Centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier which has at least one vessel for receiving a liquid sample, having a rotor for rotating the sample carrier, a first dispensing unit for dispensing at least one reagent into a vessel of the sample carrier, and a second dispensing unit for dispensing at least one reagent into a vessel of the sample carrier, wherein the first dispensing unit has at least one first dispenser head with one or more dispenser head outlets and at least one pump for conveying the reagent to the first dispenser head, and wherein the second dispensing unit has at least one second dispenser head with one or more dispenser head outlets and has a pressure source unit for providing a positive pressure which is fluidically connectable to at least one reagent reservoir, wherein the second dispensing unit is configured such that dispensing of the reagent in the reagent reservoir is accomplished by the positive pressure of the pressure source unit, and / or wherein the second dispensing unit has at least one valve unit upstream of the second dispenser head, wherein a computer device in the centrifuge transmits a trigger pulse to the valve unit electronics, wherein the trigger pulse causes the second dispensing unit not to dispense any reagent.

Description

[0001] Centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier

[0002] The invention relates to a centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier.

[0003] Centrifuges into which sample carriers can be inserted are known from the prior art. The sample carriers have a microtiter plate with a plurality of containers, each serving to hold a liquid sample. The centrifuge has a rotor with a receiving section that receives the sample carrier. The rotor is arranged in a rotor chamber of the centrifuge and rotates therein. As a result of the rotation of the rotor, a portion of the liquid sample is ejected from the sample carrier due to the centrifugal force acting on the liquid sample. Thus, a desired biological particle remains in the container, which can then be further processed. In particular, liquid can be introduced into the container using a dispensing device, which can then be ejected from the container again.A rotor housing enclosing the rotor chamber has an outlet through which the ejected liquid and / or particles are removed from the rotor chamber. The centrifuge can be used, for example, to remove liquid and / or biological particles from the container, leaving only the desired cells and / or magnetic beads containing DNA, RNA, proteins, or cells.

[0004] To move the sample carrier, the known centrifuge has a drive device comprising a flexible belt and a stepper motor that drives the flexible belt. The flexible belt can be coupled to the sample carrier at one end and moves the sample carrier. The centrifuge has a detection device with a step counter that counts the revolutions of a drive shaft of the stepper motor. This allows the position of the sample carrier coupled to the flexible belt to be determined. Such a centrifuge is known from DE 20 2014 011 521 U1.

[0005] However, the dispensing devices used have the problem that they are not capable of dispensing small amounts of reagent, such as in a range between 1 and 10 microliters, with high precision. "High precision" means that the dispensed reagent corresponds to the target amount of the reagent to be dispensed. The aspects described above are particularly disadvantageous when the reagent to be dispensed is expensive and / or a reaction process taking place in the container depends on the amount of reagent present in the container. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a centrifuge by means of which a small amount of reagent can be dispensed into a container of the sample carrier with high precision.

[0006] The object is achieved by a centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier having at least one container for receiving a liquid sample, comprising a rotor for rotating the sample carrier, a first dispensing unit for dispensing at least one reagent into a container of the sample carrier, and a second dispensing unit for dispensing at least one reagent into a container of the sample carrier, wherein the first dispensing unit has at least one first dispenser head with one or more dispenser head outlets and at least one pump for conveying the reagent to the first dispenser head, and wherein the second dispensing unit has at least one second dispenser head with one or more dispenser head outlets and a pressure source unit for providing an overpressure, which is fluidically connectable to at least one reagent storage container, wherein the second dispensing unit is configured such thatthat for dispensing the reagent arranged in the reagent reservoir, the reagent reservoir is subjected to the overpressure of the pressure source unit, and / or wherein the second dispensing unit has at least one valve unit arranged upstream of the second dispensing head, wherein a computer device of the centrifuge transmits an excitation pulse to an electronic unit of the valve unit, which is designed such that the second dispensing unit does not dispense any reagent.

[0007] It was discovered that two components of existing centrifuges are the main reason why the desired reagent volume cannot be dispensed. This makes it difficult for the pump to deliver small amounts of reagent with the required accuracy. Furthermore, it was discovered that the valve used is not capable of switching quickly. This results in the problem that the valve opens too late and / or opens for too long.

[0008] The invention has the advantage that, by using a pressure source unit that provides overpressure, no pump is required in the second dispensing unit. A dispensing process is triggered by the reagent reservoir containing the reagent to be dispensed being subjected to the overpressure of the pressure source unit. The reagent is then conveyed to the second dispensing head of the second dispensing unit and dispensed into the container of the sample carrier. As a result, a small amount of reagent can be dispensed into the container with high precision by providing a pressure source unit that provides overpressure. The overpressure refers to atmospheric pressure and is higher than atmospheric pressure. A dispensing process is understood to be a process in the centrifuge in which reagent is dispensed into the container of the sample carrier.

[0009] In addition, it was recognized that a small reaction quantity can be dispensed with high precision if a valve unit, in particular the electronics of the valve unit, is subjected to an excitation pulse. During a dispensing process, the valve unit, in particular a valve element of the valve unit, must be open so that the reagent can flow through the valve unit to be dispensed through the second dispensing head. To control the position of the valve element, the valve unit usually has electronics with electronic components such as coils, capacitors, etc. The electronic components are charged during a dispensing process before a valve element can be adjusted. It was recognized that the time required to charge the electronic components means that the valve cannot switch as quickly as required.Therefore, the valve unit, in particular the electronics of the valve unit, is subjected to the excitation pulse. The excitation pulse is designed in such a way that it does not cause the valve element to be adjusted and thus does not dispense the reagent through the second dispensing head. However, the excitation pulse shortens the response time of the valve element of the valve unit, so that the valve element opens more quickly than a valve element in which the electronics are not subjected to the excitation pulse. However, the excitation pulse causes the electronic components of the electronics to be at least partially charged, thereby shortening the response time for adjusting the valve element. The electronics can be part of an actuator for adjusting the valve element. As a result, by transmitting the excitation pulse to the electronics of the valve unit, a small amount of reaction can be dispensed with high precision.

[0010] A particularly advantageous design is one in which the centrifuge incorporates the pressure source unit and the previously described valve unit. This design allows a very small amount of reagent to be dispensed with high precision.

[0011] The centrifuge is designed so that, in addition to sample carriers with 384 or fewer containers, sample carriers with more than 384 containers can also be used. This also allows washing with sample carriers with more than 384 containers, in particular with 1536 containers. In this process, the containers, in particular all containers of the sample carrier, are filled with a liquid, which is subsequently removed from the containers by centrifugation. The containers can then be refilled with a liquid and emptied by centrifugation. These steps can be repeated several times as needed.

[0012] The sample carrier comprises a single container or a microtiter plate with a plurality of containers. Microtiter plates can be configured with a varying number of containers. Microtiter plates with 6 to 4096 containers are known, although microtiter plates with 96, 384, or 1536 containers are typically used. The sample carrier can comprise a carrier device into which the microtiter plate is removably inserted. The outer contour of the sample carrier, in particular of the carrier device and the microtiter plate, can be designed to complement the shape of a rotor receiving section and / or can be connected to the rotor receiving section in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. This ensures that the sample carrier can be fixedly arranged in the rotor receiving section and, in particular, is not movable in the radial and / or tangential direction relative to a rotational axis of the rotor relative to the rotor receiving section.The rotor receiving section is the section of the rotor in which the sample carrier is arranged during the rotation process. Furthermore, the rotor receiving section can be configured such that a plane comprising a surface of the rotor receiving section onto which the microtiter plate or container is placed runs parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor. A longitudinal axis of the container of the sample carrier can extend in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the rotational axis of the rotor.

