• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
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    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to a pipetting device with a pipetting unit (2), a holder (5) and a microdosing unit (8). The holder (5) or the microdosing unit (8) has a contact device (20) with at least one electrical contact element (21). The microdosing unit (8) or the holder (5) has a mating contact device (22) which fits the contact device (20) and has at least one electrical mating contact element (23) for making electrical contact with the contact element (21). The contact device (20) is arranged movably on the holder (5) or on the microdosing unit (8) from a contact position into a disconnected position and vice versa. Then, when the at least one contact element (21) is in electrical contact connection with the at least one mating contact element (23), the microdosing unit (8) is electrically connected to the control device (9) of the pipetting device (1).
    公开号:CH712686A2
    申请号:CH00846/17
    申请日:2017-06-28
    公开日:2018-01-15
    发明作者:Schraut Jürgen；Gehrig Steffen
    申请人:Brand Gmbh + Co Kg；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Description: [0001] The invention relates to a pipetting unit for aspirating and dispensing liquids with the features of the preamble of claim 1.
    Such devices are used inter alia in the field of automatic handling of liquid samples. They are often part of automatic pipetting machines or pipetting robots.
    In such a pipetting device, a pipetting unit is brought into different operating positions by means of a positioning device. The positioning device can be an X / Y / Z traversing device. It can also be the arm of a robot that can be moved freely around the room to a large extent. The prior art provides various suggestions for this.
    [0004] In pipetting units as used in the present case, vessels are used for receiving and dispensing liquid to be transferred. These are usually pipette tips that are picked up from a tip supply at a pick-up position and are coupled to coupling points of the pipetting unit. The pipetting unit is then moved into a liquid receiving position by means of the positioning device. To take up the liquid in the pipette tips, that is to say for aspiration, the mouth openings of the pipette tips are immersed in liquid in corresponding storage vessels, for example the wells of a microtiter plate. The liquid is absorbed by the action of one displacement unit or several displacement units in the pipetting unit.
    In conventional pipetting devices for larger volumes to be dispensed, for example in the microliter range, the pipetting unit is moved into a liquid dispensing position after the liquid has been absorbed by means of the positioning device. There, again by means of the action of the displacement unit or displacement units, the desired volume of liquid is obtained. the respective pipette tip into a target vessel. This can also be a well of a microtiter plate.
    Dispensing doses for liquid dispensing of smaller, minimally dispensed volumes, for example a subvolume of a drop down into the nanoliter range, cannot be achieved in this way.
    [0007] WO 2014/166 635 A1 discloses a pipetting device with a microdosing unit for liquid delivery of small, minimally dispensed volumes, the microdosing unit advantageously being designed in a modular manner as a separate unit from the pipetting unit, but optionally detachably attachable to it is. The pipetting device with pipetting unit is provided in a conventional manner. The microdosing unit is detachably held and optionally carried along by means of a coupling device.
    In a further prior art (EP 1 449 586 A1) a dosing system with a device for releasably fastening a tool is disclosed. The tool is either a dispensing tool with a dispensing head with at least one seat for attaching at least one pipette tip or a syringe, or a gripping tool. In any case, the dosing system has a device for operating the tool. Furthermore, the dosing system has a device for controlling the tool. A programmable electronic storage device is carried directly on the tool. If the tool is releasably attached to the metering device, a device for contacting serves both on the storage device of the tool and on the metering system or on the device for controlling the electrical connection to one another. For this purpose, the devices for contacting have a spring contact strip and a contact strip, which are designed as a flat plug system. A plug-in system with a fastening pin on the tool serves as a device for releasable fastening. As a result, the tool can only be mounted on the metering device in an axial orientation and in an exact position.
    The dosing system described above has devices for electrical contacting for conventional, driven and dependent pipetting systems, which are assembled in a linear movement.
    Based on the prior art mentioned at the outset, the object of the invention is to provide an improved electrical contact for a pipetting device with a pipetting and microdosing unit. The process of this electrical contacting is also to be improved.
    The object of the invention is achieved in a pipetting device with the features of the preamble according to claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Preferred refinements and developments are the subject of further device claims.
    It is a prerequisite for the invention that the microdosing unit is designed as a separate unit from the pipetting unit. This means that the pipetting unit is handled and used in various relevant operating positions, in particular in the pipette tip receiving position, the liquid receiving position, but also preferably in the pipette tip ejecting position and, if appropriate, the ejection position for residual liquid, like a classic pipetting unit of a pipetting device without a microdosing unit can.
    In contrast, the microdosing unit is coupled to the pipetting unit, in a precisely defined position relative to the pipetting unit when it is needed, namely in the liquid dispensing position.
    CH 712 686 A2 [0014] The pipetting device has a pipetting unit without a microdosing unit where the microdosing unit is not required. It changes into a pipetting device with a microdosing unit where this is necessary, namely when dispensing liquid.
