EP3826757B1 - Mixing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a mixing apparatus, in particular for mixing substances in closed containers.

STATE OF THE ART

Mixing devices are known from the prior art, in which, for example, ampoules can be arranged on a pivoting table, which can be pivoted by means of a drive. The pivoting table comprises individual specific holders for ampoules with different diameters or the pivoting table comprises a pattern of fingers which protrude from the tabletop of the pivoting table and between which different ampoules can be arranged, with smaller ampoules rolling back and forth between the fingers when pivoted.

In another known mixing apparatus, a holder for ampoules is rotatably mounted on two sides, with the holder being pivotable by means of a drive. An ampoule can be inserted into each container receptacle of the holder.

With such mixers there is a risk that the ampoules will be mixed up before or during insertion into the holder or that the ampoules will be removed be confused from the holder. In addition, the insertion and removal of the ampoules are time-consuming.

U.S. 5,578,268 A discloses a mixing apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a mixing apparatus in which the risk of mix-ups is reduced and in which the insertion and removal of the containers containing substances to be mixed is facilitated. Mixing up the containers should be avoided, especially with patient samples.

This object is achieved by the mixing apparatus having the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the mixing apparatus, a mixing plant and a method for operating a mixing apparatus or a mixing plant are defined by the features of further claims.

A mixing apparatus according to the invention comprises a drive unit with a drive and with a shaft which can be pivoted about a pivot axis and which is operatively connected to the drive, a pivot mount which is arranged on the shaft, the pivot axis being aligned essentially horizontally, the pivot mount having a base plate and at least a retainer spaced therefrom, wherein the swivel mount is designed in such a way that holders for containers can be inserted between the base plate and the at least one retainer in the direction of the swivel axis. With such a configuration, it is possible to use the container independently of the mixing apparatus, ie before it is introduced into the Insert the mixer in the holder. The insertion can therefore be done in a short time. In addition, the containers cannot be mixed up when they are inserted, since they can be arranged in a holder beforehand without any time pressure. Inserting the holders with the containers in the direction of the pivot axis is very easy and ergonomic. The drive unit includes a housing in which an electromechanical drive, with or without a gear, is arranged. The drive unit can include a belt drive.

In one embodiment, the swivel mount can be swiveled about the swivel axis by any desired angle in both directions. This means that the swivel mount can be swiveled back and forth by any desired angle, for example by means of the drive unit, or the swivel mount can be rotated once or several times around the swivel axis in one of the two directions of rotation. This enables optimal mixing of all possible substances that may be in the containers. Therefore, powders or fluids, such as suspensions or emulsions, can be mixed. For example, whole blood, ie blood plasma or blood serum can be mixed with blood cells alone or with additional substances. For example, the substances to be mixed can be filled into test tubes or vials. Lactating ampoules comprise glass or plastic containers which are closed at the top with a lid which includes a septum. The septum comprises a soft plastic, for example made of PTFE or silicone, which can be pierced with a pipette needle or tip. For example, such a The lid can be screwed onto the open-topped container with a thread.

In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus includes a control unit with which the pivoting angle, the pivoting speed and the pivoting direction can be adjusted. By setting these values, an optimal mixture of the substances can be achieved.

In one embodiment, receptacles are provided on the side of the base plate directed towards the at least one retainer, which are aligned in the direction of the pivot axis and into which the holders for containers can be inserted.

In one embodiment, the receptacles include elevations which can protrude into complementary recesses in the holder. For example, the bumps are elements that extend directly from the base plate of the swivel mount. The elevations can be pins, for example pins with a circular cross-section. However, other cross sections are also conceivable. The elevations can also be slot nuts, for example for T-slots or dovetail slots. Alternatively, the receptacles can include recesses into which complementary elevations of the holder can protrude, and which also form a pin-groove connection or a sliding block-groove connection.

In one embodiment, several recordings are arranged one after the other along the pivot axis. For example, the recordings include first recordings, which are arranged in an area of the base plate close to the shaft and second receptacles, which are arranged in a region of the base plate remote from the shaft. The holders are insertable with a first end in the first receptacle and with a second end in the second receptacle. Thus, the position and orientation of each holder are clearly and reliably defined.

