Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/52—Containers specially adapted for storing or dispensing a reagent
  • B01L3/523—Containers specially adapted for storing or dispensing a reagent with means for closing or opening
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
  • B01L3/0289—Apparatus for withdrawing or distributing predetermined quantities of fluid
  • B01L3/0293—Apparatus for withdrawing or distributing predetermined quantities of fluid for liquids
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
  • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
  • G01N35/1002—Reagent dispensers
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
  • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
  • G01N35/1079—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices with means for piercing stoppers or septums
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
  • B01L2200/0689—Sealing
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/16—Reagents, handling or storing thereof
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
  • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
  • B01L2300/042—Caps; Plugs
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
  • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
  • B01L2300/044—Connecting closures to device or container pierceable, e.g. films, membranes
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/06—Auxiliary integrated devices, integrated components
  • B01L2300/0672—Integrated piercing tool

Definitions

• TITLE Container for reagent product equipped with a suction tube
• the present invention relates to a container for reagent product, and a sampling device intended to be equipped with such a container.
• An analysis apparatus such as an in vitro analysis apparatus, comprises in a known manner:
• a storage device configured to store a plurality of receptacles for reactive products, each receptacle comprising a receptacle body comprising a neck delimiting a neck opening, and a puncturable closure membrane which seals off the neck opening, and
• a sampling device comprising in particular a sampling needle which is configured to perforate the perforable sealing membrane of a container received in the storage device and to withdraw part of the contents of this container in order to supply reagent for example an analysis cuvette containing a sample of biological fluid to be analyzed.
• each receptacle for reactive product does not in particular allow the sampling device to take the entire contents of this receptacle, which necessarily induces losses of reactive products and therefore a significant consumption of reactive products by a laboratory of analysis. Such consumption of reactive products has a significant impact on the costs of the tests to be carried out by an analytical laboratory.
• sampling needle having a length corresponding substantially to the height of the container.
• such a configuration of the sampling needle complicates the sampling device, and significantly increases the manufacturing costs of the analysis apparatus.
• the technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists in providing a receptacle for a reagent product which is of simple and ergonomic structure, while making it possible to significantly reduce the costs of the tests to be carried out by an analysis laboratory and by limiting the risks. contamination of the contents of the container.
• the present invention relates to a container for a reagent product, and in particular for a liquid reagent product, comprising:
• a container body comprising a neck defining a neck opening
• closure member comprising a perforable closure membrane which seals off the neck opening
• a suction tube located in the container body and comprising a first end portion fixed to the closure member and a second end portion extending near the bottom of the container body, and
• cap fixed to the neck of the container body, the cap comprising a passage opening which is located opposite the perforable closure membrane and the first end portion of the suction tube, the cap being configured so to allow the penetration of a sampling needle through the passage opening and the puncturable closure membrane so that the sampling needle is fluidly connected to the suction tube, and so as to allow the penetration of a vent needle through the passage opening and the puncturable closure membrane such that the vent needle is fluidly connected to an internal volume of the container body.
• Such a configuration of the container, and in particular the fact that the second end portion of the suction tube is located near the bottom of the container body, makes it possible to be able to take all or substantially all of the contents of the container with a sampling device fitted with a standard-size sampling needle. These arrangements make it possible to limit the losses of reactive products, and therefore to reduce the consumption of reactive products for an analysis laboratory and therefore to reduce the costs of the tests to be carried out by the analysis laboratory.
• the particular configuration of the closure member, and in particular the fact that the suction tube is directly attached to the closure member, makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the container, and therefore to further reduce the costs of the tests to be carried out by the analytical laboratory.
• the presence of the perforable closure membrane ensures a high seal to the container before the first use of the latter and between two uses of the latter, which limits the risks of contamination of the contents of the container.
• the specific configuration of the container according to the present invention also allows loading of the container into an analysis apparatus without prior operation by a user, such as the removal of a cap or the insertion of a flexible collection tube fitted to the device. sampling device in the container, which greatly facilitates this loading and further limits the risks of contamination of the contents of the container.
