Abstract:
A gripper device for use in a lancet device for generating a sample of a body fluid. In the lancet device, a plurality of lancets can be provided in succession on a carrier element in an application position. The gripper device is equipped to seize one lancet at a time in the application position and carry out a piercing movement using the lancet. The gripper device includes at least one stop element, which is equipped to stop the lancet in the application position and temporarily prevent further movement of the carrier element. The gripper device further includes at least one positioning element, which is equipped to position the lancet during the piercing movement in a direction transverse to a piercing direction. The gripper device can further include at least one counter-gripper, which is equipped to cooperate with the stop element whereby the lancet can be held with a form fit.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of PCT/EP2010/066465, filed Oct. 29, 2010, which claims priority to EP 09174764.2, filed Nov. 2, 2009, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The disclosed embodiments relate to a gripper device that can be used as a lancet gripper in a lancet device for generating a sample of a body fluid. The disclosed embodiments further relate to a lancet device for generating a sample of a body fluid. Gripper devices and lancet devices of this kind can be used in the field of medical diagnostics for easily and quickly generating samples of body fluid, for the purpose of subsequent analysis and/or diagnosis. For example, the lancing device can be used to generate samples of blood and/or interstitial fluid for the purpose of a qualitative and/or quantitative detection of at least one analyte in the sample, for example at least one metabolite. Without excluding further possible uses, the invention is described below principally on the basis of blood glucose analysis. However, other uses are also possible. 
         [0003]    The examination of blood samples or of other samples of body fluids, for example interstitial fluid, permits early and reliable detection of pathological conditions and also specific and reliable monitoring of physical states. Medical diagnostics generally entail collecting a sample of blood or of interstitial fluid from the individual who is to be examined. To collect the sample, the skin of the person to be examined can be punctured, for example, at the finger pad or ear lobe, with the aid of a sterile, pointed or sharp lancet, in order to collect a few microliters or less of blood for the analysis. This method is particularly suitable for sample analysis that is carried out directly after the sample has been collected. 
         [0004]    In the area of home monitoring, where persons without specialist medical training carry out simple analyses of blood or of interstitial fluid themselves, and particularly for diabetics taking blood samples to monitor their blood glucose concentration on a regular basis, several times a day, lancets and associated appliances are offered for sale. The appliances, which are also referred to as puncturing aids, are intended to allow samples to be taken with the least possible discomfort and in a reproducible manner. 
         [0005]    In addition to puncturing aids in which individual lancets are used that are not connected to one another by a common carrier element, the prior art also discloses tape appliances for multiple puncturing aids in which a plurality of lancets are stored and connected via a common carrier tape. DE 28 03 354 B1, for example, describes a blood-sampling appliance with a needle which can be moved against the body surface of a patient by the application of a force, and with a suitable actuating mechanism having a ram and a trigger. Blood lancets are used as needles, the blood lancets being accommodated individually in pockets of a strip package and being introduced into the blood-sampling appliance by means of a transport mechanism acting on the strip package. The document discloses a transport mechanism in the form of a drum with driver pins, with the drum being advanced step by step in order to provide the blood lancets. 
         [0006]    EP 1 360 935 A1 discloses a continuous strip of test elements. These are each accommodated individually in a water-tight package and comprise a micro-needle with an integrated test strip sensor. A roller drive is proposed, and the strip has a multiplicity of equidistant holes which are engaged by transport pins. In this way, the strip is in each case advanced by a fixed amount. 
         [0007]    WO 2005/104948 A1 describes a test magazine with two film tapes which are connected to each other in a sandwich formation and can be wound up. Between the film tapes, receiving compartments for test elements are kept free. Piercing units and test units are arranged separately from one another in separate receiving compartments. A tape-pulling device with two winding reels is provided and tears the two film tapes apart in order to supply the puncturing units in succession. 
         [0008]    WO 2005/107596 A2 discloses a supply of lancets for a multi-lancet appliance. The lancets are transported on a tape and are brought in succession from a storage position to an application position by means of the tape being transported about a deflector. By means of a corresponding actuator mechanism, the tape is moved into the application position such that the lancet located in the application position performs, along with the tape, a piercing movement. 
         [0009]    WO 2008/125178 A1 discloses a piercing system for collecting a sample of body fluid, which system comprises at least one magazine containing a lancet carrier and a plurality of lancets. The document also discloses a piercing appliance having a compartment for the magazine. The appliance has an incremental advancing mechanism in order to bring the lancets contained in the magazine successively into a piercing position. Furthermore, a pierce drive is provided with which a lancet positioned in the piercing position is accelerated for a piercing movement. By means of an incremental advancing mechanism, a roller is rotated to such an extent that a fresh lancet of the lancet carrier moves into the piercing position for a piercing procedure. 
         [0010]    These known lancet devices, in which lancets are stored on a tape, however, cause a number of difficulties in practice and pose certain challenges. In particular, the exact positioning of the lancets in the application position is a technical challenge, particularly since tolerances may arise to some extent in the manufacture of the lancet tapes. The positioning means known from the prior art, however, are generally based on an equidistant incremental advancement of the lancet tape, in many cases supported by positioning holes on the lancet tape. These mechanisms do not adequately allow for possible tolerances in the positioning of the lancets on the lancet tapes. 
         [0011]    Therefore, WO 2009/037341 A1 discloses a combination drive for a sampling system for collecting a liquid sample. Among other things, it proposes stopping the tape transport of a test element tape only when a corresponding mechanism detects a change of thickness of the analysis tape in an application position. For this purpose, a gripper is proposed that scans the thickness of the analysis tape. If, a lancet that is to be used strikes against an intended edge of the gripper, a counter-acting force is applied to the analysis tape and stops further transport of the analysis tape. The gripper thus acts as a blockade element. After the lancet has been used, the gripper can be briefly opened or otherwise freed, either automatically or manually, in order to permit further transport of the analysis tape. The gripper can be designed as a spring-loaded gripper, for example, in order to ensure that a force applied to the analysis tape is sufficient to allow the analysis tape to be stopped. 
         [0012]    EP 1 990 001 A1 describes a piercing system with a carrier tape having a plurality of lancets. Among other things, a barrier is disclosed which blocks further transport of the carrier tape as soon as a lancet has reached a use position. A coupling head is used for this, with a gap through which the carrier tape is guided. The coupling head comprises two parts, between which the gap is formed, and which are pressed against each other by spring force, such that manufacturing tolerances can be compensated. The coupling part has an abutment surface. In the use position, the lancet strikes against the abutment surface, such that the abutment surface forms a barrier element, which prevents further transport of the lancet. After the piercing procedure has been triggered, the coupling elements can be moved against each other, such that the gap temporarily widens and the carrier tape can be transported onward. 
         [0013]    Thus, the grippers described in WO 2009/037341 A1 and EP 1 990 001 A1 provide a releasable stop function, which detects an individual positioning of the lancets on the analysis tape. However, releasable stop functions of this kind take up quite a lot of space in practice, which is disadvantageous especially in the case of compact, transportable lancet devices or in the case of lancet devices that are integrated in an analysis appliance with additional analysis function. A further technical challenge presented by simple grippers with a stop function is that the piercing movement often takes place in a relatively uncontrolled manner, since a tensioning of the carrier tape may, for example, cause the lancets to bend in the application position, as a result of which a defined and uniform piercing movement can be compromised. 
         [0014]    It is therefore desirable to make available a gripper device and a lancet device that at least substantially avoid the disadvantages of known gripper devices and lancet devices. In particular, it is desirable to compensate for tolerances in the positioning of the lancets on the carrier element while at the same time ensuring a high degree of integration and a small overall structure and also a uniform and reproducible piercing movement. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0015]    A gripper device and a lancet device are disclosed. The gripper device can be used in a lancet device for generating a sample of a body fluid. 