[0013] The liquid sample may comprise a liquid and biological particles. The biological particles may be cells, DNA, RNA, or proteins. The liquid sample may comprise a single or multiple biological particles. The liquid may be a cell suspension, which can promote the growth of the cells arranged in the liquid. Alternatively, the particle may be a glass or polymer bead and have essentially the same volume as a cell.

[0014] A receiving section is understood to be a section of the centrifuge into which the sample carrier can be inserted or from which the sample carrier can be removed. The sample carrier can be inserted into the receiving section so that at least one washing operation can be performed. Alternatively, the sample carrier can be removed from the receiving section after one or more washing operations have been performed. Alternatively, the container or microtiter plate can be removed from the carrier device and replaced with another container or microtiter plate. In this case, not the entire sample carrier is inserted into or removed from the receiving section, but only the container or microtiter plate.

[0015] Washing operation refers to centrifuge operation in which the rotor rotates at a speed sufficiently high that, in particular, a portion of the liquid sample is ejected from the container(s) due to the centrifugal forces acting on it. However, it can be ensured that certain biological particles are retained in the container against the centrifugal force. Thus, after the washing operation is completed, the desired biological particle remains in the container.

[0016] The retention of biological particles can be achieved through cell adhesion, magnetic forces, covalent chemical bonds, or similar mechanisms. For example, a washing process is possible in which the container base is coated with a specific coating to which the biological particles adhere. Furthermore, a washing process using magnetic beads is possible. In this washing process, biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins are first bound to magnetic beads, which are then held to the container base by a magnet positioned below the container in the centrifuge. It is also possible for cells to be bound to magnetic beads.

[0017] Another known washing technique involves binding biological particles, such as proteins, to the bottom of the container, which has previously been treated with a specific reagent. In another washing technique, biological particles, preferably cells, especially suspension cells, are first vigorously centrifuged to form a pellet at the bottom. The pellet then remains in the container while a portion of the liquid sample is ejected.

[0018] After performing the washing operation, liquid can be dispensed into the container(s) using a dispensing device described in more detail below. The washing operation can then be repeated. The reagent dispensed by the first dispensing unit, in particular the first dispensing head, can be the same as the reagent dispensed by the second dispensing unit, in particular the second dispensing head. Alternatively, both dispensing units can dispense different reagents. Providing two dispensing units with dispensing heads offers the advantage that two different reagents can be dispensed without the need for a rinsing process after the first dispensing process.A rinsing process is defined as a process in which rinsing fluid is dispensed through the dispensing unit to prevent mixing of the reagent remaining in the dispensing unit with a reagent to be dispensed in the next dispensing process. Another advantage is that dispensing can be done quickly. Thus, the first dispensing unit can be designed to dispense reagent quickly, while the second dispensing unit can be designed to dispense small amounts of reagent with high precision.

[0019] When referring to "upstream" or "downstream," reference is made to the flow direction of the reagent to be dispensed. A "fluidic connection" between at least two components is understood to mean a connection that allows a fluid, in particular a gas or a reagent, to flow from one component into the other.

[0020] The computer device can be a processor or at least comprise one processor. The computer device can comprise a circuit board or be part of a circuit board. The computer device can be used to control the centrifuge.

[0021] In a special design, the valve unit can be arranged on or in the second dispensing head. The valve unit can be arranged directly on or in the second dispensing head. This creates a compact valve unit.

[0022] The pressure source unit can comprise a positive pressure tank. The gas in the positive pressure tank, in particular air, is at a positive pressure. The pressure source unit can also comprise a compressor that is fluidly connected to the positive pressure tank. The compressor offers the advantage that the gas pressure in the positive pressure tank can be maintained at a constant value. The pressure source unit offers the advantage that the dispensing process can be carried out by applying positive pressure from the positive pressure tank to the reagent storage container, without mechanical components coming into contact with the reagent. This offers the advantage that the mechanical components do not have to be rinsed or cleaned before a different reagent is dispensed using the dispensing unit. As a result, by using the pressure source unit, there is no need to provide a pump in the second dispensing unit.

[0023] The pressure source unit, in particular the overpressure tank, can be fluidically connected to one or more reagent storage containers. The reagents contained in the reagent storage containers can be different from one another. Furthermore, the reagents assigned to the second dispensing unit can be identical to the reagents assigned to the first dispensing unit, or they can be different from the reagents assigned to the first dispensing unit. The first dispensing unit can dispense the reagents assigned to the first dispensing unit. The second dispensing unit can dispense the reagents assigned to the second dispensing unit.

[0024] The pressure source unit can be fluidically connected to the reagent reservoir or reservoirs by means of a connecting line. The reagent reservoir can also be fluidically connected to the valve unit via another connecting line. Furthermore, the reagent reservoir can be designed such that an overpressure can be applied to an interior of the reagent reservoir.

[0025] The pressure source unit can be fluidically connected to the valve unit. In particular, the pressure source unit can be fluidically connected to the second dispensing head via the valve unit. Thus, the gas, in particular air, contained in the overpressure tank can be dispensed by means of the second dispensing unit. This offers the advantage of enabling gas purging in the second dispensing unit. Furthermore, the container can be pressurized with the gas from the overpressure tank.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the valve unit can have at least two inlets. The valve unit can be fluidically connected to a respective reagent reservoir via each of the inlets. In particular, the valve unit can be fluidically connected to the respective reagent reservoir via the other connecting line. Furthermore, the valve unit can have an outlet by means of which the valve unit is fluidically connected to the second dispensing head. Depending on the position of at least one valve element, it can be adjusted which inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet. The valve unit can be arranged between the reagent reservoir and the second dispensing head in the direction of flow of the reagent.

[0027] The centrifuge may have at least one container containing rinsing fluid. Alternatively or in addition to the reagent reservoir, the container may be fluidically connected or capable of being fluidically connected to at least one component of the centrifuge. In particular, the container may be fluidically connected to the pressure source unit and / or the second dispensing head.

[0028] The second dispenser head can be designed such that it can be moved perpendicular to a displacement direction of the sample carrier. In particular, the second dispenser head can be moved horizontally. This offers the advantage that all containers of the sample carrier can be filled with a reagent. Otherwise, there is a risk that some containers cannot be filled with reagent because the number of dispenser head outlets of the second dispenser head may be fewer than the number of containers arranged in a row in the sample carrier.

[0029] The displacement direction is the direction along which the sample carrier is displaced along a displacement path. The displacement path is understood to be the path along which the sample carrier is moved when transferring from the rotor receiving section to the receiving section, or vice versa. The sample carrier can be displaced linearly along the displacement path using a displacement device.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the first dispensing unit can have a plurality of first dispensing heads. In particular, the first dispensing unit can have three dispensing heads. A first dispensing head can be fluidically connected to the pressure source unit in such a way that, in order to dispense the reagent located in a reagent storage container assigned to the first dispensing unit from the first dispensing head, the reagent storage container is subjected to the overpressure of the pressure source unit. Applying overpressure to the reagent storage container causes the reagent located in the reagent storage container to be conveyed towards the first dispensing head and dispensed from the first dispensing head. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the same pressure source unit can be used for both the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit.Furthermore, the use of the pressure source unit offers the advantage that no pump is required to dispense reagent from the first dispensing head. Alternatively or additionally, the first dispensing unit can be designed such that a pump is assigned to the first dispensing head, which is arranged upstream of the first dispensing head. In this case, each first dispensing head can be assigned a pump, each of which is arranged upstream of the respective first dispensing head. The pump can also be fluidically connected to another reagent reservoir assigned to the first dispensing unit. In this case, the reagents are conveyed within the first dispensing unit by means of the pumps.

