DE102022207706A1 - Analysis device for analyzing a sample contained in a cartridge and method for operating an analysis device - Google Patents

Abstract

The approach presented here relates to an analysis device (100) for analyzing a sample contained in a cartridge (105), the analysis device (100) having a movable distributor unit (140) for coupling to the cartridge (105), a working cylinder (130) with a linearly movable piston and a plunger (200) arranged on the piston for mechanical action on the cartridge (105) and at least one driver (210) arranged on the plunger (200) for transmitting a movement of the plunger (200) to the distribution unit ( 140) when the analysis device (100) is transferred from a rest state to an operating state.

Description

State of the art

The approach is based on an analysis device for analyzing a sample contained in a cartridge and a method for operating an analysis device according to the preamble of the independent claims. The subject of the present approach is also a computer program.

A microfluidic analysis system, also called a chip laboratory (so-called lab-on-chip, LoC for short), can, for example, enable automated processing of, for example, patient samples for medical diagnostics. By combining a variety of operations for the controlled manipulation of fluids, complex molecular diagnostic test procedures can be carried out in a microfluidic device, which is also referred to as a lab-on-chip cartridge or microfluidic cartridge. The processing of the microfluidic cartridge and the analysis of the sample can be carried out in a compact analysis device, which can also be referred to as a microfluidic device. Different types of microfluidic analysis systems are known, which can also be referred to as lab-on-chip platforms or lab-on-chip systems. Such lab-on-chip platforms pursue various technological approaches to provide microfluidic operations: One class of lab-on-chip platforms are pressure-based systems, which control one by applying at least two pressure levels to the microfluidic cartridge using the analysis device Can achieve liquid transport in the microfluidic cartridge.

Disclosure of the invention

Against this background, the approach presented here presents an improved analysis device for analyzing a sample contained in a cartridge and an improved method for operating an analysis device, further a control device that uses this method, and finally a corresponding computer program according to the main claims. The measures listed in the dependent claims make advantageous developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim possible.

An analysis device is presented, which can be designed in a simplified manner compared to commonly used devices. This means that, for example, fewer components are required to be able to analyze a sample liquid. By reducing the number of components, costs can be reduced, for example when producing such a device. Otherwise, this can make it possible for the analysis device to be compact.

An analysis device for analyzing a sample contained in a cartridge is presented, the analysis device having a movable distributor unit for coupling to the cartridge, a working cylinder with a linearly movable piston and a plunger arranged on the piston for mechanically acting on the cartridge and at least one driver arranged on the plunger for transmitting a movement of the plunger to the distribution unit when the analysis device is transferred from a rest state to an operating state.

The analysis device can be used, for example, in the medical field, for example for diagnostic purposes. The cartridge, which can also be referred to as a microfluidic cartridge, can function as a small laboratory in which the sample can be analyzed. For example, an analysis reagent can be kept on or in the cartridge. The distribution unit can, for example, be designed as a manifold that can be fluid-mechanically coupled to the cartridge. The working cylinder can, for example, be designed as a pneumatic drive unit that can be linearly movable. The plunger, which can also be shaped, for example, as a rod of the working cylinder, can, for example, be locked with the cartridge and cause a processing agent or the analysis reagent to be dispensed from the cartridge. For this purpose, the plunger can, for example, pierce a sealing film on the cartridge and release the processing agent. The driver can advantageously be shaped like a bridge or planar as a plate and thus be formed as a connection between the plunger and the distributor unit in the operating state of the analysis device, that is, at least during the transfer to the operating state. The plunger can therefore be formed as part of the working cylinder or alternatively be arranged on it. For example, the analysis device can have a pneumatic pressure generating unit that is designed to provide at least one pressure level to the distribution unit. Advantageously, due to the simplified design of the analysis device, a large number of functions for the analysis device can be controlled or carried out with reduced effort and therefore with reduced costs and in an energy-efficient manner. For example, the driver can take the distribution unit along in at least one direction when the working cylinder is pneumatically active. Conversely, this means that there is no need to control the distribution unit in order to be able to couple with the cartridge.

By coupling the working cylinder with the plunger, it can now advantageously be achieved that, for example, a drive unit for moving the working cylinder can also immediately cause a movement of the plunger. In this way, components installed in the analysis device can expediently be used multiple times, so that the analysis device can be manufactured cost-effectively.

