CN117083020A

CN117083020A - Sample receiving device

Info

Publication number: CN117083020A
Application number: CN202280020713.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·埃兹克拉费尔南德斯; D·哈默
Original assignee: Anwayo Ltd
Current assignee: Anwayo Ltd
Priority date: 2021-01-12
Filing date: 2022-01-11
Publication date: 2023-11-17
Also published as: DE102021214685A1

Abstract

The present application relates to a sample receiving device, comprising: a first part (1) and a second part (2), the first part (1) having at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) in the form of rods, which are connected to each other by a bendable connecting piece (17) and whose ends facing away from the bendable connecting piece (17) are spaced apart from each other in a basic state. The second part (2) has a locking device which is designed such that, when the first part (1) is placed with its side facing away from the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) on the second part (2), the bendable connection (17) is bent by the shape of the locking device and the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) can be guided towards each other, so that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing in the direction of the sample are arranged directly next to each other, locked in this position by the locking device and a single sample can be received in the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) or with it.

Description

Sample receiving device

Technical Field

The present application relates to a sample receiving apparatus and a sample receiving method.

Background

In the field of sample processing, it is a challenge to extract and further process a suitable number of samples quickly, especially for liquid samples requiring small amounts of extraction and analysis. By using so-called "aliquots", i.e. by using parts of the sample that do not negatively affect the quality of the analysis, the efficiency can be improved. For example, patent US 5,741,412A discloses an arrangement with a plurality of capillaries for sample collection and analysis. A disadvantage of such a system is a rigid arrangement that allows continuous flow but limits the flexibility of analysis.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a sample receiving device which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages, i.e. with which sample collection can be carried out rapidly, and which furthermore allows further analysis to be flexibly processed.

According to the invention, this object is solved by a sample receiving device according to the main claim and a method according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, the sample receiving device has a first portion and a second portion. The first part has at least two sample receiving units in the shape of a rod connected to each other by a bendable connecting piece, the ends of the at least two sample receiving units in the shape of a rod facing away from the bendable connecting piece being spatially separated from each other in a basic state. The second part has a locking device which is designed such that, when the first part is placed on the second part with its side facing away from the sample receiving unit, the bendable connection is bent by the shape of the locking device and the ends of the at least two sample receiving units can be guided towards each other such that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units facing in the sample direction are arranged directly next to each other, locked in this position by the locking device and a single sample can be received in the at least two sample receiving units or with the at least two sample receiving units.

The fact that the sample receiving units are in the basic state at a defined distance from each other and are not guided towards each other at their tips or ends, i.e. at the side facing the sample to be received, until a suitable translational movement, i.e. the engagement of the first part and the second part or the placement of the first part on the second part, provides a well-defined spatial separation, however, the sample can still be received quickly after the movement has been performed. The bendable or articulated connection of the sample receiving unit may also be of flexible design, i.e. bendable and stretchable, allowing the sample receiving unit to be moved in a reproducible manner. Directing the ends or tips of the sample receiving cells toward each other is typically accomplished by angling the sample receiving cells.

The first part may also be referred to as an upper part and the second part as a lower part, but the first part may also be referred to as a lower part and the second part as an upper part. The end of the sample receiving unit remote from the flexible connection is generally oriented downwardly, i.e. towards the centre of the earth. A single sample picked up by a sample receiving unit (i.e. the sample receiving unit is designed to pick up a sample) may be picked up entirely by the sample receiving unit, but may also be arranged to pick up only a partial volume of the sample. The second part may comprise only the locking means, but may also be arranged that other elements than the locking means are part of the second part of the sample receiving device, such as a holding unit for gripping and holding the second part.

After the first portion has been placed on the second portion and the bendable connector has been bent or angled, the tips of the sample receiving units or the ends of the sample receiving units are preferably in direct contact with each other. In this case, the term "direct contact" is understood to mean not only a distance of 0mm between the tips of the sample receiving units, but also a distance of up to 2mm, typically a small distance of 0.1mm to 1 mm.

It may be mentioned that the bendable joint, which may also be referred to as a hinge joint, is a hinge-shaped joint. Alternatively, the connection can also be designed as a hinged connection, preferably as a solid-state hinged connection or a swivel connection. Typically, the sample receiving unit and the connecting member are designed as a material combination, i.e. as a single part or piece. Alternatively, however, the sample receiving units may each be present as separate components and be in contact with and connected to each other by a form-fitting connection. Furthermore, it can be proposed that: there is an adhesive connection between the sample receiving units, which are designed as separate units, such that they are connected to each other by an adhesive connection. This forms a connection that is easy to establish and easy to modify.

The flexible connection may be centrally located between two sample receiving units or, if more than two sample receiving units are provided, between two adjacent sample receiving units. This results in a uniform bending. However, it may also be provided to allow asymmetric bending, for example by placing the bendable connection off-centre between two sample receiving units.

In one embodiment, the sample receiving device has an upper portion and a lower portion, which may be connected to each other in a form-and/or force-fitting manner. The upper part comprises a holding housing, wherein at least two sample receiving units in the form of rods or at least two sample receiving units which are bendable are arranged on the holding housing and are each connected to the holding housing by a bendable connection, the sample receiving units being arranged spatially apart from one another in the basic state. The lower part has a locking device which is designed such that the at least two sample receiving units can be guided towards each other by an external force or by the locking device of the lower part such that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units which are arranged facing in the sample direction are arranged directly next to each other, locked in this position by the locking device and a single sample can be received in the at least two sample receiving units or with the at least two sample receiving units. Thus, the first portion corresponds to an upper portion and the second portion corresponds to a lower portion, but in further embodiment examples the first portion may also correspond to a lower portion and the second portion may correspond to an upper portion.

