WO1998045041A1

WO1998045041A1 - Device for picking up and distributing laboratory objects with at least in part a hollow cylindrical contour

Info

Publication number: WO1998045041A1
Application number: PCT/EP1998/001950
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernd Steinbrenner; Roger Steinbrenner
Original assignee: Bernd Steinbrenner; Roger Steinbrenner
Priority date: 1997-04-05
Filing date: 1998-04-03
Publication date: 1998-10-15
Also published as: EP1007211A1

Abstract

A device is disclosed for picking up and distributing laboratory objects (1) with at least in part a hollow cylindrical contour, such as pipette tips, test tubes, reagent vessels or cells. The device has a plate-like body (3, 26, 63) with pick-up devices (5) arranged and designed in such a manner that they can pick up objects (1) arranged on a first carrier (31) in a standard pattern of high packing density with their openings (2) upwards and transfer them to another carrier (31). An actuating plate (15, 20, 27, 47, 56, 64) extends over the area of the pick-up devices (5), parallel to the plate-like body (3, 26), and can be moved relative to the plate-like body (3, 26) by means of an actuating device (10, 10', 10''), so that the pick-up devices (5) can be brought into three states of operation (6, 7, 7'). In a first state of operation (7), they can pick up the objects (1), in a second state of operation (6) they can clamp the objects (1) and in a third state of operation (7') they can release the objects (1).

Description

Removal and delivery device for objects for laboratory use, which at least partially have a hollow cylindrical contour

description

The invention relates to a removal and delivery device for objects for laboratory use, which at least partially have a hollow cylindrical contour, such as pipette tips, test tubes, test tubes or cuvettes, the device having a plate-like body with receiving devices which are designed and arranged in such a way that in one standardized grid with high packing density with the opening facing upwards can be removed from a first carrier and transferred to another carrier,

In practically every biological and medical laboratory, objects are used which are supplied in a grid-like arrangement to make work easier or which the user places in such a way that they are ready for work in this arrangement. For example, special piston pumps, so-called pipettes, are used for handling and dosing the smallest liquid volumes. In order to avoid contamination of the liquids and solutions to be pipetted, the contact to the liquid takes place via replaceable plastic tips, which are intended for single use and which are attached to the lower end of the pipettes. These are required in large quantities in every laboratory. The pipette tips are hollow bodies with narrowing tips. The wide opening is for plugging onto the pipettes. A shoulder is often provided on the outside, which serves as a support when the pipette tips are to be picked up by a pipette from a perforated plate-shaped carrier. The pipette tips can be packed loose in bags and must then be individually attached to the pipettes by hand. This procedure runs the risk of touching the tips by hand and thus contaminating them. In the case of a large number of pipetting processes, this method is also very complex. To make work easier, pipette tips can therefore also be attached to carriers which are usually made of plastic, the carriers being closable by covers. The carriers have perforated plates, the most manufacturers or providers use a standardized, orthogonal 8x12 or

Observe 6x10 grid, depending on the size of the pipette tips. This ensures that the pipette tips can be easily removed with multi-channel pipettes. Sterile pipette tips are very often required when working in the laboratory. As a rule, the carriers are therefore heat-stable up to 120 ° C, so that the tips can be sterilized (autoclaved) by moist heat before use. Such carriers are called autoclave boxes. In practice, in addition to the pipette tips, the nutoclave boxes themselves are disposable items, although in principle they could be used several times. The reason for this is that re-inserting the tips by hand in the laboratory is too laborious and time-consuming and that every time the tips are inserted, such a nutoclave box is included. Since they also have to be very stable to withstand the pressure loads when inserting the pipettes into the tips, a relatively large amount of material is inevitably necessary for their manufacture. This leads to a high environmental impact in manufacturing and sales (for 96 or 60 tips, a separate carrier and outer packaging must be produced and transported) and presents the user with the problem of disposing of large quantities of plastic waste, which in turn pollutes the environment.

To remedy this, it has been proposed to sell the pipette tips in perforated plate-shaped carriers which are stacked like a tower (DE 296 16 231). The tips of the pipettes of one layer each reach into the wide openings of the layer below. This creates an extremely compact arrangement of a large number of pipette tips. The carriers are removed to use the pipette tips. The disadvantage of this handling, however, is that the pipette tips remain in the perforated plate-shaped carriers. The carriers are contaminated in the laboratory and should therefore be disposed of. It is therefore desirable to convert the pipette tips from the carriers that are used for transport and storage to those that remain in the laboratory. The latter can be the autoclave boxes themselves, or they can be carriers that can be used in autoclave boxes.

For the position-wise transfer of pipette tips, DE 92 16 302.5 U1 proposed to design a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that a transfer body is provided with grid-shaped receiving pins. The implementation body is placed with these receiving pins on a carrier equipped with pipette tips in such a way that a receiving pin engages loosely in each pipette tip. Then the transfer body is turned over together with the carrier and then the carrier is removed. The pipette tips are now all loose on the transfer body. The carrier intended for the laboratory is then taken and the pipette tips must be threaded into its receiving openings. Then the transfer body with the new carrier is turned over again. Now the transfer body can be removed and the pipette tips are available for use.

The disadvantage of this device is the cumbersome handling, in particular the “threading” of the pipette tips, which point upwards with their tips, into the receiving openings of the carrier requires patience, practice and skill. It often happens that the transfer process “fails” and Pipette tips fall out. The risk of contamination of the tip of the Piptten is particularly great.

The same problems occur not only with pipette tips but also with other objects arranged in a grid for laboratory needs, such as reaction vessels, cuvettes or test tubes. Such objects for laboratory use, if at least partially have a hollow cylindrical contour, can be handled just like the pipette tips. This is particularly useful if they must also be available in a grid-like arrangement for operations. This is the case, for example, with reaction vessels, cuvettes or test tubes, if you want to work with them with multi-channel pipettes, or if an automatic machine is used that approaches the objects for processing in a defined grid.

