Module for a laboratory sample distribution system, laboratory sample distribution system and laboratory automation system

摘要

A module for a laboratory sample distribution system, a laboratory sample distribution system comprising such modules, and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system are presented. A magnetic coupling enhancer is provided in order to increase magnetic coupling between adjacent modules.

主权项

1. A module for a laboratory sample distribution system, the module comprising:
a transport plane to support sample container carriers, each sample container carrier comprising at least one magnetically active device; a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane, the electro-magnetic actuators move the sample container carriers on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carriers, wherein each electro-magnetic actuator comprises a ferromagnetic core, wherein adjacent ferromagnetic cores are magnetically coupled to each other by respective magnetic coupling elements; and a magnetic coupling enhancer for increasing magnetic coupling to adjacent modules, the magnetic coupling enhancer comprises,
a plurality of magnetic coupling protrusions, each magnetic coupling protrusion positioned between an outer edge of the module and a corresponding ferromagnetic core of an electro-magnetic actuator positioned adjacent to the outer edge, wherein each magnetic coupling protrusion comprises a magnetic coupling surface positioned at an outer edge of the module facing towards a surrounding of the module, and wherein the magnetic coupling surfaces are arranged to magnetically couple to a further magnetic coupling surface of a neighbouring module, anda plurality of contact surfaces, the contact surfaces are to be contacted by a corresponding number of magnetic coupling rods.