Patent Application
20230390758
The invention relates to a pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes and/or for handling liquid.
Pipetting devices of the type in question have a housing and a holding portion designed for holding the pipetting device by means of an operator's hand.
Pipetting devices can basically be operated automatically or via a user by means of his operating hand. The present invention focuses in particular on the handling of a pipetting device by means of an operator's hand. In such handling, it is provided that the operator actuates the pipetting device by means of at least one finger. In this case, the pipetting device must be held securely by the operator.
In the prior art, it is known that a support device, which may, for example, be arc-shaped and/or hook-shaped, is provided for supporting the pipetting device. The support device is designed for supporting the pipetting device on a finger of an operator.
In practice, pipetting devices are used regularly and in particular frequently by an operator. The operator's hand can become tired due to the constant repetition of the same movement for pipetting. In everyday laboratory work, a constant repetition of the same movement during pipetting is very common. This results in high demands on pipetting devices in terms of ease of use and manageability of the pipetting device.
In order to improve the manageability of a pipetting device, it is known from International Patent Application Publication WO 2005/049208 A1 to provide a rotation of one component of the pipetting device with respect to another component. International Patent Application Publication WO 2005/049208 A1 relates to an electronic pipette comprising a body, a tip part, a hook part, and a push button part. The push button part is configured to initiate driving of an annular piston by means of an electric motor for absorbing liquid into a tip container of the pipette or for discharging liquid from the tip container of the pipette. Furthermore, the embodiment according to International Patent Application Publication WO 2005/049208 A1 further comprises a display part, wherein the body has a vertical axis. International Patent Application Publication WO 2005/049208 A1 further provides that at least one part selected from the group consisting of the hook part, push button part, and display part is rotatable about a vertical axis of the electronic pipette relative to the body of the pipette. Such rotatability allows to adapt the aforementioned components consisting of the push button part, display part, and hook part to a hand of an operator.
A disadvantage of the known state of the art is that, due to the enabled displacement of the components, operating errors are comparatively often caused in practice. Thus, it cannot be reliably avoided that an undesired adjustment of the push button part, display part and/or hook part takes place. This not only impairs the handling of the pipette, but also leads to a lack of precision during the pipetting process. In particular, in the case of manually operated pipettes a lack of precision can occur due to fatigue (for example, because an operating element is not actuated to the end point). However, since high precision, easy handling and, if possible, exclusion of operating errors during pipetting are necessary in laboratory environments, ergonomic adaptation of the pipette to an operator according to the embodiment disclosed in International Patent Application Publication WO 2005/049208 A1 is in particular in practice refrained from.
One disadvantage of known electric and manually operated pipettes is that, due to the lack of adjustment options for the components, the components can be positioned sterically unfavorable to the operator's hand. This in turn can lead to fatigue or even pain, which results in pauses in the work process and thus time losses.
It is now an object of the present invention to improve the manageability of a pipetting device as well as to enable adaptability of the pipetting device to different operators.
The above object is solved by a pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes according to the present invention which has a housing with a holding portion, the holding portion being designed for holding the pipetting device by means of an operator's hand.
Further, the pipetting device comprises a support device designed for supporting the pipetting device on a finger of an operator, the support device being rotatable relative to the holding portion, preferably about a longitudinal axis of the pipetting device.
In addition, the pipetting device comprises a latching device by means of which the support device is releasably fixable to the housing in a plurality of different and defined rotational positions.
An advantage of the pipetting device according to the invention is that the support device can be adapted to different operators. A rotation of the support device allows that the pipetting device can be used, for example for larger and smaller hands in an ergonomic manner. At the same time, the pipetting device can also be adapted to the hands of right-handed and left-handed operators. The use of different fingers, which are used to support the support device, is also made possible by an adaptability of the support device according to the invention.
Accordingly, an improvement of the ergonomics when operating the pipetting device results in accordance with the invention, which in particular enables the operator to work at least substantially without fatigue. Especially in the case of multiple and regular use of pipetting devices, a design/configuration adapted to the hand of the operator is particularly advantageous and expedient in terms of comfortable use.
Furthermore, a cost reduction can result for the user. This cost reduction is made possible in particular by the fact that the same pipetting device can be used by different people. Therefore, different model types do not have to be kept in stock. Furthermore, there may also be a time saving in high-throughput laboratory work—i.e., multiple use of the pipetting device—because the position of the support device set for the user can be maintained, in particular cannot be unintentionally adjusted. In addition, the user can remember the setting or rotational position that is optimal for them and thus quickly set it again when using the pipetting device again.
