DE102024116184A1 - Double plate carrier for holding pipette tips and carrier system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a double-plate carrier (1) for receiving pipette tips (2), with
- an upper plate (3) and a lower plate (4) which are arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein the upper plate (3) has a plurality of first through holes (5) and the lower plate (4) has a plurality of second through holes (6), wherein the first through holes (5) and the second through holes (6) are designed and arranged such that the first through holes (5) and the second through holes (6) are aligned with each other,
- a side wall (7) which connects the upper plate (3) and the lower plate (4) at each of a first longitudinal side (3a, 4a),
- a plurality of webs (8) which are arranged between the upper plate (3) and the lower plate (4) and connect the upper plate (3) and the lower plate (4) to each other.

Description

The invention relates to a double-plate carrier for receiving pipette tips and a carrier system. The pipette tips have a distal end region and a proximal end region with a collar.

Repetitive laboratory tasks are increasingly being taken over by automated laboratory equipment. Systems for the automated handling of liquid samples are particularly desirable for biochemical analyses in the fields of chemistry and pharmaceuticals. These so-called liquid handling systems are used for sample preparation and/or analysis. Such laboratory equipment is also known as pipetting robots or pipetting and analysis devices. The tasks of these pipetting devices include the addition and removal of defined volumes of liquids into laboratory elements, for example, to initiate a biochemical reaction by adding a reagent, as well as preparing the samples for subsequent measurement in an analyzer, such as drying the samples. Suitable analyzers include all devices that determine at least one chemical and/or physical characteristic of the sample, such as spectroscopy and spectrometry instruments, as well as pH and conductivity probes, and other instruments.

Automated pipetting devices typically include one, or usually several, pipettes, often arranged in pipetting heads that are sometimes interchangeable. Simple automated pipetting or dispensing devices dispense only a defined quantity of liquid, while in larger automated pipetting devices, the pipetting heads can be moved in two or three spatial directions. More complex automated pipetting devices often perform additional tasks such as transporting and handling laboratory equipment, as well as mixing and incubating samples.

A pipette is used to draw up and dispense defined volumes of liquid. Typically, the pipette is designed so that the liquid does not enter its interior. Instead, a pipette tip is placed onto the end of the pipette, into which the liquid is drawn. In manual pipettes with only one pipetting channel, which controls the aspiration and dispensing of a defined volume of liquid into and out of the pipette tip by applying appropriate negative or positive pressure, the end of the pipette is usually conical or shaft-shaped. The pipette tip is securely connected to the end of the pipette and sometimes additionally secured with a sealing element, such as an O-ring.

Multichannel pipetting devices allow for the simultaneous handling of a large number of volumes. Instead of a single pipetting channel, they have several or many pipetting channels. Such a multichannel pipetting device is made of the DE 20 2008 013 533 U1 Multichannel pipettes have become well-known. For example, between 4 and 384 samples can be simultaneously mixed with a defined quantity of liquid. The pipetting channels are located in a base plate. As an alternative to mounting the pipette tips onto a conical or shaft-like end of the pipette, multichannel pipettes often use a sealing plate. This plate has elastic properties and the pipette tips are pressed against it with a defined force. The sealing plate closes the base plate and, like the base plate, guides the pipetting channels. By actively pressing the pipette tips against the sealing plate, it is ensured that when a vacuum is applied, a defined volume of liquid is drawn into the pipette tip and held there until the liquid is dispensed. With a large number of pipetting channels and a corresponding number of pipette tips, it is essential to ensure that each pipette tip is sealed by the sealing plate.

Pipette tips are often provided on so-called magazines. These magazines are typically planar, rigid plates with through-holes into which the pipette tips are held. Such a magazine, loaded with pipette tips, is then moved towards the sealing plate, so that the pipette tips are pressed against the sealing plate. Ideally, the longitudinal axes of the pipette tips are aligned parallel to the cross-sectional plane of the sealing plate to ensure optimal sealing. Such a magazine is used, for example, in the DE 20 2020 100 836 U1 revealed.

The magazines are usually only used once and then disposed of, which results in high material and cost requirements.

The present application therefore aims to specify a double-plate support and a support system which save material compared to conventional solutions.

According to the invention, the problem is solved by a double plate support according to claim 1 and a support system according to claim 14.

• - einer oberen Platte und einer unteren Platte, welche im Wesentlichen parallel zueinander angeordnet sind, wobei die obere Platte eine Mehrzahl an ersten Durchgangslöchern und die untere Platte eine Mehrzahl an zweiten Durchgangslöchern aufweist, wobei die ersten Durchgangslöcher und die zweiten Durchgangslöcher derart ausgestaltet und angeordnet sind, dass die ersten Durchgangslöcher und die zweiten Durchgangslöcher miteinander fluchten,
• - einer Seitenwand, welche die obere Platte und die untere Platte an jeweils einer ersten Längsseite miteinander verbindet,
• - einer Mehrzahl an Stegen, welche zwischen der oberen Platte und der unteren Platte angeordnet sind und die obere Platte und die untere Platte miteinander verbinden.

Regarding the double plate support, the problem is solved by a double plate support. for receiving pipette tips, wherein the pipette tips have a distal end region and a proximal end region with a collar, with

• - an upper plate and a lower plate which are arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein the upper plate has a plurality of first through holes and the lower plate has a plurality of second through holes, wherein the first through holes and the second through holes are designed and arranged such that the first through holes and the second through holes are aligned with each other,
• - a side wall which connects the upper plate and the lower plate to each other on a first long side,
• - a plurality of struts which are arranged between the upper plate and the lower plate and connect the upper plate and the lower plate to each other.

The double-plate carrier according to the invention is robust with low material consumption due to its construction with the upper and lower plates connected by the side wall and the webs. The first and second through-holes serve to accommodate the pipette tips. A through-hole is not necessarily circular, as defined in the application, but can also have other shapes. The double-plate carrier can be manufactured by injection molding and, for example, made of a plastic. The double-plate carrier can be manufactured as a single piece. In particular, the side wall and the webs are each bonded to the upper and lower plates by a material-bonded connection.