    In principle, it is possible for the microdosing unit to be permanently seated in the pipetting device and for the respective receptacle for the liquid to be transferred to be moved in the pipetting device relative to the microdosing unit. In this case, the pipetting unit couples to the microdosing unit in order to reach the liquid dispensing position.
    In a preferred embodiment of the pipetting device according to the invention, the pipetting unit for dispensing liquid, together with its microdosing unit, can be moved freely, for example via different microtiter plates which are seated at different points and in turn do not have to be moved.
    If the microdosing unit is required for dispensing liquid, devices for contacting, which are arranged on the one hand on or in the microdosing unit and on the other hand on or in the holder on the pipetting unit, are now used according to the invention to also contact the microdosing unit electrically with the pipetting unit when the microdosing unit is mechanically coupled to the pipetting unit. The holder is connected to the pipetting device in such a way that a voltage supply for the microdosing unit is provided via the device for contacting on or in the holder.
    It goes without saying that the electrical connection of the microdosing unit to the pipetting device is otherwise permanent over the entire pipetting process. If the microdosing unit is no longer required, the connection is released in the reverse order analogous to the electrical contacting process, so that the microdosing unit can be decoupled from the pipetting unit.
    Devices for electrical contact are as described above arranged on or in the microdosing unit and holder. A contact device on the holder has at least one contact element. A further, corresponding counter-contact device on the microdosing unit has a counter-contact element. The contact device is movably arranged on the holder and the movement can be switchable. The microdosing unit also makes a detachable electrical connection to the pipetting device via the holder, the connection being switched or disconnected via the mobility of the contact device. The electrical connection is thereby established independently of the mechanical coupling, preferably after the coupling.
    According to the invention it is preferred that the contact device is located on the holder for the pipetting unit and can thus be moved together with the pipetting unit by means of the positioning device into spatially different operating positions. In this preferred embodiment of the pipetting device according to the invention, the counter-contact device is located on the microdosing unit.
    In principle, it is also possible to implement a reverse assignment of the contact device and counter-contact device. However, it is usually the case that there is less space in the microdosing unit than on the holder, so that the device which takes up less space is preferred to be attached to the microdosing unit than to the holder.
    In the discussion in the claims and in the description, details such as “on the holder or on the microdosing unit” or “on the microdosing unit or on the holder” are to be understood such that the initially selected variant continues to apply to this assignment , that is, because of the assignment initially made, it is then clear where the contact device and where the counter-contact device is located.
    In a preferred embodiment, the contact device can be switched by a switching device preferably arranged in the microdosing unit, which in turn is advantageously driven by a control link in the microdosing unit. An existing drive in the microdosing unit can be used to switch the electrical connection.
    In another embodiment, the contact device can be driven by an actuator and controlled by the control unit of the pipetting device independently of other functional processes. At best, the contact device with the at least one contact element moves before the coupling of the microdosing unit with the pipetting unit into a path distance away from the counter-contact device and during or after the coupling in the direction of the counter-contact device, the contact and counter-contact elements then coming into engagement and the electrical one Connection comes about. The actuator is preferably arranged on the holder.
    Further special features and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of further device claims.
    As has already been mentioned above, the teaching of the invention can be implemented in a pipetting device in which the microdosing unit is stationary in the pipetting device and the receptacles for liquid to be transferred, for example in the form of a microtiter plate, in the pipetting device relative to the stationary microdosing unit can be moved. In this variant of the pipetting device according to the invention, the pipetting unit is coupled to the stationary microdosing unit in order to be able to dispense the liquid.
    CH 712 686 A2 According to a preferred teaching of the invention, however, it is provided that the microdosing unit coupled to the pipetting unit can be brought into spatially different operating positions together with the pipetting unit by means of the positioning device.
    [0028] In addition, in particular with reference to the preferred embodiment of the pipetting device mentioned above, reference is made to the WO 2014/166 635 A1 already mentioned in the introduction. All suggestions, suggestions and constructive variants there can also be used in the present invention.
    The invention also relates to a method for operating a pipetting device of the type in question, in particular a pipetting device according to one or more of the device claims. The relevant procedural steps are the subject of claim 9.
    This method has at least the following method steps:
    a) The holder with a movable contact device with at least one contact element is moved by means of the positioning device from an end position to the microdosing unit deposited at a specific point, which has a mating contact device with at least one mating contact element, into a starting position of the coupling process, into which the contact device and the Counter contact device are still spatially distant from each other.
    b) The holder is moved further into an intermediate position by means of the positioning device, in which the contact device is only substantially one-dimensionally spaced from the counter-contact device, so that the at least one contact element and the at least one counter-contact element are spaced apart from one another.
    c) The holder is moved further into a contact position by means of the positioning device, in which the at least one contact element and the at least one counter-contact element make an electrical connection.
    d) To release the electrical connection, the holder is moved by means of the positioning device into an end position remote from the microdosing unit, the process steps c), b), a) taking place in this order.
    This procedure ensures that the mechanical coupling of the holder to the microdosing unit takes place without a collision. The procedural steps furthermore ensure that the contact elements are not damaged during repeated coupling and remain operationally safe.
