WO2019091961A1

WO2019091961A1 - Testing method and testing system

Info

Publication number: WO2019091961A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/080291
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Wild; Lothar Müller
Original assignee: Ma Micro Automation Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-11-09
Filing date: 2018-11-06
Publication date: 2019-05-16
Also published as: DE102017126277B3

Abstract

The invention relates to methods for assessing distortion of an elongated instrument part such as a pipette tip by means of a testing device, and to such a testing device, wherein the instrument part is held on a holder of the device and is aligned, wherein, by means of a measuring unit of the testing device, distortion of the instrument part is measured as a positional deviation of a predetermined region of the instrument part from a predefined target position of said region in a distortion-free instrument part. According to the invention, the instrument part is pressed against the instrument part holder of the testing device by means of a pressing unit of the testing device by using the application of force, and the measurement of the positional deviation for determining the distortion of the instrument part is carried out after the instrument part has been pressed against the instrument part holder with a contact pressure from the pressing unit.

Description

Test method and test device

The invention relates to a method for assessing the delay of an elongated instrument part such as a pipette tip and a test device for carrying out the method.

A distortion of an elongated instrument part often significantly impairs the use of the same or the instrument part with the instrument part and is often absolutely necessary for a quality control of the instrument part. Thus, it is necessary for example at pipettes ^¬ pointed that this may only have a relatively small delay in the longitudinal direction, so only a slight deviation from the linear nominal shape. Such pipette tips are used, for example, in the field of medical technology in automatic pipettes, wherein the medium applied by the pipette medium is applied as exactly as possible at the application site, for example in the center of the recess of a microtetra plate. Even relatively small deviations from the predetermined application site can distort the results of the experiment conducted by ^¬ or lead to an undesirable scattering of the experimental results under certain circumstances. Furthermore, an undesirable delay pipette can also quantity dosage of metered medium beeinflus ^¬ sen circumstances. Especially in the field of medical technology are therefore only comparatively small tolerances with respect to the geo ^¬ metrical design of the instrument part as a Pipet ^¬ tenspitze allowed, but partly also in other technical ^¬ ranges rule.

On the other hand, it is usually desirable for generic testing that these can be carried out with only comparatively low expenditure on equipment but at the same time also fast, accurately and with high reproducibility. This is particularly desired in automated test methods in the context of industrial manufacturing processes.

From EP 2913107 AI a method for assessing a pipette tip delay is known in which the delay is detected by means of image data. Here will be detected with respect to a pipette tip group having a plurality of pipettes ^¬ acute first and second image data of the pipette tip ends and pipette tip inlet openings, the view directions of the first and second image capture are medium opposite to each other, and wherein on the basis of the deviation amounts of the Pipettenspitzenauslassöffnungen an average of the Variance is determined. On the one hand, this ^method is very complex in terms of apparatus since separate first and second image capturing means are required. Furthermore, the determination of the target position of the pipette tip outlet openings by means of the second image capture means aligned with the inlet opening of the upper pipette tip end has in practice proven to be partially difficult or error-prone. Thus the tolerances in determining the desired position of the pipette tip with the second image capturing means and the tolerances of the determination of the actual position by means of the first Bilderfassungsmit ^¬ tel overlap each other, which leadership to inaccuracies in the determination of the actual deviation of the pipette tip delay ren can. Furthermore, inaccuracies of the holder lead the Pipette tip at derem inlet end that the second image capture means not reliably detect the desired position and the pipette tip is considered an exclusion or the measurement process is much more difficult.

The difficulty of determining the distortion of the elongated instrument part is enhanced if it consists of a dark, in particular black material, since then the boundary edges of different sections of the instruments instrument part are difficult to see visually due to lack of contrast or difficult to detect by means of image acquisition means.

The invention is therefore based on the object, a reliably transmitting measurement method for the delay of elongated instrument parts such as in particular the pipette tips provide bereitzu ^¬, the method is fast and reliable and can be carried out with little effort in relation to the required for this test ^¬ device. Furthermore, the object is to provide a test device suitable for carrying out the method.

The object is achieved by the method and the test apparatus according to the independent claims 1 and 10, wherein advantageous developments each result from the dependent claims. Generally, the testing device to be appropriate to carry out the process facilities, so that was taken in relation to the constructive Ausgestal ^¬ processing of the testing device on the comments on the implementation of the method according to reference.

According to the invention, the method is carried out such that the instrument part by means of a pressing device, preferably a pressing device of the test device, with application of force against the instrument part holder of Testing is pressed orrichtung and that said Mes ^¬ solution of the positional deviation for determining the delay of the instrument part is given after the instrument portion was pressed with a pressing force or a pressing force of the Anpressein- direction against the tool part holder, preferably while the instrument part with a Anpress ^¬ pressure or a pressing force of the pressing device is pressed against the instrument part holder. By the inventive method, a particularly well-defined position of the instrument part to the holder of the test apparatus is effected thus by mechanical ^¬ African force application, so that then it may be that arranged in a defined seat on the bracket instrument part of the measurement unterzo- or characteristics is. As part of the invention has been found that in this way and the distortion of the instru ^¬ ment partly determined particularly reliable and low Fehlerto ^¬ leranz as well as with high reproducibility who can ^¬. As a result, the rejects of material can also be significantly reduced since incorrect measurements of the distortion of the respective instrument part due to a non-exact fit of the same on the holder are minimized.