         [0016]    In one form of the gripper device and the lancet device, the lancet device includes a plurality of lancets which can be provided in succession on a carrier element in an application position. The gripper device is equipped to seize one lancet at a time in the application position and carry out a piercing movement using the lancet. The gripper device includes at least one stop element which is equipped to stop the lancet in the application position and temporarily prevent further movement of the carrier element. The gripper device also includes at least one positioning element which is equipped to position the lancet during the piercing movement in at least one direction transverse to a piercing direction. The gripper device additionally includes at least one counter-gripper, wherein the counter-gripper cooperates with the stop element such that the lancet can be held with a form fit. 
         [0017]    Various advantageous refinements of the gripper and lancet devices can be realized singly or in combination and are described herein. 
         [0018]    In a first embodiment, a gripper device for use in a lancet device for generating a sample of body fluid is proposed. In a second embodiment, a corresponding lancet device for generating a sample of a body fluid is proposed that includes one of the gripper devices described below. For possible embodiments of the lancet device, reference can therefore be made to the description of the gripper device, and vice versa. The lancet device can be designed as a piercing aid or can be a component part of a piercing aid. Alternatively, the lancet device can be a component part of an integrated test appliance which, in addition to a lancet function, can include further functions, for example one or more analysis functions. 
         [0019]    The lancet device is equipped in such a way that a plurality of lancets can be provided in succession therein on a carrier element in an application position. An application position is to be understood as a position in which, by means of at least one lancet provided in this position, a piercing movement can be carried out in order to perforate part of a user&#39;s skin. For example, the lancet device for this purpose can have a corresponding actuation mechanism, which will be described by way of example and in more detail below. 
         [0020]    A lancet is generally to be understood as an element with which a perforation of a skin part is possible in order to collect a sample of the body fluid. For example, the lancets can for this purpose have a tip and/or a cutting edge. Various types of lancets can be provided. For example, round lancets with needle elements can be used. Alternatively, or in addition, flat lancets can also be used, for example, lancets that are punched out, cut out or etched out from a metal strip or are generated in a similar way. The lancets can perform what is purely a piercing function or cutting function in order to perforate the skin part. Alternatively, the lancets can also assume additional functions, for example sampling functions such as sample collection functions. Thus, for example, the lancets can each comprise one or more capillary elements in order to transport a sample of the body fluid from the body tissue of the user to a test field. Accordingly, the lancets can be designed, for example, as microsamplers, that is to say as lancet elements with an integrated capillary element such as at least one capillary gap. Moreover, the lancets can comprise one or more test elements, for example, one or more test fields with a test chemical that changes one or more physical and/or chemical properties in the presence of the at least one analyte that is to be detected. Various embodiments are possible. 
         [0021]    A carrier element is to be understood in principle as any element, preferably any continuous element, that connects the plurality of lancets to one another. For example, the carrier element can be designed as a carrier tape. Thus, the carrier tape can, for example, comprise one or more tape-shaped carriersn made of a plastic material and/or of a paper material. For example, the lancets can be positioned on the carrier element substantially equidistantly, that is to say apart from position tolerances. For example, the carrier element can have a longitudinal direction which, for example, can correspond to a transport direction of the carrier element. The lancets are preferably positioned relative to the carrier element in such a way that the lancet tips extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the carrier element. For example, the lancet tips may extend transversely with respect to the tape direction and may be substantially perpendicular to the tape direction. The carrier element can be flexible. Accordingly, the carrier element can, for example, be guided through a corresponding guide which may involve a suitable deflection. For example, the carrier element can be bent in the application position in such a way that the lancet tip of the lancet located in the application position is exposed in order to carry out a piercing movement. 
         [0022]    The carrier element can be designed, for example, as a carrier tape and may be received by means of one or more reels in the lancet device. For example, the lancet device can have a supply reel for providing unused lancets and a take-up reel for winding up sections of the carrier element with already used lancets. The supply reel and the take-up reel can, for example, be permanently integrated in the lancet device. Alternatively, they can be exchangeable, for example by being part of an exchangeable tape cassette that can be inserted into the lancet device. The lancet device can have a transport mechanism for transporting the carrier element onward, for example, a corresponding drive for driving the take-up reel in order to spool the carrier element off from the supply reel. It will be noted that, as an alternative to a design of the carrier element as a carrier tape, other designs are in principle also conceivable. For example, designs with a link chain, or another kind of carrier element by which the plurality of lancets are connected to one another can be used. However, a carrier tape is preferred such that the carrier tape together with the lancets form a lancet tape. 
         [0023]    In addition to the lancets, the carrier element can also include or receive one or more further elements. For example, the carrier element can include one or more test elements, and/or one or more test elements can be connected to the carrier tape. For example, each lancet can be assigned a respective test element, the latter being integrated in the lancet or spaced apart from the lancet on the carrier element which may be a carrier tape. As has been mentioned above, the test elements can, for example, each include one or more test fields with a test chemical for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of the at least one analyte. However, a design purely as a lancet tape, with lancets preferably arranged equidistantly, is also possible in principle. Alternatively or in addition, a non-equidistant arrangement is also possible. After the piercing procedure, the lancets preferably remain on the carrier element, such that they can be disposed of with the carrier element. As has been described above, the carrier element can, for example, be wound up onto a take-up reel. The carrier element and the lancets can be fixedly connected to each other, such that, during the piercing procedure, the carrier element is also moved, at least in the application position. 
         [0024]    Except for the gripper device described in detail below, lancet devices of this kind can in principle correspond substantially to the lancet devices known from the prior art. In particular, the lancet device, except for the gripper device described below, can be designed wholly or partially like the sampling system described in WO 2009/037341 A1 and/or can comprise such a sampling system. Accordingly, the sampling system can comprise a coupling element and a drive unit. Reference can be made to WO 2009/037341 A1 for further possible details and counterpart publication U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0216246 is hereby incorporated herein by reference. However, other designs of the lancet device are also possible in principle. 
         [0025]    The gripper device is designed for use in the described lancet device. The gripper device is equipped to seize one lancet at a time in the application position and carry out a piercing movement using the lancet. A piercing movement is to be understood as a movement directed toward a skin surface of a user, advantageously followed by a return movement. For example, this piercing movement can be directed perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal direction of the carrier element such as a carrier tape. The piercing movement can, for example, cover an insertion depth of between several tens of micrometers and several millimeters, in particular from 50 micrometers to 5 millimeters, preferably from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. The insertion depth can be adjustable over these ranges, it being possible for the adjustability to be provided over the entire range, for example, or over only one or more partial ranges. The piercing movement can in particular be carried out very rapidly, for example at a speed of several meters per second. Alternatively or in addition, the gripper device can be provided to seize at least one test element and, with the latter, carry out at least one sampling movement such as a sample collection movement, for example, to collect a sample from a surface of a user&#39;s skin using a test field of the test element. Alternatively, for this purpose, a separate gripper device can be provided. 
         [0026]    The gripper device comprises at least one stop element, which is equipped to stop the lancet in the application position and temporarily prevent further movement of the carrier element. This means that the stop element cooperates with the carrier element, and with the lancets arranged on the latter, in such a way that, during transport of the carrier element, a lancet arriving in the application position is in each case stopped, preferably automatically, and is held in the application position. For example, as is explained in more detail below, this stop element can comprise an abutment against which the lancet strikes directly or indirectly, i.e. with interposition of one or more elements, as soon as it reaches the application position. In this way, for example, the carrier element can be subjected to a force that is sufficient to prevent further movement of the carrier element. For example, this force can exceed a maximum force of a slipping coupling of a drive of the carrier element, for example, of a drive of the take-up reel, such that further transport of the carrier element, e.g., the carrier tape, is prevented. The stop element can thus react, for example, to changes of thickness of a lancet tape and, because of this change of thickness triggered by a lancet approaching the application position, prevent further movement of the carrier element. 
