Multichannel pipetting device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multichannel pipetting device (26) comprising: a plurality of connectors (28) arranged in a grid (64); wherein each connector (28) is fluidly connectable to a pipetting tip (24); wherein each connector (28) includes an interface (38) at which a frictional contact is established between the connector (28) and a leg of the pipetting tip (24); wherein the interfaces (38) of the connectors (28) are arranged in different planes (P1, P2, P3, P4) such that at least three adjacent interfaces (38) are arranged in at least two different planes (P1, P2, P3, P4) along each row (34) and each column (36) of the grid (64) at least in the boundary region (66) of the pipetting device (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multichannel pipette plate, a multichannel pipette tip, a multichannel pipetting device, and a method for connecting multiple pipette tips to a multichannel pipette plate. Background Technology

[0002] Laboratory automation devices are used to automate the tasks of laboratory assistants, such as testing patients for specific diseases. Typically, samples of patients' blood, urine, stool, etc., are collected and analyzed through biochemical procedures. These procedures include various operations (e.g., adding substances, incubation, separation, etc.) and measurement processes that quantitatively or qualitatively measure the amount or presence of substances indicating a specific disease.

[0003] To enable such testing procedures to occur in parallel, some laboratory automation devices include pipette tips with a pipette plate to which multiple disposable pipette tips can be attached. Using the pipette tip and / or pipette plate, multiple samples can be aspirated or dispensed in one step. To connect multiple pipette tips, the pipette plate is lowered onto the mandrel or reservoir that houses the pipette tips and pressed against the tips so that the tips are pressed into the connector of the pipette plate. Since there are pipette tips for 96 or even 384 tips, considerable force is typically required to press the pipette plate against the tips. For this purpose, clamps that are directly attached to the mandrel for the pipette tips and anchored within the pipette tip can be used, eliminating the need to apply high forces via the pipette tip's suspension.

[0004] Sometimes it is desirable to use a pipette only with a subset of all possible pipette tips. For example, it may be necessary to use only some rows or columns of the pipette. In this case, the aforementioned clamp is usually not feasible because the pipette tip must be lowered eccentrically onto the core with the pipette tip, so that only a portion of the pipette is positioned above the pipette tip to be picked up. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a pipette that can be used to pick up only a subset of possible pipette tips without applying pressure to the pipette's suspension.

[0006] This objective is achieved through the present invention. Other exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following description.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a multichannel pipette. The multichannel pipette can be a component of a laboratory automation device. This laboratory automation device may include a workbench on which containers such as microplates, reagent containers, sample containers, etc., can be placed. A reservoir for disposable pipette tips may also be placed on the workbench. The laboratory automation device may further include a mover or moving device adapted to move the multichannel pipette tip plate in three spatial directions. In this way, pipette tips can also be pressed into the multichannel pipette tip. A pump in the laboratory automation device can be used to generate underpressure and overpressure in the pipette tip for aspirating and dispensing liquids.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, the pipette includes a plurality of connectors arranged in a grid configuration. The grid can be a rectangular grid, a square grid, and / or any other system arrangement. Each connector is fluidly connected to a pipette tip such that the connector is adapted to hold the corresponding pipette tip, and / or, fluid, gas (typically air), and / or liquid can be delivered between the pipetting channel and the pipette tip. Furthermore, each connector can be fluidly connected to a pipetting channel provided by a pipette tip that holds the pipette. Each connector may have a through-hole for fluid delivery, extending substantially orthogonal to the extending plane of the pipette.

[0009] The term multichannel can refer to the fact that a multichannel pipette is adapted to hold multiple pipette tips connected to multiple pipetting channels. These pipetting channels can be connected to a pump and / or plunger that generates overpressure and underpressure in the pipette tips. This may mean that the pressure within a subset of the pipetting channels can be controlled independently of another subset. It may also mean that the pressure within each pipette tip can be controlled independently of the remaining pipette tips. These pipetting channels can be hoses connected to connectors.

[0010] The pipette can be positioned substantially parallel to the worktable below the pipette head, which holds the pipette.

[0011] The connector can be any device suitable for holding the pipette tip. Examples of connectors are holes, bores, and / or cylinders in which the pipette tip can be held. Another example of a connector is a nozzle and / or cylinder that snaps into the pipette tip.

