Sample container carrier, laboratory sample distribution system and laboratory automation system

TECHNICAL FI ELD AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a sample container carrier, a laboratory sample distribution system comprising such a sample container carrier and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system.

Known laboratory sample distribution systems are typically used in laboratory automation systems in order to distribute laboratory samples contained in laboratory sample containers between different laboratory stations by means of sample container carriers. Such a sample container carrier, such a laboratory sample distribution system and such a laboratory automation system are shown in document US 2017/0131310 A1 . The sample container carrier comprises spring arms for holding the laboratory sample container.

SUMMARY OF THE I NVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide a sample container carrier having improved properties than sample container carriers of the prior art. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a laboratory sample distribution system comprising such a sample container carrier and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system.

These objects are solved by a sample container carrier according to claim 1 , a laboratory sample distribution system according to claim 13 and a laboratory automation system according to claim 15. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a sample container carrier for holding a laboratory sample container and for transporting the held laboratory sample container in a laboratory sample distribution system. The sample container carrier comprises a first holding element and a second holding element. The first holding element and the second holding element are displaceable, in particular rotationally displaceable, towards and/or away from each other within a holding region for holding the laboratory sample container. Furthermore, the sample container carrier comprises a coupler. The coupler is connected, in particular directly and/or mechanically connected, to the first holding element and to the second holding element within a coupling region, such that the coupler couples displacements, in particular rotational displacements, of the first holding element and the second holding element, in particular with each other. Moreover, the sample container carrier comprises a prevention element. The prevention element is arranged, in particular spatially arranged, between the holding region and the coupling region and is adapted to prevent the laboratory sample container and/or a laboratory sample from getting into the coupling region.

The laboratory sample container may be designed as a tube made of glass or transparent plastic and may have an opening at an upper end. The laboratory sample container may be used to contain, store and transport a laboratory sample such as a blood sample, a urine sample or a chemical sample. The sample container carrier may comprise only or exactly the two holding elements, namely the first holding element and the second holding element. Alternatively, the sample container carrier may comprise a third holding element, or additionally a fourth holding element, or even more holding elements. All of the holding element/s may be displaceable towards and/or away from each other within the holding region for holding the laboratory sample container. The coupler may be connected to all of the holding elements within the coupling region, such that the coupler may couple displacements of all of the holding elements. At least one, in particular all, of the holding elements may be, in particular only, rotationally displaceable. In other words: at least one, in particular all, of the holding elements may not be or does/do not have to be translationally displaceable. In particular at least one, in particular all, of the holding elements, may be horizontally displaceable, in particular orthogonal to a central axis of the sample container carrier. In other words: at least one, in particular all, of the holding elements may not be or does/do not have to be vertically displaceable, in particular along the central axis.

The first holding element and/or the second holding element may be adapted to be in direct contact with the laboratory sample container for holding the laboratory sample container. The contact between the holding elements and the laboratory sample container may take place within the holding region. The holding region may be defined and/or limited by the holding elements. Additionally or alternatively the holding region may be defined by the prevention element and/or a base body, if present, of the sample container carrier. The holding region may be open at one side, in particular at a top or face side, in particular for enabling an insertion of the laboratory sample container into the sample container carrier. The held laboratory sample container may be at least partially positioned between the first holding element and the second holding element. In particular the first holding element and the second holding element may be arranged in a, in particular symmetric, manner around a center and/or a central axis of the sample container carrier, such that a point or line of contact, i.e. holding, of each of the first holding element and the second holding element with the laboratory sample container is equidistant from the center and/or from the central axis of the sample container carrier. The center may be located on the central axis. The center may be a center of gravity of the sample container carrier. The central axis may be a symmetry axis of the sample container carrier, in particular a longitudinal and/or a vertical axis. In other words: the held laboratory sample container may be centralized by the first holding element and the second holding element into the center of the sample container carrier. The held laboratory sample container may comprise a circumference, wherein the first holding element and/or the second holding element hold the laboratory sample container at its circumference within the holding region. The held laboratory sample container may be held by the first holding element and/or the second holding element, such that the opening of the laboratory sample container, if present, may be facing away from the sample container carrier, in particular the prevention element. Furthermore, the held laboratory sample container, in particular an end face or a bottom of the laboratory sample container, may be supported by the prevention element. The coupler may be a mechanical coupler. In particular, the coupler may be a lever, a slide, a belt, a rubber band or a gear-wheel. The coupler may be adapted to perform a movement, when the first holding element and/or the second holding element may be displaced. The coupler may be adapted to transfer a displacement of the first holding element into a displacement of the second holding element. The coupler may be adapted to transfer a displacement of the second holding element into a displacement of the first holding element. The coupling region may be defined and/or limited by the prevention element and/or the base body, if present. The coupling region and the holding region may be arranged along the central axis. In particular the coupler may be, in particular completely, arranged, in particular spatially arranged, within the coupling region. Additionally or alternatively the coupler may be different from the prevention element. The sample container carrier may enable a synchronization of the displacements of the first holding element and the second holding element. This may enable holding the laboratory sample container in a defined holding position, in particular independent from a type and/or a size of the laboratory sample container. Furthermore, this may enable each of the first holding element and the second holding element to apply a similar or identical holding force value to the laboratory sample container. Thereby, balanced forces may be provided.

