Dispensing head support

Abstract

The dispensing tip holder is used when a dispensing tip is attached to the tip of a pipette, and is provided with: a peripheral wall section having a shape that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing tip; and an insertion part having an insertion opening into which the dispensing head is inserted. The peripheral wall portion has a first end portion into which the dispensing head is inserted, and has a second end portion on the opposite side of the first end portion. The insertion portion is formed on the peripheral wall portion such that when the dispensing head is inserted from the first end portion into the insertion opening, the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing head comes into contact with the edge portion of the insertion opening, and the tip of the dispensing head does not protrude from the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

Description

[0001] The present application is a divisional application based on the Chinese Invention Application of SHIMADZU CORPORATION, with the subject matter of "Dispenser tip holder", the application number of which is 202010721735.9, and the filing date of which is July 24, 2020. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a dispenser tip holder. BACKGROUND

[0003] In analysis of various liquid samples, a pipette is used for extracting and discharging a small amount of liquid sample (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-530211 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2010-155223). A dispenser tip (pipette tip) is attached to the tip of the pipette. The dispenser tip has a conical shape with a narrowed tip, and an opening is formed at the tip (for example, refer to Japanese Realization Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 6-57427). Generally, a plurality of dispenser tips are stored in a dedicated rack by being vertically held in a plurality of fixing holes of the rack. SUMMARY

[0004] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of sterilization or the like, the dispenser tips are sometimes individually packaged. In this case, the user takes out the dispenser tip from the packaging material, and attaches the dispenser tip to the tip of the pipette while holding the dispenser tip with the fingertips. In this case, it is necessary to reliably attach the dispenser tip to the tip of the pipette. If the dispenser tip is not reliably attached to the tip of the pipette, sometimes the liquid sample is not sucked or discharged in the desired amount. In addition, in the case where the dispenser tip is loosely attached to the pipette, sometimes the dispenser tip is detached from the tip of the pipette during the dispenser operation. In particular, in the case where the tip of the pipette is worn due to long-term use, the dispenser tip is easily detached.

[0005] However, the operation of attaching the dispenser tip to the tip of the pipette with a moderate force while holding the dispenser tip with the fingertips is not easy. In the case where the dispenser tip is pressed into the tip of the pipette with a large force while holding the dispenser tip with the fingertips, sometimes the dispenser tip is deformed due to the contact of the palm with the tip of the dispenser tip.

[0006] An object of the present application is to provide a dispenser tip holder that can easily and reliably attach a dispenser tip to the tip of a pipette.

[0007] A first aspect of the present application relates to a dispensing head holder used when a dispensing head is attached to the tip of a pipette, characterized by comprising: a peripheral wall portion having a shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the dispensing head; and an insertion portion having an insertion opening into which the dispensing head is inserted, the peripheral wall portion having a first end portion into which the dispensing head is inserted, and having a second end portion on the opposite side of the first end portion, the insertion portion being formed in the peripheral wall portion such that, when the dispensing head is inserted into the insertion opening from the first end portion, the outer periphery of the dispensing head abuts against the edge portion of the insertion opening, and the tip of the dispensing head does not protrude from the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

[0008] Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a dispensing head holder that can easily and reliably attach a dispensing head to the tip of a pipette. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a pipette, a dispensing head, and the dispensing head holder of the first embodiment used in a dispensing operation.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the insertion of a dispensing head into the dispensing head holder of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the dispensing head holder of the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the dispensing head holder of the third embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the dispensing head holder of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Hereinafter, the dispensing head holder of the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (1) Dispensing head holder of the first embodiment

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a pipette, a dispensing head, and the dispensing head holder of the first embodiment used in a dispensing operation.

[0018] Figure 1The pipette 1 has a pipette main body 11, a nose cone 12, and a button 13. A piston rod and a piston rod driving mechanism are housed in the pipette main body 11. The nose cone 12 has a circular truncated cone shape. The dispensing tip 2 is attached to the nose cone 12. The piston rod driving mechanism moves the piston rod up and down by operation of the button 13. Thereby, a liquid sample is sucked into the dispensing tip 2 attached to the nose cone 12, or a liquid sample in the dispensing tip 2 is discharged.