Between one of the first receptacles and a second receptacle aligned with the latter in the direction of the pivot axis, further receptacles aligned with the latter can be provided. The additional mounts give the holders additional support or they allow the insertion of shorter holders which do not extend over the entire length of the swivel mount.

In one embodiment, a plurality of receptacles are arranged next to one another in a direction transverse to the pivot axis. Thus, several identical or different holders can be inserted next to each other into the swivel mount, whereby the contents of several containers can be mixed at the same time. For example, the recordings are arranged symmetrically with respect to the pivot axis.

In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus comprises first spacers which can be inserted into the receptacles and into which the holders for the containers can be inserted, and second spacers which are arranged between the receptacles and on which the holders for the containers can rest. With the spacers, the distance between the inserted holders and the base plate of the swivel mount increases. This is advantageous when shorter vessels are to be inserted into the holder and the upper end of the vessels used should essentially have the same distance to the base plate as the longer vessels. By staggering the thickness of the spacers, it is possible to achieve that the upper ends of the common vessels are essentially aligned with each other when they are in the mixer. Different spacers can be arranged at the same time on the pivoting mount, as a result of which different vessels can be arranged at the same time in the mixing apparatus and the upper ends of which are essentially aligned with one another.

According to the invention, a drive plate is provided in a first end area of the base plate, which is aligned essentially perpendicular to the base plate and essentially perpendicular to the pivot axis and which connects the shaft to the base plate.

In one embodiment, the base plate is connected to the at least one retainer through the drive plate.

According to the invention, a support element is provided in a second end area of the base plate, opposite the first end area, which includes a cylindrical lateral surface, the axis of which is congruent with the pivot axis.

In one embodiment, the base plate is connected to the at least one retainer by the support element.

In one embodiment, the support element comprises a plate which is aligned essentially perpendicular to the base plate and to the pivot axis.

In one embodiment, the support element comprises a central opening and the base plate protrudes at least partially through the central opening.

In one embodiment at least one connector is provided which connects the drive plate to the support element.

In one embodiment, the drive plate includes at least one groove for receiving the at least one retainer. Alternatively, elevations can be provided on the drive plate, in which the at least one retainer is held or with which the at least one retainer is guided or clamped. For example, such elevations can be ribs or pins.

In one embodiment, the support element comprises at least one fixation for fastening the at least one retainer. Such a fixation can comprise an at least partially detachable element. For example, the fixation can be pivotable and can comprise a fixing element. Alternatively or additionally, a fixation can also be provided for the drive plate, with which the at least one retainer can be detachably fastened.

According to the invention, the mixing apparatus comprises a bearing unit with at least one roller on which the support element is rotatably mounted with the lateral surface. The storage unit is with respect to the swivel mount drive unit opposite. The support element is mounted pivotably in alignment with the shaft in the bearing unit. Due to the bearing of the swivel mount on both sides, the corresponding bearings and the swivel mount must be dimensioned to be less stable, which means that they require less space and as a result less mass has to be moved.

In one embodiment, the bearing unit comprises two or more rollers on which the support element is rotatably mounted with the lateral surface. At least one of the rollers can be resiliently mounted. At least one of the rollers can be driven synchronously with the drive unit.

In one embodiment, the drive unit and the bearing unit are arranged on a common connecting plate. The connecting plate can be designed to be continuously closed or it can include at least one recess in the area of the swivel mount.

In one embodiment, the at least one retainer comprises at least one plate having at least one through-opening, the through-openings being arranged in such a way that, when the holders are inserted, they are aligned with the container receptacles formed in the holders.

In one embodiment, the inner dimensions of the through-openings are smaller than the inner dimensions of the container receptacles of the insertable holders. The inner dimensions of the passage opening can also be smaller than the outer dimensions of the lid of the container.

In one embodiment, the at least one retainer includes a first panel and a second panel, wherein the distance between the base plate and the first plate is greater than that between the base plate and the second plate. The two panels can be independent of each other or can be connected to each other.

In one embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are integrally formed together.

In one embodiment, at least one tab is integrally formed together and substantially flush with the at least one panel.

In one embodiment, at least one rib is formed integrally with the at least one panel and extends along the pivot axis over at least a portion of the at least one panel. The at least one rib may be formed in one or both lateral edge portions of each panel. Alternatively or additionally, ribs can be arranged between the two edge regions of each plate.

