WO2020182795A1 - Modular system for a pipetting machine - Google Patents

Modular system for a pipetting machine Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020182795A1
WO2020182795A1 PCT/EP2020/056313 EP2020056313W WO2020182795A1 WO 2020182795 A1 WO2020182795 A1 WO 2020182795A1 EP 2020056313 W EP2020056313 W EP 2020056313W WO 2020182795 A1 WO2020182795 A1 WO 2020182795A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plate
base plate
magnets
container
base
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/056313
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jérôme BELOUGNE
Original Assignee
Institut National De La Sante Et De La Recherche Médicale
Universite D'aix Marseille
Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Institut National De La Sante Et De La Recherche Médicale, Universite D'aix Marseille, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique filed Critical Institut National De La Sante Et De La Recherche Médicale
Publication of WO2020182795A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020182795A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
    • B01L9/54—Supports specially adapted for pipettes and burettes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
    • B01L9/06—Test-tube stands; Test-tube holders
    • 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
    • B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
    • B01L2200/023—Adapting objects or devices to another adapted for different sizes of tubes, tips or container
    • 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
    • B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
    • B01L2200/028—Modular arrangements
    • 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
    • G01N35/1065—Multiple transfer devices
    • G01N35/1074—Multiple transfer devices arranged in a two-dimensional array

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to tools used with automated pipetting platforms.
  • Automated pipetting platforms such as for example that offered by the company TECAN under the reference Fluent, facilitate the handling of various fluids with a view, for example, to carrying out research programs.
  • the machines have a work surface provided with positioning reliefs or supports which allow the microplate containers to be positioned there in or towards which the pipetting is carried out.
  • the number of accessories compatible with these positioning reliefs can turn out to be relatively limited, which can pose a problem for certain experimental programs where one would like to be able to use, for example, a type of rack which is not among those which are compatible.
  • a modular liquid storage system having a box-shaped support arranged to be attached to a PLC platform, and a plurality of accessories configured to be detachably attached to the support. by forms of cooperation.
  • Each accessory is received in a housing of the support, in which it is placed or removed by a vertical movement of great amplitude.
  • Each accessory is not very stable off the stand, as its base is relatively narrow compared to its height.
  • this modular system is not suitable for relatively large and flat containers such as Petri dishes, nor does it easily allow the containers to be cooled or their orientation relative to the support to be changed.
  • the application US2008 / 0206112 describes a modular rack having a base plate on which can be fixed uprights intended to carry at different heights plates provided with openings to accommodate containers.
  • the uprights can be joined together by a system of tenons and mortises, thus making it possible to join several racks.
  • Such a modular rack is not described as being specifically intended to cooperate with the positioning reliefs of a work surface of an automatic pipetting machine.
  • the base plate is necessary for maintaining the uprights at their lower end, and cannot be separated therefrom under penalty of weakening the whole.
  • the possibilities of using and upgrading such a rack are relatively limited. There is a need to further increase the number of accessories that can be used with an automated pipetting platform, and to make it possible, if desired, to easily combine several different accessories within a modular system.
  • the invention aims to meet this need, and it achieves this in one aspect by providing a modular system for an automated pipetting platform, comprising:
  • a base plate having a shape adapted to cooperate with positioning reliefs of the platform
  • the use, in the invention, of a fixing by magnetic attraction between the base plate and the accessory (s) chosen to be supported by the base plate, allows greater freedom in the choice of accessories that can be assembled to the base plate and makes the system scalable.
  • Attachment by magnetic attraction does not necessarily exclude the presence of positioning reliefs on the base plate and / or the accessory.
  • these positioning reliefs do not necessarily have to be very high, as they can only have a positioning role and not participate in the mechanical strength, which can be obtained only by magnetic attraction.
  • the attachment between the base plate and the accessory can be exclusive of any snap-fit or press fit between the plate plate and the accessory.
  • magnetic attraction attachment can improve the hold of the assembly, allowing a high force of attraction if desired. It can then facilitate the bulk handling of the accessory (s) combined with the base plate. The accessory nevertheless remains easily separable from the base plate, this separation can be effected by various movements.
  • Magnetic attraction attachment can further make the assembly of the base plate and accessory less dependent on manufacturing tolerances.
  • the base plate and / or each accessory comprises a plurality of permanent magnets.
  • the use of permanent magnets on both the base plate and on the attachment allows a relatively high assembly force to be achieved, while having small magnets, for example having a larger dimension less than 6mm.
  • the base plate comprises several permanent magnets, in particular at least three sets of distinct permanent magnets each intended for an accessory, each set of magnets preferably comprising four magnets arranged in a square.
  • the two sets of magnets arranged side by side are used, for example, to fix two racks arranged side by side.
  • the third set of magnets can be used to attach the Petri dish support plate or to attach the ice box.
  • the or each accessory can thus comprise several permanent magnets positioned to come opposite corresponding magnets of the base plate.
  • the system can include at least two separate accessories, each accessory being arranged to be fixed on the base plate by means of respective magnetic attraction sites, the magnetic attraction sites of the base plate being at least in part different for the two accessories.
  • the magnets arranged on the base plate and on the accessory have their poles oriented to attract each other, for example the N pole of a magnet fixed on the base plate facing an S pole of a corresponding magnet present on the accessory.
  • the accessory can be a rack.
  • the latter may include a base allowing it to rest vertically in a stable manner on a horizontal flat surface, uprights and at least one plate provided with at least one opening for receiving a container, in particular a tube or container, the magnets being of preferably each located in the extension of an amount.
  • the base can carry at least one drum for receiving the lower part of the container. This can improve the stability of the container received inside.
  • the base can carry a receiving rail for a container, in particular a container.
  • a receiving rail for a container, in particular a container.
  • Such a rail comprises two parallel ribs, between which the lower part of the container can be housed.
  • the uprights can be interconnected by at least one reinforcing frame, in particular two frames located at different heights on the uprights.
  • the use of such frames gives visibility to the contents of the containers.
  • the system may have two racks, the base plate being sized to accommodate these two racks arranged side by side.
  • the racks arranged side by side may be identical or intended to accommodate containers of different formats.
  • the accessory can be an ice cream box.
  • the latter can be arranged to receive in the upper part at least one removable plate comprising at least one opening for receiving a container, in particular a tube or a container.
  • the ice box is arranged to receive two plates of the same dimensions, but which may differ in the size and the position of the opening (s) intended to receive the containers.
  • the ice box can be arranged to receive in the upper part two plates each comprising at least one opening for receiving a container, in particular a tube or a container, the wall of the container preferably coming into contact with the cooling medium. contained in the ice box.
  • the ice box can be arranged to receive a removable bottom carrying at least one relief defining at least one housing for receiving the lower part of a container, in particular a tube.
  • the ice box can be equipped with a base chosen from several bases of different shapes, and one or more corresponding upper plates, depending on the container (s) to be cooled. This great modularity limits the number of ice boxes needed to cool a wide variety of containers.
  • the system according to the invention may include several accessories, including at least two racks arranged to receive tubes of different respective diameters.
  • the system can include several accessories, including at least the aforementioned ice box, or as a variant at least the plate holder plate for the Petri dish.
  • the magnetic attachment can make it possible, if this is desired, to make the accessory so as to allow its fixing in at least two positions relative to the base plate, for example a configuration where the accessory is oriented transversely with respect to the base plate and a configuration where it is oriented longitudinally.
  • the configuration change can be done by rotation.
  • the base plate and the accessory can then include cooperating reliefs, making it possible to guide this rotational movement. Switching from one configuration to another can be done without separating the accessory from the baseplate, simply by overcoming the attractive force of the magnets, which can be done in a relatively smooth fashion if the magnets are moved by a movement of rotation relative to each other. This allows the movement to be performed while the support tray is carrying a Petri dish.
  • the fixing of the tray holder plate on the base plate is done according to at least two magnetic attraction sites arranged on the base plate so as to allow fixing of the tray holder on the base plate.
  • base plate in two respective orientations at 90 ° to one another, preferably along four magnetic sites arranged like the vertices of a square.
  • the base plate and the plate holder plate may include two cooperating centering reliefs, allowing rotation of the plate holder plate relative to the base plate.
  • the base plate comprises at least one recess arranged to cooperate with a boss of the support plate.
  • the base plate is preferably in SB S format, but other formats are possible.
  • Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, an assembly comprising the automaton and at least one modular system according to the invention, as defined above.
  • a further subject of the invention is a modular ice box system for container (s), to be placed on an automatic platform, comprising:
  • a body defining a space for receiving ice
  • At least two removable bottoms at least one of which can be removably mounted in the bottom of said space, each defining at least one housing for holding the lower part of a container held in the upper part by a corresponding plate.
  • the ice box can advantageously be arranged to be fixed by magnetic attraction in a removable manner on a base plate arranged on the platform, as defined above, having a shape adapted to cooperate with positioning reliefs of the platform.
  • the body can then include a plurality of permanent magnets housed in its lower wall.
  • the base plate may include permanent magnets positioned to face corresponding magnets on the body of the ice box.