[0019] The dispensing tip 2 has a circular truncated cone-shaped holding portion 21 and a circular cone-shaped main body portion 22. The upper end of the main body portion 22 is formed integrally with the lower end of the holding portion 21. The outer diameter of the upper end of the main body portion 22 is smaller than the outer diameter of the lower end of the holding portion 21. Thereby, a circular stepped portion 23 is formed between the holding portion 21 and the main body portion 22. The holding portion 21 has a circular upper end opening 24. A hole 25 is formed in the lower end (tip end) of the main body portion 22. An elongated circular cone-shaped space is formed in the dispensing tip 2, which communicates from the holding portion 21 to the main body portion 22.

[0020] Figure 2 The dispensing tip 2 is inserted into the insertion portion 32 of the dispensing tip holder 3. Figure 1 A perspective view of the dispensing tip holder 3 is shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing tip holder 3 has a peripheral wall portion 31 and an insertion portion 32. In the present embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 31 has a cylindrical shape. Thereby, a circular upper end opening is formed in the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 31. Further, a circular lower end opening is formed in the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 31. Figure 2

[0021] In the present embodiment, the insertion portion 32 has a circular ring-shaped abutting surface 33 formed by the upper end surface of the peripheral wall portion 31. Further, the insertion portion 32 has an insertion opening 34 formed by the upper end opening of the peripheral wall portion 31. In this case, a part of the peripheral wall portion 31 becomes the insertion portion 32.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the main body portion 22 of the dispensing tip 2 is inserted into the peripheral wall portion 31 from the insertion opening 34. Thereby, the abutting surface 33 of the insertion portion 32 of the dispensing tip holder 3 abuts against the stepped portion 23 of the dispensing tip 2. Alternatively, in the case where there is no stepped portion 23 between the holding portion 21 and the main body portion 22 of the dispensing tip 2, the abutting surface 33 of the dispensing tip holder 3 abuts against the circular cone-shaped outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 21 or the main body portion 22 of the dispensing tip 2. The peripheral wall portion 31 has a length such that the tip end of the dispensing tip 2 does not protrude from the peripheral wall portion 31 of the lower end in the state where the dispensing tip 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 34.

[0023] ​A circular annular support surface 36 is formed on the lower end surface of the peripheral wall portion 31. The dispensing head holder 3 is disposed on a fixed surface 100 such as the upper surface of a table. Thereby, in a state where the support surface 36 of the peripheral wall portion 31 is in contact with the fixed surface 100, the insertion opening 34 faces upward. In addition, a bottom portion can be provided on the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 31. In this case, the lower surface of the bottom portion is the support surface 36.

[0024] When the dispensing head 2 is attached to the pipette 1, the user inserts the body portion 22 of the dispensing head 2 into the peripheral wall portion 31 from the insertion opening 34 of the dispensing head holder 3. The dispensing head holder 3 is disposed on the fixed surface 100. In this state, Figure 1 The tip portion of the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1 is inserted into the upper end opening 24 of the dispensing head 2. The support surface 36 of the dispensing head holder 3 is supported by the fixed surface 100, and the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing head 2 is in abutment with the abutment surface 33 of the dispensing head holder 3. At this time, the user can hold the dispensing head holder 3 with the fingertips. In addition, in a case where the dispensing head holder 3 is stably supported on the fixed surface 100, the user can not hold the dispensing head holder 3 with the fingertips. In this state, the user presses the pipette 1 downward with a moderate force, whereby the dispensing head 2 can be attached to the tip portion of the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1. In this case, since the tip of the dispensing head 2 does not come into contact with the fixed surface 100, the dispensing head 2 does not deform. Therefore, the user can easily and reliably attach the dispensing head 2 to the tip portion of the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1.

