilet, a urinal, etc., and an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a sample container for on-site analysis of excrement.

[0006] Analysis of urine and / or fecal samples is known to provide at least initial insights into the health status of organisms, particularly humans. However, to obtain sufficiently meaningful analytical information, it is usually necessary to safely transfer urine and / or fecal samples, for example, collected from toilets, into transport containers and send these containers to analytical laboratories. This is not only inconvenient, but it can also take time for the corresponding analytical results to become available. However, it is particularly disadvantageous that close monitoring in the sense of continuous preventive testing is not usually performed due to the considerable effort involved. In this regard, it is desirable to devise methods to facilitate the analysis of excrement.

[0007] From the international publication No. 2017 / 021452A1, a device for the mobile analysis of excrement, particularly in toilets, is known, which allows for the analysis of urine and / or fecal samples on a daily, on-site basis, i.e., immediately at the sampling location. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 021452A1 Pamphlet [Overview of the project]

[0009] The problem addressed by this invention is to develop a type of apparatus, particularly one discussed, for analyzing excrement, especially human excrement, and as a result, to ensure that the apparatus functions more reliably.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the problem addressed by the present invention is solved by an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing, a removal device capable of removing a sample of excrement, the removal device having an arm element for a sample container that is movable relative to the housing and guided so as to be retracted and extended at least partially within a guide portion, a supply device capable of providing a new sample container to the removal device, and an analyzer capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample, wherein the guide portion comprises a contaminated area having a guide path for guiding a movable arm element, and a clean area from which a new sample container can be positioned partially adjacent to the guide path.

[0011] The guide section has both a contaminated area and a clean area, allowing for more reliable operation of the device.

[0012] In particular, the risk of excrement, especially from another user, accidentally contaminating the new sample container can be completely eliminated or at least significantly reduced while the new sample container moves along the guide section for sampling, that is, when the movable arm element equipped with the new sample container moves axially along the guide path for a new sample. This, in turn, reduces the risk of distortion of the analytical results.

[0013] In this respect, continuous mobile monitoring using urine and / or stool samples is even simpler and more reliable.

[0014] In the sense of the present invention, the movable arm element is mounted so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the guide portion, and the axial direction of movement is aligned with the longitudinal extension of the guide portion.

[0015] More specifically, the movable arm element for removing a new sample of excrement can be at least partially extended axially from the guide portion in an axial extension direction, together with the new, i.e., unused sample container.

[0016] Furthermore, the movable arm element can be retracted again axially in the axial retraction direction, together with the sample container moistened with urine or feces, i.e., the used sample container.

[0017] In this context, the term "axial direction" refers to the actual direction of movement of the movable arm element or sample container.

[0018] In the context of this invention, the term "removal device" refers to any device capable of removing a sample of excrement and supplying it to an apparatus for analysis.

[0019] In the present application, the term "supplying device" refers to a device capable of transferring a new sample container to a movable arm element.

[0020] In the present application, the term "analytical device" refers to all devices suitable for sensory detection and analysis of excrement samples.

[0021] For this purpose, the analyzer also comprises an entire sensor unit having at least one sensor, preferably a number of identical or preferably different sensors.

[0022] In the sense of the present invention, the term "contaminated area" refers to the area of ​​the guide portion through which the movable arm element is guided. In this respect, the guide path of the guide portion is also located within the contaminated area. In this case, it is not possible to completely prevent the movable arm element from coming into contact with excrement.

[0023] The aforementioned contamination area essentially extends from a guide path opening located at the free end of the guide portion and a transfer area through which a new sample container is transferred from the supply device to a holder located on the arm element.

[0024] In the present application, the term "clean area" refers to the area of ​​the guide portion that cannot be reached by either the movable arm element or the used sample container.

[0025] The cleaning area particularly represents an area of the guide part between a sensor unit arranged at the free end of the guide part and a transfer area where a new sample container is transferred from the supply device to a holder arranged on the arm element.

[0026] The free end of the guide part means the end of the guide part from which the arm element movable for sampling extends. The sensor unit is also arranged at the free end.

[0027] In the sense of the present invention, the term "sensor unit" represents a device comprising at least essentially at least one sensor, preferably a plurality of sensors, for sensorially detecting a sample adhering to a sample container for analysis.

[0028] In the case of the present application, such a sensor unit can be constructed in a variety of ways so that the sample container can be arranged at least temporarily on the opposite side of the sensor unit and / or arranged or formed on the guide part, for example, according to the imposed requirements.

[0029] Needless to say, different sensors can be provided for this purpose.

[0030] For example, the sensor unit comprises a color sensor for detecting a color change with respect to the sample container, whereby a first analysis in the sense of the present invention can already be carried out.

[0031] Further data of the sensor unit can be transmitted cumulatively or alternatively to an analysis unit that can be arranged, for example, within the housing of the device and / or on the guide part of the device.

[0032] Furthermore, cumulative or alternative data transmission from the sensor unit and / or from the analysis unit to an external analysis unit is possible. For this purpose, for example, a data processing and / or analysis application executed on a smartphone or the like can be considered.

[0033] Transmission can be wireless or wired, and transmission between the device and external data processing and / or analysis applications, etc., is preferably performed wirelessly.

[0034] For analysis, the analytical device, particularly the sensor unit and / or additional analytical unit, is advantageously equipped with a suitable microcontroller, which, in the simplest embodiment, can analyze, for example, the color change of the sample container.

[0035] In this case, it is conceivable to improve the energy efficiency of the device by switching at least some of the sensors on or off depending on the type of excrement being analyzed.

[0036] The "movable arm element" can be designed in various ways, for example, as a retractable arm element equipped with arm segments that can be retracted from one another.

[0037] However, the arm element preferably includes a material strip that can be wound up or unwound, which can be unwound from the coil to extend the arm element and wound back onto the coil to retract the arm element.

[0038] The term "sample container" refers to a material suitable for receiving excrement, such as an indicator strip or flake.

[0039] In this regard, it should be noted that such sample containers can be designed in various ways and used advantageously in the sense of the present invention. For example, the sample container is also at least partially transparent to visible light.

[0040] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the problem is also solved to the extent of a sample container for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a main part, the sample body having individual sample analysis fields of different geometric shapes.

[0041] As a result, various indicator surfaces can be specifically designed on the sample container, allowing multiple analyses to be performed independently of each other.

[0042] This sample container design allows the device to be operated even more efficiently.

[0043] In this context, the problem addressed by the present invention is also solved by a sample container for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a main component, wherein the sample analysis field is located on both the front and back sides of the main component. Placing the sample analysis field on both sides of the main component significantly increases the number of analyses that can be performed simultaneously.

[0044] The corresponding apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, and the associated operating methods for such apparatus, can also be significantly improved by the sample containers requested above. For example, by using the corresponding sample containers, the number of sensor units on the apparatus can be significantly increased, thus enabling the associated processes to be performed at a faster speed.

[0045] In conventional urine test strips, the test material (reagent or absorbent paper) is always applied to the carrier material (the main part in this specification) from only one side. In the present invention, the sample analysis field is applied to the carrier material from both sides. This saves space and reduces the demand for carrier material and sample containers.

[0046] Furthermore, with respect to a single sample container, if there are different indicators in the individual sample analysis fields, more analyses can be performed simultaneously without hesitation.

[0047] Furthermore, if individual sample analysis fields are positioned at a distance from each other within the main area, the risk of different indicators influencing each other can be reduced.

[0048] To further optimize the process, the shape of the sample analysis field, which has previously been mainly a 5mm x 5mm square, can also be changed.

[0049] In this regard, in a further embodiment, the individual sample analysis fields are designed to be circular.

[0050] However, other different geometric shapes are also possible, such as smaller square, circular, or elliptical regions.

[0051] When the main part and individual sample analysis fields are at least partially translucent, the variety of analytical methods can be greatly increased by using appropriately equipped instruments. For example, transmitted light measurements can be considered.

[0052] If a sample container is provided by a supply device and is not yet contaminated with excrement, that sample container is referred to as a new sample container in the sense of this invention.

[0053] However, if a sample container is contaminated with excrement, that sample container is referred to as a used sample container in the context of this application.

[0054] In the context of this invention, the term "excrement" refers to bodily excretions such as urine and feces.

[0055] In the sense of the present invention, the term "on-site analysis" means that the analysis of excrement can be performed at least partially, or preferably completely, at the place of excretion, such as a toilet or urinal.

[0056] In other words, this means that there is no need to painstakingly send any type of excrement to be tested to a distant institution for analysis.

[0057] Needless to say, data or information acquired on-site for further evaluation or storage can also be transmitted to external devices such as data carriers.

[0058] To remove the desired sample, the movable arm element of the removal device is extended in any case from the guide portion to a degree that a new, unused sample container can come into contact with each piece of excrement.

[0059] Next, the sample container contaminated with excrement is retracted into a guide section for analysis so that it can be inspected by the sensors of the device's sensor unit.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the clean area of ​​the guide portion is located on the side adjacent to the contaminated area of ​​the guide portion, and the clean area and the contaminated area are spatially separated from each other by a separation section, preferably by a rigid partition. Thus, the clean area and the contaminated area, in particular the guide path of the movable arm element, are very clearly separated from each other, reducing the risk that excrement adhering to the arm element may enter the clean space and contaminate a new sample container with potentially old excrement from another person.

[0061] It is advantageous if a slit-shaped opening is positioned in the partition region so that a new sample container can be placed in both the contaminated and clean regions, through which it can be positioned, in order to hold the sample container across the partition with its first half in a holder of a movable arm element (contaminated region), while the other half can pass through the guide portion (clean region) to supply a new sample without contamination.