  • Figure 1 shows, schematically and in perspective, an example of a modular system according to the invention, the base plate being in the unassembled state with corresponding accessories,
  • Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, after assembly of accessories on the base plate,
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the base plate in isolation
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the base plate
  • FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the base plate
  • Figures 6 and 7 are exploded views of the base plate and various accessories intended to be assembled with the base plate
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 are two perspective views, from different angles of view, of the plate holder plate for the Petri dish,
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the change in configuration of the plate holder plate relative to the base plate
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of an example of an accessory constituting a rack
  • FIGS. 12 to 15 are views similar to FIG. 11 of variant racks
  • Figure 16 shows a Petri dish support tray and the corresponding tray holder plate
  • Figure 17 illustrates a modular system comprising a base plate and an ice box with various elements that can equip it
  • Figure 18 is an exploded view of the base plate and the ice box
  • Figure 19 shows the assembly formed by the ice box and the base plate
  • Figures 20 and 21 show in isolation examples of bottoms that can be added to the ice box
  • Figures 22 and 23 respectively represent the ice box with the bottoms of Figures 20 and 21 in place
  • FIG. 24 shows in perspective an example of a plate that can be fitted in the upper part of the ice cream box
  • Figures 25 to 27 are views similar to Figure 24, of variant embodiments.
  • FIG. 28 partially and schematically shows an example of an automatic device whose work surface is equipped with modular systems according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of a modular system 1 according to the invention, comprising a base plate 10 and a plurality of accessories including racks 20 and a plate 30 intended to carry a support plate 40 for a Petri dish. .
  • Each of these accessories for example one of the racks 20, can be assembled with the base plate 10, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the latter comprises a body 11, preferably of plastic material, and a plurality of permanent magnets 12a and 12b fixed to the body, for example by gluing, by force-mounting or snap-fitting, the invention not being limited to a special way of mounting the magnets on the base plate.
  • the base plate 10 has a generally rectangular shape, with on its small sides two lateral notches 13, each extending between two projections 14 of the body 11. These lateral notches 13 are intended to cooperate with the positioning reliefs of a surface. of an automaton, as will be explained later.
  • plate 10 is in SBS format, i.e. 85mm wide by 127.5mm long.
  • the base plate 10 may have, as illustrated in FIG. 4, an upper surface 15 which is raised relative to the projections 14 and which forms a step 16 with the perimeter of the body.
  • Each projection 14 can be provided with a positioning pin 16, the role of which will be explained below.
  • the body 11 can also include, as illustrated, two openings 17 positioned on either side of a central housing 18, as well as a circular groove 19 centered on the housing 18.
  • the housing 51 for receiving the permanent magnets 12a and 12b can be seen.
  • the body 11 comprises on its lower face two recesses 52, each centered on a respective opening 17, and themselves opening out below into a recess 53 of rectangular shape. These recesses 52 serve to accommodate positioning reliefs protruding from the work surface, as will be explained below.
  • Each recess is for example 42.5mm long and 37.5mm wide, and has a depth of 6mm, the spacing between the recesses being 13mm in the example considered.
  • the magnets 12a and 12b are small permanent magnets based on rare earths, cylindrical in shape, for example 5mm in diameter, and the accessories themselves include permanent magnets intended to ensure their attachment to the base plate 10 by magnetic attraction.
  • the strength of the magnets used is for example between 0.25 and 1 kg.
  • only one of the baseplate or accessories carries magnets, and the other has magnetizable metal parts instead of permanent magnets. This can help reduce the cost of the system by using fewer magnets.
  • the magnets 12b of the base plate 10 are positioned differently from the magnets 12a so as to ensure the attachment of a different accessory, for example the plate 30 holder, as illustrated in FIG. 7. On the latter, we see the magnets permanent 31 which equip the plate 30, and which each come opposite a magnet 12b.
  • the plate 30 comprises a central pin 32 which protrudes under its lower face, intended to engage in the housing 18 of the base plate 10, which may pass through to facilitate cleaning of the base plate 10.
  • the groove 19 also participates in the guiding and positioning of the plate 30 during the rotation.
  • a complementary circular relief is on the back of this plate 30, in addition to the central pin 32.
  • the magnets 12a are arranged like the tops of two squares arranged side by side, for example 40mm sideways.
  • the magnets 12b are arranged like the vertices of a square, for example with a side of 70mm, centered on the housing 18, as are the magnets 31, so that the plate 30 can take two stable configurations relative to the plate. base 10, as shown in Figure 10.
  • the plate holder plate 30 is oriented longitudinally relative to the base plate 10, and in the other configuration, after rotation of a quarter of a turn around the axis of the housing 18, the plate tray holder is oriented transversely.
  • the plate tray holder is oriented transversely.
  • the magnets 31 of the plate 30 plate holder come opposite the magnets 12b.
  • These racks 20 each comprise a base 61 which contains the magnets 21, as explained with reference to FIG. 6.
  • This base 61 carries vertical uprights 62, four in number for example.
  • the uprights 62 support an upper plate 63, provided with openings 64 for engaging containers therein, not shown.
  • the base 61 may have housings on its lower face for receiving the positioning pins 16 of the base plate 10. A relief can be produced on the base 61 intended to engage in the opening 17.
  • the base 61 comes in. support by its lower edge on the base plate around the raised upper face 15. The base 61 can thus rest in a stable manner by its lower edge on a horizontal flat surface, when it is not placed on the base plate 10.
  • the uprights 62 are held by a frame 65, which follows the contour of the base 61, and by a lower plate 66, located between the frame 65 and the upper plate 63, this lower plate being crossed by openings 67 which are superimposed on those of the upper plate 63 when the accessory is observed vertically from above, and serve as guides for the containers introduced into the rack 20.
  • the rack has two rows of four openings 64, to accommodate 2ml Eppendorf tubes for example.
  • the diameter of the openings is then 11mm for example.
  • the size of the rack is, for example, 85mm long by 45mm wide and 60mm high.
  • Figures 12 to 14 differ from that of Figure 11 in that the lower plate 66 is replaced by a frame 70 and in the fact that the base 61 carries cylindrical barrels 74 to accommodate the lower end of the containers.
  • the barrels 74 are of circular section, like the openings 64, and the internal diameter of the barrels 74 corresponds to that of the openings 64.
  • the upper plate has two openings 64 of 30mm in diameter, to accommodate for example Lalcon tubes of 50ml and, in that of figure 14, four openings 64 to accommodate for example Lalcon tubes of 15ml. The diameter of the openings is then 17mm.
  • the top plate 63 accommodates eight hemolysis tubes.
  • the diameter of the openings 64 is for example 12mm.
  • the upper plate 63 has a single opening 64, of rectangular section, and the base 61 carries a rail 76 to receive the lower end of the container.
  • the latter is for example a 100ml container offered by the company TEC AN.
  • the opening is for example 80mm long and 21.5mm wide.
  • FIG. 16 shows the plate 30 and the Petri dish support plate 40 which is associated with it.
  • the plate 30 comprises a body 33 of plastic material, provided with housings 34 to accommodate the aforementioned magnets 31.
  • the plate 30 is provided on its upper face with stops 38 for positioning the support plate 40.
  • the latter comprises a succession 42 of concentric circular recesses of increasing diameters, making it possible to accommodate Petri dishes of respective increasing diameters, for example. 35mm, 50mm and 100mm.
  • the plate 30 is preferably in the SB S format, and its height is 4mm.
  • Figure 17 a modular system formed of a base plate 10 as described above, and an accessory 80 consisting of an ice box according to the invention. The latter can accommodate various removable bottoms 90 and various removable upper plates 100, chosen according to the nature of the containers to be immersed in the ice box.
  • the ice box 80 is shown in more detail in Figure 18. It comprises a sealed body 81 of generally parallelepipedal shape, open at its upper end, and the lower wall 89 of which has housings 83 for receiving permanent magnets 82, intended to be positioned opposite the magnets 12b of the base plate 10.
  • Body 81 can be filled with liquid and / or ice. It has, in the upper part, a flange 84 for supporting two plates 100 arranged side by side, as illustrated in FIG. 19.
  • the body 81 is for example 104mm long, for 91mm wide and 67mm high, and its capacity is for example 390ml.
  • the box 80 may include, as illustrated, two polarizers 88 at mid-length of the long sides thereof, and the plates 100 of the corresponding notches 102.
  • the lower wall 89 has two bulges 92 which come to be positioned above the notches 13 of the base plate 10.
  • the bases 90 are chosen according to the upper plates 100 which are mounted on the body 81.
  • Each base is for example 48mm wide by 85mm long.
  • the funds 90 illustrated in FIG. 20 comprise a base 93 carrying walls 94 defining housings for receiving the lower end of the containers.
  • the latter are for example four hemolysis tubes, engaged in a row of respective openings 102 of an upper plate 100 such as that illustrated in FIG. 27, or Eppendorf tubes engaged in two parallel rows of openings 102 of an upper plate 100 such as that illustrated in FIG. 26.
  • the walls 94 are for example at least 5mm high, for example between 5 and 15mm high, in particular 10mm high.
  • the walls 94 comprise portions of cylindrical barrels, each of a diameter adapted to that of the openings of the plates which are superimposed thereon, for receiving for example the bottom of Eppendorf or hemolysis tubes.
  • the bottom 90 can thus comprise two parallel rows of walls 94a forming eight incomplete cylindrical barrels, and between them a row of walls 94b defining four housings for containers of larger diameter, for example Falcon tubes.
  • the base 93 has two side notches 96 in which the bulges 92 of the lower wall of the box 80 can engage, when the bottom 90 rests on this lower wall, as illustrated in FIG. 22.
  • the bottom 90 has a rail 98 shaped to match that of the rectangular opening 102 of the top plate 100, shown in isolation in Figure 24.
  • the upper plate 100 may still have only two circular openings, as illustrated in FIG. 25, to accommodate Falcon tubes.
  • the box 80 can be provided with two identical top plates 100, or as a variant with two different plates, depending on the containers to be received. For example, a plate for 2ml Eppendorf tubes and a plate for 50ml Falcon tubes are mounted on the box.