The latching device ensures in particular that undesired adjustment of the support device can be prevented. Thus, only by applying a certain force is it possible to rotate the support device relative to the housing or the holding portion. This preferably ensures that operating errors are excluded. In this way, an undesired adjustment of the support device, which is not wanted by the operator, can be reliably avoided. Ultimately, the latching of the latching device must first be released. The latching takes place in particular between the housing and the support device—by appropriate means, as will be explained below.
Consequently, the latching device ensures that a pipetting device according to the proposal meets the high requirements of laboratory use and/or when pipetting in laboratory environments, wherein at the same time also an adaptability to different operators is enabled. The pipetting device can therefore be used by multiple operators in the respective position of the support device that is particularly advantageous for the respective operator.
Thus, according to the invention, the advantageous properties of adaptability can be implemented without having to accept the risk of operating errors.
Accordingly, safe and convenient operation of the pipetting device according to the invention is made possible.
Preferably, the engagement/latching of the latching device can be perceived haptically and/or acoustically by the operator. In particular, by means of the latching device, a division of the rotatable angular range for the support device relative to the housing into multiple angular sections takes place, in which the latching device engages/latches, respectively, and thus enables in particular a fixing of the support device. The angular sections or the rotational angular sections can specify the defined rotational positions and/or, in particular, are directly related to the defined rotational positions. Thus, in a certain angular range, a rotation of the support device with respect to or relative to the housing can preferably be enabled.
The angular range refers in particular to the longitudinal axis of the pipetting device, which preferably represents the central axis of the pipetting device in the longitudinal extension of the pipetting device. The longitudinal extension indicates the direction of the greatest extension of the pipetting device.
In particular, an adjustment and/or a rotation of the support device can be initiated by the operator applying a force to the support device, preferably by means of a finger (which includes a thumb), which in turn leads to the rotation of the support device about the longitudinal axis of the pipetting device. In particular, the force can be applied in the direction of the desired rotation and/or at least substantially in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis.
Particularly preferably, the support device is fixed in the longitudinal direction and/or in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pipetting device, but can be moved in the circumferential direction in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pipetting device.
The operation for setting the desired position of the support device can thus preferably be performed almost intuitively by the user, which is particularly user-friendly. A complicated adjustment of certain components of the pipetting device via complex mechanisms can preferably be omitted.
A releasable fixation of the support device to the housing is in particular also understood to mean that the support device, for the change of position, is removed from the housing and/or the pipetting device, is rotated to the desired position or rotational position and is then reconnected to the housing and/or the pipetting device. This use then succeeds in particular via a latching device which need not necessarily be designed in such a way that the rotation of the support device must be carried out on the state attached to the housing. However, the latching device is preferably at least designed in such a way that a rotation of the support device relative to the housing into different rotational positions is made possible, for example by removing the support device from the housing, rotating it into the desired rotational position and then reconnecting it to the housing. Preferred is an embodiment in which the support device is connected to the housing when the position is changed.
In the aforementioned embodiment of the removable arrangement of the support device from the housing and/or in further embodiments, it may be provided that the support device is arranged to be mounted and/or held on the housing. Such an arrangement in particular simplifies the provision and connection of a support device.
In particular, the pipetting device according to the invention has a volume setting device. The volume setting device is preferably designed for setting a pipetting volume, in particular a pipetting volume desired by the operator. The set volume can in particular be displayed on a volume display, which may be arranged on the housing, and/or read off by the operator.
Furthermore, the pipetting device can have an ejector device for ejecting a pipette tip attached to the pipetting device. The ejector device can be actuated in particular by a release element, in particular an ejector button.