In the course of the invention, it has been found that also the area of the instrument part (ie the holding area thereof) received in the holder can have a certain distortion or certain irregularities of the shape in deviation from an ideal instrument part (without such deviations from the desired shape). These deviations of the desired shape, for example, a certain distortion of the instrument part in the longitudinal direction is, make ^¬ so that the holding area so different from the linear nominal shape. These deviations may, however, also represent, for example, local bulges at the holding area of the instrument part or certain changes in the cross section of the instrument part. sectional shape, for example, a non-round, such as oval cross-sectional shape instead of a circular cross-section according to the desired shape of the holding portion of In ^¬ strumententeils, or, for example, a relation to the desired shape enlarged cross section or diameter and the like. These deviations from the nominal shape can cause the instrument does not occupy part without the previously applied Anpress ^¬ force by the pressing its desired location on the holder during the measurement. However, this is counteracted according to the invention by the pressing force exerted on the instrument part by means of the pressing device before and / or during the measuring process, resulting in the mentioned advantages of the method according to the invention. The same occurs when the instrument part is first tilted received by the holder, then according to the invention the tilt is canceled by pressing the instrument part against the holder and the instrument part is pressed into its desired position. Is the instrument part is inserted into the holder, for example. Jammed or the instrument part is plastically deformed by the pressing ^¬ pressure or the pressing force or it ^¬ sufficiently slowly followed by the provision of an elastically deformed instrument part, it may already be suffi ^¬ accordingly, the instrument part only press against the holder before measuring to achieve the stated advantages.

The inventive method is thus particularly advantageous way at ^¬ instrument parts applicable, which are plastically or elastically deformable, so that, by the pressing force of the holding portion of the instrument part, the mounting of the test apparatus adapts. The instrument part is thus preferably plastically or elastically deformable under the pressing force of the pressing device. In particular, the method may be used for instrument parts made of a plastic material. al be used. In particular, the inventive method may in manufactured by injection molding or extrusion processes instrument parts to be applied (especially plastic parts) in which the result of the shrinkage of the instrument part during its cooling to Raumtem ^¬ temperature and / or due to tolerances or inaccuracies in the manufacturing variations of the actual from Target shape of the instrument part can result. Said elasti ^¬ cal or plastic deformation in the holding area of the home be strumententeils or the entire instrument part gege ben ^¬.

Furthermore, the inventive method and the dung OF INVENTION ^¬ proper testing are orrichtung particularly suitable to reliably detect even the delay of dark, especially black, Instrumententei ^¬ len or identify.

Within the scope of the invention is generally of the "holding portion" of the instrument part understood as the holding portion of the instrument part to the holder of the test apparatus. As the "fastening region" of the instrument part is generally the area for mounting the instrument part understood at the Instru ^¬ element, say for example. In a Pipette. As "elongated instrument part" in the sense of OF INVENTION ^¬ dung is understood in particular, in which the length of the tool part is greater than / equal to a factor of 3 or greater than / equal to the factor of 5 or greater than / equal to 10 times the outer diameter of the instrument part corresponds such speaks without being limited thereto.

Generally in the context of the invention is, instead of a "contact pressure", in particular a "predetermined Anpressdru ^¬ ckes" corresponding to "pre-defined contact force" is also a "contact force" or understood. The instruments ^¬ part is particularly preferred in the process is pressed in the shaft longitudinal direction of a shank of the tool member against the tool holder of the test apparatus, so that the said measurement of the positional deviation for the determination of the delay may be carried out after this pressing or during the pressing of the instrument part to the support or is carried out. The shaft ^¬ length may be greater than / equal to correspond to greater than / equal to the factor of 5 or greater than / equal to 10 times the outer diameter of the instrument portion by a factor of 3 or, without being limited thereto be ^¬. The shaft may be a hollow shaft, wel ^¬ cher can easily forgiven. In particular, the

Shank straight in its desired shape.