• the container according to the present invention therefore makes it possible to simplify and secure the loading of the container into an analysis apparatus.
• the container may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.
• the perforable closure membrane comprises a first portion of membrane which is located opposite the first end portion of the suction tube, and a second portion of membrane which is substantially coplanar. with the first membrane portion and which is offset relative to the first membrane portion, the passage opening being located opposite the first membrane portion and the second membrane portion, the cap being configured so as to allow the penetration of a sampling needle through the passage opening and the first membrane portion such that the sampling needle is fluidly connected to the suction tube, and for example opens opposite or into the first end portion of the suction tube, and so as to allow the penetration of a vent needle through the passage opening and the second membrane portion of such so that the vent needle is fluidly connected to the internal volume of the container body, and for example opens into the internal volume of the container body.
• the second membrane portion is annular and extends around the first membrane portion.
• the first and second membrane portions are concentric.
• the cap is configured so as to allow the penetration of a sampling needle through the passage opening and the puncturable closure membrane such that the needle of sample opens opposite or into the first end portion of the suction tube, and so as to allow the penetration of a venting needle through the passage opening and the puncturable sealing membrane so that the vent needle opens into the internal volume of the container body, and for example in an annular volume partially delimited by the container body, and advantageously partially by the neck of the container body.
• the annular volume extends substantially coaxially with the suction tube.
• the annular volume can for example extend at least in part around the first end portion of the suction tube
• the cap is configured so as to allow the penetration of a sampling needle through the passage opening and the puncturable closure membrane such that the sampling needle s 'extends at least partially into the suction tube.
• the passage opening is located opposite a central portion of the perforable closure membrane.
• the closure member comprises a tubular mounting portion which is located in the container body and which extends from the pierceable closure membrane, the first portion of end of the suction tube being attached to the tubular mounting portion and being fluidly connected to an internal channel delimited by the tubular mounting portion.
• the cap is configured so as to allow the penetration of a sampling needle through the passage opening and the puncturable sealing membrane and into the internal channel of the mounting part. tubular, and so as to allow the penetration of a venting needle through the passage opening and the puncturable closure membrane and into the annular volume, which may for example be delimited by the neck of the body container and the tubular mounting portion.
• the cap is made of rigid plastic.
• the perforable sealing membrane comprises a first face oriented towards the interior of the container body and a second face opposite the first face, the tubular mounting part extending from the first side of the perforable sealing membrane.
• the tubular mounting part extends from the central portion of the perforable sealing membrane.
• the central portion of the perforable sealing membrane includes the first membrane portion and the second membrane portion.
• the tubular mounting portion may for example extend from the first membrane portion.
• the central portion of the pierceable closure membrane sealingly closes the end of the tubular mounting part which is turned towards the pierceable closure membrane.
• the first end portion of the suction tube extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the neck of the container body.
• the tubular mounting portion extends along an axis of extension which is substantially parallel to the central axis of the neck of the container body, and which may for example be substantially perpendicular to the perforable sealing membrane.
• the axis of extension of the tubular mounting part is substantially coincident with the central axis of the neck.
• the perforable closure membrane closes, preferably in a sealed manner, the passage opening.
• the perforable closure membrane covers, and preferably in a fluid-tight manner, the passage opening.
• the perforable sealing membrane has the general shape of a disc.
• the perforable sealing membrane is generally flat.
• the closure member is in one piece, that is to say is made in one piece.
• the closure member is made of elastomer.
• the cap partially covers the perforable sealing membrane.
• the closure member comprises an annular sealing rib extending over the second face of the perforable closure membrane.
• annular sealing rib makes it possible to ensure optimum sealing between the closure member and the sampling needle, including when the sealing between the perforable sealing membrane and the sampling needle. direct debit is faulty due in particular to that the container has been previously unloaded from the analysis apparatus and then reloaded into the analysis apparatus.
• the annular sealing rib and the tubular mounting portion extend substantially coaxially.
• the passage opening and the tubular mounting portion extend substantially coaxially.
