EP4218996B1 - Mixing apparatus, mixing system and method for mixing substances in closed containers - 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 swivel table that can be swiveled by means of a drive. The swivel table comprises individual specific holders for ampoules with different diameters or the swivel table comprises a pattern of fingers that protrude from the table top of the swivel table and between which different ampoules can be arranged, with smaller ampoules rolling back and forth between the fingers when swiveled.

In another known mixing device, a holder for ampoules is mounted on two sides so that it can rotate, and the holder can be pivoted by means of a drive. An ampoule can be inserted into each container receptacle of the holder.

With such mixing devices there is a risk that the ampoules are mixed up before or during insertion into the holder or that the ampoules are from the holder. In addition, inserting and removing the ampoules is time-consuming.

document US 5 578 268 A discloses a mixing apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a mixing apparatus in which the risk of confusion is reduced and in which the insertion and removal of the containers containing substances to be mixed is facilitated. The confusion of containers is to be avoided, particularly in the case of patient samples.

This object is achieved by the mixing apparatus with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the mixing apparatus, a mixing system, and a method for operating a mixing apparatus or a mixing system 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 that can be pivoted about a pivot axis and is operatively connected to the drive, a pivot mount that is arranged on the shaft, the pivot axis being aligned substantially horizontally, the pivot mount comprising a base plate and at least one retainer spaced therefrom, the pivot mount being designed in such a way that holders for containers can be inserted in the direction of the pivot axis between the base plate and the at least one retainer. With such a design, it is possible to move the containers independently of the mixing apparatus, i.e. before insertion into the Mixing device can be inserted into the holder. This means that insertion can be carried out in a short time. In addition, there is no risk of mixing up the containers when inserting them, as they can be arranged in a holder beforehand without any time pressure. Inserting the holders with the containers in the direction of the swivel axis is very simple and ergonomic. The drive unit comprises a housing in which an electro-mechanical drive, with or without a gear, is arranged. The drive unit can comprise a belt drive.

In one embodiment, the swivel mount can be swiveled around the swivel axis by any angle in both directions. This means that the swivel mount can be swiveled back and forth by any angle using the drive unit, for example, or the swivel mount can be rotated around the swivel axis once or several times in one of the two directions of rotation. This enables optimal mixing of all possible substances that may be in the containers. Powders or fluids, such as suspensions or emulsions, can therefore be mixed. For example, whole blood, i.e. blood plasma or blood serum, can be mixed with blood cells on its own or with additional substances. For example, the substances to be mixed can be filled into test tubes or ampoules. Ampoules comprise glass or plastic containers that are closed at the top with a lid that 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 Lids are screwed onto the open-topped container with a thread.

In one embodiment, the mixing device comprises a control unit with which the swivel angle, the swivel speed and the swivel 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 facing 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 comprise elevations which can protrude into complementary recesses in the holders. For example, the elevations are elements which extend directly from the base plate of the swivel receptacle. 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 grooves. Alternatively, the receptacles can comprise recesses into which complementary elevations of the holders can protrude and which also form a pin-groove connection or a slot nut-groove connection.

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

Between one of the first mounts and a second mount that is aligned with it in the direction of the swivel axis, additional mounts can be provided that are aligned with it. The additional mounts give the holders additional support or they allow the insertion of shorter holders that do not extend over the entire length of the swivel mount.

In one embodiment, several receptacles are arranged next to one another in a direction transverse to the pivot axis. This means that several identical or different holders can be inserted next to one another into the pivot receptacle, whereby the contents of several containers can be mixed simultaneously. For example, the receptacles 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. The spacers increase the distance between the inserted holders and the base plate of the swivel receptacle. This is advantageous if shorter vessels are to be inserted into the holders and the upper end the vessels used should have essentially the same distance from the base plate as the longer vessels. By graduating the thickness of the spacers, it is possible to ensure that the upper ends of the common vessels are essentially aligned with one another when they are in the mixer. Different spacers can be arranged on the swivel mount at the same time, which means that different vessels can be arranged in the mixer at the same time and their upper ends are essentially aligned with one another.

In one embodiment, a drive plate is provided in a first end region of the base plate, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the base plate and substantially 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.

In one embodiment, a support element is provided in a second end region of the base plate opposite the first end region, which support element comprises a cylindrical outer surface whose axis 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 substantially perpendicular to the base plate and 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 comprises 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 fixing for fastening the at least one retainer. Such a fixing can comprise an at least partially detachable element. For example, the fixing can be pivotable and can comprise a fixing element. Alternatively or additionally, a fixing can also be provided on the drive plate, with which the at least one retainer can be detachably fastened.

In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus comprises a bearing unit with at least one roller on which the support element is rotatably mounted with the outer surface. The bearing unit is located with respect to the pivoting mount of the Drive unit opposite. The support element is pivotably mounted in the bearing unit, flush with the shaft. Because the pivot mount is mounted on both sides, the corresponding bearings and the pivot mount do not have to be dimensioned as stable, which means that they take up less space and 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 outer surface. At least one of the rollers can be spring-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 completely closed or it can comprise at least one recess in the area of the pivot mount.