According to one embodiment, the working cylinder can be designed as a pneumatic drive, electric drive or as a manual drive. Advantageously, it can be achieved that smaller forces act within the analysis device compared to conventional analysis devices and only those forces that are required for partial functions can be applied.

Furthermore, overdetermination within the analysis device can be reduced. By choosing the pneumatic drive, a quantity of particles that can arise from abrasion of a gear and additionally or alternatively guides can advantageously be removed.

The analysis device can have a sliding door, in particular for closing a receiving compartment for receiving the cartridge in the analysis device, wherein the sliding door can be coupled or coupled to the plunger. The sliding door can advantageously protect a device interior and thus coupling points within a device shaft for receiving the cartridge. For example, the sliding door can be opened and closed automatically in a linearly movable manner. Advantageously, the opening and closing can also represent one of the previously mentioned functions, since the sliding door can be coupled or can be coupled to the plunger and the plunger is movable. This means that movement of the plunger can correlate with movement of the sliding door.

According to one embodiment, at least one further driver can be arranged on the plunger for transmitting the movement of the plunger to the sliding door. The further driver can, for example, be similar to the driver or be connected to it. Advantageously, the further driver can engage in the sliding door or, for example, hold it on a holding element so that the movement of the plunger can be transmitted.

The distribution unit and additionally or alternatively the sliding door of the analysis device can or can be arranged spring-loaded, in particular wherein the working cylinder can be designed to be able to move the distribution unit and additionally or alternatively the sliding door against a spring preload. This can advantageously avoid that, for example, a pump unit of the analysis device is permanently active in order to keep the sliding door closed, since the spring preload can act against an opening movement of the sliding door. By using a spring force, a number of moving components, including mechanical guides, can advantageously be reduced. This can, for example, avoid further costs.

According to one embodiment, the distribution unit can have an active projection on which the driver acts. The active projection can also be designed, for example, as a groove or a recess into which the driver can engage. Advantageously can

Furthermore, the distribution unit can have an adjustment pin, which can be designed to be able to hold the distribution unit on a movement axis of the distribution unit. The adjustment pin can advantageously be designed as an additional holding element that can move on a movement axis of the distribution unit. For example, the adjustment pin can be guided lengthways through the distribution unit, so that it can advantageously offer the distribution unit additional stability. Alternatively, the adjustment pin can also be arranged at a different location. The distributor should be guided to meet the holes on the interface. The adjustment pin can also penetrate into the cartridge in order to align it relative to the clamping drive so that the foils of the reagent container can be opened without radial offset. This offset would put more strain on the membrane and, in the worst case scenario, cause it to rupture.

Furthermore, the analysis device can have a heating device for heating at least a region of the cartridge when the cartridge is arranged in the analysis device. The heating device can advantageously have a plurality of spring-loaded heating bars, the heat of which can act on at least one area of the cartridge. Advantageously, a processing agent can be activated by the heat and the analysis can therefore be carried out. The heating device can be designed to be spring-loaded in order, for example, to ensure contact with the inserted cartridge and to be able to provide this additionally or alternatively. This means that the heating device can, for example, have the heating bars with spring elements arranged on them, which can be biased into the analysis device when the cartridge is inserted and can thereby advantageously exert a force in the direction of the cartridge.

A method for operating an analysis device in a variant mentioned above is also presented, the method comprising a step of controlling the working cylinder in order to move the plunger arranged on the linearly movable piston in order to mechanically act on the cartridge, as well as a step of Transmitting a movement of the plunger to the distribution unit using the driver to transfer the analyzer from the idle state to the operating state.

Through the method, the analysis of the sample contained in the cartridge can advantageously be carried out automatically and efficiently.

This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware or in a mixed form of software and hardware, for example in a control device.

The approach presented here also creates a control device that is designed to carry out, control or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment variant of the approach in the form of a control device can also solve the task on which the approach is based quickly and efficiently.