[0062] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the clean area of ​​the guide section is located axially rearward of the release unit that releases the used sample container of the movable arm element, when viewed from the retraction direction of the movable arm element. This ensures that the used sample container is released from the retracting arm element before it reaches the clean space, thus preventing contamination of the clean space when the device is operated properly.

[0063] Needless to say, the aforementioned slit-like openings can be designed in various ways. If necessary, bristle strips can be added exclusively or additionally to the partition to achieve a partition that is essentially permeable only to the sample container.

[0064] The slit-shaped opening can be designed to guide the sample container up and down within the partitioned area, providing specific height guidance for the sample container within the guide portion. As a result, the sample container can always be held in front of the sensor at potentially the same distance.

[0065] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the problems addressed by the present invention are solved cumulatively or alternatively by an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing, a removal device capable of removing a sample of excrement, the removal device having an arm element for a sample container that is movable in an axial direction relative to the housing and is guided to be retracted and extended at least partially within a guide portion, and an analyzer capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample, wherein the apparatus is characterized by a sensor unit having a transmitted light measuring device for transmitting illumination through the sample container.

[0066] Using such a transmitted light measuring device, particularly accurate inspection results, especially qualified inspection and determination of excrement or its contents, can be achieved.

[0067] In particular, the measurement and evaluation of indicator materials can be advantageously carried out by transmitted light measurement.

[0068] In particular, the optical path length of light emitted from the light source through the sample is significantly increased by a correspondingly designed sensor unit or transmitted light measuring device and associated transmitted light measurement.

[0069] In this case, a higher information density is advantageously obtained because the sample container or the corresponding test material is transmitted and illuminated, and the sample container is not merely illuminated on the surface, as has been conventional in reflectance photometry, for example, where the characteristics of radiation reflected by a surface illuminated by a light source are measured by a reflectance photometer.

[0070] In particular, indicator strips or thin sections already described can be used as test materials, but materials specifically provided for this purpose can also be used.

[0071] A very simple form of transmitted light measurement can be carried out, for example, by saturating a simple receiving material such as a cellulose-based material (filter paper) or an artificial fiber material with excrement.

[0072] "Transmitted light" makes it possible to visualize the individual components of the light-receiving material in the optical measurement unit.

[0073] Furthermore, a common test strip structure consisting of, for example, a carrier material, reagents, and absorbent paper can be used.

[0074] The measurement can be performed with or without supporting carrier material.

[0075] Plastics or cellulose can typically be used as carrier materials suitable for indicator fields.

[0076] Transmitted light measurement can be performed in a structurally simple manner if the transmitted light measuring device is positioned at least partially on both sides of the sample container.

[0077] Highly accurate detection can be achieved when the transmitted light measuring device surrounds the sample container during transmitted light measurement. This means that the sample container is surrounded by the sensor unit or the transmitted light measuring device.

[0078] For this purpose, it is not only advantageous if the transmitted light measuring device has an integrated transport path along which the sample container can be moved.

[0079] In particular, the integrated transport path is characterized by being protected from unwanted critical peripheral light.

[0080] Preferably, at least a portion of the transport path is surrounded by a sensor unit or a transmitted light measuring device, which in turn allows for a very compact design, particularly for the sensor unit.

[0081] Advantageously, the sensor unit has a housing in which the transport path of the transmitted light measuring device is at least partially located, and as a result, the sample container to be transmitted light illuminated is adequately protected from ambient light and the like during transmitted light measurement.

[0082] The housing can be provided in a structurally very simple manner if it is at least partially composed of a guide portion of the removal device or another suitable component of the device.

[0083] Furthermore, if the transmitted light measuring device has an illumination device on the first side of the integrated transport path and a detection device on the second side of the integrated transport path opposite the first side, the sensor unit can be made even more compact.

[0084] For example, if the lighting device and the detection device are instead located on the common side of the transport path, a mirror device that can deflect the light beam toward the detection device may be located on the opposite side of the lighting device.

[0085] The lighting device has at least one light source, while the detection device has at least one detection sensor surface.

[0086] In this case, it is advantageous for the transmitted light measurement described herein if at least one light source is located on the opposite side of at least one detection sensor surface.

[0087] However, in another embodiment, it is also possible to place at least one additional light source on the side of the detection device to further illuminate the sample container.

[0088] In such cases, the illumination means on the opposite side of the detection unit can be used exclusively or cumulatively with any additional light source located on the side of the detection device when operating the sensor unit. Alternatively, the desired inspection can be performed using the illumination means on the opposite side of the detection device exclusively or cumulatively, instead of any additional light source located on the side of the detection device.

[0089] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transmitted light measuring device has multiple light sources, where at least one main beam path of the light sources is positioned perpendicular to the detection sensor surface, and at least one further main beam path of at least one further light source is positioned at a different angle to the detection sensor surface. This can further improve the quality of the analysis.

[0090] Needless to say, other apparatuses and / or methods described herein can also be advantageously developed by such transmitted light measuring devices or sensor units equipped in this manner.

[0091] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the guide portion includes a sensor unit positioned adjacent to the guide path that guides the movable arm element. As a result, the guidance of the movable arm element and the analysis of the sample can be separated with greater precision.

[0092] With respect to the narrow side of the guide path or arm element, in this application, "side" means the right or left side of the guide path or arm element.

[0093] However, the term "on the side" does not refer to an upper or lower position, nor does it refer to overlap with the wider side of the guide path or arm element, and therefore it is neither above nor below the guide path or arm element.

[0094] If the clean area of ​​the guide portion is located axially forward of the sensor unit when viewed from the extension direction of the movable arm element, the used sample container only needs to move to the sensor unit, thus structurally avoiding accidental contamination of the clean space by excrement when the used sample container is retracted.

[0095] When the sensor unit is positioned at the free end of the guide section, it is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need to further retract the used sample container axially into the guide section in order to analyze the attached excrement.

[0096] When viewed from the retraction direction of the movable arm element, if the sensor unit is positioned axially forward of the clean area of ​​the guide portion, the used sample container will not enter the clean area of ​​the guide portion for analysis.

[0097] If, viewed from the retraction direction of the movable arm element, the sensor unit is positioned axially forward of the release unit that releases the used sample container from the movable arm element, the used sample container can be easily released from the arm element after the analysis process is complete simply by moving the arm element further in the retraction direction.

[0098] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, at the free end of the guide portion, the opening height of the sensor area opening of the sensor unit is smaller than the opening height of the guide path opening of the guide path. A smaller opening height of the sensor area opening provides better protection of the sensor area from external contamination. Correspondingly, a larger opening height of the guide path opening ensures sufficient space height available for the movable arm element and the sample container temporarily held thereon, particularly the associated holder.

[0099] Cumulatively or alternatively, it is advantageous when the width of the sensor area opening is greater than the width of the guide path. Because the sensor area opening is wider, the half of the sample container that can overlap with the sensor unit can be designed to be larger than the other half of the sample container, and in particular, longer, so that the other half of the sample container is held in a holder of a movable arm element.

[0100] In a more advantageous embodiment, the clean area of ​​the guide portion is wider than the contaminated area of ​​the guide portion, and in particular wider than the guide path. This ensures that the new sample container of the guide portion is not contaminated over as wide an area as possible, thereby minimizing the risk of accidental contamination of the sample container by old excrement or other materials.

[0101] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the clean area of ​​the guide portion spatially merges with the sensor area of ​​the guide portion. As a result, the clean area and the sensor area can be directly positioned front to back in the axial direction of movement, making the guide portion very compact. In addition, a new sample container coming from the direction of the clean space is guided to sampling via the sensor unit, and it is possible to check whether the sample container has already been registered as a possibility before sample acquisition, or whether the new sample container is properly held in the movable arm element.

[0102] It is advantageous if the clean area of ​​the guide portion is designed so that the side facing away from the sensor area is wider than the side facing the sensor area, in order to ensure that the clean area of ​​the guide portion at least partially overlaps with and protects the feeder.

[0103] In terms of design, if both the contaminated and clean areas are located on the device's retaining bracket, the device can be maintained very simply. Therefore, advantageously, the guide portion can function directly as a retaining bracket. In particular, the transfer of new sample containers for sampling can be achieved very easily in this way.

[0104] The contaminated area and the clean area are preferably located on a common retaining bracket.

[0105] If both the contaminated and clean areas are at least partially curved, these critical areas can be easily integrated into the device's retaining bracket.

[0106] In a further embodiment that is advantageous even without other features of the present invention, a sensor unit is provided which includes a thermal sensor for detecting the temperature of excrement, body temperature, amount of excrement, and / or excrement flow rate.

[0107] Relevant parts inside the toilet bowl can be advantageously scanned by temperature sensors attached to the device, such as infrared sensors, and thus further information can be obtained.

[0108] The fact that the corresponding thermal sensors are preferably located in this device means they do not need to be permanently installed in the toilet. Instead, the thermal sensors can be attached to the toilet in a movable manner, making them advantageous for retrofitting existing toilets.

[0109] Therefore, direct temperature measurement of excrement may allow for direct conclusions about a person's body temperature when they leave their body or after contact with a toilet.

[0110] Using appropriate computing models and / or algorithms, temperature losses caused by contact with the outside air or toilet can be calculated or compensated for.

[0111] As a result, it becomes possible to recognize fluctuations in body temperature and, for example, draw conclusions about illness.

[0112] By measuring the temperature curve throughout the entire excretion process, it is also possible to calculate the volumetric flow rate and therefore the amount dispensed.