From DE 30 03 932 AI a holder for reagent vessels arranged in a grid is known, but this is not used to transfer from one carrier to another carrier. Rather, the objects are inserted by hand in order to then "move" the holder from one workstation to the next. After the test tubes have been used up, a holding device is released in order to dispose of the test tubes. However, the holding device is a complex and relatively space-consuming mechanism is to be removed from a person not suitable for transferring them to another carrier in their standardized grid. In the subject of DE 30 03 832 AI, two plates are provided with receiving openings in a grid-like arrangement, between which the holding device is arranged. The latter consists of leaf springs, one of which is assigned to a receiving device. To hold the objects, the leaf springs are actuated in rows by shafts, the actuation of the shafts being carried out by a control rail via a locking bar. With such a holding device, however, it is not possible, or not at reasonable cost, to clamp objects arranged in a narrow grid on their circumference. However, the objects mentioned at the outset, for example pipette tips, are arranged on supports in a standardized grid which is very compact and has extremely little space between the objects. In the case of conventional standardized grid arrangements of pipette tips, there is, for example, less than 2 mm space between one pipette tip and the next. The same applies to reaction vessels, since these too must have small distances when working with multichannel pipettes. This results in the need to develop a device which is as simple as possible and in particular is so space-saving that objects arranged in a narrow grid can be picked up, held and released again. Such a device is available through the above-described DE 92 16 302.5 U1, but it has the disadvantages already mentioned, in particular the complicated and difficult-to-handle conversion process.

The invention is therefore based on the object of designing a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the conversion process can be carried out simply and safely.

The object is achieved in that an actuating plate extends parallel to the plate-like body over the area of the receiving devices and can be moved relative to the plate-like body by means of an actuating device, as a result of which the receiving devices can be brought into three working states, a first working state in which the objects are recordable, a second working state in which they clamply hold the objects and a third working state in which the objects can be released. Another solution to the problem is that the plate-like body as receiving devices at least at the points where it comes to rest on the objects has an underside to which the objects adhere, and that the plate-like body after the objects have been brought onto the other carrier is detachable from the objects.

The device according to the invention means that the repositioning body and carrier no longer have to be turned over. The objects are removed from one carrier, brought to the other carrier and used there in the simplest way. The objects can be inserted from above into the receiving openings of the carrier to be filled, which is much easier than from below. The objects are also exactly in the grid due to the clamping or adhesion, which cannot be achieved with the relocating body according to the prior art because of the play between pipette tips and receiving pins and their upside-down position. Handling is therefore easier and safer, and there is no risk of falling out, as is the case when turning over as is known in the prior art. The risk of the objects being touched when moving them is also significantly lower, which is particularly important in the case of high cleanliness requirements.

The mechanics of the proposals according to the invention are simple and space-saving. In particular, it is suitable for picking up, holding and releasing objects arranged in a narrow grid, in particular in the usual standardized grids. As a result, the objects can be packed tightly and delivered and stored in a space-saving manner, and it is possible, while maintaining this grid, to arrange them on the customary carriers which are intended for the use of the objects.

The removal and dispensing device of the first proposal according to the invention can be constructed such that the receiving devices grip the objects on the outside, that they grip the objects on their walls or that they grip the objects in their openings. The relative mobility of the actuating plate relative to the plate-like body, which serves to bring the receiving devices into their different working states, can be designed in different ways. One embodiment provides that the actuating plate is displaceable parallel to the plate-like body, and another embodiment provides that the relative mobility is a change in the distance between the plate-like body and the actuating plate.

A further development provides that the relative movement between the plate-like body and the actuating plate takes place against a spring force, the objects being held in a locked state by the receiving devices by means of the spring force and the receiving devices by actuating against the spring force in the working states for receiving and are releasable to release the items. The advantage of this embodiment is that the objects are held securely by the spring force and an inadvertent loosening of the receiving devices is almost impossible.

An expedient embodiment provides that the relative movement between the plate-like body and the actuating plate takes place from the first to the second working state by the inclusion of the objects in the receiving devices and that the relative movement is effected from the second to the third working state by actuating the actuating device. In this way, the operation of the removal and dispensing device is further simplified. There are a large number of specific configurations for the specific configuration of the receiving devices and the actuating device for bringing about the relative movement between the actuating plate and the plate-like body.

One of the specific configurations is based on the principle that the receiving devices have vertically projecting receiving pins. Such receptacle pins ensure particularly good guidance and alignment of the objects, so that their lower ends are also in the exact grid and can be easily inserted into the receptacle openings of a carrier.

It can be provided that the receiving pins are designed in such a way that their diameter can be changed by means of an actuating device in such a way that it ner and once larger than the diameter of the openings of the objects. In this embodiment, the receiving pins themselves serve as a clamping device for holding the objects so that they can be removed from one carrier and placed in the other carrier.

This development can be designed in such a way that the receiving pins have resilient holding arms which can be elastically spread apart by means of an expansion body which can be axially displaced by the actuating device and a wedge-shaped surface arrangement. The receiving pins usually have a diameter that is smaller than the openings of the objects. By means of the actuating device, the holding arms of these receiving pins are pressed apart by means of the expansion bodies and can thus clamp the objects.

The same effect can also be achieved in a different way, for example in that the receiving pins have resilient holding arms which extend outwards and can be compressed by means of a circumference which can be displaced axially by the actuating device. So the opposite way is followed, the recording pins have to be pressed together before they are inserted into the objects and they are released by pulling back the enclosure. However, it is also possible for the holding arms to have such bevels that they are compressed by them themselves when they are introduced into the objects. Due to their spring force, the holding arms go into the spread position in which they hold the objects.