    [0032] Preferred further refinements are the subject of the further method claims.
    In a preferred method step, before the method step b) by means of an actuating device for the vessel arranged on the microdosing unit, a locking device likewise arranged on the microdosing unit is extended, so that the counter-contact device cannot make any electrical connection with the contact device and the at least one contact element subsequent relative movements are not damaged.
    In method step c), the actuating device of the microdosing unit can retract the locking device. Driven by the locking device, a protective device arranged on the holder and on which the at least one contact element is arranged is moved into a connecting position. A separate actuator is not necessary for this. With this movement, the at least one contact element and the at least one counter-contact element make an electrical connection.
    In a preferred method variant, in method step b) the movement is one-dimensional or two-dimensional. Depending on the design of the contact elements, a certain movement is advantageous. With a point contact, a vertical movement is sufficient. In the case of flat contact, a small horizontal travel movement should also take place for an optimal contact connection when deflecting.
    According to a preferred variant of the method described, in method step a) the movement can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.
    It also applies to the method according to the invention that it can be implemented with a microdosing unit that is fixed in the pipetting device. However, it also applies to the method according to the invention that a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention assumes that the microdosing unit coupled to the pipetting unit can be moved between the method steps c) and d) together with the pipetting unit by means of the positioning device in spatially different operating positions. According to the preferred teaching, the microdosing unit with the pipetting unit is moved into one or more delivery positions via one or more target vessels in accordance with the dispensing of the liquid to be transferred from the vessel between method steps c) and d).
    In the following, the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which shows only one preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the drawing shows
    CH 712 686 A2
    1 is a schematic representation in a side view of a preferred embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention,
    FIG. 2, starting from the illustration in FIG. 1, but simplified, the pipetting device from FIG. 1, the pipetting unit moving up to the locally stored microdosing unit,
    3, starting from FIG. 2, now move the pipetting unit to the right relative to the microdosing unit, now in the correct position of the pipetting unit relative to the microdosing unit in the vertical orientation,
    4, the pipetting unit, starting from the illustration in FIG. 3, is now lowered vertically onto the microdosing unit and can be coupled or coupled thereto,
    5, starting from the illustration in FIG. 4, now also electrically coupling the electrical contact device to the electrical counter-contact device,
    Fig. 6 in a representation corresponding to Fig. 2 shows another embodiment with an actuator on the holder of the pipetting unit.
    The subject matter of the invention is a pipetting device 1 with a pipetting unit 2. Reference is also made here to the prior art from WO 2014/166 635 A1, which discloses a pipetting device 1 of the type mentioned here overall and in many details. The entire disclosure content of document WO 2014/166 635 A1 is hereby also made the disclosure content of the present application, because all the structural and procedural configurations there can also be implemented in the pipetting device 1 of the present application.
    1 shows a complete illustration of a preferred exemplary embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention, the construction of which is first to be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 1.
    The pipetting device 1 shown in FIG. 1, which is represented by a dashed frame, first has a pipetting unit 2, which in turn has a vessel 3 that holds a liquid to be transferred. The vessel 3 is preferably designed in the form of a pipette tip 3 and is interchangeably attached to the pipetting unit 1. A pipetting device 1 in the form of a multichannel pipetting device, in which a plurality of vessels 3 are then located on the pipetting unit 1, also falls within the scope of the invention.
    The vessel 3 is preferably a pipette tip which has an elastically deformable ejection end 4. The explanation of this vessel 3 in detail in WO 2014/166 635 A1 may be referred to here.
    Furthermore, the pipetting device 1 has a holder 5 for the pipetting unit 2, to which the pipetting unit 2 is attached. The pipetting unit 2, here in connection with the holder 5, can be moved in space by means of a positioning device 6, which is shown in FIG. 1 as an X-Y-Z coordinate device.
    1 shows a microdosing unit 8 which is locally stored there on a storage platform 7.
    The entire pipetting device 1 is further completed by an electronic control device 9, by means of which all processes of the pipetting device 1 can be controlled as desired. In Fig. 1 it is indicated by dashed lines where transmission means for control commands, power supply and / or data are provided between the individual components of the pipetting device 1. Of course, significantly more transmission means can be provided, which is not important here in detail.
    The vessel 3 designed as a pipette tip is interchangeably connected to the pipetting unit 2 at a coupling point 3 '. Such a coupling point 3 'is typically designed in the form of a pipette shaft; reference is also made to WO 2014/166 635 A1 in this regard.
    The pipetting unit 1 has a displacement unit 10 which is connected in terms of flow technology to the coupling point 3 'and the vessel 3 attached to it. For their arrangement, training and function, reference is again made to WO 2014/166 635 A1. The displacement unit 10 is assigned a drive 11 and a tip ejection device 12 for the vessel 3 in the form of a pipette tip.