[0113] Furthermore, the characteristics of emptying the kidneys have become clearer, which is interesting information for certain clinical presentations, such as those after kidney transplantation or in cases of urinary tract stones.

[0114] Advantageously, the same thermal sensor can also cumulatively trigger measurements to determine temperature changes inside the toilet caused by the introduced waste.

[0115] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the problem addressed by the present invention is solved by an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing, a removal device capable of removing a sample of excrement, the removal device having an arm element for a sample container that is movable relative to the housing and guided so as to be retracted and extended at least partially within a guide portion, a supply device capable of providing a new sample container to the removal device, and an analyzer capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample, wherein the removal means comprises a release unit having a peeling means for releasing the used sample container from the movable arm element.

[0116] Such a detachment method allows for very reliable removal of the used sample container from the holder of the movable arm element, resulting in more reliable operation of the device.

[0117] In particular, the risk of excrement, especially from other users, accidentally becoming deeply embedded in the guide portion, for example, if the used sample container is not properly removed from the holder of the movable arm element, can be completely eliminated or at least significantly reduced. In either case, the peeling means of the present invention reduces the risk of distortion of the analytical results.

[0118] In this respect, continuous mobile monitoring using urine and / or stool samples can be carried out in a simpler and more reliable manner.

[0119] To enhance the reliability of the release unit of the present invention, it is advantageous if the release unit is positioned in a transition area at the axial height between the sensor area and the clean area of ​​the guide portion. Thus, while the used sample container can still be moved to the sensor area by the movable arm element, it can be reliably removed from the holder of the movable arm element in the direction toward the clean area before the used sample container subsequently enters the clean space.

[0120] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the release unit is designed so that an actuator for operating a holder and / or a feeder positioned on a movable arm element that temporarily holds a sample container passes through the release unit. This ensures that the used sample container is reliably removed from the movable arm element, but the arm element can still be retracted into the guide portion in the retraction direction, regardless of the holder and actuator positioned on the arm element, to receive a new sample container in an operationally safe manner.

[0121] In this context, it is also advantageous if the release unit has a main portion through which a movable arm element can pass, and the main portion at least partially encloses a space having a spatial height many times greater than the thickness of the arm element. In such a spatial height, holders for sample containers and the aforementioned operating means, in particular, can easily pass through the release unit.

[0122] Needless to say, the spatial height can be selected based on the design of the holder or actuation mechanism in particular, and generally based on the shape of the movable arm element.

[0123] It has already been demonstrated that a spatial height of the main part is sufficient when it is greater than twice, preferably more than 10 times, the thickness of the arm element. In particular, a spatial height greater than 10 times, for example, 15 times, the thickness of the arm element has been demonstrated to be sufficient, as this ensures interaction between the peeling means and the sample container, as well as smooth passage of the holder and the operating means.

[0124] Needless to say, a suitable peeling means in the sense of the present invention can be designed in a variety of ways.

[0125] For example, the detachment means may include a brush and / or bristle, thereby detaching the sample container from the holder of a movable arm element.

[0126] In actual testing, it has been demonstrated that it is sufficient if the release means comprises at least one flexible finger element, and the movable arm element passes through the finger element and is preferably in contact with and translatedly guided. To this end, as the movable arm element retracts further into the guide portion in the axial retraction direction, at least one flexible finger element can restrain the used sample container so that the used sample container is finally released from the holder and subsequently disposed of, for example, by falling into a toilet.

[0127] For such purposes, at least one flexible finger element can actively contact the movable arm element. It can also be positioned directly above the movable arm element.

[0128] In such a case, at least one finger element extends from the main part of the release unit toward the guide path opening of the guide part and is deflected toward the movable arm element, so that the free end of the finger element is facing toward the movable arm element, whether in contact with or without contact with the movable arm element.

[0129] For example, when the movable arm element is moved in the extension direction, a new sample container coming from the feeder can easily pass through the release unit. However, when the movable arm element retracts again and moves in the retraction direction, the sample container that was in use during that time is captured by the free end of the finger element and released from the holder as the movable arm element moves further.

[0130] In this respect, the release unit has a release tip that faces the direction of the guide path opening of the guide portion.

[0131] In a more advantageous embodiment, the flexible finger element is divided into two parts, having two flexible finger portions separated by a gap. As a result, the sample container can be easily captured and released by the flexible finger element across the entire width of the movable arm element, and nevertheless, the flexible finger element itself can be designed in a very delicate manner.

[0132] When two flexible finger portions are positioned at a distance from each other in the transverse direction with respect to the axial or translational direction of the movable arm element, a more advanced design of the movable arm element is possible, allowing a release unit to pass between the two flexible finger portions.

[0133] The detachment means is preferably located on at least two sides of the movable arm element, so that the used sample container can also be passed through from two sides, further increasing the safety of the operation to release the sample container from the holder of the movable arm element.

[0134] The detachment means are preferably positioned above and below the arm element, thereby reliably capturing and releasing the used sample container from the holder and thus allowing it to be detached from the arm element.

[0135] By positioning one flexible finger element with two flexible finger sections above and below a movable arm element, the used sample container can be captured by four detachment means and released from the holder.

[0136] In this last described release unit configuration, a total of at least four flexible finger sections form the release tip of the release unit, and the release tip is oriented toward the guide path opening of the guide section.

[0137] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the problem addressed by the present invention is also solved by an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing, a removal device capable of removing a sample of excrement, the removal device having an arm element for a sample container that is movable relative to the housing and guided to be retracted and extended at least partially within a guide portion, a supply device capable of providing a new sample container to the removal device, and an analyzer capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample, wherein the supply device can be operated by the movement of the movable arm element.

[0138] Since the supply device can be operated, controlled, and operated by the movement of a movable arm element, the design of the device can be further simplified, and therefore it can be operated more reliably.

[0139] In this respect, the device is characterized by operating the supply device using a drive unit that drives a movable arm element.

[0140] In this respect, the removal device and the supply device have the same drive unit.

[0141] In other words, the present invention is also characterized in that, regardless of other features of the present invention, the removal device and the supply device have a single drive unit.

[0142] Furthermore, the use of this device can be further improved if it has an automatic urination log that can store measurement data.

[0143] Advantageously, verified information such as urine parameters, urination time, and urination duration can be directly recorded in a digital urination log. This information can be transmitted to a digital terminal or medical system for further processing.

[0144] In particular, in relation to the features of the holder, the problem addressed by the present invention is also solved by a method of operating an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein a sample container is moved linearly relative to a sensor unit by an axially movable arm element for sampling, the sample container is held in a holder of the axially movable arm element, and a sample of excrement contained in the sample container is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus, wherein a new sample container is supplied to the holder transversely to the axial movement direction of the axially movable arm element, and the supply device is driven by the axial movement of the axially movable arm element in the axial movement direction.

[0145] The method proposed herein allows access to a single drive unit for multiple functions, thus enabling particularly efficient operation of the device.

[0146] In terms of design, the interaction between the movable arm element and the feeding device can be resolved in various ways.

[0147] In a structurally simple embodiment, the feeder has an operating lever which can be actuated by the movement of a movable arm element. This operating lever can then be actuated by the movement of the movable arm element, preferably while the movable arm element is moving in the axial retraction direction.

[0148] In particular in this context, the problem addressed by the present invention is also solved by a method of operating an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein a sample container is moved linearly relative to a sensor unit by an axially movable arm element for sampling, the sample container is held in a holder of the axially movable arm element, and the sample of excrement contained in the sample container is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus, characterized in that the used sample container is released from the holder by axial movement in the direction of axial movement of the axially movable arm element.

[0149] The method proposed herein eliminates the need for an additional drive mechanism to release the used sample container from the holder, thus enabling particularly efficient operation of the apparatus.

[0150] The actuation or actuation mechanism of a feeder that operates based on an actuation lever that can be actuated by a movable arm element can maintain structural simplicity if the actuation lever is mounted so as to be rotatable around a pivot axis, and the pivot axis of the actuation lever is movable by the movement of the arm element. As a result, the feeder can be moved translationally while the actuation lever rotates around the pivot axis.

[0151] In this respect, it is advantageous if the rotation axis of the operating lever is movable transversely with respect to the axial movement direction of the arm element.

[0152] In the present invention, the structure of the supply device can be realized very compactly if the supply device has a movable curved section that allows the operating lever to begin rolling along it as soon as the operating lever rotates around the axis of rotation of the operating lever. As a result, the operating lever is further guided on the axis of rotation by the movable curved section.

[0153] If the supply device has a movable curved section along which the actuating lever can begin to roll when the axis of rotation of the actuating lever is moved transversely to the axial direction of movement of the arm element, the actuating lever may be pulled in the direction of the movable arm element while the actuating lever rotates around its axis of rotation by the movable arm element.

[0154] In this regard, it should be noted that such moving curved sections can be realized by different means of forcing movement or a moving path, such as slide guides. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the feeding device has a translationally movable transfer carriage that can feed new sample containers in the feeding direction into holders positioned on movable arm elements. The translational mobility of the transfer carriage can greatly simplify the structure of the feeding device.

[0155] If the transport carriage can be moved by the movement of a movable arm element, then additional drive units for the transport carriage can be eliminated.

[0156] If the transport carriage has a pivot axis for the operating lever, the transport carriage may be pulled transversely with respect to the axial direction of movement of the arm element that is movable by the operating lever.

[0157] In this regard, it is advantageous if the transfer carriage can be moved by an actuating lever in a transverse direction relative to the axial movement of the movable arm element, and therefore toward the feed direction toward the holder that holds the new sample container. As a result, the design effort of the feed device can fortunately be kept very low.