In all of these embodiments, in which the receiving pins are designed as holding arms, it is expedient for good, centered holding of the objects if the receiving pins have three holding arms. These are arranged axially symmetrically and of the same size and elasticity.

Another embodiment provides that the receiving pins are designed as elastic bodies inserted between two surfaces, the latter being dimensioned such that they can have the two diameters in the two working states by changing the distance of the surfaces by means of the actuating device. A device with receiving pins can also be designed in such a way that the receiving pins have an elasticity with regard to their diameter such that the objects can be clamped on them, but can also be wiped off, and that the wiping of clamped objects takes place by means of a wiper and an actuating device can be. The scraper can be designed as webs or as a comb, but it is most expedient to design it as a perforated plate, which is adjustable in height in the region of the receiving pins, but is held captive. For example, the stripper can be a grid-shaped perforated plate, the holes of which surround the receiving pins. The scraper can be a separate plate or the scraper - designed as a perforated plate, comb or component with webs - is also an actuating plate.

In order to be able to handle a device with a scraper easily, it can be provided that the scraper can be pushed away from the receiving area of the receiving pins when the objects are picked up by the latter and can be pressed down by the actuating device in such a way that the objects leave the receiving area. The handling of such a device is particularly simple, it only needs to be placed on a carrier with objects and pressed down. As a result, the objects are clamped onto the pick-up pins and the wiper reaches the position in which it is ready for the wiping process. If the objects have been placed on a new carrier, the stripper only needs to be triggered by the actuating device in order to strip the objects from the receiving pins so that they fall into the receiving openings of the carrier.

However, the device can also be designed without receiving pins, in that the receiving devices are clamping bodies, by means of which the objects can be clamped and released on their circumference. Another possibility is that the clamping bodies clamp and release the objects at their opening or their wall. Such clamping bodies can be, for example, elastic grippers or holding elements, which can have a wide variety of configurations. The Klemmköφer can also be grippers which can be brought into a clamping and a release position by means of an actuating device. In this case, the grippers themselves are operatively connected to the actuating device. For the handling of objects of different diameters it can be provided that at least two clamping bodies are arranged concentrically per receiving device in such a way that objects of different diameters can be held.

Another proposal provides for at least one clamping body to be designed as an elastic lattice structure with grid-shaped receiving openings. This configuration can be such that the objects are clamped when the device is placed on due to the elasticity of the clamping bodies, for example elastic grippers or flexible openings, and that the objects can be removed from the receiving devices of the clamping bodies by means of an ejector which is operated with an actuating device in Active connection is established.

It can also be provided that the receiving devices are designed as receiving openings, the width of which can be made narrower and wider than the diameter of the objects by means of an actuating device. Such a device can be designed, for example, in such a way that lattice structures or perforated plates which are displaceable relative to one another are provided. An advantageous embodiment provides that the Klemmköφer is a strong elastic body inserted between two fixed plates, the latter and at least one of the plates serving as receiving devices receiving openings that are slightly larger than the diameter of the objects and by means of the compression of the plates by means an actuating device in the area of the highly elastic body can be narrowed in such a way that they clamp objects lying in them. Such a device is particularly suitable for an inexpensive production, since a sandwich-like body with two fixed plates and a very elastic intermediate layer only has to be provided with the corresponding bores in order to produce a large number of receiving devices in this way.

Another design principle is to design a device with an actuating plate which can be displaced parallel to the plate-like body in such a way that at least one fixed holding element and at least one displaceable holding element are arranged per receiving device such that an object J o can be clamped, held or released, or inserted. The receiving devices can grip the objects on their outside, on their walls or in their openings. The at least one fixed holding element on the plate-like body and the at least one displaceable holding element can be arranged on a displaceable actuating plate for each receiving device.

Advantageously, there is at least one spring between the plate-like body and the displaceable actuating plate for applying the clamping force. A manual operation must then take place to pick up and drop off the objects, by means of which the spring force is overcome and the holding elements are brought into the pick up or drop off position. Once the objects have been inserted, the manual operation is released and the spring force moves the displaceable holding element against the fixed holding element in such a way that the objects are held. A further development can, however, also provide that the holding elements have bevels through which the at least one spring can be compressed when the objects are received. This eliminates manual operation when picking up the objects.

The holding elements can be designed in different ways, it can be two pins, bowl-shaped elements or elements that are adapted to the opening of the objects. It can also be provided that one of the holding elements is designed as a pin and the other as an opening, comb or web.

The principle of operation of a further embodiment can consist in the fact that the plate-like body and the actuating plate are designed as perforated plates, and have openings as receiving devices which are slightly larger than the objects, the perforated plates being displaceable such that the objects are offset by the openings can be held. In order to achieve a good, vertical holding of the objects, it is proposed that one of the perforated plates be arranged on both sides of the other perforated plate and thereby arranged twice.

The actuating device is expediently a lever mechanism with handles for one-hand operation, the lever mechanism for effecting a Force amplification is formed. This enables simple operation without great effort. However, this can also be achieved using wedges or threads.

It is of great advantage if the device has guides through which it can be brought into line with the grid of a carrier of pipette tips. These guides can be arranged on the plate-like body wall elements, which can include the carrier. This makes it very easy to place the device on a carrier. It is neither necessary to thread the device into the pipette tips, nor is it necessary to thread the pipette tips into the receiving openings of the new carrier, since the guides in each case ensure an exact insertion. In this way, handling is particularly quick, simple and safe, the wall elements providing additional protection against contact and contamination of the pipette tips.

The second proposed removal and dispensing device, which has an underside to which the objects adhere, can also be designed in a wide variety of ways. It is possible that the plate-like body can be detached in whole or in part after the objects have been transferred to the other carrier. The latter has the advantage that instead of the whole grid of objects, only a part of it can be transferred. For example, the plate-like body can consist of strips connected to one another in a hinge-like manner, as a result of which a number of objects can always be detached. The design of the underside of the plate-like body can also be designed differently. It is possible that the underside is an adhesive surface or that the underside is such a plastic mass that the objects stick. This liability must be such that it can be overcome after moving the objects into the other carrier to remove the plate-like body. However, it can also be provided that the underside has elastic receptacles that receive the objects. The recordings must then be shaped such that the objects can be inserted into and removed from them.