         [0027]    The gripper device further includes at least one positioning element. This positioning element, which can be designed at least partly separate from the stop element, but which can also be completely or partially integrated with the stop element, is equipped to position the lancet during the piercing movement in at least one direction transverse to a piercing direction. A piercing direction is to be understood as a direction of the piercing movement which, as has been explained above, preferably takes place perpendicularly with respect to a transport direction and/or to a longitudinal direction of the carrier element. A direction transverse to the piercing direction is to be understood as a direction at an angle to this piercing direction, preferably at an angle substantially perpendicular to the piercing direction, although deviations from the perpendicular are also possible, preferably by not more than 20°, in particular by not more than 10°. A positioning of the lancet in at least one direction transverse to the piercing direction can therefore be understood as a positioning of the lancet in such a way that, during the piercing movement, the lancet cannot move or can move only inappreciably in this direction transverse to the piercing direction and/or can change its position and/or orientation in this direction only inappreciably, for example by not more than 1 mm, preferably by not more than 0.5 mm and in particular by not more than 0.2 mm, and/or by not more than 10°, in particular by not more than 5°, and particularly preferably by not more than 3°. The gripper device can in principle have any desired configuration, for example, a diamond shape. 
         [0028]    A piercing plane can be defined, for example, by the piercing direction and by a longitudinal direction of the carrier element in the area of the application position. For example, during the piercing movement, the lancet can be positioned by the positioning element in the piercing plane or in a plane parallel to the piercing plane and can in particular be stabilized there. In this way, for example, it is possible to prevent the lancet from lying obliquely with respect to the piercing plane during the piercing movement, for example, as a result of a tensioning of the lancet tape. 
         [0029]    For example, an x-direction can be defined by the longitudinal direction of the carrier element in the area of the application position. A y-direction can be defined by the piercing direction itself. In this system of coordinates, the piercing plane represents the x-y plane. The positioning device can, for example, be equipped to hold the lancet during the piercing procedure in this piercing plane or in a plane parallel to this piercing plane. A direction perpendicular to the piercing plane can be defined as the z-direction. Therefore, the positioning device can, for example, be equipped in such a way that the z-coordinate of the lancet and/or at least one point of the lancet is maintained constant during the piercing movement. 
         [0030]    The positioning element can in particular comprise at least one holding-down mechanism. A holding-down mechanism is to be understood as an element which is equipped to exert a force on the lancet perpendicularly with respect to a plane, i.e. the piercing plane, formed by the longitudinal direction of the carrier element in the area of the application position and by the piercing direction. For example, the holding-down mechanism can cooperate with a matching element against which the carrier element and/or the lancet are pressed in the application position. The gripper device can include a gripper underpart, wherein the gripper device is equipped to guide the carrier element, for example, the carrier tape with the lancets applied thereon, between the gripper underpart and the positioning element. The gripper underpart can include at least one support surface on which the carrier element is guided. This can be a flat support surface or a curved support surface. The positioning element, for example the holding-down mechanism, can then be equipped to subject the carrier element and preferably the lancet, in the application position, to a force in the direction of the gripper underpart. For example, the holding-down mechanism can be equipped to press the carrier element, e.g., the carrier tape, and/or the lancet against the gripper underpart in the application position, such that the z-coordinate as per the above definition is maintained constant during the piercing procedure. 
         [0031]    The stop element of the gripper device can be releasable. This means that the stop element can be changed in terms of its position and/or its orientation and/or its shape such that, after the piercing procedure has been carried out, it can be released in such a way that further movement of the carrier element is again permitted. In an alternative to this preferred embodiment of the stop element as a releasable stop element, it would also be conceivable in principle that, after the piercing procedure has been carried out, the lancet located in the application position is moved in such a way that it is freed. 
         [0032]    The stop element can have at least one abutment. This abutment can, for example, comprise at least one abutment edge, preferably a plurality of abutment edges. These abutment edges can, for example, be positioned perpendicularly with respect to the piercing plane. If a plurality of abutment edges are present, they are preferably positioned at an angle to one another. The abutment can in particular be positioned adjacent to the carrier element and be designed such that a lancet is stopped on this abutment during a movement of the carrier element in a transport direction of the carrier element. The lancet can strike directly against this abutment. Alternatively, the lancet can be stopped indirectly by this abutment. For example, the lancet can be covered by at least one film, such that the lancet does not directly strike the abutment, instead the film does. In this case, for example, the change of thickness of the lancet tape, caused by the approaching lancet, can be detected by the abutment and can trigger the stop function. 
         [0033]    In addition to the stop function, the abutment can also have further functions, for example, the function, along with the positioning element, of orienting the lancet in such a way that it is possible to compensate for production-related tilting tolerances of the lancet on the carrier element. For example, during production, a tilting of the lancets about an axis perpendicular to the piercing plane can occur. If at least one abutment edge is used, this tilting can be at least partially compensated and the lancet can once again be oriented parallel to the piercing direction. 
         [0034]    Particularly if the stop element is designed as a releasable stop element, it is preferable for the abutment to be movable in the direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the carrier element in the application position, in order to release the stop element. For example, the abutment can be movable substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal direction of the carrier element, preferably with a deviation of not more than twenty degrees, and particularly preferably of not more than ten degrees, from the perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The abutment does not necessarily have to be linear or flat, and instead curved abutments are also possible, or an abutment with several lines and/or abutment planes arranged at an angle to one another. Preferably, the abutment is also movable substantially perpendicularly with respect to the piercing direction, such that the abutment is as a whole preferably movable substantially perpendicularly with respect to the piercing plane, in order to release the stop element. Here too, deviations from the perpendicular are again possible, preferably by not more than twenty degrees, and particularly preferably by not more than ten degrees. For example, in order to fulfill the stop function, the abutment can initially be positioned at least partially in the piercing plane, in order to stop a lancet in the application position. After the piercing procedure, the abutment can then be moved out from this plane, in order to release the stop element and free the lancet for further transport of the carrier element, such that a new lancet can be conveyed into the application position. 
         [0035]    As has been mentioned above, the gripper device includes at least one stop element, which is equipped to stop the lancet in the application position and temporarily prevent further movement of the carrier element. Moreover, the gripper device can optionally comprise at least one counter-gripper, which can optionally cooperate with the stop element. This cooperation can take place in such a way that the lancet is held with a form fit between the optional counter-gripper and the stop element. Alternatively or in addition, another kind of hold can also be provided, for example, a force-fit hold. However, a form fit is particularly preferable in which, as is explained in more detail below, a holding area of the lancet is received with a form fit between the counter-gripper and the stop element. It is preferably received in such a way that a play for compensation of tolerances in the production and/or the application of the lancet to the carrier element can be compensated. 
         [0036]    The optional counter-gripper is preferably designed completely or partially separate from the positioning device, although it can in principle be designed at least partially as a structural part identical with the positioning device. As is explained in more detail below by way of example, the stop element and the counter-gripper are preferably not movable in the transport direction or are movable only inappreciably in the transport direction. However, alternative embodiments are also possible in principle. 