• the central part of the puncturable closure membrane is located upstream of the passage opening relative to the direction of insertion of the sampling needle through the membrane of perforable filling.
• the central part of the puncturable closure membrane is located downstream of the passage opening relative to the direction of insertion of the sampling needle through the membrane. perforable filling.
• the cap is configured to exert pressure on the puncturable closure membrane, and in particular to compress the punctureable closure membrane, so as to produce a sealed assembly, and preferably waterproof. fluid, the puncturable sealing membrane on the neck of the container body.
• the cap comprises a bottom wall and a side skirt extending from the bottom wall, the passage opening being provided on the bottom wall.
• the side skirt comprises a first fixing element configured to cooperate, for example by screwing, tightening or snap-fastening, with a second fixing element provided on the neck of the container body.
• the first fixing element is an annular fixing rib provided on an inner surface of the side skirt
• the second fixing element is an annular fixing groove which is provided on an outer surface. of the neck of the container body and which is configured to engage by snap-fitting with the annular fixing rib.
• the first fastening element comprises an internal thread provided on an internal surface of the side skirt
• the second fastening element comprises an external thread which is provided on an external surface of the neck of the body. container and which is configured to cooperate by screwing with the internal thread provided on the side skirt.
• the cap is removably attached to the neck of the container body.
• the cap is distinct from the closure member.
• the cap and the closure member are produced by overmolding.
• the cap and the closure member could however also be produced by bi-injection molding.
• the perforable closure membrane comprises a peripheral mounting portion which is mounted in a sealed manner on the neck of the container body.
• the first end portion of the suction tube is fixed in the internal channel delimited by the tubular mounting part.
• the passage section of the passage opening is greater than the cross section of the tubular mounting part.
• the tubular mounting part is molded onto the suction tube.
• the suction tube and the sealing member are made in one piece.
• a suction opening defined by the second end portion of the suction tube comprises at least a first opening portion and a second opening portion which are axially offset. one in relation to the other.
• the present invention further relates to a sampling device comprising:
• a receiving part comprising a receiving location configured to receive a container according to the present invention
• a sampling head configured to take at least part of the contents of the container when the container is received in the receiving location
• the sampling head being mounted movable relative to the frame between an inactive position and a sampling position
• the sampling head having a sampling needle which is configured to puncture the puncturable closure membrane of the container and to be fluidly connected to the suction tube of the container when the container is received in the receiving location and when the sampling head is moved to the pick-up position
• an air vent needle which is configured to puncture the puncturable closure membrane of the container and to be fluidly connected to the internal volume of the container when the container is received in the container location.
• the sampling needle is configured to perforate the puncturable closure membrane of the container and to emerge opposite or into the first end portion of the suction tube when the container is received in the receiving location and when the sampling head is moved to the sampling position
• the vent needle is configured to puncture the punctureable sealing membrane of the container and to open into the internal volume of the container body, and for example in the annular volume partially delimited by the container body, when the container is received in the receiving location and when the sampling head is moved into the sampling position.
• the sampling needle is configured to puncture the puncturable closure membrane of the container and to extend at least partially into the suction tube when the container is received in the location. receiving and when the picking head is moved to the picking position.
• the sampling needle is configured to puncture the puncturable closure membrane of the container and to extend into the internal channel of the tubular mounting portion of the container when the container is received in. the receiving location and when the sampling head is moved to the sampling position, and the venting needle is configured to puncture the puncturable closure membrane of the container and to open into the annular volume, which can for example be delimited by the tubular mounting part and the neck of the container, when the container is received in the location of receiving and when the picking head is moved to the picking position.
• the reception location is open upwards.
• the sampling needle is configured to extend partially into the first end portion of the suction tube when the container is received in the receiving location and when the suction head. pick-up is in the pick-up position.
• the sampling head is mounted to pivot relative to the frame about a pivot axis.
• the receiving part is mounted movably relative to the frame between a first position in which a container can be inserted in the receiving location of said receiving part, and a second position in which the sampling needle and the venting needle are able to extend through the perforable closure membrane of said container.