In one embodiment, the first through-holes are designed such that a rim around them serves as a bearing surface for each collar of an inserted pipette tip. Particularly for pipetting devices with a sealing plate, it is advantageous if the collars of the pipette tips rest on the upper plate or on a rim around the first through-holes. This facilitates sealing the pipette tip against the sealing plate.

In an alternative embodiment, the upper plate has multiple support elements, each serving as a bearing surface for a collar of an inserted pipette tip. The support elements can be cylindrical or have at least two radius segments, particularly arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner. The support elements facilitate sealing the pipette tips against the sealing plate of the pipetting device.

In a further embodiment, the first and/or second through-holes are circular or have at least two radius segments. The circular shape or the design with at least two radius segments ensures that the pipette tips are reliably held in the first and/or second through-holes. Three, four, or more radius segments can also be used.

A further development proposes that the webs be arranged between the center of the upper plate and a second longitudinal side of the upper plate. This achieves improved stability of the double-plate beam.

Preferably, the webs are arranged on an axis parallel to the first longitudinal side of the upper plate. This arrangement of the webs is particularly easy to manufacture and allows for simple handling by a transfer device.

Preferably, the webs are arranged equidistant from each other. This arrangement of the webs allows for simple manufacturing and easy handling by a transfer device.

In one embodiment, the upper plate has at least one spacer, which is arranged on a surface of the upper plate facing away from the lower plate. When the double-plate carrier is only partially loaded with pipette tips, the spacer prevents the double-plate carrier from tilting when pressed against a sealing plate of a pipetting device, thus ensuring a good seal between the pipette tips and the sealing plate.

Preferably, the upper plate and/or the lower plate are designed to be rigid. This makes the double-plate beam particularly stable. Preferably, both the upper plate and the lower plate are designed to be rigid. The side wall and/or the webs can also be designed to be rigid.

In a further development, the lower plate and/or the upper plate has a plurality of material weakeners, which are arranged between the second through-holes or between the first through-holes, and which, in particular, are not aligned with the first or second through-holes. The material weakeners ensure that material on the lower plate and/or the upper plate is reduced. This saves on a plate that is not absolutely necessary. As a result, very little material is used and the weight of the double-plate support is reduced.

In one embodiment, the side wall has one or more gripping elements arranged on a surface of the side wall facing away from the webs and designed such that the double-plate carrier can be automatically picked up by means of the one or more gripping elements. The one or more gripping elements are particularly useful for being picked up by a robot, which can then pick up and transport the double-plate carrier using the one or more gripping elements.

In another embodiment, one or more gripping elements are designed as object holders. These object holders can be designed in such a way that a robot can engage with them.

Preferably, the side wall has at least one force application element, in particular an edge, a projection, a step and/or a surface, by means of which a force can be exerted on the double-plate support. The force application element can be designed such that a force can be exerted in the direction of the upper plate.

In one embodiment, the side wall has a coding area with at least one coding element by which the double-plate carrier can be identified. This at least one coding element particularly facilitates the automated recognition of the double-plate carrier.

In one embodiment, the upper plate and/or the lower plate has at least one locking element. The locking element serves, in particular, to lock the double-plate carrier in a transfer device in at least one axis. Preferably, several locking elements, for example two or three, are arranged to lock the double-plate carrier in all directions. The transfer device can have at least one retaining element, which is configured to correspond with the at least one locking element. The at least one locking element and the at least one retaining element can be configured to enable a positive locking action.

In particular, at least one locking element is designed as a locking lug, a protrusion, a recess and/or a shoulder.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one locking element comprises a spring, a magnet and/or a rotating element.

Preferably, at least one locking element is arranged on a transverse side of the plate.

• - einem Doppelplattenträger nach einer der vorherigen Ausgestaltungen, und
• - einer Mehrzahl an Pipettenspitzen,

wobei die Pipettenspitzen in die ersten Durchgangslöcher und die zweiten Durchgangslöcher eingebracht sind.With regard to the support system, the task is solved by a support system with

• - a double plate carrier according to one of the previous designs, and
• - a plurality of pipette tips,

with the pipette tips inserted into the first through holes and the second through holes.

The number of pipette tips can be identical to the number of the first or second through-holes. However, it is also possible to only partially equip the double-plate carrier with pipette tips.

In a further development, the first and second through-holes are designed such that the pipette tips are aligned along a transverse axis of the double-plate carrier. For example, the center point of each first through-hole and the center point of each second through-hole can lie on a common transverse axis of the double-plate carrier. This transverse axis is arranged perpendicular to the upper and lower plates.

• 1-3: eine erste Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Doppelplattenträgers.
• 4: eine zweite Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Doppelplattenträgers.
• 5: eine Aufsicht auf die obere Platte eines erfindungsgemäßen Doppelplattenträgers.
• 6: eine Detailansicht von 5.
• 7-8: eine Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Trägersystems.
• 9: eine Schnittansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Trägersystems.
• 10: eine weitere Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Doppelplattenträgers.
• 11: eine weitere Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Trägersystems.
• 12-13: eine Ausgestaltung eines erfinderischen Einzelplattenträgers.
• 14-15: zwei weitere Ausgestaltungen eines erfinderischen Einzelplattenträgers.
• 16-17: eine Ausgestaltung einer erfinderischen Trägeranordnung.
• 18: eine erste Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Transfervorrichtung.
• 19: eine zweite Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Transfervorrichtung.
• 20: eine erste Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Transfersystems.
• 21-22: eine dritte Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Transfervorrichtung.
• 23a-c: eine vierte Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Transfervorrichtung.
• 24: eine fünfte Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Transfervorrichtung.
• 25-27: eine Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Transfersystems mit einem Einzelplattenträger.
• 28-29: eine weitere Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Transfersystems mit einem Einzelplattenträger.
• 30-31: eine Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Transfersystems mit einem Doppelplattenträger.
• 32-33: zwei Ausgestaltungen eines erfindungsgemäßen Pipettiersystems.