The fact that the sample receiving units are in the basic state at a defined distance from each other and are not guided towards each other at their tips, i.e. on the side facing away from the holding housing, until a suitable translational movement of the lower part in the upper direction or of the upper part in the lower direction provides a well-defined spatial separation, however, the sample can still be received quickly after the movement has been performed. The bendable connection of the sample receiving unit to the holding housing may also be of flexible design, i.e. bendable and stretchable, allowing the sample receiving unit to be moved in a reproducible manner. Since the upper and lower parts are connected or connectable to each other in a form-and/or force-fitting manner, a compact and mechanically stable arrangement is also provided, which can perform the described movements as desired.

In this context, the term "bendable" particularly refers to an embodiment of the invention in which the bending radius before breaking is 0.25 ° to 180 °, preferably 0.25 ° to 90 °, and the elastic, plastic, highly elastic or highly plastic deformation of the sample receiving unit takes place by means of small irreversible plastic or elastically deformable members. It may also be proposed that the sample receiving unit is separated from the holding housing by bending at the crossing point (which is typically net-shaped) beyond the respective bending radius, thereby breaking the crossing point. Typically, the connection point is designed such that when the lower part is pulled out from the upper part, the sample receiving unit is moved back to its original position, i.e. the position before the lower part is put on, or a position further away from the original position or the position where the sample receiving units are gathered together, so that they can be separated more easily.

The term "rod-shaped" is to be understood in particular in this context as meaning elements whose length is at least 10% greater than their width and/or depth. In particular cylindrical elements or hollow cylindrical elements should be described by the term "rod-shaped".

It can be provided that the lower part has a housing provided with an opening serving as locking means. The sample receiving unit may thus be spatially fixed in a defined manner through the opening. The lower portion is generally disc-shaped or annular.

The sample receiving units may be inserted into the openings of the housing and moved relative to each other by an external force such that the sample receiving units are locked in the openings serving as locking means after insertion to allow the sample receiving device to be securely held in a defined position.

The lower part may have a housing provided with a through opening acting as a locking means, the housing having at least one tapering portion, wherein the lower part may be placed in a translational movement on the at least two sample receiving units such that the tapering shapes on the sides of the at least two sample receiving units arranged by their sides facing the direction of the sample are guided towards each other when inserted into the tapering portion of the lower part. It is also possible to propose that the lower part has a rectilinear extension. Due to the tapering portion of the lower portion, if provided and if the lower portion is formed not only by a portion tapering in the opening direction, the spatial distance of the tapering portion from the holding housing is greater than the straight extension of the lower portion, the guiding of the sample receiving unit is also ensured. The fact that the tips of the sample receiving units are usually in direct contact, i.e. in direct contact with each other, at least in the area of the tips after the translational movement has been performed means that they can be guided through the lower opening and also occupy a relatively small sample volume. In this context, the term "direct contact" is understood to mean not only a distance of 0mm between the tips of the sample receiving units, but also a distance of up to 2mm, typically a small distance of 0.1mm to 1 mm.

The lower portion may have a conically tapered portion, typically a conically tapered bottom, to provide even guidance of the tip of the sample receiving unit.

It may be provided that the linear extension of the lower part is insertable into a corresponding recess of the upper part for establishing an operational readiness of the at least two sample receiving units during the translational movement. This achieves a compact design of the sample receiving device, wherein the translational movement can also be guided in particular by the holding down portion. The straight extension of the lower part may also be configured to taper also in the direction of the tapering part, but this tapering is smaller than the tapering of the tapering part of the lower part. Taper below 5 ° is considered herein to be "straight".

The length of the straight extension of the lower part may correspond to the length of the sample receiving units such that in the basic state the sample receiving units in the lower part are arranged at a distance from each other and at the beginning of the translational movement their tips are immediately brought together by contact with the tapering part. Alternatively or additionally, the length of the sample receiving unit may be selected such that the side of the sample receiving unit facing in the sample direction is located in the region of the opening provided on the lower part. In this context, the area of the opening is to be understood in particular as an area at a distance from the opening which is smaller than the length of the opening.

The lower part is usually guided displaceably in a guide arranged in the upper holding housing and its displacement capacity is preferably limited by at least one stop. This results in a well-defined movement of the sample receiving device from a basic state (in which the upper and lower parts are not pushed together) to a pushed-together state. It is also possible to provide that the lower part and the upper part are connected to each other by means of a plug-in connection. Typically, the lower and upper portions are made of the same material, but different materials may be used for the lower and upper portions. Furthermore, the first and second portions of the lower portion may have the same length.

It is also possible to use a holding device, which is usually designed as a two-part device, as a locking device, by means of which at least two sample receiving units, which are moved by an external force, are clamped in their position. For this purpose, the holding device is preferably attached to or in the connection piece.

It may be provided that the at least one sample receiving unit is in the form of or has a capillary, tube, fiber (preferably hollow fiber), swab, brush, spatula, needle, membrane, spoon, sponge (preferably solid sponge) or rod (preferably screw rod). Thus, different types of sample reception are possible, which may be suitable for the respective application. The sample itself may be in liquid form, as a solid, but may also be a gel. The rod-like or elongated sample receiving unit allows the sample to move in the direction of the opening while leaving a sufficient volume to accommodate the sample.