[0012] The pipette tip may have an elongated hollow body with an orifice at one end and a foot at the other end for connecting the pipette tip to a connector. The connector may also have a hollow body providing interconnection between the corresponding pipette channel and the corresponding pipette tip.

[0013] According to embodiments of the invention, each connector includes an interface at which frictional contact is established between the pins of the connector and the pipette tip when the pipette tip and connector move toward each other. This interface may be an edge or protrusion surrounding the inner or outer side of the connector. For example, the interface may be an inner edge of the connector that is touched by the upper edge of the pin of the pipette tip or by a sealing lip surrounding the pin of the pipette tip, which is pressed into the connector. The interface may also be a sealing ring surrounding the connector, which is touched by the upper edge of the pin of the pipette tip pressed into the connector.

[0014] It should be noted that the forces between the connector and the pipette tip differ during the pressing process. Before the initial contact, the force is zero. Upon initial contact, the force begins to increase, and thereafter, portions of the pipette tip and / or connector deform to mate with each other. After the initial contact, the force decreases, and thereafter only the sliding friction between the connector and the pipette tip must be overcome. The force may further increase when other parts of the pipette tip (such as the sealing lip) come into contact with the interface.

[0015] According to embodiments of the invention, the interfaces of these connectors are arranged in different planes and / or at different horizontal heights. In this way, the overall force generated by pressing multiple pipette tips into the pipette plate is distributed over time to multiple subsets of connectors, which have interfaces located in the same plane.

[0016] According to embodiments of the invention, these interfaces are arranged in different planes such that, at least at the boundary region of the pipette, along each row and column of the grid, at least three consecutive interfaces are arranged in at least two different planes. The boundary region may be one side of the pipette having three, four, or more rows or columns. The boundary region may also be a corner of the pipette.

[0017] Along each row of the grid, at least three adjacent interfaces are arranged in at least two different planes, where the boundary region overlaps with that row. Furthermore, along each column of the grid, at least three adjacent interfaces are arranged in at least two different planes, where the boundary region overlaps with that column. When only two of the at least three adjacent interfaces are at the same horizontal level, even for boundary regions overlapping only three rows and / or three columns, the overall force generated during the pressing of the pipette tip into the boundary region can be distributed among multiple subsets of connectors having interfaces in the same plane.

[0018] Therefore, compared to a pipette with all its connector interfaces in the same plane, the maximum force used to press the pipette tip into the boundary region of the pipette tip is reduced.

[0019] According to embodiments of the invention, these interfaces are arranged in different planes such that, at least at the boundary region of the pipette, along each row of the grid, at least two adjacent interfaces are arranged in at least two different planes. In other words, the planes of adjacent connectors in a row can be different. This also applies to columns, i.e., at least at the boundary region of the pipette, along each column of the grid, at least two adjacent interfaces can be arranged in at least two different planes, and / or, the planes of adjacent connectors in a column can be different.

[0020] According to embodiments of the invention, the sequence of interfaces at different planes is repeated along the rows and / or columns of the grid. Such a sequence does not need to repeat along the entire row and / or column, but may also repeat along a portion of the row and / or column. Alternatively, such a sequence may be mirrored about the central axis of the pipette.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, interfaces on the same plane are arranged along lines intersecting the rows and columns of the grid. This pattern ensures that adjacent connectors always have interfaces on different planes. The transverse lines can be lines at a 45° angle relative to the rows and columns.