• the receiving part is configured to be substantially inclined with respect to the vertical when the receiving part is in the first position, and the receiving part is configured to extend substantially vertically when the receiving part is in the second position.
• the receiving part is slidably mounted relative to the frame in a sliding direction.
• the sliding direction is substantially rectilinear.
• the sliding direction extends transversely, and for example substantially perpendicularly, to the pivot axis of the sampling head.
• the receiving part comprises a guide element slidably mounted in a guide slot provided on the frame and extending in the sliding direction.
• the sampling head is mechanically connected to the receiving part such that a movement of the receiving part from the first position to the second position automatically causes a movement of the collecting head. pick-up from the inactive position to the pick-up position, and such that a movement of the receiving part from the second position to the first position automatically results in a displacement of the sampling head from the sampling position to the inactive position.
• the receiving part is slidably mounted on the sampling head in a direction of movement.
• the direction of movement may for example extend substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the sampling needle.
• the direction of movement extends transversely, and for example substantially perpendicularly, to the pivot axis of the sampling head.
• the sampling head comprises a positioning part configured to cooperate with the cap of a receptacle received in the receiving location, so as to position the cap of the receptacle in a predetermined position by compared to the sampling needle.
• the positioning part is configured to cover, and for example to cover, the cap of a container received in the reception location.
• the positioning portion is configured to align the sampling needle with the tubular mounting portion of a container when the sampling head occupies the sampling position and when the container is received in. the receiving location.
• the positioning part is a positioning tulip, also called positioning cap.
• the positioning part comprises a reception housing which is open downwards and which is configured to at least partially house the cap of a receptacle received in the reception location.
• the positioning part comprises a bottom and a side wall which delimit the receiving housing, the sampling needle and the venting needle extending through the bottom. of the positioning part and protruding into the receiving housing.
• the side wall of the positioning part is configured to cooperate with the cap, and more particularly with the side skirt of the cap.
• the positioning part has an insertion opening through which the cap can be inserted into the housing. reception, the insertion opening being delimited internally at least in part by a frustoconical surface which converges towards the bottom of the positioning part.
• the sampling head comprises a biasing device configured to urge the cap of the container outside the receiving housing, when the sampling head is moved to the inactive position.
• the biasing device is arranged in the reception housing.
• the biasing device comprises a support member which is configured to bear against the cap of the container and which is movably mounted in the receiving housing between a protective position in which the needles sampling and venting are located set back from the support member and a retracted position in which the sampling and venting needles protrude from the support member, and an element biasing, such as a coil spring, configured to bias the support member towards the protection position.
• the cap of the container is configured to move the support member from the protection position to the retracted position when the receiving part is moved from the first position to the second position.
• the support member is located near the insertion opening when the support member occupies the protective position, and is located at a distance from the opening d insertion when the support member occupies the retracted position.
• the positioning part comprises an abutment surface against which the support member abuts when the support member is in the protection position.
• the abutment surface is configured to limit the travel path of the support member towards the insertion opening.
• the sampling head and for example the positioning part, is configured to exert pressure on the annular sealing rib of the closure member, and in particular to compress the rib. annular seal, when the sampling head occupies the sampling position and the container is received in the receiving location.
• the sampling device comprises an air filter which is located upstream of the breather needle and which is configured to filter the air intended to flow through the vent needle.
• the sampling head comprises a gripping portion, such as a gripping handle, so as to allow manual movement of the sampling head between the inactive position and the sampling position.
• the sampling device comprises a biasing element configured to urge the sampling head towards the inactive position.
• the sampling device comprises at least one container according to the present invention.
• the sampling device comprises a plurality of receiving parts each comprising a receiving location configured to receive a receptacle for respective reagent product.
• the sampling device comprises a plurality of sampling heads each configured to take at least part of the contents of a receptacle received in a reception location of a respective reception part.
• FIG. 1 is a view in longitudinal section of a container for a reagent product according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 2 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the container of Figure 1.
• Figure 3 is a top view of the container of Figure 1.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sampling device according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sampling device of FIG. 4 showing a sampling head in an inactive position.