For this purpose, the control device can have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one storage unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or an actuator for reading in sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting control signals to the actuator and / or have at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data that is embedded in a communication protocol. The computing unit can be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller or the like, whereby the storage unit can be a flash memory, an EEPROM or a magnetic storage unit. The communication interface can be designed to read or output data wirelessly and/or by wire, wherein a communication interface that can read or output wired data can, for example, read this data electrically or optically from a corresponding data transmission line or output it into a corresponding data transmission line.

In the present case, a control device can be understood to mean an electrical device that processes sensor signals and, depending on them, outputs control and/or data signals. The control device can have an interface that can be designed in hardware and/or software. In the case of a hardware design, the interfaces can, for example, be part of a so-called system ASIC, which contains various functions of the control unit. However, it is also possible that the interfaces are their own integrated circuits or at least partially consist of discrete components. In the case of software training, the interfaces can be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.

Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code, which can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard drive memory or an optical memory and for carrying out, implementing and / or controlling the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above is used, particularly if the program product or program is executed on a computer or device.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Analysegerätes gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Clampingeinheit für ein Analysegerät;
• 3A eine schematische Teildarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Analysegeräts;
• 3B eine schematische Teildarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Analysegeräts;
• 3C eine schematische Teildarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Analysegeräts;
• 3D eine schematische Teildarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Analysegeräts;
• 4 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel zum Betreiben eines Analysegerätes; und
• 5 ein Blockschaltbild einer Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Exemplary embodiments of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of an analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment;
• 2 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a clamping unit for an analysis device;
• 3A a partial schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis device;
• 3B a partial schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis device;
• 3C a partial schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis device;
• 3D a partial schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis device;
• 4 a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment for operating an analysis device; and
• 5 a block diagram of a device according to an exemplary embodiment.

In the following description of favorable exemplary embodiments of the present approach, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and having a similar effect, whereby on a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis device 100. The analysis device 100 is designed to analyze a sample or to carry out an analysis of a sample. The analysis device 100 can also be referred to as a microfluidic device. The analysis device 100 is designed to analyze entered samples, for example PCR tests can be carried out. For this purpose, a microfluidic device or cartridge 105, which is merely an example of a microfluidic cartridge with a plastic housing and a microfluidic network for processing the sample, can be inserted into a receiving area 110 of the analysis device 100. The cartridge 105 contains the sample. The analysis device 100 also includes a distribution unit 140. The distribution unit 140 is designed to be coupled to the cartridge 105 at least fluid-mechanically. When the cartridge 105 is inserted into the receiving area 110 of the analysis device 100, the distribution unit 140 is at least fluid-mechanically coupled to the cartridge 105.

The analysis device 100 further comprises a pneumatic pressure generating unit 120. The pressure generating unit 120 is designed to provide the distribution unit 140 with at least one and in particular two different pressure levels. The pressure generating unit 120 is fluid-mechanically connected to the distribution unit 140. In addition, the analysis device 100 includes at least one pneumatically operated functional unit in the form of a working cylinder 130. The working cylinder 130 is fluid-mechanically connected to the distribution unit 140 and alternatively also formed or can be formed as an electric drive or as a manual drive. According to this exemplary embodiment, these components are also referred to as clamping unit 145.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the analysis device 100 further comprises a display 115 with a touch function, by means of which settings for the desired analysis process can be entered manually, only as examples. In addition, the display 115 is designed only as an example to display analysis results.

The analysis device 100 also has a control device 150, which is designed to control and/or carry out a method for operating the analysis device 100, as described in 4 is described in more detail.