  • Each plate 100 is for example 85mm long, 48mm wide and 3mm high.
  • FIG. 28 shows the work surface 200 of an automatic pipetting machine, for example of the Fluent brand from the company TECAN.
  • This surface comprises positioning pads 201 as well as supports 202 called “nest 7mm” for microplates in SBS format.
  • the base plate 10 can be positioned on the studs 201, the lateral notches 13 each receiving a stud, as illustrated, and the recesses 52 each receiving two studs 201.
  • the fact that the base plate 10 can be placed on the studs 201 makes it possible to enhance in particular those present at the rear of the work surface.
  • the base plate 10 can also be mounted on a microplate holder 202.
  • the components of the modular system can be produced by molding of thermoplastic material or by an additive manufacturing process, for example using a 3D printer.
  • the work surface illustrated in FIG. 28 is that of the Fluent brand PLC from the company TECAN, the invention applies to other PLCs, for example that of the EvO brand from the company TECAN or those proposed. by the Genesis Company.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular system (1) for an automated pipetting platform that can be used, in particular, for research. Said system comprises: - a base plate (10) having a shape adapted to cooperate with reliefs (201; 202) for positioning the platform, - at least one accessory selected from a rack (20), a plate (30), a plate-carrier (40 ) for holding the Petri dish and an ice box (80), arranged to be removably attached to the base plate (10) by means of magnetic attraction. Another aspect of the invention also relates to a modular ice box (80) for accommodating various types of containers.

Description

SYSTEME MODULAIRE POUR AUTOMATE DE PIPETAGE MODULAR SYSTEM FOR PIPETTING AUTOMATED
La présente invention concerne les outils utilisés avec les plateformes automatisées de pipetage. The present invention relates to tools used with automated pipetting platforms.
Les plateformes automatisées de pipetage, telles que par exemple celle proposée par la société TECAN sous la référence Fluent, facilitent la manipulation de divers fluides en vue par exemple de réaliser des programmes de recherche. Automated pipetting platforms, such as for example that offered by the company TECAN under the reference Fluent, facilitate the handling of various fluids with a view, for example, to carrying out research programs.
Généralement, les automates présentent une surface de travail munie de reliefs de positionnement ou de supports qui permettent d’y positionner de façon prédéfinie les contenants microplaques dans ou vers lesquels s’effectue le pipetage. Generally, the machines have a work surface provided with positioning reliefs or supports which allow the microplate containers to be positioned there in or towards which the pipetting is carried out.
Le nombre d’accessoires compatibles avec ces reliefs de positionnement peut s’avérer relativement limité, ce qui peut poser un problème pour certains programmes d’expérimentation où l’on souhaiterait pouvoir utiliser par exemple un type de portoir qui ne figure pas parmi ceux qui sont compatibles. The number of accessories compatible with these positioning reliefs can turn out to be relatively limited, which can pose a problem for certain experimental programs where one would like to be able to use, for example, a type of rack which is not among those which are compatible.
On connaît par la demande US 2010/0045147 un système modulaire de stockage de liquides ayant un support en forme de boîte agencé pour se fixer sur une plateforme d’automate, et une pluralité d’accessoires configurés pour se fixer de façon amovible sur le support par coopérations de formes. Chaque accessoire est reçu dans un logement du support, dans lequel il est mis en place ou enlevé par un mouvement vertical de grande amplitude. Chaque accessoire n’est pas d’une grande stabilité hors du support, du fait que sa base est relativement étroite comparativement à sa hauteur. De plus, ce système modulaire ne convient pas à des contenants relativement larges et plats tels que des boîtes de Pétri, ni ne permet facilement de refroidir les contenants ou de changer leur orientation relativement au support. From application US 2010/0045147 is known a modular liquid storage system having a box-shaped support arranged to be attached to a PLC platform, and a plurality of accessories configured to be detachably attached to the support. by forms of cooperation. Each accessory is received in a housing of the support, in which it is placed or removed by a vertical movement of great amplitude. Each accessory is not very stable off the stand, as its base is relatively narrow compared to its height. In addition, this modular system is not suitable for relatively large and flat containers such as Petri dishes, nor does it easily allow the containers to be cooled or their orientation relative to the support to be changed.
La demande US2008/0206112 décrit un portoir modulaire ayant une plaque de base sur laquelle peuvent être fixés des montants destinés à porter à différentes hauteurs des platines pourvues d’ouvertures pour accueillir des contenants. Les montants peuvent s’assembler entre eux par un système de tenons et mortaises, permettant ainsi de réunir plusieurs portoirs. Un tel portoir modulaire n’est pas décrit comme étant spécifiquement destiné à coopérer avec les reliefs de positionnement d’une surface de travail d’un automate de pipetage. De plus, la plaque de base est nécessaire au maintien des montants à leur extrémité inférieure, et ne peut en être séparée sous peine de fragiliser l’ensemble. Les possibilités d’utilisation et d’évolution d’un tel portoir sont relativement limitées. Il existe un besoin pour accroître encore le nombre d’accessoires utilisables avec une plateforme d’automate de pipetage, et permettre si cela est recherché de combiner facilement plusieurs accessoires différents au sein d’un système modulaire. The application US2008 / 0206112 describes a modular rack having a base plate on which can be fixed uprights intended to carry at different heights plates provided with openings to accommodate containers. The uprights can be joined together by a system of tenons and mortises, thus making it possible to join several racks. Such a modular rack is not described as being specifically intended to cooperate with the positioning reliefs of a work surface of an automatic pipetting machine. In addition, the base plate is necessary for maintaining the uprights at their lower end, and cannot be separated therefrom under penalty of weakening the whole. The possibilities of using and upgrading such a rack are relatively limited. There is a need to further increase the number of accessories that can be used with an automated pipetting platform, and to make it possible, if desired, to easily combine several different accessories within a modular system.
L’invention vise à répondre à ce besoin, et elle y parvient selon l’un de ses aspects en proposant un système modulaire pour plateforme d’automate de pipetage, comportant : The invention aims to meet this need, and it achieves this in one aspect by providing a modular system for an automated pipetting platform, comprising:
Une plaque de base présentant une forme adaptée à coopérer avec des reliefs de positionnement de la plateforme, A base plate having a shape adapted to cooperate with positioning reliefs of the platform,
au moins un accessoire choisi parmi un portoir, une plaque porte plateau de support de boîte de Pétri et une boîte à glace, agencé pour se fixer de façon amovible sur la plaque de base par attraction magnétique. at least one accessory chosen from a rack, a plate carrying a Petri dish support plate and an ice box, arranged to be fixed in a removable manner on the base plate by magnetic attraction.
L’utilisation, dans l’invention, d’une fixation par attraction magnétique entre la plaque de base et le ou les accessoires choisis pour être supportés par la plaque de base, autorise une plus grande liberté dans le choix des accessoires pouvant être assemblés à la plaque de base et rend le système évolutif. La fixation par attraction magnétique n’exclut par nécessairement la présence de reliefs de positionnement sur la plaque de base et/ou l’accessoire. Toutefois, ces reliefs de positionnement n’ont pas nécessairement à être de grande hauteur, car ils ne peuvent avoir qu’un rôle de positionnement et ne pas participer à la tenue mécanique, laquelle peut être obtenue uniquement par l’attraction magnétique. Ainsi, la fixation entre la plaque de base et l’accessoire peut être exclusive de tout encliquetage ou montage à force entre la plaque de plaque et l’accessoire. The use, in the invention, of a fixing by magnetic attraction between the base plate and the accessory (s) chosen to be supported by the base plate, allows greater freedom in the choice of accessories that can be assembled to the base plate and makes the system scalable. Attachment by magnetic attraction does not necessarily exclude the presence of positioning reliefs on the base plate and / or the accessory. However, these positioning reliefs do not necessarily have to be very high, as they can only have a positioning role and not participate in the mechanical strength, which can be obtained only by magnetic attraction. Thus, the attachment between the base plate and the accessory can be exclusive of any snap-fit or press fit between the plate plate and the accessory.
De plus, la fixation par attraction magnétique peut améliorer la tenue de l’assemblage, en permettant si on le recherche d’obtenir une force d’attraction élevée. Elle peut alors faciliter la manipulation en bloc du ou des accessoires combinés à la plaque de base. L’accessoire reste néanmoins aisément séparable de la plaque de base, cette séparation pouvant s’effectuer par des mouvements divers. In addition, magnetic attraction attachment can improve the hold of the assembly, allowing a high force of attraction if desired. It can then facilitate the bulk handling of the accessory (s) combined with the base plate. The accessory nevertheless remains easily separable from the base plate, this separation can be effected by various movements.
La fixation par attraction magnétique peut encore rendre l’assemblage de la plaque de base et de l’accessoire moins dépendant de tolérances de fabrication. Magnetic attraction attachment can further make the assembly of the base plate and accessory less dependent on manufacturing tolerances.