         [0037]    The gripper device, in particular the counter-gripper and/or the positioning device, can preferably have at least one ramp, for example, a ramp facing toward the transport element and, e.g., the lancet tape. This ramp can be equipped to allow the lancet to be guided in between the counter-gripper and the stop element. For example, the counter-gripper, the positioning element and the stop element can be arranged on one side of the carrier element, and the above-described optional gripper underpart can be arranged on an opposite side of the carrier element, such that the carrier element with the lancets is guided through and between the gripper underpart and the stop element, the positioning element and the counter-gripper. The counter-gripper can be positioned relative to the stop element in such a way that, during transport of the carrier element in a transport direction, e.g., a spooling direction of a carrier tape in normal operation, the lancet first passes the counter-gripper and then reaches the stop element, so as to abut against the latter. During the movement past the counter-gripper and/or the positioning element, for example, the holding-down mechanism, the ramp can have the effect that a lancet slides more easily under the counter-gripper or the positioning element, in order to reach a gap between the counter-gripper or positioning element and the stop element. The ramp can also be equipped to lift the counter-gripper at least slightly. 
         [0038]    The gripper device and/or the lancet device can in particular be designed in such a way that the lancet includes a holding area that can be seized by the gripper device. For example, this holding area can be designed separately from or in one piece with a lancet body, which is intended to be spatially separate from the lancet tip. The holding area can have at least one outer contour allowing the lancet to be subjected to a force parallel to the piercing movement. For example, this contour can have at least one constriction and/or at least one thickening, such that a pushing movement or a pulling movement can be transferred to the lancet by the gripper device even without a force fit, preferably without frictional force. The stop element, and preferably the counter-gripper, can have an inner contour at least approximately matching the outer contour of the holding area. Thus, for example, a gap can be formed between the counter-gripper and the stop element, the inner contour of which gap substantially corresponds at least approximately to the outer contour of the holding area. Tolerances can also be compensated, for example, by means of the inner contour being made slightly larger than the outer contour of the holding area, so as to compensate for, e.g., positioning tolerances and/or orientation tolerances that can arise, for example, in the production and/or application of the lancets. 
         [0039]    The gripper device can in particular be designed in such a way that it encloses the lancet or the holding area thereof from several sides, for example, from both sides in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element or from both sides perpendicular to the piercing plane. Accordingly, the gripper device can be designed such that it prevents a tilting of the lancet during the piercing movement. 
         [0040]    The lancet can, in some embodiments, be designed such that it has a relatively long lancet tip which protrudes beyond the holding area in the piercing direction. This lancet tip can have an area running to a point or tapering. The lancet tip can be of such a length that it protrudes through a housing opening of a housing of the lancet device and can reach a sufficient insertion depth in a body tissue. In particular, the lancet tip can have a length of more than 2.2 mm, for example, a length of 2.5 mm or more. 
         [0041]    In order to stabilize the lancet geometry, the lancet can have a lancet body that runs to a point in the area of the lancet tip and/or toward the front end in the piercing direction. Thus, in addition to having the carrier tape and the lancet elements, the lancet tape can in particular include further elements which, for example, act as a sterile protection for the lancets. This sterile protection can be designed, for example, in the form of another tape, which covers the lancets individually or together. Alternatively or in addition, the sterile protection can also comprise individual coverings for the lancets, for example, pockets or the like. During or before a piercing procedure, for example, the sterile protection can be removed, cut through, punctured, lifted off or otherwise completely or partially removed. The lancet geometry can be configured in such a way, in particular by the above-described stabilization, that there is sufficient stability when the sterile protection is removed. In particular, such a lancet shape, in which the lancet body runs to a point or tapers in piercing direction, for example, starting from the holding area, can be of advantage in lancets whose lancet tip has a length of more than 2.2 mm, in particular of 2.5 mm or more. For example, during the piercing procedure, the tapering or pointed part of the lancet body can emerge through an outlet opening of the lancet device, for example, of a housing of the lancet device, such that the length of the lancet tip can be fully utilized for the piercing procedure. Alternatively or in addition, it is also conceivable that the wall thickness of the housing in the area of the outlet opening is reduced in comparison with an area farther away from the outlet opening, for example, reduced to such an extent that a length of the lancet tip and/or of the tapering or pointed part of the lancet of more than 2.5 mm, in particular of more than 2.2 mm, is substantially not required. Generally, however, it will be noted that other geometries of the lancet can also be used, such that the present invention is generally not limited to a specific lancet geometry. 
         [0042]    The gripper device can also include further elements in addition to those elements already described. Thus, the gripper device can, for example, include at least one stationary gripper guide, i.e., a gripper guide which is partially not moved, preferably not moved at all, during the piercing procedure, and in and/or on which at least one non-stationary part of the gripper device is guided. In particular, at least the stop element and preferably also the positioning element and preferably also the counter-gripper can be mounted movably in and/or on the gripper guide. For example, the gripper guide can include one or more rails, in which the stop element and/or the positioning element and/or the counter-gripper are mounted slidably, wherein the rails are preferably oriented in the piercing direction, for example parallel to the piercing direction or at a deviation of not more than 20°, preferably of not more than 10°, from the parallel direction. The gripper guide can, for example, be mounted on a base plate and/or in a housing of the lancet device and/or can be a component part of these elements. 
         [0043]    The gripper device can furthermore include at least one gripper spring. This gripper spring can be equipped to subject the stop element and the positioning element and preferably also the optional counter-gripper to a force in the direction of the carrier element. For example, the spring force can act in a direction perpendicular to the piercing plane. In this way it can be achieved that the stop element, in a rest position, is positioned with its at least one optional abutment in such a way that an approaching lancet strikes against this abutment in the application position. To release the stop element, this spring force of the at least one gripper spring can be overcome, for example. The gripper spring can, for example, include at least one leaf spring. For example, one leaf spring can be provided respectively for the stop element and for the positioning element and optionally also for the counter-gripper. However, the gripper spring can also be wholly or partially integrated in one or more of these elements, and/or these elements can themselves be wholly or partially designed as spring elements, as is explained in more detail below. Thus, in particular, the gripper spring can be wholly or partially integrated in the stop element and/or the positioning element and/or the counter-gripper. For example, the stop element and the positioning element and preferably also the counter-gripper can be designed at least in part as spring components. For this purpose, for example, different spring plates and/or parts of one and the same spring plate can be used. Thus, the stop element, the positioning element and the counter-gripper can be worked wholly or partially from a spring plate. For this working, it is recommended to use etching processes and/or cutting processes, for example, a laser cutting process. For example, the spring components, in particular the spring plate, can be wholly or partially arranged parallel to the above-described gripper underpart, for example, to a flat support surface of the gripper underpart. In particular, these spring components can at least almost bear on the gripper underpart, such that the carrier element can be guided between the spring components and the gripper underpart. 
         [0044]    The stop element and the positioning element and preferably the counter-gripper can, in principle, be produced from a rigid solid material. Alternatively or in addition, it is also possible for one, some or all of these elements to be designed at least partially as tongues of a spring plate. A spring plate is generally to be understood here as a metallic structural part which is present in plate form, that is to say with a thickness that is considerably smaller than its maximum lateral extent, for example by at least a factor of 10, preferably by at least a factor of 100, and particularly preferably more. In particular, the spring plate can at least in part have elastic properties. 
         [0045]    Alternatively or in addition, at least one plastic material can also be used for producing the gripper device. Thus, one or more of the elements gripper spring, stop element, positioning element and counter-gripper can be produced wholly or partially from a plastic material, alternatively or in addition to being wholly or partially produced from a metallic material. In particular, the at least one gripper spring can be produced wholly or partially from at least one plastic material with elastic properties, wherein this at least one gripper spring can also, in turn, be combined wholly or partially with one or more further elements of the gripper device. 