The prevention element may enable to avoid a malfunction of the sample container carrier, in particular its coupler and its coupling mechanism, respectively, which may be caused by the laboratory sample container and/or the laboratory sample. Additionally or alternatively the prevention element may enable to avoid a contamination or a pollution of the coupling region, in particular which may be caused by the laboratory sample. In other words: the prevention element may enable to keep the sample container carrier within its coupling region clean or at least to enable a relatively easy cleaning of the sample container carrier. The prevention element may enable a relatively high reliability of the sample container carrier. In particular the prevention element may be a plate, a wall or a fence. The prevention element may be adapted to prevent liquid and/or dust from getting into the coupling region. In particular the prevention element alone or the prevention element in combination with an additional sealing element may seal the coupling region in a waterproof manner. The prevention element may separate and/or divide the holding region from the coupling region. The prevention element may be an intermediate level or a middle floor of the sample container carrier. In particular the prevention element may be arranged, in particular spatially arranged, along a straight line between the holding region and the coupling region. Additionally or alternatively the prevention element may be different from the coupler.

According to an embodiment of the invention the coupler is rotationally moveable, such that the coupler couples by its rotational movement the displacements of the first holding element and the second holding element, in particular with each other. The coupler may be only rotationally moveable. The coupler may be rotationally moveable around the center and/or the central axis of the sample container carrier. The coupler may perform a rotational movement when the first holding element and/or the second holding element are/is displaced. The coupler may not perform a translational movement. The coupler may be moveably mounted to the prevention element and/or to the base body, if present.

According to an embodiment of the invention the sample container carrier comprises a gear tooth system. The coupler is connected to the first holding element and/or to the second holding element by the gear tooth system. The gear tooth system may be arranged within the coupling region. The gear tooth system may comprise a gear-rack, a gear-wheel or a segment of a gearwheel.

According to an embodiment of the invention the sample container carrier comprises a stop element. The stop element is adapted to cooperate with the first holding element and/or the second holding element and/or the coupler, such that the displacements of the first holding element and the second holding element are limited. In particular the displacements of the first holding element and the second holding element towards each other may be limited by the stop element. The stop element may define a default or relaxed position of the first holding element and/or the second holding element. The default position may be a position of the first holding element and the second holding element, wherein a distance between the first holding and the second holding element within the holding region may be minimal. The stop element may be arranged within the coupling region.

According to an embodiment of the invention the first holding element and/or the second holding element are, in particular displaceable, mounted to the prevention element, in particular by a pivot joint. Additionally the prevention element may be adapted to guide the displacement/s of the first holding element and/or the second holding element. Additionally or alternatively the first holding element and/or the second holding element may be, in particular displaceable, mounted to the base body. According to an embodiment of the invention the first holding element and/or the second holding element extend/s from the prevention element away into the holding region by maximal 35 millimeter (mm), in particular by maximal 30 mm, in particular by maximal 25 mm, in particular by maximal 15 mm, in particular by maximal 10 mm. In other words: the first holding element and/or the second holding element may be adapted to hold the laboratory sample container at a 35 mm, in particular 30 mm, in particular 25 mm, in particular 15 mm, in particular 10 mm, long end portion of the laboratory sample container. Such a relatively short holding element s may not cover a barcode arranged at the held laboratory sample container. Thereby, the barcode may be readable from the outside.