• FIG. 6 is a view in longitudinal section of the sampling device of FIG. 4 showing a sampling head in an intermediate position.
• FIG. 7 is a view in longitudinal section of the sampling device of FIG. 4 showing a sampling head in a sampling position.
• FIG. 8 is a partial view in longitudinal section of the sampling device of FIG. 4 showing a sampling head in the sampling position.
• FIG. 9 is a view in longitudinal section of a container for a reagent product according to a second embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view from above of the container of FIG. 9.
• Figure 11 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the container of Figure 9.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sampling device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 13 is a partial view in longitudinal section of the sampling device of FIG. 12 showing a sampling head respectively in the inactive position and the sampling position.
• FIG. 14 is a cutaway perspective view of the sampling device of FIG. 12 showing a sampling head in the sampling position.
• FIG. 15 is a partial view in longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, of the sampling device of FIG. 12 showing a sampling head in the sampling position.
• FIGS. 1 to 3 represent a container 2 for a reactive product, and in particular for a liquid reactive product, according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• the container 2 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is a bottle for reagent product and has a capacity of less than 300 ml, and can for example have a capacity of 50 ml or 250 ml.
• Such a container 2 can in particular be used to contain a reactive product, the quantity of which required per test is approximately 250 ⁇ l or less.
• the container 2 comprises a container body 3 comprising a neck 4 delimiting a neck opening 5.
• the container body 3 may for example be made of plastic.
• the container 2 also comprises a closure member 6 which is advantageously in one piece, and which may for example be made of elastomer.
• the closure member 6 comprises a perforable closure membrane 7 which seals off the neck opening 5.
• the perforable closure membrane 7 has the general shape of a disc, and is generally flat.
• the perforable sealing membrane 7 comprises a first face 7.1 oriented towards the inside of the container body 3 and a second face 7.2 opposite to the first face 7.1.
• the perforable closure membrane 7 comprises a peripheral mounting portion 8 which is mounted in a sealed manner on the neck 4 of the container body 3.
• the mounting portion peripheral 8 may for example include an annular mounting groove 9 in which the neck of the neck 4 is fixed.
• the closure member 6 further comprises a tubular mounting portion 10 which is located in the container body 3 and which extends from the first face 7.1 of the perforable closure membrane 7.
• the mounting portion tubular 10 extends more particularly from a central portion 11 of the puncturable closure membrane 7 and along an axis of extension A which is substantially parallel to a central axis of the neck 4 of the container body 3. So advantageously, the axis of extension A of the tubular mounting part 10 coincides with the central axis of the neck 4.
• the tubular mounting part 10 delimits an internal channel 12, the end of which turned towards the perforable closure membrane 7 is sealed off by the central portion 11 of the perforable closure membrane 7.
• the container 2 further comprises a suction tube 13 comprising a first end portion 13.1 fixed to the tubular mounting part 10, and more particularly fixed in the internal channel 12 delimited by the tubular mounting part 10, and a second end portion 13.2 extending close to the bottom 14 of the container body 3.
• the suction tube 13 is thus fluidly connected to the internal channel 12 delimited by the tubular mounting part 10.
• the container 2 further comprises a cap 15 which is fixed to the neck 4 of the container body 3, and which may for example be made of rigid plastic.
• the cap 15 is separate from the closure member 6 and partially covers the perforable closure membrane 7.
• the cap 15 is configured to exert pressure on the perforable sealing membrane 7, and in particular for compressing the perforable sealing membrane 7, so as to produce a fluid-tight assembly of the perforable sealing membrane 7 on the neck 4 of the container body 3.
• the cap 15 comprises a bottom wall 16 and a side skirt 17 extending from the bottom wall 16.
• the internal surface of the side skirt 17 comprises a first fastening element 18. , such as an annular fixing rib, configured to cooperate by snap-fastening with a second fixing element 19, such as an annular fixing groove, provided on an outer surface of the neck 4 of the container body 3.