Particularly preferably, the instrument part is pressed during the measuring operation by means of the pressing against the instrument holder part with a contact pressure or a contact force, so that during the measuring process a secure and precise defined seat of the instrument part is secured to the holder, especially if the pressed-on instrument part restoring forces exerts the pressure, which could change the exact seat. Preferably, the instrument part, upon initiation of and during the entire measurement procedure is pressed by means of at ^¬ pressing means against the instrument panel fixture with a contact pressure, or a pressing force whereby the method is particularly reliable. Preferably, the measuring process is checked over ^¬ that the instrument part is pushed by means of the Anpressein ^¬ device with a predefined contact pressure or predefined pressing force against the instrument panel fixture, before the measurement is enabled or carried demonstrates implementation. The check is preferably carried out by means of a measuring sensor, which measures the contact pressure or the contact pressure of the instrument part against the holder, so that the compliance of the contact pressure or the contact force determined independently of other process parameters and the method is particularly reliable. ^{Alternatively,} it is also possible to use a pressing device configured in this way, which displays the contact pressure or pressing force exerted by the latter on the instrument part, for example on the basis of a measurement of this contact pressure or of this contact pressure or merely on the basis of the setpoint value of the contact pressure device being set. However, this has proven to be less reliable and less reproducible since the abovementioned pressing force or contact pressure against the holder is not measured directly, as a result of which other influencing factors which can influence the accuracy of the method implementation and reproducibility can be excluded. The triggering of the measuring process can then generally occur when the check is positive in fulfillment of the desired size of the contact pressure. If appropriate, the check may additionally or alternatively be performed during and / or after the end of the measuring procedure. For verification purposes, the display or control described below may be used. In general, for example, the contact pressure or the contact pressure of the instrument part against the holder can also be generated by placing a weight on the instrument part which presses it against the holder.

Preferably, the method for carrying out the ver ^¬ applied measuring device or a display controller, wherein in dependence on the pressure or the pressing force of the pressing means against the instrument part, the measuring device for carrying out a measuring process freige- or activated to perform a measurement. This can ensure that, before and / or the instrument part experiences the vorbestimm ^¬ th contact pressure or contact pressure during the measuring process, wherein the measure- ment eg. By means of the display can be performed manually or automatically by means of the control.

Preferably is provided by the contact pressure or contact pressure of the Anpressein- direction against the tool part by means of a signal ^¬ transmission device of the testing device used by the signal transmission device a signal to the measuring device or to the control for executing the method in Depending ^¬ ness, wherein the measurement of the delay performed the instrument part, or the measurement device for carrying out such a measurement is activated when the measuring device of the Signalübertra ^¬ restriction device receives such a signal. In this way, it is ensured that the instrument part is pressed against the holder with an ^outgoing , preferably a predetermined, contact pressure or pressing force of the pressing device when the delay is measured by means of the measuring device. The activation of the measuring device on the basis of said signal reception means that the measurement process can be triggered itself independently of the time of signal reception, for example, manually or by means of ei ^¬ ner measurement with a certain, preferably predetermined, time delay from the time of signal reception. ^{Alternatively} , the measurement process of the delay can be carried out directly, for example, automatically, if the measuring device receives said signal from the signal transmission device. Said signal reception can be displayed by a ent ^¬ speaking display of the testing device, for example one, including a display of a data processing unit the direction of the optical measuring device and / or audible indication. The inventive method can thus also be automated as part of the industrial manufacturing process of the instrument part or be carried out using a ^¬ of individual samples. According to a variant, the method is preferably such out from ^¬ that the signal transmission means transmits a signal to the measurement device or the control for activating or performing a measuring process, if the pressing with a predetermined pressure or a predetermined pressure force presses the instrument part opposite the holder, For example, with a predetermined constant setpoint. The pressure or pressing force or the corresponding predetermined target value may be determined in depen ^¬ dependence of the formation of this instrument part, in particular depending on the shape of shape and / or plastic and / or elastic properties. This ensures a secure fit of the instrument part during the measuring process. For example, the setpoint value can be determined empirically, for example by examining whether there are effects on the accuracy of the measurement of the distortion of a given group of instrument parts by means of the method according to the invention for a given series of contact pressure actual values or contact force actual values of different sizes. wherein the actual distortion of the individual instrument parts of the group is measured by another measuring method, for example by means of a mechanical scanning device - possibly with prior calibration of the measuring device by means of a distortion-free instrument part as standard, as described below. The contact pressure of the instrument part against the holder can be, for example, in the range of 0.25-20 N or up to 10 N, preferably 1-5 N, in particular in the range of 2-3 N, without being limited thereto. This has proven to be particularly preferred for many applications, especially when instrument parts from a plastically or elastically deformable plastic material. The contact pressure of the instrument part against the holder can result from the abovementioned pressing force, wherein the area to be used for determining the pressure is the cross-sectional area of the instrument part whose boundary is pressed against the holder.

According to an alternative, the measuring method can be carried out in such a way that the signal transmission device sends a signal to the measuring device when the pressing device presses the instrument part against the holder as a function of a changing contact pressure or changing contact pressure and thereby changes the position of a predefined area of the instrument part Depending on the contact pressure or contact force of a predetermined characteristic follows. Said pre-defined region of the instrument part can in this case in particular of the Hal ^¬ esterification its opposite end region of the tool part, in particular the opposite of the mounting end of the instrument part, for example in the case of Pipet ^¬ tenspitze the region of the outlet opening thereof, or the outlet or the outlet opening of the pipette tip but For example, an inlet opening such as pipette tip inlet opening, the attachment area of the instrument part or the like. The same applies to other instrument parts, in particular those with an outlet end to a Endbe ^¬ rich same. Thus, it has been found in the course of the invention that different contact pressures or forces are required depending on the extent of the delay of an instrument part of the desired shape to position the Instru ^¬ ment part in its desired position for the measurement on the holding ^¬ tion. At a given deformability of the instrument part is, for example, only a small delay of the holding portion of the instrument part given to the test ^¬ device, it is only a smaller pressing force or contact pressure required to position this orrichtung in its predefined desired position on the holder of the test. In stronger delay a higher Anpress ^¬ force or contact pressure of the pressing device is required. If the instrument part found its desired position on the support under the action of the pressing force or the pressing pressure of the pressing device, so the position of the instrument part to the bracket no longer changes and the ge ^¬ called characteristic curve follows a plateau. Such carrying out the method thus indicates both that from ^¬ measure of the delay of the instrument part is provided at the holding portion, which can provide valuable information about the quality of the instrument or part of the manufacturing process for quality assurance.

