EP2771122A1

EP2771122A1 - Method for automatically loading a centrifuge with specimen containers

Info

Publication number: EP2771122A1
Application number: EP12781299.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Klaus-Günter Eberle
Original assignee: Andreas Hettich GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Andreas Hettich GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2011-10-24
Filing date: 2012-10-24
Publication date: 2014-09-03
Also published as: DE102011054766A1; US20140315707A1; WO2013060725A1; JP2014530757A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically loading a swinging bucket centrifuge with specimen containers, wherein the swinging bucket centrifuge is designed to receive a centrifuge carrier having a plurality of receiving pockets arranged in a predetermined receiving pocket pattern, and wherein the method comprises: providing a plurality of specimen containers filled respectively with specimens; loading the respective specimen containers (100) into a storage device; determining an individual weight for each specimen container loaded into the storage device; determining an arrangement pattern of selected specimen containers in the at least one centrifuge carrier on the basis of the individual weights of the specimen containers and the receiving pocket pattern and in such a manner that the moved masses of the specimen containers filled with specimens in the at least one centrifuge carrier are balanced during centrifugation; loading the specimen containers selected for the arrangement pattern from the storage device into the receiving pockets of the at least one centrifuge carrier, and loading the centrifuge carrier into the centrifuge. The invention is characterized in that the centrifuge carrier is inserted into a swinging bucket, wherein the arrangement pattern for the specimen containers is defined in such a manner that the centre of gravity of the moved masses during centrifugation lies on the centrifuge axis when the centrifuge containers are swung outward.

Description

Method for automatically loading a centrifuge with sample containers

The invention relates to a method for automatically loading a centrifuge with sample containers according to the preamble of claim 1.

Centrifuges work by exploiting a centrifugal force by a uniform

Circular movement of a sample to be centrifuged is caused. In this case, the inertia of the individual constituents of the sample located in a sample container is used to separate them.

Due to the centrifugal force acting centrifuges are exposed to high mechanical stress, which can have a significant effect on their life.

US 6,060,022 discloses a method for automatically loading a centrifuge, in particular a swivel cup centrifuge with sample containers. The centrifuge containers are loaded so that on the opposite side of the centrifuge center approximately the same weight is present relative to the centrifuge shaft in the container. This ensures a high level of synchronization and avoidance of a certain imbalance.

The invention has for its object to provide a method for loading containers with a centrifuge, so that the life of the centrifuge is extended. This is achieved by a method according to claim 1. The dependent claims form advantageous developments of the invention.

In the prior art is a method for automatically loading a

Swivel cup centrifuge with sample containers known, wherein the pivot cup centrifuge , - Is arranged to receive a centrifuge carrier, which has a plurality of receiving pockets, which are arranged in a predetermined receiving pocket pattern to each other. The

The method comprises at least the following method steps: providing a plurality of sample containers filled with respective samples; Loading the respective sample container into one

Memory means; Determining an individual weight for each sample container loaded in the storage device; Determining an arrangement pattern of selected weighed sample containers in the at least one centrifuge carrier based on the individual weights of the sample containers and the receiving pocket pattern; Loading the sample containers selected for the arrangement pattern from the storage device into the receiving pockets of the at least one centrifuge carrier; and loading the centrifuge carrier into the swivel cup centrifuge.

According to the invention, the arrangement pattern is selected such that, during centrifuging, the moving masses of the sample containers filled with samples are balanced when the cup is swung out and the arrangement pattern for the sample containers is determined in such a way that the center of gravity of the moved masses, during centrifugation with swiveled centrifuge containers on the centrifuge axis lies.

In determining and filling the array pattern, not only the individual weight of the sample containers but also their location during centrifugation is considered.

Because the sample containers are loaded into the centrifuge carrier in such a way that the moving masses of the at least one centrifuge carrier and the sample containers filled with samples are balanced, substantially no imbalances occur during centrifuging, which reduces the mechanical load on the centrifuge and thus prolongs its service life ,

In particular, the method relates to a method for loading a pivoting cup centrifuge. According to the invention for loading a pivot cup centrifuge depends on a

Receiving pocket pattern, the centrifuge geometry and the resulting centrifugal force, which acts on the sample container during centrifugation, set a pattern of arrangement of the sample containers in the centrifuge carrier. The centrifugal force is dependent on its effective distance from the centrifuge axis for each sample container. , ,

Thus, a mass distribution of the moving masses during the centrifugation is predicted, and an arrangement pattern is selected in which the center of gravity of the centrifuged masses lies as far as possible on the motor axis in the pivoted-out state of the pivoting cup. For example, depending on a maximum Ausschwenkwinkel the weight distribution during centrifugation differ from a load at a fixed tilt angle. This

Deviation can be accommodated by the method according to the invention. By determining the weight distribution in the swung-out state, a better balancing of the centrifuge in the laden operating state is achieved.