De préférence, la plaque de base et/ou chaque accessoire comporte une pluralité d’aimants permanents. L’utilisation d’aimants permanents à la fois sur la plaque de base et sur l’accessoire permet d’obtenir une force d’assemblage relativement élevée, tout en ayant des aimants de petite taille, par exemple ayant une plus grande dimension inférieure à 6mm. Dans des exemples de mise en œuvre de l’invention, la plaque de base comporte plusieurs aimants permanents, notamment au moins trois ensembles d’aimants permanents distincts destinés chacun à un accessoire, chaque ensemble d’aimants comportant de préférence quatre aimants disposés en carré, en particulier deux premiers ensembles d’aimants disposés côte à côte et comportant chacun quatre aimants disposés comme les sommets d’un carré de même longueur de côté, et un troisième ensemble comportant quatre aimants disposés comme les sommets d’un carré ayant une longueur de côté supérieure aux deux autres. Les deux ensembles d’aimants disposés côte à côte servent par exemple à la fixation de deux portoirs disposés côte à côte. Le troisième ensemble d’aimants peut servir à la fixation de la plaque de support de boîte de Pétri ou à la fixation de la boîte à glace. Preferably, the base plate and / or each accessory comprises a plurality of permanent magnets. The use of permanent magnets on both the base plate and on the attachment allows a relatively high assembly force to be achieved, while having small magnets, for example having a larger dimension less than 6mm. In examples of implementation of the invention, the base plate comprises several permanent magnets, in particular at least three sets of distinct permanent magnets each intended for an accessory, each set of magnets preferably comprising four magnets arranged in a square. , in particular two first sets of magnets arranged side by side and each comprising four magnets arranged as the vertices of a square having the same side length, and a third set comprising four magnets arranged as the vertices of a square having a length side higher than the other two. The two sets of magnets arranged side by side are used, for example, to fix two racks arranged side by side. The third set of magnets can be used to attach the Petri dish support plate or to attach the ice box.
Le ou chaque accessoire peut comporter ainsi plusieurs aimants permanents positionnés pour venir en regard d’aimants correspondants de la plaque de base. The or each accessory can thus comprise several permanent magnets positioned to come opposite corresponding magnets of the base plate.
Le système peut comporter au moins deux accessoires distincts, chaque accessoire étant agencé pour se fixer sur la plaque de base grâce à des sites d’attraction magnétique respectifs, les sites d’attraction magnétique de la plaque de base étant au moins en partie différents pour les deux accessoires. The system can include at least two separate accessories, each accessory being arranged to be fixed on the base plate by means of respective magnetic attraction sites, the magnetic attraction sites of the base plate being at least in part different for the two accessories.
Les aimants disposés sur la plaque de base et sur l’accessoire ont leurs pôles orientés pour s’attirer, par exemple le pôle N d’un aimant fixé sur la plaque de base faisant face à un pôle S d’un aimant correspondant présent sur l’accessoire. The magnets arranged on the base plate and on the accessory have their poles oriented to attract each other, for example the N pole of a magnet fixed on the base plate facing an S pole of a corresponding magnet present on the accessory.
L’accessoire peut être un portoir. Ce dernier peut comporter un socle lui permettant de reposer verticalement de façon stable sur une surface plane horizontale, des montants et au moins une platine pourvue d’au moins une ouverture de réception d’un contenant, notamment tube ou bac, des aimants étant de préférence situés chacun dans le prolongement d’un montant. The accessory can be a rack. The latter may include a base allowing it to rest vertically in a stable manner on a horizontal flat surface, uprights and at least one plate provided with at least one opening for receiving a container, in particular a tube or container, the magnets being of preferably each located in the extension of an amount.
Le socle peut porter au moins un fût de réception de la partie inférieure du contenant. Cela peut améliorer la stabilité du contenant reçu à l’intérieur. The base can carry at least one drum for receiving the lower part of the container. This can improve the stability of the container received inside.
Le socle peut porter un rail de réception d’un contenant, notamment d’un bac. Un tel rail comporte deux nervures parallèles, entre lesquelles la partie inférieure du contenant peut se loger. The base can carry a receiving rail for a container, in particular a container. Such a rail comprises two parallel ribs, between which the lower part of the container can be housed.
Les montants peuvent être reliés entre eux par au moins un cadre de renfort, notamment deux cadres situés à des hauteurs différentes sur les montants. L’utilisation de tels cadres confère de la visibilité au contenu des contenants. Le système peut comporter deux portoirs, la plaque de base étant dimensionnée pour accueillir ces deux portoirs disposés côte-à-côte. Les portoirs disposés côte à côte peuvent être identiques ou destinés à accueillir des contenants de formats différents. The uprights can be interconnected by at least one reinforcing frame, in particular two frames located at different heights on the uprights. The use of such frames gives visibility to the contents of the containers. The system may have two racks, the base plate being sized to accommodate these two racks arranged side by side. The racks arranged side by side may be identical or intended to accommodate containers of different formats.
L’accessoire peut être une boîte à glace. Cette dernière peut être agencée pour recevoir en partie supérieure au moins une platine amovible comportant au moins une ouverture de réception d’un contenant, notamment d’un tube ou d’un bac. De préférence, la boîte à glace est agencée pour recevoir deux platines de mêmes dimensions, mais pouvant différer par la taille et la position de la ou des ouvertures destinées à recevoir les contenants. The accessory can be an ice cream box. The latter can be arranged to receive in the upper part at least one removable plate comprising at least one opening for receiving a container, in particular a tube or a container. Preferably, the ice box is arranged to receive two plates of the same dimensions, but which may differ in the size and the position of the opening (s) intended to receive the containers.
La boîte à glace peut être agencée pour recevoir en partie supérieure deux platines comportant chacune au moins une ouverture de réception d’un contenant, notamment d’un tube ou d’un bac, la paroi du contenant venant de préférence au contact du milieu refroissant contenu dans la boîte à glace. The ice box can be arranged to receive in the upper part two plates each comprising at least one opening for receiving a container, in particular a tube or a container, the wall of the container preferably coming into contact with the cooling medium. contained in the ice box.
La boîte à glace peut être agencée pour recevoir un fond amovible portant au moins un relief définissant au moins un logement de réception de la partie inférieure d’un contenant, notamment d’un tube. The ice box can be arranged to receive a removable bottom carrying at least one relief defining at least one housing for receiving the lower part of a container, in particular a tube.
Ainsi, la boîte à glace peut être équipée d’un fond choisi parmi plusieurs fonds de formes différentes, et d’une ou plusieurs platines supérieures correspondantes, en fonction du ou des contenants que l’on souhaite refroidir. Cette grande modularité limite le nombre de boîtes à glace nécessaires pour refroidir une grande diversité de contenants. Thus, the ice box can be equipped with a base chosen from several bases of different shapes, and one or more corresponding upper plates, depending on the container (s) to be cooled. This great modularity limits the number of ice boxes needed to cool a wide variety of containers.
Le système selon l’invention peut comporter plusieurs accessoires, dont au moins deux portoirs agencés pour recevoir des tubes de diamètres respectifs différents. The system according to the invention may include several accessories, including at least two racks arranged to receive tubes of different respective diameters.
Le système peut comporter plusieurs accessoires, dont au moins la boîte à glace précitée, ou en variante au moins la plaque porte plateau de support de boîte de Pétri. The system can include several accessories, including at least the aforementioned ice box, or as a variant at least the plate holder plate for the Petri dish.
La fixation magnétique peut permettre de réaliser, si cela est recherché, l’accessoire de manière à permettre sa fixation selon au moins deux positions par rapport à la plaque de base, par exemple une configuration où l’accessoire est orienté transversalement par rapport à la plaque de base et une configuration où il est orienté longitudinalement. Le changement de configuration peut se faire par rotation. La plaque de base et l’accessoire peuvent alors comporter des reliefs coopérants, permettant de guider ce mouvement de rotation. Le passage d’une configuration à l’autre peut se faire sans séparation de l’accessoire de la plaque de base, simplement en surmontant la force d’attraction des aimants, ce qui peut se faire d’une façon relativement douce si les aimants sont déplacés par un mouvement de rotation les uns par rapport aux autres. Cela permet d’effectuer le mouvement alors que le plateau de support porte une boîte de Pétri. The magnetic attachment can make it possible, if this is desired, to make the accessory so as to allow its fixing in at least two positions relative to the base plate, for example a configuration where the accessory is oriented transversely with respect to the base plate and a configuration where it is oriented longitudinally. The configuration change can be done by rotation. The base plate and the accessory can then include cooperating reliefs, making it possible to guide this rotational movement. Switching from one configuration to another can be done without separating the accessory from the baseplate, simply by overcoming the attractive force of the magnets, which can be done in a relatively smooth fashion if the magnets are moved by a movement of rotation relative to each other. This allows the movement to be performed while the support tray is carrying a Petri dish.
Ainsi, dans un exemple de mise en œuvre, la fixation de la plaque porte plateau sur la plaque de base se fait selon au moins deux sites d’attraction magnétique disposés sur la plaque de base de manière à permettre une fixation du porte plateau sur la plaque de base dans deux orientations respectives à 90° l’une de l’autre, de préférence selon quatre sites magnétiques disposés comme les sommets d’un carré. Thus, in an exemplary implementation, the fixing of the tray holder plate on the base plate is done according to at least two magnetic attraction sites arranged on the base plate so as to allow fixing of the tray holder on the base plate. base plate in two respective orientations at 90 ° to one another, preferably along four magnetic sites arranged like the vertices of a square.
La plaque de base et la plaque porte plateau peuvent comporter deux reliefs de centrage coopérants, permettant une rotation de la plaque porte plateau relativement à la plaque de base. Par exemple, la plaque de base comporte au moins un évidement agencé pour coopérer avec un bossage du plateau de support. The base plate and the plate holder plate may include two cooperating centering reliefs, allowing rotation of the plate holder plate relative to the base plate. For example, the base plate comprises at least one recess arranged to cooperate with a boss of the support plate.
La plaque de base est de préférence au format SB S, mais d’autres formats sont possibles. The base plate is preferably in SB S format, but other formats are possible.