Preferably, the instrument part is used to measure the delay ^¬ in a holder of the test apparatus, which holds without the action of the pressing on the instrument part this backlash in the holder, preferably laterally backlash, particularly preferably allowing a change in position of the instrument part in the longitudinal direction opposite the holder, eg. Against the direction of gravity. Preferably, the instrument part is in this case in all directions perpendicular supported for its longitudinal direction free from play in the holder, to which the Hal ^¬ esterification may surround the instrument part fully, preferably under more fully engagement therewith, whereby even in a delay of the holding portion of the Instru ^¬ management part is under the action of the contact force or the contact pressure results in a well-defined positioning of the In ^¬ strumententeils on the holder.

Preferably, without the action of the pressing device on the instrument part, it is held in the holder in a form-fitting, particularly preferably exclusively form-locking manner. tert. Subsequent to the positive retention of the instrument part in the holder, the instrument part is then pressed by means of the pressing device against the holder. This makes it possible by means of the application of force to the instrument part by the pressing device an a ^¬ times and rapid positioning of the tool part to the support, wherein the seat of the instrument part to the holder during the measurement of delay through the Anpres ^¬ sen of the pressing device to the instrument part defined in a this Position is transferred, in which a possible delay of the holding portion of the instrument part due to the pressing of the pressing device is at least partially or completely counteracted. Furthermore, up to the possible distortion of the instrument part, this does not counteract the contact pressure or the contact pressure of the pressing device against the instrument part, and thus achieves a particularly defined holder for the measurement. Furthermore, this allows the instrument part to be placed on the bracket simply loose in this and is then transferred by the said contact pressure or contact force in its defined desired position and / or fixed in this.

The holding region of the instrument part is preferably arranged on the holder at an end region of the instrument part, which can be opposite the end region of the instrument part whose positional deviation from the desired position of the instrument part is measured by means of a position detection device, in particular an image capture device. Preferably, the holding area of the instru ment ^¬ partly on the holder of the testing apparatus in the area of the attachment region of the instrument part to Festle ^¬ supply the same to the associated instrument is given, for example. Adjacent thereto. This allows the instrument part to be aligned precisely and predefined during the measurement. so that the distortion with low measurement tolerance and particularly reproducible measurable. Said fastening ^¬ area usually also has an increased mechanical Stabili ^¬ ty, so that the pressing is preferably pressed against the attachment region.

Particularly preferably, the method is carried out such that by means of the contact pressure or the contact pressure of the instrument part to the holder, the instrument part is pressed with a stop against the holder, whereby a particularly accurate positioning of the instrument part when pressing against the holder results. In this case, the instrument part can be pressed in the longitudinal direction by a certain extent in the holder by the contact pressure or the contact force until said stop of the instrument part comes to rest with the holder. As a result, a particularly well-defined seat of the instrument part is given during the measurement process. A derarti ^¬ ger stop of the instrument part, for example, represent a portion of the mounting portion of the instrument part of the associated instrument, such as an annular flange of the instrument part, with which this is fixed to the instrument. Preferably, according to the inventive method, the instrument part loosely inserted into the holder of the test device and secured in the direction of gravity or in a longitudinal direction of the instrument part of this, including, for example, the holding portion of the instrument part has a larger diameter than the receptacle of the holder for the instrument part, wherein subsequently is pressed against one of the ^¬ like arrangement of the instrument part of this by means of the pressing device against the holder. As a result, a simple assembly of the holder with the instrument parts is given and by the subsequent Ein- Effect of Anpresseinrichtung to the instrument parts with force applied against the holder a predetermined and defined seat of the instrument parts realized on the holder, whereby the subsequent measurement of the delay of the instrument parts can be performed particularly reliable and reproducible ^¬ bar.