Subsequently, the centrifuge carrier is loaded on the basis of the predicted mass distribution in the operation of the centrifuge according to the determined arrangement pattern.

Since the container carrier is used in a pivoting cup centrifuge, they are pivoted during centrifugation in a horizontal position. Contrary to a fixed-angle centrifuge, a change in the center of gravity is achieved by changing the position of the masses. If the sample containers were loaded evenly distributed in the centrifuge, can by the pivoting behavior of the

Centrifuges mug the focus can be shifted out of the motor axis, what despite

Nevertheless, uniform mass distribution can lead to an imbalance of the centrifuge.

By the inventive method for loading a pivoting cup centrifuge can

Imbalances are avoided even when using a swivel cup centrifuge, which increases the life of a centrifuge. Centrifuges can accommodate a single centrally located in this arranged Zentrifugenträger, which can be installed fixed or removable, or can also accommodate a plurality of centrifuge carriers, which are received in eccentrically articulated centrifuge cups of the centrifuge. According to the invention, the centrifuge carrier can be loaded before or after its loading with sample containers in the centrifuge.

Preferably, an arrangement pattern also depends on the loading of the others

Centrifugal set which are to be centrifuged simultaneously.

This ensures symmetric loading during centrifugation. - -

According to one embodiment of the invention, the centrifuge has a plurality of centrifuge cups each adapted to receive one of a plurality of centrifuge carriers each having a plurality of receiving pockets arranged in a predetermined receiving pocket pattern for centrifugation, wherein the determining pattern is determined for each centrifuge carrier for the respective arrangement pattern selected sample container from the

Storage device are loaded into the receiving pockets of belonging to the respective arrangement patterns centrifuge carrier, and wherein each loaded with sample containers

Centrifuge carriers are loaded into the respective centrifuge cups of the centrifuge so that when centrifuged in the centrifuge the moving masses of all are loaded into the centrifuge

Centrifugal carrier are balanced against each other.

Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, on the one hand, each centrifuge carrier is loaded in balanced manner and, on the other hand, the centrifuge is loaded with the plurality of centrifuge carriers in such a way that they are in turn balanced against one another. Thus, imbalances are optimally avoided or reduced.

The determination of the weights and the arrangement pattern is preferably carried out in an electronic control device by means of a suitably programmed software and / or firmware.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a sample container type is determined in the storage device for each sample container.

From this it is advantageous to draw conclusions about the physical properties of the sample container in question and / or on the properties of the sample contained therein. With regard to the arrangement determination, it is also possible, for example, for the separation behavior which the

Mass distribution during centrifugation influenced, be taken into account.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a weight of the empty sample container is determined from the particular type of sample container.

This empty weight can be advantageously included in the determination of the respective arrangement pattern. In particular, the sample weight is determined when the curb weight is included. - -

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, an individual prioritization is determined in the memory device for each sample contained in one of the sample containers. This advantageously allows the handling of the respectively associated sample container to be controlled in accordance with the respective prioritization.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the prioritization is determined in a particularly simple manner by detecting a color of a lid of the sample container.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the determination of the placement pattern is additionally based on the individual prioritizations so that higher priority samples are given priority over lower priority samples. Specifically, the centrifuge carriers are loaded with samples in the order of their respective priorities, ensuring weight balancing.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a rotatably mounted rotary table is used as the storage device, which has a plurality of receiving units for receiving the respective sample containers, lined up on a predetermined diameter thereof.

By using the rotary table, the weighing can be carried out at a single position with a single weighing device, which on the one hand reduces the costs and on the other hand improves the comparability or the accuracy of weight determinations, since deviations are excluded under different weighing devices.

Accordingly, weighing preferably takes place at a single rotational position of the rotary table.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, weighing is done simultaneously on each one

Sample container individually provided code read.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the embodiment (s) shown in the drawing. - -

In the description, the claims, and the drawing, the terms and associated reference numerals used in the list of reference numerals below are used.