         [0046]    The spring plate can have a first tongue acting as stop element, a second tongue acting as the positioning element, in particular the holding-down mechanism, and preferably a third tongue lying opposite the first tongue and acting as the counter-gripper. These tongues can preferably be arranged in the same plane. The second tongue, which acts as the positioning element, can, for example, have at least substantially the shape of the holding area of the lancet. As has been described above, the first tongue, acting as stop element, and the third tongue, acting as counter-gripper, can have between them a gap which, for example, can be filled wholly or partially by the second tongue, which can be bent out from the common plane of the spring plate upon entry of a lancet into the gap, in order to receive the lancet and subject the latter to a force. As has been mentioned above, the second tongue and/or the optional third tongue can have at least one ramp, so as to make it easier to guide a lancet into the gap between the first tongue and the third tongue. 
         [0047]    The spring plate can be designed as a flat or bent spring plate. The spring plate should preferably be flat at least in the area of the application position. A bent spring plate can, for example, comprise a U-shaped spring plate. 
         [0048]    Other preferred embodiments relate in particular to the lancet device. Thus, the lancet device can further include at least one pierce drive. This pierce drive is intended to be equipped to drive the gripper to perform the piercing movement with the lancet. For possible embodiments of the pierce drive, reference can be made in particular to the document WO 2009/037341 A1 already mentioned above. The drive unit disclosed therein can in principle also be used in the context of the present invention as the pierce drive or as part of the pierce drive. However, other embodiments are also possible in principle. 
         [0049]    As has been mentioned above, the stop element can be designed as a releasable stop element. Therefore, if a pierce drive is provided which is equipped to drive the gripper device to perform the piercing movement, this pierce drive can preferably also be equipped to release the stop element after the piercing movement and to free the lancet used beforehand for the piercing movement. As has been mentioned above, this can be achieved by a movement of an abutment of the stop element, for example, a movement with at least one movement component perpendicular to the piercing plane. 
         [0050]    This release of the stop element after the piercing procedure, which release is preferably achieved by the pierce drive, can take place in different ways. Thus, for example, the pierce drive can include at least one moving element. Moreover, the pierce drive can have at least one elevation, in particular a ramp and/or a step, wherein the elevation can be connected, for example, to the moving element of the pierce drive. This ramp and/or step can also be designed, for example, as a slide block and/or as another kind of elevation by means of which a release of the stop element is possible. The moving element of the pierce drive can, for example, include a linearly moving element and/or a rotating element. The elevation is equipped to move, for example, lift, at least one abutment of the stop element of the gripper device transversely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the carrier element, e.g., transversely with respect to the piercing plane, so as to release the stop element. For example, the gripper device can be designed in such a way that, after the piercing procedure, and during renewed tensioning of an energy reservoir of the pierce drive, for example, of a pierce spring, at least one elevation formed in the pierce drive, for example, a slide block designed as steps, causes the gripper device, in particular the stop element, to lift at one end, such that the lancet is freed and a transport of the lancet tape or carrier tape can take place. The positioning element, in particular, the holding-down mechanism, can facilitate the release of the lancet from the gripper device in the transport direction. During the transport of the carrier tape, the gripper device can be wholly or partially spring-mounted on the lancet tape or the carrier tape. The resulting friction can be minimized such that the transport of the carrier tape or of the lancet tape is not substantially impeded. 
         [0051]    The pierce drive can, for example, have at least one driving disk as the moving element. An axis of this driving disk can preferably be arranged transversely, in particular at least approximately perpendicularly, with respect to a transport direction of the carrier element in the area of the application position. For example, this axis can be arranged substantially perpendicularly with respect to the piercing plane or substantially in the piercing plane or parallel to the piercing plane. As with all the angles indicated in the context of the present invention, “substantially” means that it is also possible to tolerate deviations of preferably not more than 20°, particularly of not more than 10°, particularly preferably of not more than 5°, and particularly preferably zero. If such a driving disk is provided, this driving disk can, for example, have the elevation arranged on its circumferential side and/or on its flat side, for example, the ramp and/or the step which is equipped to release the stop element. Thus, for example, by means of this at least one elevation, the abutment can be moved, e.g., lifted, with at least one movement component perpendicular to the piercing plane, in order to release the lancet. Alternatively or in addition to a driving disk, however, other moving elements are also possible in the pierce drive. For example, drive rods or other kinds of drives can be used alternatively or in addition. Movable elements of this kind can also be designed with one or more corresponding elevations for releasing the stop element. 
         [0052]    Compared to known devices of this kind, the proposed gripper device and the lancet device in one or more of the described embodiments have numerous advantages. For example, a particularly space-saving gripper device can be achieved, which can also be easily integrated in compact lancet devices. Integration in combined appliances, for example, hand-held appliances, is also possible, that is to say in appliances which, in addition to the lancet function, have at least one analysis function. 
         [0053]    The proposed gripper device is also very suitable for compensation of production-related tolerances, for example, tolerances that arise during the production of the lancets and/or the connection of the lancets to the carrier element. For example, if a tape magazine with a lancet tape is used, the demands on the manufacturing process of this tape magazine are reduced considerably. 
         [0054]    Moreover, different functions can be combined in the gripper device. Thus, the spring function, holding and/or gripping function and stop function can be integrated, as a result of which the overall size can be further reduced. Moreover, an optimized lancet geometry can be realized in combination with the gripper. In this way, deviations in a manufacturing process can also be compensated, and a higher degree of system safety can be obtained. The described gripper device can cooperate in a simple way with the pierce drive of the lancet device, and the pierce drive can also be wholly or partially integrated in the gripper device itself. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0055]    Further details and features of the invention will become clear from the following description of preferred illustrative embodiments. The respective features can be embodied singly, or several of them in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments. The illustrative embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numbers in the individual figures designate elements which are identical or whose functions are identical or which correspond to one another in terms of their functions. 
           [0056]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a first illustrative embodiment of a lancet device with a gripper device; 
           [0057]      FIG. 2  shows the lancet device from  FIG. 1  in an exploded view; 
           [0058]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show details of the gripper device of the lancet device from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative illustrative embodiment of a gripper device with a sheet-metal component; 
           [0060]      FIG. 5  shows a detail of a form-fit connection between the gripper device from  FIG. 4  and a lancet; 
           [0061]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative illustrative embodiment with a curved sheet-metal component; 
           [0062]      FIGS. 7A to 11B  show different method steps in a piercing procedure using the lancet device and gripper device shown in  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0063]      FIGS. 12A to 16B  show different method steps in a piercing procedure using the variant of the sheet-metal component shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0064]      FIGS. 1 to 3B  show a first illustrative embodiment of a lancet device  110  with a gripper device  112 . Of these,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of parts of the lancet device  110 .  FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of parts of the lancet device  110  from  FIG. 1 , in particular of parts of the gripper device  112 .  FIG. 3A  shows a front view of the lancet device  110 , looking toward the gripper device  112 , and  FIG. 3B  shows an enlarged view of the area of the gripper device  112  that is boxed-in and indicated by A in  FIG. 3A . All of the  FIGS. 1 to 3B  will be explained jointly hereinbelow. It should be noted that the lancet device  110  can contain numerous other elements not shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3B . Thus, in particular, a housing can also be provided, which can enclose all or some of the components shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3B . 
         [0065]    In the illustrative embodiment shown, the lancet device  110  comprises a lancet tape  114 . This lancet tape  114  in turn comprises a carrier element  116  in the form of a carrier tape  118 , on which a plurality of lancets  120  are applied. Here, “applied” is to be understood not only as meaning the possibility of the lancets  120  being placed on a surface of the carrier tape  118 , but also the possibility of the lancets  120  being embedded between several elements of the carrier element  116 , for example between several layers. The carrier tape  118  can, for example, be designed as a plastic and/or paper tape. For example, the lancets  120  can be arranged between at least two tapes of the carrier tape  118 , in which case at least one of the tapes can serve as the actual carrier and at least a second one can serve as a covering. Together, the tapes can form a tight pack and keep the lancets  120  sterile. 