The instrument part is particularly preferably used in an esterification Hal ^¬ which strumententeils this or a shaft of the home at two spaced in longitudinal direction of the

Shank complained holding areas holds. As a result, even with loose, ie without force applied by the pressing device, inserted into the holder part of the instrument a preferred orientation of the instrument part under positive, particularly preferably exclusively form-fitting, holding the instrument part in the holding ^¬ tion given. When pressure application of the pressing device against the instrument part of this is then transferred to its desired position in the holder in order to perform the measuring process, with the two holding areas also at

Pressure is maintained the orientation in the preferred direction. The two spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the shaft holding portions of the holder thus each preferably have a cross section, which is adapted to the cross section of a distortion-free instrument part in the respective holding area to laterally backlash in a predefined direction to support the respective holding area. By arranging the holding portions to each other, which are preferably arranged coaxially with each other reasonable, then at the same time takes place the defined Reg ^¬ tung the instrument part to the mount. Generally in the present invention is preferably accomplished by pressing the part against the tool holder of this centered in the Hal ^¬ esterification, for example. In a conical or tapered in the longitudinal direction of the part holding portion of the instru- tenteils and correspondingly trained holding ^¬ approximate recording. Due to the two spaced apart holding areas also the total contact surface of the holder on the instrument part is comparatively small, so that even with a given contact pressure of the instrument part of the

Holding areas only relatively small deformation forces are exerted on the instrument part, even if, for example, a warped portion of the instrument part over a larger part of the longitudinal direction thereof extends. Also in this case, the instrument part must be adapted only over a comparatively small part of its Längserstre ^¬ ckung to the shape of the support holder receiving in order to carry out the measurement can, thereby further increasing the reliability of the measuring method according to the invention. Furthermore, this also makes the holder mount particularly easy to produce, in particular when the holding region of the instrument part extends over the longitudinal direction of the holder receptacle (which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument part accommodated in the holder), for example if the instrument part is conical or generally not in its holding region is formed cylindrically. Thus, the bracket jig can for this purpose be formed in ^¬ play of two perforated plates with different hole diameter, wherein the perforations are arranged coaxially with each other. If appropriate, more than two holding regions spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the shank can also be provided on the holder, particularly preferably exactly two. The distance of the two Haltebe ^¬ rich each other in Instrumententeillängsrichtung is preferably substantially smaller than the length of the instrument part, for example ^ 25% or <15%, preferably ^ 10% or <5% of the same or its shaft length.

According to a further variant, the holder of the measuring device for the instrument part may have a retaining pin, on which the instrument part is placed in order to align it during the measurement with respect to the position detection device, such as an image capture device. The retaining mandrel preferably engages in a recess of the instrument part, for example a passageway of the same, for example the passage channel of a pipette tip. Preferably, in the measurement is the instru ment ^¬ part positively and / or non-positively supported on the holding mandrel, particularly preferably only a form-fitting, apart from the pressing of the pressing part against the tool before and / or during the measurement of the delay. With respect to the formation of the holding mandrel the exporting ^¬ approximations can apply generally corresponding to the holder, in particular also to the arrangement of two spaced-apart in the longitudinal direction of the shank holding portions.

Further, an image capturing device is preferably used, whose optical axis during the measurement of warpage in parallel, preferably coaxially to the longitudinal axis, game as examples shank longitudinal axis of is oriented in the holder salaries ^¬ th instrument part. Thereby, the expenditure on apparatus of the respective test device is comparatively low and at the same time determined the delay of the instru ment ^¬ part with high accuracy and reproducibility. Furthermore, the image detection means and the pressing means can thus for pressing the tool member against the bracket to each other gegenüberlie ^¬ constricting end portions of the instrument part to be arranged so that the arrangement of the pressing device is not impeded at one end of the instrument portion by a possible second Bil ^¬ derfassungseinrichtung in this area.

An image capture device is particularly preferred in metrological terms and in relation to a production process of mass production. Generally, the measuring device can instead an image detection device also have a different position detection device which detects the actual position of the predetermined region of the instrument part in order to be able to determine the positional deviation from the predefined desired position with regard to a possible distortion. The position detection device can, for example, have a coordinate system, wherein the desired position of the predetermined region of the instrument part, such as, for example, a pipette tip, can lie in the origin of the coordinate system. The coordinate system can be, for example, an xy-coordinate system or another coordinate system with two or possibly more coordinates. The coordinates of the actual position of the predetermined area can be determined, for example, by suitable sensors or buttons, for example also by line sensors.

Further, the method includes that a distortion-free Instru ^¬ management part is provided, thus having no deviate ^¬ deviations from the desired shape of the instrument part and can therefore be used as a standard or the definition of the distortion-free zero point. This variant is also generally advantageous in a method or device according to the preambles of claims 1 and 10. The distortion ^¬ free tool part can thus a are to be examined using the instrument part for calibrating the measuring ^¬ means for determining the delay, preferably also the warping instrument part before and / or during the measurement of delay through the pressing device is pressed against the holder, so that the measurement of the distortion-free instrument part as a standard and the instrument parts whose distortion is to be determined are examined under the same measuring conditions. The used for calibration instru ^¬ ment part must be made not necessarily by the same manufacturing process ^¬ how to be examined in relation to the United ^¬ train instrument parts. It is understood that the calibration instrument part may be replaced by suitable chanical post-processing and measuring method with respect to its shape shape as for example by means of suitable scanning devices in its nominal form can be produced. The delay can then, for example, be determined as the distance of the position of the free end of the examined instrument part

(That is, the free end of the bracket further spaced) compared to the distortion-free standard, which may generally be considered in the context of the invention. Preferably, the in respect to the delay to investi ^¬ sponding instrument part a shaft, which it extends ^¬ over a larger part of the length of the instrument part, for example to> 25% or> 50% or> 75% or> 80% of Length of the same. The shaft may be formed as a hollow shaft, for example in the form of a

Pipette tip, possibly also as a solid shaft. The shank of the tool part may comprise a conical shape aufwei ^¬ sen or conical longitudinal sections, optionally also have a cylindrical or other shape. The delay can be true with respect to a free end of the shaft ^¬ be.