The invention will be further described using the following figures. 1 - 33 will be explained in more detail. They show:

• 1-3 : a first embodiment of a double plate carrier according to the invention.
• 4 : a second embodiment of a double plate carrier according to the invention.
• 5 : a top view of the upper plate of a double plate support according to the invention.
• 6 : a detailed view of 5 .
• 7-8 : an embodiment of a support system according to the invention.
• 9 : a sectional view of a support system according to the invention.
• 10 : a further embodiment of a double plate carrier according to the invention.
• 11 : a further embodiment of a support system according to the invention.
• 12-13 : an embodiment of an inventive single-plate carrier.
• 14-15 : two further embodiments of an inventive single-plate carrier.
• 16-17 : an embodiment of an inventive support arrangement.
• 18 : a first embodiment of a transfer device according to the invention.
• 19 : a second embodiment of a transfer device according to the invention.
• 20 : a first embodiment of a transfer system according to the invention.
• 21-22 : a third embodiment of a transfer device according to the invention.
• 23a -c: a fourth embodiment of a transfer device according to the invention.
• 24 : a fifth embodiment of a transfer device according to the invention.
• 25-27 : an embodiment of a transfer system according to the invention with a single-plate carrier.
• 28-29 : a further embodiment of a transfer system according to the invention with a single-plate carrier.
• 30-31 : an embodiment of a transfer system according to the invention with a double plate carrier.
• 32-33 : two embodiments of a pipetting system according to the invention.

The embodiments of the various devices described in the figures can be combined with one another as desired for the respective device. This applies in particular to the examples of the transfer device according to the invention, the numerous embodiments of which are illustrated with reference to several figures and whose embodiments can be combined as desired.

In the characters 1-3 Figure 1 shows an exemplary double-plate beam 1 in different views. The double-plate beam 1 has an upper plate 3 and a lower plate 4, which are arranged essentially parallel to each other and are designed to be rigid. The upper plate 3 has a plurality of first through-holes 5, and the lower plate 4 has a plurality of second through-holes 6. The first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6 are designed and arranged such that they are aligned with each other. In particular, the first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6 are aligned with each other such that the center point of each first through-hole 5 and the center point of a corresponding second through-hole 6 are located on a common transverse axis 1a of the double-plate beam. For the purposes of the application, a plurality of a component means that two or more components are present. Preferably, the first through-holes 5 are present in the same number as the second through-holes 6. The number of first through-holes 5 and second through-holes 6 can be adapted to the number of typical microtiter plate formats and follow the common ANSI-SLAS standard. For example, the double plate carrier can have 96 or 384 first through-holes 5 and second through-holes 6, respectively. An alternative embodiment of the double plate carrier 1, and in particular the diameter of the first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6, is described in 10 shown. The first through holes 5 and the second through holes 6 can be circular, but can also have other shapes, as for example in 6 The diameters of the first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6 can be identical; however, they typically differ, with one diameter of the first through-holes 5 being larger than the other. This follows the common design of pipette tips, which taper from the collar 2c to the distal end 2a. The upper plate 3 and the lower plate 4 are connected by a side wall 7, which is located on a first longitudinal side 3a, 4a of both the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 4. The side wall 7 can extend over the entire length of the first longitudinal sides 3a, 3b or only over one or more sections of the first longitudinal sides 3a, 3b.

To ensure the stability of the double-plate support 1, a plurality of webs 8 are provided, which are arranged between the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 4 and connect the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 4 to each other. The webs 8 can be cylindrical, cuboid, or conical, and other configurations are also conceivable. The webs 8 can be arranged between a center 3b of the upper plate 3 and a second longitudinal side 3c of the upper plate 3, which is opposite the first longitudinal side 3a. The webs 8 can be arranged in symmetrical or asymmetrical patterns between the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 4. In particular, the webs 8 can be arranged equidistant from each other and/or on an axis parallel to the first longitudinal side 3a of the upper plate 3. A gap between the webs 8 can be designed such that, in particular after the double plate carrier 1 has been fitted with pipette tips 2, a transfer device 40 can be placed between the webs 8, and in particular between the pipette tips 2, can engage and accommodate the double plate carrier 1 (see 30-31 ).

For a lightweight and material-reduced design of the double-plate support 1, a plurality of material reducers 12 can be arranged on the lower plate 4 and/or the upper plate 3. The material reducers 12 are specifically designed to reduce the material of the lower plate 4 and/or the upper plate 3. The material reducers 12 can, for example, be designed as recesses, holes, or openings. The material reducers 12 are arranged between the second through-holes 6 and the first through-holes 5, respectively. In particular, the material reducers 12 are not aligned with the first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6, respectively. In the examples of 1-4 The material weaker 12 are designed as third through holes on the lower plate 4.

The side wall 7 can have additional functions besides connecting the upper plate 3 to the lower plate 4. For example, the side wall 7 can have one or more gripping elements 13, which are arranged on a surface of the side wall 7 facing away from the webs 8 and are designed such that the double plate carrier 1 can be automatically picked up by means of the one or more gripping elements 13. In particular, the one or more gripping elements 13 are designed as object holders. In the figures 2-3 Three gripping elements 13 are shown as examples, wherein the middle gripping element is a flat plate and the two outer gripping elements are object receptacles designed as openings. Such gripping elements 13 can be easily gripped by conventional robots, in particular Cartesian robots, so that the double plate carrier 1 can be automatically picked up and transported by means of the gripping elements 13.