[0022] According to embodiments of the invention, the interfaces in the same plane are arranged in an X-shaped, diamond-shaped, or circular pattern. This can be achieved by filling a quarter of the grid with parallel lines of the interfaces in the same plane, and mirroring this quarter along the central axis parallel to the row and the central axis parallel to the column. For an X-shaped pattern, the lines in the quarter can be oriented towards the center of the grid. For a diamond-shaped pattern, lines orthogonal to it can be used.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the interfaces in the same plane are arranged in an irregular pattern. The irregular pattern can be a pattern in which the sequence of interfaces at different planes does not repeat, at least not along rows and / or not along columns.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the interfaces in the same plane are arranged symmetrically about the central axis of the grid. This can generate forces that are applied symmetrically to the pipette. One central axis can be parallel to a row of the grid and another central axis can be parallel to a column of the grid. The symmetrical arrangement of the interfaces can be mirror-symmetrical about one or both of these axes.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the interface at the corner of the pipette is located in the outermost plane, which is at the greatest distance from the side of the pipette facing the pipetting channel. Such an interface first contacts the corresponding pipette tip's support. This has the advantage that the pipette tips first contact the pipette at the corner and apply force there first, resulting in more constrained mechanical stress on the pipette.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the connector includes an opening for inserting a corresponding pipette tip prong into the opening. The interface of the connector may be the edge of the opening. The opening may receive the sealing lip of the pipette tip and / or may have a smaller diameter than such a sealing lip.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, each connector is a bore in the pipette for inserting a prong of a corresponding pipette tip into the bore. The bore may include portions and / or segments with different diameters, and the interface may be an edge between these portions and / or segments. The sealing lip of the pipette tip can enter the first portion without applying force (or at least a small force) to the pipette. When the sealing lip reaches the edge (where a second portion with a smaller diameter begins and defines the interface), the sealing lip is pressed into the second portion, where a higher force is applied compared to the first portion.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, each connector is a cylinder connected to and / or protruding from a pipette plate for inserting the prongs of a corresponding pipette tip into the cylinder; that is, the cylinder provides an opening for the prongs of the pipette tip. The interface may be the edge of the cylinder. These cylinders may have different lengths along a direction orthogonal to the extending plane of the pipette plate, and in this way, interfaces in different planes can be provided. As the pipette plate moves toward the pipette tip, the sealing lip of the pipette tip reaches the edge of the corresponding cylinder, the sealing lip is pressed into the cylinder and applies force to the pipette plate.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, each connector is a nozzle capable of being inserted into a corresponding leg of a pipette tip. In this case, the interface can be a sealing ring surrounding the nozzle. The interface can also be, for example, an edge at the outer end of the nozzle. As the pipette plate moves toward the pipette tip, the sealing ring or edge contacts the inner surface of the leg of the pipette tip, pressing the nozzle into the pipette tip and applying force to the pipette plate.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the boundary region includes at least three rows and / or at least three columns at the boundary of the grid.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a multichannel pipette tip comprising a pipette plate as described above and below, and a plurality of pipetting channels fluidly connected to a connector of the pipette plate. The pipette plate may be replaceable, and the pipette tip may include means for automatically changing the pipette plate within a laboratory automation device. The multichannel pipette tip may be mechanically connected to a mover, which may be provided by the laboratory automation device and / or the multichannel pipetting apparatus described below. The multichannel pipette tip may also include a plurality of plungers fluidly connected to the pipetting channels. These plungers (each plunger may include a piston in a conduit) may be individually actuated to individually control the pressure in the fluidly connected pipette tip.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to a multichannel pipetting device comprising a multichannel pipette tip as described above and below. The multichannel pipetting device may be a component of and / or a laboratory automation system. The multichannel pipetting device may further include a worktable having a reservoir for receiving a plurality of pipette tips arranged in a grid configuration. The uppermost edges of the legs and / or the portions of the legs that first contact the corresponding interfaces of the connector legs may be arranged in a plane. The multichannel pipetting device may further include a mover for moving the multichannel pipette tip in at least one direction parallel to the worktable to at least partially position the pipette plate above the reservoir, and the mover for moving the multichannel pipette tip toward the reservoir to press the legs of the pipette tips disposed below the pipette plate against the connector of the pipette plate.

[0033] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for connecting a plurality of pipette tips to a multichannel pipette plate as described above and below.

[0034] The method includes the following steps: moving a multichannel pipette above a container such that only a portion of the pipette's rows and / or columns are positioned above the container with the pipette tip. This movement can be performed using the aforementioned mover, which is adapted to move the pipette tip in all three spatial directions. By moving the multichannel pipette only partially above the container, only a portion of the connector is aligned with the pipette tip on the container.

[0035] The method further includes the step of moving the multichannel pipette toward the reservoir until all pipette tips and their corresponding connectors beneath the pipette are pressed into each other. The connector interfaces of the pipette are arranged on different planes. Therefore, during the movement toward the reservoir, at a position on the multichannel pipette where the pipette tip prongs reach the plane defined by the connector interfaces, only the forces generated by these interfaces pressing against the corresponding prongs of the pipette tips must be overcome to move the pipette tips and connectors into each other. It is not necessary to overcome the force required to simultaneously press all the pipette tips into the connector interfaces. When the connector interfaces are distributed across x different planes, the maximum required force can be reduced to a factor of 1 / x.