[0158] However, it is advantageous not only when the transfer carriage can be moved translationally toward a movable arm element, but also when the transfer carriage can be guided along a curved path to perform a cutting motion perpendicular to the supply direction in order to produce a new sample container. As a result, the cutting means can be easily driven by a removal device or, in particular, a drive unit of the movable arm element, which is extremely advantageous even without other features of the present invention.

[0159] Needless to say, the curved path described above can also be mechanically realized by various means of movement or forcing the movement path. Here too, sliding guides and the like can be considered.

[0160] In this context, it is advantageous if the transfer carriage includes cutting means for cutting new sample containers from the sample container strip. Therefore, an additional cutting device can be eliminated.

[0161] Alternatively, the cutting means may already be configured by the transport carriage, or the transport carriage may have a corresponding base on which the cutting means can be positioned in a preferably interchangeable manner.

[0162] In this regard, the problem addressed by the present invention is a method of operating an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein a sample container is moved linearly relative to a sensor unit by an axially movable arm element for sampling, the sample container is held in a holder of the axially movable arm element, and the sample of excrement contained in the sample container is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus, the method of operation also includes the method of detaching a new sample container from a roll material, and a cutting device being driven by axial movement in the direction of axial movement of the arm element.

[0163] This method eliminates the need for additional drive units for the cutting device, allowing for particularly efficient operation of the device.

[0164] The roll material to be considered could be, for example, filter paper saturated with chemicals.

[0165] The roll material may be approximately 35 cm long and 0.5 cm wide.

[0166] Furthermore, in a more preferred embodiment, the movable arm element includes an actuation means for operating the feeding device. The actuation means on the arm element allows the feeding device to be operated in a structurally simple manner simply by moving the arm element. In this respect, the feeding device can be operated and controlled using the drive unit of the movable arm element.

[0167] In the sense of the present invention, these operating means can be realized in different ways.

[0168] If the actuation mechanism has a protrusion on the surface of a movable arm element, the actuation mechanism can be implemented in a very simple manner.

[0169] Such protrusions can be directly realized by movable arm elements, leading to further simplification of the structure.

[0170] Cumulatively or alternatively, the protrusions can be realized by further components attached in an appropriate manner to a movable arm element, for example, by screw connections and / or adhesive connections.

[0171] In this case, the raised portion can be provided, for example, by an additional pin portion on a movable arm element.

[0172] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the movable arm element comprises a holder that can be actuated by the movement of the movable arm element, and such a holder, even when considered in isolation, is advantageous because it already favorably develops known devices of the type in question, even without other features of the present invention.

[0173] In either case, since the holder is actuated using the movement of a movable arm element, an additional drive unit for the holder can be omitted.

[0174] In this respect, the holder is essentially based on a clamping mechanism, which allows the sample container to be reversibly held or clamped to a movable arm element.

[0175] For this purpose, the holder can be attached to a movable arm element, in particular by positioning or clipping, or preferably the holder is directly embodied by a movable arm element.

[0176] For example, plastic, metal, or possibly other materials, or combinations thereof, can be considered as the material for the holder.

[0177] In either case, it is preferable that the holder includes at least two clamping elements, and that at least one of the clamping elements can be actively actuated.

[0178] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the device has a holder actuation member that actsuates a holder positioned on a movable arm element for temporarily holding a sample container, and the holder actuation member includes a tilting element.

[0179] In this case, the holder is pulled on the inclined element by the movement of the movable arm element, causing at least one inclined element to elastically bend, clamping the new sample container between at least two clamping elements, and thus allowing the movable arm element to hold the new sample container.

[0180] In particular, in relation to the features of the holder, the problem addressed by the present invention is also solved by an operating method for an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein a sample container is moved linearly relative to a sensor unit by an axially movable arm element for sampling, the sample container is held in a holder of the axially movable arm element, and a sample of excrement contained in the sample container is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus, wherein the holder is opened and closed by axial movement in the direction of axial movement of the axially movable arm element.

[0181] The method proposed herein eliminates the need for additional drive units to operate the holder, thus enabling particularly efficient operation of the device.

[0182] The problems addressed by the present invention are further solved by a method of operating an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein a sample container is moved linearly relative to a sensor unit by an axially movable arm element for sampling, the sample container is held in a holder of the axially movable arm element, and a sample of excrement contained in the sample container is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus, characterized in that the sample container containing the excrement is moved between an illumination device and a detection device, and is illuminated by the illumination device for transmitted light measurement.

[0183] In this case, particularly high analytical quality can be achieved if the sample container containing the excrement remains stationary during transmitted light measurement.

[0184] However, if the sample container containing excrement is moved during transmitted light measurement, this method can be performed more quickly.

[0185] For additional advantageous method steps, please refer to the description of the apparatus equipped with a transmitted light measuring device, in particular, to avoid repetition in the present application.

[0186] In a further variation of the method, wetting of the sample container with excrement, particularly urine, is supported by the additional movement of an arm element that is axially movable, particularly in the axial extension and / or retraction directions. As a result, sampling time can be significantly reduced.

[0187] Regarding variations of another method, it is also advantageous when the sampling duration is 10 seconds to 1 second, preferably 2 seconds to 3 seconds. Such a short sampling time can significantly limit the time required for using the device. Furthermore, the faster the removed sample is supplied to the sensor unit in the guide section, the lower the risk of undesirable external influences, thus reducing the risk of undesirable contamination of the sample by external influences.

[0188] Furthermore, it is advantageous if excess excrement, particularly excess urine, is removed from the movable arm element, sample container, and / or holder by vibration of the axially movable arm element. Ideally, only a small amount of excrement adheres to the sample container for sensor testing, so removing excess excrement further advantageously reduces the risk of contamination of the device, especially the guide portion.

[0189] With regard to the methods described herein, it should also be noted that individual methods can be further complemented by the characteristics of the apparatus, and the sequence of methods can be further specified.

[0190] The design of this device can be made even more compact if the guide portion has an articulated connector that articulates the guide portion on the housing. This articulated connector allows the guide portion to be folded into the housing when not in use.

[0191] In this regard, the problems addressed by the present invention are also solved, according to a further aspect of the present invention, by a retaining bracket for an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement for attachment to a toilet, urinal, etc., comprising a guide path along which a movable arm element of the retaining bracket is retractably guided, and having a contaminated area with a guide path for guiding the movable arm element, and a clean area where a new sample container can be positioned at least partially adjacent to the guide path.

[0192] Configuring the retaining bracket in this way significantly reduces the risk of unintended contamination of the new sample container by old waste.

[0193] The simplification of the apparatus proposed herein not only results in higher reliability of the apparatus but also reduces weight by eliminating the associated components, leading to highly efficient operation of the apparatus.

[0194] In particular, the risk that a new sample container will not be inserted into the holder that holds the sample container, or will not be inserted completely, can be completely eliminated or at least significantly reduced.

[0195] In this respect, continuous mobile monitoring using urine and / or stool samples is even simpler and more reliable.

[0196] Needless to say, the features of the solutions described above or in the claims can be combined, where appropriate, to implement the advantages and effects achievable in the present application in a reasonably cumulative manner.

[0197] In this regard, it should also be noted that in the context of this patent application, the terms “in particular” or “particularly” always refer to the introduction of an optional preferred feature. This term does not mean “i.e.” and / or “namely.”

[0198] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the context of this patent application, indefinite articles and numerical data such as "one..." and "two..." generally refer to the minimum designation, i.e., "at least one..." and "at least two...", unless it is clear from the context or a specific sentence in a particular clause that they refer only to "exactly one..." and "exactly two...".

[0199] Furthermore, further features, effects, and advantages of the present invention are illustrated by the accompanying drawings and the following description, in which an apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement is shown and described as an example.

[0200] Components that correspond at least essentially to their respective functions in individual drawings may be indicated by the same reference numeral, and components are not necessarily indicated by reference numerals and are not shown in all drawings.

[0201] It should be noted that the diagrams shown are illustrations illustrating the basic structure and basic operating modes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0202] [Figure 1] A schematic first perspective view partially depicts the equipment for on-site analysis of excrement at the starting position. [Figure 2] A schematic second perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, equipped with a magazine containing a material roll for a new sample container, is shown. [Figure 3]A schematic third perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2 is shown in the supply position where the sample container is supplied to the holder of the movable arm element. [Figure 4] A schematic fourth perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 3 is shown at the cutting position where the sample container, partially supplied to the holder, is separated from the material roll. [Figure 5] Further schematic diagrams of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 4, comprising a housing and a folded guide section on top of it, are shown. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram of the removal device shown in Figures 1 to 5 is provided, which includes a partially retracted movable arm element and its drive unit. [Figure 7] Further schematic perspective views of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 6, which has a folded guide section, are shown. [Figure 8] Figures 1 to 7 show a schematic bottom view of the guide section of the device, along with diagrams of the contaminated area, clean area, and sensor area of ​​the guide section. [Figure 9] Figures 1 to 8 show a schematic first perspective view detail of the release unit of the device. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram of the second perspective view detail of the release unit of the device shown in Figures 1 to 9 is shown. [Figure 11] A schematic third perspective view of the release unit of the device shown in Figures 1 to 10 is shown. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram of the fourth perspective view detail of the release unit of the device shown in Figures 1 to 11 is shown. [Figure 13] A schematic bottom view of an alternative holder that temporarily holds the sample container on a movable arm element is shown. [Figure 14] Figures 1 to 12 show a schematic diagram of the configuration consisting of the device and toilet. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram of the configuration shown in Figure 14 is provided below. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram of an advantageous sensor unit equipped with a transmitted light measuring device is shown. [Figure 17] A schematic diagram of the sensor unit shown in Figure 16 is provided below. [Figure 18] A schematic diagram of an alternative sensor unit equipped with a transmitted light measuring device is shown. [Figure 19] A schematic top view of a sample container having a sample analysis field that may be circular or elliptical is shown. [Figure 20] A schematic side view of a sample container, in which sample analysis fields are arranged on both sides, is shown. [Figure 21] A schematic side view of an additional sample container, with sample analysis fields of varying sizes positioned on both sides, is shown.