    The drawing in FIG. 2 shows that in the pipetting device 1 the microdosing unit 8 is designed separately from the pipetting unit 2. These are two units that can be separated from one another and are handled independently. The microdosing unit 8 itself also has an electronic control unit 13.
    By means of the positioning device 6, the pipetting unit 2 can be brought into different operating positions, FIG. 1 shows a position of the pipetting unit 2 close to the microdosing unit 8, which is still on the storage platform 7, that is to say shortly before reaching or shortly after leaving one Docking position. 4 and 5 show the coupling position itself. For the rest, reference is also made here to WO 2014/166 635 A1.
    In the present case, a pipetting device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described, namely a pipetting device 1, in which the microdosing unit 8 can be brought into spatially different operating positions together with the pipetting unit 2 by means of the positioning device 6.
    CH 712 686 A2 Notwithstanding this, it can also be understood from the following explanations of the preferred embodiment of the invention that the present invention can also be implemented in a pipetting device 1 in which the microdosing unit 8 is permanently positioned in the system of the pipetting device 1 and if necessary, the pipetting unit 2 can be coupled to the stationary microdosing unit 8. Reference may be made here to the comments on this variant of the invention in the general part of the description. All aspects of the invention that are not expressly restricted to the microdosing unit 8 that can be moved with the pipetting unit 2 as required can also be used in a pipetting device 1 with a permanently arranged microdosing unit 8.
    It is important for the invention that the microdosing unit 8 can optionally be coupled to the pipetting unit 2 in a precisely defined relative position. In the preferred variant of the invention, this first occurs when the pipetting unit 2 "picks up" the microdosing unit 8 on the storage platform 7. The storage platform 7 offers a deliberately provided, defined space in the pipetting device 1 for storing the microdosing unit 8 when not in use. The storage platform 7 is expediently positioned stationary in the pipetting device 1. All of this is explained in the aforementioned document.
    For coupling the pipetting unit 2 to the microdosing unit 8, the pipetting unit 2 has a coupling device 14, while the microdosing unit 8 has a counter-coupling device 15 matching the coupling device 14. The coupling device 14 and / or the negative coupling device 15 can be switched. By switching the coupling device 14 and / or the counter coupling device 15, the microdosing unit 8 can optionally be coupled to the pipetting unit 2 or uncoupled from the pipetting unit 2. The advantages of the related construction of the pipetting device 1 have been explained in detail in the previously mentioned prior art, to which reference may be made here. For the configuration of the coupling device 14 and the negative coupling device 15 in various variants, reference is also made to the aforementioned WO 2014/166 635 A1.
    Preferably also applies to the teaching of the present invention that the counter-coupling device 15 is actively designed as a switched magnetic coupling, while the coupling device 14 is passively designed as a counterpart made of ferromagnetic material.
    As is explained in detail in WO 2014/166 635 A1, it is also provided in the present pipetting device 1 that the microdosing unit 8 coupled to the pipetting unit 2 can be brought into spatially different operating positions together with the pipetting unit 2 by means of the positioning device 6 , if the microdosing unit 8 is required in the respective operating position for the respective phase of the operation of the pipetting device 1. If it is not required, the microdosing unit 8 can remain on the storage platform 7, the pipetting unit 2 is moved alone.
    This is about the electrical contact between the microdosing unit 8 on the one hand and the pipetting device 1 on the other hand, in particular also between the microdosing unit 8 with its control unit 13 and the control device 9 of the pipetting device 1.
    In accordance with the prior art from WO 2014/166 635 A1, the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1 of the drawing shows below the ejection end 4 of the vessel 3 designed as a pipette tip on the pipetting unit 2, a receptacle 16 in which it is can for example be a well of a microtiter plate. The transfer of liquid to be transferred from the vessel 3 into the receiving vessel 16 takes place in that with a reciprocating movement of an actuating device 17 in the microdosing unit 8, the ejection end 4 of the pipette tip 3, which is designed as an elastically deformable tube, is acted upon radially, so that it is deformed becomes. As a result, liquid in droplet form is dispensed from the mouth of the discharge end 4 into the receptacle 16.
    To fix the ejection end 4, a clamping jaw 18 or the like is additionally provided for the ejection end 4 of the pipette tip 3 on the microdosing unit 8. The clamping jaw 18 is driven by means of an actuating device 17 and an actuator 19. Reference is also made to WO 2014/166 635 A1 regarding this mode of operation of the microdosing unit 8.
    In the variant of the pipetting device 1 with a permanently fixed microdosing unit 8, one must take care in the pipetting device 1 that the receptacle 16, in particular thus a microtiter plate or the like, is adjusted in the pipetting device 1 relative to the microdosing unit 8 can be, so that different receptacles 16 can be positioned under the ejection end 4 of the vessel 3.
    In the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment of the pipetting device 1 according to the invention, however, the microdosing unit 8 can be brought into different operating positions together with the pipetting unit 2 if this becomes necessary.