The upper or first part may have exactly three sample receiving units arranged in a row, the sides of two of the three sample receiving units arranged facing away from the edge of the holding housing being arranged in the first plane in the basic state, and the sides of the sample receiving units arranged centrally with respect to the two laterally arranged sample receiving units facing away from the holding housing being arranged in a second plane different from the first plane and closer to the holding housing in the basic state. In particular, if the lengths of the sample receiving units are adjusted accordingly, a compact, space-saving arrangement can be achieved, wherein after the translational movement has been performed, i.e. in a pushed-together state, all sample receiving units end in one plane, i.e. at the same height. In particular, any arrangement forming a triangle in plan view of the tip, i.e. on the side facing the sample or facing away from the holding housing (wherein the largest interior angle is at least 120 °), shall be regarded herein as being arranged in a row. It may thus be provided that all three sample receiving units are arranged in one plane in a side view and that at least one of the sample receiving units is positioned in a plane deviating from the plane of the other two sample receiving units.

The lower part may have a variable volume cleaning element, preferably a sponge, covering an opening into which the at least two sample receiving units may be inserted. Alternatively, a variable volume cleaning element covering the opening may be placed on the at least two sample receiving units. Thus, at least the outside of the sample receiving unit may be cleaned after each sample collection. The cleaning element is typically displaced with the lower portion so as to slide along the outside of the sample receiving unit. Ideally, these outer sides extend longitudinally downward once. The cleaning element may be made of: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (typically PVC foam), polyurethane (PU) (typically PU foam), nitrile rubber foam, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, soft polyethylene (low density polyethylene, LDPE) (typically LDPE foam), neoprene, expanded polystyrene, silicone rubber foam, polypropylene foam, polyethylene terephthalate foam, cellulose, nitrocellulose or cotton that may form or at least comprise the material.

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

The holding housing or the first part may be formed closed on the side facing away from the at least two sample receiving units in order to increase the mechanical stability and to prevent undesired effects on the sample contained in the sample receiving units or to form a barrier for the received sample.

The locking means of the second part may be funnel-shaped for receiving the first part. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the first and the second part are connected to each other in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner or may be connected to each other in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner. The two parts are or can be connected to each other in a form-fit or force-fit manner, also allowing a compact and mechanically stable arrangement which can be moved as described.

At least the first part together with at least two sample receiving units may be made of or consist of a plastic that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the optically visible wavelength range, i.e. in the wavelength range of 400nm to 700 nm. In this case, "transmissive" is understood to mean that at least 90% of the incident electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the component, so that the user can visually inspect the filling level of the sample receiving unit. This is particularly advantageous in situations where it may be difficult to collect a sample correctly (e.g., when collecting a blood sample from a fingertip). Typically, the first and second portions are formed of the same material, but different materials may be provided for the first and second portions.

The sample receiving unit, or the upper or first portion and the lower or second portion, may be formed of or at least comprise a polymer, metal, rubber, glass, or elastomer. The upper and lower portions are typically made of the same material, but different portions or units may be used. Preferably, the sample receiving units, i.e. the upper and lower parts, are made of polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), cyclic Olefin Polymer (COP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), hard polyethylene (high density polyethylene, HDPE) or soft polyethylene (low density polyethylene, LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (typically PVC foam), polyurethane (PU) (typically PU foam), nitrile rubber foam, ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam, low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) (typically LDPE foam), neoprene, expanded polystyrene, silicone rubber foam, polypropylene foam, or polyethylene terephthalate foam, or at least any of the materials. However, typically, only the lower portion is formed of, typically one of, or consists of, foam or one of, foam and polymer described above, i.e. the upper portion is produced from or preferably from said polymeric material other than foam.

The invention also relates to an embodiment example of a method for sample reception by means of the described sample reception device, wherein at least two sample reception units are guided towards each other by means of an external force or by means of a lower locking device, such that the sides of the at least two sample reception units facing in the sample direction are arranged directly next to each other, locked in this position by means of the locking device, and a single sample is picked up in the at least two sample reception units or with the at least two sample reception units.

In the sample receiving method, in particular the lower part of the described sample receiving device can be moved relative to the upper part such that at least two sample receiving units are inserted into the tapering portion of the lower part and the sides of the at least two sample receiving units facing the sample arrangement are guided towards each other, such that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units facing the sample arrangement are arranged directly adjacent to each other and a single sample is picked up in the at least two sample receiving units.

The invention also relates to an embodiment of the method for collecting a sample by means of the sample receiving device, wherein, when the first part is placed on the second part with its side facing away from the end of the sample receiving device, the bendable connecting piece is bent by means of the shape of the locking device and the ends of the at least two sample receiving units are directed towards each other, such that the ends of the at least two sample receiving units arranged pointing in the direction of the sample are arranged directly next to each other, locked in this position by means of the locking device and a single sample can be received in the at least two sample receiving units or with the at least two sample receiving units.

Drawings

Examples of embodiments of the present invention are shown in the figures and described below with reference to fig. 1-23.

Showing:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of a sample receiving device;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the upper portion shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the upper portion corresponding to FIG. 1, wherein the sample receiving units are clustered together;

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 in the condition shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower portion;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion joined to the lower portion;

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7, wherein the upper and lower portions are pushed into each other;

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 with cleaning elements;

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8 with cleaning elements;

FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7 having a disk-shaped or annular lower portion;

FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 12 with the lower portion in place;

FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7 with a two-part clamping system;

FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 13 with a two-part clamping system attached;

FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 12 of the disc-shaped lower portion and cleaning elements in place;

FIG. 16 is a view corresponding to FIG. 14 with a two-part clamping system and cleaning elements attached;

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first and second portions of the sample receiving device in a separated state;

fig. 18 is a view corresponding to fig. 17 in an assembled state;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a sample receiving device corresponding to FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 corresponding to FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a sample receiving device corresponding to FIGS. 17 and 19;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 corresponding to FIG. 18; and

fig. 23 is an example of an embodiment with a connection mechanism.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of an upper part 1 of a sample receiving device. In the embodiment shown, the integrated upper part 1 comprises a holding shell 3 made of plastic material, which is transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the optically visible wavelength range of 400nm to 700nm, i.e. at least 90% of the incident electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the upper part 1. Alternatively, however, the upper part 1 may also be formed of an opaque material having a transmission of less than 30% for incident electromagnetic radiation in the optically visible wavelength range. Three sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are arranged on the holding housing 3 facing away from the holding housing 3 and each sample receiving unit is connected to the holding housing 3 by a flexible connection 4, 5, 6, i.e. each sample receiving unit is connected to the holding housing 3 by a connection point.