To carry out the measurement method, a test fixture with multiple holder can be used to measure a plurality of instrument parts simultaneously with respect to their distortion. The plurality of instrument parts can be mounted on the holder in the inventive method particularly simple and fast, for example. Loose or only a form-fitting, for example, force under or only with heavy before they are pressed by the pressing against the support, and then a ^¬ be measured individually or in groups. For this purpose, in the manner of a revolving mechanism, in each case a single, secured instrument part can be supplied to the pressing device, for example, in which the holder is so positioned. is changed, for example, moved in the longitudinal direction of a holder or the holder is rotated, that in each case a single held on the holder instrument part positioned on the measuring device and then the measuring operation is performed. Alternatively, when using the multi-compartment holder also several instrument parts at a time by an appropriately constituted measuring device with respect to the delay of the respective instrument part ver will measure ^¬, for example, by the fact that according to the number of the held on the holder tool parts to an equal number of image acquisition devices the measuring device is provided. The pressing device can in this case be designed in such a way that it applies force to a single or several or all of the instrument parts arranged on the holder and presses against the holder, for example at the same time or one after the other, for which purpose the pressing device can, for example, have a suitable stamp. The holder can in this case be variable in position is formed, for example. With a carriage, in each case to arrange a single instrument part from the group of a plurality of Tei ^¬ len to the image capture device for the measurement. For example, the pressing device may also be designed in the form or in the manner of a cam disk, said un ^¬ ter movement such as by rotation or translational tive movement of the cam disc in each case a single or a group of tool parts is pressed against the holder and with respect to this tool parts then the measuring process is carried out. In this way, the inventive method is in particular for a quality monitoring of the tool parts in the course of an industrial process suitable Her ^¬ position.

Furthermore, the inventive method is particularly geeig ^¬ net, to be integrated in an industrial production process for manufacturing position of the tool parts. In the A molding method such as injection molding ^¬ or extrusion process, manufactured instrument parts can be easily fed by conventional transport devices of the holder of the measuring device. The feeding can take place directly from the shaping device to the holder, or the instrument parts produced by the shaping method can first be collected in a collecting device and then singulated and fed to the measuring device by means of a suitable transport device, whereby this also applies to a group of Parts of the instrument can relate. Due to the fact that the instrument parts are only positively positioned in the holder before use of the pressing device, if necessary also comprising a multiple holder, the holder can be equipped particularly simply and quickly with the instrument parts. For example, for this purpose, the instrument parts can be supplied by means of a Verein¬ ^¬ lungseinrichtung under the action of gravity of the holder, for example by means of a simple slide, via which the instrument parts guided in the

Slide support and are held on this form-fitting, including acting on the instrument parts

May be sufficient gravity, preferably without or gegebe ^¬ appropriate, using additional positioning steps or positioning means for placing the instrument on the holder parts. Subsequent to the form-fitting arrangement of the instrument parts on the holder of the test device then the instrument parts can be pressed by means of the pressing against the holder and placed in its desired position to be measured by means of the measuring device with respect to the delay of the same.

The invention will be described below with reference to a Ausführungsbei ^¬ game. The features of the exemplary embodiment can also be used independently of one another or in combination with one another. be generally realized in the context of the invention.

1 shows a test device 1 according to the invention for assessing the distortion of an elongated instrument part 2 such as a pipette tip for carrying out the method according to the invention. Figure 2 shows the view ei ^¬ nes instrument part in the longitudinal direction with delay. The device 1 comprises a holder 3 for the tool part 2, by means of which the In ^¬ strumententeil is supported goes on these 2 with its longitudinal direction at least We ^¬ sentlichen along a predefined preferred direction of the device 1 can be aligned, for example. In the direction of gravity. The device 1 further has a measuring device 5 which measures the distortion of the instrument part as a positional deviation of a predetermined region of the holder part held in the holder 3 from a predefined desired position of this region with a distortion-free instrument part. The predetermined range, based on which the delay is measured, is in this example, the holder opposite free end of the instrument part, in the case of a pipette tip ^¬ the outlet or the outlet opening. The instru ^¬ ment part 2 in this case has a mounting portion 2a for attachment to the associated instrument such as a pipette and an elongated shaft 2b, which may represent a hollow shaft as in the case of a pipette tip, and thus an inlet opening 2c and at the free end 2d an ^¬ opening 2e. The instrument part or the elongated shaft 2b thereof may be in arrears, ie

Deviation from the rectilinear ideal shape, so that due to the distortion, the instrument part or its shaft, for example, arc-shaped. This distortion thus leads to the said position deviation A of the free end 2d to the ideal shape or to the longitudinal direction L (P) of the test device 1 or its holder 3, for example. In the form of a lateral position deviation, as shown in Fig. 2.

