DE102019109169A1 - Sample carrier and sample feed device as well as sample feed method - Google Patents

Abstract

Shown and described is a sample carrier for an analysis device with a plurality of sample holders for receiving samples, wherein the samples can be released individually via the underside of the sample carrier when in use. It is provided according to the invention that the sample holders can be transferred from a holding state into a release state for releasing the contained sample by mechanical actuation from the top of the sample carrier. A corresponding sample feed device, a sample feed system and a sample feed method are also described.

Description

The invention relates to a sample carrier for an analysis device, wherein the samples can be released individually via the underside of the sample carrier when in use. The invention further relates to a sample feed device for an analysis device and a sample feed system. Furthermore, the invention comprises a sample supply method for providing samples to an analysis device, the samples being arranged in sample holders of a sample holder, the sample holder being coupled to a carrying arrangement, the samples being released to the analysis device by actuating the sample holder by means of a release device.

In laboratories for substance analysis, the need for the highest possible throughput of analyzed samples is increasing with regard to economy. This is especially true in large laboratories. In order to accelerate the analysis process and the associated increase in throughput, the approach is usually taken to automate the largest possible number of steps of the examination process that were originally carried out manually. In addition to an automatically controlled sequence of the actual analysis and a generally software-based evaluation of the analysis results, attempts have long been made in the area of the sample feed to the analyzer to largely automate the mechanical processes required for this. In this context, however, a large number of preparation steps are difficult to automate.

Frequently, the sampling takes place at a different location than the later analysis. The samples taken are first sent to a laboratory where they are analyzed. The compilation of the samples into groups of an analysis run and the corresponding integration into the workflow in the laboratory is expediently usually carried out manually.

A critical point is always the coupling of the prepared samples with the analyzer. In this context, it is desirable to provide the samples to the analysis device for further processing with as little effort as possible, for example by inserting them into a sample magazine. In some cases it is also possible to prepare the samples away from the analyzer and to store them in a sample holder.

The prepared magazine therefore only has to be inserted into a feed device from which the samples are made available to the analysis device and examined by the latter. Depending on the type of analysis, the sample must first be passed through a lock before the examination, for example to ensure that ambient air is excluded. Such a requirement, however, generally makes the sample feeding very complex in terms of construction.

A compromise has to be found in each case between a sufficiently simple handling for the user and the constructive consideration of all aspects that have to be considered for correct sample processing. The latter often leads to technically demanding solutions, particularly in automatic systems.

A known approach of a corresponding sample feed consists, for example, in a carousel-like arrangement of individual samples on or in a magazine disk. The samples are inserted into openings in the disk through which they can slide as a result of gravity. In order to select only one sample at a time, the disk with the samples is rotatably arranged on a further disk or plate with a single recess. By rotating the magazine disc, a specific sample is brought into line with the recess in the plate below, so that the sample can slide out of the opening of the disc.

If necessary, this system is supplemented by an additional release device, which is intended to prevent a sample from leaving the magazine disc as soon as it reaches the aforementioned recess. For this purpose, the release device is designed, for example, as a displaceable blocking element with a further opening which is brought under said recess in order to release the sample. In order to actually release the sample, at least three elements have to be brought into vertical cover, namely the sample itself, the recess in the plate and the opening of the blocking element. This shows the disadvantage of complex mechanics due to the multi-part construction with this principle. In addition, such systems are generally to be loaded with the samples directly on the analytical device or on a connected feed device if a complicated assembly of the device with samples already used is to be avoided.

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to facilitate sample preparation and handling of prepared samples in connection with the analysis of samples. Furthermore, a high flexibility with regard to the selection of the samples to be analyzed after the preparation should be guaranteed.

The above task is carried out by a sample carrier with the characteristics of the object of claim 1, a sample delivery device according to claim 6 and by a sample delivery system according to claim 9 and a sample delivery method with the features according to claim 10. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The present invention is based on the principle of combining the essential aspects which are important for the provision and targeted release of samples for an analysis in a sample carrier. As a result, a structurally complex structure with an interaction of a large number of different components can be dispensed with, which is associated with a high production outlay and a comparatively high susceptibility to errors. The sample carrier according to the invention comprises a plurality of sample holders which serve to hold samples. In contrast to known approaches, the sample holder can be operated mechanically from the top of the sample carrier in order to release the samples contained. This can be done, for example, by pushing the sample holder in or out of the sample holder. Due to the mechanical actuation, the sample holders are each transferred from a holding state, in which a sample that may be contained is held or retained, to a release state in which the sample can leave the sample holder and is released to an analysis device via the underside of the sample carrier.