[0036] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 A multichannel pipetting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0039] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a multichannel pipette according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0040] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It schematically shows the relationship with Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A side view of a pipette tip used with a multichannel pipette plate.

[0041] Figures 7 to 14 A top view of a multichannel pipette according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0042] The reference numerals used in the accompanying drawings and their meanings are listed in summary form in the reference numeral list. In principle, the same parts are given the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1A multichannel pipetting device 10 is shown, comprising a multichannel pipetting tip 12 and a worktable 14. The pipetting tip 12 and the worktable are mechanically interconnected via a suspension 16, which includes a mover 18 for moving the pipetting tip 12 parallel to and orthogonally to the worktable 14. The multichannel pipetting device 10 may be a laboratory automation system or a component of a laboratory automation system.

[0044] Several containers 20, such as reagent containers and microplates, can be placed on the workbench 14. In addition, a container 22 is provided on the workbench 14 to receive and support multiple pipette tips 24.

[0045] The pipette tip 12 includes a pipette plate 26, which can be automatically replaced, for example, in a multichannel pipetting device 10. The pipette plate 26 includes a plurality of connectors 28, each of which is fluidly connectable to one of the pipette tips 24. By lowering the pipette plate 26 onto the pipette tips 24 in the reservoir 22, the pipette tip 12 can pick up multiple pipette tips 24 using the connectors 28.

[0046] The pipette tip 12 also includes a plurality of pipetting channels 30 and a plurality of plungers 32, the plurality of pipetting channels being fluidly connected to a connector 28, and the plurality of plungers being fluidly connected to the pipetting channels 30. When the pipette tip 24 is connected to the connector 28, overpressure or underpressure can be generated in the pipette tip 24 as the corresponding plunger 32 moves. In the event of overpressure or underpressure, fluid can be dispensed from or drawn into the pipette tip 24. This can be used to deliver samples, liquids, and reagents between containers 20.

[0047] The connector 28 and the pipette tip 24 in the reservoir are arranged in a matching pattern, particularly in a grid pattern (see below), so that the connector 28 can be pushed into the pipette tip 24, or vice versa. Figure 1 In the diagram, row 34 of connector 28 is shown, while column 36 of connector is orthogonal to the drawing plane extension.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 It also describes a method that can be automatically executed by the multichannel pipetting device 10.

[0049] In the first step, the mover 18 moves the multichannel pipette head 12 together with the multichannel pipette plate 26 above the container 22, such that only a portion of the rows 34 and / or columns 36 of the pipette plate 26 are arranged above the container 22 with the pipette head 24.

[0050] Figure 1The multichannel pipette tip 12 is shown after the first step has been performed. Some columns (two columns here) of the pipette tip 24 have been removed by the pipette tip 12, for example, during the previous cycle of the method. The pipette plate 26 is aligned such that the three columns 36 of the connector 28 at the boundary are positioned above the three columns of the pipette tip 24 in the reservoir 22.

[0051] In the second step of the method, the mover 18 moves the multichannel pipette 26 toward the reservoir 22 until all the pipette tips 24 (the leftmost three columns in this example) and the corresponding connectors 28 (the rightmost three columns in this example) below the pipette 26 have been pressed into each other.

[0052] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, each connector 28 includes an interface 38 at which frictional contact is established between the connector 28 and the corresponding pipette tip 24. The interfaces 38 of different connectors 28 are arranged in different planes P1, P2, P3, and P4.

[0053] During movement toward the reservoir 22, at a position on the multichannel pipette 26, only the force generated by the interfaces 38 pressing against the corresponding pipette tips 24 must be overcome to move the pipette tips 24 and connectors 28 into each other, at which position the pipette tips 24 (and more specifically, the contact points between the pipette tips 24 and connectors 28) reach one of the planes P1-P4 defined by the interfaces 38. In this way, the maximum force generated by the mover 18 and to be absorbed by the suspension 16 can be reduced. When the interfaces 38 are evenly distributed among the planes, the reduction factor is essentially the reciprocal of the number of planes P1, P2, P3, P4.