         [0066]    The carrier tape  118  can, for example, be provided from a supply reel (not shown in the figures), spooled through the lancet device  110  in a spooling direction  122  and, finally, wound onto a take-up reel (also not shown). The take-up reel, for example, can be driven for the purpose of the spooling procedure. 
         [0067]    By means of this spooling mechanism, the lancets  120  are provided in succession in an application position  124  of the lancet device  110 , are seized there by the gripper device  112  and are used for a piercing movement in a piercing direction designated in  FIG. 1  by reference number  126 . For this purpose, the carrier tape  118  is preferably deflected upstream and downstream of the application position  124  by means of guide rollers  128 , such that the carrier tape  118 , at least in the area of the application position  124 , has a longitudinal direction indicated symbolically in  FIG. 1  by reference number  130 , which direction is preferably substantially perpendicular to the piercing direction  126 . As has been explained above, however, slight deviations from this perpendicular are also possible. The longitudinal direction  130  and the piercing direction  126  together define a piercing plane. By means of a tape deflection  132 , the carrier tape  118  can be deflected or curved around in the area of the application position  124  in such a way that it extends substantially parallel to this piercing plane in the area of the application position  124 . This can be seen particularly clearly in the exploded view according to  FIG. 2  or in the front view according to  FIG. 3A . During the spooling procedure, the lancet tape  114  runs on a support surface  134  of a gripper underpart  136 . This can be seen particularly clearly in the views according to  FIGS. 2 and 3B . The gripper underpart  136 , which can be designed in one piece or also in more than one piece, has a guide groove  138  which, in this illustrative embodiment, accommodates a gripper guide  142  (see also the detailed view in  FIG. 3B ) which is mounted in a stationary position with respect to a carrier plate  140  or to a housing or housing part of the lancet device  110 . In this way, by means of the gripper guide  142 , the gripper device  112  or a part thereof is mounted movably in the piercing direction  126  and can carry out the piercing movement. 
         [0068]    In the illustrative embodiment shown, the gripper device  112  has a multi-part construction, which will be explained with reference to the detailed view in  FIG. 3B . Thus, the gripper device  112  has a stop element  144 , which is mounted pivotably in a seat  146  of the gripper underpart  136  such that it can execute a pivoting movement, with its part protruding farthest in the piercing direction  126 , about a pivot axis that is arranged, for example, in the piercing plane. Similarly, a positioning element  148  in the form of a holding-down mechanism  150  is mounted pivotably in the seat  146 , for example about the same pivot axis as the stop element  144 . The stop element  144  and the holding-down mechanism  150  are urged toward the lancet tape  114  by separate gripper springs  152 ,  154  with a spring force perpendicular to the piercing plane. 
         [0069]    In the illustrative embodiment shown, the stop element  144  has an abutment  156  in the form of an abutment edge  158 . During the spooling of the lancet tape  114 , the stop element  144  is pressed downward by the gripper spring  152  against the lancet tape  114 , such that a lancet  120  (not shown in  FIG. 3B ) that has arrived at the application position  124  strikes against the abutment  156 . Further spooling of the lancet tape  114  is stopped in this way. For example, a drive of the take-up reel can be designed such that the latter has a slipping clutch, which slips on account of the increased torque applied when a lancet  120  in the application position  124  reaches the abutment  156 . In this way, a residual run of a lancet tape drive can be continued without this damaging the lancet tape  114 . 
         [0070]    The positioning element  148  in the form of the holding-down mechanism  150  has a ramp  160  for guiding in the lancet tape. This ramp  160  has the effect that, as the lancet  120  is being guided in, the holding-down mechanism  150  is lifted counter to the force of the gripper spring  154 , such that the lancet  120  can move to the stop element  144 . In the application position  124 , the lancet  120  is then subjected by the positioning element  148  to a force  162  acting perpendicularly with respect to the piercing plane (which in  FIG. 3B  runs horizontally and perpendicularly with respect to the plane of the drawing) and is thus held in the piercing plane or in a plane parallel to the piercing plane. 
         [0071]    Moreover, as in the illustrative embodiment in  FIGS. 1 to 3B , the gripper device  112  can optionally have a counter-gripper  164 . In the illustrative embodiment shown, this counter-gripper  164  is formed in one piece with the positioning element  148 , although it can also be designed as a separate component. The ramp  160  can accordingly also be part of the counter-gripper  164 . In the illustrative embodiment shown, the counter-gripper  164  has an edge  166  lying opposite the abutment edge  158 . Between the edge  166  and the abutment edge  158 , a gap  168  is formed in which a holding area  170  of the lancet  120  is received when the lancet  120  has arrived at the application position  124 . The holding area  170  can have a contour which, apart from possible tolerances and a tolerance compensation, can match the outer contour of the holding area  170 . Examples of such a contour are explained in more detail in subsequent illustrative embodiments. 
         [0072]    The lancet device  110  moreover comprises a pierce drive  172 . This pierce drive  172  can be completely or partially coupled to a tape drive of the lancet device  110 . An illustrative embodiment of the pierce drive  172  will be explained with reference to  FIG. 3B . 
         [0073]    Thus, in the illustrative embodiment shown, the pierce drive  172  has a multi-part driving disk  174 . The latter in turn has a gripper driving disk  176 , coupled to the gripper underpart  136 , and a tensioning disk  178  arranged underneath this gripper driving disk  176 . The gripper driving disk  176  and tensioning disk  178  can be coupled to each other via a pierce spring  180 , for example in the form of a spiral spring. The coupling between the gripper driving disk  176  and the gripper underpart  136  can be effected, for example, via a cam (not shown in  FIG. 3B ) on the gripper driving disk  176 , wherein the cam engages in a corresponding groove on the underside of the gripper underpart  136 . 
         [0074]    In a spooling procedure, during which the lancet tape  114  is advanced incrementally, the tensioning disk  178  is rotated, for example by means of a toothed wheel  182  on the underside of the tensioning disk  178 . The gripper driving disk  176  is not rotated therewith, or not fully rotated therewith, such that the pierce spring  180  is tensioned. By means of a trigger mechanism  184 , the gripper driving disk  176  is held in the tensioned state. 
         [0075]    At the same time, during this slow movement of the tensioning disk  178 , the lancet tape  114  is advanced incrementally. A lancet  120  slides under the ramp  160 , briefly lifts the holding-down mechanism  150  and, finally, is stopped on the abutment  156  of the stop element  144 . The holding-down mechanism  150  moves back down, such that the lancet  120  in the application position  124  is received in the gap  168 . At the same time, as has been described above, the pierce spring  180  is tensioned during this procedure. After the trigger mechanism  184  has been triggered, the gripper driving disk  176  and/or the pierce spring  180  are freed by the trigger mechanism  184 , and the gripper driving disk  176  can execute a rapid rotation movement, during which the gripper underpart  136  along with the stop element  144  and the positioning element  148  and optionally along with the counter-gripper  164  is driven in a rapid piercing movement in piercing direction  126  and in a subsequent return movement. The pierce spring  180  is thus relaxed. After this piercing procedure, the lancet tape  114  can be advanced in the spooling direction  122 . For this purpose, the stop element  144  is releasable, in order to permit further transport of the lancet tape  114 . In the illustrative embodiment shown, the stop element  144  for this purpose has a continuation  186 , which protrudes downward through a passage in the gripper driving disk  176  and has a ramp  188 . This continuation  186  cooperates for its part with a ramp  190  or a step  192  on the tensioning disk  178  and/or other parts of the driving disk  174 . If the tensioning disk  178  is rotated during the advance movement, the stop element  144  is lifted by this ramp  190  or step  192  by means of the continuation  186 , such that the lancet  120  is freed from the gap  168  and further advance movement is permitted. For example, this lifting of the stop element  144  by the ramp  190  or step  192  can take place for a maximum rotation angle of thirty degrees of the tensioning disk  178 . The step  192  or the ramp  190  then ends again, and the stop element  144  moves back down, such that the gripper closes again. To ensure that the lancet  120  is not moved along in the lifting movement of the stop element  144 , the lancet can continue to be pressed down by the holding-down mechanism  150  during this opening procedure or at least during a period of this lifting procedure. All the parts of the gripper can be acted on permanently by the gripper springs  152 ,  154 , which can be designed, for example, as leaf springs. 