L’invention a encore pour objet, selon un autre de ses aspects, un ensemble comportant l’automate et au moins un système modulaire selon l’invention, tel que défini ci- dessus. Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, an assembly comprising the automaton and at least one modular system according to the invention, as defined above.
L’invention a encore pour objet, indépendamment ou en combinaison avec ce qui précède, un système modulaire de boîte à glace pour contenant(s), à disposer sur une plateforme d’automate, comportant : A further subject of the invention, independently or in combination with the above, is a modular ice box system for container (s), to be placed on an automatic platform, comprising:
Un corps définissant un espace de réception de glace, A body defining a space for receiving ice,
au moins deux platines amovibles , chacune agencée pour se fixer de façon amovible sur le corps, présentant chacune au moins une ouverture destinée à un type de contenant, at least two removable plates, each arranged to be fixed in a removable manner on the body, each having at least one opening intended for a type of container,
au moins deux fonds amovibles, dont l’un au moins peut se monter de façon amovible dans le fond dudit espace, définissant chacun au moins un logement de maintien de la partie inférieure d’un contenant maintenu en partie supérieure par une platine correspondante. at least two removable bottoms, at least one of which can be removably mounted in the bottom of said space, each defining at least one housing for holding the lower part of a container held in the upper part by a corresponding plate.
Dans un tel système, la boîte à glace peut avantageusement être agencée pour se fixer par attraction magnétique de façon amovible sur une plaque de base disposée sur la plateforme, telle que définie plus haut, présentant une forme adaptée à coopérer avec des reliefs de positionnement de la plateforme. Le corps peut alors comporter une pluralité d’aimants permanents logés dans sa paroi inférieure. La plaque de base peut comporter des aimants permanents positionnés pour venir en regard d’aimants correspondants du corps de la boîte à glace. In such a system, the ice box can advantageously be arranged to be fixed by magnetic attraction in a removable manner on a base plate arranged on the platform, as defined above, having a shape adapted to cooperate with positioning reliefs of the platform. The body can then include a plurality of permanent magnets housed in its lower wall. The base plate may include permanent magnets positioned to face corresponding magnets on the body of the ice box.
D’autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention pourront ressortir à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, d’exemples de mise en œuvre non limitatifs de celle-ci, et à l’examen du dessin annexé, sur lequel : Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, of non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:
la figure 1 représente, de façon schématique et en perspective, un exemple de système modulaire selon l’invention, la plaque de base étant à l’état non assemblé avec des accessoires correspondants, Figure 1 shows, schematically and in perspective, an example of a modular system according to the invention, the base plate being in the unassembled state with corresponding accessories,
la figure 2 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, après assemblage d’accessoires sur la plaque de base, Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, after assembly of accessories on the base plate,
la figure 3 représente isolément, en vue de face, la plaque de base, la figure 4 est une vue schématique, en perspective, de la plaque de base, la figure 5 représente en vue de dessous la plaque de base, FIG. 3 is a front view of the base plate in isolation, FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the base plate, FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the base plate,
les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues éclatées de la plaque de base et de différents accessoires prévus pour s’assembler avec la plaque de base, Figures 6 and 7 are exploded views of the base plate and various accessories intended to be assembled with the base plate,
les figures 8 et 9 sont deux vues en perspective, sous des angles de vue différents, de la plaque porte plateau de support de boîte de Pétri, FIGS. 8 and 9 are two perspective views, from different angles of view, of the plate holder plate for the Petri dish,
la figure 10 illustre le changement de configuration de la plaque porte plateau relativement à la plaque de base, FIG. 10 illustrates the change in configuration of the plate holder plate relative to the base plate,
la figure 11 est une vue en perspective d’un exemple d’accessoire constituant un portoir, Figure 11 is a perspective view of an example of an accessory constituting a rack,
les figures 12 à 15 sont des vues analogues à la figure 11 de variantes de portoirs, FIGS. 12 to 15 are views similar to FIG. 11 of variant racks,
la figure 16 représente un plateau de support de boîte de Pétri et la plaque porte plateau correspondante, Figure 16 shows a Petri dish support tray and the corresponding tray holder plate,
la figure 17 illustre un système modulaire comportant une plaque de base et une boîte à glace avec divers éléments pouvant l’équiper, Figure 17 illustrates a modular system comprising a base plate and an ice box with various elements that can equip it,
la figure 18 est une vue éclatée de la plaque de base et de la boîte à glace, la figure 19 représente l’assemblage formé par la boîte à glace et la plaque de base, les figures 20 et 21 représentent isolément des exemples de fonds pouvant être rapportés dans la boîte à glace, Figure 18 is an exploded view of the base plate and the ice box, Figure 19 shows the assembly formed by the ice box and the base plate, Figures 20 and 21 show in isolation examples of bottoms that can be added to the ice box,
les figures 22 et 23 représentent respectivement la boîte à glace avec les fonds des figures 20 et 21 en place, Figures 22 and 23 respectively represent the ice box with the bottoms of Figures 20 and 21 in place,
la figure 24 représente en perspective un exemple de platine pouvant équiper en partie supérieure la boîte à glace, FIG. 24 shows in perspective an example of a plate that can be fitted in the upper part of the ice cream box,
les figures 25 à 27 sont des vues analogues à la figure 24, de variantes de réalisation, et Figures 25 to 27 are views similar to Figure 24, of variant embodiments, and
la figure 28 représente de façon partielle et schématique un exemple d’automate dont la surface de travail est équipée de système modulaires conformes à l’invention. FIG. 28 partially and schematically shows an example of an automatic device whose work surface is equipped with modular systems according to the invention.
On a représenté sur la figure 1 un exemple de système modulaire 1 selon l’invention, comportant une plaque de base 10 et une pluralité d’accessoires dont des portoirs 20 et une plaque 30 destinée à porter un plateau de support 40 de boîte de Pétri. FIG. 1 shows an example of a modular system 1 according to the invention, comprising a base plate 10 and a plurality of accessories including racks 20 and a plate 30 intended to carry a support plate 40 for a Petri dish. .
Chacun de ces accessoires, par exemple l’un des portoirs 20, peut s’assembler avec la plaque de base 10, comme illustré sur la figure 2. Each of these accessories, for example one of the racks 20, can be assembled with the base plate 10, as shown in Figure 2.
On a représenté isolément sur les figures 3 à 5 la plaque de base 10. Is shown in isolation in Figures 3 to 5 the base plate 10.
Celle-ci comporte un corps 11, de préférence en matière plastique, et une pluralité d’aimants permanents 12a et 12b fixés sur le corps, par exemple par collage, par montage à force ou encliquetage, l’invention n’étant pas limitée à une manière particulière de monter les aimants sur la plaque de base. The latter comprises a body 11, preferably of plastic material, and a plurality of permanent magnets 12a and 12b fixed to the body, for example by gluing, by force-mounting or snap-fitting, the invention not being limited to a special way of mounting the magnets on the base plate.
La plaque de base 10 présente une forme générale rectangulaire, avec sur ses petits côtés deux encoches latérales 13, s’étendant chacune entre deux avancées 14 du corps 11. Ces encoches latérales 13 sont destinées à coopérer avec des reliefs de positionnement d’une surface de travail d’un automate, comme cela sera expliqué plus loin. De préférence, la plaque 10 est au format SBS, c’est-à-dire 85mm de largeur par 127,5mm de long. The base plate 10 has a generally rectangular shape, with on its small sides two lateral notches 13, each extending between two projections 14 of the body 11. These lateral notches 13 are intended to cooperate with the positioning reliefs of a surface. of an automaton, as will be explained later. Preferably, plate 10 is in SBS format, i.e. 85mm wide by 127.5mm long.
La plaque de base 10 peut présenter, comme illustré sur la figure 4, une surface supérieure 15 qui est surélevée par rapport aux avancées 14 et qui ménage avec le pourtour du corps un décrochement 16. The base plate 10 may have, as illustrated in FIG. 4, an upper surface 15 which is raised relative to the projections 14 and which forms a step 16 with the perimeter of the body.
Chaque avancée 14 peut être munie d’un pion de positionnement 16, dont le rôle sera expliqué plus loin. Le corps 11 peut également comporter, comme illustré, deux ouvertures 17 positionnées de part et d’autre d’un logement central 18, ainsi qu’une rainure circulaire 19 centrée sur le logement 18. Each projection 14 can be provided with a positioning pin 16, the role of which will be explained below. The body 11 can also include, as illustrated, two openings 17 positioned on either side of a central housing 18, as well as a circular groove 19 centered on the housing 18.
Sur la figure 5, on voit les logements 51 de réception des aimants permanents 12a et 12b. On voit également que le corps 11 comporte sur sa face inférieure deux renfoncements 52, centrés chacun sur une ouverture 17 respective, et débouchant eux-mêmes inférieurement dans un renfoncement 53 de forme rectangulaire. Ces renfoncements 52 servent à accueillir des reliefs de positionnement formant saillie sur la surface de travail, comme cela sera expliqué plus loin. Chaque renfoncement fait par exemple 42,5mm de long et 37,5mm de large, et présente une profondeur de 6mm, l’espacement entre les renfoncements étant de 13mm dans l’exemple considéré. In FIG. 5, the housing 51 for receiving the permanent magnets 12a and 12b can be seen. It can also be seen that the body 11 comprises on its lower face two recesses 52, each centered on a respective opening 17, and themselves opening out below into a recess 53 of rectangular shape. These recesses 52 serve to accommodate positioning reliefs protruding from the work surface, as will be explained below. Each recess is for example 42.5mm long and 37.5mm wide, and has a depth of 6mm, the spacing between the recesses being 13mm in the example considered.