The side wall 7 can further comprise a coding area 15 with at least one coding element 16, by which the double-plate carrier 1 can be identified. For example, the number of first and second through-holes 5, 6 of the double-plate carrier 1 can be determined by means of the at least one coding element 16. The at least one coding element 16 can be, for example, a QR code, a barcode, an RFID tag, or other marking. The side wall 7 can also comprise at least one force application element 14, such as an edge, a projection, a shoulder, and/or a surface, by means of which force can be exerted on the double-plate carrier 1. The force is exerted, in particular, by a pipetting device after the double-plate carrier 1 has been inserted into the pipetting device. The force can serve to press the double-plate carrier 1 against a sealing plate of the pipetting device in order to seal the pipette tips 2 against the sealing plate. The force is exerted on the force application element 14, particularly in one direction from the lower plate 4 to the upper plate 3.

To prevent the double-plate carrier 1 from tilting in a pipetting device 42 when it is incompletely loaded with pipette tips 2, at least one spacer 11 can be arranged on a surface of the upper plate 3 facing away from the lower plate 4. The at least one spacer 11 can be cylindrical, conical, or cuboid in shape. Preferably, the upper plate 3 has a plurality of spacers 11, as shown by way of example in 4 shown.

5 Figure 1 shows a top view of an upper plate 3 of a double-plate carrier 1 according to the invention. Within the first through-holes 5, the second through-holes 6 in the lower plate 4 are visible, which in this example have a smaller diameter than the first through-holes 5. The first through-holes 5 can be designed such that a border 9 (shown with dashed lines) of the first through-holes 5 serves as a bearing surface for each collar 2c of an inserted pipette tip 2. Alternatively, the upper plate 3 can have a plurality of bearing elements which serve as a bearing surface for each collar 2c of the pipette tips 2. An example of such a bearing surface 26 is shown in the single-plate carrier 20. 13 shown and can also be used with the double plate carrier 1. The first through holes 5 and/or the second through holes 6 can be circular or have at least two radius segments 10. In 6 This embodiment is shown in detail. Preferably, the first through-holes 5 and/or the second through-holes 6 have two or four radius segments 10. In particular, the first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6 are designed such that pipette tips inserted into the first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6 are held in a predetermined position in the first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6. At least one locking element 30 can be arranged on the upper plate 3 and/or the lower plate 4. Examples of such locking elements can be found in 12 Using the example of the single-plate carrier 20, the locking elements 30 shown therein are transferable to the double-plate carrier 1. Preferably, the at least one locking element 30 is arranged on the upper plate 3, in particular on a transverse side of the upper plate 3. Arranged in this way, the at least one locking element can be connected to at least one Holding element 48 of the transfer device, as e.g. in 18 or 19 shown, lock.

In the characters 7-9 A carrier system 17 according to the invention is shown. The carrier system 17 comprises a double-plate carrier 1 and a plurality of pipette tips 2 with a proximal end 2a, a collar 2b and a distal end 2c, which are inserted into first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6, as shown in 8 shown. 7 shows the carrier system 17 in an exploded view. 9 Figure 1 shows a cross-section through the support system 17. The first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6 can be designed such that the inserted pipette tips 2 are aligned along a transverse axis 1a of the double-plate support 1. The transverse axis 1a of the double-plate support 1 is, in particular, arranged transversely to the first longitudinal side 3a, 3b of the upper plate 3 or the lower plate 4. The number of pipette tips 2 can correspond to the number of first through-holes 5 or be less.

10 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a double-plate carrier 1. The first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6 are smaller in this variant than in the previous embodiments. Accordingly, the double-plate carrier 1 can accommodate significantly more pipette tips 2. 11 shows a further embodiment of the support system 17 according to the invention with the double plate support 1 made of 10 .

In the characters 12 and 13 A single-plate carrier 20 according to the invention is shown schematically. The single-plate carrier 20 comprises a plate 21 with a top surface 31, a bottom surface 32 and a plurality of recesses 22. 12 shows a view from the bottom 32, while 13 Figure 31 shows a view of the top surface 31. The plate 21 is designed to be particularly rigid. The recesses 22 are, in particular, through holes. The recesses 22 can be designed to each accommodate a pipette tip 2. The number of recesses 22 can be adapted to the number of typical microtiter plate formats and follow the common ANSI-SLAS standard. For example, the single-plate carrier 96 or 384 recesses 22 can have. A plurality of alignment elements 23 are arranged on the underside 32 of the plate 21, which surround the recesses 22 at least partially. The alignment elements 23 can, in particular, surround the recesses 22 at least partially along a circumference or an edge of the recesses 22. The alignment elements 23 are designed, in particular, to align the pipette tips 2 inserted into the recesses 22 along a transverse axis 20a of the single-plate carrier 20. The transverse axis 20a of the single-plate support 20 is arranged transversely to the plate 21. The recesses 22 and/or the alignment elements 23 can be cylindrical or conical, or have at least two radius segments 24. The at least two radius segments 24 can be arranged point-symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically. In the example of the 12 The alignment elements 23 are each designed in the form of two radius segments 24. It would also be possible, for example, to use three, four, or more radius segments as alignment elements 23. Possible configurations for the recesses 22 are the 6 to be taken from; in the 6 The first through holes 5 then correspond to the recesses 22. Reinforcing elements 34, such as ribs, can be arranged on a surface of the alignment elements 23 facing away from the recesses 22. A distance between the alignment elements 23 can be designed such that, in particular after the single-plate carrier 20 has been fitted with pipette tips 2, a transfer device 40 can engage between the alignment elements, and in particular between the pipette tips 2, and receive the single-plate carrier 20 (see Figure 1). 25-27 ).

Furthermore, a plurality of support elements 26 can be arranged on the upper surface 31, which serve as support surfaces for each collar 2c of a pipette tip 2 inserted into the recesses 22. The support elements 26 can be cylindrical or have at least two radius segments 24, in particular arranged point-symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically. The support elements 26 prevent the pipette tips 2 from resting directly on the plate, which would then have to be thicker. The support elements 26, in particular, at least partially surround the recesses 22.