[0203] The apparatus 1 for on-site analysis of excrement, whose structure and operating modes are basically shown in Figures 1 to 15, essentially consists of a removal device 2 that can remove the excrement sample by a sample container 3, a supply device 4 that can provide a new sample container 3 to the removal device 2, and an analyzer 5 that can directly analyze the removed sample at least partially in the apparatus 1.

[0204] Device 1 comprises a housing 6, to which a retaining bracket 10 is fixed in a foldable manner by an articulated connector 7.

[0205] The retaining bracket 10 allows the device 1 to be attached, for example, to the rim 11 of the toilet bowl 12 of a toilet 13, as shown with respect to the corresponding configuration 14 depicted in Figures 14 and 15.

[0206] The removal device 2 essentially comprises an arm element 20 that is movable relative to the housing 6 of the device 1 and moves the sample container 3 in an axial movement direction 21, more precisely in an axial extension direction 22 or an axial retraction direction 23; a guide portion 25 with a guide path 26 that precisely guides the movable arm element 20; a holder 30 that holds the sample container 3 on the movable arm element 20; an opening / closing unit 32 that opens and closes the holder 30; a release unit 35 that releases the used sample container 3 from the holder 30; an operating means 38 that operates the supply device 4; and a drive unit 40 that drives the movable arm element 20 in the axial direction.

[0207] The supply device 4 essentially comprises a translationally movable transport carriage 42 that can move a guide path portion 44 in a supply direction 46 running transversely to the axial direction of movement 21; an operating lever 48 rotatably mounted on the pivot axis 50 of the transport carriage 42; a movable curved portion 52 on which the operating lever 48 can roll; a cutting means 54 in a cutting direction (not shown) for manufacturing individual sample containers 3; an additional curved path 56 that slides along a guide pin 58 of the housing 6 to guide the cutting means 54 in a cutting direction 60, particularly transverse to the supply direction 46, against the spring force 62 of a spring element 64; and a refillable magazine 66 that stores roll material 68 from which new sample containers 3 can be cut by the cutting means 54.

[0208] In this regard, it should be noted that instead of the roll material 68 with a properly designed magazine (not explicitly shown here), other storage configurations, such as pre-fabricated strip elements, can also be provided as sample containers. In this way, the cutting device 54 can potentially be further simplified or even omitted entirely.

[0209] Needless to say, the illustrated movable curved section 52 and the additional curved path 56 are merely the first of many configuration options for deflecting the operating lever 48 or the transport carriage 42 or the cutting device in a desired manner. Alternatively, other slide guides could be used, in which the slider is guided by a slide groove or the like.

[0210] In addition to the analysis unit 70, the analysis device 5 includes a sensor unit 72 equipped with a number of different sensors 73 (shown here only as an example) and a data transmission unit 74 that transmits analysis data or information to virtually any receiving device, for example, a smartphone running a corresponding application that visualizes and / or further analyzes the data or information.

[0211] However, for this purpose, the analysis unit 70 can also be located in another place on the apparatus, for example, inside the housing 6.

[0212] For example, the analysis unit 70 includes a microcontroller (not shown) for analytical purposes.

[0213] In this case, the analysis unit 70 and the sensor unit 72 can be actively connected to each other by wire or wireless connection. This also applies to the data transmission unit 74 and other units already mentioned above.

[0214] As depicted in Figure 1, the device 1 is in the starting position 80, in which the movable arm element 20 is retracted into the guide portion 25, and the actuation mechanism 38 is already in the position of the groove 81 of the actuation lever 48, however the actuation lever 48 has not yet been rotated around the rotation axis 50 by the actuation mechanism 38, or if it has been rotated, it has been rotated to a negligible extent.

[0215] In this embodiment, the actuation means 38 is designed, for example, as an upper protrusion 82 of the movable arm element 20.

[0216] In this embodiment, the raised portion 82 is designed as a pin element (which is not explicitly shown here).

[0217] Needless to say, with a corresponding redesign of device 1, this protrusion 82 or pin element (not shown) can also be configured on the lower side 85 of the movable arm element 20.

[0218] In either case, the operating lever 48 remains in a non-operating state and is essentially still positioned perpendicular to the axial movement direction 21.

[0219] The roll material 68 has already been repositioned under the cutting means 54 by the transfer carriage 42.

[0220] The cutting means 54 of the present invention can be designed differently, for example, as a cutting knife, a ripping knife, or a punching knife, and therefore the term cutting means 54 refers not only to cutting but also to punching, tearing, or other cutting methods.

[0221] The transfer carriage 42 is pressed upward, that is, in the opposite direction to the actual cutting direction 60, by the spring force 62 of a leaf spring element 64 located within the magazine housing 87.

[0222] In this case, the cutting means 54 is preferably replaceable with the magazine housing 87 as soon as the roll material 68 runs out.

[0223] As can be seen from the depiction in Figure 2 which essentially shows the magazine 66 of device 1, the transfer carriage 42 and the leaf spring element 64 interact with each other so that the transfer carriage 42 is moved not only upward in the opposite direction to the cutting direction 60 by the spring force 62, but also backward 88 away from the movable arm element 20.

[0224] The magazine 66 also includes a closing section 89 located beneath the transport carriage 42, which can essentially follow the movement of the transport carriage 42 and close the magazine housing 87 at the supply opening 90 from which the roll material 68 is discharged when not in operation. In this way, the roll material 68 can also be adequately protected from, for example, moisture in the atmosphere.

[0225] Each sample container 3 is held by a holder 30 positioned at the front free end 87 of a movable arm element 20, and in this embodiment, the holder 30 has two clamping elements 88, 89.

[0226] At least the second clamping element 89 can be elastically deflected by the holder operating member 90, so that the holder 30 can be opened by the holder operating member 90, and as a result, a new sample container 3 can be inserted into the holder 30 by the supply device 4.

[0227] In this regard, it should also be noted that, as depicted in Figure 1, the second clamping element 89 is partially cut open to visualize the inclined element 91 hidden beneath the second clamping element 89.

[0228] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holder operating member 90 is designed as an inclined element 91 (see Figure 4 in particular), and the second clamping element 89 can collide with this inclined element 91 and be deflected upward.

[0229] As depicted in Figure 3, the device 1 is already shown in a more advanced supply position 100, in which the movable arm element 20 is visualized in a further axial retraction direction 23, and as a result the operating lever 48 has already rotated further around the rotation axis 50, and the operating lever 48 is simultaneously supported by the movable curved portion 52.

[0230] As a result, the transfer carriage 42 is moved toward the movable arm element 20 in the supply direction 46, and thus the sample container 3 can be further inserted into the more open holder 30.

[0231] The fact that the transfer carriage 42 has moved toward the arm element 20 which is movable in the supply direction 46 is easily recognizable by the fact that the curved path 56 has already moved further toward the guide pin 58.

[0232] As the movable arm element 20 moves axially in the axial retraction direction 23, the second clamping element 89 of the holder 30 is deflected upward so that its curved end (not shown) increasingly collides with the inclined element 91.

[0233] As depicted in Figure 4, the apparatus 1 is shown at the cutting position 110, where the movable arm element 20 is further moved axially backward 23, and as a result the transport carriage 42 is further moved toward the movable arm element 20, and the curved path 56 is again further guided beneath the guide pin 58, and as a result the transport carriage 42 and the cutting means 54 attached thereto are moved downward in the cutting direction 60.

[0234] In this respect, the new sample container 3 is detached from the roll material 68 located in the magazine 66.

[0235] Furthermore, it is clear that the second clamping element 89 now fully collides with the inclined element 91, and therefore the holder 30 is fully open, allowing the new sample container 3 to be smoothly transferred from the supply device 4 to the holder 30.

[0236] Once the new sample container 3 is finally properly positioned within the holder 30, the movable arm element 20 moves in the axial extension direction 22, and thus the second clamping element 89 moves again away from the inclined element 91, and as a result the holder 30 closes and the new sample container 3 is firmly and operably clamped within the holder 30, which again is not clearly illustrated.

[0237] As depicted in Figure 5, the apparatus 1 is shown with its housing 6 and retaining bracket 10 positioned thereon, and the transfer area 111 is shown between the supply device 4 and the removal device 2, along with a sample container 3 positioned therein as an example. In this case, the movable arm element 20 is again not shown, and the movable arm element 20 normally protrudes from the exit opening 112.

[0238] As shown in the depiction in Figure 6, this is shown in relation to the drive unit 40 of the removal device 2, and the movable arm element 20 is retracted and already guided out of the exit opening 112.

[0239] As a typical example of the drive unit 40, only the drive shaft 114 on which the drive roller 116 is located and the pressure roller 118 are shown, and the movable arm element 20 is guided between the drive roller 116 and the pressure roller 118.

[0240] Alternatively, the movable arm element 20 is primarily retracted within the housing 6.

[0241] As shown in Figure 7, the device 1 is shown with the guide portion 25 folded out, and as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the device 1 can be attached to the rim 11 of the toilet bowl 12.