In order to measure the distortion of the instrument part arranged on the holder, a measuring device 5 is provided, which has an image capture device 6, such as a camera, with which the position of the free end 2d can be detected, or its lateral distance to the longitudinal axis of the instrument part with ideal shape, which in this case coincides with the longitudinal direction L (P) of the test device 1. The optical axis of the image capture device 6 is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis or the shaft longitudinal axis of the held in the holder 3 Instru ^¬ ment part 2 during the measurement of the delay. Optionally, however, also another position determining device for the free

End 2d be provided to determine the position deviation of the desired position.

According to the invention, the test device has a Anpressein- direction 7, by means of which the instrument part 2 with

Applying force in the longitudinal direction against the holder 3 can be pressed or is pressed to carry out the process. After or during the pressing of the instru ment ^¬ part 2 against the support 3 by means of the contact pressure device 7, the distortion of the instrument part gemes ^¬ sen. Is, for example, the instrument part initially only canted in the holder 3 was added and the instrument comprises part of an incorrect position on, for example, this was added to the Hal ^¬ esterification at its holding portion is as warped 2h, then this is by the contact pressure in its desired position or desired ^¬ alignment transferred to the longitudinal direction of the test device. Under certain circumstances, the instrument part reserves even after Dru ^¬ ckentlastung in this situation, for example if by pressing the retaining portion thereof deformed. However, the contact pressure against the instrument is particularly advantageous. Maintained during the entire measurement period, resulting in particularly reliable test results. The instrument part may consist of an elastically or plastically deformable material, such as a plastic material, which may be deformable under the contact pressure. In the context of the embodiment can respectively at ^¬ point of the contact pressure and a pressing force are used, and vice versa. The measuring device 5 further comprises a display or STEU ^¬ tion 8, which in response to the contact pressure of the pressing device 7 against the instrument part 2, the measuring ^{¬ device} 5 for activating to perform a measuring operation releases or fourth viert to perform a measurement. For this, the display can, for example, indicate that the An ^¬ contact pressure against the tool body reaches a predetermined set point, whereupon eg. The measurement process is triggered manually back. Accordingly, upon reaching the specified setpoint value of the contact pressure by means of the control, for example, the measuring method can be automatically initiated and carried out.

The test device 1 further has a signal transmission ^device 9, which emits a signal to the measuring device 5 as a function of the contact pressure of the pressing device 7 against the instrument part 2. When the Mes ^¬ seinrichtung 5 receives such a signal from the signal transmitting means 9, or has received, the Mes ^¬ solution of distortion are carried out, preferably automates, or the measuring device 5 is activated for carrying out such a measurement, for example. For the manual activation of the Measurement unlocked.

The signal transmission device 9 transmits a signal to the measuring device 5 when the pressing device 7 with a predetermined contact pressure pushes the instrument part 2 against the holder 3 or when depending on a changing contact pressure of the instrument part against the holder 3, the change in position of a predefined area of the instrument part as a function of the An ^¬ pressing pressure of a predetermined characteristic follows.

The holder 3 holds the in these used Instrumen ^¬ tenteil 2 laterally without play and positively, said instrument part is longitudinally displaceable against the bracket 3, before it is pressed by the pressing means 7 against the support. 3 Before pressing on, the instrument part is preferably held in the holder only without play, for which purpose, for example, it can be inserted loosely into the holder. The holding portion 2h of the instrument part may in this case be conical or widen at the holding end of the instrument part with increasing distance from the holding ^¬ tion or have a paragraph to rest on the holder. By pressing the instrument part is centered in the holder 2 at the same time.

The holder 3 can have two holding regions 3a, 3b which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the holder and can each engage the instrument part for holding the same. As a result, the instrument part can be particularly easily aligned with the test device. The holding portions 3a, 3b are formed here as perforated plates with coaxial alignment of their holes. Further, a distortion-free instrument part (not Darge ^¬ represents) is provided, which corresponds to the distortion-free ideal shape of the instrument part and by means of which the measuring ^¬ device 5 can be calibrated to determine the delay of a to investi ^¬ sponding instrument part. For this purpose, first the distortion-free instrument part as standard under the same measuring conditions as the instrument part to be tested, ie also the same contact pressure, so that a zero point for determining the positional deviation due to the distortion is defined for the image detection device. In this way, for example, certain misalignments of the optical axis of the image capture device can be compensated.