    To establish electrical contact between the holder 5 and the microdosing unit 8, it is provided that the holder 5 has a contact device 20 with at least one electrical contact element 21. The exemplary embodiment shown shows the contact device 20 according to the preferred teaching on the holder 5. In principle, however, the contact device 20 could also be arranged on the microdosing unit 8.
    CH 712 686 A2 In the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment, the at least one contact element 21 of the contact device 20 is designed as a spring-loaded contact finger. This is a preferred example, but it is not meant to be conclusive. Further preferred examples of contact elements are a spring-loaded, ie spring-loaded contact finger or a spring-loaded or self-contained contact pin.
    In the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment, the microdosing unit 8 has a mating contact device 22 matching the contact device 20 with at least one electrical mating contact element 23 for making electrical contact with the contact element 21. Here too, the statement regarding the reverse arrangement applies, which has already been made for the contact device 20, the counter-contact device 22 can therefore be arranged on the holder 5 instead of on the microdosing unit 8.
    A contact element 21 and a counter-contact element 23 are shown in each case. However, it is entirely possible or even preferred that the contact device 20 and the counter-contact device 22 each have a plurality of elements which are assigned to one another. These are preferably arranged in a matrix.
    The number of contact elements 21 and mating contact elements 23 and their arrangement depends on what is to be transmitted electrically via the contact device 20 and mating contact device 22. The charging current for an accumulator in the microdosing unit 8 and a multiplicity of connections which serve to control the pipetting device 1 with its components come into question. In any case, at least one electrical contact element 21 of the contact device 20 is connected to the control device 9 of the pipetting device 1.
    A look at the other figures, namely in particular in FIGS. 2 to 5, shows that according to the teaching of the invention the contact device 20 on the holder 5 (this is the variant shown in the drawing; alternatively on the microdosing unit 8) is arranged to be movable from a contact position into a disconnected position and vice versa. 2, the contact device 20 is in the contact position, but does not make contact with the counter-contact device 22, the same applies to FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the contact device 20 is in the disconnected position, in FIG. 5 the contact device is in the contact position, but now contacts the counter-contact device 22.
    When the at least one contact element 20 is in electrical contact with the at least one counter-contact element 23, the microdosing unit 8 is otherwise electrically connected to the pipetting device 1, preferably also in terms of control technology to the control device 9 of the pipetting device 1. 5 shows this state because it can be seen that not only the contact device 20 is in the contact position, but also that the holder 5 is in the prescribed relative position on the microdosing unit 8, so that the contact element 21 can be seen here is, the mating contact element 23 makes electrical contact and thus establishes the electrical connection.
    1 can be seen from the electrical connections shown in dashed lines how here the contact element of the contact device 20 is connected to the control device 9 of the pipetting device 1. It is also indicated by dashed lines that the counter-contact element 23 in the microdosing unit 8 is in any case connected to the control unit 13 there. Other connections in the microdosing unit 8 are not shown, but may be present, in particular, for example, to the electromagnet of the negative feedback device 15 and to the actuator 19.
    2 to 5 and the preceding description, the sequence when contacting can be seen in the pipetting device 1 according to the invention. In FIG. 2, the pipetting unit with the holder and by means of the positioning device was moved from an end position to the microdosing unit to a start position, which represents method step a).
    In a method step b), the holder is moved further into an intermediate position by means of the positioning device, as shown in FIG. 3. Here, spatially shortly before the coupling of the pipetting unit 2 and the microdosing unit 8 and preferably when the microdosing unit 8 is coupled to the pipetting unit 2, the contact device 20 can be kept in the disconnected position until a switching operation. Up to the next method step c), the contact devices are only essentially one-dimensionally spaced.
    4 shows the holder for the microdosing unit 8 in a contact position, method step c), the contact device 20 in the disconnected position, although the pipetting unit 2 is already connected to the microdosing unit 8, namely by the action of the coupling device 14 and the negative feedback device 15, is coupled or can be. By triggering the switching process, the contact device 20 can then be moved into the contact position (transition from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5), in which the at least one electrical contact element 21 then contacts the at least one electrical mating contact element 23.
    The illustrated and preferred embodiment shows a switching device 24 through which this switching process can be triggered. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the switching device 24 is located on the microdosing unit 8 according to the preferred teaching. In principle, it could also be arranged on the holder 5.
    In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the switching device 24 is motion-coupled to the actuating device 17. The tightening of the clamping jaw 18 by means of the actuating device 17 is also the process by which the switching process is triggered.
    CH 712 686 A2 In the illustrated and, in this respect, preferred exemplary embodiment, it is structurally provided that the switching device 24 on the microdosing unit 8 has a movable locking pin 25 which interacts with the contact device 20 on the holder 5. In the specifically illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment, this takes place via a control element 26 which is connected to the at least one contact element 21 of the contact device 20. This is embodied here as a type of plate or disk which carries the contact element 21 here but does not itself participate in the contacting.
    In the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment it is provided that the electrical connection from the contact element 21 into the pipetting device 1 is made, in particular to the control device 9, through the control element 26, for example through conductor tracks embedded there.