[0054] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows a pipette plate 26, wherein the connector 28 includes an opening 40 for receiving the corresponding pipette tip 24's support leg 42 (see Figure 1). Figure 5 Insert the plug into the opening 40.

[0055] Figure 5 A pipette tip 24 with a foot 42 is shown, which is to be inserted into an opening 40 of a connector 28. The foot 42 has a tapered end 44, two guide slits 46, three sealing lips 48, and a stop 50. The tapered end is used to center the foot within the opening 40. Typically, the pipette tip is an elongated hollow body made of plastic and has an orifice 52 at the end opposite to the foot 42.

[0056] return Figure 2Each connector 28 is a bore 54 in the pipette plate 26 for inserting the prong 42 of the corresponding pipette tip 24 into the bore 54. At least some of the bores 54 include portions and / or segments 56a, 56b with different diameters, and the interface 38 is the edge 38a between said portions 56a, 56b. When the prong 42 of the pipette tip 24 is moved into the bore, the force is greatest when the sealing lip 48 moves on the edge 38a or 38b.

[0057] Some of the connectors 28 have only a section 56a with a smaller diameter, and do not have a section 56b with a wider diameter. For these connectors 28, the interface 38 is the edge 38b of the opening 40.

[0058] On those sides opposite to the bore 54, the pipette plate 26 has bores 58 that connect to the pipetting channel 30. The distances from the edges 38a, 38b to the side of the pipette plate 26 facing the pipetting channel 30 are different from each other, thereby defining different planes P1 to P4.

[0059] Figure 3 The opening 40 can also be provided by cylinders 60, which protrude from the body of the pipette 26. In this case, the interface 38 of the connector 28 is the edge 38b of the cylinder 60. The cylinders 60 have different heights and the distances from the edge 38b to the side of the pipette 26 facing the pipetting channel 30 are different from each other, thereby defining different planes P1 to P4.

[0060] Figure 4 A pipette plate 26 is shown, which provides connectors 28 in the form of nozzles 62 protruding from the body of the pipette plate 26. In this configuration, the nozzles 62 are inserted into the legs 42 of the pipette tip 24.

[0061] Figure 6 A pipette tip 24 with a foot 42 is shown, into which a nozzle 62 can be inserted. The foot 42 is tapered and has an increased diameter at the end opposite to the orifice 52.

[0062] return Figure 4 A sealing ring 38c is disposed at each end of the nozzle 62. The sealing ring 38c is equidistant from the end of the corresponding nozzle 62. Since the nozzles 62 have different heights, the sealing ring 38c is at different heights and defines planes P1 to P4 for the interface 38. When the support leg 42 of the liquid tube head 24 is moved on the nozzle 62, the force is greatest when the sealing ring 38c touches the inner surface of the support leg 42.

[0063] The remaining figures illustrate how the interface 38 can be distributed across different planes P1-P4. It should be understood that the patterns shown in these figures can also be created when the interface 38 is distributed across three, five, or more planes.

[0064] generally, Figures 7 to 14 A schematic diagram of the pipette 26 facing the side where the connectors 28 are provided is shown. Each rectangle represents a connector 28, and these connectors are arranged in a grid 64 consisting of rows 34 and columns 36. Figures 7 to 11 A pipette 26 with 384 (i.e., 16 × 24) connectors 28 is shown. Figures 12 to 14 A pipette 26 with 96 (i.e., 8 × 12) connectors 28 is shown. The grid 64 corresponds to the well position of the grid according to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) / SLAS Microplate Standard 4–2004.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, all rectangles containing the number "1" correspond to connectors 28 with interfaces at plane P1. Correspondingly, all rectangles containing the numbers "2", "3", and "4" correspond to connectors 28 with interfaces at planes P2, P3, and P4, respectively.

[0066] In all Figures 7 to 14 In this configuration, the interfaces 38 of connector 28 are arranged in planes P1, P2, P3, and P4, such that along each row 34 and each column 36 of grid 64, at least three adjacent interfaces 38 are arranged in at least two different planes P1, P2, P3, and P4. However, this is only necessary in the boundary region 66 of grid 64 and / or pipette 26. Such a boundary region 66, formed by three columns 36, is... Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, the boundary region 66 at the boundary of the grid 64 may include at least three rows 34 and / or at least three columns 36. Furthermore, in Figure 7 Within the boundary region 66, the interface of column 36 lies within the same plane P1, P2, P3, and P4. This could be... Figure 7 The pattern in the middle part is different from the rest. Figure 8-14 The pattern combination in one of the attached diagrams, namely: Figure 7 The boundary region 66 in the diagram is replaced by the corresponding pattern shown in these diagrams.

