DE102022115438A1 - Functional module for a pipetting or dosing device, dosing device and pipetting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional module (1) for a pipetting device (2) or a dosing device (3), with - an upper plate (4) with at least one recess (5), - a lower plate (6) with at least one vertical aligned channel (7) and at least one sealing means (8) arranged in the at least one channel (7), - a drive means (9) which is designed to move the upper plate (4) vertically and relative to the lower plate (6). to move, - at least one piston (10) with a cylindrical base body (10a) and a piston head (11), the at least one piston (10) being slidably arranged in the at least one channel (7), the at least one sealing means ( 8) is arranged and designed in the at least one channel (7) in such a way that the at least one piston (10) is arranged in a pressure-tight manner in the at least one channel (7), the piston head (11) being in the at least one recess (5) in such a way is locked so that a defined movement of the upper plate (4) leads to a corresponding, defined movement of the at least one piston (10), wherein a defined volume of a liquid can be metered by means of the defined movement of the piston (10), the piston head ( 11) has a holding means (12) which is designed such that the at least one piston (10) can be moved through an angle from the vertical.

Description

The invention relates to a functional module for a pipetting or dosing device, a dosing device and a pipetting device.

Repetitive tasks in the laboratory are increasingly being taken over by automated laboratory devices. Systems for the automated handling of liquid samples are particularly desirable for biochemical analyzes in the fields of chemistry and pharmacy. So-called liquid handling systems are used to prepare samples and/or to analyze the prepared samples. Such laboratory devices are also known under terms such as pipetting robots or pipetting and analysis devices. The tasks of these pipetting devices include, among other things, the addition and removal of defined volumes of liquids in laboratory elements, for example to initiate a biochemical reaction by adding a reagent, as well as the preparation of the samples for subsequent measurement in an analysis device, such as drying the samples . All devices that determine at least one piece of chemical and/or physical information about the sample can be used as analytical devices, such as devices for spectroscopy and spectrometry, but also pH and conductivity probes, as well as other devices.

Corresponding automated pipetting devices contain one, usually several pipettes, which are often arranged in, sometimes replaceable, pipetting heads. Simple automated pipetting or dosing devices only dispense a defined amount of liquid, while in larger automated pipetting devices the pipetting heads can be moved in two or three spatial directions. More complex automated pipetting devices often take on additional tasks such as transporting and handling laboratory elements as well as mixing and incubating samples.

A pipette is used to absorb and dispense defined volumes of liquids. As a rule, the pipette is designed in such a way that the liquid does not get into the interior of the pipette. Instead, a pipette tip is placed on an end region of the pipette, into which the liquid is absorbed. The end area of the pipette is usually conical or shaft-shaped. The pipette tip is, for example, non-positively connected to the end region of the pipette and is partially additionally secured with a sealing element, for example an O-ring. The pipette tip can also be connected to the end region of the pipette by means of a positive fit or a combination of force and positive fit.

The absorption and release of liquids is usually carried out using negative and positive pressure, which is generated by a movable piston. The piston is guided in a channel in which a sealant is arranged. By sealing the channel in a pressure-tight manner, the sealant ensures that a defined movement or displacement of the piston leads to the intake or release of a defined volume of liquid. A loss of function of the sealant leads to a leak in the pipette, meaning that defined pipetting of liquids is not possible.

With conventional pipetting devices, it must therefore be ensured that the longitudinal axis of the piston is exactly aligned with that of the channel. If the axes of the piston and channel are ideally aligned, the piston slides through the sealant or along a surface of the sealant that rests against the piston in a manner corresponding to the sealant. However, in the event of an offset between the axes of the piston and channel, there is unintended friction between the piston and the sealant, which leads to a load on the sealant, particularly one-sided or zone-like. This unintended load on the sealant can lead to wear of the sealant and possibly to leakage of the sealant. However, the exact alignment of the axes of the piston and channel is relatively complex and can also change over time, so that over time a leak in the sealant can occur despite the originally correct setting of the two axes.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device in which wear of the sealant is reduced as much as possible, in particular avoided.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a functional module according to claim 1, a dosing device according to claim 10 and a pipetting device according to claim 11.