[0031] Alternatively, the first dispensing unit can be fluidly connected to the pressure source unit, as described above. In this case, a dispensing process at at least one first dispensing head can result from the pressurization of the reagent reservoir with overpressure, and a dispensing process at another dispensing head can result from the pump delivery.

[0032] The first dispensing unit can also comprise a distribution valve unit having multiple inlets and one outlet. The pump can be arranged downstream of the outlet. The inlets can each be fluidically connected to a reagent reservoir. The distribution valve unit thus enables multiple reagents to be dispensed through the first dispensing head, with only a single pump being used to deliver multiple reagents. This simplifies the design of the first dispensing unit. The reagent to be dispensed depends on the position of at least one valve element of the distribution valve unit.

[0033] At least one container with rinsing liquid can be fluidically connected or fluidically connectable to the first dispenser head as an alternative or in addition to the reagent storage container.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the computer device can be configured to output a dispensing trigger pulse to the first dispensing unit for dispensing a reagent from the at least one first dispensing head and / or to output a dispensing trigger pulse to the second dispensing unit for dispensing a reagent from the at least one second dispensing head. In particular, the computer device can output a dispensing trigger pulse to the pump or pumps and / or the distribution valve unit of the first dispensing unit so that at least one reagent is dispensed from at least one first dispensing head.

[0035] The computer device can output the dispensing trigger pulse to the second dispensing unit when the sample carrier is arranged in the target position. After dispensing the liquid into the at least one container, the computer device can cause the sample carrier to be moved to a different target position. The computer device can apply the excitation pulse to the electronics of the valve unit until the sample carrier is transferred from the actual position to the new, different target position. In the new, different target position, the second dispensing unit can dispense reagent into other containers. Furthermore, the computer device can output another dispensing trigger pulse when the sample carrier is in the other target position. The second dispensing unit can be arranged such that it is located in the displacement path of the sample carrier between the receiving section and the rotor receiving section.

[0036] The computer device can transmit a dispensing trigger pulse to the valve unit, in particular the electronics of the valve unit, for dispensing by the second dispensing unit. The dispensing trigger pulse is designed such that it causes the valve element to be adjusted, thus establishing a fluidic connection between the reagent reservoir and the second dispensing head. Since the reagent reservoir is pressurized, the reagent can be dispensed from the second dispensing head. If the pressure source unit has a pressure source valve arranged between the pressure tank and the reagent reservoir, the computer device can transmit the dispensing trigger pulse to the valve so that it opens.

[0037] Unlike the dispensing trigger pulse, the excitation pulse is not transmitted to the first dispensing unit. As described above, the excitation pulse is transmitted to the electronics of the valve unit. The excitation pulse is not transmitted to the valve, which can break the fluidic connection between the pressure tank and the reagent reservoir.

[0038] The excitation pulse can be configured such that the duration of the excitation pulse is shorter than the duration of the dispensing trigger signal and / or such that the amplitude of the excitation pulse is smaller than the amplitude of the dispensing trigger signal. This easily prevents the valve unit from opening and thus reagent from being dispensed through the second dispensing head. Furthermore, it is easily achieved that the valve unit can switch quickly, so that a small amount of reagent can be dispensed with high precision at the right time. The computer device can be configured such that the dispensing trigger pulse is transmitted after the excitation pulse. As a result, both pulses are not transmitted simultaneously.

[0039] The excitation pulse can be configured such that at least one valve element of the valve unit is not adjusted, so that no reagent can flow through the valve unit. Accordingly, no reagent can be dispensed through the second dispensing unit. More specifically, the excitation pulse can be configured such that a valve element of the valve unit remains closed. Furthermore, the dispensing trigger pulse can be configured such that the valve element of the valve unit is moved into an open state.

[0040] The computer device can determine whether the excitation pulse is transmitted depending on the actual position of the sample carrier. The centrifuge can have a position detection device for determining the actual position of the sample carrier. The computer device can determine whether the excitation pulse is transmitted depending on the time period between the actual position and the target position of the sample carrier. Since the computer device knows the actual position of the sample carrier, the target position of the sample carrier for the next dispensing process, and the displacement speed of the sample carrier from the actual position to the target position, the time required to transfer the sample carrier from the actual position to the target position can be easily determined. The excitation pulse can be transmitted if the time required to transfer the sample carrier from the actual position to the target position is too long.

[0041] The computer device can apply the excitation pulse to the valve unit's electronics until the sample carrier is in a target position where reagent is to be dispensed into a container of the sample carrier. The duration of the excitation pulse can be selected such that the sample carrier is in the target position at the end of the duration.

[0042] The position detection device can be used to determine the actual position of the sample carrier within the detection range in the displacement path of the sample carrier. The position detection device can precisely detect the position of the sample carrier, so that the actual position of a sample carrier containing more than 384 containers can be determined. The detection range in the displacement path is a section of the displacement path that is observed by the position detection device. The detection range extends along the displacement path of the sample carrier, so that multiple positions of the sample carrier within the detection range can be detected. This distinguishes the position detection device from other position detection devices, in which a position of the sample carrier can be detected optically, for example, using a light barrier.The ability to detect multiple positions of the sample carrier located within the detection range offers the advantage that a target position can be assigned to one or more containers. Thus, depending on the container into which the liquid is to be dispensed, the sample carrier can be moved to a target position assigned to the container. As a result, by observing the detection range, it is possible to move the sample carrier to multiple target positions.

[0043] The containers of the sample carrier can be arranged in a matrix. Several containers can be arranged in a row perpendicular to the displacement direction. In this case, the individual rows of containers can be spaced apart from one another in the displacement direction. Each row of containers can be assigned a target position. The sample carrier is then moved, according to the method described above, to the target position assigned to the container or row of containers into which the liquid is to be dispensed.

[0044] The computer device can receive a signal from the position detection device. In particular, the computer device can control or regulate a drive device based on the signal received from the position detection device when the sample carrier is at least partially arranged within the detection zone. The drive device can serve to drive a displacement device for displacing the sample carrier. The computer device can continuously receive signals from the position detection device. This means that the computer device can receive signals from the position detection device even when the sample carrier is arranged outside the detection zone. This offers the advantage of quickly detecting when the sample carrier enters the detection zone.

[0045] The drive device can be designed such that it can move the sample carrier by a distance of less than 2 mm (millimeters) per movement. In particular, the sample carrier can be moved within a range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. This ensures that a sample carrier with 1536 containers can be used.

[0046] The computer device cannot control or regulate the drive device based on the signals received from the position detection device if the sample carrier is located outside the detection range. As explained below, the computer device can control the drive device based on further signals from another position detection device if the sample carrier is located outside the detection range.

[0047] The centrifuge can have a position detection device for detecting the actual position of the sample carrier and / or another position detection device for detecting the actual position of the sample carrier. The position detection device can be designed such that the signal transmitted to the computer device contains information about the actual position of the sample carrier. Alternatively, the computer device can determine the actual position of the sample carrier in the detection area based on the received signal. In both cases, the drive device is controlled or regulated based on the received signal.

[0048] The additional position detection device can be used to detect the position of the sample carrier. The additional signal provided by the additional position detection device can be transmitted to the computer device. The additional signal can contain information regarding the actual position of the sample carrier. Alternatively, the additional signal can contain information that the computer device can use to determine the actual position of the sample carrier.

[0049] The computer device can receive, in particular continuously, the additional signal from the additional position detection device. Thus, the computer device can receive, in particular continuously, the signal and the additional signal. The computer device can control or regulate the drive device based on the additional signal received from the additional position detection device when the sample carrier is arranged outside the detection range.