• a second fixing element 19 such as an annular fixing groove
• the bottom wall 16 of the cap 15 bears against the second face 7.2 of the perforable sealing membrane 7.
• the cap 15 comprises in particular a passage opening 20 which is provided on the bottom wall 16 and which is located opposite the central portion 11 of the perforable sealing membrane 7.
• the central portion 11 of the perforable sealing membrane 7 comprises a first portion of membrane 11.1 from which extends the tubular mounting portion 10, and a second portion of membrane 11.2 which extends around the first portion of membrane 11.1.
• the first and second membrane portions 11.1, 11.2 can for example be concentric.
• the passage opening 20 is more particularly configured so as to allow the penetration of a sampling needle through the first portion of membrane 11.1 and into the internal channel 12 of the tubular mounting part 10, and so as to allow the penetration of a vent needle through the second membrane portion 11.2 and into an annular volume delimited by the neck 4 of the container body 3 and the tubular mounting part 10.
• the opening of passage 20 is circular, and is closed, preferably in a sealed manner, by the central portion 11 of the perforable sealing membrane 7.
• the passage opening 20 and the tubular mounting part 10 extend coaxially, and the central part of the perforable sealing membrane 7 is located downstream of the opening of the tube. passage 20 with respect to the direction of insertion of a sampling needle through the puncturable closure membrane 7.
• Figures 4 to 8 show a sampling device 21 according to a first embodiment of the invention which is configured to receive a plurality of containers 2 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3.
• the sampling device 21 can for example, equipping an analysis device for in vitro diagnostics.
• the sampling device 21 comprises a frame 22, and a plurality of receiving parts 23 which each have a receiving location 24 configured to receive a respective container 2.
• Each reception location 24 is advantageously open upwards.
• the sampling device 21 comprises a first set of receiving parts comprising several receiving parts 23, for example four, which are arranged adjacent to each other, and a second set of receiving parts comprising several receiving parts 23, for example four, which are arranged adjacent to each other.
• Each receiving part 23 is slidably mounted relative to the frame 22 in a sliding direction DI and between a first position (see FIG.
• each receiving part 23 is substantially rectilinear.
• Each receiving part 23 may for example comprise a guide element 25, such as a guide rod, slidably mounted in a respective guide slot 26 provided on the frame 22 and extending in the sliding direction Dl.
• the sampling device 21 further comprises a plurality of sampling heads 27 each associated with a respective receiving part 23, and each configured to take at least part of the contents of a respective container 2 received in the receiving location 24. respective.
• each sampling head 27 is disposed above the respective receiving part 23.
• Each sampling head 27 comprises a sampling needle 28 and a venting needle 29.
• Each sampling head 27 is more particularly mounted to pivot with respect to the frame 22 about a pivot axis B and between an inactive position (see figure 5) in which the respective receiving part 23 is in the first position and the picking head 27 is located at a distance from the cap 15 of the container 2 received in the respective receiving location 24, and a picking position (see Fig. 7) wherein the respective receiving portion 23 is in the second position and the sampling needle 28 and the venting needle 29 of said sampling head 27 are configured to extend to through the perforable sealing membrane 7 of the container 2 received in the respective receiving location 24.
• the sliding direction D1 of each receiving part 23 extends transversely, and for example substantially perpendicularly, to the pivot axis B of the respective sampling head 27.
• the sampling needle 28 of each sampling head 27 is more particularly configured to perforate the punctureable sealing membrane 7 of the respective container 2 and to extend into the internal channel 12 of the tubular mounting portion 10 of the respective container 2. when said sampling head 27 is in the sampling position, and the venting needle 28 of each sampling head 27 is more particularly configured to perforate the perforable sealing membrane 7 of the respective container 2 and to open into the container body 3 of the container 2 respective when said picking head 27 is in the picking position.
• the sampling needle 27 of each sampling head 27 is also configured to extend partially into the first end portion 13.1 of the suction tube 13 of the respective container 2 when the respective sampling head 27 is in the sampling position, and the venting needle 28 of each sampling head 27 is configured to extend partially into the annular volume delimited by the neck 4 of the respective container 2 and the tubular mounting portion 10 respective when the respective picking head 27 is in the picking position.