[0025] (2) Dispensing head holder of the second embodiment

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the dispensing head holder of the second embodiment. Figure 3 The dispensing head holder 3 of Figure 2 differs from the dispensing head holder 3 of Figure 3 In the dispensing head holder 3 of Figure 3 the lower surface of the base 35 is the support surface 36. The base 35 is formed to protrude outward from the peripheral wall portion 31. The shape of the base 35 is not limited to a circular shape, and can be a polygonal shape such as a square shape or an elliptical shape or another shape. Figure 2 The configurations of the other portions of the dispensing head holder 3 of

[0027] According to the dispensing head holder 3 of the present embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 31 is more stably erected on the fixed surface 100. Therefore, the user can easily and reliably attach the dispensing head 2 to the tip portion of the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1 without holding the dispensing head 2 with the fingertips.

[0028] (3) Dispensing head holder of the third embodiment

[0029] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing a dispensing head holder according to a third embodiment. Figure 4 The dispensing head holder 3 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 31 and a plate-shaped insertion portion 32. A circular upper end opening is formed at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 31. In addition, a bottom portion 37 is formed at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 31. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the bottom portion 37 serves as a support surface 36.

[0030] Insertion portion 32 is formed within peripheral wall portion 31, a certain distance below the upper end of peripheral wall portion 31. Furthermore, the height of insertion portion 32 is set so that the distance from bottom portion 37 to insertion portion 32 is greater than the length of main body portion 22 of dispensing head 2. A circular insertion opening 34 is formed in the center of insertion portion 32. Thus, insertion portion 32 has an annular abutment surface 33.

[0031] Figure 4 The dispensing head holder 3 further includes a cover 38. The cover 38 is shaped so as to fit into the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 31. An external thread 39 is formed in the upper region of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 31. An internal thread 40 corresponding to the external thread 39 is formed in the lower region of the inner peripheral surface of the cover 38.

[0032] In the Figure 1 When installing the dispensing tip 2 on the pipette 1, the user inserts the main body 22 of the dispensing tip 2 from the upper end opening of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the dispensing tip holder 3 to the insertion opening 34. As a result, the abutting surface 33 of the insertion portion 32 of the dispensing tip holder 3 abuts against the step portion 23 of the dispensing tip 2. In this case, the top end of the dispensing tip 2 does not contact the bottom 37 of the dispensing tip holder 3. The dispensing tip holder 3 is set on the fixed surface 100. In this state, Figure 1 The top end portion of the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1 is inserted into the upper end opening 24 of the dispensing tip 2. The supporting surface 36 of the dispensing tip holder 3 is supported by the fixed surface 100, and the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing tip 2 abuts against the edge portion of the insertion opening 34 of the dispensing tip holder 3. In this state, the user presses the pipette 1 downward with a moderate force, thereby being able to mount the dispensing tip 2 to the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1. In this case, since the top end of the dispensing tip 2 does not contact the fixed surface 100, the dispensing tip 2 will not be deformed. Therefore, the user can easily and reliably mount the dispensing tip 2 to the top end portion of the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1.

[0033] After using the dispensing tip 2, the user inserts the dispensing tip 2 attached to the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1 into the insertion opening 34 from the upper end opening of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the dispensing tip holder 3, and detaches the dispensing tip 2 from the pipette 1. In this state, the user attaches the cap 38 to the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 31. In this case, the user screws the internal thread 40 of the cap 38 into the external thread 39 of the peripheral wall portion 31. Thereby, the upper end opening of the peripheral wall portion 31 is closed by the cap 38.

[0034] According to the dispensing tip holder 3 of the present embodiment, as with the dispensing tip holders 3 of the first and second embodiments, the user can easily and reliably attach the dispensing tip 2 to the tip end portion of the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1. Further, since the cap 38 is attached to the dispensing tip holder 3, the dispensing tip holder 3 can be shielded from contaminating substances in the environment more easily than when the dispensing tip holder 3 is packed in a packaging bag, and can also be sterilized.

[0035] Further, the user can dispose of the dispensing tip 2 after using the dispensing tip holder 3 without coming into contact with the liquid sample. Therefore, the dispensing tip 2, which has attached thereto a biohazardous sample such as an infectious sample or a substance that becomes a cause of environmental pollution, can be safely disposed of.