[0242] In this invention, the guide portion 25 is advantageously designed as a retaining bracket 10, and therefore the device 1 can be constructed in a very compact manner.

[0243] As depicted in Figure 8, the guide portion 25 is shown in more detail from its lower side 130, and it is clear that the guide portion 25 extends into a contaminated area 132 in which the guide path 26 extends in the axial direction of movement 21, and further divides a clean area 134 in which the new sample container 3 can be guided at least partially adjacent to the guide path 26, in particular where the sensor unit 72 is located.

[0244] In this case, the clean area 134 is located on the side adjacent to the contaminated area 132, and a separation section 136 is provided between the contaminated area 132 and the clean area 134. This separation section 136 extends in the axial movement direction 21 along with a rigid partition 138 in the longitudinally extending portion of the guide section 25.

[0245] In this case, the partition 138 is positioned and configured in such a way that it can be bridged by the sample container 3 clamped to the holder 30.

[0246] In other words, this means that the clamp side 140 of the new sample container 3 held in the holder 30 is located in the contaminated area 132, while the sensor side 142 of the sample container 3 is located in the clean area 134.

[0247] This ensures that the previously used sample container 3 can only reach the axial height of the sensor unit 72, and at most the axial height of the release unit 35 or the radially adjacent transition area 144, thus guaranteeing that the sensor side 142 of the new sample container 3 will not be contaminated with excrement along its path in the axial extension direction 22.

[0248] In this embodiment, since the guide portion 25 is open on its lower side 130, the contaminated area 132 and the clean area 134 can always be thoroughly cleaned or disinfected.

[0249] In this case, when viewed from the axial retraction direction 23, the clean area 134 is located axially rear of the release unit 35.

[0250] In this respect, when viewed from the axial extension direction 22, the clean area 134 is located axially in front of the sensor unit 72.

[0251] The guide path 26 extends from the rear end 150 of the guide portion 25 to the front end 152 of the guide portion 25.

[0252] The clean area 134 essentially extends from the rear end 150 of the guide portion 20 to the transition area 144, and the sensor unit 72 is adjacent to the transition area 144 at its front free end 152.

[0253] At the front free end 152, the opening height (not explicitly shown) of the sensor area opening 154 of the sensor unit 72 is smaller than the guide path opening 156 of the guide path 26.

[0254] In this case, the width 158 of the sensor area opening 154 is greater than the width 160 of the guide path 26.

[0255] Furthermore, the clean area 134 is wider on the side 164 facing away from the sensor area 162 than on the side 166 facing the sensor area 162.

[0256] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the release unit 35 is further illustrated in combination with a holder 30 for an axially movable arm element.

[0257] As can already be seen in Figure 8, the release unit 35 is located within the transition region 144, which is at the axial height between the sensor region 162 and the clean region 134.

[0258] The release unit 35 has a release means 170 designed to have a release or detachment effect on the sample container 3 only in the axial retraction direction 23 (see Figures 10 to 12 in particular), so that when the axially movable arm element 20 is moved through the release unit 35 in the axial retraction direction 23, only the used sample container 3 is released from the holder 30.

[0259] For this purpose, the release unit 35 has a main portion 172 through which an axially movable arm element 20 can pass.

[0260] In this case, the spatial height 174 of the main portion 172 exceeds 10 mm in this embodiment.

[0261] In either case, the spatial height of 174 is many times larger than the arm element thickness of 176.

[0262] In this embodiment, the release means 170 of the release unit 35 is designed as a first finger element 178 on the upper side 84 of the axially movable arm element 20, and as a lower flexible finger element 180 on the lower side 85 of the axially movable arm element 20.

[0263] Both flexible finger elements 178 and 180 are finger elements consisting of two parts.

[0264] In other words, each of the flexible finger elements 178, 180 has two flexible finger portions 184 separated from each other by a gap 182 (illustrated only as an example).

[0265] For this purpose, the gap 182 is selected to allow the actuation means 38 to pass through easily, and as a result, the actuation means 38 does not affect the task of the release unit 35 and serves only to actuate the supply device 4, which has already been described in detail above.

[0266] Furthermore, since the flexible finger portion 184 can adapt to or flexibly follow the existing contour of the axially movable arm element 20, it is advantageous that the actual holder 30 configured on the axially movable arm element 20 can pass through the release unit 35 without any problems.

[0267] In this regard, since the release unit 35 interacts only with the spent sample container 3 in the sense of the present invention, the spent sample container 3 is released from the holder 30 of the axially movable arm element 20 when the axially movable arm element 20, which has a holder 30, is moved axially backward 23 through the release unit 35.

[0268] Only then is the used sample container 3 released from the holder 30 by the flexible finger portion 184, and the used sample container 3 falls into the toilet bowl 12 (see Figures 14 and 15) according to the disposal direction 186 (see Figure 12), and as a result can be easily disposed of via the toilet 13.

[0269] The alternative holder 190 shown in Figure 13 has a fastener 191 with a fastener body 192 that can secure the holder 190 to the movable arm element 20. For this purpose, it is sufficient to simply slide the holder 190 onto the movable arm element 20, having a mounting force substantially greater than all other forces acting on the holder 190 during the normal operation of the device 1. As a result, the holder 190 sits operationally securely on the movable arm element 20.

[0270] The holder 190 has a clamping element 193, which is rotatably attached to the fastener body 192 by a rotating shaft 194 that is pre-tensioned by a spring.

[0271] In this case, the holder 190 essentially functions like a folding mechanism pre-tensioned by a spring.

[0272] Essentially, the clamping element 193 is moved in the clamping direction 195 by the spring force of the rotating shaft 194, which is pre-tensioned by a spring, and as a result, the sample container 3 is operationally securely clamped between the movable arm element 20 and the clamping element 193.

[0273] By moving the movable arm element 20 in the backward direction 23 and pressing the opposite end 197 of the clamp element 193 against the clamp side 196, an opening force 198 acts on the end 197, causing the holder 190 to open.

[0274] In the supply device 4, the holder 190 needs to be opened to receive a new sample container 3, so the resistor is usually located in the supply device 4.

[0275] The resistor can be implemented by mechanical force guidance or other mechanical elements that can be positioned along a movable arm element 20 in an adjustable manner. In this way, the position in which the holder 190 is finally opened to receive a new sample container 3, or the position in which the used sample container 3 is released and freed from the holder 190, can be clearly determined.

[0276] As depicted in Figure 14, the device 1 is suspended from the rim 11 of the toilet bowl 12. For this purpose, an axially movable arm element 20 is already extended into the toilet bowl 12, particularly from the guide portion 25, and the new sample container 3 is positioned inside the toilet bowl 12 so that the sample container 3 is well positioned in the toilet bowl 13, specifically for receiving urine.

[0277] Further depiction in Figure 15 shows, again in some detail, how the device 1 is positioned on the toilet bowl 12 by the retaining bracket 10.

[0278] As depicted in Figures 16 and 17, another sensor unit 210 equipped with a transmitted light device 211 is also shown, and in particular, the above-described device 1 may also include the above-described other sensor units 210 cumulatively or alternatively.

[0279] The aforementioned other sensor unit 210 can, for example, illuminate the sample container 215 from one side in the sense of reflectivity, as well as fully or partially illuminate the sample container 215, which is designed to correspond to it.

[0280] For this purpose, the sample container 215 has a translucent main section 216 and a translucent sample analysis field 217 (illustrated as an example only), the translucent sample analysis field 217 may also be equipped with different indicators 218, 219 for different analyses (illustrated as an example only, see Figures 17 and 21).

[0281] The transmission light measuring device 211 is at least partially arranged on both sides of the sample container 215.

[0282] More precisely, the transmission light measuring device 211 is at least partially arranged on both sides of the transfer path 220, and the transfer path 220 is an integral component of the transmission light measuring device 211 along which the sample container 215 can move.

[0283] In particular, the transmission light device 211 of this embodiment has an illumination device 225 on the first side 226 of the integral transfer path 220 and a detection device 230 on the second side 231 of the integral transfer path 220 opposite the first side 226.

[0284] In this case, the illumination device 225 has three light sources 233, 234, 235 each having a main beam path 236 (illustrated only as an example), and the light sources 233, 234, 235 are designed as LEDs in this specification.

[0285] The detection device 230 is characterized by at least one detection sensor surface 240 arranged such that its detection side 241 faces the light sources 233, 234, 235 in this embodiment.

[0286] Therefore, the transmission light measuring device 211 has a plurality of light sources 233, 234, 235, the main beam path 236 of the light source 234 is arranged to run perpendicular to the detection sensor surface 240, and the main beam paths 236 of the further light sources 233, 235 are arranged to run at different angles 242 with respect to the detection sensor surface 240.

[0287] As can be seen from FIG. 17, the other sensor unit 210 can comprise a simple housing 245 which is at least partially constituted from the guide part 25 of the device.

[0288] As depicted in Figure 18, the sensor unit 210 shown in Figures 16 and 17 includes a transmitted light measuring device 211 and also has two additional light sources 245, 246 located on the same side as the detection device 230 of the integrated transport path 220, i.e., on the second side 231.

[0289] With the addition of two light sources 245 and 246, the sample analysis field 249 of the alternative sample container 250 introduced into the sensor unit 210 can be additionally illuminated by transmitted or reflected light.

[0290] In the alternative sample container 250, the sample analysis fields 249 are located on both sides of its main portion 251 (illustrated only as an example), meaning that a single sample analysis field 249 is located on its front side 252 and two sample analysis fields 249 are located on its back side 253, thus allowing more sample analysis fields 249 to be placed in the alternative sample container 250 within the same sample container size.