According to an embodiment of the invention the first holding element and/or the second holding element comprise/s a number of jaws (e.g. 1 to 10) within the holding region for holding the laboratory sample container. In particular each holding element may comprise only one jaw. The jaws may be adapted to be in direct contact with the held laboratory sample container. Each jaw may comprise or form a, in particular circular, segment or section. The number of jaws and their longitudinal axes, respectively, may be oriented parallel to the center and/or the central axis. The number of jaws may comprise a number of first jaws and a number of second jaws, wherein the first holding element and the number of first jaws may be formed in one-piece and/or the second holding element and the number of second jaws may be formed in one-piece. The jaws may be distributed around the central axis in an equidistant and/or equiangular manner. At least one of the number of jaws may comprise a corrugation for holding the laboratory sample container. This may enable a relatively high friction and/or grip between the corrugated jaw and the laboratory sample container. The corrugation may be a ribbing. In particular the corrugation may be adapted not to destroy and/or to affect the laboratory sample container. The number of jaws does not have to be arranged within the coupling region. According to an embodiment of the invention the first holding element and/or the second holding element comprise/s a lever arm, wherein the lever arm comprises a curved shape and wherein the jaw is arranged at, in particular an end portion of, the lever arm, such that the lever arm is not in contact, in particular in direct contact, with the laboratory sample container, when the laboratory sample container is inserted into, held by and/or removed from the sample container carrier. This enables a desired friction, in particular a relatively low friction, between at least one of the holding elements and the laboratory sample container, in particular during the insertion or a removal of the laboratory sample container, in particular such that the laboratory sample container may only relatively little or not be rotated during the insertion or the removal. The curved shape may be in form of a segment of a circle. The lever arm may be denoted as a flap.

According to an embodiment of the invention the number of jaws comprises a flexible and/or soft material for holding the laboratory sample container. This enables a relatively reliable contact and/or a desired friction between the number of jaws and the laboratory sample container. In particular the first holding element and/or the second holding element may be a multi-component injection molding part, wherein the number of jaws is made of a softer material, in particular a rubber-based-material.

According to an embodiment of the invention the first holding element and/or the second holding element comprise/s an insertion support. The insertion support is adapted to cooperate together with the laboratory sample container to be held, such that the holding element comprising the insertion support is displaced, when the laboratory sample container is inserted into the sample container carrier. This enables a relatively simple insertion of the laboratory sample container to be held into the sample container carrier. The insertion support may be an inclined plane, inclined surface or inclined edge. At least one respective jaw of the number of jaws, if present, may comprise the insertion support. According to an embodiment of the invention the sample container carrier comprises a retaining element applying a force to the first holding element and/or to the second holding element and/or to the coupler, such that the first holding element and the second holding element are force-loaded towards each other for holding the laboratory sample container. This enables a relatively reliable holding of the laboratory sample container. Additionally or alternatively the retaining element may apply a force, such that the first holding element and the second holding element may be displaced towards each other, in particular into the default position, if present, when the laboratory sample container may be removed from the sample container carrier. The retaining element may comprise or be an elastic element. The retaining element may comprise or be a spring, a rubber element, a rubber band, at least one magnet, a cable pull system, a pneumatic system or a hydraulic system.

According to an embodiment of the invention the sample container carrier comprises a magnetically active element, wherein the magnetically active element is adapted to interact with a magnetic field generated by a drive element, such that a driving force, in particular a magnetic driving force, is applied to the sample container carrier. The magnetically active element may be a permanent magnet or an electro-magnet. The magnetically active element may comprise a magnetically soft material.

The invention further relates to a laboratory sample distribution system. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a number of sample container carriers (e.g. 1 to 1000) as described above, a transport plane, a number of drive elements (e.g. 1 to 10000) and a control device. The transport plane is adapted to support the number of sample container carriers. The number of drive elements is adapted to move the number of sample container carriers on the transport plane. The control device is configured to control the number of drive elements, such that the number of sample container carriers moves on the transport plane along corresponding transport paths.