[0036] (4) Dispensing tip holder of the fourth embodiment

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the dispensing tip holder of the fourth embodiment. Figure 5 The dispensing tip holder 3 of Figure 4 differs from the dispensing tip holder 3 of Figure 4 In the dispensing tip holder 3 of the present embodiment, a cylindrical insertion portion 32 that is integrated with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 31 is provided instead of the plate-shaped insertion portion 32 of Figure 5 The other portions of the dispensing tip holder 3 of Figure 4 are configured identically to the corresponding portions of the dispensing tip holder 3 of

[0038] According to the dispensing tip holder 3 of the present embodiment, as with the dispensing tip holders 3 of the first to third embodiments, the user can easily and reliably attach the dispensing tip 2 to the tip end portion of the nose cone 12 of the pipette 1. Further, since the cap 38 is attached to the dispensing tip holder 3, the dispensing tip holder 3 can be shielded from contaminating substances in the environment more easily than when the dispensing tip holder 3 is packed in a packaging bag, and can also be sterilized.

[0039] Further, as with the dispensing head holder 3 of the third embodiment, the user can dispose of the dispensing head 2 without coming into contact with the liquid sample after using the dispensing head holder 3. Thus, the dispensing head 2 that has the infectious sample such as a biohazardous sample or a substance that becomes a cause of environmental pollution attached thereto can be safely disposed of.

[0040] Further, since the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the dispensing head holder 3 of the present embodiment has a simple configuration, the manufacturer can easily manufacture the dispensing head holder 3.

[0041] (5) Other Embodiments

[0042] In the dispensing head holder 3 of Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a lid 38 can also be provided. Further, in the dispensing head holder 3 of Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the external thread 39 and the internal thread 40 can also not be formed. Further, in the dispensing head holder 3 of Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the lid 38 can also not be provided. Further, in the dispensing head holder 3 of Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the bottom portion 37 can also not be provided.

[0043] (6) Correspondence of Each Constituent Element of the Claims to Each Element of the Embodiments

[0044] Examples of the correspondence of each constituent element of the claims to each element of the embodiments will be described below. In the above embodiments, examples in which the upper end is the first end portion, examples in which the lower end is the second end portion, and examples in which the base 35 is a support plate. Other various elements having the configuration or function described in the claims can also be used as each constituent element of the claims.

[0045] (7) Schemes

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described multiple exemplary embodiments are concrete examples of the following schemes.

[0047] (First Scheme) can be a dispensing head holder of a scheme,

[0048] a dispensing head holder used when mounting a dispensing head to a tip end of a pipettor, comprising:

[0049] a peripheral wall portion having a shape that surrounds an outer peripheral surface of the dispensing head;

[0050] an insertion portion having an insertion opening into which the dispensing head is inserted,

[0051] The peripheral wall portion has a first end portion into which the dispensing head is inserted, and a second end portion on the opposite side of the first end portion,

[0052] The insertion portion is formed in the peripheral wall portion so that, when the dispensing head is inserted into the insertion opening from the first end portion, the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing head abuts against the edge portion of the insertion opening, and the tip end of the dispensing head does not protrude from the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

[0053] According to the first aspect, the user inserts the tip end of the dispensing head into the insertion opening of the insertion portion of the dispensing head holder. Thereby, the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing head abuts against the edge portion of the insertion opening of the dispensing head holder. In this case, the tip end of the dispensing head does not protrude from the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

[0054] The user presses the pipette downward with a moderate force while the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion is in abutment with the fixing surface, whereby the dispensing head can be mounted to the tip end of the pipette with a moderate force. In this case, since the tip end of the dispensing head does not contact any portion, the dispensing head is not deformed. Therefore, the user can easily and reliably mount the dispensing head to the tip end portion of the pipette.

[0055] The second aspect can be the dispensing head holder according to the first aspect, in which

[0056] The peripheral wall portion has a cylindrical shape, and the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion has a support surface that can be in contact with the fixing surface.

[0057] According to the second aspect, the user can stand the peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical shape on the fixing surface by placing the dispensing head holder on the fixing surface. Thereby, the user can easily insert the pipette into the dispensing head without holding the dispensing head holder with the fingertips.