In principle, neither a rotary movement of the sample carrier nor the transverse movement of a locking element below the sample carrier is required to release the samples. A purely linear movement of the sample holder, which is moved by a release device arranged above the sample carrier, is particularly sufficient. The linear movement of the sample holder is preferably in the vertical direction when in use. Thus, after the release of gravity, a sample is subsequently fed to an analysis device arranged below the sample carrier or below a sample feed device with the sample carrier. In addition to a lower structural complexity of the structure, the solution according to the invention has the additional advantage of being able to design a corresponding sample supply device in a comparatively small size.

A suitable release device for actuating the sample holder can comprise, for example, one or more linearly movable plungers. It is then sufficient to press the respective sample holder with the sample to be released by means of the pestle from the top of the sample holder. The sample held in the sample holder is then released via the underside of the sample holder.

The sample carrier according to the invention is designed to independently hold back the samples held due to its construction and to only release them after the individual sample holders have been actuated. Since no additional components are required to hold the samples in the sample carrier, preparation of the samples, i. H. the filling of the sample holder with the substances to be analyzed is prepared apart from a corresponding sample supply device and in particular away from the analysis device. Due to the construction according to the invention, it is readily possible to transport the sample carrier including the samples it contains and to couple it to the analysis device in a simple manner.

Basically, several sample carriers can be prepared in the same way and only have to be coupled as a whole to the analyzer in order to carry out a further series of analyzes. For this purpose, a sample carrier of a corresponding sample supply device can be replaced, in particular, by another sample carrier.

The simplified handling of the sample carrier according to the invention simplifies the workflow in a laboratory environment overall. In this context, it is particularly advantageous that the sample preparation and the actual analysis can take place independently of one another, at different times and at different locations. In this way, the processes in the laboratory can also be optimized in many ways.

The sample carrier is preferably formed essentially in one piece. In the present context, this means that no further components are required which act on a base body of the sample holder from the outside in order to prevent the samples or sample holder from leaving the sample holder.

This further simplifies the handling of the sample holder as such and the sample preparation in general. Instead of complex assembly of several components, a one-piece sample carrier can be easily loaded with samples, transported and coupled with an analysis device or a sample feed device. Preferably, no further manipulation of the sample carrier has to take place for coupling to a sample feed device, so that it only has to be placed on a carrying arrangement, for example.

The individual sample holders preferably have an axially extending inner channel. The channel thus forms an internal cavity, which is filled with a sample in particular from above can be. Through a radially branching outlet, the sample can leave the sample holder when released. The axial channel thus in particular does not run continuously from the upper end of the sample holder to its lower end, so that inserted samples would fall through if the sample holder were arranged vertically, provided that no additional lock is provided. If the sample holder is seated in a closely surrounding guide path in the main body of the sample holder, its side walls close the radial outlet of the sample holder. If such a sample holder is in a holding state, the outlet through which the sample contained can leave the interior of the sample holder is closed due to the position of the sample holder in the sample holder. Only after the sample holder has been moved from the holding position into a release position is the blockage of the exit released and the sample thus released and usually transported to the analysis device. The sample is therefore held securely in the sample holder as long as it remains in the carrier. A defined ejection in a certain and also selectable radial direction takes place only when the sample holder is actuated, ie in particular through a linear, axial movement of the sample holder by exerting force from the top of the sample holder.

It is preferably not necessary to use a separate closure means to hold the sample in the sample holder until it is released. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sample holder automatically returns to the holding state after actuation. This can be done, for example, by a return spring, against the force of which the actuation takes place from the holding state to the released state. It is thus ensured that the sample is only released if the sample holder is activated or activated. Otherwise, the safe retention of the samples used in the sample holders is guaranteed in the sense of a self-locking system.