According to the invention, the at least one retainer comprises at least one plate with at least one through-opening, wherein the through-openings are arranged such 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 through opening can also be smaller than the outer dimensions of the lid of the container.

According to the invention, the at least one retainer comprises a first plate and a second plate, 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 plates can be independent of each other or can be connected to each other.

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

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus comprises at least one locking device with which the position of the pivoting mount can be fixed.

In one embodiment, the mixing apparatus comprises at least one holder for containers, which is inserted between the base plate and the at least one retainer. The at least one holder can additionally be inserted into the receptacles.

In one embodiment, each holder comprises a plurality of container receptacles arranged along a longitudinal axis, which are 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 slot 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. Each container receptacle can therefore be assigned a slot and a window, two slots or two windows. A clamping tab can be provided for each container receptacle, or for each window of the holder, which protrudes through the window into the respective container receptacle, whereby a container received therein can be held in a clamped manner. On the side of the holder which comprises the windows, a tab plate can be provided on the holder. which encompasses all clamping tabs. Alternatively, the clamping tabs can be formed integrally with the rest of the holder.

The mentioned designs of the mixing apparatus can be used in any combination, provided they do not contradict each other.

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 wherein the mixing apparatus is arranged on the work surface.

In one embodiment, the mixing system comprises a pipetting unit with which fluids can be added to or removed from containers located in the mixing apparatus.

In one embodiment, 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 system comprises a reading unit with which markings on the containers to be received by the mixing apparatus can be read. The markings can be selected from the group comprising 1D barcode, 2D barcode, RFID tag and the like. The reading unit can also recognize markings which are attached to the holders for receiving the containers. With The reading unit also shows in which position the container holder has a container and which position is empty. It is also possible to see whether all the container holders inserted into the mixer are completely inserted between the base plate and the retainer.

The above-mentioned designs of the mixing system can be used in any combination, provided 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 receptacles of the swivel mount; and
• Swiveling the swivel mount around the swivel axis with the drive unit.

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

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

In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps:

• Removing the retaining element before inserting the holder; and
• Attaching the retaining element after inserting the holder.

For example, fastening elements that fix the retaining element in the corresponding receptacles can be removed and the retaining element can then be lifted off and placed in another location independently of the mixing device. Alternatively, the retaining element can be pushed linearly away from the area above the swivel mount using a sliding mechanism. In a further alternative, the retaining element can be pivoted away from the area above the swivel mount in a plane using a twisting mechanism. If the retaining element is fixed to the swivel mount, then the holder under the retaining element must be pushed into the swivel mount, for example along the swivel 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 comprises the step:

• Reading in markings of the containers arranged in a holder using the reading unit before or during the insertion of the holder. If the markings are read during the insertion of the holder, each container picked up can be assigned to a specific position in the holder and accordingly in the swivel holder or in the mixing device. If the reading is to take place during insertion, the holder must be pushed into the swivel holder. If the reading takes place before insertion, it must be ensured that the holder is inserted correctly. To prevent incorrect insertion, the first and second recordings of the The swivel mount and the first and second ends of the holder can be designed differently. In addition, markings that are 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 comprises the steps:

• Removing fluids from the containers in the mixing apparatus after swiveling the swivel holder;
• Supplying fluids into the containers in the mixing apparatus before swiveling the swivel holder.

For example, the contents of a mother tube, which contains whole blood, for example, can be mixed on its own or with additional substances. After mixing, part of the whole blood can be pipetted from the mother tube to a daughter tube. The daughter tube can be empty beforehand or can 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 in it can be removed from the mixing device and fed into an analysis device. To remove and/or add 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 each other.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

• 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.

Embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to figures. These are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. They show

• Fig.1 a perspective view of a mixing apparatus according to the invention;
• Fig.2 the mixing apparatus of the Figure 1 without drive, without retainer and without reading unit;
• Fig. 3A the retainer of the Figure 1 ;
• Fig. 3B an alternative embodiment of the retainer of the Figure 1 ;
• Fig. 3C a sectional view of the mixing apparatus of the Figure 1 across the axis, through a high and a low container;
• Fig.4 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pivot mount with an alternative retainer;
• Fig.5 a perspective bottom view of the retainer of the Figure 4 ;
• Fig.6 a holder with containers inserted into it as in the Figure 2 ; and
• Fig.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 comprises a drive unit 1 with a drive 10, a control unit 12 and with a shaft 11 which can be pivoted about a substantially horizontal pivot axis A and which is operatively connected to the drive 10. The mixing apparatus 100 further comprises a pivot mount 2 which is arranged on the shaft 11. The pivot mount 2 comprises a base plate 20 and a retainer 4 spaced therefrom, the pivot 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 base A and essentially perpendicular to the base plate 20. At the end of the swivel mount 2 opposite the drive plate 21, a circular disk-shaped support plate 22 is provided, which is aligned parallel and flush 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. In the drive plate 21, the retainer 4 can be fixed with a pivotable fixation 211 and in the Support plate 22 with a pivotable fixation 222. On the base plate 20, on the side facing the retainer 4, elevations 200 in the form of sliding blocks are provided. On the side of the support plate 22 opposite the drive side, a reading unit 82 with a limiter 83 is provided. The reading unit 82 can be used to read markings on the holder 3 and/or on the containers arranged in the holder 3. The support plate 22 is supported on two rollers 50 of a bearing unit 5 and is rotatably mounted. 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 the 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 drive plate 21 and the support plate 22 are connected to one another by two rod-shaped connectors 23. The connectors 23 are designed and arranged such 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 pivot mount 2. A double row of T-slot nuts is arranged in both end regions of the base plate 20 and a single row in a central region of the base plate 20. Containers 7 are arranged in the inserted holder 3; sample tubes with a pierceable lid are shown, ie with a lid with a pierceable septum.