[0050] As previously described, the computer device can be configured to determine the actual position of the sample carrier based on the signal and / or the actual position of the sample carrier based on the further signal. Alternatively, the received signal and / or the further signal can already contain information regarding the actual position of the sample carrier. The computer device can then determine, based on the received signal and / or the further signal, whether the sample carrier is located within the detection range or not. Accordingly, the computer device can control the drive device based on the signal or the further signal.

[0051] In a special embodiment, the detection area can extend in particular along the displacement direction of the sample carrier such that the extent of the detection area corresponds at least to the extent of the sample carrier in the displacement direction of the sample carrier. This means that the detection area is at least as long as the sample carrier. The detection area in the displacement direction of the sample carrier can be longer than the sample carrier. In particular, the detection area in the displacement direction can be at least as long as the carrier device of the sample carrier. The displacement direction is understood to be the direction of the sample carrier along which the sample carrier is displaced by the displacement device. This means that the sample carrier is displaced along the displacement direction in order to be displaced from the rotor receiving section into the receiving section or vice versa.

[0052] The displacement of the sample carrier within the detection range can be smaller than the remaining displacement. The sample carrier can move linearly along the displacement. This has the advantage that a position detection device can be used that can determine the actual position of the sample carrier with high accuracy. Determination is quick because only a portion of the entire displacement is considered. In an alternative design, the displacement of the sample carrier within the detection range can be greater than the remaining displacement.

[0053] The receiving section can comprise at least part of the detection area. Furthermore, the detection area can be located outside the rotor receiving section. This has the advantage that the centrifuge's design is not complex because it is not necessary to position the detection area in the rotor receiving section. The detection area can encompass a target position of the sample carrier. In the target position of the sample carrier, a reagent is dispensed into a container of the sample carrier located in the target position. The computer device can control or regulate the drive device such that the sample carrier is arranged in the target position.

[0054] The position detection device can be a contactless position detection device for detecting the position of the sample carrier. In particular, the position detection device can comprise a magnetic position sensor whose measuring principle is based on the Hall effect. As a result, a simply constructed position detection device can be used to detect the position of the sample carrier. Furthermore, the position detection device can be designed such that it detects the actual position of the sample carrier more accurately than the additional position detection device. The position detection device can comprise a first measuring means arranged on the sample carrier, in particular on the carrier device, and a second measuring means arranged on the receiving section. The first measuring means can interact with the second measuring means, wherein the interaction is contactless.The interaction can consist in a field acting from the first measuring device acting on the second measuring device.

[0055] The second measuring device can be stationary and / or the second measuring device can move together with the sample carrier. Thus, the first measuring device can move relative to the second measuring device. The extension of the second measuring device in the displacement direction can define the extension of the detection range in the displacement direction. In other words, the longer the second measuring device is in the displacement direction of the sample carrier, the greater the extension of the detection range in the displacement direction. The extension of the detection range in the displacement direction can be equal to the extension of the second measuring device. The second measuring device can be a magnetostrictive element. In contrast, the first measuring device can be a magnet.

[0056] The drive device can be controlled or regulated by the computer device as follows. For example, after the sample carrier enters the detection area, the position detection device detects a signal, such as a voltage value. The signal differs, in particular in value and / or curve, from signals detected by the position detection device when the sample carrier is not arranged in the detection area. The computer device controls the drive device such that the detected signal corresponds to a target signal. When the target signal is present, the sample carrier is in the target position in which liquid can be dispensed into at least one predetermined container of the sample carrier. In this case, several containers of the sample carrier that are arranged adjacent to one another in the direction of displacement of the sample carrier can each be assigned a target position.

[0057] The further position detection device can measure a movement of the drive device, in particular of a stepper motor of the drive device. In particular, the further position detection device can measure a rotational position of a drive element, such as a drive shaft, of the drive device. The further position detection device can have a pedometer that counts the number of revolutions of the drive shaft, wherein the pedometer value can be transmitted to the computer device as a further signal. The computer device can determine the actual position of the sample carrier based on the received further signal. Alternatively or additionally, the further position detection device can determine the actual position of the sample carrier based on the pedometer value.

[0058] The actual position of the sample carrier can be determined via the drive device, in particular via the stepper motor, if a reference position is previously approached. The further position detection device can have at least one, in particular two, reference sensors, in particular light sensors, by means of which at least one, in particular two, reference positions can be determined. For this purpose, a belt of the displacement device can have at least one hole, in particular two holes, which is detected by the reference sensor. The sample carrier is in a first reference position when a first reference sensor detects a first hole in the belt. The sample carrier is in a second reference position, which differs from the first reference position, when a second reference sensor detects a second hole in the belt. The two holes are arranged at a distance from one another along the displacement direction of the sample carrier.

[0059] In a particular embodiment, the computing device can be configured to initiate a dispensing process by the first and / or second dispensing unit if a condition is met. The condition can be whether the reagent to be dispensed in the next dispensing process is known. If this is not the case, the reagent can be dispensed into a reject container. Furthermore, the computing device can initiate a dispensing process into a reject container if the reagent to be dispensed has been changed with respect to a previous dispensing process. In both cases, the result is that there can be no mixing of the reagent to be dispensed with another reagent dispensed in a previous dispensing process. The reject container can be a container of the sample carrier.

[0060] The at least one first dispensing head and the at least one second dispensing head can be arranged offset from one another along a displacement path of the sample carrier. In this case, several first dispensing heads can be held by the same centrifuge holder. Furthermore, the at least one second dispensing head can be held by a centrifuge holder.

[0061] The first and second dispensing units cannot be fluidically connected to one another in such a way that a reagent can flow from the first dispensing unit into the second dispensing unit, or that a reagent can flow from the second dispensing unit into the first dispensing unit. As a result, there are two separate dispensing systems that can be operated independently of one another. In particular, the at least one first dispensing unit can dispense a reagent independently of the second dispensing unit, or vice versa. The two dispensing units can dispense at least one reagent simultaneously or sequentially. As already mentioned above, the two dispensing units can dispense the same reagent or different reagents.

[0062] As described above, the computer device can initiate a dispensing process and / or a washing operation. Furthermore, the computer device can initiate a rinsing process in which a rinsing liquid is dispensed through the first and / or second dispensing unit. The rinsing process is necessary if different reagents are to be dispensed through the first and / or second dispensing unit. This prevents the reagent to be dispensed from being mixed with a reagent dispensed from a previous dispensing process during a dispensing process, or dispensed liquids from leaving residues that could clog dispensing nozzles or serve as a culture medium for biological material.

[0063] The rinsing process can be performed when the first and / or second dispensing unit is to dispense a reagent that differs from the reagent dispensed in a previous dispensing process. Alternatively or additionally, the rinsing process can be performed when the centrifuge is started up and / or at predetermined times. The rinsing liquid can be stored in at least one container that is or can be fluidly connected to the first and / or second dispensing unit. The centrifuge can have the displacement device for moving the sample carrier relative to the first dispensing unit and to the second dispensing unit. The sample carrier can be moved by means of the displacement device relative to the first dispensing unit, in particular to the first dispensing head, in such a way that at least one container of the sample carrier can be filled with the reagent.Furthermore, the sample carrier can be moved relative to the first dispensing unit, in particular to the first dispensing head, by means of the displacement device in such a way that at least one container of the sample carrier can be filled with the reagent.

[0064] In a special embodiment, the displacement device can be designed to displace the sample carrier in a linear direction. The displacement device can be releasably connected to the sample carrier. The displacement device can have a band that can be connected to the sample carrier at one end. For this purpose, the displacement device can have a coupling element that can be releasably connected to the sample carrier. The connection between the sample carrier and the displacement device can be a magnetic connection.