In the illustrated embodiment example, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 and the holding housing 3 are formed of the same material, but it can also be proposed that: different materials are used, or the properties of the materials used in the different elements (e.g. their transparency) are different from each other.

The sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are elongated or rod-shaped and are hollow internally, i.e. hollow cylinders or tubes. However, in further embodiments, the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9 or at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 may also be in the form of a swab, brush, spatula, needle, film, rod, screw, fiber, hollow fiber, spoon, spatula, spoon, sponge or foam. Furthermore, not all sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 need be of the same type; it may also be provided that at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 is of a different type than the other sample receiving units 7, 8, 9. In the example of embodiment shown, the sample receiving units each have a smaller diameter on their side facing away from the holding housing 3 and facing the side to be picked up and subsequently analyzed than on their side facing the holding housing 3. The holding housing 3 itself is open on its side facing away from the sample receiving units 4, 5, 6, but may also be closed in further embodiment examples.

By means of the flexible, i.e. bendable and telescopic, connection 4, 5, 6, the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9 can be bent or rotated to a small extent, whereby the connection 4, 5, 6 is hinge-shaped. Furthermore, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can also be separated from the holding housing 3 by bending the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 beyond the respective bending radius, i.e. the separation connections 4, 5, 6. It can also be provided that the connectors 4, 5, 6 or at least one or both of the connectors 4, 5, 6 are designed such that when the lower part 2 is removed, they are moved back to the original position, i.e. the position reproduced in fig. 1.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the two laterally arranged sample receiving units 7 and 9 are shorter than the centrally arranged sample receiving unit 8, i.e. their length is smaller than the length of the central sample receiving unit 8. Furthermore, the ends of the two laterally arranged sample receiving units 7 and 9 facing away from the holding housing 3 are arranged in the same plane, whereby the ends of the central sample receiving unit 8 are not located in this plane, but in a plane closer to the holding housing 3. The sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 may each have the same design, but different sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 may also be used in pairs. The number is also variable and may comprise, in addition to the three sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 shown, only two sample receiving units or more than two sample receiving units, for example up to ten sample receiving units. The length of the sample receiving unit is typically in the range 1mm to 20mm, preferably 8mm to 14 mm.

The sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 shown are each designed as a capillary tube for holding a liquid sample in the milliliter range (e.g. a droplet of a specific liquid to be analyzed, such as a blood droplet of a fingertip), and may preferably hold a sample volume of 0.25 to 25 μl, particularly preferably 1 to 20 μl. Regardless of the exact number of sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, each of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 typically has the same internal volume or an internal cavity having the same volume, i.e. the same large sample volume can be maintained in each of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9. However, in further embodiments, the sample volume of at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 may also be different from the volumes of the other sample receiving units 8, 7, 9. However, it is also possible to accommodate samples which are present as solids, such as particles, powders or other bulk materials, or samples in gel form. Although the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are rigid in the embodiment shown, they may be flexible themselves in further embodiments.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of the described upper part 1, whereby the upper part 1 can now be seen from below, i.e. similarly from the point of view of the sample to be picked up. In the present figures and the following figures, the elements that repeatedly appear have the same reference numerals. The sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are arranged in rows, i.e. their lower tips form an isosceles triangle, with an angle at the sample receiving unit 8 of more than 120 °.

Fig. 3 shows the upper part 1 with the joined sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 in a view corresponding to fig. 1, i.e. each of these sample receiving units is bent at its web-shaped connection 4, 5, 6 and their tips are guided together such that they are in direct contact with each other. In this position, all tips are also at the same height, i.e. all tips end in one plane, at which position a sample may be taken, and a portion or an aliquot may be contained in each of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

Fig. 4 shows the combined state shown in fig. 3 in a view corresponding to fig. 2, wherein in practice a common suction tip is formed by three tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

The perspective view in fig. 5 shows a one-piece or unitary lower part 2 that matches the upper part 1 shown in fig. 1 to 4. The housing 11 of the lower part 2 is also made of the material of the upper part 1 and has a straight first portion 12 and a tapered second portion 13, the second portion 13 being connected to the first portion 12 in a form-fitting manner. The first part 12 is hollow in its interior and in the embodiment shown has a length corresponding to the length of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, so that the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can be received inside the first part 12 without changing their position relative to each other. The first portion 12 may be formed to taper in the direction of the second portion 13, but in this case the pitch angle of the taper is smaller than the corresponding pitch angle in the second portion 13. In the embodiment example shown in fig. 4, the pitch angle of the first section 12 is 0 ° (but may be up to 5 °) and the pitch angle of the second section 13 is 45 ° due to its straight design.

The second part 13 also has a cavity and finally an elongated opening 10 inside, thus forming a through opening of the housing 11, i.e. the lower part 2, which is open on both sides. However, the second portion 13 is conically tapered in the direction of the opening 10. In the housing 11, a recess 15 is laterally provided in the first part 12, which recess 15 can be inserted onto a corresponding guide part of the upper part 1, so that the lower part 2 can be displaced along the guide and can be filled in the upper part 1. When such a translational movement is performed between the upper part 1 and the lower part 2, the tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are moved towards each other by the second part 13 of the lower part 2 and finally appear again at the opening 10, thereby forming a defined position of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 for sample reception.