• - einer oberen Platte mit mindestens einer Ausnehmung,
• - einer unteren Platte mit mindestens einem vertikal ausgerichteten Kanal und mindestens einem in dem mindestens einem Kanal angeordneten Dichtmittel,
• - einem Antriebsmittel, welches dazu ausgestaltet ist, die obere Platte vertikal und relativ zu der unteren Platte zu bewegen,
• - mindestens einem Kolben mit einem zylindrischen Grundkörper und einem Kolbenkopf, wobei der mindestens eine Kolben gleitend in dem mindestens einen Kanal angeordnet ist,

wobei das mindestens eine Dichtmittel derart in dem mindestens einen Kanal angeordnet und ausgestaltet ist, dass der mindestens eine Kolben druckdicht im mindestens einen Kanal angeordnet ist, wobei der Kolbenkopf in der mindestens einen Ausnehmung derart arretiert ist, dass eine definierte Bewegung der oberen Platte zu einer entsprechenden, definierten Bewegung des mindestens einen Kolbens führt, wobei mittels der definierten Bewegung des Kolbens ein definiertes Volumen einer Flüssigkeit dosierbar ist, wobei der Kolbenkopf ein Haltemittel aufweist, welches derart ausgestaltet ist, dass der mindestens eine Kolben um einen Winkel aus der Vertikalen bewegbar ist.With regard to the functional module, the task is solved according to the invention by a functional module for a pipetting or dosing device

• - an upper plate with at least one recess,
• - a lower plate with at least one vertically aligned channel and at least one sealant arranged in the at least one channel,
• - a drive means which is designed to move the upper plate vertically and relative to the lower plate,
• - at least one piston with a cylindrical base body and a piston head, the at least one piston being slidably arranged in the at least one channel,

wherein the at least one sealing means is arranged and designed in the at least one channel in such a way that the at least one piston is arranged in a pressure-tight manner in the at least one channel, the piston head being locked in the at least one recess in such a way that a defined movement of the upper plate results in a corresponding, defined movement of the at least one piston, wherein a defined volume of a liquid can be metered by means of the defined movement of the piston, the piston head having a holding means which is designed such that the at least one piston can be moved through an angle from the vertical .

The upper and lower plates are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The drive means provides vertical movement of the upper plate towards or against the lower plate. The vertical movement mediated by the drive means corresponds to a movement along the surface normal of the upper or lower plate. In the context of the present application, the vertical is always understood to be the surface normal of the upper and lower plates. The vertically aligned at least one channel is also arranged perpendicular to the lower plate in the lower plate.

By means of the holding means, the at least one piston can be moved through an angle from the vertical, i.e. the surface normal of the upper plate. The at least one piston can in particular be oscillated through an angle or tilted from the vertical. The movement of the at least one piston takes place at least in one direction, preferably on all sides in all directions. Due to the mobility of the piston through an angle, a certain axial offset between the axes of the at least one piston and the at least one channel can be compensated for. The sealant is not exposed to any additional friction. With the help of the holding means, simpler production of the functional module is possible, since the axes of the at least one piston and the at least one channel can be coordinated with one another with a greater tolerance than was previously usual.

In a further development of the functional module, the holding means is designed as a projection or recess. In the context of this application, a projection means the inverse of a recess, recess or recess, for example a protruding or protruding section or an elevation. The recess can be designed as a recess.

Advantageously, the holding means has a substantially spherical, ellipsoidal or egg-shaped contour.

In one embodiment, the at least one recess is designed to be cylindrical at least in sections.

In a further embodiment, the at least one recess has at least a first section, which is designed to correspond to the holding means. In particular, the at least first section is designed as a projection or a recess, in particular a recess. If the holding means is designed, for example, as a projection, the at least one recess can have a recess corresponding to the projection. If, on the other hand, the holding means is designed as a recess, the at least one recess can have a projection corresponding to the recess.