[0065] The coupling element can thus comprise at least one magnet. The sample carrier can comprise a counter magnet or a magnetic material, such as iron. The counter magnet can be arranged on the sample carrier and / or the sample carrier can be designed such that the counter magnet does not interact with the position detection device, in particular the second measuring means of the position detection device.

[0066] The centrifuge may have a belt housing in which the belt end remote from the sample carrier is located. The belt end is at least partially wound in the belt housing. The belt is thus sufficiently flexible so that it can be wound onto the reel. Furthermore, the belt is sufficiently stiff to allow the sample carrier to move. In particular, the belt is sufficiently stiff to allow the sample carrier to move from the rotor receiving section to the receiving section, or vice versa.

[0067] The displacement device can be arranged partially within the rotor receiving section for displacing the sample carrier from the receiving section into the rotor receiving section, or vice versa. In particular, the displacement device can move within the rotor receiving section. In this case, the displacement device is operatively connected to the sample carrier. When there is an operative connection between the displacement device and the sample carrier, a movement of the displacement device, in particular of the belt, causes a movement of the sample carrier. Furthermore, the displacement device is designed such that it is arranged outside the rotor receiving section when the rotor rotates. In this case, the displacement device is not operatively connected to the sample carrier. Thus, the rotor can rotate without colliding with the displacement device, in particular with a component of the displacement device.

[0068] The rotor can be arranged in a rotor chamber of the centrifuge. The rotor chamber can be delimited by a rotor housing. The rotor housing can have an upper shell and a lower shell, which can be detachably connected to one another. The rotor housing can be designed such that it delimits the rotor chamber, in particular in the radial and tangential directions. As a result, a compact rotor housing can be provided. The at least one first dispensing head and / or the at least second dispensing head can be arranged outside the rotor chamber. However, the at least one first dispensing head and / or the at least second dispensing head can be arranged within a centrifuge housing that encloses the rotor housing.

[0069] A compact rotor housing is achieved when the rotor housing has a cylindrical inner housing surface. The rotor housing has the cylindrical inner housing surface in a normal plane that is normal to the rotor's axis of rotation and encompasses part of the upper and lower shell. The inner housing surface is understood to be the surface of the rotor housing that immediately borders the rotor chamber. The cylindrical inner housing surface can be achieved by appropriately designing the upper shell and / or lower shell. The cylindrical inner housing surface enables the rotor chamber in which the rotor rotates to be as compact as possible, i.e. the distance between the rotor and the rotor housing is small, particularly in the radial direction.The terms "radial", "tangential" and "axial" are each understood to mean a direction that refers to a longitudinal axis of the centrifuge, which can run parallel to a rotational axis of the rotor.

[0070] The figures show the subject matter of the invention schematically, with identical or equivalent elements generally being provided with the same reference numerals. Here:

[0071] Fig. 1 is a side view of a centrifuge according to the invention.

[0072] Fig. 2 shows a representation of a second dispensing unit. Fig. 3 shows a diagram with an excitation pulse and a dispensing trigger pulse.

[0073] Fig. 4 is a representation of a first dispensing unit according to a first embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 5 is a representation of a first dispensing unit according to a second embodiment.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a representation of a first dispensing unit according to a third embodiment.

[0076] Fig. 7 is a representation of a first dispensing unit according to a fourth embodiment.

[0077] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the centrifuge shown in Figure 1.

[0078] Fig. 9 a top view of a sample carrier.

[0079] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the centrifuge shown in Figure 8 with a centrifuge housing.

[0080] A centrifuge 1 shown in Figure 1 is used to rotate a sample carrier 2 shown in Figure 12, which has at least one container 3. The centrifuge 1 has a rotor 4 for rotating the sample carrier 2. The rotor 4 has a rotor receiving section 28 for receiving the sample carrier 2. The rotor 4 is arranged in an interior space of a rotor housing 29. The rotor 4 is designed such that it can be rotated about a rotor axis R. The rotor axis R is supported on the rotor housing 29. The rotor 4 has two rotor receiving sections 28 which are radially opposite one another with respect to the rotor axis R. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rotor 4 is rotated into a position in which the sample carrier 2 can be moved from the rotor receiving section 28 into a receiving section 30 of the centrifuge 1 or vice versa.The rotor receiving section 28 is designed such that a plane E, which has a surface of the rotor receiving section onto which the microtiter plate is placed, runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor 4.

[0081] In addition, the centrifuge 1 has a first dispensing unit 5 for dispensing at least one reagent or rinsing liquid into a container 3 of the sample carrier 2 and a second dispensing unit 6 for dispensing at least one reagent or rinsing liquid into a container 3 of the sample carrier 2. The first dispensing unit 5 has a first dispenser head 7a, a first other dispenser head 7b, and a first further dispenser head 7c. Each of the first dispenser heads has one or more dispenser head outlets 8. In addition, the first dispensing unit 5 has at least one pump 9, shown in Figure 4, for conveying the reagent or rinsing liquid to the first dispenser head 7. The three first dispenser heads 7a, 7b, 7c are arranged at a distance from one another along a displacement direction V of the sample carrier 2. The centrifuge 1 has a holder 31 which holds the three dispenser heads 7a, 7b, 7c in their position.The second dispensing unit 6 has at least one second dispenser head 10 with one or more dispenser head outlets 11 and a pressure source unit 12, shown in Figure 2, for providing an overpressure. The pressure source unit 12 is fluidically connectable to at least one reagent reservoir 13, shown in Figure 2. The second dispensing unit 6 is configured such that, in order to dispense the reagent arranged in the reagent reservoir 13, the reagent reservoir 13 is subjected to the overpressure of the pressure source unit 12. The second dispensing unit 6 has at least one valve unit 14 shown in Figure 2, which is arranged upstream of the second dispensing head 10, wherein a computer device 15 of the centrifuge 1 transmits an excitation pulse 16 shown in Figure 3 to an electronic unit 17 of the valve unit 14, wherein the excitation pulse 16 is designed such that the second dispensing unit 6 does not dispense any reagent.The second dispenser head 10 is supported on the rotor housing 29. The second dispenser head 10 and the three first dispenser heads 7 are arranged offset from one another along the displacement direction V.

[0082] In addition, the centrifuge 1 has a displacement device 24 for displacing the sample carrier 2 along a displacement path from the receiving section 30 into the rotor receiving section 28 or vice versa. The centrifuge 1 also has a position detection device 25, by means of which a position of the sample carrier 2 is detected within a detection range B in the displacement path of the sample carrier 2.

[0083] The position detection device 25 has a first measuring device 32 and a second measuring device 33. The first measuring device 32 is mounted on the sample carrier 2, and the second measuring device 33 is mounted on the receiving section 30. The first measuring device 32 moves together with the sample carrier 2 when the sample carrier 2 is displaced along the displacement direction V by the displacement device 24. The first measuring device 32 can be a magnet.

[0084] The second measuring device 33 is arranged in a stationary manner. The extent of the second measuring device 33 along the displacement direction V defines the length of the detection range B. The second measuring device 33 is designed such that the detection range B forms only a partial area of ​​the entire displacement path. The position detection device 25 transmits a signal to the computer device 15. The signal can contain information about the actual position of the sample carrier 2 within the detection range B. As explained in more detail below, the computer device 15 controls or regulates a drive device 34 based on the received signal, which contains an actual position of the sample carrier 2 as information. In particular, the computer device 15 controls or regulates the drive device 34 such that a position of the sample carrier 2 detected by the position detection device 25 corresponds to a desired position of the sample carrier 2.The target positions of the sample carrier 2 can be stored in an electrical memory not shown.