[0068] In all attachments Figures 7 to 14 The diagram shows the central axis A parallel to row 34 and the central axis B parallel to column 36. All patterns in interface 38 are either mirror-symmetric about these axes. Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 Either translational symmetry ( Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 14 ).

[0069] In all attachments Figures 7 to 14 In the grid 64, along rows 34 and / or columns 36, the sequence of interfaces 38 at different planes P1, P2, P3, P4 is repeated. This sequence is P1, P2, P3, P4, where P1, P2, P3, P4 are planes that decrease in distance from the side of the pipette 26 facing the pipetting channel 30. In these sequences, adjacent connectors 28 can be associated with different planes P1, P2, P3, P4. This could be due to mirror symmetry about axes A and / or B, with two connectors 28 adjacent to axes A and / or B associated with the same plane P1, P2, P3, P4.

[0070] Apart from Figure 11 In addition, the interfaces 38 at the same plane P1, P2, P3, and P4 are arranged along lines intersecting the rows 34 and columns 36 of the lattice 64. In the case of mirror symmetry, the interfaces 38 at the same plane P1, P2, P3, and P4 can be arranged in an X-shaped pattern. Figure 9 , 13 ) or diamond pattern ( Figure 8 , 12 This symmetrical arrangement results in a corresponding symmetrical force distribution on the pipette 26. In the case of translational symmetry, these lines can extend continuously through the entire grid 64.

[0071] Alternatively, interfaces 38 in the same plane P1, P2, P3, and P4 can be arranged in an irregular pattern. Figure 11 However, for example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the overall pattern of the pipette 26 can be composed of multiple irregular patterns that have translational symmetry, i.e., are equal.

[0072] exist Figure 8 and Figure 13 In this design, the pipette plate 26 is positioned such that the interface 38 at its corner 68 is located within the outermost plane P1, which is maximally positioned towards the side of the pipette plate 26 facing the pipetting channel 30. This has the advantage that the initial mechanical contact between the pipette plate 26 and the pipette tip occurs at the corner 68, resulting in a more controlled force distribution along the pipette plate 26. The entire pipette plate 26 can be pressed against its support portion within the pipette tip 12 via the corner 68.

[0073] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary, not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art through a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude plural forms. A single processor, controller, or other unit can perform the functions of several items set forth in the claims. The fact that specific measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot produce good results. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

[0074] List of reference numerals

[0075] 10 Multichannel pipetting device

[0076] 12 Multichannel pipette tips

[0077] 14 Workbench

[0078] 16 Suspension

[0079] 18 mobile devices

[0080] 20 containers

[0081] 22 seats

[0082] 24 Pipette tips

[0083] 26 Pipettes

[0084] 28 connectors

[0085] 30 Pipetting Channels

[0086] 32 plungers

[0087] 34 lines

[0088] 36 columns

[0089] 38 Interface

[0090] 38a Edge

[0091] 38b edge

[0092] 38c sealing ring

[0093] P1 Interface Plane

[0094] P2 Interface Plane

[0095] P3 Interface Plane

[0096] P4 Interface Plane

[0097] 40 Opening

[0098] 42 legs

[0099] 44. Conical end

[0100] 46. ​​Guiding Crack

[0101] 48 Sealing Lip

[0102] 50 Stop

[0103] 52 orifices

[0104] 54 Boring Holes

[0105] 56a Part 1

[0106] 56b Part Two

[0107] 58 Boring Holes

[0108] 60 cylinder

[0109] 62 nozzles

[0110] 64 shelves

[0111] 66 Boundary Area

[0112] 68 corner

[0113] A. Central axis

[0114] B. Intermediate Axis

Claims

1. A multichannel pipette (26), comprising: Multiple connectors (28) are arranged in a grid (64) configuration; Each connector (28) is fluidly connected to a pipette tip (24); Each connector (28) includes an interface (38) at which a frictional contact is established between the connector (28) and the foot of the pipette tip (24); The interfaces (38) of the connector (28) are arranged in different planes (P1, P2, P3, P4) such that at least three connected interfaces (38) are arranged in at least two different planes (P1, P2, P3, P4) along each row (34) and each column (36) of the grid (64) at least in the boundary region (66) of the pipette (26). The interfaces (38) in the same plane (P1, P2, P3, P4) are arranged symmetrically about a first intermediate axis of the grid and about a second intermediate axis of the grid, the first intermediate axis being parallel to the rows of the grid and the second intermediate axis being parallel to the columns of the grid.