2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis device 100, as shown merely by way of example in 1 was described. This means that the analysis device 100 also has the distribution unit 140, also known as a manifold, which is movable and which is shaped to couple with the cartridge 105. Furthermore, here is the working cylinder 130, which has a linearly movable piston (not visible here due to the illustration) and a plunger 200 arranged on the piston for mechanical action on the cartridge 105. According to this exemplary embodiment, the working cylinder has a housing 205 which is arranged around at least parts of the plunger 200 and around the piston and therefore forms, for example, a rod space within the housing and a piston space which is fluid-tightly separated from the rod space. Furthermore, the plunger 200 is designed, for example, to engage in the cartridge 105 and/or, for example, to break through a sealing film in a tank recess of the cartridge 105. Furthermore, a driver 210 is arranged on the plunger 200 and is designed to transmit a movement of the plunger 200 to the distribution unit 140. This means, for example, that a control of the working cylinder 130 and a resulting movement of the piston and the plunger 200 also act on the distribution unit 140 and it is moved along and/or parallel to a movement axis 215, for example when the analysis device is transferred from a rest state to an operating state. Only optionally can a further driver be arranged on the plunger 200, which is designed, for example, to transmit the movement of the plunger 200 to a sliding door of the analysis device 100 that closes the receiving area. The further driver and the sliding door are shown in at least one of the following figures. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable that the distribution unit 140 is additionally or alternatively movable transversely or obliquely to the movement axis 215.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the analysis device 100 additionally has a heating device 220, which in turn has a plurality of heating bars 225. The heating bars 225 are also referred to as heating elements. The heating device 220 is designed to heat at least one area of the cartridge 105. According to this exemplary embodiment, the heating bars 225 act on the cartridge 105 on two opposite surfaces of the cartridge 105. According to this exemplary embodiment, the distribution unit 140 has an active projection 230 on which the driver 210 acts.

In today's analysis devices, pressure is often supplied to the channels pneumatically, while clamping, which means coupling with the cartridge, via a stepper motor that moves a carrier plate upwards and thus presses and clamps the cartridge against upper mechanical stops. By moving the motor, the manifolds are pressed onto the cartridge, so that the pneumatic connection between the cartridge and the analysis device is established. In the further travel path, plungers, which are also located on the carrier plate, can penetrate into the tank recesses of the cartridge and then break the sealing film of the reagent bars, so that the fluid contained therein is released. The motor is controlled via light barriers. The travel speed is stored in a fixed code and is defined based on experience and criteria such as the preparation time for a test or the implementation of initial states, and the tear strength of a cartridge membrane.

Against this background, to analyze a patient sample, the cartridge 105 is held in a defined position during the measurement in order to supply fluidic channels on the cartridge 105 with working pressure levels. Furthermore, the cartridge 105 is held there in order to ensure that all connections or ports on the distribution unit 140 are aligned concentrically to the ports on the cartridge 105, as well as to ensure that a minimum contact pressure of the distribution unit 140 is given in order to avoid leaks. Furthermore, according to this exemplary embodiment, reagents on the cartridge 105 are released by means of the at least one plunger 200 by breaking open the foils, for example, the plunger 200 remains in the extended state and thus causes the reagents to be displaced in the tanks during processing. When holding the cartridge 105 in this position, for example, contact between the heating device 220 and the cartridge 105 is ensured and/or granted in order to introduce heat into the cartridge 105. The cartridge is guaranteed to be held in position, although this does not necessarily only happen via the position of the plungers. These serve particularly to displace the liquid. Clamping the heaters, docking the heaters and the door, for example, is achieved passively via mechanical elements. To minimize cross influences, the tappets should not have a significant share.

3A , 3B , 3C and 3D show schematic partial representations of an exemplary embodiment of an analysis device 100. The analysis device 100 corresponds to or is similar to the analysis device from one of the figures described above. 3A , 3B , 3C and 3D show the analysis device 100 in different operating states, more precisely while the analysis device 100 is being transferred from a rest state to an operating state.

The analysis device 100 is shown in the illustrations 3A , 3B , 3C and 3D here the receiving area 110, which can be closed with a sliding door 310, the distribution unit 140, the working cylinder 130, which is coupled with, for example, only a plunger 200 and a driver 210, an optic or optical device 390 and a heating device 220 with a plurality of Heaters or heating elements, previously described as heating bars 225, are shown. Furthermore, in the representations of 3C and 3D the microfluidic cartridge 105 shown.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the working cylinder 130 is coupled to the at least one plunger 200, which is designed to act mechanically on the cartridge 105. Furthermore, the working cylinder 130 is coupled to the at least one driver 210 for moving the distribution unit 140 and a further driver 320 for moving the sliding door 310. Furthermore, according to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the distribution unit 140 and the sliding door 310 are arranged on a spring-loaded basis. The working cylinder 130 is designed to move the distribution unit 140 and the sliding door 310 against the spring preload. The heating bars 225 are also spring-loaded.