Preferably, the piston head is locked in the at least one recess by means of the holding means. The holding means thus serves to fix the piston relative to the upper plate. A force which causes movement of the top plate is thus transmitted to the piston via the holding means.

In particular, the piston head is clamped into the at least one recess by means of the holding means.

In one embodiment, the at least one sealant is an O-ring, a sealing nipple, a liquid seal, a grease seal or a sealing bushing.

• - mindestens einem Funktionsmodul nach mindestens einer der vorherigen Ausgestaltungen,
• - mindestens einem Abgabebereich, welcher fluidisch und druckdicht mit dem mindestens einen Kanal verbunden ist, derart dass mittels der definierten Bewegung des Kolbens ein definiertes Volumen einer Flüssigkeit aus dem Abgabebereich dosierbar ist.

With regard to the dosing device, the object is achieved according to the invention by a dosing device for dosing a defined volume of a liquid

• - at least one functional module according to at least one of the previous embodiments,
• - at least one delivery area, which is fluidly and pressure-tightly connected to the at least one channel, such that a defined volume of liquid can be metered from the delivery area by means of the defined movement of the piston.

The metering device according to the invention is used to meter a defined volume of a liquid. In contrast to pipetting devices Dosing devices usually do not take the liquid to be dosed into a pipette tip, but rather into an interior of the dosing device. The dosing device in particular has an interior or a container into which the liquid to be dosed is introduced. The liquid to be dosed is dispensed from a delivery area into a desired target vessel. The delivery area is fluidly and pressure-tightly connected to the at least one channel of the functional module. Due to the inventive design of the holding means, the at least one piston is movable through an angle, so that an axial offset between the piston and channel can be compensated for by means of the holding means.

• - mindestens einem Funktionsmodul nach mindestens einer der vorherigen Ausgestaltungen,
• - mindestens einem Aufnahmebereich, welcher dazu ausgestaltet ist, eine Pipettenspitze aufzunehmen, wobei der Aufnahmebereich fluidisch und druckdicht mit dem mindestens einen Kanal verbunden ist, derart dass mittels der definierten Bewegung des Kolbens ein definiertes Volumen einer Flüssigkeit in die Pipettenspitze oder aus der Pipettenspitze dosierbar ist.

With regard to the pipetting device, the object according to the invention is achieved by a pipetting device for dosing a defined volume of a liquid

• - at least one functional module according to at least one of the previous embodiments,
• - at least one receiving area, which is designed to receive a pipette tip, the receiving area being fluidly and pressure-tightly connected to the at least one channel, such that a defined volume of liquid can be metered into or out of the pipette tip by means of the defined movement of the piston .

In addition to the at least one functional module, the pipetting device according to the invention has a receiving area on which a pipette tip can be received. The liquid to be dosed is only absorbed into the pipette tip and released again from it. The at least one receiving area is fluidly and pressure-tightly connected to the at least one functional module. The fluid moving between the at least one functional module and the at least one receiving area is a gas, in particular ambient air. Due to the at least one piston being movable through an angle by means of the holding means, a certain axial offset between the at least one piston and the at least one channel can be compensated for without the sealing means being subjected to improper stress.

In a further development of the pipetting device, at least one hose is provided for the pressure-tight connection of the at least one channel to the receiving area.

• 1: eine schematische Darstellung eines Kolbens mit Haltemittel.
• 2: eine schematische Darstellung eines Kolbens in Verbindung mit der oberen Platte.
• 3: eine alternative Ausführungsform des Kolbens in Verbindung mit der oberen Platte.
• 4: ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Funktionsmoduls.
• 5: ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Dosiervorrichtung.
• 6: ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Pipettiervorrichtung.

The present invention will be explained further with reference to the following figures 1-6 be explained in more detail. They show:

• 1 : a schematic representation of a piston with holding means.
• 2 : a schematic representation of a piston in connection with the top plate.
• 3 : an alternative embodiment of the piston in connection with the top plate.
• 4 : an exemplary embodiment of the functional module according to the invention.
• 5 : an embodiment of the metering device according to the invention.
• 6 : an embodiment of the pipetting device according to the invention.