[0085] The drive device 34 can comprise a stepper motor. The centrifuge 1 can have a further position detection device 35, by means of which the position of the sample carrier 2 is determined. In particular, the further position detection device 35 can comprise a step counter, by means of which the number of revolutions of a shaft of the drive device 34 is counted. The position of the sample carrier 2 depends on the number of revolutions of the shaft of the drive device. The further position detection device 35 transmits a further signal to the computer device 15. The signal can contain a measurement counter value or information about the position of the sample carrier 2.

[0086] The receiving section 30 is a section of the centrifuge 1 that serves to receive the sample carrier 2 and is accessible from outside the centrifuge 1. This means that a user inserts the sample carrier 2 into the receiving section 30 when, for example, a washing operation is to be performed. Alternatively, the user can remove the sample carrier 2 from the receiving section 30 after a washing operation has been performed. Furthermore, the displacement device 24 can move the sample carrier 2 into a position within the receiving section 30 so that the first and / or second dispensing unit 5, 6 can dispense a reagent into the individual containers.

[0087] The displacement device 24 has a belt 36, which is connected at one end, in particular magnetically, to the sample carrier 2 by means of a coupling element 37. One end of the belt is wound up and arranged in a belt housing (not shown) of the centrifuge 1. The drive device 34 causes the belt 36, and thus the sample carrier 2, to move linearly in the displacement direction V along the displacement path, in particular by rotating the shaft.

[0088] The centrifuge 1 also has a centrifuge housing 38. The rotor housing 29, the drive device 34, the first and second dispensing units 5 and 6, and the displacement device 24 are arranged in an interior space enclosed by the centrifuge housing 38. The receiving section 30 is at least partially not arranged in the interior space enclosed by the centrifuge housing 38.

[0089] Fig. 2 shows a representation of a second dispensing unit 5. The second dispensing unit 5 has the pressure source unit 12. The pressure source unit 12 has an overpressure tank 18 which provides an overpressure. This means that the gas in the overpressure tank 18, in particular air, has an overpressure. The pressure source unit 12 also has a compressor 19 which is fluidically connected to the overpressure tank 18. The compressor 19 ensures that the gas stored in the overpressure tank 18, in particular air, has an overpressure. In addition, the pressure source unit 12 has a pressure source valve 41 which is fluidically connected to the overpressure tank 18. Depending on the position of the pressure source valve 41, the pressure source unit 12 provides an overpressure or not. The pressure source unit 12 is fluidically connected to each of the reagent storage containers 13.The fluidic connection is symbolized by the dashed line.

[0090] The second dispensing unit 5 also has a valve unit 14 and the second dispensing head 10. The second dispensing head 10 has a plurality of dispensing head outlets 11. The dispensing head outlets 11 can be dispensing nozzles, whereby the second dispensing head 10 can dispense the reagent into a container of the sample carrier 2 via each of the dispensing head outlets. The second dispensing head 10 is arranged downstream of the valve unit 14. The second dispensing unit 5 has a purge valve 42, which, viewed in the gas flow direction, is arranged between the pressure source unit 12, in particular the pressure source valve 41, and the valve unit 14.

[0091] The second dispensing head 10 is fluidically connected to the valve unit 14 and arranged downstream of the valve unit 14. The valve unit 14 is also fluidically connected to a plurality of reagent reservoirs 13. In particular, an inlet 20 of the valve unit is fluidically connected to a reagent reservoir 13. The valve unit 14 has four inlets 20, by means of which the valve unit 14 is fluidically connected to a respective reagent reservoir 13. Furthermore, the valve unit 14 has an outlet 21 that is fluidically connected to the first dispensing head 10. In other words, the reagent flowing from the valve unit 14 flows directly to the first dispensing head 10.

[0092] The valve unit 14 is designed such that, depending on a valve position, the amount of reagent flowing in through the inlet 20 and flowing out through the outlet 21 of the valve unit 14 can be adjusted. In the valve unit 14 shown in Figure 2, the valve unit 14 has four valve elements 43, each associated with a reagent reservoir 13. Alternatively, the valve unit 14 can be designed differently and have fewer or more than four valve elements 43.

[0093] The valve unit 14 also has electronics 17, which serves to adjust the position of the individual valve elements 43. Thus, the electronics 17 can be part of an actuator (not shown) of the valve unit 14, which adjusts the position of the valve element 43. The electronics 17 includes electronic components not shown in the figures, such as coils, capacitors, etc. The electronics 17 is electrically connected to the computer device 15. The electrical connection is symbolized as a dashed-dotted line. As explained in more detail below, the computer device 15 can control the position of the valve element 43 by sending a command to the electronics 17.

[0094] The reagent reservoirs 13 can contain different reagents or at least partially identical reagents. The reagent reservoirs 13 are each designed such that when the reagent in the reagent reservoir 13 is subjected to overpressure, the reagent is conveyed from the reagent reservoir 13 toward the valve unit 14. As can be seen from Figure 2, when the pressure source valve 41 is open, the overpressure is applied to all reagent reservoirs 13.

[0095] Furthermore, at least one container containing rinsing fluid (not shown in the figures) may be present, which, analogous to the reagent reservoirs 13, is fluidically connected or connectable to the pressure source unit and the second dispensing head 10. Accordingly, a rinsing fluid contained in the container can be dispensed by the second dispensing head 10.

[0096] The computer device 15 can cause a valve element 43 to be moved into an open position when the sample carrier 2 is arranged in a desired position. In this case, the reagent present at the inlet 20 flows through the open valve element 43, through the outlet 21 to the first dispensing head 10, and from there through the dispensing head outlet 11 into the container 3 of the sample carrier 2. In this case, it is ensured that the pressure source valve 41 is open. This can also be caused by the computer device 15. The computer device 15 can also cause the purge valve 42 and the pressure source valve 41 to be opened. In this case, the gas located in the overpressure tank 18 can flow, in particular, through the valve unit 14 to the first dispensing head 10, where it exits from the dispensing head outlet 11. As a result, the valve unit 14 and the first dispensing head 10 are purged.

[0097] In addition, the computer device 15 can initiate a rinsing process in which rinsing liquid is dispensed through the second dispenser head 10.

[0098] The computer device 15 can receive an actual position from the position detection device 25. Depending on the received actual position, the computer device 15 decides whether an excitation pulse shown in Figure 3 is transmitted to the electronics 17 of the valve unit 14. In particular, the computer device 15 determines a time period required to transfer the sample carrier 2 from the current actual position to a desired position. If the time period exceeds a predetermined time period, the computer device 15 transmits the excitation pulse 16 to the electronics 17. After the sample carrier 2 has been transferred to the desired position, the computer device 15 transmits a dispensing trigger pulse to the electronics 17. The dispensing trigger pulse causes a predetermined valve element 43 to open, so that the reagent is dispensed through the second dispensing head 10 into the container 3 of the sample carrier 2.

[0099] Fig. 3 shows a diagram with an excitation pulse 16 and a dispensing trigger pulse 23. Both pulses are rectangular, although they are not limited to this shape. The excitation pulse 16 is designed such that no reagent is dispensed by the second dispensing head 10. In particular, the excitation pulse 16 is designed such that no valve element 43 of the valve unit 14 is moved into an open position.

[0100] As can be seen from Fig. 3, the excitation pulse 16 has a lower amplitude A1 than the amplitude A2 of the dispensing trigger pulse 23. In addition, a time duration t1 of the excitation pulse 16, during which the electronics 17 is subjected to the excitation pulse, is shorter than a time duration t2 of the dispensing trigger pulse 23.