By means of the sample container carrier according to the invention, the advantages of the sample container carrier according to the invention, as discussed above, can be made applicable for the laboratory sample distribution system. The transport plane may also be denoted as transport surface. The transport plane may support the sample container carriers, what may also be denoted as carrying the sample container carriers. The sample container carriers may be translationally moved on the transport plane. The sample container carriers may be adapted to move in two dimensions on the transport plane. The number of sample container carriers may slide over the transport plane. The control device may be an integrated circuit, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a computer or a processing control system. Each of the sample container carriers may move on the transport plane along an individual transport path.

According to an embodiment of the invention the number of drive elements comprises a number of electro-magnetic actuators (e.g. 1 to 10000), wherein the number of electro-magnetic actuators is stationary arranged below the transport plane and is adapted to generate a magnetic field to move the number of sample container carriers on the transport plane. Each of the number of sample container carriers comprises a magnetically active element, wherein the magnetically active element is adapted to interact with the magnetic field generated by the number of electro-magnetic actuators, such that a driving force, in particular a magnetic driving force, is applied to the sample container carrier. The control device is configured to control the number of electro-magnetic actuators, such that the number of sample container carriers moves on the transport plane along corresponding transport paths. In particular the electro-magnetic actuators may be solenoids surrounding ferromagnetic cores. Furthermore, the electromagnetic actuators may be driven or energized individually in order to generate or to provide the magnetic field. The electro-magnetic actuators may be arranged in two dimensions, in particular in a grid or matrix having rows and columns, along which the electro-magnetic actuators are arranged. The electro-magnetic actuators may be arranged in a plane parallel to the transport plane.

The invention further relates to a laboratory automation system. The laboratory automation system comprises a number of laboratory stations (e.g. 1 to 50) and a laboratory sample distribution system as described above. The laboratory sample distribution system is adapted to distribute the number of sample container carriers and/or laboratory sample containers between the laboratory stations.

By means of the laboratory sample distribution system according to the invention, the advantages of the laboratory sample distribution system according to the invention, as discussed above, can be made applicable for the laboratory automation system. The laboratory stations may be arranged adjacent or directly next to the laboratory sample distribution system, in particular to the transport plane of the laboratory sample distribution system. The number of laboratory stations may comprise pre-analytical, analytical and/or post- analytical laboratory stations. Pre-analytical laboratory stations may be adapted to perform any kind of pre-processing of samples, sample containers and/or sample container carriers. Analytical laboratory stations may be adapted to use a sample or part of the sample and a reagent to generate a measuring signal, the measuring signal indicating if and in which concentration, if any, an analyte is existing. Post-analytical laboratory stations may be adapted to perform any kind of post-processing of samples, sample containers and/or sample container carriers. The pre-analytical, analytical and/or post-analytical laboratory stations may comprise at least one of a decapping station, a recapping station, an aliquot station, a centrifugation station, an archiving station, a pipetting station, a sorting station, a tube type identification station, a sample quality determining station, an add-on buffer station, a liquid level detection station, a sealing/desealing station, a pushing station, a belt station, a conveying system station and/or a gripper station for moving the sample container to or from the sample container carrier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a sample container carrier according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the sample container carrier of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 shows a cross section view of the sample container carrier of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of holding elements, a coupler and a prevention element of the sample container carrier of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 shows another perspective view of the holding elements, the coupler and the prevention element of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of one of the holding elements of the sample container carrier of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a laboratory automation system according to the invention comprising the sample container carrier of Fig. 1 holding a laboratory sample container,

Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross section view of the sample container carrier of Fig. 1 holding the laboratory sample container,

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a sample container carrier according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 10 shows another perspective view of the sample container carrier of Fig. 9,

Fig. 1 1 shows a cross section view of the sample container carrier of Fig. 9,

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of holding elements, a coupler and a prevention element of the sample container carrier of Fig. 9, Fig. 13 shows another perspective view of the holding elements, the coupler and the prevention element of Fig. 9,

Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of one of the holding elements of the sample container carrier of Fig. 9, Fig. 15 shows a lower housing part of the sample container carrier of Fig. 9, and Fig. 16 shows an upper housing part of the sample container carrier of Fig. 9.