In 1 First, an exemplary piston 10 is shown, with a cylindrical base body 10a and a piston head 11. The piston head 11 has a holding means 12. For example, the holding means 12 is designed as a projection and/or has a substantially spherical, ellipsoidal or egg-shaped contour.

2 shows the piston 10 1 in connection with an upper plate 4. The upper plate 4 has at least one recess 5, which is designed, for example, at least in sections cylindrical. The piston head 11 is locked in the at least one recess 5 in such a way that a defined movement of the upper plate 4 leads to a corresponding, defined movement of the at least one piston 10. In the example of 2 the piston head 11 is locked, in particular clamped, in the at least one recess 5 by means of the holding means 12 designed as a projection. Due to the optional spherical contour of the holding means 12, the at least one piston 10 can be moved from the vertical by an angle w. In 2 The positive and negative angular offset of the at least one piston 10 are shown by corresponding arrows. Of course, the movement of the at least one piston 10 is not necessarily limited to one plane, but rather the at least one piston 10 can, for example, oscillate on all sides.

In 3 an alternative embodiment of the holding means 12 and the recess 5 is shown. In this example, the holding means 12 is designed as a recess. The at least one recess 5 has at least a first section 5a, which is designed to correspond to the holding means 12. The first section 5a is in 3 designed as a projection, but can also be designed as a recess, for example. Further embodiments of holding means 12 and recess 5 are also conceivable, which are not shown here.

4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the functional module 1 according to the invention. The functional module 1 according to the invention has an upper plate 4, a lower plate 6, the at least one piston 10 and a drive means 9. The piston 10 is in 4 shown in two parts. Both the at least one piston 10, the upper plate 4 and the lower plate 6 can be designed in one piece or in several parts. So the bottom plate covers 6 in 4 several individual plates, which together fulfill the function of the lower plate 6.

The lower plate 6 has at least one vertically aligned channel 7 in which at least one sealant 8 is arranged. The sealant 8 is, for example, an O-ring, a sealing nipple, a liquid seal, a grease seal or a sealing bushing. The at least one piston 10 is slidably arranged in at least one channel 7. The arrangement and design of the sealing means 8 are such that the at least one piston 10 is arranged in a pressure-tight manner in the at least one channel 7.

The drive means 9 is designed to move the upper plate 4 vertically and relative to the lower plate 6. The lower plate 6 is in particular stationary, while the upper plate 4 is arranged to be movable. As already described, the piston head 11 is locked in the at least one recess 5 in such a way that a defined movement of the upper plate 4 leads to a corresponding, defined movement of the at least one piston 10. With the help of the tightness ensured by means of the sealant 8, an overpressure or negative pressure is generated in the at least one channel 7 by the movement of the at least one piston 10. In this way, a defined volume of liquid can be metered by means of the defined movement of the piston 10.

In the 4 existing, common axis of piston 10 and channel 7 is shown by the dashed line. In 4 It can also be seen what would happen if the holding means 12 was missing. If the piston head 11 is attached to the upper plate 4 rigidly and without the possibility of movement, a displacement of the axes of channel 7 and piston 10 results in the piston 10 placing particularly strong strain on the sealant 8 on the side into which the piston 10 is offset . This improper loading, which is generally not intended for the sealant 8, leads to accelerated wear of the sealant 8 and thus, in the long term, to a leak in the functional module. This form of wear of the sealant 8 is avoided by means of the functional module 1 according to the invention.

5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a metering device 3 according to the invention for metering a defined volume of a liquid, with at least one functional module 1 and at least one delivery area 13. The delivery area 13 is fluidly and pressure-tightly connected to the at least one channel 7, so that by means of the defined movement of the piston 10 a defined volume of liquid from the delivery area 13 can be dosed. In the example shown, the at least one delivery area 13 is connected to the at least one functional module 1 by means of a hose 16. The metering device 3 is primarily used to dispense a defined volume of liquid. The liquid is often provided in an interior of the dosing device 3 or, for example, sucked into the hose 16, which is arranged between the delivery area 13 and the functional module 1. Contact between the at least one piston 10 and the liquid to be metered is generally not desired. The at least one delivery area 13 has, for example, a tip from which the liquid is dosed, but other configurations of the delivery area 13 are also possible.