In the drawing shows:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a sample processing system according to an embodiment of

Invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a round table of the sample processing system of Fig. 1 functioning as a storage means;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of one for receiving a plurality of sample containers

provided centrifuge carrier of the sample processing system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a support base of the centrifuge carrier of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the two gripping fingers of the gripping device as they have grasped one of the sample containers;

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the two gripping fingers of the gripping device as they have gripped the gripping pin of the centrifuge carrier;

Fig. 7 shows a centrifuge cup in another perspective view;

Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of the portion of Fig. 1;

Hereinafter, a sample processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

1 shows a top view of the sample processing system 1 for weighing and centrifuging a wide variety of samples. , ,

The sample processing system 1 has an input storage area A, a first one

Buffer area B, a second buffer area C, and a Zentrifugierbereich F, on. Approximately in the middle between the above-mentioned areas, a first robot 200 operating with an articulated robot arm is arranged in a central area Z.

In the input memory area A, a plurality of each of a plurality of recording modules 11 assembled receiving module assemblies 10 are arranged, which are filled with sample containers 100. The sample containers 100 are preferably each formed like a tube in the manner of a test tube.

In the first buffer area B, a rotary table 30 shown in FIG. 2 is shown as one

Storage means arranged to receive a plurality of sample containers 100. For receiving the sample container 100 are in the rotary table a corresponding number of

Receiving units 40 for receiving a respective sample container 100 inserted.

In addition, a rotary table 30 is provided, which further comprises a rotary drive device (not shown), which is arranged in the second rotary area under the rotary table body 31.

In the third intermediate storage area C, a plurality of centrifuge carriers 50 are arranged. Such a centrifuge support 50 is shown in FIGS. 4, 6 to 8.

In the central area Z, a robot 200 is arranged, which has a robot arm 201 (see FIG. 1) on which a manipulator head (not shown) is provided for realizing pivotal and rotational movements.

On the manipulator head, a gripping device 60 is mounted according to an embodiment of the invention, so that can be pivoted and rotated about the manipulator head. The gripping device 60 has two identical gripping fingers 61, 61, which in the following

Referring to Figures 5 and 6 will be described.

In the Zentrifugierbereich F a centrifuge 90 is arranged, which is arranged for centrifuging the samples contained in the sample containers 100. - -

The centrifuge 90 has one or more centrifuge cups 91 (see FIG. 7), which is / are articulated on a rotor, in particular pivotably on (not shown) of the centrifuge. Everyone

Centrifuge bowl 91 is configured to receive one of the centrifuge supports 50 (Figures 3, 4) for centrifugation. Such a centrifuge cup 91 is shown only schematically in Figure 7.

For further details on a possible embodiment of the centrifuge cup 91 reference is made to DE 10 2009 015 111 A1.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the centrifuge carrier 50 has a carrier base 51 and a gripping pin 55 attached to the carrier base 51. The centrifuge carrier can be gripped at the upper end of the gripping pin 55 in front of the gripping fingers 61.

In the support base 51, a plurality of receiving pockets 52 arranged in a predetermined receiving pocket pattern to each other for receiving sample containers 100 are provided.

Now, with reference to the figures, methods for operating the sample processing system 1 according to the invention and its operation will be described.

The sample containers 100 are first introduced into the receiving modules 11, which are connected to each fifty sample container 100 receiving receiving module assemblies 10 together. Then, the filled receiving module assemblies 10 come into the input storage area A of the sample processing system 1. All sample containers 100 are provided with a code (preferably a bar code) and a lid 101. Next, grasping fingers 61 of a gripper device of the robot 200 disposed in the central region Z with their respective first gripping portion 62 (as shown in FIG. 5) sequentially grasp each sample container 100 and place a sample container 100 into a rotary table 30 until the rotary table 30 fully engages Sample containers 100 is stocked. For this purpose, the gripping fingers 61 of the gripping device have in their respective first gripping region 62 a shape adapted to the sample container 100. , ,

The rotary table 30 rotates gradually by a rotation angle further, which corresponds to the angular distance between two adjacent receiving units 40. In the course of the rotation of the rotary table 30, all receiving units 40 eventually reach a second rotational range of the guide 35. In the second rotational range of the guide 35 of the rotary table 30 there is a weighing device. In the weighing device of the respective sample container 100 is lifted slightly with the receiving unit 40 and rotated about its longitudinal axis. When turning the code of the sample container 100 is read. By lifting the sample container 100 with the receiving unit 40 weighing is readily possible. It is thereby ensured that the sample container 100 and the

Pickup unit 40 nowhere rest, whereby the weighing result would be falsified.