The single-plate carrier 20 can have at least one handle 27, which is arranged in particular on a longitudinal side 21a of the plate 21. Preferably, the single-plate carrier 20 has two handles, each arranged on a longitudinal side of the plate 21, as shown in 12 The at least one handle 27 can have an identification area 28 with at least one identification element 29, by means of which the single-plate carrier 20 can be identified. The at least one identification element 29 can be, for example, a QR code, a barcode, an RFID tag, or other marking.

The plate 21 can have at least one locking element 30, which is arranged in particular on a transverse side 21b of the plate 21. The at least one locking element 30 serves to Locking of the single-plate carrier 20 in a transfer device 40 in at least one axis. The at least one locking element 30 can be designed as a locking lug, a protrusion, a recess and/or a shoulder. In the figures 12 and 13 Two different locking elements 30 are shown. A locking lug 30a is arranged in one end region of the transverse side 21b of the plate 21, and a protrusion 30b is located in the middle of the transverse side 21b. The two locking lugs 30a serve in particular to lock the single plate carrier 20 in the plane of the plate 21, while the protrusion 30b serves to lock the single plate carrier 20 transversely to the plate 21.

The characters 14 and 15 Two further embodiments of the single-plate carrier 20 according to the invention are shown. As in 14 As shown, the single-plate carrier 20 can have a plurality of material reducers 36 on the plate 21. These are arranged between the recesses 22. As shown in 15 As shown, the single-plate carrier 20 can have at least one spacer 35 on the top side of the plate 21. The at least one spacer 35 is arranged, in particular, between the recesses 22.

The two figures 16 and 17 Figure 1 shows a support arrangement 33 according to the invention comprising a single-plate support 20 and a plurality of pipette tips 2, which are inserted into the recesses 22. 16 The carrier arrangement 33 is shown in an exploded view. The alignment elements 23 can be configured to align the pipette tips 2 in the recesses 22, in particular along a transverse axis 20a of the single-plate carrier 20. The number of pipette tips 2 can be equal to or less than the number of recesses 22.

18 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a transfer device 40 according to the invention. The transfer device 40 comprises a comb structure 43 with a longitudinal strut 44 and a plurality of transverse struts 45, 46 arranged perpendicular to it, which are arranged parallel and equidistant from one another. The transverse struts 45, 46 comprise two outer transverse struts 45, which together with the longitudinal strut 44 form a three-sided frame 47. Several inner transverse struts 46 are arranged between the outer transverse struts 45. The inner transverse struts 46 can serve to receive a pipette holder 41. The comb structure 43 can have a top surface 57 and a bottom surface 58. In addition, the transfer device 40 can have at least one retaining element 48 arranged on the frame 47, which is configured such that the pipette holder 41 can be locked in the transfer device 40 in at least one axis. The at least one retaining element 48 is designed in particular as an overhang, a recess, a projection and/or a bulge. In 18 Two types of retaining elements 48 are shown as examples: an overhang 48a and a protrusion 48b. The overhang 48a serves to lock the pipette holder 41 in the transfer device 40 on an axis transverse to the frame 47. The protrusion 48b serves to lock the pipette holder 41 in the plane of the frame 47. The at least one retaining element 48 can be designed as a radius segment or a circular segment. For example, the overhang 48b is designed as a circular segment. Alternatively, the at least one retaining element 48 can have a spring, a magnet, and/or a rotating element. 19 A retaining element 48, designed as a radius segment 48c, is shown.

The transfer device 40 can have a handle 50 arranged on the longitudinal strut 44, which in particular has a centering element 51 designed such that the transfer device 40 can be moved automatically. 18 The centering element 51 is designed as an opening. A robot can grasp and move the transfer device 40 using the centering element 51. An operator can also pick up and transport the transfer device 40 using the handle 50.

The frame 47 can have a frame recess 49 in the area of the longitudinal strut 44, which is particularly located centrally on the longitudinal strut 44. The frame recess 49 can be designed such that the frame 47 is lowered to the height of the handle 50 by the frame recess 49. The frame can further have at least one stop surface 54, which is arranged at least along the longitudinal strut 44 and which is located at the same height on the frame 47 as the upper surface of the inner cross struts 46 or between the cross struts 45, 46. The stop surface 54 serves to receive the pipette holder 41. The stop surface 54 can be arranged along the frame 47. In this case, the stop surface 54 can guide the pipette holder 41 when it is inserted into the transfer device 40.

The inner crossbars 46 can have an engagement element 60, in particular an edge or a shoulder, at one end 46a facing away from the longitudinal strut. The engagement element 60 can be used to exert a force on the transfer device 40, in particular by means of the pipetting device 42. The force is exerted in particular in the direction from the underside 58 to the top side 57 of the inner crossbars 46. 19 The intervention element 60 is designed as a paragraph.

The transfer device 40 is particularly suitable for pipetting devices 42 which are designed such that the transfer device 40 is inserted horizontally into the pipetting device 42, in particular by being pushed in. Alternative pipetting devices are designed such that the transfer device 40 is received vertically from the upper surface 57 of the comb structure 43. For this purpose, the transfer device 40 can have at least two orientation elements 52, as shown in 19 The figures show which are designed such that the transfer device 40 can be automatically inserted into the pipetting device 42. The pipetting device 42 can have a pipetting head 72 that is movable along the z-axis and can thus be lowered to the level of the transfer device 40 and receive the transfer device 40. The at least two orientation elements 52 serve to guide the pipetting head 72.