In particular, the gripping around the pipetting device by the hand of an operator is predetermined by the shape of the holding portion, by the position of the release element and/or by the position of the volume display. Furthermore, a cross-section, in particular an at least substantially elliptical and/or at least substantially oval cross-section, of the pipetting device and/or of the holding portion can specify/prescribe in which position the user grips the pipetting device at the holding portion. According to the invention, by positioning and/or fixing the support device in a rotational position, it is now possible to find the optimum position for the operator and also to assume it during use of the pipetting device. At the same time, the operator can preferably comfortably read off the set volume on the volume display and/or easily operate the release element. Accordingly, fixing the support device in different positions and/or rotational positions can ensure that during use of the pipetting device, in addition to the ergonomics, the manageability can also be significantly improved, preferably in that an adjustment/setting and/or positioning of the support device can also be made in dependence on the arrangement of the volume display and/or the position of the release element. Accordingly, the operator or user can read off the set volume from the volume display and/or easily reach the release element while also operating the pipetting device.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support device is releasably fixable to the housing in at least three, preferably nine, defined rotational positions, which result in particular from the subdivision into the angular sections, adjacent rotational positions being spaced apart from one another at a rotation angle of at least 5°. In this context, it is understood in particular that a fixation of the support device can be achieved via the latching device, so that by the interaction between the latching device and the housing, the different rotational positions of the support device are ensured and preferably respectively fixed. Preferably, between 3 to 20, more preferably between 4 to 15, different rotational positions are provided, wherein the rotation angle between two adjacent rotational positions can be in particular between 5° to 20°, preferably between 7° and 15° and in particular 12°±2°. The rotation angle between two adjacent rotational positions depends in particular on the absolute range of rotation in relation to the zero position of the support device and/or on the number of rotational positions.
Due to the different rotational positions, in particular different positions for setting/adjusting the support device are also made possible, so that for different operators' hands—for example, for left-handed and right-handed operators or for operators' hands of different sizes—different specifications/settings are available in which the support device can be set/adjusted. Thus, a high and individual adaptability of the pipetting device for the operators is made possible. In particular, the aforementioned rotation angles ensure that the distance between two adjacent rotational positions is not too small, so that it would no longer be perceived by the operator; however, a sufficient number of different end positions of the support device can be provided within a certain angle range. Preferably, the support device can only be positioned in the defined rotational positions, so that a position or positioning of the support device outside the rotational positions is in particular not possible.
In particular, starting from a so-called zero position, an adjustment or rotation of the support device by up to ±80°, preferably up to ±70°, more preferably ±50°±10%, can be enabled. The zero position of the support device indicates in particular the orientation of the support device in the rest position and/or original position, which reflects the regular standard usage situation. Starting from this position of use, an adjustment/adaption can be made in different directions of rotation. The zero position can be selected differently for different pipetting devices, but is preferably specified for each individual pipetting device.
In a further preferred embodiment, the releasable fixing of the support device in the rotational positions on the housing can be controlled by a locking element, preferably a locking button. In particular, a release of the support device can be enabled and/or released via the locking element, wherein alternatively or additionally a latching of the support device can also be controlled and/or specified via the locking element. Accordingly, the locking element offers a further preferred possibility to prevent an undesired adjustment of the support device at least substantially reliably. However, in further embodiments, the invention can also be implemented without a locking element.
Preferably, the latching device has an engagement element and a plurality of counter-engagement elements. The engagement element can be brought into form-fitting/positive, force-fitting/non-positive and/or frictional engagement with each counter-engagement element. Through this engagement, the support device can be releasably fixed to the housing in one of the rotational positions in each case. Thus, latching is achieved by the interaction between an engagement element and a counter-engagement element. The multiple rotational positions can be enabled in particular by the arrangement and/or design of the counter-engagement elements. Thus, a spacing of the different rotational positions can also be achieved by a certain spacing of the counter-engagement elements. The engagement element can be designed at least in areas and/or partially corresponding and/or complementary to the counter engagement elements.
The interaction between the engagement element and the respective counter-engagement element in particular enables a fixing of the support device in the individual rotational positions, although this fixing can be released again in particular by actuating the support device, preferably by exerting a force on the support device.
When the latching of the latching device is released, the engagement element is then disengaged from the respective counter-engagement element and again guided and/or brought into engagement with a further counter-engagement element. The setting/adjustment in this respect—i.e. bringing engagement element and counter-engagement element into and out of engagement—is preferably repeated until the desired position of the support device is reached.
In a further preferred embodiment, the counter-engagement elements are formed on the housing. In particular, the counter-engagement elements can be formed by recesses and/or elevations on the housing. These recesses and/or elevations can be formed at a distance from one another and preferably be arranged on a wall of the housing facing the engagement element. The wall of the housing facing the engagement element can in particular be arranged on the inside of the housing, not accessible to the operator.