         [0076]    In the illustrative embodiment according to  FIGS. 1 to 3B , the actual gripper of the gripper device  112  thus consists of the stop element  144 , the positioning element  148  and optionally the counter-gripper  164 , and also the associated gripper springs  152 ,  154 . The gripper forms the movable parts of the gripper device  112  which allow a lancet  120  to be seized in the application position  124 . This at least five-part design of the actual gripper can be greatly simplified by means of these components being wholly or partially combined. Thus,  FIG. 4  shows an alternative illustrative embodiment of the gripper device  112 , in which these parts of the gripper, plus the gripper underpart  136 , can be reduced to two parts. First, a gripper underpart  136  is once again provided, which can be designed similarly to the gripper underpart  136  in the illustrative embodiment according to  FIGS. 1 to 3B  and which, for example, can once again have a guide groove  138 . However, instead of the various individual elements  144 ,  148 ,  164 ,  152  and  154  mentioned above, a single gripper plate  194  or several such gripper plates  194  is/are integrated in a seat  146  of this gripper underpart  136 . This gripper plate is designed as a spring plate and has a first tongue  196 , a second tongue  198  and a third tongue  200 . While the first tongue  196  has an abutment  156  and acts as stop element  144 , the middle and second tongue  198  act as positioning element  148  and holding-down mechanism  150 . For its part, the third tongue  200 , arranged farthest counter to the spooling direction  122 , has an edge  160  lying opposite the abutment edge  158  and acts as counter-gripper  164 . The gripper plate  194  can be connected to the gripper underpart  136  via a fixing means  202 , for example. The spring action, which was originally applied by the gripper springs  152 ,  154 , can now be integrated in the gripper plate  194  by virtue of at least partial elastic properties of the gripper plate  194 , which can be designed as a spring plate. 
         [0077]    Moreover, the gripper plate  194  can be bent and, at its side arranged farthest in the spooling direction  122 , can have a downwardly protruding continuation  186 . Also, at the side arranged farthest counter to the spooling direction  122 , the counter-gripper  164  can have a ramp  160  which, in the configuration as gripper plate  194 , can be designed simply in the form of an upwardly bent tab  204 . The configuration of the gripper plate  194  can have substantially the same function as in the illustrative embodiment described in  FIGS. 1 to 3B . Thus, as regards the sequences in the procedure for advancing a lancet  120 , reference can largely be made to the above description. 
         [0078]    The novel geometry of the gripper device  112  according to the first or the second illustrative embodiment permits the provision of a form-fit gripper, as an alternative or in addition to a force-fit gripper. This is shown by way of example in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  shows a lancet  120  viewed in a piercing plane. The lancet  120  has a lancet tip  206  and a holding area  170 . For its part, the holding area  170  has a contour that allows the lancet  120  to be seized with a form fit by the gripper device  112 . Thus, the holding area  170  has an outer contour with a constriction  208 . A gap  168  between the stop element  144  and the counter-gripper  164  can for its part have an inner contour which, apart from positioning tolerances and/or manufacturing tolerances, can correspond substantially to the outer contour of the holding area  170 . 
         [0079]    In the view according to  FIG. 5 , the longitudinal direction of the lancet tape  114  defines an x-direction, whereas the piercing direction  126  defines a y-direction. The novel lancet geometry provides a form-fit gripper which ensures that, during the piercing procedure, the lancet  120  cannot deviate either in the +/−x-direction or in the +/−y-direction. A movement in a +/−z-direction, which is defined as a direction perpendicular to the piercing plane, is excluded or at least substantially prevented by the holding-down mechanism  150  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). Tolerances of the kind that can arise, for example, during a manufacturing process in applying the lancet, can be compensated in the +/−y-direction and also in the +/−x-direction. 
         [0080]    The gripper plate  194  shown in  FIG. 4  serves only as an example. Thus,  FIG. 6  shows an alternative design of the gripper plate  194 , in which this gripper plate  194  is bent in a U-shape. Otherwise, the function of the gripper plate  194  corresponds substantially to the function described above with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0081]    The function of the illustrative embodiments in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , in each of which gripper plates  194  are used, will briefly be explained on the basis of function sequences set out below. Here,  FIGS. 7A to 11B  show a function sequence of the illustrative embodiment according to  FIG. 4 , whereas  FIGS. 12A to 16B  show a function sequence of the illustrative embodiment according to  FIG. 6 . In the drawings, the figures designated by “A” each show a perspective view, whereas the corresponding figures designated by “B” show a front view of the gripper device  112  or of parts thereof, with the drawing plane perpendicular to the piercing plane. For the description of the individual elements, reference can largely be made to  FIGS. 4 and 6  above. 
         [0082]    In the illustrative embodiment in  FIGS. 7A to 11B , the piercing direction  126  is perpendicular to the reel axis of the supply reel and/or of the take-up reel and perpendicular to an axis of the driving disk  174 . Of this driving disk  174 , only the tensioning disk  178  is shown, the gripper driving disk  176  having been omitted for reasons of clarity. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show a situation in which a lancet  120  arrives in front of the gripper device  112 . The front view according to  FIG. 7B  clearly shows the ramp  160  with which, during insertion, the third tongue  200  acting as counter-gripper  164  is opened. 
         [0084]    This opening procedure is shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . In this situation, the lancet  120  passes the counter-gripper  164  and in so doing lifts the third tongue  200 . To make it easier to lift the second tongue  198  during this insertion, it is alternatively or additionally possible in this illustrative embodiment, and also in other illustrative embodiments, for the positioning element  148 , in particular the holding-down mechanism  150 , to have a corresponding ramp  160 , which may take the form of an upwardly bent tab  204 . 
         [0085]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  show, finally, a situation in which the lancet  120  has arrived in the application position  124 . The lancet  120  is stopped on the abutment edge  158  of the stop element  144  and is thus trapped in the gripper structure. By virtue of its own spring force, the third tongue  200  has moved back down again toward the support surface  134  or the carrier tape  118  of the lancet tape  114 . The lancet  120  can move only minimally in this form fit between the stop element  144  and the counter-gripper  164 . 
         [0086]    The piercing procedure is then carried out in the manner that has been described above. Finally,  FIGS. 10A and 10B  show a situation in which, after the piercing procedure, the lancet tape  114  is advanced incrementally. By means of the continuation  186 , acting as opener, and by means of the ramp  190  or step  192  in the tensioning disk  178 , the first tongue  196 , that is to say the stop element  144 , is lifted, while the lancet  120  can be held by the holding-down mechanism  150 . Accordingly, the lancet  120  can be withdrawn from the gripper device  112 . 
         [0087]    As is shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the used lancet  120  is now freed from the gripper device  112 , and a lancet  120 , which is preferably unused, can be transported into the gripper device  112 . In this situation, the first tongue  196 , acting as stop tab, once again lies on the carrier tape  118 . 
         [0088]      FIGS. 12A to 16B  show a movement sequence that corresponds to  FIGS. 7A to 11B  and that pertains to the illustrative embodiment of the gripper device  112  with the gripper plate  194  according to  FIG. 6 . The piercing direction is in this case along a reel axis of a supply reel and/or of a take-up reel and/or of the driving disk  174 . As has been described with reference to  FIG. 6 , in this illustrative embodiment the first tongue  196  of the gripper plate  194  acts as stop element  144 , the second tongue  198  acts as positioning element  148  and holding down-mechanism  150 , and the third tongue  200  acts as counter-gripper  164 . The driving disk  174  can again have a ramp  190  and/or a step  192  which can, for example, by way of a transfer element  210 , act on the first tongue  196  in order to lift the latter. 
         [0089]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  once again show a situation, analogous to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , before a lancet  120  reaches the gripper device  112 .  FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a situation corresponding to the situation in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . The lancet  120  has reached the ramp  160  of the third tongue  200  and lifts the latter, so as to move into the gripper device  112 . 
         [0090]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  show a situation, analogous to the situation in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , in which the lancet  120  has arrived in the gap  168  next to the first tongue  196  and is stopped by the stop element  144  in the form of the first tongue  196 . In this situation, the holding-down mechanism in the form of the second tongue  198  is lifted and presses the lancet  120  downward toward a support surface  134 . 
         [0091]      FIGS. 15A and 15B  show a situation, corresponding to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , after a piercing procedure. The first tongue  196 , acting as stop element  144 , is lifted by the ramp  190  or step  192  of the driving disk  174  via the transfer element  210  (no longer discernible in  FIGS. 15A and 15B ), such that the lancet  120  can be freed from the gripper device  112 . During this procedure, the lancet  120  can be at least partially held by the holding-down mechanism  150 , such that the lancet  120 , separated from the first tongue, can be pulled out of the gripper device  112 . 
         [0092]    Finally,  FIGS. 16A and 16B  show a situation analogous to the situation in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . A used lancet  120  is now freed from the gripper device  112 , and a new lancet  120  can be transported into the gripper device  112 . The first tongue  196 , acting as stop tab and stop element  144 , is once again active in this situation. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 110 
                 lancet device 
               