In one embodiment, at least one tab is integrally formed together with the at least one rib and is spaced parallel to the at least one panel. The at least one tab may be located in one or both of the two free ends of the retainer.

In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus includes at least one encoder with which the position of the swivel mount can be determined.

In one embodiment, the mixing device comprises at least one lock, with which the position of the swivel mount can be fixed.

In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus comprises at least one container holder inserted between the base plate and the at least one retainer. The at least one holder can also be inserted into the receptacles.

In one embodiment, each holder comprises a plurality of container receptacles arranged along a longitudinal axis and formed between the two ends. The container receptacles can, for example, be countersunk holes with a circular cross-section. However, other cross sections are also possible. Each container receptacle can comprise at least one lateral opening which extends laterally outwards from the respective container receptacle transversely to the longitudinal axis. The at least one opening can be a slit or a window. Each container receptacle can comprise two lateral openings which are arranged opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal axis and which, together with the container receptacle, form a passage in the holder. Accordingly, a slot and a window, two slots or two windows can be assigned to each container receptacle. A clamping lug can be provided for each container receptacle or for each window of the holder, which projects through the window into the respective container receptacle, as a result of which a container received therein can be clamped and held therein. On the side of the holder that includes the windows, a tab plate can be attached to the holder be arranged, which includes all the clamping lugs. Alternatively, the clamping tabs may be integrally formed together with the remainder of the holder.

The embodiments of the mixing apparatus mentioned can be used in any combination, provided they do not contradict one another.

A mixing plant according to the invention comprises a machine stand on which a mixing apparatus according to the invention is arranged.

The mixing plant can comprise a work surface which is arranged on the machine stand and the mixing apparatus is arranged on the work surface.

According to the invention, the mixing system comprises a pipetting unit with which fluids can be supplied to or removed from containers located in the mixing apparatus.

According to the invention, the pipetting unit comprises a transport unit on which pipette tips are arranged and with which the pipette tips can be moved horizontally and/or vertically in an area above the machine stand or above the work surface.

In one embodiment, the mixing plant comprises a reading unit with which markings on the containers to be picked up by the mixing apparatus can be read. The markers are selectable from the group consisting of 1D barcode, 2D barcode, RFID tag and the like. The reading unit can also recognize markings that are attached to the holders for holding the containers. With The reading unit also shows which position of the container holder a container is in and which position is empty. It can also be seen whether all holders for containers pushed into the mixing apparatus are completely pushed in between the base plate and the retainer.

The mentioned embodiments of the mixing plant can be used in any combination, as long as they do not contradict each other.

• Bereitstellen eines erfindungsgemässen Mischapparates;
• Einführen eines Halters mit darin angeordneten Behältern in die Aufnahmen der Schwenkaufnahme; und
• Schwenken der Schwenkaufnahme um die Schwenkachse mit der Antriebseinheit.

A method according to the invention for operating a mixing apparatus or a mixing plant comprises the steps:

• providing a mixing apparatus according to the invention;
• inserting a holder with containers arranged therein into the sockets of the swivel socket; and
• Pivoting the pivot mount around the pivot axis with the drive unit.

The introduction can be an insertion, for example if the swivel mount includes cylindrical pins and the holder is provided with correspondingly complementary bores. The introduction can also be a pushing in, for example if the swivel mount includes sliding blocks and the holder is provided with a correspondingly complementary groove.

• Entfernen des Rückhalteelements vor dem Einführen des Halters; und
• Anbringen des Rückhalteelements nach dem Einführen des Halters.

In one embodiment, the method includes the steps:

• removing the retaining member prior to inserting the retainer; and
• Attaching the retainer after inserting the retainer.

For example, fastening elements can be removed which fix the retaining element in the corresponding receptacles and the retaining element can then be lifted off and placed at a different location independently of the mixing apparatus. Alternatively, the retaining element can be linearly pushed away from the area above the swivel mount by means of a displacement mechanism. In a further alternative, the retaining element can be swiveled away from the area above the swivel mount in one plane by means of a twisting mechanism. If the retaining element is arranged in a fixed manner on the pivoting mount, then the holder must be pushed into the pivoting mount under the retaining element, for example along the pivot axis.