Claims

Test method and test device

claims

Method for evaluating the distortion of an elongate instrument part such as a pipette tip by means of a test device, wherein the instrument part is held on a holder of the device and the mounted instrument part is aligned with its longitudinal ^¬ direction at least substantially along a predefined preferred direction of the device, wherein in the above-mentioned alignment of the instrument part by means of a measuring device of the test device a delay of the instrument part as Lageab ^¬ deviation of a predetermined range of the instrument part is measured by a predefined target position of this area with distortion-free instrument part

characterized in that the instrument part is pressed with ^{¬ means of} a pressing device with application of force against the instrument part holder of the test device,

and in that the said measurement of the positional deviation is used to determine the distortion of the instrument part after the instrument part has been pressed against the instrument-part holder with a contact pressure or contact pressure of the pressing device. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the measurement of the delay is performed while the instrument part is pressed with a contact pressure or Anpress ^¬ force against the instrument part holder.

Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring device used for carrying out the method comprises a display or control and that, depending on the contact pressure or the pressing force of the pressing device against the instrument part, the measuring device is released for carrying out a measuring operation or for carrying out a measuring operation Measurement is activated.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the test device used for carrying out the procedural ^{¬ has a} Signalübertra ^¬ supply device which emits a signal to the measuring device in response to the contact pressure or the contact force of the pressing against the instrument part and that the measurement of the delay train is performed or the measuring device is activated to carry out such a measurement when the measuring device has received or received such a signal from the signal transmission device.

A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the signal transmission means sends a signal to the measuring device when the Anpresseinrichtun with a predetermined contact pressure or with a predetermined pressing force the instrument part against the holder or if in response to a changing contact pressure or changing contact pressure of the instrument part against the holder, the change in position of a predefined area of the instrument part as a function of the contact pressure or the contact pressure of a predetermined characteristic follows.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the instrument part is used for measurement in the holder of the test device, which holds laterally free formschlüs ^¬ sig and against the holder longitudinally displaceable without the action of the pressing on the instrument part, and then the Instrument part is pressed by means of the pressing device against the bracket.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the instrument part is used in a Hal ^¬ esterification, which holds the instrument part at two spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the same holding areas.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a measuring device is used, which has an image detection device whose optical axis is aligned during the measurement of the distortion parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis of the holder held Erten instrument part.

Method according to one of claims 1-8, optionally according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises at least one distortion-free In ^¬ instrument part, which is used for calibration of the measuring device for determining the delay of an instrument part to be examined.

Test device for assessing the distortion of an elongate shaft of an instrument part such as a pipette tip according to a method of claims 1 to 9, wherein the device comprises a holder for the instrument having ment in part, by means of which the go ^¬ aged at this instrument part along a predefined preferred direction of the device is substantially with its longitudinal direction to ^¬ least alignable, wherein the apparatus further comprises a measuring device which the distortion of the instrument portion of the Lageabwei ^¬ monitoring a predetermined range in the holder Erten instrument part of a predefined desired position of this area at distortion-free instrument ^¬ part measures, characterized in that a Anpress ^¬ device is provided by means of which the instrument part is pressed with force in the longitudinal direction against the bracket or is pressed,

and that after or during the pressing of the instru ^¬ ment part against the holder by means of Anpress ^¬ device the delay of the instrument part is measurable.

Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the measuring device comprises a display or control which releases depending on the contact pressure or the contact pressure of the pressing against the instrument part, the measuring device for activation to perform a measuring operation or activated to perform a measurement.

Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the measuring device is activated or configured to perform a measurement, while the pressing device presses the instrument part with a contact pressure or a pressing force against the instrument tenteilhalterung. 13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a signal transmission device is provided, which is opposite the tool part transmits in response to the Anpress ^¬ pressure or the pressing force of the pressing device a signal to the measuring device or by means of which such a signal can be transmitted, and that the measuring device comprises a controller which is configured or kon ^¬ figurierbar, in that, upon receipt of said signal, the signal transmission device triggers a measuring process of the measuring device or releases the measuring device for carrying out a measurement.

Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the signal transmission device is configured or configurable so that it sends a signal to the measuring device when the pressing device with a predetermined contact pressure or a predetermined pressing force the instrument part, preferably in the longitudinal direction of a shaft of the Instrument part, presses against the holder or if a predetermined characteristic of a change in position of a predefined area of the instrument part depending on the Anpress ^¬ pressure or the contact pressure is given in response to a changing contact pressure o of a changing contact pressure of the instrument part against the holder.

Device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, without the action of the pressing device on the instrument part, the holder holds the instrument part used in this free play form ^¬ conclusively laterally and against the holder longitudinally displaceable.

Device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the holder is designed such that the loosely inserted into this instrument ^¬ part in the direction of gravity secured to the holder can be arranged or arranged.

17. Device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the holder holds the shaft of the in ^¬ strumententeils at two spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the shaft holding areas.

18. Device according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the measuring device has an image capture device ^¬ whose optical axis is coaxial pa rallel ^¬ and preferably aligned with the longitudinal shaft axis of the supported instrument in the holder part.

19. Device according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the device comprises at least one ver ^¬ zugsfreies part of the instrument, which is used for Kalib ^¬ tion of the measuring device for determining the delay of an instrument part to be examined.