The sample holder according to the invention can in particular be designed in such a way that an essentially flush surface on the underside of the sample holder results when all sample holders are in the holding state. In this case, none of the sample holders protrude beyond the underside of the sample holder, but all sample holders are completely arranged in the sample holder. A smooth surface on the underside of the sample holder allows it to be placed on other surfaces in a horizontal position. Furthermore, sliding is facilitated when moving on a surface, for example moving or rotating. This applies in particular when the sample carrier according to the invention is arranged on a support arrangement of a sample feed device. An aligned surface without protruding elements has an extremely low potential that when moving on a smooth or also on a rough surface, disturbances in the movement occur due to bumping, sticking or other locking. Another advantage is that a surface that is normally aligned on the underside of the sample holder can be used to immediately see whether all the sample holders are in the holding state. In the event that one or more sample holders are erroneously in the release state, for example if a possibly existing return spring is broken, this can be easily recognized from the fact that the sample holder concerned protrudes beyond the otherwise aligned surface.

The sample carrier according to the invention can in particular have a cross section which is circular in plan view. This gives the sample holder a shape that is particularly suitable for practical use. In this case, the sample holder can in particular be arranged like a carousel. A symmetry results from the circular cross-section and possibly a carousel-like arrangement of the sample holder, by means of which the interaction of the release device of a sample supply device with the sample holder or the sample holders of the sample holder is greatly simplified. In particular, in order to select a sample to be released, the release device does not have to be moved to the respective sample holder. Rather, it is sufficient to arrange the release device above a sample holder and to select a sample to be released by rotating the sample carrier. In comparison to a linear arrangement on a sample carrier with an elongated or rectangular cross section, this enables a particularly space-saving design of the sample carrier.

The sample holders are preferably arranged in or on the sample carrier along a circle. An equidistant arrangement of the sample holder along the circular arc is preferred, although not absolutely necessary according to the invention. The center of the circle on which the sample holder is arranged preferably corresponds to the axis of rotation of the sample carrier in the state of use, i. H. when the sample carrier is coupled to a sample delivery device. In particular, it is also possible to arrange the sample holder in a plurality of preferably concentrically arranged circles. This results in a particularly efficient use of space by the sample holder.

In a further embodiment of the sample carrier, the sample holders can be arranged in an azimuthally non-periodic and in particular randomized manner. This means that along a circle with a certain radius of the arrangement of the sample holder is not repeated in a fixed periodic manner along the axis of rotation of the sample carrier. It is understood that this criterion relates to repetitions with a period length of less than one full cycle. The advantage of a non-periodic arrangement of the sample holder over the surface of the sample carrier is that in this case, for example, a clear selection of certain samples can be made by placing perforated templates or appropriately designed cover plates. As long as such a template is placed, only the released sample holder is accessible to the release device. If such a template is placed imprecisely or slides or rotates unintentionally, a non-periodic arrangement of the sample holder ensures that no samples are selected that are not intended for analysis. By means of a suitable arrangement of the sample holder and a corresponding configuration of the template, it can be achieved that only a complete set of sample holders can be actuated with a specific template in the sense of an unambiguous assignment. If the template is placed incorrectly, in this case at least one hole in the template does not match a sample holder underneath. This indicates an incorrect placement or incorrect assignment of the template to a specific sample holder.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the individual sample holder, the latter has an anti-rotation device, so that the ejection direction is always maintained when the sample is released in the radial direction. If the feed device with which the sample carrier according to the invention is coupled has a carrying arrangement in which the sample is transported further along a certain path to the analysis device, then the sample holder is secured against rotation so that the sample is always released in accordance with this path. A malfunction during operation is therefore almost impossible. The anti-rotation device can be designed as a section with a polygonal cross section. A corresponding shape of the guide channel of the sample holder for the sample holder provides an exclusive possibility of an axial movement of the sample holder while its rotation is blocked. It is usually not necessary to design the sample holder with a polygonal cross-section over its entire length. As a rule, a single section is sufficient, for example at the upper end of the sample holder. For reasons of simpler production, the predominant part of the sample holder can, for example, have an essentially cylindrical shape.