• Einlesen von Markierungen der in einem Halter angeordneten Behältern mittels der Leseeinheit vor oder während dem Einführen des Halters. Werden die Markierungen währen dem Einführen des Halters eigelesen, so kann jeder aufgenommene Behälter einer bestimmten Position im Halter und dementsprechend in der Schwenkaufnahme, bzw. im Mischapparat zugeordnet werden. Soll das Einlesen während dem Einführen geschehen, so muss der Halter in die Schwenkaufnahme eingeschoben werden. Erfolgt das Einlesen vor dem Einführen, so ist darauf zu achten, dass der Halter richtig eingesetzt wird. Um ein falsches Einsetzen zu verhindern, können die ersten und zweiten Aufnahmen der Schwenkaufnahme und dementsprechend die ersten und zweiten Enden des Halters unterschiedlich ausgestaltet sein. Zusätzlich können Markierungen eingelesen werden, welche auf den Haltern aufgebracht sind.

In one embodiment, the method includes the step:

• Reading of markings of the containers arranged in a holder by means of the reading unit before or during the introduction of the holder. If the markings are read while the holder is being inserted, each container picked up can be assigned to a specific position in the holder and accordingly in the swivel mount or in the mixing apparatus. If the reading is to take place during insertion, the holder must be pushed into the swivel mount. If the reading is done before insertion, make sure that the holder is inserted correctly. To prevent incorrect insertion, the first and second shots of the Pivot mount and accordingly be designed differently, the first and second ends of the holder. In addition, markings applied to the holders can be read.

• Entnehmen von Fluiden aus den im Mischapparat befindlichen Behältern nach dem Schwenken der Schwenkaufnahme;
• Zuführen von Fluiden in die im Mischapparat befindlichen Behälter vor dem Schwenken der Schwenkaufnahme.

In one embodiment, the method includes the steps:

• removing fluids from the containers located in the mixer after pivoting the pivot mount;
• Supplying fluids to the containers located in the mixing apparatus before pivoting the pivot mount.

For example, the contents of a mother tube, which contains, for example, whole blood, can be used alone or mixed with additional substances. After mixing, a portion of the whole blood can be transferred from the mother tube to a daughter tube. The daughter tube may be previously empty or may contain a substance such as a reagent. The contents of the daughter tube can then be mixed again. After mixing, the holder with the containers arranged therein can be removed from the mixing apparatus and fed to an analysis device. In order to remove and/or supply fluids from containers that are closed by a lid that includes a septum, it is necessary to pierce the septum, for example with a pipette needle.

The embodiments of the method mentioned can be used in any combination, provided they do not contradict one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemässen Mischapparates;
• Fig. 2 der Mischapparat der Figur 1 ohne Antrieb, ohne Rückhalter und ohne Leseeinheit;
• Fig. 3A den Rückhalter der Figur 1;
• Fig. 3B eine alternative Ausführungsformen des Rückhalters der Figur 1;
• Fig. 3C eine Schnittansicht des Mischapparates der Figur 1 quer zur Achse, durch einen hohen und einen niedrigen Behälter;
• Fig. 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsformen einer Schwenkaufnahme mit einem alternativen Rückhalter;
• Fig. 5 eine perspektivische Unteransicht des Rückhalters der Figur 4;
• Fig. 6 einen Halter mit darin eingesetzten Behältern wie in der Figur 2; und
• Fig. 7 eine erfindungsgemässe Mischanlage.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to figures. These are for explanation only and are not to be construed as limiting. Show it