DETAI LED DESCRI PTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE I NVENTION

Fig. 1 to 8 and 9 to 16 show an inventive sample container carrier 140 for holding a laboratory sample container 130 and for transporting the held laboratory sample container 130 in a laboratory sample distribution system 100. The sample container carrier comprises a first holding element 150, a second holding element 160, a coupler 170 and a prevention element 220. The first holding element 150 and the second holding element 160 are displaceable towards and/or away from each other within a holding region 165 for holding the laboratory sample container 130. The coupler 170 is connected to the first holding element 150 and to the second holding element 160 within a coupling region 166, such that the coupler 170 couples displacements of the first holding element 150 and the second holding element 160. The prevention element 220 is arranged between the holding region 165 and the coupling region 166 and is adapted to prevent the laboratory sample container 130 and/or a laboratory sample 135 from getting into the coupling region 166. In the shown embodiment the sample container carrier 140 comprises a third holding element 151 . In alternative embodiments the sample container carrier may comprise only two holding elements, in particular the first holding element and the second holding element. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments the sample container carrier may comprise four or more than four holding elements. All of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 are rotationally displaceable towards and/or away from each other within the holding region 165 for holding the laboratory sample container 130, as shown in Fig. 2 by arrows P1 , P2, P3. The coupler 170 is connected to all of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 within the coupling region 166, such that the coupler 170 couples displacements of all of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160, in particular with each other. The coupling region 166 is defined by the prevention element 220 and a base body 149 of the sample container carrier 140. The coupler 170 is arranged within the coupling region 166. Besides, the base body 149 of the sample container carrier 140 is shaped, such that a central axis CA is a longitudinal axis of the base body 149. In detail the coupler 170 is rotationally moveable, such that the coupler 170 couples by its rotational movement the displacements of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160. In the shown embodiment the sample container carrier 140 comprises a coupler-holder 179, as shown in Fig. 3. The coupler-holder 179 extends from the prevention element 220 away into the coupling region 166, in particular along the central axis CA and/or to the base body 149. In detail the prevention element 220 and the coupler-holder 179 are embodied as one piece. The coupler 170 is moveably mounted, in particular pivot-mounted, to the coupler-holder 179, such that the central axis CA is a rotational axis of the coupler 170, as shown in Fig. 4 and 5 by an arrow P4.

In the shown embodiment the sample container carrier 140 comprises a gear tooth system 230. The coupler 170 is connected to the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 by the gear tooth system 230. The gear tooth system 230 is arranged within the coupling region 166. In detail the coupler 170 comprises a form of a gear-wheel and the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 comprise a form of a segment of a gear-wheel. The gear-wheel shaped coupler 170 meshes with the gear-wheel segments of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160.

The holding elements 150, 151 , 160 are, in particular displaceable, mounted to the prevention element 220, in particular by a pivot joint 175, as shown in Fig. 3 to 5. In detail each holding element 150, 151 , 160 is mounted to the prevention element 220 by a latch type connection. Furthermore, the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 are, in particular displaceable, mounted to the base body 149. Additionally the prevention element 220 and the base body 149 are adapted to guide the displacements of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160. Moreover, the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 comprise a number of jaws 180 within the holding region 165 for holding the laboratory sample container 130. In the shown embodiment each holding element 150, 151 , 160 comprises only one jaw 180. In alternative embodiments at least one of the holding elements may comprise two, three or more than three jaws.

In detail the jaws 180 are distributed around the central axis CA in an equidistant and equiangular manner. In the shown embodiment an angle between the three jaws 180 is 120 degrees. The jaws 180 are adapted to be in direct contact with the laboratory sample container 130 within the holding region 165, as shown in Fig. 7 and 8. In particular the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and their jaws 180, respectively, are arranged in a symmetric manner around the central axis CA of the sample container carrier 140, such that a point or line of contact of each of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 with the laboratory sample container 130 is equidistant from the central axis CA. In detail the number of jaws 180 comprises a flexible and/or soft material for holding the laboratory sample container 130.

In the shown embodiment the prevention element 220 is embodied as a plate. The prevention element 220 is adapted to prevent liquid and/or dust from getting into the coupling region 166. In detail the prevention element 220 directly contacts the base body 149, as shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the prevention element 220 is adapted to support the laboratory sample container 130. In other words: the prevention element 220 limits an insertion depth of the laboratory sample container 130.