To move the sample holder, the latter can have an entrainment profile, in particular on the underside. In particular, in the case of a substantially one-piece design of the sample carrier or the base body of the sample carrier, the coupling to a support arrangement of a sample feed device is simplified. If the support arrangement or the sample feed device has a corresponding transport device, the sample carrier can be moved without problems by positive engagement of corresponding carrier profiles, i. H. in particular shifted and / or rotated. For this purpose, the sample carrier preferably only has to be put on. A complex coupling, for example by locking means such as clamps or the like, is eliminated.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the sample holder, at least one identification means is provided, by means of which the sample holder can be identified as such and / or by means of which the position of the sample holder can be detected. In this context, the position of the sample carrier is to be understood in particular in relation to the sample holder that can be actuated and thus the sample that can be released. In the case of a sample carrier that can be rotated in the use state, the position also relates in particular to the current rotation angle. By means of the marking means, for example, the zero position or starting position of the sample carrier can be determined and / or defined. The current position relative to the starting position can be determined on the basis of the movement or rotation of the sample carrier. An absolute position determination is therefore possible. Due to the possibility of identifying the sample carrier, such an identification means allows the use of several carriers in the context of a sample delivery system. It can be recognized by a corresponding identification means in an automated manner from the sample supply device which sample carrier of the system is concerned. Manual entry of which sample carrier from a set was inserted into the sample feed device is therefore not necessary. In this sense, the term marking means is to be understood in such a way that the sample holder can be identified and / or the position of the sample holder can be determined by a machine and in particular in an automated manner.

A suitable marking means consists, for example, in the formation of one or more projections, in particular on one side surface of the sample carrier. Such a projection can be used to interrupt a light barrier, for example, so that a designated position of the sample carrier can be defined as the starting position on the basis of this interruption. If several projections are provided, one can be done in a binary manner Encode the identification number of the sample carrier, which can thus be read out by a machine, in particular by a corresponding number of light barriers.

Basically, there is no upper limit on the number of binary bits in this context. In practical tests, however, it has been found that in particular a number of protrusions of at most five, preferably at most three, results in a suitable compromise between good readability and a sufficiently high codable number of sample carriers of a set. Five protrusions correspond to a scope of 5 bits, by means of which theoretically up to 32 have individual sample carriers clearly identified. With three projections, corresponding to 3 bits, eight sample carriers can theoretically be identified in the same way.

In practice, the distinguishable number of sample carriers is usually one less. It is expedient to dispense with the case in which no projections are provided, which corresponds to a value equal to zero for all individual bits. In the case of such a design of the sample carrier, the choice of projections as identification means completely eliminates the possibility of clearly determining the position without the projections. However, since the determination of the position is of considerable importance for the automation of the sample supply process, this case is expediently dispensed with when selecting projections as identification means.

The marking means can preferably be read optically, in particular by means of a light barrier already mentioned. According to the invention, however, the type of reading is not restricted to an optical method. Depending on the conditions of use, a mechanical and / or electromagnetic reading of the marking means can alternatively or additionally also take place. A mechanical method has the advantage of being less susceptible to interference from electromagnetic influences. Electromagnetic readout, on the other hand, can also be advantageous in environments heavily contaminated, for example by dust, if optical and mechanical processes are disturbed by the contaminants.

A sample feed device, which is particularly suitable for use with the sample carrier according to the invention, comprises, in addition to the sample carrier as such, a corresponding support arrangement which receives and / or supports the sample carrier. The samples in the sample holders of the sample carrier carried in this way are released by means of a release device. The sample holder is not firmly connected to the support arrangement, but can be easily removed or replaced by another sample holder. The sample carrier is preferably placed only on the support arrangement. This considerably simplifies the handling of the sample feed device according to the invention.

When the sample carrier is placed on the support arrangement of the sample supply device, in a preferred embodiment it is the case that a carrier profile of the sample carrier with a corresponding carrier profile of a transport device of the sample supply device or the carrier arrangement comes into engagement with one another in such a way that a movement, in particular a movement, takes place through a positive connection Rotation of the sample carrier can be done. The entrainment profile is preferably designed in such a way that the sample carrier can be placed in a large number of different positions and a positive connection is always established with the transport device. For this purpose, the entrainment profile in particular has a sufficiently high symmetry, in particular rotational symmetry. This considerably simplifies the placement of the sample carrier on the support arrangement, since the sample carrier does not have to be moved into a suitable position by the user after the first placement, in which the connection to the transport device is ensured. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the sample feed device according to the invention is arranged on a analyzer at a comparatively high height, for example at the upper edge of the analyzer. Safe and simple handling of the sample carrier or the sample feed device as a whole can therefore be easily achieved even for users of comparatively small body size.