In 20 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a transfer system 55 according to the invention, comprising a transfer device 40 and a pipette holder 41, in a top view of the upper surface 57 of the comb structure 43. The transfer system 55 can comprise a plurality of pipette tips 2, which are inserted into the pipette holder 41. The 20 The pipette carrier 41 shown is a single-plate carrier 20; however, a double-plate carrier 1 or any other pipette carrier 41 could also be used. The pipette carrier 41 can have at least one locking element 30; the transfer device can have at least one retaining element 48. The at least one retaining element 48 and the at least one locking element 30 can be designed such that the pipette carrier 41 and the transfer device 40 are locked together by means of a positive fit or a pinning action. The pipette carrier 41 can be locked in the transfer device 40 in at least one axis by a retaining element 48 of the transfer device 40 engaging with a locking element 30 of the pipette carrier 41. In the example shown, two locking lugs 30a of the pipette holder 41 engage with a projection 48b of the transfer device 40 to prevent movement of the pipette holder 41 along the longitudinal strut 44. Two further locking lugs 30a engage with two radius segments 48c to prevent movement of the pipette holder 41 along the transverse struts 45, 46. Furthermore, two overhangs 48a, each with a projection 30b, engage to prevent movement of the pipette holder 41 transversely to the upper surface 57.

In the characters 21-22 A further embodiment of the transfer device 40 according to the invention is shown. The inner crossbars 46 can have a conical cross-section that tapers towards the top 57 in order to improve force transmission from the pipetting device 42 to the transfer device 40. The inner crossbars 46 can thus have a greater width on the bottom 58 than on the top 57. The tapered conical cross-section of an inner crossbar 46 is shown in detail in 21b The tapered conical cross-section can be trapezoidal in shape. The conical cross-section can be designed such that the conical cross-section and an outer diameter of the pipette tips 2 are matched over the entire height of the inner cross struts 46.

The inner crossbars 46 can be designed such that at least one inner crossbar 46 has a greater length than at least one other inner crossbar 46. This facilitates the insertion of the pipette holder 41 into the transfer device 40, since the pipette holder 41 can first be threaded onto the at least one inner crossbar 46 with the greater length and guided in this way, and then easily threaded between the remaining inner crossbars 46. In particular, the inner crossbars 46 can increase in length from the outer crossbars 45 to a center 59 of the comb structure 43. Another possibility is that one or two inner crossbars 46 at the center 59 of the comb structure 43 are shorter than the crossbars 46 surrounding them. One or two inner crossbars 46 can be longer than the remaining inner crossbars 46.

The length of the inner cross braces 46 can be considered as the distance between a surface 44a of the longitudinal brace 44, on which the inner cross braces 46 are arranged, and an end 46a of the inner cross braces 46 opposite the longitudinal brace 44. The surface 44a of the longitudinal brace 44, on which the inner cross braces 46 are arranged, is planar, in particular such that the suspension points of the inner cross braces 46 on the longitudinal brace 44 lie on a common axis.

As already explained, at least one stop surface 54 can be provided to guide the pipette holder 41 when it is inserted into the transfer device 40. The frame 47 can also have at least one circumferential guide groove 53. The guide groove 53 can also facilitate the insertion of the pipette holder 41. This applies in particular when using a double-plate carrier 1, in which the lower plate 4 is inserted into the guide groove 53 on the underside 58, the upper plate 4 is inserted into a guide groove 53 on the top side 57, and the double-plate carrier 1 is thus easily inserted into the transfer device 40. The device 40 can be accommodated. In conjunction with the stop surface 54, the at least one guide groove 53 can further facilitate the insertion of the pipette holder 41.

22 Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a transfer system 55 with a transfer device 40 and a pipette holder 41. The inner crossbars 46 can have a tapered conical cross-section. The pipette holder 41 is optionally equipped with pipette tips 2. The pipette holder 41 is shown as an example of a double-plate holder 1 with an upper plate 3 and a lower plate 4; however, it could also be designed as a single-plate holder 1. From the 22 It becomes clear that the conical cross-section of the inner crossbars 46 is adapted over the entire height of the crossbars 46 to the outer diameter of the pipette tips, which varies along the height. A force exerted on the transfer device 40 towards the top surface 57 by means of a pipetting device 42 is particularly advantageously transferred to the top surface 57 and the collars 2c of the pipette tips 2 by means of the tapered conical section. This particularly facilitates sealing of the collars 2c against a sealing plate of the pipetting device 42.

In the characters 23a Figure -c shows a further embodiment of the transfer device 40 according to the invention. The inner crossbars 46 can be chamfered on the underside 58 such that the height of the inner crossbars 46 decreases from the longitudinal strut 44 to an end 46a of the inner crossbars 46 facing away from the longitudinal strut 44. 23b Figure 1 shows a cross-section through the transfer device 40, which schematically illustrates the chamfering of the inner crossbars 46. The chamfering of the inner crossbars 46 is specifically adapted to a force applied by the pipetting device 42 from the underside 58 to the transfer device 40. For example, the inner crossbars 46 can be chamfered such that their height decreases by between 0.05° and 6°, particularly between 0.05° and 3°. 23c The effect of the chamfering of the inner crossbars 46 is shown schematically. Without force acting on the inner crossbars 46 or on the transfer device 40, the inner crossbars 46 are chamfered as described. When force is applied, particularly by the pipetting device 42, the inner crossbars 46 deform such that the underside 58 of the inner crossbars 46 approaches or reaches a horizontal position. The force on the transfer device 40 in the pipetting device 42 can be exerted in the direction of the upper surface 57, so that the transfer device is pressed against a surface of the pipetting device 42, in particular a sealing plate. The inner crossbars 46 can serve to transmit the force from the pipetting device 42 to the pipette holder 41. The pipette holder can be a disposable item that has higher manufacturing tolerances than the transfer device 40. The chamfering of the inner crossbars 46 thus compensates for the manufacturing tolerances of the pipette holder 41 and can ensure that a sealing plate 72 of the pipetting device 42 is not damaged by the pipette holder 41 when force is applied to the transfer device 40.