The invention is explained below with reference to some possible embodiments, which are shown in the drawing. Show it 1 shows a first embodiment in section,

La shows a section of Figure 1,

Fig. Lb and lc configurations of recording pins,

2 and 3 sections of embodiments with adjustable holding arms,

4 and 4a an embodiment with elastic bodies,

5 shows an embodiment with holding arms acting on the outside,

6 shows an embodiment with ejectors,

7, 7a, 7b an embodiment with receiving openings that are adjustable in width,

8 shows an alternative embodiment of an actuating device,

9 and 9a an embodiment with movable perforated plates,

10 shows an embodiment with openings and pins,

11 and 11a an embodiment with openings and comb-shaped or web-shaped holding elements,

12, 12a, 12b an embodiment with a displaceable actuating plate and holding elements acting on the inside,

12c with an inside and an outside engaging holding element,

13 and 13a rounded, concentrically arranged holding elements designed as a clamping body, 14 concentrically arranged, pin-shaped holding elements,

15 and 15a a side view of concentrically arranged holding elements,

16 and 16a inside attacking holding elements with bevels for the introduction of the objects and a spring for the holding force,

16b the same in partial view for holding elements acting on the outside,

17 shows an embodiment with an adhesive layer,

Fig. 18 shows an embodiment with plastic or elastic mass and

19 and 20 the detachment of the plate-like body in partial areas.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment in section and a carrier 31 which is equipped with pipette tips 1. These pipette tips 1 are arranged in an 8 x 12 grid on the carrier 31 and are to be removed from there in order to place them on another carrier. Such carriers 31 can be stacked one on top of the other in a tower, the pipette tips 1 of a carrier 31 engaging with their tips in the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1 of the carrier 31 underneath. These stacks are used for the transport and storage of a large number of pipette tips 1 in the smallest space.

The device for converting the pipette tips 1 consists of a plate-like body 3, on which receiving devices 5 are arranged in a grid 4, which corresponds to the grid 4 of the carrier 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding devices 5 consist of holding pins 8, which are formed by three elastic holding arms 12. The receiving pins 8 have a diameter 9 ', which is slightly larger than the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1. The elasticity and diameter 9 of the receiving pins 8 are dimensioned such that the pipette tips 1 can be plugged onto the receiving pins 8, clamp there, but without additional can be pushed back down. For better insertion of the pipette tips, the receiving pins 8 have chamfers 77 at their lower ends. A stripper 19, which is designed as a grid-shaped perforated plate 20, is used to remove the pipette tips 1 such that each of its holes 21 surrounds a receiving pin 8. This grid-shaped perforated plate 20 is slidably arranged, but held by means of brackets 42 in such a way that it cannot fall out. The device is placed on a support

31 placed, the receiving pins 8 slide into the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1, and these clamp. At the same time, the scraper 19, which is designed as a grid-shaped perforated plate 20, is displaced upward in such a way that it leaves the receiving area 22 of the receiving pins 8 and thereby clears the way for receiving the pipette tips 1. So that the receiving pins 8 can be inserted into the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1 without problems, a guide is provided on the device, which consists of wall elements projecting perpendicularly from the plate-shaped body 3

32 is formed such that they include the carrier 31 with little play. A bevel 52 is used for better introduction. If necessary, springs can be provided which prevent the carrier 31 from becoming jammed in the device.

If the plate-like body 3 is lifted off the carrier 31 again, all pipette tips 1 have been removed from the carrier 31 and are clamped onto receiving pins 8. The plate-like body 3 is now placed on another carrier 31, this placement process in turn being facilitated by the wall elements 32. After touchdown, the actuating device 10 is activated, which is designed as a lever mechanism 30. These are angular levers which have a long actuating arm and a short force transmission arm for the grid-shaped perforated plate 20. A pivot point is formed on the plate-like body 3 in the region of the bend. It is thereby possible to compress the long lever arms with little force in order to push the grid-shaped perforated plate 20 downward such that it pushes the pipette tips 1 out of the receiving area 22 of the receiving pins 8 in the direction of the arrows 41. The pipette tips 1 fall into the new carrier 31. At the end of this operation, the grid-shaped perforated plate 20 is held by the holders 42. The device can now be removed from the carrier 31 and used again. FIG. 1 a shows a detail from FIG. 1, a pick-up pin 8 being shown, on which a pipette tip 1 is stuck. The holding arms 12 are slightly compressed, the elastic holding force can be increased by an additional elastic body 33, which is placed between the holding arms 12. In order to remove the pipette tip 1, the raster-shaped perforated plate 20 abuts the edges of its holes 21 against the upper ends of the pipette tips 1 and pushes them out of the receiving area 22 until the clamping in the opening 2 is released by the receiving pin 8 .

Fig. Lb shows the configuration of a receiving pin, which consists of three holding arms 12, which are arranged axially symmetrically and have the same shape. The elastic body 33 is shown, which, if necessary, can increase the elastic holding force.

1c shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving pin 8 which is mushroom-shaped 35, the head being divided into resilient areas which have a diameter 9 'which is slightly larger than the diameter 11 of the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1.

Fig. Id shows a further embodiment with a receiving pin 8, which has an elastic ring 73 for holding the objects 1.