In fig. 6, the lower part 2 is shown in a cross-section corresponding to fig. 5 for ease of illustration. Here, it can now be seen more clearly that the diameter decreases in the direction of the opening 10, by means of which the tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are guided towards each other to slide along the inner surface. To this end, the inner surface of the second portion 13 is smooth, i.e. free of steps, to allow an unobstructed sliding of the tip.

Fig. 7 shows the assembled state of the lower part 2 and the upper part 1 in a perspective sectional view. The lower part 2 is placed on the upper part 1 such that the first part 12 only encloses the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, but does not move them from their initial position spaced apart from the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

Fig. 8 shows the state after moving the lower part 2 in the direction of the upper part 1 (and vice versa) in a view corresponding to fig. 7. In this case, the lower part 2 is inserted into a recess in the upper part 1 such that the first part 12 is located inside the holding shell 3 and surrounded by the holding shell 3, while the second part 13 is located outside the holding shell 3. In this pushed-together state, the tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 protrude from the opening 10 and form a common suction tip, which is also mechanically fixed by the opening 10. The lower part 2 and the upper part 1 can thus be connected to each other in a form-fitting or force-fitting connection. Furthermore, a stop may be provided on the upper part 1 or the lower part 2 to stop the translational movement between the two parts 12 and 13 at a defined position.

Thus, a sample receiving device is provided as a generally disposable consumable that can passively collect a portion or aliquot from a single sample, either manually or automatically, in a single step. The collected portion of the sample may then be further analyzed. The fact that the individual sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can also be separated from the holding housing 3 means that each partial sample can be further processed and analyzed separately, thereby improving the diagnostic potential. The described device allows even small sample amounts to be obtained even with as little variation in sample material as possible, while achieving a high homogenization of the partial samples by collecting the partial samples from a single raw sample. Furthermore, unnecessary stress on the patient due to multiple sample collections, such as when collecting samples from fingertips, is avoided. Due to the proper design of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, e.g. as capillaries, the device does not require active components such as complex microfluidics and can be easily operated by hand if required without further complex devices.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the lower part 2 in a view corresponding to fig. 5, wherein the opening 10 is now covered by a cleaning element 14, for example a sponge, which cleaning element 14 fills at least the opening 10 and is arranged inside the housing 11 or outside the housing 11. The cleaning elements 14 may alternatively or additionally be arranged in the second portion 13 or the first portion 12. The cleaning element 14 may also be a single piece, i.e. consist of a single piece or of a whole, but it may also be formed of several separate parts, which parts may however also be connected to each other, e.g. welded together. When said relative movement of the upper part 1 and the lower part 2 is performed, the cleaning element 14 moves along and cleans the outside of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9. Thus, after receiving the sample, cleaning is also performed when the lower part 2 and the upper part 1 are pulled apart and the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are spatially separated from each other, wherein the sample is picked up in the cleaning element and the outside is cleaned. Fig. 10 shows the collapsed state in a view corresponding to fig. 8.

The use of a variable volume cleaning element 14 is particularly advantageous when the user of the sample receiving device may be subjected to special training in laboratory work and is therefore not sufficiently or not at all familiar with the rules for cleaning the sample reception. In the case of samples which are subject to time-critical demands for analysis due to ongoing biological or chemical processes (e.g. urine), a faster analysis can be performed, since external cleaning is already performed during the extraction process. Furthermore, the cleaning element 14 also avoids contamination of the inner wall of the lower part 2 and of course of the outer side of the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9, so that reproducibility is increased due to the cleaned sample container and only the desired sample is contained in the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9 with a higher probability and also increases the safety of the user, since unintentional contact with the sample is avoided.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the described upper part 1 corresponding to fig. 7, however, now a disc-shaped or ring-shaped lower part 2 is to be mounted thereon. For this purpose, the disk-shaped lower part 2 has an opening 10 which is arranged centrally as described above, but the height of the lower part 2 is now significantly smaller than its length or width, typically at most 10% of the length or width. The sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are moved by external force (e.g. manually or by another machine) along the connectors 4, 5, 6 to a desired position where their tips are in contact with each other and locked or fixed in this position by inserting the opening 10, i.e. by placing the lower part 2 on top. In this case, a form-fitting or force-fitting connection can in turn be formed between the upper part 1 and the lower part 2. Fig. 12 shows the upper part 1 and the attached lower part 2 of the embodiment described in fig. 11.

As an alternative to the locking means, retaining means in the form of two clamps 16 can also be used as the lower part 2, as shown in the perspective view of fig. 13 corresponding to fig. 7. In this case, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are moved to desired positions by external force as shown in the example of embodiment reproduced in fig. 11 and 12, and are fixed in the positions by two jigs 16 as shown in the respective views in fig. 14. A particular advantage of this design is that different distances between the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can be provided. In other embodiments, only a single clip 16 may be used, or both clips may be of unitary design, i.e., include only a single component.

Fig. 15 and 16 reproduce the embodiment shown in fig. 12 and 14, but now the cleaning element 14 is placed on the tip of the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9. For this purpose, the cleaning element 14 need not be integrated in the lower part 2, but can also be present as a separate component.