The Figure 3A shows the retainer 4 of the Figure 1 . The retainer 4 comprises a bent sheet 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 one another and the central plate 42 is parallel to the two edge plates 41. Continuous tabs 43 are provided on the two free ends of the retainer 4, which are 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 each transition area.

The Figure 3B shows an alternative embodiment of the retainer 4 of the Figure 1 with only a first plate 41 and a second plate 42. In contrast to the retainer of the Figure 3A Separate tabs 43 are provided, which are arranged 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 shows a sectional view of the mixing apparatus 100 of the Figure 1 transverse to the axis A, by a high container 7 and by a low container 70. The high container 7 is inserted 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 laterally arranged round rods. 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. In the variant of the swivel mount 2 shown, holders with high containers can be inserted into the retainers 400. If deeper containers are to be inserted, the retainers 400 must be rotated by 180 degrees so that the outward-facing surface of the plate 401 faces the base plate 20 and that the open end of the retainer 400 faces the drive plate 21.

The Figure 5 shows a perspective bottom view of the retainer 400 of the Figure 4 . The retainer 400 comprises a plate 401 with a slot 402 which extends substantially over the entire length of the plate. The width of the slot 402 is smaller than the external 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 substantially 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 laterally closed. A first tab 404 is provided at the open end of the retainer 400, which is parallel and slightly offset to the plate 401 in the region of the plate 401 and protrudes beyond the latter at the first free end of the retainer 400. 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 region of the ribs and protrudes beyond the latter at the second free end of the retainer.

The Figure 6 shows a holder with containers inserted into it as in the Figure 2 . The holder 3 extends along the longitudinal axis L, has container receptacles 32 which comprise two lateral slots 320 and has clamping tabs 322 which are formed integrally 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, i.e. on the side of the holder 3 which is opposite 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 comprises 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 pivot receptacle 2 can be easily inserted into the groove 33. On the second side 31 of the holder 3, a handle 34 is arranged, with by which the holder 3 can be easily grasped by hand. A recess 340 is provided in the handle 34, which enables the reading unit 82 to recognize that the holder 3 is completely inserted into the pivoting receptacle 2.

The Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a mixing system with a mixing apparatus 100 according to the invention, which is 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 further comprises 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 direction Z. In contrast to the embodiment of the mixing apparatus 100 of the Figure 1 , the reading unit 82 and the limiter 83 are arranged next to the mixing devices 100 on the work surface 80. The reading unit 82 is also aligned and fastened with the receiving elements 800 on the work surface 80. In front of the reading unit 82, holders can be pushed over the receiving elements 800 in order to recognize the markings on the holders 3 and/or on the containers arranged in the holders 3.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1 Drive unit 33 Groove 10 drive 34 Handle 11 shaft 340 Recess 12 Control unit 4 Retainer 100 Mixing device 40 Hole 2 Panning shot 41 first record 20 Base plate 42 second plate 200 Survey 43 Tab 21 Drive plate 44 rib 210 Groove 400 Retainer 211 Fixation 401 plate 22 Support plate 402 slot 220 Shell 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 Connecting plate 31 second end 7 container 32 Container holder 70 container 320 slot 8th Machine stand 322 Clamping tab 80 Work surface 800 Recording elements 83 Limiter 81 Pipetting unit 810 Transport unit 811 Pipette tip A Swivel 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 the at least one retainer (4;400) comprises at least one plate (41;401,42) having at least one throughhole (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),

   characterized in that 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).
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 inner dimensions of the through-holes (40;402) are smaller than the inner dimensions of the container receptacles (32) of the insertable holders (3).
10. The mixing apparatus (100) according any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one tab (43;404) is jointly formed integrally and essentially flush with the at least one plate (41;401,42).
11. The mixing apparatus (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one rib (44;403) is jointly formed integrally with the at least one plate (41;401,42), which extends along the pivot axis (A) over at least a portion of the at least one plate (41;401,42).
12. The mixing apparatus (100) according to claim 11, wherein at least one tab (405) is jointly formed integrally with the at least one rib (403) and spaced parallel to the at least one plate (401).
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 system comprising:
    a machine stand (8) on which a mixing apparatus (100) is arranged according to one of claims 1 to 13, 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 system 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) and/or markings of the holders (3) to be accommodated in the mixing apparatus (100) can be read.
16. A method for operating a mixing apparatus (100) or mixing system, 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 following 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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