    For the further explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is now made to the entire sequence of figures from FIGS. 1 to 5.
    2 shows that in method step a), the pipetting unit 2 is moved in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional movement into the starting position by means of the positioning device 6 to the microdosing unit 8 located on the storage platform 7, so that the holder 5 is also carried out is a short distance above the microdosing unit 8. The clamping jaw 18 is to be opened at the latest afterwards, before the method step b), the switching device 24 lifting the locking bolt 25 and moving out of the microdosing unit 8.
    From FIG. 2 to FIG. 3, the pipetting unit 2 has been moved one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally to the right relative to the microdosing unit 8 in the movement step b) in the movement movement so that the pipette tip 3 with its ejection end 4 behind the clamping jaw 18 on the Actuator 17 of the microdosing unit 8 has threaded. Concerning. the vertical alignment, the pipetting unit 2 is now in the correct position relative to the microdosing unit
    8. It has also been lowered a little compared to the microdosing unit 8, so that the control element 26 of the contact device 20 just sits on the tip of the locking bolt 25 of the switching device 24.
    In the transition from FIG. 3 to FIG. 4, the pipetting unit 2 has been lowered completely vertically by means of the positioning device 6 onto the microdosing unit 8, and the coupling to the microdosing unit 8 by means of coupling device 14 and negative feedback device 15, which are not shown in FIG. 4 are done. Regardless of this, the contact element 21 of the contact device 20 has not yet contacted the mating contact element 23 of the mating contact device 22 because the contact element 21 has not yet been able to move downward. It remains raised by means of the control element 26, supported by the locking pin 25 of the switching device 24.
    During the transition from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the electrical contacting in the pipetting device 1 according to the invention takes place independently of the mechanical or electromechanical or magnetomechanical coupling of the pipetting unit 2 to the microdosing unit 8. The electrical contacting takes place namely by triggering a switching process with which the contact device 20 can be moved from the disconnected position into the contact position. In the transition from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, it can be seen that there the actuating device 17 has been moved to the right in the drawing by means of the actuator 19 in order to position the clamping jaw 18 to the right on the ejection end 4 of the pipette tip 3. At the same time, the locking pin 25 has been moved downward on the corresponding control link 24 'in the microdosing unit 8 and has thus released the control element 26 with the contact element 21 for a corresponding movement downward into the contact position. The contact element 21 now touches the mating contact element 23 and the electrical contact connection is established.
    5 coupled to the pipetting unit 2 is now moved together with the pipetting unit 2 by means of the positioning device 6 into spatially different operating positions. Between process steps c) and d), the pipetting unit 2 is moved with the microdosing unit 8 into a dispensing position in order to dispense liquid from the vessel.
    The decoupling of the electrical contact from the mechanical connection of the pipetting unit 2 with the microdosing unit 8 according to the invention takes place in a method step d), the method steps c), b), a) taking place in this order. The pipetting unit 2 with the holder 5 is then moved by means of the positioning device 6 from the start position into a distant end position and the sequence is restarted from there.
    This individualization of the electrical connection according to the invention has the advantage that the frequently very sensitive contact elements 21 are brought into contact with one another exclusively in a perfectly predictable, precisely controlled adjusting movement during the switching process. In this process, the mechanical connection of the pipetting unit 2 with the microdosing unit 8 has already been completed, so that no or at least only minimal displacements of the pipetting unit 2 and the microdosing unit 8 relative to one another can result. The electrical contact connection is protected.
    The embodiment shown in the drawing shows the generally expedient concept that for electrical contacting, the contact device 20 and the counter-contact device 22 are movable relative to each other in a specific joining direction and that the contact device 20, in particular the control element 26 with the contact element 21 on the Bracket 5 is movably mounted in the joining direction.
    CH 712 686 A2. It can be seen that here and according to preferred teaching, a further preferred assignment of certain directions of movement has been made, namely in such a way that the coupling device 14 and the counter-coupling device 15 for coupling the microdosing unit 8 to the pipetting unit 2 are movable relative to each other in a specific joining direction and that the joining direction for the movement of the contact device 20 and the mating contact device 22 coincides with the joining direction for the movement of the coupling device 14 and the mating coupling device 15.
    The illustrated embodiment shows no additional spring elements or the like in the figures. Preferably, however, both the locking pin 25 and the control element 26, which is designed here as a plate or plate, against the direction of the assembly of the components with a spring force act upon. With a resilient design or an application of spring force, the required movement of the component can be controlled in a targeted manner, which is not easily possible with a movement triggered solely by weight.
    When using pin-like components, a predominantly one-dimensional positioning movement against the respective counterpart is recommended. A resiliently mounted or resilient contact finger occasionally has an advantage over a contact pin, because when the components are joined in essentially one dimension, there is also a certain lateral movement on the counterpart, which ensures an improved contact connection.