Fig. 17 shows a schematic cross-section of a first part 1 (e.g. lower part) and a second part 2 (e.g. upper part) of a sample receiving device. The first part 1 has three rod-shaped sample receiving units 7, 8 and 9 arranged side by side. A flexible connection 17 in the form of a hinge is arranged centrally between each of the two adjacent sample receiving units 7, 8 and 9. In the basic state shown in fig. 17, the ends or tips of the sample receiving units 7, 8 and 9 facing away from the bendable joint 17, i.e. the ends facing in the direction of the sample to be received, are spatially separated.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 17, the sample receiving units 7, 8 and 9 are arranged in a row and the sides of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 facing the sample are arranged in one plane. The sample receiving units 7, 8 and 9 have the same length, but in further embodiments may also be designed such that at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8 and 9 has a different length than the other sample receiving units 7, 8, 9. Similarly, the side of the first part 1 facing away from the sample is arranged in a plane in the basic state. The side of the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9 facing away from the sample (i.e. the side on which the bendable connection 17 is also provided) is closed, whereas the sample receiving unit 8, 7 is designed as a capillary tube and has an opening on its side facing the sample. The number of sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 is also variable and may comprise only two sample receiving units or more than two sample receiving units, e.g. up to ten sample receiving units, in addition to the three sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 shown. The length of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 is typically in the range 1mm to 20mm, preferably 8mm to 14 mm.

The sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 shown are each designed as a capillary for holding a liquid sample in the milliliter range (e.g. a droplet of a specific liquid to be analyzed, such as a blood droplet of a fingertip), and may preferably hold a sample volume of 0.25 to 25 μl, particularly preferably 1 to 20 μl. Regardless of the exact number of sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, each of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 typically has the same internal volume or an internal cavity having the same volume, i.e. the same large sample volume can be maintained in each of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9. However, in further embodiments, the sample volume of at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 may also be different from the volumes of the other sample receiving units 8, 7, 9. However, it is also possible to receive samples which are present as solids, for example granules, powders or other bulk materials, or to receive samples which are gel-like. Although the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are rigid in the embodiment shown, they may be flexible themselves in further embodiments.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 17, the second part 2 is made of the same material as the first part 1, but in other embodiments it may also be made of a different material. The second part 2 has locking means designed such that when the first part 1 is placed on the second part 2 with its side facing away from the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, the bendable joint 17 is bent by the shape of the locking means (in the example shown a funnel-shaped recess) and the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are tilted to each other.

As shown in the view of fig. 18 corresponding to fig. 17, in the assembled state the first part 1 and the second part 2 are in direct contact with each other and the tips or ends of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 pointing in the direction of the sample to be received (or at least part of the volume or aliquot of the sample) are in direct contact with each other. At the intersection of the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, the sample (typically a liquid) to be picked up may be positioned and from there enter the capillary. The form-fitting connection of the first part 1 and the second part 2 secures the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 in place.

As already explained, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are elongated or rod-shaped and are hollow internally, i.e. capillary or hollow cylinder or tube. However, in further embodiments, the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9 or at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 may also be in the form of a swab, brush, spatula, needle, film, rod, screw, fiber, hollow fiber, spoon, spatula, spoon, sponge, or foam. Furthermore, not all sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 need be of the same type; it may also be provided that at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 is of a different type than the other sample receiving units 7, 8, 9. In the embodiment shown, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 each have a smaller diameter on their side facing away from the bendable joint 17 and facing the sample to be picked up and subsequently analyzed than on their side facing the bendable joint 17.

By means of the flexible, i.e. bendable and telescopic, connection 17, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can be bent or rotated to a small extent, whereby the connection 17 is hinge-shaped. Furthermore, the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can also be separated from each other by bending the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 beyond the respective bending radius, i.e. breaking the connection 17. It may also be provided that the connection 17 or at least one or both of the connections 17 are configured such that when the first part 1 is removed from the second part 2 they are moved back to the original position, i.e. the position reproduced in fig. 1.

In fig. 19, a side view corresponding to fig. 17 shows another embodiment, in which the first part 1 has three rod-shaped sample receiving units 7, 8 and 9 arranged side by side. A bendable connection 17 in the form of a hinge is again arranged centrally between two adjacent ones of the sample receiving units 7, 8 and 9. In this case, the second part 2 is designed as a bendable board on which a bendable region 20 is arranged corresponding to the bendable joint 17, which bendable region 20 may have the same mechanical properties as the bendable joint 17 of the first part 1. In fig. 20, the sample receiving device is shown in an assembled state, i.e. the first part 1 and the second part 2 are connected to each other, in which the bendable joint 17 and the bendable region 20 are each bent outwards and the first part and the second part are held together by friction, adhesive connection or a combination of both.

Fig. 21 shows a further embodiment in a view corresponding to fig. 1 and 3, wherein the second part has a bolt-shaped projection 18 in comparison with the embodiment shown in fig. 3, which projection 18 can be inserted into a corresponding recess of the first part 1. Fig. 22 shows a preformed second part 2, after which the first part 1 can be placed on the second part 2 and secured again by adhesive connection and/or by a connection maintained by friction between the protrusion 18 and the recess in which the protrusion 18 is inserted.

Fig. 23 shows a possible design of this recess 19 in a lateral cross-section of fig. 23 b), whereas in fig. 23 a) the bolt-shaped projection 18 is shown as a hollow body. In fig. 23 c) the two elements are assembled, wherein the stop 21 on the recess 19 now limits the movement of the recess 18. Thus, in the embodiment example shown, the second part 2 is inserted into the first part 1.

Thus, a sample receiving device is provided as a generally disposable consumable that can passively collect a portion or aliquot from a single sample, either manually or automatically, in a single step. The collected portion of the sample may then be further analyzed. Due to the fact that the different sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 can also be separated from each other, each partial sample can be further processed and analyzed separately, thereby improving the diagnostic potential. The described device allows even small sample amounts to be obtained with as little variation of the sample substance as possible, while achieving a high homogenization of the partial samples by collecting the partial samples from a single raw sample. Furthermore, unnecessary stress on the patient due to multiple sample collections, such as when collecting samples from fingertips, is avoided. Due to the proper design of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, e.g. as capillaries, the device does not require active components such as complex microfluidics and can be easily operated by hand if required without further complex devices.