Dans l’exemple considéré, les aimants 12a et 12b sont de petits aimants permanents à base de terres rares, de forme cylindrique, par exemple de 5mm de diamètre, et les accessoires comportent eux-mêmes des aimants permanents destinés à assurer leur fixation sur la plaque de base 10 par attraction magnétique. La force des aimants utilisés est par exemple comprise entre 0,25 et 1kg. Dans une variante, seul l’un de la plaque de base ou des accessoires portent des aimants, et l’autre comporte des parties métalliques aimantables au lieu d’aimants permanents. Cela peut permettre de réduire le coût du système en utilisant moins d’aimants. In the example considered, the magnets 12a and 12b are small permanent magnets based on rare earths, cylindrical in shape, for example 5mm in diameter, and the accessories themselves include permanent magnets intended to ensure their attachment to the base plate 10 by magnetic attraction. The strength of the magnets used is for example between 0.25 and 1 kg. Alternatively, only one of the baseplate or accessories carries magnets, and the other has magnetizable metal parts instead of permanent magnets. This can help reduce the cost of the system by using fewer magnets.
Sur la figure 6, on a représenté les aimants permanents 21 d’un portoir 20, disposés chacun en regard d’un aimant 12a correspondant de la plaque de base 10. In Figure 6, there is shown the permanent magnets 21 of a rack 20, each arranged opposite a corresponding magnet 12a of the base plate 10.
Les aimants 12b de la plaque de base 10 sont positionnés différemment des aimants 12a de manière à assurer la fixation d’un accessoire différent, par exemple la plaque 30 porte plateau, comme illustré à la figure 7. Sur cette dernière, on voit les aimants permanents 31 qui équipent la plaque 30, et qui viennent chacun en regard d’un aimant 12b. The magnets 12b of the base plate 10 are positioned differently from the magnets 12a so as to ensure the attachment of a different accessory, for example the plate 30 holder, as illustrated in FIG. 7. On the latter, we see the magnets permanent 31 which equip the plate 30, and which each come opposite a magnet 12b.
La plaque 30 comporte un pion central 32 qui fait saillie sous sa face inférieure, destiné à s’engager dans le logement 18 de la plaque de base 10, lequel peut être traversant pour faciliter le nettoyage de la plaque de base 10. La rainure 19 participe également au guidage et positionnement de la plaque 30 lors de la rotation. Un relief circulaire complémentaire se trouve au revers de cette plaque 30, en plus du pion central 32. Les aimants 12a sont disposés comme les sommets de deux carrés disposés côte à côte, par exemple de 40mm de côté. The plate 30 comprises a central pin 32 which protrudes under its lower face, intended to engage in the housing 18 of the base plate 10, which may pass through to facilitate cleaning of the base plate 10. The groove 19 also participates in the guiding and positioning of the plate 30 during the rotation. A complementary circular relief is on the back of this plate 30, in addition to the central pin 32. The magnets 12a are arranged like the tops of two squares arranged side by side, for example 40mm sideways.
Les aimants 12b sont disposés comme les sommets d’un carré par exemple de 70mm de côté, centré sur le logement 18, de même que les aimants 31, de telle sorte que la plaque 30 porte plateau peut prendre deux configurations stables relativement à la plaque de base 10, comme illustré sur la figure 10. The magnets 12b are arranged like the vertices of a square, for example with a side of 70mm, centered on the housing 18, as are the magnets 31, so that the plate 30 can take two stable configurations relative to the plate. base 10, as shown in Figure 10.
Dans l’une de ces configurations, la plaque porte plateau 30 est orientée longitudinalement relativement à la plaque de base 10, et dans l’autre configuration, après rotation d’un quart de tour autour de l’axe du logement 18, la plaque porte plateau est orientée transversalement. On peut passer ainsi d’une configuration dite paysage à une configuration dite portrait, et inversement. In one of these configurations, the plate holder plate 30 is oriented longitudinally relative to the base plate 10, and in the other configuration, after rotation of a quarter of a turn around the axis of the housing 18, the plate tray holder is oriented transversely. We can thus switch from a so-called landscape configuration to a so-called portrait configuration, and vice versa.
Dans chacune de ces deux configurations, les aimants 31 de la plaque 30 porte plateau viennent en regard des aimants 12b. In each of these two configurations, the magnets 31 of the plate 30 plate holder come opposite the magnets 12b.
Pour passer de l’une des configurations à l’autre, il suffit de forcer la plaque porte plateau 30 à tourner relativement à la plaque de base 10, pour vaincre l’attraction magnétique entre les couples d’aimants en regard, avant que l’attraction des aimants ne tende à nouveau à immobiliser la plaque porte plateau après un quart de tour. To switch from one of the configurations to the other, it suffices to force the plate holder plate 30 to rotate relative to the base plate 10, to overcome the magnetic attraction between the pairs of magnets opposite, before the The attraction of the magnets does not tend to immobilize the plate holder again after a quarter turn.
On va maintenant décrire, en référence aux figures 11 à 15, plusieurs exemples de portoirs 20 selon l’invention, adaptés à s’assembler par attraction magnétique à la plaque de base 10. We will now describe, with reference to Figures 11 to 15, several examples of racks 20 according to the invention, adapted to be assembled by magnetic attraction to the base plate 10.
Ces portoirs 20 comportent chacun un socle 61 qui contient les aimants 21, comme expliqué en référence à la figure 6. Ce socle 61 porte des montants verticaux 62, au nombre de quatre par exemple. Les montants 62 supportent une platine supérieure 63, pourvue d’ouvertures 64 pour y engager des contenants, non représentés. These racks 20 each comprise a base 61 which contains the magnets 21, as explained with reference to FIG. 6. This base 61 carries vertical uprights 62, four in number for example. The uprights 62 support an upper plate 63, provided with openings 64 for engaging containers therein, not shown.
Le socle 61 peut présenter sur sa face inférieure des logements pour recevoir les pions de positionnement 16 de la plaque de base 10. On peut réaliser sur le socle 61 un relief destiné à s’engager dans l’ouverture 17. Le socle 61 vient en appui par son bord inférieur sur la plaque de base autour de la face supérieure surélevée 15. Le socle 61 peut ainsi reposer de façon stable par son bord inférieur sur une surface plane horizontale, lorsqu’il n’est pas posé sur la plaque de base 10. The base 61 may have housings on its lower face for receiving the positioning pins 16 of the base plate 10. A relief can be produced on the base 61 intended to engage in the opening 17. The base 61 comes in. support by its lower edge on the base plate around the raised upper face 15. The base 61 can thus rest in a stable manner by its lower edge on a horizontal flat surface, when it is not placed on the base plate 10.
Les montants 62 sont maintenus par un cadre 65, qui suit le contour du socle 61, et par une platine inférieure 66, située entre le cadre 65 et la platine supérieure 63, cette platine inférieure étant traversée par des ouvertures 67 qui se superposent à celles de la platine supérieure 63 lorsque l’accessoire est observé verticalement de dessus, et servent de guides aux contenants introduits dans le portoir 20. The uprights 62 are held by a frame 65, which follows the contour of the base 61, and by a lower plate 66, located between the frame 65 and the upper plate 63, this lower plate being crossed by openings 67 which are superimposed on those of the upper plate 63 when the accessory is observed vertically from above, and serve as guides for the containers introduced into the rack 20.
Dans l’exemple de la figure 11, le portoir présente deux rangées de quatre ouvertures 64, pour accueillir des tubes Eppendorf de 2ml par exemple. Le diamètre des ouvertures est alors de 11mm par exemple. L’encombrement du portoir est par exemple de 85mm de long par 45 mm de large et de 60mm de haut. In the example of Figure 11, the rack has two rows of four openings 64, to accommodate 2ml Eppendorf tubes for example. The diameter of the openings is then 11mm for example. The size of the rack is, for example, 85mm long by 45mm wide and 60mm high.
Les exemples des figures 12 à 14 diffèrent de celui de la figure 11 par le fait que la platine inférieure 66 est remplacée par un cadre 70 et par le fait que le socle 61 porte des fûts cylindriques 74 pour accueillir l’extrémité inférieure des contenants. Dans les exemples de ces figures, les fûts 74 sont de section circulaire, comme les ouvertures 64, et le diamètre intérieur des fûts 74 correspond à celui des ouvertures 64. The examples of Figures 12 to 14 differ from that of Figure 11 in that the lower plate 66 is replaced by a frame 70 and in the fact that the base 61 carries cylindrical barrels 74 to accommodate the lower end of the containers. In the examples of these figures, the barrels 74 are of circular section, like the openings 64, and the internal diameter of the barrels 74 corresponds to that of the openings 64.
Dans l’exemple de la figure 12, la platine supérieure présente deux ouvertures 64 de 30mm de diamètre, pour accueillir par exemple des tubes Lalcon de 50ml et, dans celui de la figure 14, quatre ouvertures 64 pour accueillir par exemple des tubes Lalcon de 15ml. Le diamètre des ouvertures est alors de 17mm. In the example of figure 12, the upper plate has two openings 64 of 30mm in diameter, to accommodate for example Lalcon tubes of 50ml and, in that of figure 14, four openings 64 to accommodate for example Lalcon tubes of 15ml. The diameter of the openings is then 17mm.
Dans l’exemple de la figure 13, la platine supérieure 63 accueille huit tubes d’hémolyse. Le diamètre des ouvertures 64 est par exemple de 12mm. In the example of Figure 13, the top plate 63 accommodates eight hemolysis tubes. The diameter of the openings 64 is for example 12mm.