The holding region 165 is defined by the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and the prevention element 220. The prevention element 220 separates the holding region 165 from the coupling region 166. The coupling region 166 and the holding region 165 are arranged along the central axis CA. Furthermore, the holding region 165 is surrounded and/or closed by the base body 149 with the exception, that the holding region 165 is open at a top side 141 of the sample container carrier 140 for enabling an insertion of the laboratory sample container 130 into the sample container carrier 140.

In the shown embodiment the laboratory sample container 130 is designed as a tube having an opening at an in Fig. 7 and 8 upper end. An end face of the laboratory sample container 130 is supported by the prevention element 220. The jaws 180 hold or clamp the laboratory sample container 130 at its circumference. The opening of the laboratory sample container 130 is facing away from the sample container carrier 140 and its prevention element 220, respectively.

The holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and their jaws 180, respectively, are adapted to hold the laboratory sample container 130, such that a longitudinal axis of the laboratory sample container 130 in form of the tube accords with the central axis CA.

Further, the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and their jaws 180, respectively, extend from the prevention element 220 away into the holding region 165 by 15 mm. In particular, a vertical length of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and their jaws 180, respectively, within the holding region 165 is 15 mm. In other words: the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 are adapted to hold the laboratory sample container at a 10 to 15 mm long end portion of the laboratory sample container 130. Thereby, a part of the circumference of the laboratory sample container 130 is not covered by the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and their jaws 180, respectively. In other words: the part of the circumference is visible from the outside. For example, the laboratory sample container 130 may comprise a not shown barcode at its circumference, which should be kept visible, when the laboratory sample container 130 is held by the sample container carrier 140.

Furthermore, each of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 comprises a lever arm 240. The lever arm 240 comprises a curved shape. The respective jaw 180 is arranged at, in particular an end portion of, the lever arm 240, such that the lever arm 240 is not in contact with the laboratory sample container 130, when the laboratory sample container 130 is inserted into, held by and/or removed from the sample container carrier 140.

Moreover, the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and their jaws 180, respectively, each comprises an insertion support 182, as shown in Fig. 1 . Each of the insertion supports 182 is adapted to cooperate together with the laboratory sample container 130 to be held, such that the holding element 150, 151 , 160 comprising the insertion support 182 is displaced, when the laboratory sample container 130 is inserted into the sample container carrier 140. In the shown embodiment each insertion support 182 is embodied as an inclined plane. In detail each insertion support 182 is facing towards the central axis CA. An angle between the central axis CA and a respective insertion support 182 may be in the range of 5 degrees to 45 degrees.

Further, the sample container carrier 140 comprises a retaining element 190 applying a force to the coupler 170, such that the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 are force-loaded towards each other for holding the laboratory sample container 130, as shown in Fig. 3 and 4. In the shown embodiment the retaining element 190 is mounted to the coupler 170 and the prevention element 220. In detail the coupler 170 comprises a coupler protrusion 171 and the prevention element 220 comprises a prevention protrusion 172, as shown in Fig. 3 to 5. The retaining element 190 is mounted to the coupler protrusion 171 and to the prevention protrusion 172. In alternative embodiments additionally or alternatively the retaining element may be mounted to at least one of the holding elements and/or to the base body. Moreover, in alternative embodiments the retaining element does not have to be mounted to the coupler and/or to the prevention element. In the shown embodiment the retaining element 190 is an elastic element in form of a spring, in particular in form of a leg spring. In detail the retaining element 190 in form of the spring surrounds the coupler-holder 179. Additionally the retaining element 190 applies a force, such that the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 are displaced towards each other, in particular into a default position, when the laboratory sample container 130 is removed from the sample container carrier 140.

In the shown embodiment the prevention element 220, in particular in form of the plate, the coupler 170, in particular the gear tooth system 230, and the retaining element 190, in particular in form of the spring, are arranged along the central axis CA, in particular in this order.

Furthermore, the sample container carrier 140 comprises at least one stop element 235, as shown in Fig. 5 and 6. The at least one stop element 235 is adapted to cooperate with the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and the coupler 170, such that the displacements of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160, in particular towards each other, are limited. In particular the at least one stop element 235 defines the default position.