• 1 a perspective view of an inventive mixing apparatus;
• 2 the mixing apparatus figure 1 without drive, without retainer and without reading unit;
• Figure 3A the retainer of figure 1 ;
• Figure 3B an alternative embodiment of the retainer figure 1 ;
• Figure 3C a sectional view of the mixing apparatus of FIG figure 1 transverse to the axis, by a high and a low container;
• 4 Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pivot mount with an alternative retainer;
• figure 5 FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the retainer of FIG figure 4 ;
• 6 a holder with containers inserted therein as in FIG figure 2 ; and
• 7 a mixing plant according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The figure 1 shows a perspective view of a mixing apparatus 100 according to the invention. The mixing apparatus 100 also includes a swivel mount 2 which is arranged on the shaft 11 . The swivel mount 2 comprises a base plate 20 and a retainer 4 spaced therefrom, the swivel mount 2 being designed such that holders 3 for containers can be inserted in the direction of the pivot axis A between the base plate 20 and the retainer 4 . A circular disk-shaped drive plate 21 connects the shaft 11 to the base plate 20. The drive plate 21 is essentially perpendicular to the swivel bracket A and essentially perpendicular to the base plate 20. A circular disk-shaped support plate 22 is provided on the end of the swivel mount 2 opposite the drive plate 21. which is parallel and aligned with the drive plate 21. The outer diameters of the two circular disks are essentially identical. The retainer 4, in this embodiment a retaining plate with holes, is detachably arranged between the drive plate 21 and the support plate 22. When the drive plate 21, the retainer 4 can be fixed with a pivotable fixation 211 and at the Support plate 22 with a pivotable fixation 222. On the base plate 20, on the side directed towards the retainer 4, elevations 200 are provided in the form of sliding blocks. A reading unit 82 with a limiter 83 is provided on the opposite side of the platen 22 from the drive side. With the reading unit 82 markings on the holder 3 and/or on the containers arranged in the holder 3 can be read. The support plate 22 is supported and rotatably mounted on two rollers 50 of a bearing unit 5 . The drive unit 1, the bearing unit 5, the reading unit 82 and the limiter 83 are arranged on a common connecting plate 6.

The figure 2 shows the mixing apparatus 100 of FIG figure 1 without the housing and the drive 10 of the drive unit 1, without the retainer 4, without the reading unit 82 and without the limiter 83. The connectors 23 are designed and arranged in such a way that the retainer 4 can rest evenly on both connectors 23 when installed. A pattern of T-slot nuts 200 is arranged on the base plate 20 of the swivel mount 2 . There are a double row of sliding blocks arranged in both end portions of the base plate 20 and a single row in a central portion of the base plate 20. In the inserted holder 3, containers 7 are arranged; shown are sample tubes with a pierceable cap, ie, with a cap having a pierceable septum.

The Figure 3A shows the retainer 4 of FIG figure 1 . The retainer 4 comprises a bent plate with holes 40, with two first plates 41, or with two edge plates 41 and with a second plate 42, or with a central plate 42. The two edge plates 41 are flush with each other and the central plate 42 is parallel to the two edge plates 41. At the two free ends of the retainer 4 there are continuous tabs 43 which are formed flush with the corresponding plates. Ribs 44 extend essentially along the entire length of the retainer on the lateral outer boundary of the respective edge plate 41. Due to the one-piece design of the retainer 4, the offset of the first plate 41 to the second plate 42 creates a rib 44 in the respective transition area.

The Figure 3B shows an alternative embodiment of the retainer 4 of FIG figure 1 with only a first plate 41 and a second plate 42. In contrast to the retainer Figure 3A tabs 43 are provided which are separate from each other and are located only at one of the two free ends of the retainer. In this embodiment, only one rib 44 is formed in the transition area between the two plates 41,42.

The Figure 3C 10 shows a sectional view of the mixing apparatus 100 of FIG figure 1 transverse to the axis A, by a high container 7 and by a low container 70. The high container 7 is sandwiched between the base plate 20 and the first plate 41 of the retainer 4 and the low Container 70 between the base plate 20 and the second plate 42 of the retainer 4.

The figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a swivel mount 2 with an alternative retainer 400. Grooves 210 are provided in the drive plate 21, into which the retainers 400 can be inserted. A fixation 222 is provided on the support plate 22, with which the retainers 400 can be detachably fastened. The connectors 23 are designed as round rods arranged laterally. A central opening 221 is provided in the support plate 22, through which the base plate 20 protrudes and through which the holders for containers can be inserted. Holders with tall containers can be inserted into the retainers 400 in the illustrated variant of the swivel mount 2 . If deeper containers are to be inserted, the retainers 400 must be rotated 180 degrees such that the outward surface of the plate 401 faces the base plate 20 and the open end of the retainer 400 faces the drive plate 21 .