Furthermore, in a preferred, further embodiment, it is provided that the latching device has a connecting element which is rotatably connected to the housing and non-rotatably or rotationally fixed connected to the support device and on which the engagement element is preferably movably, in particular rotatably, arranged. In particular, the engagement element is movably mounted on the connecting element, so that the engagement element is fixed by the connecting element in the state of use of the pipetting device. The connecting element allows in particular a transmission of the rotation, which is specified by the support device for adjusting the support device, to the latching device.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present inventive idea, a spring element, in particular a leaf spring, is arranged at the connecting element, the engagement element being arranged between the spring element and the counter-engagement elements. In the case of a leaf spring as the spring element, this is preferably made of metal. In particular, the engagement element is arranged between the spring element and the counter-engagement elements in such a way that the spring force of the spring element counteracts a rotation of the support device when the engagement element is engaged with a counter-engagement element and/or that the spring force of the spring element acts on the engagement element in the direction of one of the counter-engagement elements. The spring element ensures, in particular, that a rotation of the connecting element and, consequently, of the support device can still be ensured, although the spring force of the spring element must be overcome for this purpose, among other things, so that the engagement element can be brought out of engagement with the respective counter-engagement element. Likewise, the spring force ensures in particular that an undesired rotation of the support device is not triggered, which is particularly advantageous for avoiding operating errors. Thus, the spring element can ensure that a rotation of the support device is achieved only preferably by corresponding specification/input by the operator.
Preferably, the latching device is designed such that a torque of at least 3 Ncm, preferably of at least 5 Ncm, more preferably of at least 10 Ncm, preferably between 10 to 30 Ncm, is required to rotate the support device when the engagement element is engaged with a counter-engagement element. The aforementioned torque is also ensured by the spring force of the spring element to be overcome in a preferred embodiment. The torque in the aforementioned order of magnitude ensures in particular that the rotation of the support device is deliberately initiated by the operator and thus an unintentional rotation can be prevented, since in the event of an unintentional movement, in particular torques in the aforementioned order of magnitude are not exerted.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the engagement element can be designed/constructed as a ball. The design/construction as a ball enables optimized engagement with counter-engagement elements, which are formed in particular on the housing. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the engagement element is mounted rotatably, in particular rotatably about itself and/or relative to the housing, on an outer side of the connecting element.
In particular, the engagement element can be arranged at a corresponding receptacle of the connecting element, which is preferably formed by projections of the connecting element. The connecting element can also have a recess in the region of the receptacle, so that in particular contacting of the spring element to the engagement element can be ensured. The recess of the connecting element can also extend beyond the receptacle and serve in particular to arrange the spring element.
Preferably, the connecting element is designed and arranged in such a way that the connecting element is mounted movably in the circumferential direction, in particular relative to the housing. A corresponding movement made possible in this respect ensures in particular that the support device is fixable in different rotational positions.
In particular, the engagement element can be acted upon by the spring force of the spring element, preferably by ensuring that the engagement element abuts against the spring element at least during the rotation of the support device.
Particularly preferably, the engagement element is formed in one piece, which can reduce the production effort of the pipetting device according to the invention.
In a further embodiment, the engagement element is preferably integrally formed with the connecting element. Also in this embodiment, a convenient, safe and improved setting/adjustment of the support device can be made possible.
In a further preferred embodiment, in which in particular the connecting element and/or at least part of the support device is integrally formed with the engagement element, the engagement element has an arm which is connected at one end to the connecting element and at another end has a latching lug which is engageable with the counter-engagement elements. In this embodiment, it is also preferably provided that the counter-engagement elements are formed on the housing, preferably by corresponding projections and/or elevations and/or recesses. Preferably, the arm is spring-elastic, wherein a spring force is generated which counteracts rotation of the support device when the latching lug is engaged with a counter-engagement element. In such a preferred embodiment, in particular, a spring element of the aforementioned type can be omitted, since the spring properties can preferably be ensured/provided by the arm itself. Thus, also in this embodiment, an operating error of the pipetting device can be at least substantially reliably avoided, so that a rotation of the support device relative to the housing is initiated only by specification of the respective operator.
Particularly preferably, the support device is multi-part and may include a first support part and a second support part. The first support part may be engaged with the housing, the connecting element, and the second support part, wherein the second support part may form an anti-rotation device between the first support part and the connecting element.
The first and second support parts can be connected in a force-fit, friction-fit, form-fit and/or material-fit, preferably adhesively bonded, manner to form the support device.