2. The multichannel pipette (26) according to claim 1, in, Along the grid (64) rows (34) and / or columns (36), the sequence of interfaces (38) at different planes (P1, P2, P3, P4) is repeated.

3. The multichannel pipette (26) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The interfaces (38) at the same plane (P1, P2, P3, P4) are arranged along lines that intersect the rows (34) and columns (36) of the grid (64).

4. The multichannel pipette (26) according to any one of claims 1-2, in, The interface (38) at the corner (68) of the pipette (26) is located in the outermost plane (P1), which is at the greatest distance from the side of the pipette (26) facing the pipetting channel (30), which is fluidly connected to the connector (28) of the pipette (26).

5. The multichannel pipette (26) according to any one of claims 1-2, in, The connector (28) includes an opening (40) for inserting the leg (42) of the corresponding pipette tip (24) into the opening (40); The interface (38) of the connector (28) is the edge of the opening (40).

6. The multichannel pipette (26) according to any one of claims 1-2, in, Each connector (28) is a bore (54) in the pipette plate (26), the bore being used to insert the corresponding foot (42) of the pipette tip (24) into the bore (54); Among them, at least some of the boring holes (54) include portions (56a, 56b) with different diameters, and the interface (38) is the edge between the portions (56a, 56b).

7. The multichannel pipette (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in, Each connector (28) is a cylinder (60) connected to the pipette for inserting the leg (42) of the corresponding pipette tip (24) into the cylinder (60); The interface (38) is the edge of the cylinder (60).

8. The multichannel pipette (26) according to any one of claims 1-2, in, Each connector (28) is a nozzle (62) that can be inserted into a corresponding leg of the pipette tip (24); The interface (38) is a sealing ring (38c) surrounding the nozzle (62).

9. The multichannel pipette (26) according to any one of claims 1-2, in, The boundary region (66) includes at least three rows (34) and / or at least three columns (36) at the boundary of the grid (64).

10. The multichannel pipette (26) according to any one of claims 1-2, The interfaces (38) in the same plane (P1, P2, P3, P4) are arranged in an X-shaped pattern or a diamond pattern.

11. A multichannel pipette tip (12), comprising: The pipette (26) according to any one of claims 1-10; Multiple pipetting channels (30) are fluidly connected to the connector (28) of the pipetting plate (26).

12. A multichannel pipetting device (10), comprising: The multichannel pipette head (12) according to claim 11; A workbench (14) having a container (22) for receiving a plurality of pipette tips (24) arranged in a grid (64); A mover (18) is used to move the multichannel pipette head (12) in at least one direction parallel to the worktable (14) so ​​that the pipette plate (26) is at least partially positioned above the container (22), and the mover is used to move the multichannel pipette head (12) toward the container (22) to press the legs of the pipette tip (24) arranged below the pipette plate (26) together with the connector (28) of the pipette plate (26).

13. A method for connecting a plurality of pipette tips (24) to a multichannel pipette plate (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 using a multichannel pipette device (10) according to claim 12, the method comprising: Move the multichannel pipette (26) above the container (22) such that only a portion of the rows (34) and / or columns (36) of the pipette (26) are arranged above the container (22) with the pipette tip (24); Move the multichannel pipette (26) toward the container (22) until all the pipette tips (24) and their corresponding connectors below the pipette (26) have been pressed into each other; During the movement toward the reservoir (22), at the following positions of the multichannel pipette (26), only the forces generated by the interfaces (38) of the corresponding legs (42) of the pipette tip (24) pressed against must be overcome to move the pipette tip (24) and the connector (28) into each other, at which positions the legs of the pipette tip (24) reach the planes (P1, P2, P3, P4) defined by the interfaces (38) of the connector (28).

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