[0291] As depicted in Figure 19, another sample container 260 is shown, the front side 262 of which circular sample analysis fields 265 of different sizes (illustrated only as an example) having different indicator materials 266 (illustrated only as an example) are arranged.

[0292] Figure 20 shows a side view of the sample container 250 shown in Figure 18.

[0293] Figure 21 shows a further alternative sample container 270. The further alternative sample container 270 has a main section 271, on its front side 272, which has two sample analysis fields 279 of different sizes, and on its back side 273, which has a single sample analysis field 279.

[0294] In this regard, it should be explicitly noted that the features of the solutions described above or in the claims and / or drawings may be combined as necessary so as to implement or achieve the described features, effects, and advantages in a corresponding cumulative manner.

[0295] Needless to say, the embodiments described above are merely first embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this respect, the design of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0296] Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus according to the present invention may have the following configurations: [Item 1] An apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing (6), a removal device (2) capable of removing excrement samples, the removal device (2) having an arm element (20) for sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) that is movable relative to the housing (6) in an axial direction (21) and guided so as to be retracted and extended at least partially within a guide portion (25), a supply device (4) capable of supplying new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) to the removal device (2), and an analyzer (5) capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample, in the apparatus (1), Apparatus (1) characterized in that the guide portion (25) comprises a contaminated area (132) having a guide path (26) for guiding a movable arm element (20), and a clean area (134) on which new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) can be placed partially adjacent to the guide path (26). [Item 2] The apparatus (1) according to item 1, characterized in that the clean area (134) of the guide portion (25) is located on the side adjacent to the contaminated area (132) of the guide portion (25), and the clean area (134) and the contaminated area (132) are spatially separated from each other by a separation portion (136), preferably by a rigid partition (138). [Item 3] The apparatus (1) according to item 2 or 3, characterized in that the clean area (134) of the guide portion (25) is located axially rear of the release unit (35) that releases the used sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) of the movable arm element (20), as viewed from the retraction direction (23) of the movable arm element (20). [Item 4] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the clean area (134) of the guide portion (25) is wider than the contaminated area (132) of the guide portion (25), and in particular wider than the guide path (26). [Item 5] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the clean area (134) of the guide portion (25) spatially merges with the sensor area (162) of the guide portion (25). [Item 6] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the clean area (134) of the guide portion (25) is designed to be wider on the side (164) opposite to the sensor area (162) than on the side (166) facing the sensor area (162). [Item 7] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that both the contaminated area (132) and the clean area (134) are located within the retaining bracket (10) of the apparatus (1). [Item 8] An apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing (6), a removal device (2) capable of removing a sample of excrement, the removal device (2) having an arm element (20) for sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) that is movable relative to the housing (6) in an axial direction (21) and is guided to retract and extend at least partially within a guide portion (25), and an analyzer (5) capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample, Apparatus (1) is characterized by a sensor unit (71, 210) having a transmitted light measuring device (211) that transmits light to illuminate sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270). [Item 9] The apparatus (1) according to item 8, characterized in that the transmitted light measuring device (211) is located at least partially on both sides of the sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270). [Item 10] The device (1) according to item 8 or 9, characterized in that the transmission light measuring device (211) has an integral transfer path (220) along which the sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) can be moved. [Item 11] The device (1) according to item 10, characterized in that the transmission light measuring device (211) has an illumination device (225) on the first side (226) of the integral transfer path (220) and a detection device (230) on the second side (231) of the integral transfer path (220) on the opposite side of the first side (226). [Item 12] The device (1) according to any one of items 8 to 11, characterized in that the transmission light measuring device (211) has a plurality of light sources (233, 234, 235, 245, 246), at least one main beam path (236) of the light sources (233, 234, 235, 245, 246) is arranged to run perpendicular to the detection sensor surface (240), and at least one additional main beam path (236) of at least one additional light source (233, 234, 235; 245, 246) is arranged to run at a different angle (242) with respect to the detection sensor surface (240). [Item 13] The device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 12, characterized in that the guide part (25) comprises a sensor unit (72, 210) arranged on the side adjacent to the guide path (26) for guiding the movable arm element (20). [Item 14] The device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 13, characterized in that the cleaning area (134) of the guide part (25) is arranged axially forward of the sensor unit (72, 210) when viewed in the axial extension direction (22) of the movable arm element (Z0). [Item 15] The device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 14, characterized in that the sensor unit (72, 210) is arranged at the free end (152) of the guide part (25). [Item 16] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 15, characterized in that the sensor unit (72, 210) is positioned axially forward of the clean area (134) of the guide portion (25) when viewed from the axial retraction direction (23) of the movable arm element (20). [Item 17] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 16, characterized in that the sensor unit (72, 210) is positioned axially forward of the release unit (35) that releases the used sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) from the movable arm element (20), as viewed from the axial retraction direction (23) of the movable arm element (20). [Item 18] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 17, characterized in that at the free end (152) of the guide portion (25), the sensor unit (72, 210) has a sensor area opening whose height is smaller than the height of the opening of the guide path opening (156) of the guide path (26), and the width (158) of the sensor area opening (154) is greater than the width (160) of the guide path (26). [Item 19] Apparatus (1) as described in any one of items 1 to 18, characterized by a sensor unit (72, 210) equipped with a thermal sensor for detecting the temperature of excrement, body temperature, amount of excrement and / or flow rate of excrement. [Item 20] An apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing (6), a removal device (2) capable of removing excrement samples, the removal device (2) having an arm element (20) for sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) that is axially movable relative to the housing (6) and guided to retract and extend at least partially within a guide portion (20), a supply device (4) capable of supplying new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) to the removal device (2), and an analyzer (5) capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample, in the apparatus (1), Apparatus (1) is characterized in that the removal device (2) comprises a release unit (35) having a peeling means (170) for releasing used sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) from a movable arm element (20). [Item 21] The apparatus (1) according to item 20, characterized in that the release unit (35) is located in a transition area (144) at an axial height between the guide portion (25), particularly the sensor area (162) of the guide portion (25) and the clean area (134) of the guide portion (25). [Item 22] Apparatus (1) according to item 20 or 21, characterized in that the release unit (35) is designed so that an actuation means (170) for operating a holder (30) and / or a supply device (4) positioned on a movable arm element (20) that temporarily holds sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) can pass through the release unit (35). [Item 23] Apparatus (1) according to any one of items 20 to 22, characterized in that the release unit (35) has a main portion (172) through which a movable arm element (20) can pass, and the main portion (172) at least partially encloses a space having a spatial height (174) that is many times greater than the thickness (176) of the arm element. [Item 24] The apparatus (1) according to item 23, characterized in that the spatial height (174) of the main part (172) is greater than twice, preferably more than 10 times, the thickness (176) of the arm element. [Item 25] Apparatus (1) according to any one of items 20 to 24, characterized in that the peeling means (170) comprises at least one flexible finger element (178, 180), and a movable arm element (20) is guided through, preferably in contact with, the finger element (178, 180) in a translational manner. [Item 26] The apparatus (1) according to item 25, characterized in that the flexible finger elements (178, 180) are divided into two parts and have two flexible finger portions (184) separated by a gap (182). [Item 27] The apparatus (1) according to item 26, characterized in that two flexible finger portions (184) are arranged at a distance from each other in a transverse direction with respect to the axial direction of movement (21) of a movable arm element (20). [Item 28] Apparatus (1) according to any one of items 20 to 27, characterized in that a peeling means (170) is located on at least two sides (84, 85) of a movable arm element (20). [Item 29] An apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising a housing (6), a removal device (2) capable of removing excrement samples, the removal device (2) having an arm element (20) for sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) that is movable relative to the housing (6) and guided to retract and extend at least partially within a guide portion (25), a supply device (4) capable of supplying new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) to the removal device (2), and an analyzer (5) capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample, in the apparatus (1), Apparatus (1), characterized in that the supply device (4) can be operated by the movement of a movable arm element (20). [Item 30] The apparatus (1) according to item 29, characterized in that the supply device (4) has an operating lever (48) which can be operated by the movement of a movable arm element (20). [Item 31] The apparatus (1) according to item 30, characterized in that an operating lever (48) is mounted so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis (50), and the rotation axis (50) of the operating lever (48) is movable by the movement of a movable arm element (20). [Item 32] The apparatus (1) according to item 31, characterized in that the rotation axis (50) of the operating lever (48) is movable in a transverse direction with respect to the axial movement direction (21) of the movable arm element (20). [Item 33] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 29 to 32, characterized in that the supply device (4) has a movable curved section (52) that allows the operating lever (48) to begin rolling along it as soon as the operating lever (48) rotates around the rotation axis (50) of the operating lever (48). [Item 34] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 29 to 33, characterized in that the supply device (4) has a movable curved portion (52) along which the operating lever (48) can begin to roll when the rotation axis (50) of the operating lever (48) is moved transversely with respect to the axial movement direction (21) of the movable arm element (20). [Item 35] Apparatus (1) according to any one of items 29 to 34, characterized in that the supply device (4) has a translationally movable transfer carriage (42) that can supply new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) in the supply direction (46) to a holder (30) positioned on a movable arm element (20). [Item 36] The apparatus (1) according to item 35, characterized in that a translationally movable transport carriage (42) can be moved by the movement of a movable arm element (20). [Item 37] The apparatus (1) according to item 35 or 36, characterized in that a translationally movable transport carriage (42) has a rotation axis (50) of an operating lever (48). [Item 38] Apparatus (1) according to any one of items 35 to 37, characterized in that a translationally movable transfer carriage (42) can be moved by an operating lever (48) in a transverse direction with respect to the axial direction of movement (21) of a movable arm element (20), and therefore in a supply direction (46) toward a holder (30) that holds new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270). [Item 39] Apparatus (1) according to any one of items 35 to 38, characterized in that a translationally movable transport carriage (42) can be guided along a curved path (56) to perform a cutting motion (60) perpendicular to the supply direction (46) in order to manufacture new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270). [Item 40] Apparatus (1) according to any one of items 35 to 39, characterized in that a translationally movable transfer carriage (42) comprises cutting means (54) for cutting new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) from roll material (68). [Item 41] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 40, characterized in that a movable arm element (20) is provided with an actuation means (38) for operating a supply device (4). [Item 42] The apparatus (1) according to item 41, characterized in that the actuation means (38) has a raised portion (82) on the surface of a movable arm element (20). [Item 43] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 42, characterized in that a movable arm element (20) comprises a holder (30) which can be actuated by the movement of the movable arm element (20). [Item 44] The apparatus (1) according to item 43, characterized in that the holder (30) comprises at least two clamping elements (88, 89), and at least one clamping element (89) can be actively actuated. [Item 45] Apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 44, comprising a holder operating member (90) for operating a holder (30) positioned on a movable arm element (20) for temporarily holding sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270), wherein the holder operating member (90) comprises an inclined element (91). [Item 46] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 45, characterized in that the guide portion (25) has an articulated connecting portion (7) that articulates the guide portion (25) to the housing (6). [Item 47] The apparatus (1) according to any one of items 1 to 46, characterized by having an automatic urination log capable of storing measurement data. [Item 48] A method for operating an apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are moved linearly relative to a sensor unit (72, 210) by an axially movable arm element (20) for sampling, the sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are held in a holder (30) of the axially movable arm element (20), and the sample of excrement contained in the sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus (1), characterized in that a new sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) is supplied to the holder (30) in a direction transverse to the axial movement direction (21) of the axially movable arm element (20), and a supply device (4) is driven by the axial movement of the axially movable arm element (20) in the axial movement direction (21). [Item 49] A method for operating an apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are moved linearly relative to a sensor unit (72, 210) by an axially movable arm element (20) for sampling, the sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are held in a holder (30) of the axially movable arm element (20), and the sample of excrement contained in the sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus (1), characterized in that a new sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) is detached from a roll material (68), and a cutting device (54) is driven by the axial movement (21) of the arm element (20). [Item 50] A method for operating an apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are moved linearly relative to a sensor unit (72, 210) by an axially movable arm element (20) for sampling, the sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are held in a holder (30) of the axially movable arm element (20), and the sample of excrement contained in the sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus (1), wherein the holder (30) is opened and closed by axial movement (21) of the axially movable arm element (20). [Item 51] A method for operating an apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are moved linearly relative to a sensor unit (72, 210) by an axially movable arm element (20) for sampling, the sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are held in a holder (30) of the axially movable arm element (20), and the sample of excrement contained in the sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus (1), characterized in that the used sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are released from the holder (30) by axial movement (21) of the axially movable arm element (20). [Item 52] A method for operating an apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, wherein a sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) is moved linearly relative to a sensor unit (72, 210) by an axially movable arm element (20) for sampling, the sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) is held in a holder (30) of the axially movable arm element (20), and a sample of excrement contained in the sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) is at least partially analyzed by the apparatus (1), characterized in that the sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) containing the excrement is moved between an illumination device (225) and a detection device (230), and is transmitted light illuminated by the illumination device (225) for transmitted light measurement. [Item 53] The method according to item 52, characterized in that a sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) containing excrement is stationary or moved during transmitted light measurement. [Item 54] The method according to any one of items 48 to 53, characterized in that the wetting of the sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) with excrement, particularly urine, is supported by additional movement of an axially movable arm element (20), particularly in the axial extension and / or retraction directions (22, 23). [Item 55] The method according to any one of items 48 to 54, characterized in that the sampling duration is 10 seconds to 1 second, preferably 2 seconds to 3 seconds. [Item 56] The method according to any one of items 48 to 55, characterized in that excess excrement, particularly excess urine, is removed from the axially movable arm element (20), sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) and / or holder (30) by vibration of the axially movable arm element (20). [Item 57] A configuration (14) consisting of a toilet (13), a urinal, etc., and any device (1) described in any one of items 1 to 47. [Item 58] A sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) for on-site analysis of excrement, comprising main parts (216, 251, 271), sample bodies (3, 215, 250, 260, 270), and individual sample analysis fields (217, 249, 265, 279) of different geometric shapes. [Item 59] A sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) for on-site analysis of excrement, specifically as described in item 58, comprising main sections (216, 251, 271) and sample analysis fields (217, 249, 265, 279) located on both the front (252, 262, 272) and back (253, 273) sides of the main sections (216, 251, 271). [Item 60] A sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) according to item 58 or 59, characterized in that each individual sample analysis field (217, 249, 265, 279) has a different indicator (218, 219). [Item 61] A sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) according to any one of items 58 to 60, characterized in that the individual sample analysis fields (217, 249, 265, 279) are arranged at a distance from each other in the main section (216, 251, 271). [Item 62] A sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) according to any one of items 58 to 61, characterized in that the individual sample analysis fields (217, 249, 265, 279) are designed to be circular. [Item 63] A sample container (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) according to any one of items 58 to 62, characterized in that the main portion (216, 251, 271) and the individual sample analysis fields (217, 249, 265, 279) are at least partially translucent.