               
                 112 
                 gripper device 
               
               
                 114 
                 lancet tape 
               
               
                 116 
                 carrier element 
               
               
                 118 
                 carrier tape 
               
               
                 120 
                 lancet 
               
               
                 122 
                 spooling direction 
               
               
                 124 
                 application position 
               
               
                 126 
                 piercing direction 
               
               
                 128 
                 guide rollers 
               
               
                 130 
                 longitudinal direction 
               
               
                 132 
                 tape deflection 
               
               
                 134 
                 support surface 
               
               
                 136 
                 gripper underpart 
               
               
                 138 
                 guide groove 
               
               
                 140 
                 carrier plate 
               
               
                 142 
                 gripper guide 
               
               
                 144 
                 stop element 
               
               
                 146 
                 seat 
               
               
                 148 
                 positioning element 
               
               
                 150 
                 holding-down mechanism 
               
               
                 152 
                 gripper spring 
               
               
                 154 
                 gripper spring 
               
               
                 156 
                 abutment 
               
               
                 158 
                 abutment edge 
               
               
                 160 
                 ramp 
               
               
                 162 
                 force 
               
               
                 164 
                 counter-gripper 
               
               
                 166 
                 edge 
               
               
                 168 
                 gap 
               
               
                 170 
                 holding area 
               
               
                 172 
                 pierce drive 
               
               
                 174 
                 driving disk 
               
               
                 176 
                 gripper driving disk 
               
               
                 178 
                 tensioning disk 
               
               
                 180 
                 pierce spring 
               
               
                 182 
                 toothed wheel 
               
               
                 184 
                 trigger mechanism 
               
               
                 186 
                 continuation 
               
               
                 188 
                 ramp 
               
               
                 190 
                 ramp 
               
               
                 192 
                 step 
               
               
                 194 
                 gripper plate 
               
               
                 196 
                 first tongue 
               
               
                 198 
                 second tongue 
               
               
                 200 
                 third tongue 
               
               
                 202 
                 fixing means 
               
               
                 204 
                 tab 
               
               
                 206 
                 lancet tip 
               
               
                 208 
                 constriction 
               
               
                 210 
                 transfer element