The possibility of being able to couple the sample carrier to the transport device in a plurality of positions, i. H. Without a preferred direction given by the coupling, a designated position as a starting position cannot usually be easily defined. This supposed disadvantage can, however, be compensated for in particular by using appropriate labeling means in the manner described above. In this case, it is sufficient to couple the sample carrier to the sample feed device in any position, in particular by simply placing it on the support arrangement. The determination of the starting position and, if necessary, the identification of the respective sample carrier can then be carried out by a corresponding device, for example a data processing device. The corresponding processes must in particular also be integrated into an automated sequence of sample feeding.

In order to pass a sample on to an analysis device after its release, the support arrangement of the sample feed device has in particular a through opening below the sample carrier. Through this through opening, released samples can get from the sample holder to the analysis device, in particular using gravity. Such a configuration of the sample feed device or the carrying arrangement can be connected directly to an analysis device, in the analysis area of which the sample is conveyed. Another possibility, also according to the invention, is to first transport the sample after leaving the carrying arrangement through the through opening into a lock or an area for further pretreatment.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two sample holders of the sample holder can be arranged at the same time above the passage opening, so that samples can be dispensed from these sample holders through the passage opening of the support arrangement without the position of the sample holder having to be changed. A movement of the transport mechanism for the sample carrier is therefore omitted between the delivery of samples from the sample holder in question. This speeds up the sequence of the sample feed and thus the overall sequence of an analysis series and generally increases the throughput. Such an arrangement of the sample holder in the context of a sample supply device can ultimately only be realized in that the sample holder and the sample holder cooperate in such a way that the samples do not fall out of the sample holder as soon as a blocking element arranged under the sample holder is no longer present. The sample holder according to the invention, in which the sample holder can be transferred from the holding state to the release state by mechanical actuation from the top of the sample holder, fulfills this criterion.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments. All the features described and illustrated in the drawings form independent aspects of the invention, regardless of their combination in the examples shown or the claims.

• 1 eine perspektivisch schematische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Probenzuführvorrichtung,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Probenträgers in Draufsicht,
• 3 eine perspektivisch schematische Darstellung eines Probenhalters,
• 4 eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung des Probenhalters von 3 in seitlicher Ansicht,
• 5 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der Probenzuführvorrichtung von 1 in einer typischen Anwendungssituation,
• 6 eine perspektivisch schematische Darstellung des Probenträgers von 2 mit Sicht auf dessen Unterseite,
• 7 eine perspektivisch schematische Darstellung einer Traganordnung der Probenzuführvorrichtung von 1,
• 8 eine perspektivisch schematische Darstellung einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Probenträgers und
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Probenzuführvorrichtung in Draufsicht.

It shows

• 1 2 shows a perspective schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a sample feed device according to the invention,
• 2 1 shows a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a sample carrier according to the invention in plan view,
• 3 2 shows a perspective schematic representation of a sample holder,
• 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sample holder of 3 in a side view,
• 5 is a schematic sectional view of the sample delivery device of 1 in a typical application situation,
• 6 a perspective schematic representation of the sample holder of 2 with a view of its underside,
• 7 a perspective schematic representation of a support arrangement of the sample supply device of 1 .
• 8th a perspective schematic representation of a further preferred embodiment of the sample holder according to the invention and
• 9 a schematic representation of a further preferred embodiment of the sample feed device according to the invention in plan view.

The representation of 1 can be seen how a sample carrier according to the invention 1 with a sample feeder 2 interacts. The sample holder 1 has a plurality of sample holders 3 on which to take samples to be analyzed 4 are provided.

In 1 it can be seen that the sample holder 3 from a top 5 of the sample carrier 1 are reachable here. The sample holder 3 can in particular over the top 5 with samples 4 be filled. After actuation of the sample holder 3 The samples are taken from the top 4 over a bottom 6 of the sample carrier 1 released and transported to an analyzer, which is not shown in detail here for reasons of clarity.

Samples 4 are pending their release, ie as long as the sample holder 3 are in a holding state, each in an interior 7 of the sample holder 3 , which in the present case has the shape of an inner channel.

The sample holder 1 is part of the sample feeder 2 on a support arrangement 8th on and is rotatably mounted on this. The carrying device 8th also provides a holder for a release device 9 ready.

The release facility 9 in the present example comprises two individual release elements in the form of plungers 10 that from the top 5 forth the sample holder 3 can operate individually. In the present case, it is actuated by pressing in the sample holder 3 towards the bottom 6 of the sample carrier 1 , This will change the sample holder 3 each from a hold state to a release state for releasing the sample 4 ,

Especially the representation of 2 it can be seen that the sample holder 3 in the embodiment of the sample carrier shown here 1 are arranged in two concentric circles, their common center with the axis of rotation of the sample holder 1 coincides. By means of the release device 9 two sample holders each 3 operate without the sample carrier 1 must be rotated.