[0297] All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed to be essential to the present invention, on the condition that they are novel to the prior art, individually or in combination with respect to the prior art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0298] 1. Apparatus for on-site analysis of excrement 2 Removal device 3. Sample containers (new or used) 4 Feeding device 5 Analyzer 6 Housing 7. Jointed connection part 10 retaining brackets 11 Edge 12 toilets 13 Toilets 14 Composition 20 Axial-movable arm element 21 Axial movement direction 22 Axial extension direction 23 Axial retraction direction 25 Guide section 26 Guide Route 30 holders 32 Opening / Closing Unit 35 Liberation Units 38 Operating means 40 Drive Unit 42 Transfer Carriage 44 Guide path section 46 Supply direction 48 Operating lever 50 Rotation axis 52 Moving curved section 54 Cutting means 56 Curved Path 58 Guide Route 60 Cutting direction 62 Spring force 64 Leaf spring elements 66 Magazine 68 roll material 70 analysis units 72 Sensor Units 73 Sensors (same or different) 74 Data transmission unit 80 starting position 81 Groove 82 Ridge 84 Upper side 85 lower side 87 Front free end 88 First clamping element 89 Second clamping element 90 Holder operating member 91 Slope element 93 Magazine Housing 94 backward direction 95 Closed part 96 Supply opening 100 supply position 110 Cutting position 111 Transfer Area 112 Exit opening 114 Drive shaft 116 Drive rollers 118 Pressure roller 130 lower side 132 Contaminated areas 134 Cleanliness area 136 Separation section 138 dividers 140 Clamp side 142 Sensor side 144 Transition Area 150 rear end 152 Front free end 154 Sensor area aperture 156 Guide path opening 158 width 160 width 162 Sensor area 164 The opposite side 166 The side you are facing 170 Peeling means 172 Main part 174 Spatial height 176 Arm element thickness 178 Upper finger element 180 Lower finger elements 182 Gap 184 Flexible finger section 186 Disposal direction 190 Alternative holder 191 Fasteners 192 Fastener body 193 Clamping element 194 A rotating shaft with pre-tension applied by a spring 195 Clamping direction 196 Clamp side 197 Opposite end 198 Opening force 210 Other sensor units 211 Transmitted light measuring device 215 Sample container 216 Main part 217 Sample Analysis Fields 218 First Indicator 219 Other indicators 220 Transport Route 225 Lighting equipment 226 First side 230 Detection device 231 Second side 233 First light source 234 Second light source 235 The third light source 236 Main beam path 240 detection sensor surface 241 Detection side 242 angle 245 First additional light source 246 Second additional light source 249 Sample Analysis Fields 250 alternative sample containers 251 Main parts 252 Front side 253 Reverse side 260 Other sample containers 262 Front side 265 circular sample analysis fields 266 different indicators 270 Alternative sample containers 271 Main part 272 Front side 273 Reverse side 279 Sample Analysis Fields

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for on-site analysis of excrement, Housing (6) and A removal device (2) capable of removing a sample of excrement, comprising an arm element (20) for sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) that is movable in an axial direction (21) relative to the housing (6) and is guided to retract and extend at least partially within a guide portion (25), A supply device (4) that provides new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) to the removal device (2), The system includes an analytical device (5) having sensor units (72, 210) and capable of at least partially analyzing the removed sample, The guide portion (25) comprises a contaminated area (132) having a guide path (26) that guides the movable arm element (20), and a clean area (134) in which new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) can be placed partially adjacent to the guide path (26), The supply device (4) is positioned in the clean area (134) where the new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) can be held, and the supply device (4) is configured to move to a supply position and, at the supply position, supply the new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) to a holder (30) positioned on the movable arm element (20). The sensor units (72, 210) are positioned axially forward of the release unit (35) that releases the used sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) from the movable arm element (20), as viewed from the axial retraction direction (23) of the movable arm element (20). Apparatus (1) characterized by the following.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contaminated area (132) extends from a guide path opening (156) located at the free end of the guide portion (25) and a transfer area through which the new sample containers (3, 215, 250, 260, 270) are transferred from the supply device (4) to the holder (30) positioned on the movable arm element (20).

Images