2 shows the possibility of a further embodiment on the basis of a receiving pin 8, in which resiliently designed holding arms 12 'are arranged such that the diameter 9 is somewhat smaller than the diameter 11 of the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1. Such a pick-up pin 8 is inserted into the opening 2 of a pipette tip 1 and then an actuating device 10 'is started which, with an actuating rod 34, displaces an expansion body 13 within a wedge-shaped surface arrangement 14 lying between the holding arms 12' in such a way that the holding arms 12 'are spread outward in the direction of the arrows and the diameter of the receiving pin 8 increases so that it is larger than the diameter 11 of the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1. Reference 9' stands for the larger diameter. Fig. 3 shows holding arms 12 ", which form a receiving pin 8, which has a larger diameter 9 'than the diameter 11 of the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1. The holding arms 12" can be compressed by moving an axially displaceable surround 15 by which To achieve diameter 9, which is smaller than the diameter 11 of the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1. This receiving pin 8 can either be inserted into a pipette tip 1 by the displaceable surround 15 compressing the holding arms 12 "beforehand or by the receiving pin 8 is inserted into the opening 2 of a pipette tip 1 with such force that the holding arms 12 ″ are compressed during insertion. In the first case, clamping is achieved in that the axially displaceable casing 15 is pushed up again, the holding arms 12 "spring outwards and hold the pipette tip 1. After the pipette tips 1 have been placed on a new carrier 31, the axially displaceable enclosures become 15 pushed back down by an actuating device 10, as a result of which the holding arms 12 ″ are compressed in the direction of the arrows 44 and the pipette tips 1 are released. The device is removed again while the pipette tips 1 remain on the carrier 31.

4 and 4a show a further embodiment using a receiving pin 8 made of an elastic body 18. The elastic body 18 is located between a fixed surface 16, which is designed as a ring, which can be larger than the upper end of the pipette tips 1 and one Surface 17, which has a smaller diameter than the diameter 11 of the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1. The second surface 17 is connected by means of an actuating rod 34 to an actuating device 10 ', this actuating rod 34 being passed through the elastic body 18 and the surface 16 is. The receiving pin 8 can be inserted into a pipette tip 1 in order to then clamp it. The clamping takes place in that the surface 17 is pulled up by means of the actuating rod 34 and compresses the elastic body 18, which widens to a diameter 9 'which is larger than the diameter 11 of the openings 2 of the pipette tips 1. For release of the pipette tip 1, the actuating rod 34 only needs to be released so that the elastic body 18 resumes its rest position, in which it has a diameter 9, and the pipette tip 1 falls off the receiving pin 8. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment with externally engaging holding arms 24. In this embodiment, the plate-like body 3 is only equipped with short pick-up pins 8, which serve to better place picked-up pipette tips 1. The pipette tips 1 are held after being picked up by elastic grippers 24 attacking on the outside. These are brought into their holding position in that an actuating device 10 'pulls over operating rods 34 spreader bodies 13' into a position in which the elastic grippers 24 on the outer walls of the pipette tips Press 1 and hold the latter. To release the pipette tips 1, the actuating rods 34 are released and the elastic grippers 24 return to their starting position, in which they release the pipette tips 1. The return of the expansion body 13 'into a position in which they release the elastic grippers 24 can also be done by spring force support. In this regard, reference is made to FIG. 8.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment with ejectors 25. The Klemmköφer 23 consists of a plate-like body 3 with receiving openings 29 which have a larger width than the diameter 51 of the pipette tips 1. To hold the pipette tips 1, resilient elastic grippers 24 'are arranged, which are pushed apart by inserting the pipette tips 1 and then hold the pipette tips 1 by their spring force. After the pipette tips 1 have been brought onto the new carrier 31, an ejector 25 is set in action by means of an actuating device 10 and removes the pipette tips 1 from the clamping body 23. However, an embodiment is also conceivable in which the pipette tips 1 only hold by widening the receiving openings 29, the latter having a slightly smaller diameter than the diameter 51 of the pipette tips 1.

7, 7a and 7b show an embodiment with receiving openings 29 which have an adjustable width 29 ', 29 ". This embodiment consists of plates 26 and 27, between which a highly elastic body 28 is inserted. The plate 27 and the strongly elastic bodies 28 have receiving openings 29 in a grid 4 which corresponds to that of a carrier 31. These receiving openings have a width 29 which is larger than the outer diameter of the pipette tips 1. In this way the device, which is also equipped with wall elements 32 is placed over a carrier 31 which is equipped with pipette tips 1. These come into the receiving openings 29 and can be clamped Clamping takes place in that the plate 26 is pressed against the plate 27 by means of a lever mechanism 30 ', whereby the highly elastic body 28 is pressed together, which leads to a narrowing of the receiving openings 29. The width of the receiving openings 29 'is thereby smaller than the outer diameter 51 of the pipette tips 1. For easy handling, the lever mechanism 30' is equipped with long lever arms 37 which can be actuated by handles 36. These levers 37 are connected to the lower plate 27 by means of joints 38, angled short lever arms 39 being provided which press the plate 26 against the plate 27 when actuated. The arrows 45 show the compression of the handles 36 and the arrows 46 the pressing of the elastic body 28 thereby triggered. FIGS. 7a and 7b show the clamping and releasing of a pipette tip 1 by actuating and releasing the lever mechanism 30 '. Since the strongly elastic body 28 has sufficient resilient properties, it is sufficient to let go of the handles 36 so that they spring back again, the pipette tips 1 are released and the device is ready to receive pipette tips 1 again.