In the weighing device is also the optical detection device (preferably a camera) of the first round table 30, which detects the type of the sample container 100 and the color of the lid 101. The color of the lid 101 reflects the prioritization of the sample. The detection of the sample container type is also of interest with regard to the weight of the (empty) sample containers 100, since different sample containers 100 may have different weights.

As soon as the first rotary table is fully loaded with sample containers, the loading of the centrifuge carriers 50 arranged in the second intermediate storage area C with the weighed and recorded sample containers 100 starts from the first rotary table 30. For this purpose, after weighing the sample containers 100 and before loading the centrifuge carrier 50 carried out with these in an electronic control device, not shown, an automatic evaluation to the effect where the individual sample container 100 are to be arranged in a respective centrifuge support 50 for centrifugation in order to ensure a balanced weight in the centrifuge 90.

Now, in the context of the operation of the sample processing system 1, a method according to the invention for loading the centrifuge 90 with sample containers 100 will be described.

According to this method, at least the following steps are performed:

Providing a plurality of sample containers 100 filled with respective samples;

Loading the respective sample containers 100 into the rotary table 30 as a storage means;

Weighing each individual sample container 100 on the first rotary table 30 and determining the individual weight for each sample container 100 loaded into the rotary table 30

(Preferably, the weighing takes place at a single rotational position of the rotary table 30); _ -

Determining an arrangement pattern of selected weighed sample containers 100 in one of the centrifuge supports 50 on the basis of the individual weights of the sample containers 100 and the receiving pocket pattern of the centrifuge carrier 50 such that during centrifugation in the centrifuge 90 the moving masses of the centrifuge carrier 50 and the sample containers 100 filled with samples balanced;

Loading the sample container 100 selected for the arrangement pattern from the rotary table 30 into the receiving pockets 52 of the centrifuge carrier 50; and

- Loading the loaded with sample containers 100 centrifuge carrier 50 in a

Centrifuge cup 91 of the centrifuge 90.

If, as preferred, the centrifuge 90 has a plurality of centrifuge cups 91 each adapted to receive one of the centrifuge carriers 50 for centrifugation, then:

the determination of the arrangement pattern is carried out for each of these centrifuge supports 50;

the sample containers 100 selected for the respective arrangement patterns are loaded from the first rotary table 30 into the receiving pockets 52 of the centrifuge supports 50 belonging to the respective arrangement patterns; and

- The each loaded with sample containers 100 centrifuge carrier 50 are loaded into the respective centrifuge cup 91 of the centrifuge 90, that during centrifugation in the centrifuge 90, the moving masses of all loaded into the centrifuge 90 Zentrifugsträger 50 are balanced against each other.

The selection of the arrangement patterns by the control unit is as follows.

According to the invention for loading a pivot cup centrifuge depends on a

Receiving pocket pattern, the centrifuge geometry and the resulting centrifugal force, which acts on the sample container during centrifugation, set a pattern of arrangement of the sample containers in the centrifuge carrier. The centrifugal force is dependent on its effective distance from the centrifuge axis for each sample container. Significant advantages of the balanced loading of the centrifuge 90 are a consistent quality of centrifugation over different samples and a longer lifetime of the centrifuge 90. , ,

As mentioned above, in the rotary table 30, the sample container type is determined for each sample container 100, and a weight of the empty sample container 100 is determined from the specific sample holder type. As also mentioned above, in the rotary table 30, an individual prioritization is determined for each sample contained in one of the sample containers 100, wherein the prioritization is determined by detecting a color of the lid 101 of the sample container 100. As also mentioned above, during weighing, the code (barcode) individually provided on each sample container 100 is simultaneously read out.