The structure of the sample holder 3 is in the 3 and 4 played. The sample holder 3 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and comprises an interior 7 to take a sample 4 , which has a substantially circular cross section. The sample holder 3 also has a radially arranged ejection opening 11 on which an included sample 4 the sample holder 3 can leave at release. The sample 4 lies during the holding state of the sample holder 3 on a sloping surface 12 on and will leave the sample holder 3 through the material of the sample carrier 1 hindered the ejection opening 11 closes. This is in the cross-sectional representation of the sample feed device 2 according to 5 clarified. The right of the two sample holders shown is located here 3 on hold. The left sample holder 3 is in the release state by actuation by means of a plunger 10 the release facility 9 ,

As in particular based on 3 is recognizable, the sample holder has at its upper end 13 an anti-rotation device 14 in the form of a section with a polygonal cross section. This will change the direction of the discharge opening 11 and thus the release of the sample 4 fixed.

In the embodiment shown here, the sample carrier comprises 1 a top cover plate 15 , which prevents the sample holder 3 the sample holder 1 unintentionally over its top 5 leave. This ensures that the anti-rotation device 14 in the form of the polygonal section always in engagement with the corresponding shape of the respective guide channel for the sample holder 3 in the sample holder 1 remains.

The support arrangement 8th has a through opening 16 on through which a sample 4 after being released, proceed to one under the sample feeder 2 arranged analyzer arrives. This process is in 5 illustrated. The passage opening 16 opens at the top, ie the sample holder 3 facing, end in an elongated hole-shaped opening. This means that two sample holders can be used 3 above the through opening 16 arranged and the samples included 4 through the two plungers 10 the release facility 9 be released to the analyzer without the sample carrier 1 must be rotated. The elongated hole shape of the through opening 16 in the upper area is especially in 7 recognizable.

In the present case, the sample holders are sweeping 3 automatically returns to the hold state after actuation. The sample holder 3 are subjected to the force of a spring, not shown in detail, against which the actuation takes place.

The sample holder 1 points at its bottom 6 a substantially flush surface when all sample holders 3 have entered the holding state. Due to the essentially smooth surface, the in 6 Sample carrier shown 1 with the support arrangement 8th according to 7 can be coupled by simply hanging up. For moving, ie for rotating, the sample carrier 1 this has a take-away profile 17 in a recess 18 on the bottom 6 on. When placing the sample holder 1 on the support arrangement 8th penetrates a transport device 19 into the recess 18 of the sample carrier 1 in front. The take-away profile then comes into play 17 of the sample carrier 1 with a corresponding take-away profile 20 the transport device 19 engaged so that by driving the transport device 19 the sample holder 1 can be rotated according to a positive principle.

Because of the essentially flush bottom 6 of the sample carrier 1 it can easily be on one surface 21 the support arrangement 8th slide as it rotates. The sample holder 3 only protrude over the bottom 6 of the sample carrier 1 over when from the release facility 9 operated and thus put in the release state. In the present example, this is always done above the through opening 16 , The release device is also corresponding 9 vertically above the through opening 16 arranged.

The sample is ultimately selected by rotating the sample carrier 1 , Are the sample holders to be selected 3 between the release device 9 and the through opening 16 positioned, the samples can 4 by operating the sample holder 3 by means of the pestle 10 the release facility 9 be released. This process can be automated in particular. In this case, the user only needs the sample holder 1 on the support arrangement 8th be put on.

In order to ensure a safe selection of the desired sample holder in an automated process 3 To be able to meet, for example, a control device, not shown in detail, the current position of the sample holder 1 in terms of its rotation. In this case it is irrelevant in which starting position the sample holder 1 from the user to the support assembly 8th is launched.

The detection of the absolute position of the sample carrier 1 takes place in a further preferred embodiment, which in the 8th and 9 is represented by means of labeling 22 that on a side surface 23 of the sample carrier 1 are arranged. The tracer 22 have in the present example the shape of radially protruding projections. By arranging the means of identification 22 at a certain position along the circumference of the sample carrier 1 its orientation during rotation can be detected at least in this direction. If this position is defined as the starting position, the current absolute position of the sample holder can be rotated by a known angle 1 relative to the support arrangement 8th be determined.