Dans l’exemple de la figure 15, la platine supérieure 63 comporte une ouverture unique 64, de section rectangulaire, et le socle 61 porte un rail 76 pour recevoir l’extrémité inférieure du contenant. Ce dernier est par exemple un bac de 100ml proposé par la société TEC AN. L’ouverture fait par exemple 80mm de long et 21,5mm de large. In the example of Figure 15, the upper plate 63 has a single opening 64, of rectangular section, and the base 61 carries a rail 76 to receive the lower end of the container. The latter is for example a 100ml container offered by the company TEC AN. The opening is for example 80mm long and 21.5mm wide.
On a représenté sur la figure 16 la plaque 30 porte plateau et le plateau 40 de support de boîtes de Pétri 40 qui lui est associé. FIG. 16 shows the plate 30 and the Petri dish support plate 40 which is associated with it.
La plaque 30 comporte un corps 33 en matière plastique, pourvu de logements 34 pour accueillir les aimants 31 précités. The plate 30 comprises a body 33 of plastic material, provided with housings 34 to accommodate the aforementioned magnets 31.
La plaque 30 est munie sur sa face supérieure de butées 38 pour le positionnement du plateau de support 40. Ce dernier comporte une succession 42 de renfoncements circulaires concentriques de diamètres croissants, permettant d’accueillir des boîtes de Pétri de diamètres respectifs croissants, par exemple 35mm, 50mm et 100mm. The plate 30 is provided on its upper face with stops 38 for positioning the support plate 40. The latter comprises a succession 42 of concentric circular recesses of increasing diameters, making it possible to accommodate Petri dishes of respective increasing diameters, for example. 35mm, 50mm and 100mm.
La plaque 30 est de préférence au format SB S, et sa hauteur est de 4mm. On a représenté à la figure 17 un système modulaire formé d’une plaque de base 10 telle que décrite précédemment, et d’un accessoire 80 constitué par une boîte à glace selon l’invention. Cette dernière peut accueillir divers fonds amovibles 90 et diverses platines supérieures amovibles 100, choisis en fonction de la nature des contenants que l’on souhaite immerger dans la boîte à glace. The plate 30 is preferably in the SB S format, and its height is 4mm. There is shown in Figure 17 a modular system formed of a base plate 10 as described above, and an accessory 80 consisting of an ice box according to the invention. The latter can accommodate various removable bottoms 90 and various removable upper plates 100, chosen according to the nature of the containers to be immersed in the ice box.
La boîte à glace 80 est représentée de manière plus détaillée à la figure 18. Elle comporte un corps étanche 81 de forme générale parallélépipédique, ouvert à son extrémité supérieure, et dont la paroi inférieure 89 présente des logements 83 pour recevoir des aimants permanents 82, destinés à se positionner en regard des aimants 12b de la plaque de base 10. The ice box 80 is shown in more detail in Figure 18. It comprises a sealed body 81 of generally parallelepipedal shape, open at its upper end, and the lower wall 89 of which has housings 83 for receiving permanent magnets 82, intended to be positioned opposite the magnets 12b of the base plate 10.
Le corps 81 peut être rempli d’un liquide et/ou de glace. Il présente, en partie supérieure, un rebord 84 pour supporter deux platines 100 disposées côte-à-côte, comme illustré à la figure 19. Body 81 can be filled with liquid and / or ice. It has, in the upper part, a flange 84 for supporting two plates 100 arranged side by side, as illustrated in FIG. 19.
Le corps 81 fait par exemple 104mm de long, pour 91mm de large et 67mm de haut, et sa contenance est par exemple de 390ml. The body 81 is for example 104mm long, for 91mm wide and 67mm high, and its capacity is for example 390ml.
La boîte 80 peut comporter, comme illustré, deux détrompeurs 88 à mi-longueur des grands côtés de celle-ci, et les platines 100 des encoches 102 correspondantes. The box 80 may include, as illustrated, two polarizers 88 at mid-length of the long sides thereof, and the plates 100 of the corresponding notches 102.
La paroi inférieure 89 présente deux renflements 92 qui viennent se positionner au-dessus des encoches 13 de la plaque de base 10. The lower wall 89 has two bulges 92 which come to be positioned above the notches 13 of the base plate 10.
Les fonds 90 sont choisis en fonction des platines supérieures 100 qui sont montées sur le corps 81. Chaque fond fait par exemple 48mm de large par 85mm de long. The bases 90 are chosen according to the upper plates 100 which are mounted on the body 81. Each base is for example 48mm wide by 85mm long.
Les fonds 90 illustrés à la figure 20 comportent un socle 93 portant des parois 94 définissant des logements pour recevoir l’extrémité inférieure des contenants. Ces derniers sont par exemple quatre tubes d’hémolyse, engagés dans une rangée d’ouvertures respectives 102 d’une platine supérieure 100 telle que celle illustrée à la figure 27, ou des tubes Eppendorf engagés dans deux rangées parallèles d’ouvertures 102 d’une platine supérieure 100 telle que celle illustrée à la figure 26. Les parois 94 font par exemple au moins 5mm de haut, par exemple entre 5 et 15mm de haut, notamment 10mm de haut. Les parois 94 comportent des portions de fûts cylindriques, chacun de diamètre adapté à celui des ouvertures des platines qui s’y superposent, pour recevoir par exemple le fond de tubes Eppendorf ou d’hémolyse. Le fond 90 peut comporter ainsi deux rangées parallèles de parois 94a formant huit fûts cylindriques incomplets, et entre celles-ci une rangée de parois 94b définissant quatre logements pour des contenants de plus grand diamètre, par exemple des tubes Falcon. The funds 90 illustrated in FIG. 20 comprise a base 93 carrying walls 94 defining housings for receiving the lower end of the containers. The latter are for example four hemolysis tubes, engaged in a row of respective openings 102 of an upper plate 100 such as that illustrated in FIG. 27, or Eppendorf tubes engaged in two parallel rows of openings 102 of an upper plate 100 such as that illustrated in FIG. 26. The walls 94 are for example at least 5mm high, for example between 5 and 15mm high, in particular 10mm high. The walls 94 comprise portions of cylindrical barrels, each of a diameter adapted to that of the openings of the plates which are superimposed thereon, for receiving for example the bottom of Eppendorf or hemolysis tubes. The bottom 90 can thus comprise two parallel rows of walls 94a forming eight incomplete cylindrical barrels, and between them a row of walls 94b defining four housings for containers of larger diameter, for example Falcon tubes.
On voit également que le socle 93 présente deux encoches latérales 96 dans lesquelles peuvent s’engager les renflements 92 de la paroi inférieure de la boîte 80, lorsque le fond 90 repose sur cette paroi inférieure, comme illustré sur la figure 22. It is also seen that the base 93 has two side notches 96 in which the bulges 92 of the lower wall of the box 80 can engage, when the bottom 90 rests on this lower wall, as illustrated in FIG. 22.
Dans l’exemple de la figure 21, le fond 90 comporte un rail 98 de forme adaptée à celle de l’ouverture rectangulaire 102 de la platine supérieure 100, représentée isolément à la figure 24. In the example of Figure 21, the bottom 90 has a rail 98 shaped to match that of the rectangular opening 102 of the top plate 100, shown in isolation in Figure 24.
La platine supérieure 100 peut encore ne présenter que deux ouvertures circulaires, comme illustré à la figure 25, pour accueillir des tubes Falcon. The upper plate 100 may still have only two circular openings, as illustrated in FIG. 25, to accommodate Falcon tubes.
On peut munir la boîte 80 de deux platines supérieures 100 identiques, ou en variante de deux platines différentes, selon les contenants à recevoir. Par exemple, on monte sur la boîte une platine pour tubes Eppendorf 2ml et une platine pour tubes Falcon de 50ml. The box 80 can be provided with two identical top plates 100, or as a variant with two different plates, depending on the containers to be received. For example, a plate for 2ml Eppendorf tubes and a plate for 50ml Falcon tubes are mounted on the box.
Chaque platine 100 fait par exemple 85mm de long, 48mm de large et 3mm de haut. Each plate 100 is for example 85mm long, 48mm wide and 3mm high.
On a représenté à la figure 28 la surface de travail 200 d’un automate de pipetage, par exemple de marque Fluent de la société TECAN. Cette surface comporte des plots de positionnement 201 ainsi que des supports 202 dits « nest 7mm » de microplaques au format SBS. FIG. 28 shows the work surface 200 of an automatic pipetting machine, for example of the Fluent brand from the company TECAN. This surface comprises positioning pads 201 as well as supports 202 called “nest 7mm” for microplates in SBS format.
La plaque de base 10 peut se positionner sur les plots 201, les encoches latérales 13 recevant chacune un plot, comme illustré, et les renfoncements 52 recevant chacun deux plots 201. The base plate 10 can be positioned on the studs 201, the lateral notches 13 each receiving a stud, as illustrated, and the recesses 52 each receiving two studs 201.
Le fait que la plaque de base 10 puisse se placer sur les plots 201 permet de valoriser notamment ceux présents à l’arrière de la surface de travail. The fact that the base plate 10 can be placed on the studs 201 makes it possible to enhance in particular those present at the rear of the work surface.
La plaque de base 10 peut également se monter sur un support 202 de microplaque. The base plate 10 can also be mounted on a microplate holder 202.
Bien entendu, l’invention n’est pas limitée aux exemples qui viennent d’être décrits. On peut par exemple monter sur la plaque de base d’autres accessoires que ceux illustrés. Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described. For example, other accessories than those illustrated can be mounted on the base plate.