[0101] The amplitude A1 and the duration t1 of the excitation pulse 16 are selected such that no reagent is dispensed by the second dispensing head 10. In particular, neither the amplitude nor the duration are sufficient to open a valve element 43 of the valve unit 14. The duration t1 of the excitation pulse 16 can be selected such that the excitation pulse 16 ends at the time at which the sample carrier 2 is arranged in the target position. In this case, the electronics 17 is subjected to a single excitation pulse 16 for the entire duration of the adjustment from the actual position of the sample carrier 2 to its target position. In other words, the electronics 17 is not subjected to a series of excitation pulses during the adjustment movement of the sample carrier 2.

[0102] In contrast, the amplitude A2 and the duration t2 of the dispensing trigger pulse 23 are selected such that reagent is dispensed from the second dispensing head 10. In particular, the dispensing trigger pulse 23 causes a valve element 43 of the valve unit 14 to open. The dispensing trigger pulse 23 is transmitted after the excitation pulse 16 has ended and / or is transmitted to the electronics 17 of the valve unit 14 following the excitation pulse 16. As a result, a single dispensing trigger pulse is sufficient to perform the dispensing process.

[0103] Fig. 4 shows a representation of a first dispensing unit 5 according to a first embodiment. The first dispensing unit 5 has the first dispensing head 7a, the first other dispensing head 7b, and the first further dispensing head 7c. Each of the dispensing heads 7a, 7b, 7c has a plurality of dispensing head outlets 8 through which reagent can be dispensed into a container 3 of the sample carrier 2. Furthermore, a pump 9 is arranged upstream of each of the first dispensing heads 7a, 7b, 7c. A valve 39 is arranged between the pump 9 and the first dispensing head 7a, 7b, 7c, viewed in the flow direction of the reagent. Depending on the position of the respective valve 39, the reagent can be dispensed by the respective first dispensing head 7a, 7b, 7c or not.

[0104] The pump 9 assigned to the first and the first other dispenser head 7a, 7b is fluidically connected to an individual reagent reservoir 22a. "Individual" reagent reservoir 22a means that the liquid stored in the reagent reservoir 22a can only be dispensed by the respective assigned first dispenser head 7a, 7b. Thus, the pump 9 conveys the reagent stored in the reagent reservoir 22a so that it is dispensed from the first or second dispenser head 7a, 7b. Furthermore, the first dispensing unit 5 has several common reagent reservoirs 22b.

[0105] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, one of the shared reagent reservoirs 22b can be dispensed by the first additional dispensing head 7c. A further valve unit 40 can be used to adjust which of the shared reagent reservoirs 22b is fluidically connected to the first additional dispensing head 7c.

[0106] The reagent storage containers 22a, 22b are each assigned to the first dispensing unit 5. This means that the reagent stored in the reagent storage containers 22a, 22b can only be dispensed by a first dispensing head 7a, 7b, 7c. Furthermore, a container containing rinsing fluid (not shown in the figures) may be present, which, analogous to the reagent storage containers 22a, 22b, is assigned to the first dispensing unit 5 and can thus be dispensed by the first dispensing head 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0107] The additional valve unit 40 is arranged upstream of the pump 9 assigned to the first additional dispenser head 7c. The additional valve unit 40 has a plurality of inlets, in particular four inlets, and one outlet. The pump 9 is fluidically connected to the outlet such that the reagent flowing from the outlet flows into the pump 9. The additional valve unit 40 has a plurality of additional valve elements. Depending on the position of the valve elements, it can be adjusted which inlet of the additional valve unit 40 is fluidically connected to the outlet of the valve unit 40. The inlets of the additional valve unit 40 are each fluidically connected to a common reagent reservoir 22b.

[0108] Fig. 5 shows a representation of a first dispensing unit 5 according to a second embodiment. The first dispensing unit 5 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 in that there are no longer any pumps 9 assigned to the first dispensing head 7a and the first other dispensing head 7b. The reagent is conveyed from the respective individual reagent storage container 22a by the pressure source unit 12 being fluidically connected to the two individual reagent storage containers 22a. When the pressure source valve 41 of the pressure source unit 12 is in the open position, the two individual reagent storage containers 22a are pressurized. This means that the reagent located in the respective individual reagent storage container 22a can be dispensed by the first dispensing head 7a and the first other dispensing head 7b.In addition, a container with rinsing liquid (not shown in the figures) may be present, which can be pressurized from the pressure source unit 12 for dispensing the rinsing liquid through the first dispenser head 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0109] Fig. 6 shows a representation of a first dispensing unit 5 according to a third embodiment.

[0110] The third embodiment shown in Fig. 6 differs from the second embodiment shown in Fig. 4 in that the common reagent reservoirs 22b fluidically connected to the additional valve unit 40 can be dispensed by the first dispensing head 7a and / or the second dispensing head 7b and / or the third dispensing head 7c. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, however, the common reagent reservoirs 22b fluidically connected to the additional valve unit 40 could only be dispensed by the first additional dispensing head 7c.

[0111] The first dispensing unit 5 has three control valves 44, 45, 46. Each of the control valves 44, 45, 46 has two inlets and one outlet. A first control valve 44 is arranged downstream of the pump 9 assigned to the first additional dispensing head 10c. The first control valve 44 controls whether the reagent originating from the shared reagent reservoirs 22b or the rinsing fluid originating from a container (not shown) flows to the first additional dispensing head 7c or toward the first dispensing head 7a and the first other dispensing head 7a.

[0112] The second control valve 45 is assigned to the first additional dispensing head 7b. The output of the second control valve 45 is fluidically connected to the valve 39 of the first additional dispensing head 7b. One inlet of the second control valve 45 is fluidically connected to the individual reagent reservoir 22a, and the other inlet is fluidically connected to the output of the first control valve 44, and can thus be fluidically connected to the common reagent reservoir 22b.

[0113] The third control valve 45 is assigned to the first dispensing head 7a. The output of the third control valve 46 is fluidically connected to the valve 39 of the first dispensing head 7a. One inlet of the third diverter valve 46 is fluidically connected to the individual reagent reservoir 22a or a container containing rinsing fluid (not shown), and the other inlet is fluidically connected to the output of the first control valve 44 and can thus be fluidically connected to the common reagent reservoir 22b.

[0114] Fig. 7 shows a representation of a first dispensing unit 5 according to a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment shown in Fig. 6 in that there are no longer any pumps 9 assigned to the first dispensing head 7a and the first other dispensing head 7b. The reagent is conveyed from the respective individual reagent reservoir 22a by fluidly connecting the pressure source unit 12 to the two individual reagent reservoirs 22a or at least one container containing rinsing liquid. When the pressure source valve 41 of the pressure source unit 12 is in the open position, the two individual reagent reservoirs 22 or containers containing rinsing liquid are pressurized.This results in the reagent located in the respective individual reagent storage container 22a or the rinsing liquid located in the container being able to be dispensed by the first dispensing head 7a and the first other dispensing head 7b.

[0115] Fig. 8 shows a representation of a first dispensing unit 5 according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the centrifuge 1 shown in Fig. 1, in which the sample carrier 2 is arranged in the receiving section 30 of the centrifuge 1. From Fig. 8 it can be seen that the holder 31 for the first dispensing heads 7a, 7b, 7c is supported on the receiving section 30. The first dispensing heads 7a, 7b, 7c are arranged one after the other in the displacement path of the sample carrier 2. The dispensing heads 7a, 7b, 7c have a plurality of dispensing head outlets which are arranged adjacent to one another in a direction perpendicular to the displacement path of the sample carrier 2. The number of dispensing head outlets can correspond to the number of containers 3 of the sample carrier 2 that are arranged in a container row.Containers are arranged in a row of containers, spaced apart from one another along the direction perpendicular to the displacement direction. Figure 8 also shows the pressure tank 18. In Figure 8, the centrifuge 1 is shown in more detail than in Figure 1. However, both figures show the same centrifuge 1. In Figure 8, the centrifuge housing 38 is not shown.