8 shows an alternative embodiment of an actuating device 10 '. It is provided for embodiments in which a tensile force has to be applied, for example, to actuating rods 34 in order to clamp the pipette tips 1 firmly. For this purpose, the actuating rods 34 are connected to one another by an actuating plate 47, and a lever mechanism 30 ″ is arranged which has a joint 38 ′ on the actuating plate 47. In this way, a force can be applied when the lever mechanism 30 ′ is actuated the plate-like body 3 and the actuating plate 47 are separated from one another and thereby act upon the actuating rods 34 with tension in order to effect the clamping of the pipette tips 1 for exemplary embodiments as shown in Fig. 2, 3 or 5. For this purpose, a additional spring 48 or 48 'can be provided to facilitate the actuation by additional spring force application. It can be tension or compression springs, depending on whether one direction of adjustment or the other is to be supported. In solid lines there is one Possibility of attaching a spring 48 shown, the dash-dotted lines 50 show a alternative attachment of a spring 48 '. With all actuating devices 10, 10 'and 10 ", care must be taken that the forces act evenly in order to bring about a parallel displacement of the scraper 19, an actuating plate 47 or a plate 26. It is therefore expedient for levers such as 39 and 39' to grip. either on two longitudinal sides of the plate 20, 26, 47 to be moved or they are arranged such that they each act in the four corner regions of the plates 20, 26, 47.

These actuating devices are only to be regarded as an example; of course, instead of a lever mechanism, another actuation option is also conceivable, including hydraulic, electrical or pneumatic actuation. The latter will be used in particular if the device is integrated in an automatic machine.

9 and 9a show an embodiment of the invention with displaceable perforated plates 63 and 64. The perforated plate 63 is stationary, that is to say as a plate-like body, and the perforated plate 64 is designed as a displaceable actuating plate. The perforated plates 63, 64 have openings 65, 66 with a slightly larger diameter than the objects 1, which are drawn here as pipette tips. If these openings 65, 66 are exactly aligned, as shown in FIG. 9a, the objects 1 can be picked up or released. The latter is shown by arrow 75. With such aligned openings 65, 66, objects 1 are received by a carrier by being inserted into the openings 65, 66 with the region of their cylindrical outer wall. In order to hold the objects in a clamped manner, the perforated plate 64 is displaced in the direction of the arrow 74, as is shown in FIG. 9. So that the objects 1 are held exactly vertically, the perforated plate 63 is arranged twice and on both sides of the perforated plate 64.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment in which the holding elements 57, 58 are designed as openings 68 and pins 67. These pins 67 can also have the shape of receiving pins 8 in order to better guide the objects 1. The perforated plate 64 serving as the actuating plate can be displaced in the direction of the double arrow 62, as a result of which objects 1 can be clamped or released between the openings 68 and the pin 67 with their walls 53. 2o Fig. 11 shows an embodiment in which the pin 67 with a comb-shaped

Interact holding element. The comb-shaped holding element can be designed as a fixed 57 or as a displaceable holding element 58. The cones are corresponding

67 arranged on the plate-like body 3 or on the actuating plate.

11a shows a similar embodiment, in which the holding element 57 or 58 as

Webs is formed.

12, 12a and 12b show an embodiment with a displaceable actuating plate 56 and the holding elements 57 and 58 which grip the object 1 in its opening 2. The object 1 is a test tube. The fixed holding element 57 is connected to the plate-like body 3, and the displaceable holding element 58 with the actuating plate 56, which can be moved in the direction of the double arrow 62. Fig. 12 shows the position in which the sample tube 1 is held. 12a shows the working state in which the objects 1 can be picked up or released. FIG. 12b also shows an expedient arrangement of the holding elements 57 and 58, the fixed holding element 57 consisting of two pins and the displaceable holding element 58 consisting of one pin. The double arrow and the dash-dotted representation of the displaceable holding element 58 indicate the actuation. With this embodiment, three breakpoints are reached on the object 1 so that it is held securely in its position.

12c shows an embodiment with an internally engaging holding element 55 and an externally engaging holding element 54. The internally engaging holding element 55 can be designed as a receiving pin 8 for safe guiding of the object 1.

13 and 13a show rounded, concentrically arranged holding elements designed as clamping bodies 23, 23 '. Objects 1 can be plugged onto holding elements 23 or onto holding elements 23 ', whereby objects of different diameters can be held. This is shown in Fig. 13a. It is also possible that objects 1 can also be inserted in the spaces between four arrangements of clamping elements 23 ', as shown in FIG. 13. In order to strip the objects 1 from the clamping bodies 23, 23 ', ejectors 25 are provided, 2 \ which, coming from the direction of the plate-like body 3, strip the objects 1 from the clamping bodies 23, 23 '.

14 shows concentrically arranged, pin-shaped holding elements 23 and 23 ', which also serve as a clamping body. These Klemmköφer 23 and 23 'can hold objects 1 both on their circumference and on their openings 2 clamping. The objects 1 must also be removed by an ejector 25.

15 and 15a show a side view of how the concentric holding elements 23, 23 'and 23' "can accommodate different sizes of objects 1. For illustration, several objects 1 of different sizes are shown in Fig. 15. Of course, however, such a receiving device takes 5 shows only one object 1 in one of the sizes Fig. 15a shows how an ejector 25 removes the object 1 by means of an actuating device 10.

16 and 16a shows holding elements 57 and 58 which engage on the inside, with bevels 59 for the introduction of the objects 1. A displaceable holding element 58 is connected to the displaceable actuating plate 56 and the fixed holding element 57 is connected to the plate-like body 3. A spring 60 is arranged between the plate-like body 3 and the displaceable actuating element 56, which generates the holding force for the objects 1. If the objects 1 are to be picked up, the removal and dispensing device is only to be pressed against the carrier 31 with the objects 1, since the holding elements 58 and 57 move by means of the bevels 59 when the objects 1 are inserted into their holding position 6, in which they are held by the holding force of the spring 60. The objects 1 can now be brought onto the next carrier 31 in order to release the objects 1 there by actuating the displaceable actuating plate 56 in the direction of the arrow 61. 16a shows a section XVIa through FIG. 16. In this view it can be seen how the holding elements 57 and 58 are adapted to the opening 2 of the object 1. They are almost semicircles, but there is sufficient space for actuation. The bevels 59 are arranged in such a way that there is a frustoconical roof surface onto which the objects 1 can be easily pushed. 16b shows a corresponding exemplary embodiment with the difference that the holding elements 57 and 58 engage on the outside and accordingly the bevels 59 are arranged differently.