The described device or the corresponding sample collection method using the sample receiving device may be used in the medical or veterinary field, but may also be used industrially or for food analysis, such as beverage or ecological analysis. The described device is particularly advantageous in that sample loss (which should generally be avoided), sample smear (which may lead to erroneous measurements), and user contact with potentially infectious or other deleterious samples are completely or largely avoided.

In particular, the invention also relates to the following aspects:

in a first aspect, a sample receiving device with an upper part 1 and a lower part 2, which upper part 1 and lower part 2 can be connected to each other in a form-and/or force-fitting manner, the upper part 1 having a holding housing 3, at least two sample receiving units 7, 8,9 which are arranged on the holding housing 3 and are each connected to the holding housing 3 by means of a bendable connection 4, 5, 6, respectively, which sample receiving units 7, 8,9 are arranged spatially apart from each other in a basic state, and the lower part 2 having a locking device which is designed such that the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8,9 can be guided towards each other by external forces or by means of the locking device of the lower part 2, such that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8,9 which are arranged pointing in the direction of a sample are arranged directly adjacent to each other, are locked in this position by means of the locking device, and can receive a sample in the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8,9 or at least two sample receiving units 7, 8,9 individually by means of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

In a second aspect, the sample receiving device according to the first aspect, wherein the lower part 2 comprises a housing 11, the housing 11 being provided with an opening 10 serving as the locking means.

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

In a fourth aspect, the sample receiving device according to any of the aspects 1-3, wherein the lower part 2 comprises a housing 11, which housing 11 is provided with a through opening 10 serving as locking means, which housing 11 has at least one tapering portion 13, wherein the lower part 2 can be placed in a translational movement on the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 such that the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are guided towards each other by tapering shapes on the sides on which they are arranged to point in the sample direction when introduced into the tapering portion 13 of the lower part 2.

In a fifth aspect, the sample receiving device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the tapered portion of the lower portion 2 is configured as a conically tapered portion 13.

In a sixth aspect, the sample receiving device according to any one of aspects 2-5, wherein the lower part 2 comprises a rectilinear extension 12 and wherein the rectilinear extension 12 of the lower part 2 is insertable into a corresponding recess of the upper part 1 for establishing an operational readiness state of the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 during a translational movement.

In a seventh aspect, the sample receiving device according to any of aspects 2-6, wherein the length of the straight extension 12 of the lower part 2 corresponds to the length of the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9 and/or the length of the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9 is selected such that the side of the sample receiving unit 7, 8, 9 facing in the sample direction is arranged in the area of an opening 10 provided on the lower part 2.

In an eighth aspect, the sample receiving device according to any of aspects 2-7, wherein the lower part 2 is movably guided in a guide arranged in the holding housing 3 of the upper part 1 and is preferably limited in its ability to move by at least one stop.

In a ninth aspect, the sample receiving device according to the first aspect, wherein the lower part 2 comprises as locking means preferably two-part holding means by which the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9, which are moved by an external force, are clamped in place.

In a tenth aspect, the sample receiving device according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one of the sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 is in the form of or is formed of a capillary, tube, fiber (preferably hollow fiber), swab, brush, spatula, needle, membrane, spoon, sponge (preferably solid sponge), or rod (preferably screw rod).

In an eleventh aspect, the sample receiving device according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the upper part 1 comprises exactly three sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 arranged in a row, and the arrangement of two sample receiving units 7, 9 of the three sample receiving units is arranged in a first plane in a basic state at a side facing away from the edge of the holding housing 3, and the side of the sample receiving unit 8 arranged centrally with respect to the two laterally arranged sample receiving units 7, 9 facing away from the holding housing 3 is arranged in a second plane different from the first plane and closer to the holding housing 3 in the basic state.

In a twelfth aspect, the sample receiving device according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the lower part 2 comprises a variable volume cleaning element 14, preferably a sponge, covering the opening 10, into which opening 10 at least two sample receiving units 7, 8 can be inserted, or a variable volume cleaning element 14 covering the opening 10 can be placed on the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

In a thirteenth aspect, the sample receiving device according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the holding housing 3 is formed closed on the side facing away from the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

In a fourteenth aspect, a method for sample collection by a sample receiving device according to any of the aspects 1-13, wherein the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 are guided towards each other by an external force or by a locking means of the lower part 2 such that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 arranged facing in the sample direction are arranged directly adjacent to each other, locked in this position by the locking means and are able to receive a single sample in the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9 or to receive a single sample with the at least two sample receiving units 7, 8, 9.

In a fifteenth aspect, a method for sample collection, wherein the lower part 2 of the sample receiving device according to any of aspects 4 to 8 or 10 to 13 is moved relative to the upper part 1 such that at least two sample receiving units 7,8,9 are inserted into the tapered part 13 of the lower part 2 and the sides of the at least two sample receiving units 7,8,9 arranged facing in the sample direction are directed towards each other, such that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units 7,8,9 arranged facing in the sample direction are arranged directly adjacent to each other and a single sample is collected in the at least two sample receiving units 7,8, 9.

Features of the various embodiments disclosed only in the examples of embodiment may be combined and individually claimed.

Claims

1. A sample receiving device, comprising:

a first part (1) and a second part (2),

wherein the first part (1) has at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) in the form of rods, the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) being connected to each other by a bendable connection (17),

the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing away from the bendable connection (17) are spatially separated from each other in the basic state,

Wherein the second part (2) has a locking device designed such that, when the first part (1) is placed on the second part (2) with its side facing away from the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9), the bendable connection (17) is bent by the shape of the locking device and the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) can be guided towards each other, whereby,

the sides of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing in the sample direction are arranged directly adjacent to each other, are locked in this position by the locking means, and are able to receive a single sample in the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) or to receive a single sample with the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9).