• each picking head 27 is mechanically connected to the respective receiving part 23 such that a displacement of the respective receiving part 23 from the first position to the second position automatically and mechanically causes a movement of said picking head 27 from the inactive position to the picking position, and such that a movement of the respective receiving part 23 from the second position to the first position automatically and mechanically causes a displacement of said sampling head 27 from the sampling position to the inactive position.
• Such a configuration of the sampling device 21 makes it possible to greatly simplify the manual operations to be carried out by a user of the sampling device 21, while simplifying the operation of the sampling device 21. These arrangements ensure great ergonomics for the user and great reliability. to the sampling device 21.
• each receiving part 23 is slidably mounted on the respective sampling head 27 in a direction of movement D2 which extends transversely, and preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the pivot axis B of the sampling head 27 respective.
• each sampling head 27 comprises a positioning part 31 configured to cover, and more particularly to cover, the cap 15 of a container 2 received in the respective receiving location 24 and to cooperate with said cap 15, so as to position said cap 15 in a predetermined position with respect to the respective sampling needle 28 and the respective venting needle 29.
• Each positioning portion 31 is more particularly configured to align the respective picking needle 28 with the tubular mounting portion 10 of the container 2 received in the respective receiving location 24 when the respective picking head 27 occupies the picking position.
• each positioning part 31 comprises a bottom 32 and a side wall 33 which delimit a receiving housing 34 which is open downwards.
• the sampling needle 28 and the venting needle 29 of each sampling head 27 extend through the bottom 32 of the respective positioning portion 31 and protrude into the respective receiving housing 34.
• each positioning part 31 is configured to cooperate with the side skirt 17 of the cap 15 of the container 2 received in the respective receiving part 23 when the respective sampling head 27 occupies the sampling position, and each receiving housing 33 is configured to at least partially house the cap of the received container in the respective receiving location when the respective picking head occupies the picking position.
• Each positioning part 31 more particularly has an insertion opening 35 through which the cap 15 of the respective container 2 can be inserted into the respective receiving housing 34.
• each insertion opening 35 is delimited internally at least in part by a frustoconical surface which converges towards the bottom 32 of the respective positioning part 31.
• Each picking head 27 also includes a biasing device 36 configured to bias the cap 15 of the respective container 2 outside the respective receiving housing 34, when said picking head 27 is moved to the inactive position.
• each device bias 36 is arranged in the receiving housing 34 of the respective cover portion 31.
• each biasing device 36 comprises a support member 37 which is slidably mounted in the respective receiving housing 34 between a protective position in which the sampling and placing needles air 28, 29 respective are located set back from the support member 37 and a retracted position in which the sampling and venting needles 28, 29 respective protrude from the support member 27, and a biasing element 38, such as a coil spring, configured to bias the support member 37 towards the protection position.
• a biasing element 38 such as a coil spring
• each support member 37 is configured to bear against the cap 15 of the container 2 received in the respective receiving part 23 when said receiving part 23 is moved from the first position to the second position, and each member support 37 is configured to be moved from the protective position to the retracted position by said cap 15 when the respective receiving part 23 is moved from the first position to the second position.
• each sampling head 27 is equipped with such a biasing device 36 makes it possible to avoid any risk of a user coming into contact with the sampling and venting needles 27, 28 of the various sampling heads. 27, and therefore any risk of injury to the user.
• each support member 37 is located near the respective insertion opening 35 when the support member 37 occupies the protective position, and is located distance from the respective insertion opening 35 when the support member 37 occupies the retracted position.
• each positioning part 31 comprises a stop surface 39 against which the respective support member 37 abuts when said support member 37 is in the protection position.
• the sampling device 21 further comprises a plurality of air filters 41 each associated with a respective sampling head 27.
• Each air filter 41 is located upstream of the vent needle 29 of the respective sampling head 27 and is configured to filter the air intended to flow through the vent needle. respective air 29 so as to avoid contamination of the contents of the respective container 2 when withdrawing part of its contents using the respective sampling needle 28.