Les composants du système modulaire, à l’exception des aimants, peuvent être réalisés par moulage de matière thermoplastique ou par un procédé de fabrication additif, par exemple à l’aide d’une imprimante 3D. Bien que la surface de travail illustrée à la figure 28 soit celle de l’automate de marque Fluent de la société TECAN, l’invention s’applique à d’autres automates, par exemple celui de marque EvO de la société TECAN ou ceux proposés par la société Genesis. The components of the modular system, with the exception of the magnets, can be produced by molding of thermoplastic material or by an additive manufacturing process, for example using a 3D printer. Although the work surface illustrated in FIG. 28 is that of the Fluent brand PLC from the company TECAN, the invention applies to other PLCs, for example that of the EvO brand from the company TECAN or those proposed. by the Genesis Company.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Système modulaire (1) pour plateforme d’automate de pipetage, comportant : 1. Modular system (1) for an automated pipetting platform, comprising:
une plaque de base (10) présentant une forme adaptée à coopérer avec des reliefs de positionnement (201 ; 202) de la plateforme, a base plate (10) having a shape adapted to cooperate with positioning reliefs (201; 202) of the platform,
au moins un accessoire choisi parmi un portoir (20), une plaque (30) porte plateau (40) de support de boîte de Pétri et une boîte à glace (80), agencé pour se fixer de façon amovible sur la plaque de base (10) par attraction magnétique. at least one accessory selected from a rack (20), a plate (30) holder plate (40) for supporting the Petri dish and an ice box (80), arranged to be removably fixed on the base plate ( 10) by magnetic attraction.
2. Système selon la revendication 1, la plaque de base et/ou chaque accessoire comportant une pluralité d’aimants permanents (12a, 12b ; 21 ; 31 ; 82). 2. System according to claim 1, the base plate and / or each accessory comprising a plurality of permanent magnets (12a, 12b; 21; 31; 82).
3. Système selon la revendication 2, la plaque de base (10) comportant plusieurs aimants permanents (12a, 12b), notamment au moins trois ensembles d’aimants permanents distincts destinés chacun à un accessoire, chaque ensemble d’aimants comportant de préférence quatre aimants disposés en carré, en particulier deux ensembles d’aimants (12a) disposés côte à côte et comportant chacun quatre aimants disposés comme les sommets d’un carré de même longueur de côté, et un troisième ensemble comportant quatre aimants (12b) disposés comme les sommets d’un carré ayant une longueur de côté supérieure aux deux autres. 3. System according to claim 2, the base plate (10) comprising several permanent magnets (12a, 12b), in particular at least three sets of separate permanent magnets each intended for an accessory, each set of magnets preferably comprising four. magnets arranged in a square, in particular two sets of magnets (12a) arranged side by side and each comprising four magnets arranged as the vertices of a square of the same side length, and a third set comprising four magnets (12b) arranged as the vertices of a square having a side length greater than the other two.
4. Système selon la revendication 3, le ou chaque accessoire comportant plusieurs aimants permanents positionnés pour venir en regard d’aimants correspondants de la plaque de base. 4. System according to claim 3, the or each accessory comprising several permanent magnets positioned to come opposite corresponding magnets of the base plate.
5. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant au moins deux accessoires distincts, chaque accessoire étant agencé pour se fixer sur la plaque de base grâce à des sites d’attraction magnétique respectifs, les sites d’attraction magnétique de la plaque de base étant au moins en partie différents pour les deux accessoires. 5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two separate accessories, each accessory being arranged to be fixed on the base plate by means of respective magnetic attraction sites, the magnetic attraction sites of the plate. base being at least partly different for the two accessories.
6. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, le portoir comportant un socle (61) lui permettant de reposer de façon stable sur une surface plane horizontale, des montants (62) et au moins une platine (63) pourvue d’au moins une ouverture (64) de réception d’un contenant, notamment tube ou bac, des aimants (21) étant de préférence situés chacun dans le prolongement d’un montant (62). 6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, the rack comprising a base (61) allowing it to rest stably on a horizontal flat surface, uprights (62) and at least one plate (63) provided with at least one opening (64) for receiving a container, in particular a tube or tank, the magnets (21) each being preferably located in the extension of an upright (62).
7. Système selon la revendication précédente, le socle (61) portant au moins un fût (74) de réception de la partie inférieure du contenant. 7. System according to the preceding claim, the base (61) carrying at least one barrel (74) for receiving the lower part of the container.
8. Système selon la revendication 6, le socle portant un rail (76) de réception d’un contenant, notamment d’un bac. 8. System according to claim 6, the base carrying a rail (76) for receiving a container, in particular a container.
9. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, les montants étant reliés entre eux par au moins un cadre de renfort (65), notamment deux cadres (65, 70) situés à des hauteurs différentes sur les montants. 9. System according to any one of claims 6 to 8, the uprights being interconnected by at least one reinforcing frame (65), in particular two frames (65, 70) located at different heights on the uprights.
10. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant deux portoirs (20), la plaque de base (10) étant dimensionnée pour accueillir ces deux portoirs disposés côte-à-côte. 10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two racks (20), the base plate (10) being dimensioned to accommodate these two racks arranged side by side.
11. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, la boîte à glace (80) étant agencée pour recevoir en partie supérieure au moins une platine (100) comportant au moins une ouverture (102) de réception d’un contenant, notamment d’un tube ou d’un bac. 11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, the ice box (80) being arranged to receive in the upper part at least one plate (100) comprising at least one opening (102) for receiving a container, in particular d 'a tube or tray.
12. Système selon la revendication précédente, la boîte à glace (102) étant agencée pour recevoir en partie supérieure deux platines (100) comportant chacune au moins une ouverture (102) de réception d’un contenant, notamment d’un tube ou d’un bac, la paroi du contenant venant de préférence au contact du milieu refroissant contenu dans la boîte à glace. 12. System according to the preceding claim, the ice box (102) being arranged to receive in the upper part two plates (100) each comprising at least one opening (102) for receiving a container, in particular a tube or d. 'a tray, the wall of the container preferably coming into contact with the cooling medium contained in the ice box.
13. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, la boîte à glace (80) étant agencée pour recevoir un fond (90) portant des reliefs définissant au moins un logement de réception de la partie inférieure d’un contenant. 13. System according to any one of the preceding claims, the ice box (80) being arranged to receive a bottom (90) bearing reliefs defining at least one housing for receiving the lower part of a container.
14. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, la fixation de la plaque (30) porte plateau sur la plaque de base (10) se faisant selon au moins deux sites d’attraction magnétique disposés sur la plaque de base de manière à permettre une fixation de la plaque (30) porte plateau sur la plaque de base dans deux orientations respectives à 90° l’une de l’autre, de préférence selon quatre sites disposés comme les sommets d’un carré, la plaque de base et la plaque porte plateau comportant de préférence deux reliefs de centrage coopérants (18, 32), permettant une rotation de la plaque (30) porte plateau relativement à la plaque de base (10). 14. System according to any one of the preceding claims, the fixing of the plate (30) on the base plate (10) being carried out according to at least two sites of magnetic attraction arranged on the base plate so as to allow fixing of the plate holder (30) on the base plate in two respective orientations at 90 ° to each other, preferably at four sites arranged as the vertices of a square, the base plate and the plate holder plate preferably comprising two cooperating centering reliefs (18, 32), allowing rotation of the plate holder (30) relative to the base plate (10).
15. Ensemble comportant l’automate et le système modulaire (1) tel que défini dans l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, la plaque de base (10) comportant au moins un évidement (13, 52) agencé pour coopérer avec un bossage (201) de la plateforme, la plaque de base (10) étant de préférence au format SBS. 15. An assembly comprising the controller and the modular system (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14, the base plate (10) comprising at least one recess (13, 52) arranged to cooperate with a boss (201) of the platform, the base plate (10) preferably being in SBS format.
PCT/EP2020/056313 2019-03-14 2020-03-10 Modular system for a pipetting machine WO2020182795A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19305309 2019-03-14
EP19305309.7 2019-03-14

Publications (1)

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WO2020182795A1 true WO2020182795A1 (en) 2020-09-17

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Citations (5)

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US6060022A (en) * 1996-07-05 2000-05-09 Beckman Coulter, Inc. Automated sample processing system including automatic centrifuge device
US20080206112A1 (en) 2006-10-25 2008-08-28 Michael Fu Modular test tube holder
GB2451491A (en) * 2007-08-02 2009-02-04 Barloworld Scient Ltd Laboratory accessory and magnetic device
US20100045147A1 (en) 2006-06-29 2010-02-25 Kurt Harnack Modular Storage System for Laboratory Fluids
US20180353956A1 (en) * 2017-06-07 2018-12-13 Oregon State University Polymer-based well plate devices and fluidic systems and methods of making and using the same

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6060022A (en) * 1996-07-05 2000-05-09 Beckman Coulter, Inc. Automated sample processing system including automatic centrifuge device
US20100045147A1 (en) 2006-06-29 2010-02-25 Kurt Harnack Modular Storage System for Laboratory Fluids
US20080206112A1 (en) 2006-10-25 2008-08-28 Michael Fu Modular test tube holder
GB2451491A (en) * 2007-08-02 2009-02-04 Barloworld Scient Ltd Laboratory accessory and magnetic device
US20180353956A1 (en) * 2017-06-07 2018-12-13 Oregon State University Polymer-based well plate devices and fluidic systems and methods of making and using the same

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