The figure 5 12 shows a bottom perspective view of the retainer 400 of FIG figure 4 . The retainer 400 includes a panel 401 having a slot 402 which extends substantially the entire length of the panel. The width of the slit 402 is smaller than the outer dimensions of the container closures and is larger than the piercing area of the container closures. In the two lateral edge areas of the retainer 400, ribs 403 extend over essentially the entire length of the Retainer 400. A first free end of the retainer 400 is open and a second free end opposite the first free end is closed at the side. At the open end of the retainer 400, a first tab 404 is provided, which is parallel and slightly offset to the plate 401 in the area of the plate 401 and protrudes at the first free end of the retainer 400 beyond this. A second tab 405 is provided at the closed end of the retainer 400, which is parallel and slightly offset to the ribs 403 in the area of the ribs and protrudes beyond the second free end of the retainer.

The figure 6 shows a holder with containers inserted therein as in FIG figure 2 . The holder 3 extends along the longitudinal axis L, has container receptacles 32 which comprise two lateral slots 320 and has clamping lugs 322 which are formed in one piece with the rest of the holder 3 and which protrude into the interior of the container receptacles 32 . In addition, the holder 3 comprises a groove 33 which is arranged on the underside of the holder 3, ie on the side of the holder 3 which faces the container receptacles 32. A T-slot is shown. Alternatively, a dovetail groove or another retaining groove can also be provided. The groove 33 extends along the longitudinal axis L, at least over the area of the holder 3 which includes the container receptacles 32 . The groove 33 is open at the first end 30 of the holder 3 so that the elevations 200 of the swivel mount 2 can be moved easily into the groove 33 . On the second side 31 of the holder 3, a handle 34 is arranged with which the holder 3 can be easily gripped by hand. A recess 340 is provided in the handle 34, which enables the reading unit 82 to recognize that the holder 3 has been pushed completely into the swivel mount 2.

The figure 7 shows a perspective view of a mixing plant with a mixing apparatus 100 according to the invention, which is aligned pivoted, and a non-pivoted mixing apparatus 100. Both apparatuses are arranged with receiving elements 800 on the work surface 80, which are arranged on the machine stand 8. The mixing system also includes the pipetting unit 81 with the transport unit 810 and the pipette tips 811. The transport unit 810 can move the pipette tips 811 over the work surface 80 in a first horizontal direction X, in a second horizontal direction Y and in a vertical Move towards Z. In contrast to the embodiment of the mixing apparatus 100 of figure 1 , the reading unit 82 and the limiter 83 are arranged next to the mixers 100 on the work surface 80. The reader unit 82 is also aligned and fixed to the receiving elements 800 on the work surface 80 . Holders can be slid over the receiving elements 800 in front of the reading unit 82 in order to recognize the markings on the holders 3 and/or on the containers arranged in the holders 3 . <b>REFERENCE LIST</b> 1 drive unit 33 groove 10 drive 34 Handle 11 shaft 340 recess 12 control unit 4 restrainer 100 mixer 40 Hole 2 swivel mount 41 first plate 20 base plate 42 second plate 200 elevation 43 tab 21 drive plate 44 rib 210 groove 400 restrainer 211 fixation 401 plate 22 support plate 402 slot 220 lateral surface 403 rib 221 opening 404 first tab 222 fixation 405 second tab 23 Interconnects 5 storage unit 3 holder 50 role 30 first end 6 connection plate 31 second end 7 container 32 container pickup 70 container 320 slot 8th machine stand 322 clamp strap 80 work surface 800 recording elements 83 limiter 81 pipetting unit 810 transport unit 811 pipette tip A pivot axis 82 reading unit L longitudinal axis

Claims (18)

1. A mixing apparatus (100), comprising:

   a drive unit (1) having a drive (10) and a shaft (11) which is pivotable about an essentially horizontally aligned pivot axis (A) and is operatively connected to the drive (10),