In 24 A further embodiment of the transfer device 40 according to the invention is shown. The transfer device 40 can have an access element 61 on the frame 47, such as a shoulder, an edge, or a surface, by means of which a force can be exerted on the transfer device 40. In the example shown, the access element 61 is designed as a surface.

In the characters 25-27 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a transfer system 55 according to the invention, comprising a transfer device 40 and a single-plate carrier 20. The transfer system 55 optionally includes a plurality of pipette tips 2, which are inserted into the recesses 22. 26 Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the transfer system 55, in which the transfer device 40 and the single-plate carrier 20 are already aligned to receive the single-plate carrier 20 by the transfer device 40. 27 and 25 The support arrangement 33 is fully inserted into the transfer device 40. The single-plate support 20 can be inserted into the transfer device 40 such that the inner cross braces 46 are arranged between the alignment elements 23. 25 Figure 55 shows a view of the transfer system 55 at the ends 46a of the crossbars. The inner crossbars 46 can extend beyond a position of the pipette tips 2. In particular, if the inner crossbars 46 are designed such that at least one inner crossbar 46 is longer than at least one other inner crossbar 46, the latter can also end before the last position of the pipette tips 2.

The characters 28-29 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a transfer system 55 according to the invention, comprising a transfer device 40 and a single-plate carrier 20. The at least one handle 27 can be arranged such that it is inserted into the frame recess 49. By applying force to the at least one handle 27, or to both handles 27, the single-plate carrier 20 can be released from the transfer device 40.

In the characters 30-31 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a transfer system 55 according to the invention, comprising a transfer device 40 and a double-plate carrier 1. Optionally, the transfer system 55 has a plurality of pipette tips 2, which are inserted into the first through-holes 5 and the second through-holes 6. 30 Figure 1 shows how the carrier system 17 is inserted into the transfer device 40; in 31 The carrier system 17 is fully inserted into the transfer device 40. The double-plate carrier 1 can be inserted into the transfer device such that the inner crossbars 46 are arranged between the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 4. The inner crossbars 46 can extend beyond a position of the pipette tips 2. In particular, if the inner crossbars 46 are designed such that at least one inner crossbar 46 is longer than at least one other inner crossbar 46, the at least one other inner crossbar 46 can also end before the last position of the pipette tips 2 (see Figure 1). 25 ).

The characters 32-33 Figure 1 shows two embodiments of a pipetting system 80 according to the invention. The pipetting system 80 comprises a pipetting device 42 and a transfer system 55, comprising a transfer device 40, a pipette holder 41, and a plurality of pipette tips 2. The pipetting device 42 can have a pipetting head 72 in which pipetting channels 71 are arranged for aspirating and dispensing liquids into the pipette tips 2, and a sealing plate 70, wherein the pipetting channels are guided through the sealing plate 70. The sealing plate 70 serves to seal the pipette tips 2. The pipetting device 42 can be configured to exert a force on the transfer device 40 such that the pipette tips 2 arranged in the pipette holder 41 are sealed against the sealing plate 70 with their collars 2c. 32 The transfer system 55 is inserted horizontally into the pipetting device 42 while it is in 33 The transfer system 55 is inserted vertically. To support the vertical insertion of the transfer system 55, at least two, and in particular four, orientation elements 52 can be arranged on the pipette carrier 41. Regarding the design of the pipetting device or the pipetting head, in particular regarding the arrangement and design of the pipetting channels and the sealing plate, full reference is made to the utility model. DE 20 2008 013 533 U1 .

The following section describes how the pipette carrier 41 is inserted into the transfer device 40 and how the resulting transfer system 55 is inserted into the pipetting device 42. Subsequently, it describes how the transfer system 55 can first be removed from the pipetting device 42 and finally how the pipette carrier 41 can be removed from the transfer system 55.

Based on 20 A method for inserting a pipette carrier 41, in particular a double-plate carrier 1 or a single-plate carrier 20, into a transfer device 40 can be described. First, the pipette carrier 41 is inserted into the transfer device 40. The pipette carrier 41 has at least one locking element 30, and the transfer device 40 has at least one retaining element 48, wherein the at least one locking element 30 is configured to correspond with the at least one retaining element 48. A section of the pipette carrier 41 can rest on the inner crossbars 46. In particular, the inner crossbars 46 engage between the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 4 of the double-plate carrier 1 or between the alignment elements 23 of the single-plate carrier 20. The upper plate 3 or the plate 21 can rest on the inner crossbars 46 and, if necessary, be guided by means of at least one stop surface 54 and/or at least one guide groove 53. The pipette carrier 41 is then locked in the transfer device 40 by applying a first force to the pipette carrier 41 in the direction of the longitudinal strut 44 until the at least one retaining element 48 engages with the at least one locking element 30.

The transfer system 55 assembled in this manner can then be inserted manually or automatically into the pipetting device 42. In the case of horizontal insertion into the pipetting device 42, as exemplified in 32 As shown, the transfer system 55 can be inserted into the transfer device 40 using a handle 50. For automated insertion, a centering element 51 can also be used in the handle 50. In the case of vertical insertion into the pipetting device 42, as exemplified in 33 As shown, the pipetting head 72 can be moved in the z-axis to accommodate the transfer system 55 using the orientation elements 52.

To perform a pipetting operation, the pipette tips 2 must be sealed against the sealing plate 70. For this purpose, a tightening force can be applied to both longitudinal sides of the transfer system 55 by means of the pipetting device 42, so that the transfer system 55 is pressed against the sealing plate 70. If the pipette carrier 41 is a double-plate carrier 1, the tightening force can be applied to the access element 61 of the transfer device 40 and the force application element 14 of the double-plate carrier 1. For this purpose, the pipetting device 42 can have corresponding stop elements that press against the The access element 61 and the force application element 14 are pressed. If the pipette carrier 1 is a single-plate carrier 20, the pulling force can be exerted on the access element 61 of the transfer device 40 and the engagement element 60 of the transfer device 40. In this case as well, the pipetting device 42 can have corresponding stop elements that are pressed against the access element 61 and the engagement element 60. The stop elements can be arranged on pivotable arms.