In other words, the working cylinder 130 is designed as a linear drive, which, with its movement depending on a direction of travel, covers several different functions when moving in the direction of the cartridge 105 and in a further direction opposite to the direction. Such functions are, for example, when moving in the direction of the cartridge 105, that an adjustment pin 330 is inserted into the cartridge 105, the plunger 200 pushes out a reagent bar of the cartridge 105, the distributor unit 140 is pressed against the cartridge 105, for example by releasing a spring force , and that the sliding door 310 closes by releasing the spring force.

When the working cylinder 130 moves further in the further direction, the distributor unit 140 is pressed downwards, whereby the distributor unit 140 is separated from the cartridge 105 or a cartridge space is released. The cartridge 105 can be inserted or removed. Furthermore, the sliding door 310 is opened via a mechanism during further movement. Furthermore, the adjustment pin 330 and plunger 200 also move out of the cartridge 105.

Since the movable components, that is to say the distribution unit 140, the heating device 220 and/or the sliding door 310, are pressed or actuated against the cartridge 105 by a spring force, the drive unit does not have to apply these forces during the clamping process. The drive unit only serves as a control element for a short time. Furthermore, the corresponding contact pressure can be designed individually for each component. In addition, the drive system is located below the main force axis (ram), which leads to very low transverse forces and bending moments.

3A shows an initial state or an initial situation. The analysis device 100 is shown in the closed state without the cartridge inserted. Since the drive does not introduce any forces via the working cylinder 130, the spring elements 395 on the sliding door 310, distribution unit 140 and the heating elements 225 are maximally relaxed. This corresponds, for example, to the idle state or an initial situation of a (linear) pneumatic actuator.

3B shows a release status. In order to be able to enter the cartridge into the analysis device 100, the drive unit or the working cylinder 130 moves downwards in relation to the representation in the figure. The driver 210 both opens the sliding door 310 and moves the distribution unit 140 downwards, whereby the respective spring elements 395 are pretensioned and the receiving area 110 is released for the cartridge. The working cylinder 130 carries out a linear movement downwards and can be driven electromechanically, pneumatically or manually.

In summary, a release including the simultaneous opening of the sliding door 310, also known as a shaft closure, and preloading of the distribution unit 140 is visualized.

3C shows a status of the cartridge input. The microfluidic cartridge 105 can now be inserted manually into the open input space or recording area 110. The heating device 220 is arranged in such a way that the cartridge 105 biases the spring-loaded heating bars 225 and presses the heat transfer onto the cartridge 105 through the contact force.

3D shows a clamping condition, also known as an operating condition. The direction of the resulting cylinder force of the working cylinder 130 is now reversed upwards in relation to the figure, so that the at least one plunger 200 expresses a reagent bar. In addition, the sliding door 310 and the distribution unit 140 are released. The sliding door 310 closes and the distribution unit 140 contacts the microfluidic cartridge 105 via the preloaded spring.

In the operating state, a clamping or coupling of the cartridge 105, a pressing of the distribution unit 140, a release of reagent liquids in the cartridge 105 via the plunger 200 and a (re)closing of the receiving area 110 are carried out.

In other words, in 3A , 3B , 3C and 3D The phases of the described process and the individual work phases of the pneumatic clamping concept are presented thematically. As an additional option, the opening and closing of the cartridge shaft or receiving area 110 is also implemented pneumatically with a sliding door 310 or via a pneumatic driver mechanism comparable to the distribution unit 140. In addition, the heaters or heating elements 225 do not only need to be maximally relaxed in the initial situation, but it is also conceivable that they can be installed under pretension. As an alternative to the drive shown, the working cylinder 130 can also apply the clamping force from above by being arranged above the microfluidic cartridge 105. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide the distribution unit 140 with the piston 340 of the working cylinder 130 so that it is actively closed in the jamming phase. The speed of the piston 340 can only be adjusted, for example, by additional throttle elements in the inlet and outlet supply of the piston 340.