In addition, according to the invention, the determination of the pattern (s) may be based on the individual prioritizations so that higher priority samples are given priority over lower priority samples. In summary, in the method according to the invention, the sample containers 100 are initially stored on the circular rotary table 30 and weighed there. In addition, there can also be detected the color / gray level of the lid 101 of each sample container 100, via which the type of the sample container 100 is fixed. Depending on the weight of the sample, the sample containers 100 are placed in the centrifuge carriers 50 for the centrifuge 90. In this case, takes place within the centrifuge carrier 50 such an arrangement of the sample container 100, which is a balancing of the moving masses

Centrifuging in the centrifuge 90 with centrifuge support 50 with the sample containers 100 and the samples ensured. First, the weight of the sample container 100 is detected with samples and then the sample containers 100 are arranged in the respective centrifuge carrier 50 and again the centrifuge carrier 50 in the centrifuge 90 arranged so that the moving masses are balanced.

As can be seen from the above, as soon as the centrifuge supports 50 for the centrifuge 90 are loaded, the gripping device grips each of the equipped centrifuge carriers 50 and inserts them into one of the centrifuge cups 91 as shown in FIG. _ -

The gripping fingers 61, 61 of the gripping device 60, with their respective first and second gripping regions 62 and 65, grasp the gripping pin 55 of the respective centrifuge carrier 50 on its second engagement surface 57, as shown in FIG. With the loading of the centrifuge carrier 50 in the centrifuge cup 91, the loading process is completed.

- -

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 sample processing system

10 receiving module arrangement

30 round table

31 round table bodies

35 leadership

40 recording unit

50 centrifuge carriers

51 carrier base

52 receiving bag

55 gripping pin

57 second attack surface

61 gripper fingers

62 first gripping area

65 second gripping area

80 sample container carriers

91 centrifuges cups

100 sample containers

101 lid

A Input memory area

F centrifugation area

G discovery area

K output memory area

Claims

P a n t a n s p r e c h e

Method for automatically loading a pivoting cup centrifuge (90) with

Sample containers (100), the swivel cup centrifuge (90) being arranged to receive a centrifuge carrier (50) having a plurality of receiving pockets (52) arranged in a predetermined receiving pocket pattern, and wherein the method comprises:

Providing a plurality of sample containers (100) filled with respective samples;

- Loading the respective sample container (100) in a memory device (30);

- determining an individual weight for each sample container (100) loaded in the storage means (30);

Determining an arrangement pattern of selected sample containers (100) in the at least one centrifuge carrier (50) based on the individual weights of the sample containers (100) and the receiving pocket pattern such that upon centrifugation the moving masses of the sample containers (100) of the at least one sample container are filled Centrifuge carrier (50) are balanced;

Loading the sample container (100) selected for the arrangement pattern from the storage device (30) into the receiving pockets (52) of the at least one centrifuge carrier (50); and loading the centrifuge carrier (50) into the centrifuge (90), characterized in that the centrifuge carrier (50) is inserted into a swivel cup, wherein the arrangement pattern for the sample container (100) is fixed such that the center of gravity of the moving masses during the centrifugation with pivoted centrifuges containers on the centrifuge axis.

The method of claim 1, wherein the centrifuge (90) has a plurality of centrifuge cups (91), each being arranged, one of a plurality of centrifuge carriers (50), each one a plurality of receiving pockets (52) arranged in a predetermined receiving pocket pattern receive each other for centrifuging, wherein the determining pattern is determined for each centrifuge carrier (50), the sample containers (100) selected for the respective arrangement patterns being transferred from the storage means (30) to the Receiving pockets (52) belonging to the respective arrangement patterns

Centrifuge carrier (50) are loaded, and wherein each loaded with sample containers (100) centrifuge carrier (50) in the respective centrifuge cups (91) of the centrifuge (90) are loaded, that during centrifugation in the centrifuge (90) the moving masses all centrifuge carriers (50) loaded in the centrifuge (90) are balanced against each other.

The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein in the memory means (30) for each

Sample container (100) a sample container type is determined.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein a weight of the empty sample container (100) is determined from the particular type of sample container.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the storage means (30) for each sample contained in one of the sample container (100) an individual prioritization is determined.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the prioritization is determined by detecting a color of a lid (101) of the sample container (100).

The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein the determining of the pattern of arrangement is additionally based on the individual prioritizations such that higher priority samples are given priority over lower priority samples.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein as memory means (30) a rotatably mounted rotary table is used, which has a plurality of receiving units (40) lined up on a predetermined diameter for receiving the respective sample container (100). 2013/060725. <| Q. PCT / EP2012 / 071057

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the weighing at a single rotational position of

Round table done.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at the same time on each sample container (100) individually provided code is read out.