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

3. Sample receiving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bendable connection (17) is arranged centrally between the two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9).

4. The sample receiving device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) is in the form of a capillary, tube, fiber, preferably hollow fiber, swab, brush, spatula, needle, membrane, spoon, sponge, preferably solid sponge, or rod, preferably screw rod, or has a capillary, tube, fiber, preferably hollow fiber, swab, brush, spatula, needle, membrane, spoon, sponge, preferably solid sponge, or rod, preferably screw rod.

5. Sample receiving device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (1) has exactly three sample receiving units (7, 8, 9), the three sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) being arranged in a row, and that the sides of the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing the sample are arranged in one plane in a basic state, one sample receiving unit (8) being arranged centrally between two sample receiving units (7, 9) being connected to an adjacent sample receiving unit (7, 9) by a bendable connection (17).

6. Sample receiving device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (1) is formed closed at a side facing away from the tips of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9), the tips of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) being arranged facing in the direction of the sample.

7. The sample receiving device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means of the second part (2) is funnel-shaped for receiving the first part (1).

8. The sample receiving device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (1) and the second part (2) are connectable to each other in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner.

9. The sample receiving device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (1) with the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) is formed of a plastic material, which is transparent for electromagnetic radiation in the optically visible wavelength range.

10. The sample receiving device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

as an upper part of the first part (1) and as a lower part of the second part (2), the upper part and the lower part can be connected to each other in a form-and/or force-fitting manner, wherein,

the upper part (1) has a holding housing (3), the rod-shaped at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) or the bendable at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are arranged on the holding housing (3) and are connected to the holding housing (3) by bendable connections (4, 5, 6), respectively,

the rod-shaped at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) or the bendable at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are spatially separated from each other in the basic state,

wherein the lower part (2) comprises a locking device designed such that the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) can be guided towards each other by an external force or by the locking device of the lower part (2), such that the sides of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing in the direction of the sample are arranged directly adjacent to each other, locked in this position by the locking device and can receive a single sample in the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) or with the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9).

11. A sample receiving device according to claim 10, wherein the lower part (2) comprises a housing (11), the housing (11) being provided with an opening (10) acting as a locking means.

12. Sample receiving device according to claim 11, characterized in that the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are insertable into the openings (10) of the housing (11) and are movable relative to each other by an external force such that the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are locked in the openings (10) acting as locking means after insertion.

13. Sample receiving device according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that the lower part (2) has a housing (11), which housing (11) is provided with a through opening (10) serving as a locking means and with at least one tapering portion (13), wherein the lower part (2) is placed in a translationally movable manner on the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) such that the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are guided towards each other by tapering shapes on the side arranged to point in the direction of the sample when being introduced into the tapering portion (13) of the lower part (2).

14. Sample receiving device according to claim 13, characterized in that the tapering portion of the lower part (2) is designed as a conical tapering portion (13).

15. The sample receiving device according to any one of claims 11-14, characterized in that the lower part (2) comprises a rectilinear extension (12), and that the rectilinear extension (12) of the lower part (2) is insertable into a corresponding recess of the upper part (1) for establishing an operational readiness state of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) during the translational movement.

16. Sample receiving device according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that the length of the straight extension (12) of the lower part (2) corresponds to the length of the sample receiving unit (7, 8, 9) and/or the length of the sample receiving unit (7, 8, 9) is selected such that the side of the sample receiving unit (7, 8, 9) facing in the direction of the sample is arranged in the area of the opening (10) provided on the lower part (2).

17. Sample receiving device according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that the lower part (2) is movably guided in a guide arranged in the holding housing (3) of the upper part (1) and is limited in its ability to move, preferably by at least one stop.

18. Sample receiving device according to claim 10, characterized in that the lower part (2) has a preferably two-part holding means as locking means, by means of which the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) moved by external force are clamped in place.

19. Sample receiving device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (1) has exactly three sample receiving units (7, 8, 9), the three sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) being arranged in a row, and that the arrangement of two sample receiving units (7, 9) arranged at the edge of the three sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) is arranged in a first plane in the basic state on the side facing away from the holding housing (3), and that the side of the sample receiving unit (8) arranged centrally with respect to the two laterally arranged sample receiving units (7, 9) facing away from the holding housing (3) is arranged in a second plane different from the first plane and closer to the holding housing (3) in the basic state.

20. Sample receiving device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (2) has a variable volume cleaning element (14), preferably a sponge, covering the opening (10), into which opening (10) the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) can be inserted, or a variable volume cleaning element (14) covering the opening (10) can be placed on the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9).

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

22. A method for receiving a sample by means of a sample receiving device according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, when the first part (1) is placed with its side facing away from the ends of the sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) on the second part (2), the bendable connection (17) is bent by means of the shape of the locking means and the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are guided towards each other such that the ends of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) arranged facing in the direction of the sample are arranged directly adjacent to each other, locked in this position by means of the locking means and a single sample can be received in the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) or with the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9).

23. Method of receiving a sample by means of a sample receiving device according to any of claims 10-21, wherein the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are guided towards each other by external forces or by the locking means of the lower part (2) such that sides of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are arranged directly adjacent to each other, locked in this position by the locking means and a single sample is received in the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) or a single sample is received with the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9).

24. A method for receiving a sample, wherein the lower part (2) of a sample receiving device according to any one of claims 13 to 17 or 19 to 21 is moved relative to the upper part (1) such that the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) are introduced into the tapering portion (13) of the lower part (2) and sides of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) arranged facing in the direction of the sample are directed towards each other such that sides of the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9) facing in the direction of the sample are arranged directly adjacent to each other and a single sample is received in the at least two sample receiving units (7, 8, 9).