In an implementation including a movable distributor unit 140, plunger 200 and stationary heating device 220, in the initial state, the plunger 200 and the distributor unit 140 protrude into the cartridge insertion shaft or the receiving area 110. When starting a measurement, the rod space of the working cylinder 130 is included as part of the preparation, just as an example Overpressure is applied so that the cylinder can retract. This means that the plunger 200 is pulled out of the cartridge insertion shaft or the receiving area 110. The distributor unit 140 is pulled downwards via an active projection 230 attached to the distributor unit 140, whereby the manifold springs are pretensioned and the upper part of the distributor unit 140 is also pulled out of the shaft in order to enable the microfluidic cartridge 105 to be inserted. When the microfluidic cartridge 105 is inserted, the pressure levels in the piston and rod chamber of the working cylinder 130 are swapped so that the resulting force extends the rod. This first releases the preload of the distribution unit 140 and the distribution unit 140 can Press onto the inserted microfluidic cartridge 105. During the further process, the plungers 200 on a plunger plate come into contact with the TPU membrane and deform it until it comes into contact with the sealing film. The sealing film is subjected to further stress until it tears open and releases the liquids it contains.

4 shows a flowchart of a method 400 according to an exemplary embodiment for operating an analysis device. The method 400 can be carried out in an analysis device, such as in one of the 1 until 3D was described. The method 400 includes a step 405 of controlling the working cylinder in order to move the plunger arranged on the linearly movable piston in order to mechanically act on the cartridge and a step 410 of transmitting a movement of the plunger to the distributor unit using the driver to transfer the analyzer from idle state to operating state.

The process steps presented here can be carried out repeatedly and in an order other than that described.

5 shows a block diagram of a control device 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. The control device 150 is designed, for example, to carry out or control a method as described in 4 was described. For this purpose, the control device 150 has a control unit 500 for controlling the working cylinder in order to move the plunger arranged on the linearly movable piston in order to mechanically act on the cartridge. Furthermore, the control device 150 has a transmission unit 505, which is designed to transmit a movement of the plunger to the distribution unit using the driver in order to transfer the analysis device from the idle state to the operating state.

If an exemplary embodiment includes an “and/or” link between a first feature and a second feature, this should be read as meaning that the exemplary embodiment, according to one embodiment, has both the first feature and the second feature and, according to a further embodiment, either only that first feature or only the second feature.

Claims (12)

Analysis device (100) for analyzing a sample contained in a cartridge (105), the analysis device (100) having the following features: a movable manifold unit (140) for coupling to the cartridge (105); a working cylinder (130), with a linearly movable piston (340) and a plunger (200) arranged on the piston (340) for mechanical action on the cartridge (105); and at least one driver (210) arranged on the plunger (200) for transmitting a movement of the plunger (200) to the distribution unit (140) when the analysis device (100) is transferred from a rest state to an operating state. Analyzer (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein the working cylinder (130) is designed as a pneumatic drive, electric drive or as a manual drive. Analysis device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with a sliding door (310), in particular for closing a receiving compartment for receiving the cartridge in the analysis device, wherein the sliding door (310) can be coupled or is coupled to the plunger (200). Analyzer (100) according to Claim 3 , wherein at least one further driver (320) is arranged on the plunger (200) for transmitting the movement of the plunger (200) to the sliding door (310). Analysis device (100) according to one of Claims 3 until 4 , wherein the distribution unit (140) and / or the sliding door (310) of the analysis device (100) is or are arranged spring-loaded, in particular wherein the working cylinder (130) is designed to the distribution unit (140) and / or the sliding door (310) to move against a spring preload. Analysis device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution unit (140) has an active projection (230) on which the driver (210) acts. Analysis device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution unit (140) has an adjustment pin (330) which is designed to hold the distribution unit (140) on a movement axis (215) of the distribution unit (140). Analysis device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with a heating device (220) for heating at least a region of the cartridge (105) when the cartridge (105) is arranged in the analysis device (100). Method (400) for operating an analysis device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (400) comprises the following steps: - Controlling (405) the working cylinder (130) to move the plunger (200) arranged on the linearly movable piston (340) in order to mechanically act on the cartridge (105); and - transmitting (410) a movement of the plunger (200) to the distribution unit (140) using the driver (210) in order to transfer the analysis device (100) from the idle state to the operating state. Control device (150), which is set up to carry out the steps (405, 410) of the method (400) Claim 9 to be executed and/or controlled in appropriate units (500, 505). Computer program that is set up to carry out the steps (405, 410) of the method (400). Claim 9 to execute and/or control. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program can be written Claim 11 is stored.

Images