    The construction of the pipetting device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is characterized with regard to the microdosing unit 8 overall in that the control unit 13 of the microdosing unit 8 is connected in terms of control technology to the drive unit for the switching device 24, namely the actuator 19 of the actuating device 17. the actuating device 17 and the actuator 19 being controllable from the control unit 13 of the microdosing unit 8. This is a preferred embodiment of the microdosing unit 8, which is largely autonomous in terms of control technology.
    [0089] An actuator 19 is preferably an electromotive actuator. In principle, however, it can also be an electromagnetic drive or a pneumatic or hydraulic drive.
    6 shows the representation of a further exemplary embodiment of a pipetting device 1 according to the invention in a highly schematic representation corresponding to FIG. 2. The same components as in Fig. 2 have the same reference numerals. Here you can see the dashed connecting lines from the control device 9 of the pipetting device 1 to the various other components of the pipetting device 1 and in particular also inside the control element 26 up to the contact element 21 of the contact device 20 attached to it.
    The illustrated control element 26 is here on the bracket 5, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, by means of a shaft 27 in a sleeve-shaped guide 28 on the bracket 5 guided in the vertical direction up and down. This ensures the one-dimensional movement movement or displacement movement of the control element 26 on the holder 5 which is explained above.
    In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the vertical movement of the control element 26 of the contact device 20 for the purpose of moving the contact device 20 between the contact position and the disconnected position is not initiated mechanically by the microdosing device 8, but directly by the holder 5 by means of an actuator 29 arranged there on the holder 5.
    6, this actuator 29 and the upward and downward movement that can be triggered by it are shown. The actuator 29 is preferably an electromagnetic drive, in particular in the form of a solenoid. But it can also be other drives of pneumatic, hydraulic or electromotive type (linear drive). In the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment, the actuator 29 is not controlled by the control unit 13 of the microdosing unit 8, but rather directly by the central control device 9 of the pipetting device 1. In the microdosing unit 8 itself there are no components of a switching device, instead the actuator 29 is on the bracket 5 is provided.
    Reference symbol list:
    [0094]
    Pipetting device
    Pipetting unit
    Vessel = pipette tip
    3 'coupling point
    End of expulsion
    bracket
    Positioning device
    Storage platform
    CH 712 686 A2
    Microdosing unit
    Control device
    Displacement unit
    drive
    Tip ejector
    Control unit on 8
    Coupling device
    Negative feedback device
    Receptacle
    Actuator
    Jaw
    Actuator
    Contact device
    Contact element
    Mating contact device
    Mating contact element
    Switching device
    24 'control link
    Locking pin
    Control
    shaft
    guide
    Actuator
    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [1]
    Claims
    1. Pipetting device with a pipetting unit (2) with an exchangeable vessel (3) receiving a liquid to be transferred, preferably in the form of a pipette tip (3), a holder (5) for the pipetting unit (2), a positioning device (6) for the pipetting unit (2), a microdosing unit (8) and an electronic control device (9), the microdosing unit (8) being designed separately from the pipetting unit (2) and having its own electronic control unit (13), the microdosing unit (8) Optionally, the pipetting unit (2) can be coupled in a precisely defined relative position, the pipetting unit (2) having a coupling device (14) for coupling and the microdosing unit (8) having a counter-coupling device (15) matching the coupling device (14), and the Coupling device (14) and / or the negative coupling device (15) can be switched, characterized in that the holder (5) or the microdosing unit (8) has a contact device (20) with at least one electrical contact element (21), that the microdosing unit (8) or the holding ring (5) has a mating contact device (22) matching the contact device (20) with at least one electrical mating contact element (23) for electrical contacting with the contact element (21),
    CH 712 686 A2 that the contact device (20) on the holder (5) or on the microdosing unit (8) is arranged to be movable from a contact position into a disconnected position and vice versa and that when the at least one contact element (21) with the at least one a mating contact element (23) is in electrical contact, the microdosing unit (8) is electrically connected to the control device (9) of the pipetting device (1).
    [2]
    2. Pipetting device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the at least one contact element (21) is in electrical contact with the at least one mating contact element (23), the control unit (13) of the microdosing unit (8) with the control device (9) the pipetting device (1) is electrically connected
    [3]
    3. The pipetting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that spatially shortly before the coupling of the pipetting unit (2) and microdosing unit (8) and preferably with the pipetting unit (2) coupled microdosing unit (8) the contact device (20) up to one Switching process is stable in the disconnected position and can be moved into the contact position by triggering the switching process, in which the at least one electrical contact element (21) then contacts the at least one electrical counter-contact element (23), preferably on the microdosing unit (8) or on the holder (5) a switching device (24) is provided, by means of which the switching process can be triggered, wherein, preferably, the switching device (24) preferably has a movable locking bolt (25) on the microdosing unit (8) which engages with the contact device (20) the holder (5), preferably with a control element (26) of the con which is connected to the at least one contact element (21) clock device (20) interacts, whereby, preferably for electrical contacting, the contact device (20) and the mating contact device (22) can be moved relative to one another in a specific joining direction and the switching device (24), preferably the locking pin (25), can be moved in the joining direction and is extendable.