After sealing the transfer system 55 in the pipetting device 42, a pipetting process can then be carried out. After completion of the pipetting process, the tightening force can be released and the transfer system 55 can either be placed down using the pipetting head 72 or removed from the pipetting device 42 using the handle 50.

In a further step, the pipette carrier 41 can be removed from the transfer system 55. For this, the locking mechanism between the at least one locking element 30 and the at least one holding element 48 must be released. This can be achieved by applying a second force to the pipette carrier 41 in the direction of an underside 58 of the comb structure 43, so that the locking mechanism between the at least one holding element 48 and the at least one locking element 30 releases. The second force can be applied manually or automatically. In the case of a single-plate carrier 20, the second force can be applied to the at least one handle 27 of the single-plate carrier 20; preferably, the single-plate carrier 20 has two handles 27, on both of which the second force is applied simultaneously. In the case of a double-plate carrier 1, the second force can be applied to the at least one gripping element 13. In both cases, the transfer device 40 can have a frame recess 49 into which the handle 27 or the gripping element 13 projects, so that an operator or robot can easily reach and operate the handle 27 or the gripping element 13.

Reference symbol list

1

Double plate carrier

1a

Transverse axis of the double plate support

2

Pipette tips

2a

distal end

2b

proximal end region

2c

Federal

3

upper plate

3a

first long side of the upper plate

3b

center of the upper plate

3c

second long side of the upper plate

4

lower plate

4a

first long side of the lower plate

5

first through holes

6

second through holes

7

side wall

8

web

9

border

10

Radius segment

11

spacers

12

Material weaker

13

Gripping element

14

Force input element

15

Coding range

16

Coding element

17

Carrier system

20

Single plate carrier

20a

transverse axis

21

plate

21a

long side of the plate

21b

cross side of the plate

22

cutouts

23

Alignment elements

24

Radius segment

26

Support elements

27

Handle

28

Identification area

29

Identification element

30

Locking element

30a

Rastnose

30b

bulge

31

top of the plate

32

underside of the plate

33

Carrier arrangement

34

Reinforcing elements

35

spacers

36

Material reducer

40

Transfer device

41

Pipette holder

42

Pipetting device

43

comb structure

44

longitudinal strut

44a

Area

45

outer cross braces

46

inner cross braces

46a

End of the inner crossbeams

47

Frame

48

retaining element

48a

Overhang

48b

bulge

48c

Radius segment

49

Frame recess

50

grab handle

51

centering element

52

Orientation element

53

Guide groove

54

Stop surface

55

Transfer system

57

Top

58

bottom

59

center of the ridge structure

60

Intervention element

61

Access element

70

Sealing plate

71

Pipetting channel

72

Pipette head

80

Pipetting system

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 20 2008 013 533 U1 [0005, 0065]
• DE 20 2020 100 836 U1 [0006]

Claims (15)

Double plate carrier (1) for receiving pipette tips (2), wherein the pipette tips (2) have a distal end region (2a) and a proximal end region (2b) with a collar (2c), comprising: - an upper plate (3) and a lower plate (4) which are arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein the upper plate (3) has a plurality of first through-holes (5) and the lower plate (4) has a plurality of second through-holes (6), wherein the first through-holes (5) and the second through-holes (6) are designed and arranged such that the first through-holes (5) and the second through-holes (6) are aligned with each other, - a side wall (7) which connects the upper plate (3) and the lower plate (4) to each other at a first longitudinal side (3a, 4a), - a plurality of webs (8) which are arranged between the upper plate (3) and the lower plate (4) and which connect the upper plate (3) and connect the lower plate (4) together. Double plate carrier according to Claim 1 , wherein the first through holes (5) are designed such that a border (9) of the first through holes (5) serves as a support surface for each bundle (2c) of an inserted pipette tip (2). Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 2 , wherein the first through holes (5) and/or the second through holes (6) are circular in shape or have at least two radius segments (10). Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 3 , wherein the webs (8) are arranged between a center (3b) of the upper plate (3) and a second longitudinal side (3c) of the upper plate (3). Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 4 , wherein the webs (8) are arranged on an axis parallel to the first longitudinal side (3a) of the upper plate (3). Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 5 , wherein the bridges (8) are arranged equidistant from each other. Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 6 , wherein the upper plate (3) has at least one spacer (11) which is arranged on a surface of the upper plate (3) facing away from the lower plate (4). Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 7 , wherein the upper plate (3) and/or the lower plate (4) are designed to be rigid. Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 8 , wherein the lower plate (4) and/or the upper plate (3) has a plurality of material weaker areas (12) which are arranged between the second through holes (6) and/or the first through holes (5), and which in particular do not align with the first through holes (5) or the second through holes (6). Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 9 , wherein the side wall (7) has one or more gripping elements (13) which are arranged on a surface of the side wall (7) facing away from the webs (8) and are designed in such a way that the double plate carrier (1) can be picked up automatically by means of the one or more gripping elements (13). Double plate support (1) according Claim 10 , wherein one or more gripping elements (13) are designed as object receivers. Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 11 , wherein the side wall (7) has at least one force application element (14), in particular an edge, a projection, a step and/or a surface, by means of which a force can be exerted on the double plate support (1). Double plate carrier (1) according to one of the Claims 1 - 12 , wherein the side wall (7) has a coding area (15) with at least one coding element (16) by which the double plate carrier (1) can be identified. Carrier system (17) comprising - a double plate carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and - a plurality of pipette tips (2), wherein the pipette tips (2) are inserted into the first through holes (5) and the second through holes (6). Carrier system (17) according to Claim 14 , wherein the first through holes (5) and the second through holes (6) are designed such that the pipette tips (2) are aligned along a transverse axis (1a) of the double plate carrier (1).