The tracer 22 are in the present example by a recognition device 24 the sample feeder 2 optically read in the form of a light barrier. As in 9 For this purpose, the light barrier is in particular arranged in such a way that the light beam of the light barrier is tangential to the side surface 23 of the sample carrier 1 passes at a short distance. In a specific orientation of the sample holder 1 the labeling agents get 22 into the beam path of the light barrier, which you thereby interrupt. In this way, by means of the detection device 24 the starting position of the sample carrier 1 be determined.

Another function of the means of identification 22 is the identification of the sample holder 1 , This is useful when there are a variety of sample carriers 1 can be used as a sample carrier set in a sample delivery system. For automated control, it is therefore not only the position of the sample holder that can be used 1 recognized, but also its identification by the recognition device 24 be made. In the present example, the means of identification are 22 formed in the form of three individual projections. For identification of a sample carrier 1 the individual projections are either formed in different combinations with one another or are omitted. This results in the possibility of binary coding of a unique identification number for each sample carrier 1 of a sentence. Using the three individual projections shown - corresponding to three binary bits - a total of eight different numbers can theoretically be encoded. However, this should be done simultaneously with the identification of the sample carrier 1 its location can also be determined, so there is at least one projection as a means of identification 22 required. In practice, this means that there is usually no case where there is no projection - corresponding to a value of zero for each of the individual bits.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

sample carrier

2

sample feed

3

sample holder

4

sample

5

top

6

bottom

7

inner space

8th

carrying device

9

release device

10

tappet

11

ejection port

12

sloping surface

13

upper end (of the sample holder)

14

twist

15

cover

16

Through opening

17

driving profile

18

deepening

19

transport means

20

driving profile

21

surface

22

tracers

23

side surface

24

recognizer

Claims (10)

Sample holder (1) for analysis device with a plurality of sample holders (3) for holding samples (4), the samples (4) being able to be released individually via the underside (6) of the sample holder (1) in use, characterized in that the Sample holder (3) can be converted from a holding state into a release state for releasing a contained sample (4) by mechanical actuation from the top (5) of the sample carrier (1). Sample carrier after Claim 1 , characterized in that the sample holders (3) have an axial channel with a radial outlet and / or that the sample holder (3) has an anti-rotation device (14), in particular a section with a polygonal cross section. Sample carrier after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized by an independent return of the sample holder (3) to the holding state after an actuation, in particular by spring force application of the sample holder (3). Sample carrier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a circular cross section, the sample holders (3) preferably being arranged in a circle or in a plurality of, in particular concentric, circles, and / or the sample holders (3) being arranged in an azimuthally non-periodic, preferably randomized, Are arranged. Sample holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an identification means (22) is provided for identifying the sample holder (1) and / or for recognizing the position of the sample holder (1), the identification means (22), preferably, mechanically, electromagnetically and / or can be read optically. Sample supply device (2) for an analysis device, with a sample carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with a support arrangement (8) carrying the sample carrier (1) and with a release device (9) for releasing samples (4) from the sample holders ( 3) of the sample holder (1), the sample holder (1) not being firmly connected to the support arrangement (8), preferably placed on the support arrangement (8). Sample feeder after Claim 6 characterized in that the carrying arrangement (8) has a through opening (16) below the sample carrier (1) for the delivery of samples (4) to the analysis device, at least two sample holders (3) of the sample carrier (1) being above the through opening ( 16) can be arranged in such a way that samples (4) from these sample holders (3) can be dispensed through the passage opening (16) without changing the position of the sample holder (1). Sample feeder after Claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that a detection device (24) for reading out a marking means (22) of the sample carrier (1), in particular a light barrier arrangement, is provided. Sample delivery system comprising a sample delivery device (2) according to one of the Claims 6 to 8th and at least one further sample carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , Sample feeding method for providing samples (4) to an analysis device, the samples (4) being arranged in sample holders (3) of a sample holder (3), the sample holder (3) being coupled to a support arrangement (8), the samples ( 4) released to the analysis device by actuating the sample holder (3) by means of a release device (9), characterized in that the sample holder (3) is actuated from the top (5) of the sample carrier (1), the sample holder ( 3) be transferred from a hold state to a release state.

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