17 shows another solution to the object according to the invention, the plate-like body 69 having an adhesive layer in the form of an adhesive layer 76 to which the objects 1 adhere, from which, however, it can be detached again after being placed on the new carrier 31.

A similar embodiment is shown in FIG. 18, wherein a plate-like body 71 is provided with an elastic mass which has receptacles 72 shaped in such a way that objects 1 can be inserted, are held, but can also be detached again after being placed on a carrier 31. An alternative is a plate-like body 71 'which has a plastic mass, by means of which the shape 72 of the elastic mass just described and illustrated is produced by pressing it onto the objects 1 in the plastic mass. The required holding force is also applied by this design 72. The advantage of the plastic mass is that such a device can always be used regardless of the shape and size of the objects.

19 and 20 show the detachment of a plate-like body 69, 71 or 71 'after the objects 1 have been placed on a carrier 31. It is possible that the plate-like body 69, 71 or 71' is either folded away in strips 70 in order to To release rows of objects 1, or as shown in Fig. 19, to release portions 70 is bent upwards.

Reference list

Pipette tips or other objects Openings of the pipette tips of plate-like bodies Grid Pick-up devices first working state (clamp) second working state (record or insert) 'third working state (release) Pick-up pins, 9' diameter of the pick-up pins (9 smaller, 9 'larger) 0, 10', 10 "Actuating device 1 diameter of the openings of the pipette tips 2, 12 ', 12" holding clamp 3, 13' expanding body 4 wedge-shaped surface arrangement 5 axially displaceable encirclement (connected to the actuating plate) 6 surface (fixed) 7 surface (displaceable) 8 elastic body 9 stripper 0 grid-shaped Perforated plate (operating plate) 1 holes in the perforated plate Pick-up area of the pick-up pins, 23 ', 23 "clamping body, 24' elastic gripper

Ejector, 27 plates of plate-like bodies

Actuating plate of strongly elastic body

Receiving openings ', 29 "width of the receiving openings, 30', 30" lever mechanism

carrier

Wall elements of elastic body

Actuating rod mushroom shaped pin

Handles, 37 'long lever arms, 38' joint, 39 'short lever arms

Arrow: The pipette tips fall out

Arrows: Height shift of the scraper 19

Scraper brackets 19

Arrows: spreading movement of the holding arms 12 '

Arrows: squeeze the 12 "arms

Arrows: squeeze the handles 36

Arrows: pressing the elastic body 28 2r

Actuating plate, 48 'spring (pull or push)

Adjustment movement of the actuating plate 47 alternative spring force

Pipette tip diameter 1

Bevel

Wall of objects

Holding element outside

Retaining element inside sliding actuating plate fixed holding element sliding holding element

Slants

feather

Arrow: actuation for release

Double arrow: displacement of the holding element 58

Perforated plate - plate-like body

Perforated plate - operating plate

openings

spigot

Opening of plate-like body with adhesive layer

Partial areas (strips), 71 'plate-like body with elastic recording

Mass of elastic images or images created by plastic deformation

(Shape design) 2 t elastic ring

Arrow: clamping movement of perforated plate 64

Arrow: insertion of the objects into the carrier

Adhesive layer

Chamfering

Claims

2JDispensing and dispensing device for objects for laboratory use, which at least partially have a hollow cylindrical contour

1. Removal and delivery device for objects (1) for laboratory use, which at least partially have a hollow cylindrical contour, such as pipette tips, test tubes, test tubes or cuvettes, the device having a plate-like body (3, 26, 63) with receiving devices (5) , which are designed and arranged in such a way that objects (1) arranged with the opening (2) upwards can be removed from a first carrier (31) and transferred to another carrier (31) in a standardized grid of high packing density, characterized in that that an actuating plate (15, 20, 27, 47, 56, 64) extends parallel to the plate-like body (3, 26) over the area of the receiving devices (5), which actuating device (10, 10 ', 10 ") is movable relative to the plate-like body (3, 26, 63), as a result of which the receiving devices (5) can be brought into three working states (6, 7, 7 '), a first work state (7) in which the objects (1) can be picked up, a second working state (6) in which they clamply hold the objects (1) and a third working state (7 ') in which the objects (1) can be released .

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving devices (5) grip the objects (1) on the outside.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving devices (5) grip the objects (1) on their walls (53). 29

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving devices (5) grip the objects (1) in their openings (2).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating plate (56) to the plate-like body (3, 26) is displaceable in parallel.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the relative mobility is a change in distance between plate-like body (3, 26) and actuating plate (15, 20, 27, 47).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the relative movement between the plate-like body (3, 26) and the actuating plate (15, 20, 27, 47, 56, 64) against a spring force (18, 28, 48, 48 '), the objects (1) being clamped in a working state (6) by the holding devices (5) by means of the spring force (18, 28, 48, 48') and the holding devices (5) by actuation against the spring force (18, 28, 48, 48 ') can be brought into the working states for receiving (7) and releasing (7') the objects (1).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the relative movement between the plate-like body (3, 26) and the actuating plate (15, 20, 27, 47, 56, 64) from the first (7) to the second Working state (6) by receiving the objects (1) in the receiving devices (5) and that the relative movement from the second (6) into the third working state (7 ') by actuating the actuating device (10, 10', 10 ") becomes.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the receiving devices (5) have vertically projecting receiving pins (8).

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the receiving pins (8) are designed such that their diameter (9, 9 ') by means of an actuating device (10, 10') can be changed such that it is once smaller (9) and once larger (9 ') than the diameter (1 1) of the openings (2) of the objects (1).