The anti-rotation device can enable that a counter-support for the support device is provided and an undesired rotation between the connecting element and the support device can be prevented, so that the connecting element can be connected to the support device in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, the anti-rotation device can be formed by a toothing on the second support part and a counter-toothing on the connecting element, the counter-toothing being complementary to the toothing. In particular, therefore, the anti-rotation device is formed by a form fit between the toothing and the counter-toothing.
Preferably, the counter-toothing has a plurality of counter-teeth, wherein the toothing may also have a plurality of teeth. The teeth of the toothing can be arranged preferably in a form-fitting manner in the gaps formed between the counter-teeth. Particularly preferably, the number of teeth and/or gaps formed between adjacent teeth exceeds the number of counter-teeth of the counter-toothing. Accordingly, the counter-toothing can be connected to the toothing in multiple positions and/or the toothing provides multiple arrangement options for the counter-toothing. Accordingly, the anti-rotation device can also be adapted and/or optimized depending on the arrangement of the connecting element on the support device.
In a further preferred embodiment of the pipetting device, it is provided that the support device has a stop and the housing has a counter stop, which limit the path that the support device is rotatable relative to the housing. Through the interaction between the stop and the counter stop, the maximum rotatability and/or the maximum rotation angle can thus be specified starting from the zero position of the support device.
Furthermore, the pipetting device can have a device for haptic and/or acoustic indication of one of the rotational positions. Thus, the operator is indicated in a simple manner whether a latching of the support device is present and whether the support device is arranged and fixed in the desired position.
In particular, the device for haptic and/or acoustic indication can be provided by the latching device and/or the latching device has the device for haptic and/or acoustic indication. The latching in the individual rotational positions can be indicated to the user in particular via sounds occurring during the latching.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, having a housing with a holding portion which is designed for holding the pipetting device by means of an operator's hand, and a support device which is designed for supporting the pipetting device on an operator's finger, the support device being rotatable relative to the holding portion, preferably about a longitudinal axis of the pipetting device. Furthermore, the pipetting device has a locking device by means of which the support device is releasably lockable in a plurality of different rotational positions on the housing.
In particular, the aforementioned pipetting device according to the invention represents an alternative to the pipetting device described above and, in particular, can be implemented independently. In particular, the aforementioned design/configuration relates to an independent embodiment that also solves the previously described task/object.
In this context, it is understood that with regard to preferred embodiments and/or advantages of the pipetting device according to the invention, reference may be made to the aforementioned explanations for the pipetting device of the first alternative, which may also apply in the same way to the pipetting device according to the invention of the further alternative, without this requiring an explicit explanation.
In the aforementioned alternative embodiment of the pipetting device, no latching device is required. In particular, the pipetting device can be locked and/or fixed in freely selected rotational positions, preferably 360° circumferentially around the housing and/or in the circumferential direction, by means of the locking device. This locking can also be released via the locking device, in particular for changing the position of the support device relative to the housing. Accordingly, by omitting the latching device, it can also be made possible in particular that no defined and/or predetermined rotational positions have to be used.
In particular, an orientation marking can be provided on the housing, preferably a scale, to visibly indicate preferred rotation positions to the user of the pipetting device. With this orientation marking, the user can also set positions or rotational positions of the support device that are particularly preferred by him.
In addition, the orientation marking can also be applied and/or changed by the user in particular. In this way, the user can mark the rotational positions that are particularly efficient and/or ergonomically advantageous for him and quickly set them when using the pipetting device again.
The locking device can have a locking element, in particular a locking button, by means of which the user can preferably operate the locking device. Preferably, the locking element can be operated by the user's hand encompassing the pipetting device.
Furthermore, the present invention relates also to a pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, comprising a releasable form-fit connection or releasable positive connection between a first and a second component of the pipetting device, wherein the form-fit connection is designed in such a way that the first and the second component are in direct contact with each other, at least in certain areas, preferably inserted or plugged into one another, and are connectable to one another and disconnectable/releasable from one another by respectively rotating in opposite directions, the first component having a first inclined plane and the second component having a further inclined plane, formed complementary to the first inclined plane, for implementing the form-fitting connection.
The implementation of the form-fit connection according to the invention has, among others, the advantage that a tolerance compensation can take place. Any differences in the size of the structural parts, e.g. caused by production fluctuations, can lead to an undesirable gap between them. Such an undesirable distance can be avoided or reduced by means of the implementation of the form-fit connection according to the invention.
In particular, the aforementioned pipetting device according to the invention represents an alternative to the pipetting devices described above and, in particular, can be implemented independently. In particular, the aforementioned design/configuration relates to an independent embodiment that also solves the previously described task/object.