   a pivotable receptacle (2), which is arranged on the shaft (11),

   wherein the pivotable receptacle (2) comprises a base plate (20) and at least one retainer (4,400) spaced therefrom, wherein the pivotable receptacle (2) is configured in such a way that holders (3) for containers (7,70) can be inserted between the base plate (20) and the at least one retainer (4,400) in the direction of the pivot axis (A), wherein a drive plate (21) is provided in a first end region of the base plate (20), which is aligned essentially perpendicularly to the base plate (20) and to the pivot axis (A) and which connects the shaft (11) to the base plate (20), characterized in that a support element (22) is provided in a second end region of the base plate (20) opposite the first end region, which support element (22) comprises a cylindrical jacket surface (220), the axis of which is congruent with the pivot axis (A), and in that a bearing unit (5) is provided having at least one roller (50) on which the support element (22) is rotatably mounted with the jacket surface (220).
2. The mixing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, comprising a control unit (12) with which the pivoting angle, the pivoting speed and the pivoting direction can be adjusted, wherein the pivotable receptacle (2) can be pivoted through any angle in both directions about the pivot axis (A).
3. The mixing apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the side of the base plate (2) facing the at least one retainer (4,400), receptacles (200) are provided which are aligned in the direction of the pivot axis (A) and into which the holders (3) for containers (7) can be inserted.
4. The mixing apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (20) is connected to the at least one retainer (4,400) by the drive plate (21) .
5. The mixing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base plate (20) is connected to the at least one retainer (4,400) by the support element (22), wherein the support element (22) comprises a plate which is aligned essentially perpendicularly to the base plate (20) and the pivot axis (A), wherein the support element (22) comprises a central opening (221) and wherein the base plate (20) projects at least partially through the central opening (221) .
6. The mixing apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein at least one connector (23) is provided which connects the drive plate (21) to the support element (22).
7. The mixing apparatus (100) according to one of claims 1 or 4 to 6, wherein the drive plate (21) comprises at least one groove (210) for accommodating the at least one retainer (4,400).
8. The mixing apparatus (100) according to one of claims 1 or 5 to 7, wherein the support element (22) comprises at least one fixation (222) for fixing the at least one retainer (4,400).
9. The mixing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing unit (5) comprises two or more rollers (50) on which the support element (22) with the jacket surface (220) is rotatably mounted.
10. The mixing apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the drive unit (1) and the bearing unit (5) are arranged on a common connecting plate (6).
11. The mixing apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one retainer (4;400) comprises at least one plate (41;401,42) having at least one through-hole (40;402), wherein the through-holes (40;402) are arranged such that, when the retainers (3) are inserted, they are aligned flush with the container receptacles (32) formed in the holders (3).
12. The mixing apparatus (100) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one retainer (4) comprises a first plate (41) and a second plate (42), wherein the distance between the base plate (20) and the first plate (41) is greater than that between the base plate (20) and the second plate (42).
13. The mixing apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one holder (3) for containers (7,70), which is inserted between the base plate (20) and the at least one retainer (4,400).
14. A mixing unit comprising:
    a machine stand (8) on which a mixing apparatus (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13 is arranged, comprising a pipetting unit (81) with which fluids can be added to or removed from containers (7,70) located in the mixing apparatus (100), wherein the pipetting unit (81) comprises a transport unit (810), on which pipette tips (811) are arranged, and with which the pipette tips (811) are movable in the horizontal and/or in the vertical in a region above the machine stand (8) or above the working surface (80).
15. The mixing unit according to claim 14, comprising a reading unit (82) which is arranged on the machine stand (8) or on the connecting plate (6) of the mixing apparatus (100) and with which markings of the containers (7,70) to be accommodated in the mixing apparatus (100) can be read, and/or markings of the holders (3).
16. A method for operating a mixing apparatus (100) or mixing unit, comprising the steps of:

    - providing a mixing apparatus (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13;

    - inserting a holder (3) with containers (7, 70) arranged therein between the base plate (20) and the at least one retainer (4,400) in the direction of the pivot axis (A); and

    - pivoting the pivotable receptacle (2) about the pivot axis (A) with the drive unit (1).
17. The method according to claim 16, comprising the step of:

    - reading in markings of a holder (3) and/or the containers (7,70) arranged in a holder (3) by means of the reading unit (82) before or during the insertion of the holder (3).
18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, comprising at least one of the steps of:

    - removing fluids from the containers (7,70) located in the mixing apparatus (100) after pivoting the pivotable receptacle (2) by means of the pipetting unit (81);

    - feeding fluids into the containers (7,70) located in the mixing apparatus (100) before pivoting the pivotable receptacle (2) by means of the pipetting unit (81).

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