1 1. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the receiving pins (8) have resilient holding arms (12 ') which can be resiliently spread apart by means of an axially displaceable expansion body (13) and a wedge-shaped surface arrangement (14) by means of the actuating device (10') are.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the receiving pins (8) have resilient holding arms (12 ') which extend to the outside and are compressible by means of an axially displaceable enclosure (15) by the actuating device (10).

13. The device according to one or more of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the receiving pins (8) have three holding arms (12, 12 ', 12 ").

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the receiving pins (8) as between two surfaces (16, 17) inserted elastic body (18) are formed, the latter being dimensioned such that they by changing the distance of the surfaces (16, 17th ) can have the two diameters (9, 9 ') by means of the actuating device (10'). 3o

15. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 13, characterized in that the receiving pins (8) have such an elasticity with respect to their diameter that the objects (1) can be clamped on them, but can also be stripped off, and that by means of a stripper (19) and an actuating device (10, 10 ') can be used to wipe off stuck objects (1).

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the scraper (19) is designed as an actuating plate (20) which is held in the region of the receiving pins (8) so that it can be displaced in height but cannot be lost.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the stripper (19) is a grid-shaped perforated plate (20), the holes (21) surrounding the receiving pins (8).

18. The apparatus of claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the scraper (19) when receiving the objects (1) by the latter from the receiving area (22) of the receiving pins (8) can be pushed and by the actuating device (10) in such a way It can be pressed at the bottom that the objects (1) leave the receiving area (22).

19. Device according to one of claims 2 or 5 to 8, characterized in that the receiving devices (5) are clamping bodies (23, 23 ') through which the objects (1) can be clamped and released on their circumference.

20. Device according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the clamping body (23 ") clamp and release the objects (1) in their opening (2). 3 \

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the Klemmköφer (23) are elastic grippers (24, 24 ').

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the Klemmköφer (23 ") are grippers which can be brought into a clamping (6) and a release position (7) by means of an actuating device (10 ').

23. Device according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that per receiving device (5) at least two Klemmköφer (23, 23 ', 23 ") are arranged concentrically such that objects (1) of different diameters can be held.

24. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that at least one clamping body (23) is designed as an elastic lattice structure with grid-shaped receiving openings (29).

25. Device according to one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that the objects (1) from the receiving devices (5) of the Klemmköφer (23) by means of an ejector (25) can be removed, which via the actuating plate (47) with an actuating device (10) communicates.

26. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the receiving devices (5) are designed as receiving openings (29), the width (29 ', 29 ") by means of an actuating device (10") narrower and wider than the diameter (51) of Items (1) can be made. 3z

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the clamping body (23) is a strong elastic body (28) inserted between two fixed plates (26, 27), the latter and at least one of the plates (26, 27) as receiving devices ( 5) have receiving openings (29) which are slightly larger (29 ") than the diameter (51) of the objects (1) and which are pressed together by pressing the plates (26, 27) by means of an actuating device (10") in the area of the strong elastic bodies (28) are so narrow (29 ') that objects (1) lying in them get jammed.

28. The device according to claim 5 and one of claims 1 to 4 or 7 and 8, characterized in that per receiving device (5) at least one fixed holding element (57) and at least one displaceable holding element (58) are arranged such that an object ( 1) can be clamped (6) or released (7 ') or inserted (7).

29. The device according to claim 28, characterized in that per receiving device (5) the at least one fixed holding element (57) on the plate-like body (3) and the at least one displaceable holding element (58) are arranged on a displaceable actuating plate (56).

30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that at least one spring (60) for the application of the clamping force is arranged between the plate-like body (3) and the displaceable actuating plate (56).

31. The device according to claim 30, characterized in that the holding elements (57, 58) have bevels (59) through which the at least one spring (60) can be compressed when receiving the objects (1).

32. Device according to one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that one of the holding elements (57, 58) is designed as a pin (67) and the other as an opening (68).

33. Apparatus according to claim 2 and 5 with 7 or 8, characterized in that the plate-like body (3) and the actuating plate are designed as perforated plates (63, 64) and as receiving devices (5) have openings (65, 66) are slightly larger than the objects (1), the perforated plates (63, 64) being displaceable such that the objects (1) can be held by the offset of the openings (65, 66).

34. Apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that one of the perforated plates (63 or 64) on both sides of the other perforated plate (64 or 63) and thereby is arranged twice.

35. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the actuating device (10, 10 'or 10 ") is a lever mechanism (30, 30', 30").

36. Apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that the lever mechanism (30, 30 ', 30 ") is designed for strengthening.

37. Apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that the handles (36) of the lever mechanisms (30, 30 '30 ") are designed for one-handed operation. 3H

38. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that it has guides through which it can be brought into agreement with the grid (4) of a carrier (31) of pipette tips (1).

39. Apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that the guides on the plate-like body (3) are arranged wall elements (32) which can comprise a carrier (31).

40. Removal and dispensing device for objects (1) for laboratory use, which at least partially have a hollow cylindrical contour, such as pipette tips, test tubes or cuvettes, the device having a plate-like body (69) with receiving devices (5) which are designed and arranged in this way are that in a standardized grid of high packing density with the opening (2) upwards arranged objects (1) can be removed from a first carrier (31) and transferred to another carrier (31), characterized in that the plate-like body ( 69) as receiving devices (5) at least at the points where it comes to rest on the objects (1) has an underside to which the objects (1) adhere and that the plate-like body (69) after the objects have been moved (1) can be detached from the objects (1) on the other carrier (31).

41. Apparatus according to claim 40, characterized in that the plate-like body (69) is detachable in partial areas (70).

42. Apparatus according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that the underside is an adhesive surface.

.? r

43. Apparatus according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that the underside is a plastic mass such that the objects (1) stick.

44. Apparatus according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that the underside has elastic, the objects (1) receiving receptacles (72).