[0058] The third aspect can be the dispensing head holder according to the first aspect, in which

[0059] The first end portion of the peripheral wall portion has a ring-shaped abutment surface that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing head, the insertion portion is formed by the abutment surface of the peripheral wall portion, and the insertion opening of the insertion portion is an opening surrounded by the abutment surface.

[0060] According to the third aspect, the user inserts the tip end of the dispensing head into the insertion opening of the insertion portion of the dispensing head holder. Thereby, the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing head abuts against the insertion opening of the dispensing head holder. In this case, the tip end of the dispensing head does not protrude from the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

[0061] The user presses the pipette downward with a moderate force in a state where the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion is in abutment with the fixing surface, whereby the dispensing tip can be installed to the tip end of the pipette with a moderate force. In this case, since the tip end of the dispensing tip is not in contact with any portion, the dispensing tip is not deformed. Therefore, the user can easily and reliably install the dispensing tip to the tip end portion of the pipette.

[0062] (4th aspect) can be the dispensing tip holder according to the 1st aspect,

[0063] Further provided is a support plate provided at the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

[0064] According to the dispensing tip holder of the 4th aspect, by abutting the support plate provided at the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion against the fixing surface, the dispensing tip holder can be stably erected. Therefore, the user can stably install the dispensing tip to the tip end of the pipette with a moderate force by pressing the pipette downward with a moderate force.

[0065] (5th aspect) can be the dispensing tip holder according to the 1st aspect,

[0066] The insertion portion is provided at the peripheral wall portion such that the insertion opening is located inside the peripheral wall portion away from the first end portion.

[0067] According to the dispensing tip holder of the 5th aspect, after use of the dispensing tip, the user inserts the dispensing tip installed to the nose cone of the pipette into the insertion opening to detach the dispensing tip from the pipette. In this case, most of the used dispensing tip is accommodated in the peripheral wall portion. Therefore, the user can be prevented from contacting the sample attached to the used dispensing tip.

[0068] (6th aspect) can be the dispensing tip holder according to the 1st aspect,

[0069] Further provided is a cover that is installable to and detachable from the first end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

[0070] According to the dispensing tip holder of the 6th aspect, after use of the dispensing tip, the user inserts the dispensing tip installed to the nose cone of the pipette into the insertion opening from the upper end opening of the peripheral wall portion of the dispensing tip holder to detach the dispensing tip from the pipette. In this state, the user installs the cover to the first end portion of the peripheral wall portion. In this case, the upper end opening of the peripheral wall portion is closed by the cover. Therefore, the user can be prevented from contacting the sample attached to the dispensing tip until the dispensing tip is discarded after use of the dispensing tip.

Claims

1. A dispensing head holder, which is used to install the dispensing head to the top of the pipette, characterized in that: have: The peripheral wall portion has a shape surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing head; An insertion portion having an insertion opening for inserting the dispensing head, The peripheral wall portion has a first end portion for inserting the dispensing tip, and a second end portion on the opposite side of the first end portion. The insertion portion is formed on the peripheral wall portion so that when the dispensing tip is inserted into the insertion opening from the first end portion, the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing tip abuts against the edge portion of the insertion opening, and the tip of the dispensing tip does not protrude from the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion. The insertion portion is integrated with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion so that the insertion opening is located in the peripheral wall portion at a position away from the first end portion. The height of the insertion portion is set so that the distance from the bottom of the dispensing tip to the insertion portion is greater than the length of the main body of the dispensing tip. A cover is further provided that is attachable to and detachable from the first end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

2. The dispensing head holder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The peripheral wall portion has a cylindrical shape, and the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion has a supporting surface that can come into contact with a fixing surface.

3. The dispensing head holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first end portion of the peripheral wall portion has an annular contact surface that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the dispensing tip. The insertion portion is formed by the abutting surface of the peripheral wall portion, and the insertion opening of the insertion portion is an opening surrounded by the abutting surface.

4. The dispensing head holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A support plate is further provided at the second end portion of the peripheral wall portion.

5. The dispensing head holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The peripheral wall portion is configured to have an outer side surface that surrounds the dispensing tip when the dispensing tip is inserted into the insertion opening, and is configured to be holdable by pinching any position of the outer side surface with fingertips.

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