• each air filter 41 is fluidly connected to the respective vent needle 29 by an air flow duct 42.
• FIGS. 9 to 11 represent a container 2 for a reagent product according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
• cap 15 and the closure member 6 are produced by overmolding and in that the central part of the perforable closure membrane 7 is located upstream of the passage opening 20 relative to the direction of insertion of a sampling needle through the membrane d perforable seal 7.
• the cap 15 is removably attached to the neck 4 of the container body 3, and the first fixing member 18 has an internal thread provided on the internal surface of the skirt.
• side 17, and the second fixing element 19 comprises an external thread which is provided on the external surface of the neck 4 of the container body 3 and which is configured to cooperate by screwing with the internal thread provided on the side skirt 17.
• the perforable closure membrane 7 covers the passage opening 20 in a fluid-tight manner, and the closure member 6 comprises an annular sealing rib 43 s. 'extending over the second face 7.2 of the perforable sealing membrane 7.
• the annular sealing rib 43 and the tubular mounting portion 10 extend substantially coaxially.
• the container 2 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 is a container for a reactive product and has a capacity greater than 2 L, and can for example have a capacity of approximately 9 L.
• a container 2 can in particular be used to contain a product.
• reagent in which the quantity required per test is approximately 20 ml.
• Such a container 2 can for example contain a dilution solution or a washing solution.
• FIGS. 12 to 15 represent a sampling device 21 according to a second embodiment of the invention which is configured to receive a plurality of containers 2 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, and which differs from the collecting device.
• sampling 21 shown in Figures 4 to 8 essentially in that each receiving part 23 is fixed relative to the frame 22, and in that each the positioning part 31 of each sampling head 27 is configured to exert pressure on the annular sealing rib 43 of the closure member of the container 2 received in the respective receiving part 23, when the respective sampling head 27 occupies the sampling position.
• each sampling head 27 of the second embodiment of the sampling device 21 comprises a gripping handle 44 so as to allow manual movement of said sampling head 27 between the inactive position and the sampling position, and each air filter 41 is housed in the respective sampling head 27.
• one or more of the receptacles 2 received in the sampling device 21 shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 are used receptacles 2, that is to say which have been previously emptied of their contents, and are intended to contain used washing solutions or any other liquid waste. Due to the presence of the puncturable sealing membrane on each container according to the present invention, such a container can be safely converted into a transportable waste container. Indeed, although the puncturable closure membrane of such a container has been previously perforated by a sampling needle and an air vent needle, the intrinsic properties of the perforable closure membrane allow it to be “ reclose ”sufficiently tightly, especially if the punctureable sealing membrane is made of a so-called self-healing elastomer. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 15, two of the containers 2 contain reagents and two of the containers 2 are used containers.
• the invention is not limited to the only embodiments of this container 2 and of this sampling device 21, described above by way of example, it embraces on the contrary all the variants thereof. production.

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• 2019
  • 2019-09-20 FR FR1910391A patent/FR3101147B1/fr active Active
• 2020
  • 2020-07-08 WO PCT/FR2020/051214 patent/WO2021053276A1/fr unknown
  • 2020-07-08 EP EP20750329.3A patent/EP4031283A1/de active Pending
  • 2020-07-08 AU AU2020347895A patent/AU2020347895A1/en active Pending
  • 2020-07-08 JP JP2022517715A patent/JP2022548934A/ja active Pending
  • 2020-07-08 BR BR112022005111A patent/BR112022005111A2/pt unknown
  • 2020-07-08 CN CN202080062901.7A patent/CN114340795A/zh active Pending
  • 2020-07-08 CA CA3151067A patent/CA3151067A1/fr active Pending
  • 2020-07-08 KR KR1020227011904A patent/KR20220066092A/ko active Search and Examination
  • 2020-07-08 MX MX2022003416A patent/MX2022003416A/es unknown
  • 2020-07-08 US US17/639,307 patent/US20220314225A1/en active Pending

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