In the shown embodiment the respective stop element 235 is fixed at a corresponding holding element 150, 151 , 160. In particular the respective stop element 235 and the corresponding holding element 150, 151 , 160 are embodied as one piece. The respective stop element 235 is arranged adjacent to the gear-wheel segment of the corresponding holding element 150, 151 , 160. In the default position the at least one stop element 235 contacts the coupler 170 at a corresponding stop surface 236 of the coupler 170, such that a further rotational movement of the coupler 170 is blocked.

In the default position a distance between the jaws 180 is smaller than a minimal diameter of the laboratory sample container 130 to be held. However, a distance between the upper ends of the insertion supports 182 is larger than a maximal diameter of the laboratory sample container 130 to be held.

Moreover, the base body 149 comprises at least one displacement stop 237, as shown in Fig. 2. The at least one displacement stop 237 is adapted to limit the displacements of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and their jaws 180, respectively, when the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 are displaced away from each other, in particular by contact of the at least one displacement stop 237 with at least one of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160.

In the shown embodiment the at least one stop element 235 is arranged within the coupling region 166. In alternative embodiments the stop element may be arranged at a different position in or at the sample container carrier. In the shown embodiment the at least one displacement stop 237 is comprised by or arranged at the base body 149. In alternative embodiments the displacement stop may be arranged at a different position in or at the sample container carrier.

When the laboratory sample container 130 is inserted into the sample container carrier 140 towards the prevention element 220, the laboratory sample container 130 contacts at least one of the insertion supports 182 and cooperates with it. Thereby, the corresponding holding element 150, 151 , 160 and via the coupler 170 the other holding elements 150, 151 , 160 are displaced away from each other out of the default position, as shown in Fig. 1 by arrows P1 , P2, P3.

When the laboratory sample container 130 is present within the holding region 165 between the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 and their jaws 180, respectively, and supported by the prevention element 220, the retaining element 190 pushes and/or pulls the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 against the laboratory sample container 130. The coupler 170 ensures that the holding elements 150, 151 , 160 apply similar or identical holding force values to the laboratory sample container 130. Moreover, the sample container carrier 140 comprises a magnetically active element 145 in form of a permanent magnet, as shown in Fig. 3. The magnetically active element 145 is adapted to interact with a magnetic field generated by a drive element 120, such that a driving force is applied to the sample container carrier 140. In detail the magnetically active element 145 is arranged within a cavity of the base body 149, in particular in a lower part of the base body 149. Thereby, the magnetically active element 145 is not translationally displaceable relative to the base body 149.

Further, the sample container carrier 140 comprises a sliding surface 1 1 1 at its underside. In detail the base body 149, in particular its lower part, comprises an annular-shaped sliding surface 1 1 1 . Fig. 7 shows an inventive laboratory automation system 10. The laboratory automation system 10 comprises an inventive laboratory sample distribution system 100 and a number of laboratory stations 20, 25. The number of laboratory stations 20, 25 may comprise at least one pre-analytical, analytical and/or post-analytical station. In the shown embodiment the laboratory stations 20, 25 are arranged adjacent to the laboratory sample distribution system 100. Self- evidently, more than the two laboratory stations 20, 25 depicted in Fig. 7 may be comprised in the laboratory automation system 10. The laboratory sample distribution system 100 comprises a number of sample container carriers 140 as described above and/or below. Self-evidently, more than the three sample container carriers 140 depicted in Fig. 7 may be comprised in the laboratory sample distribution system 100. Furthermore, the laboratory sample distribution system 100 comprises a transport plane 1 10, a number of drive elements 120 and a control device 125. The transport plane 1 10 is adapted to support the number of sample container carriers 140. The number of drive elements 120 is adapted to move the number of sample container carriers 140 on the transport plane 1 10. The control device 125 is configured to control the number of drive elements 120, such that the number of sample container carriers 140 moves on the transport plane along corresponding transport paths, in particular each of the sample container carriers 140 along an individual transport path simultaneously.

The laboratory sample distribution system 100 is adapted to distribute the number of sample container carriers 140 and/or the laboratory sample containers 130 between the laboratory stations 20, 25. At least one of the laboratory stations 20, 25 may comprise or be a gripper station for inserting the laboratory sample container 130 to the sample container carrier 140 or for removing the laboratory sample container 130 from the sample container carrier 140.