In this context, it is understood that with regard to preferred embodiments and/or advantages of the pipetting device according to the invention, reference may be made to the aforementioned explanations regarding the two further alternative pipetting devices, which may also apply in the same way to the pipetting device according to the invention of the further alternative, without this requiring an explicit explanation. Likewise, the explanations regarding this preferred embodiment of the pipetting device may also apply to the further alternative embodiments of the pipetting device.
The form-fit connection can in particular be a mechanical connection of the two components, preferably in relation to the respective longitudinal axes, which is preferably quickly producible and releasable. Preferably, the form-fit connection is provided by a bayonet lock between the two components of the pipetting device.
The first inclined plane and/or the further inclined plane can in particular have an at least substantially smooth and/or flat run-up slope.
The form-fit connection enables the connection and also the possibly necessary release of two components of the pipetting device according to the invention in a simple manner. In addition, the form-fit connection can block the movement of at least the first and/or second component in at least one degree of freedom of movement. Accordingly, the handling of the pipetting device is substantially simplified.
The aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, as well as the aspects and features of the present invention resulting from the further description, may be realized independently of each other, but also in any combination.
Further advantages, features, characteristics and aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.
In the figures, the same reference signs are used for the same or similar parts, achieving corresponding characteristics and advantages, even if a repeated description is omitted for simplicity.
It is not shown in more detail that the pipetting device 1 has a displacement device. By means of the displacement device, a fluid, in particular a liquid, can be received into the pipette tip and subsequently dispensed therefrom. The displacement device can comprise a displacement element and a displacement housing. For reasons of simplification, not all components of the pipetting device are shown in detail in the section in
A piston-cylinder arrangement can be provided as the displacement device, so that the displacement element can be designed as a piston and the displacement housing as a cylinder.
The pipetting device 1 shown in
When terms such as “axial”, “axial direction” and the like are used in the following, these refer to the longitudinal axis L. Correspondingly, terms such as “radial”, “radial direction” and the like also refer to the longitudinal axis L and indicate a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. When terms such as “top”, “bottom” and the like are used in the following, this refers to the extension of the longitudinal axis L.
As shown in
Actuating the operating element 20, in particular pressing down, causes the drive rod to be pressed against the displacement element, so that the displacement element moves into the displacement housing and reduces the volume of the cavity. Accordingly, by actuating the drive device 19 and/or the operating element 20, previously received fluid can be dispensed from the pipetting device 1.
Unactuated, the displacement element, the drive device 19, the drive rod and/or the operating element 20 can return to the initial position automatically, in particular by means of resetting by a resetting element, which is not shown in more detail.
The pipetting device 1 according to the invention has a holding portion 3 on the housing 2, which is designed for holding the pipetting device 1 by means of an operator's hand. Furthermore, the pipetting device 1 comprises a support device 4, which is shown in more detail in
The support device 4 is designed to support the pipetting device 1 on a finger of an operator. According to the invention, it is provided that the support device 4 is rotatable relative to the holding portion 3. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, it is provided that a rotation about the longitudinal axis L of the pipetting device 1 takes place.
In
Also
The latching device 5 may be designed in such a way that a rotation of the support device 4 can be achieved by a force exerted on the support device 4, in which the latching device 5 must first be released. Subsequently, latching of the latching device 5 takes place to fix the desired rotational position. For example, the force to rotate the support device 4 can be exerted, in particular in the radial direction, by the hand of a user and in particular by the finger on which the support device 4 is supported.
In particular, the support device 4 can be releasably fixable to the housing 2 in at least three defined rotational positions. For example, three different rotational positions are shown in
Equal spacing may be provided between different rotational positions. In further embodiments, the different rotational positions can also be spaced apart by different rotation angles. However, the rotation angle is in particular at least 5° between two directly adjacent rotational positions.
In particular, the counter-engagement elements 7 are equally spaced from one another, as shown schematically in
It is not shown that in a further preferred embodiment the releasable fixing of the support device 4 in the rotational positions on the housing 2 can be controlled by a locking element, preferably a locking button. In particular, a release of the support device 4 can be effected via the locking element, wherein alternatively or additionally the latching of the support device 4 in the individual or respective rotational positions can also be controlled and/or predetermined via the locking element.