6 finally shows an exemplary embodiment of a pipetting device 2 according to the invention, with at least one functional module 1 and at least one receiving area 14. The receiving area 14 is designed to accommodate a pipette tip 15. The liquid is simply absorbed into the pipette tip 15 and released again from there. The receiving area 14 is fluidly and pressure-tightly connected to the at least one channel 7, for example by means of a hose 16, so that a defined volume of liquid can be metered into the pipette tip 15 or out of the pipette tip 15 by means of the defined movement of the piston 10. As in 5 shown, the pipetting device 2 - and in an analogous manner also the dosing device 3 - can have several functional modules 1, so that several pistons 10 are available in order to meter a defined volume from one of the several pipette tips 15.

Reference symbol list

1

Function module

2

Pipetting device

3

Dosing device

4

top plate

5

recess

5a

first section

6

lower plate

7

channel

8th

sealant

9

means of propulsion

10

Pistons

10a

Base body of the piston

11

Piston head

12

Holding means

13

Delivery area

14

Recording area

15

pipette tip

16

Hose

Claims (12)

Functional module (1) for a pipetting device (2) or a dosing device (3), with - an upper plate (4) with at least one recess (5), - a lower plate (6) with at least one vertically aligned channel (7) and at least one sealing means (8) arranged in the at least one channel (7), - a drive means (9) which is designed to move the upper plate (4) vertically and relative to the lower plate (6), - at least one piston (10) with a cylindrical base body (10a) and a piston head (11), the at least one piston (10) being slidably arranged in the at least one channel (7), the at least one sealing means (8) being such is arranged in the at least one channel (7) and is designed so that the at least one piston (10) is arranged pressure-tight in the at least one channel (7), the piston head (11) being locked in the at least one recess (5) in such a way, that a defined movement of the upper plate (4) leads to a corresponding, defined movement of the at least one piston (10), wherein a defined volume of a liquid can be metered by means of the defined movement of the piston (10), the piston head (11) being a Has holding means (12), which is designed such that the at least one piston (10) can be moved through an angle from the vertical. Function module (1). Claim 1 , wherein the holding means (12) is designed as a projection or recess. Functional module (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 - 2 , wherein the holding means (12) has a substantially spherical, ellipsoidal or egg-shaped contour. Functional module (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 - 3 , wherein the at least one recess (5) is designed to be cylindrical at least in sections. Functional module (1) at least one of Claims 1 - 4 , wherein the at least one recess (5) has at least a first section (5a), which is designed to correspond to the holding means (12). Functional module (1) at least one of Claims 1 - 5 , wherein the at least first section (5a) is designed as a projection or recess. Functional module (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 - 6 , wherein the piston head (11) is locked in the at least one recess (5) by means of the holding means (12). Functional module (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 - 7 , wherein the piston head (11) is clamped into the at least one recess (5) by means of the holding means (12). Functional module (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 - 7 , wherein the at least one sealant (8) is an O-ring, a sealing nipple, a liquid seal, a grease seal or a sealing bushing. Dosing device (3) for dosing a defined volume of a liquid, with - at least one functional module (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 - 9 , - at least one delivery area (13), which is fluidly and pressure-tightly connected to the at least one channel (7), such that a defined volume of liquid from the delivery area (13) can be metered by means of the defined movement of the piston (10). Pipetting device (2) for dosing a defined volume of a liquid, with - at least one functional module (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 - 9 , - at least one receiving area (14), which is designed to receive a pipette tip (15), the receiving area (14) being fluidly and pressure-tightly connected to the at least one channel (7), such that by means of the defined movement of the piston ( 10) a defined volume of liquid can be metered into the pipette tip (15) or out of the pipette tip (15). Pipetting device (2). Claim 11 , wherein at least one hose (16) is provided for the pressure-tight connection of the at least one channel (7) to the receiving area (14).

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