In detail the number of drive elements 120 comprises a number of electro-magnetic actuators 121 . The number of electro-magnetic actuators 121 is stationary arranged below the transport plane 1 10 and is adapted to generate a magnetic field to move the number of sample container carriers 140 on the transport plane 1 10. In the shown embodiment the electro-magnetic actuators 121 are implemented as solenoids having a solid ferromagnetic core. The electromagnetic actuators 121 are quadratically arranged in a grid having rows and columns, in particular in a plane parallel to the transport plane 1 10. In each center of a quadrat formed by corresponding electro-magnetic actuators 121 no electro-magnetic actuator is arranged. In other words: in each second row in each second position there is no electro-magnetic actuator 120.

The magnetically active element 145 of a respective sample container carrier 140 is adapted to interact with the magnetic field generated by the number of electro-magnetic actuators 121 , such that a magnetic driving force is applied to the sample container carrier 140. The control device 125 is configured to control the number of electro-magnetic actuators 121 , such that the number of sample container carriers 140 moves on the transport plane along corresponding transport paths.

In detail the electro-magnetic actuators 121 can be driven individually, in particular by the control device 125, in order to generate a magnetic field for each sample container carrier 140. The magnetic field can interact with the magnetically active device 145 of the sample container carriers 140. As a result of the interaction the magnetic driving force is applied to the sample container carrier 140. Hence, the sample container carriers 140 can be translationally moved in two dimensions x, y being perpendicular to each other on or over the transport plane 1 10. In the shown embodiment the sliding surface 1 1 1 of a respective sample container carrier 140 is adapted to be in contact with the transport plane 1 10 and enables performing movements, in particular slides, of the sample container carrier 140 on the transport plane 1 10.

Furthermore, the laboratory sample distribution system 100 comprises a number of Hall-sensors 141 . The number of Hall-sensors 141 is arranged, such that a position of a respective sample container carrier 140 on the transport plane 1 10 can be detected. The control device 125 is functionally coupled to the Hall-sensors 141 for detecting the position of the sample container carrier 140. The control device 125 is adapted to control the electro-magnetic actuators 121 in response to the detected position.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 to 16 the sample container carrier 140 comprises a third holding element 151 and a fourth holding element 161 . In alternative embodiments the sample container carrier may comprise only two holding elements, in particular the first holding element and the second holding element. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments the sample container carrier may comprise three or more than four holding elements.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 to 16 an angle between the four jaws 180 is 90 degrees.

Moreover, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 to 16 the holding elements 150, 151 , 160, 161 and their jaws 180, respectively, extend from the prevention element 220 away into the holding region 165 by 30 mm. In particular, a vertical length of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160, 161 and their jaws 180, respectively, within the holding region 165 is 30 mm. Further, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 to 1 6 the at least one stop element 235 is adapted to cooperate with the holding elements 150, 151 , 160, 161 , such that the displacements of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160, 161 are limited.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 to 16 the respective stop element 235 is a part of the gear- wheel segment of the corresponding holding element 150, 151 , 160, 161 . In the default position the at least one stop element 235 contacts the prevention element 220 at a corresponding stop surface 238 of the prevention element 220, such that a further rotational movement of the respective holding element 150, 151 , 160, 161 is blocked.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 to 16 an upper part or a housing, respectively, of the base body 149 comprises two, in particular different, housing parts 149a, 149 b, as shown in Fig. 15 and 16.

In detail one of the housing parts is an upper housing part 149a and another one of the housing parts is a lower housing part 149b, in particular arranged along the central axis CA.

This, in particular the two-piece housing, enables an easy assembly of the sample container carrier 140, in particular of the holding elements 150, 151 , 160, 161 , the coupler 170 and the prevention element 220.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 to 16 the upper housing part 149a and the lower housing part 149b are connected, in particular mechanically connected, to each other by a snap type connection. In alternative embodiments the upper housing part and the lower housing part may be connected to each other by a different type of connection.

Moreover, the sample container carrier 140, in particular its base body 149, may comprise at least one element, in particular at its underside, to retain the magnetically active element 145.

As the shown and above discussed embodiments reveal, the invention provides a sample container carrier having improved properties than sample container carriers of the prior art. Further the invention provides a laboratory sample distribution system comprising such a sample container carrier and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system.