According to the preferred embodiment example shown in
A rotationally fixed arrangement of the connecting element 8 on the support device 4 is shown schematically in
Preferably, the connecting element 8 can be tensioned with the support device 4, in particular by means of a bayonet lock, preferably rotatably tensioned relative to the housing.
Preferably, a spring element 9 is arranged on the connecting element 8. The spring element 9 is shown in more detail in
The spring element 9 can be a component of the latching device 5. In the preferred exemplary embodiment shown in
Preferably, the engagement element 6 is arranged between the spring element 9 and the counter-engagement elements 7 in such a way that the spring force of the spring element 9 counteracts a rotation of the support device 4 when the engagement element 6 is engaged with a counter-engagement element 7 and/or that the spring force of the spring element 9 acts on the engagement element 6 in the direction of one of the counter-engagement elements 7.
In the preferred embodiment shown in
The connecting element 8 may be designed and arranged such that the connecting element 8 is mounted so as to be movable in the circumferential direction, in particular movable relative to the housing 4.
An alternative embodiment of the latching device 5 is shown schematically, for example, in
According to the alternative embodiment of the latching device 5 shown in
Furthermore, the alternative embodiment according to
In the illustrated and preferred embodiment according to
In addition, the engagement element 6 is in particular formed as a single piece.
In another embodiment, which is not shown in more detail, the engagement element 6 may also be integrally formed with the connecting element 8.
For example, the engagement element 6 may have an arm 11, which is shown in
In this context, it is understood that also the aforementioned and/or following embodiments relating to further preferred designs of the pipetting device 1 can be applied to the now described alternative embodiment of the latching device 5 according to
In an embodiment not shown, but also preferred, it is provided that the support device 4 is rotatably mounted on the housing 2 insofar as the support device 4 is removable from the housing 2, rotated to the desired rotational position and then reconnected to the housing 2. Such an arrangement is also understood to be a releasable fixing of the support device 4 to the housing 2 via the latching device 5. In particular, in this embodiment not shown, the support device 4 is held and/or mounted on the housing 2. However, it may also be provided in further embodiments that the support device 4 is held and/or mounted on the housing 2.
In the preferred embodiment shown in
The first and second support parts 14, 15 can be frictionally connected to one another, preferably via a screw connection, and/or materially connected, preferably adhesively bonded, and/or positively connected.
The second support part 15 can form an anti-rotation device 16 between the first support part 14 and the connecting element 8. The anti-rotation device 16 is shown in more detail in
Accordingly, the teeth of the toothing 23 engage in the gaps formed between adjacent counter-teeth of the counter-toothing 24 preferably in a form-fit manner. In addition, the counter-teeth of the counter-toothing 24 engage in the gaps formed between adjacent teeth of the toothing 23 preferably in a form-fit manner.
Further,
In another preferred embodiment, shown in more detail in
It is not shown in more detail that the pipetting device 1 has a device for haptic and/or acoustic indication of one of the rotational positions. In particular, this makes it possible to indicate to the operator in a simple manner that a latching of the latching device 5 is present.
In
In addition,
Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment shown in
In the embodiment according to
Furthermore,
Not shown is a further, in particular alternative embodiment of a pipetting device 1 according to the invention for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes. In this case, the pipetting device 1 can have a housing 2 with a holding portion 3, which is designed to hold the pipetting device 1 by means of an operator's hand.
In this embodiment, which is not shown, the pipetting device has a support device 4, which is designed to support the pipetting device 1 on a finger of an operator, the support device 4 being rotatable relative to the holding portion 3, preferably about a longitudinal axis L of the pipetting device 1.
The support device 4, the housing 2 and/or the holding portion 3 may be designed/constructed according to the embodiments described above.
Furthermore, in this embodiment not shown, the pipetting device may have a locking device by means of which the support device 4 is releasably lockable in a plurality of different rotational positions on the housing 2. This locking device is not shown in more detail.
In a further alternative pipetting device 1 for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, which according to the invention represents in particular an independent aspect of the invention, it is provided that the pipetting device 1 has a releasable form-fitting connection between a first and a second component of the pipetting device 1. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment according to
In principle, the first and second components may also be formed by other components of the pipetting device 1 in further embodiments not shown.
The form-fitting connection is also designed in such a way that the first and the second component—in the illustrated exemplary embodiment according to
Individual aspects of the invention described above may be implemented independently from each other, but may also be implemented and advantageous in any combination.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2022 113 874.7 | Jun 2022 | DE | national |