[0116] Fig. 9 shows a plan view of a sample carrier 2. The sample carrier 2 has a microtiter plate 27 with a plurality of containers 3 arranged in a matrix. Furthermore, the sample carrier 2 has a carrier device 26 on which the microtiter plate 27 is arranged. The carrier device 26 serves to support the microtiter plate 27 between the rotor receiving section 28 and the receiving section 30. The displacement device 22 can be coupled to the carrier device 26 for displacing the sample carrier 2 along the displacement direction V.

[0117] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the centrifuge 1 shown in Figure 8 with a centrifuge housing 38. Figure 10 shows the receiving section 30 into which the sample carrier 2 can be inserted. The sample carrier 2 is moved from the receiving section 30 into the rotor receiving section 5. List of reference symbols:

[0118] 1 centrifuge

[0119] 2 sample carriers

[0120] 3 containers

[0121] 4 Rotor

[0122] 5 first dispensing unit

[0123] 6 second dispensing unit

[0124] 7 first dispenser head

[0125] 8 Dispenser head outlet of the first dispenser head

[0126] 9 Pump

[0127] 10 second dispenser head

[0128] 11 Dispenser head outlet of the second dispenser head

[0129] 12 Pressure source unit

[0130] 13 Reagent reservoir assigned to the second dispensing unit

[0131] 14 Valve unit

[0132] 15 Computer setup

[0133] 16 excitation pulse

[0134] 17 Electronics

[0135] 18 Overpressure tank

[0136] 19 Compressor

[0137] 20 Entrance

[0138] 21 Exit

[0139] 22 Reagent reservoir assigned to the first dispensing unit

[0140] 23 Dispensing trigger pulse

[0141] 24 Shifting device

[0142] 25 Position detection device

[0143] 26 Carrier plate

[0144] 27 microtiter plate

[0145] 28 Rotor receiving section

[0146] 29 Rotor housing

[0147] 30 recording section

[0148] 31 holders

[0149] 32 first measuring instrument

[0150] 33 second measuring instrument

[0151] 34 Drive device

[0152] 35 additional position detection devices

[0153] 36 volumes

[0154] 37 coupling element

[0155] 38 centrifuge housing

[0156] 39 Valve

[0157] 40 additional valve units

[0158] 41 Pressure source valve

[0159] 42 Flush valve

[0160] 43 valve elements

[0161] 44 first control valve

[0162] 45 second control valve

[0163] 46 third control valve A amplitude

[0164] A1 Amplitude of the excitation pulse

[0165] A2 Amplitude of the dispensing trigger pulse

[0166] B Detection area E Level

[0167] R rotor axis

[0168] V Displacement direction t Time t1 Duration of the excitation pulse t2 Duration of the dispensing trigger pulse

Claims

Patent claims 1. Centrifuge (1) for rotating a sample carrier (2) which has at least one container (3) for receiving a liquid sample, comprising a rotor (4) for rotating the sample carrier (2), a first dispensing unit (5) for dispensing at least one reagent into a container (3) of the sample carrier (2) and a second dispensing unit (6) for dispensing at least one reagent into a container (3) of the sample carrier (2), wherein the first dispensing unit (5) has at least one first dispenser head (7a, 7b, 7c) with one or more dispenser head outlets (8) and at least one pump (9) for conveying the reagent to the first dispenser head (7a, 7b, 7c), and wherein the second dispensing unit (6) has at least one second dispenser head (10) with one or more dispenser head outlets (11) and a pressure source unit (12) for Providing an overpressure, which is fluidically connectable to at least one reagent reservoir (13),wherein the second dispensing unit (6) is configured such that, in order to dispense the reagent arranged in the reagent storage container (13), the reagent storage container (13) is subjected to the overpressure of the pressure source unit (12), and / or wherein the second dispensing unit (6) has at least one valve unit (14) arranged upstream of the second dispensing head (10), wherein a computer device (15) of the centrifuge (1) transmits an excitation pulse (16) to an electronic unit (17) of the valve unit (14), which is designed such that the second dispensing unit (6) does not dispense any reagent.

2. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve unit (14) is arranged on or in the second dispenser head (10).

3. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure source unit (12) has an overpressure tank (18) or has an overpressure tank (18) and a compressor (19) for generating an overpressure in the overpressure tank (18).

4. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pressure source unit (12), in particular an overpressure tank (18), is provided with a reagent reservoir (13) or several reagent storage containers (13) can be fluidly connected.

5. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pressure source unit (12) is fluidically connected to the valve unit (14) or the pressure source unit (12) can be fluidically connected to the second dispenser head (10) by means of the valve unit (14).

6. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the valve unit (14) has at least two inlets (20) by means of which the valve unit (14) can be fluidically connected to a reagent storage container (13) in each case, and has an outlet (21) by means of which the valve unit (14) can be fluidically connected to the second dispenser head (10).

7. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second dispensing head (10) can be moved perpendicular to a displacement direction (V) of the sample carrier (2).

8. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first dispensing unit (5) has a plurality of first dispensing heads (7a, 7b, 7c).

9. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a first dispenser head (7) is fluidically connected to the pressure source unit (12) in such a way that, in order to dispense the reagent located in a reagent storage container (22) assigned to the first dispensing unit (5) from the first dispenser head (7a, 7b, 7c), the reagent storage container (13) is subjected to the overpressure of the pressure source unit (12).

10. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a first dispenser head (7a, 7b, 7c), in particular each first dispenser head (7a, 7b, 7c), is assigned a pump (9) which is arranged upstream of the first dispenser head (7a, 7b, 7c).

11. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the computer device (15) is configured such that it outputs a dispensing trigger pulse (23) to the second dispensing unit (6) for dispensing reagent from the at least one second dispensing head (10).

12. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a. a duration of the excitation pulse (16) is shorter than the duration of the dispensing trigger signal (23) and / or an amplitude of the excitation pulse (16) is shorter than an amplitude of the dispensing trigger signal (23) and / or that b. the computer device (15) is configured such that the dispensing trigger pulse (23) is transmitted following the excitation pulse (16).

13. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a. the transmission of the excitation pulse (16) depends on an actual position of the sample carrier (2) and / or that b. the transmission of the excitation pulse (16) depends on a time period between the actual position and the desired position of the sample carrier (2).

14. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a. the excitation pulse (16) is designed such that a valve element (43) of the valve unit (14) remains in a closed state and / or that b. the dispensing trigger pulse (23) is designed such that the valve element (43) of the valve unit (14) is transferred to an open state.

15. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the computer device (15) applies the excitation pulse (16) to the electronics (17) of the valve unit (14) until the sample carrier (2) is in a desired position in which reagent can be dispensed into a container (3) of the sample carrier.

16. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the computer device (15) initiates a dispensing process by the first and / or second dispensing unit (5, 6) into a reject container when the reagent to be dispensed has been changed and / or when the reagent to be dispensed is unknown.

17. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the at least one first dispenser head (7a, 7b, 7c) and the at least one second dispenser head (10) are arranged offset from one another along a displacement path (V) of the sample carrier (2).

18. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the first and the second dispensing unit (5, 6) are not fluidically connected to one another in such a way that a reagent can flow from the first dispensing unit (5) into the second dispensing unit (6) or that a reagent can flow from the second dispensing unit (6) into the first dispensing unit (5).

19. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the at least one first dispensing unit (5) dispenses a reagent independently of the second dispensing unit (6) or vice versa.

20. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the centrifuge (1) has a displacement device (24) for moving the sample carrier (2) relative to the first dispensing unit (5) and to the second dispensing unit (6).

21. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the Centrifuge (1) has a position detection device (25) for detecting the actual position of the sample carrier (2).

Images