    [4]
    4. Pipetting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for electrical contacting, the contact device (20) and the counter-contact device (22) are movable relative to each other in a specific joining direction and the contact device (20), in particular the control element (26) with the contact element (21), is movably mounted in the joining direction, and / or that the coupling device (14) and the counter coupling device (15) for coupling the microdosing unit (8) with the pipetting unit (2) can be moved relative to one another in a specific joining direction and that the joining direction for the movement of the contact device (20) and the mating contact device (22) coincides with the joining direction for the movement of the coupling device (14) and the mating coupling device (15).
    [5]
    5. Pipetting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the microdosing unit (8) has an actuating device (17) for the vessel (3) on the pipetting unit (2) with which by acting on the vessel (3) in liquid contained in the vessel (3) can be dispensed from the vessel (3), preferably, the switching device (24) being operatively connected to the actuating device (17) of the microdosing unit (8) and / or the control unit (13) of the microdosing unit (8 ) with a drive unit (19) for the switching device (24) and / or the actuating device (17) in terms of control technology, preferably, the actuating device (17) and / or the drive unit (19) from the control unit (13) of the microdosing unit (8) is controllable.
    [6]
    6. Pipetting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one contact element (21) is designed as a spring-loaded or resilient contact finger or contact pin and / or that the at least one counter-contact element (23) one with the at least a contact element (21) has the contact surface effecting electrical contacting and / or that the contact device (20) and the mating contact device (22) each have a plurality of mutually associated contact elements (21) and mating contact elements (23), preferably, the plurality of contact elements (21 ) and counter-contact elements (23) are arranged in a matrix.
    [7]
    7. Pipetting device according to one of claims 1 to 3 and optionally one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that an actuator (29) is provided on the holder (5) or the microdosing unit (8), the control technology with the control device (9 ) of the pipetting device (1) and, in terms of drive technology, is preferably connected to the contact device (20), wherein, preferably, the contact device (20) with the at least one electrical contact element (21) before coupling the microdosing unit (8) to the pipetting unit (2) Can be moved away from the actuator (29) from the counter-contact device (22) to a path limit and can be moved to or against the counter-contact device (22) during or after coupling the microdosing unit (8) with the pipetting unit (2) such that the at least one Contact element (21) comes into electrical contact with the at least one mating contact element (23).
    [8]
    8. Pipetting device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the microdosing unit (8) coupled to the pipetting unit (2) can be brought into spatially different operating positions together with the pipetting unit (2) by means of the positioning device (6).
    [9]
    9. A method for operating a pipetting device, wherein the pipetting device comprises: a pipetting unit with a liquid that is to be transferred
    CH 712 686 A2 interchangeable vessel, preferably in the form of a pipette tip, a holder for the pipetting unit, a positioning device for the pipetting unit, a microdosing unit and an electronic control device, the microdosing unit being designed separately from the pipetting unit, but with the pipetting unit optionally in one defined relative position can be coupled, in particular for operating a pipetting device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method comprises at least the following method steps:
    a) The holder with a movable contact device with at least one contact element is moved by means of the positioning device from an end position to the microdosing unit located at a certain point, which has a mating contact device with at least one mating contact element, into a starting position of a coupling process in which the contact device and the Counter contact device are still spatially distant from each other.
    b) The holder is moved further into an intermediate position by means of the positioning device, in which the contact device is only substantially one-dimensionally spaced from the counter-contact device, so that the at least one contact element and the at least one counter-contact element are spaced apart from one another.
    c) The holder is moved further into a contact position by means of the positioning device, in which the at least one contact element and the at least one counter-contact element make an electrical connection.
    d) To release the electrical connection, the holder is moved by means of the positioning device into an end position remote from the microdosing unit, the process steps c), b), a) taking place in this order.
    [10]
    10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that before the method step b) by means of an actuating device arranged on the microdosing unit for the vessel, a blocking device likewise arranged on the microdosing unit extends, preferably, after method step c) and before method step d). the actuating device of the microdosing unit retracts the locking device and, driven by the locking device, moves a protective device, on which the contact element is arranged, into a connecting position and thereby the at least one contact element and the at least one counter-contact element make an electrical connection, and / or that in method step b) the movement is one-dimensional or two-dimensional, and / or that in method step a) the movement is two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and / or that the microdosing unit coupled to the pipetting unit together with the pipette purity can be moved into spatially different operating positions by means of the positioning device, wherein, preferably, between the method steps c) and d) the pipetting unit with the microdosing unit is moved into a dispensing position in order to dispense liquid from the vessel.
    CH 712 686 A2
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US20180008975A1|2018-01-11|
    US10427150B2|2019-10-01|
    DE202016004140U1|2017-10-08|
    CH712686B1|2021-11-15|
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    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    DE202016004140.2U|DE202016004140U1|2016-07-05|2016-07-05|Pipetting device for aspirating and dispensing liquids|
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