Container for holding plurality of pipette tips

Abstract

The present application provides a container for holding a plurality of pipette heads (5), the container comprising: a housing (2) having a bottom (7); the invention relates to a pipette cartridge (1) comprising a cartridge (2), a holding device (4) connectable to the cartridge (2) and having a set of receptacles (17) for holding pipette heads (5), and a holder (3) connectable to the cartridge (2) for stable holding of the cartridge (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for holding a plurality of pipette tips as defined in claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] The type of pipette tip discussed is used to connect to a pipetting apparatus. This pipetting apparatus is used to pick up and dispense fluid volumes using a transfer device, particularly for the repetitive dispensing, titration, or pipetting of liquids. The transfer device generates positive or negative pressure for dispensing or aspirating liquid. One or more pipette tips can be attached to the transfer device in an airtight manner. Each pipette tip is typically connected to the transfer device by means of a plug connector. For this purpose, the transfer device can have tubular, cylindrical, or tapered end components to which the pipette tip is attached through a corresponding tubular opening. The transfer device and the pipette tip together can form a sealed air space. The pipette tip can be detached from or discarded from the transfer device. Pipettes are typically used for a single purpose, such that after detachment or disposal from the transfer device, the pipette tip is usually processed or collected for further treatment.

[0003] Unused pipette tips are typically stored in covered containers for transport and sale to users. These containers are designed to hold multiple pipette tips so that when the cap is opened or removed, the tips can be removed from the container using a pipetting device, which can then be inserted into one of the pipette tips. For this purpose, the container has a holding device designed to hold the pipette tips in the container with adjacent tips aligned with each other.

[0004] Such a container is known from document EP 3 774 053 A1. This known container comprises a housing with a bottom and a retaining device or support plate that can be connected to the housing and has multiple receptacles for holding pipette tips in a matrix arrangement. The known container also has a cap that is pivotally attached to the housing. When the cap is open, the pipette tip can be inserted from above into the receptacle of the retaining device, thereby preventing the pipette—for example, due to its upwardly widening diameter or neck—from falling through the receptacle and instead retaining it in the retaining device. One or more pipette tips can be removed from the retaining device by means of a pipetting device or a dosing device. For this purpose, the dosing device is inserted into the upper opening of one or more pipette tips using one or more connection points. After use, the pipette tip can be reinserted into the receptacle of the retaining device—usually by means of the dispensing device of the dosing device—or transferred to another container for disposal. In this case, it is particularly important—especially important for occupational safety—to ensure that the device can be operated without tipping. To address this, known containers incorporate support columns, which are integrated into the container body and cannot be removed. A drawback of these known containers is that the support columns only slightly increase the contact area or base area of ​​the container, which is why they only slightly improve the container's stability. Furthermore, the support columns permanently alter the stackability of the containers and the base area of ​​the container itself.

[0005] Document WO 2017 / 031514 A1 also discloses a container for holding multiple pipette tips. This known container has a receiving tray with a base and sidewalls rising from the base. The sidewalls enclose the receiving opening and, together with the base, define a receiving space. The container also has a cap that, in its closed position, covers the receiving opening of the receiving tray and is removably held on the receiving tray. The cap is designed as an adaptation element for the receiving tray. A positioning device with several positioning elements is provided on the cap. The cap defines a standard base area in its outer peripheral region. When the cap is in the release position, removed from the receiving tray, the receiving tray is supported on the cap by its base, and in this adaptation position, the receiving tray is aligned relative to the base area defined by the cap in the positioning position by means of the positioning elements for automated sampling processing. With the aid of the removable cap, the stability of the receiving tray can be improved by placing the cap at the bottom of the receiving tray, where the receiving tray can be supported on the cap by the bottom of the receiving tray. The disadvantage of using a cap to support the receiving tray in this manner is that, in the fitted position, the container cannot be sealed by the cap, thus exposing the pipette tip to external influences and making contamination unavoidable. Therefore, the shape and size of the cap must be adapted to the shape and size of the bottom of the receiving tray. Slightly enlarging the base area only slightly reduces the risk of accidental container tipping. Furthermore, relative movement between the cap and the receiving tray in the vertical direction in the fitted position is permissible and not hindered. Moreover, achieving a form-fit and friction-locked connection between the cap and the receiving tray typically requires precision work or complex manual intervention because the component dimensions are set with only a small amount of clearance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is based on the technical objective of providing a container for holding multiple pipette tips, the body of which can be connected to a support that is not designed as a cover. When connected to the body, the support improves operation, substantially improves stability, and / or avoids or at least substantially reduces the defects of the prior art.

[0007] The above-mentioned technical problem is solved by the container for holding multiple pipette tips according to the present invention:

[0008] - A box with a bottom;

[0009] - A holding device, which can be connected to a housing and has multiple accommodating portions for holding the pipette tip; and

[0010] - Support, which can be connected to the enclosure for stable operation of the enclosure.

[0011] For the purposes of this invention, the term "support" is understood to refer to a support or support structure for bearing, stabilizing, and / or supporting an article, so that the article is safe, particularly stable and upright, and held in a specific position during use. Preferably, the support increases the support area of ​​the article.

[0012] Preferably, the container has a lid that can be detachably attached to the housing. More preferably, the lid is pivotally attached to or mounted on the housing to allow the container to be closed and opened, thereby making the pipette tip in the holding device accessible when the container is opened. Particularly preferred is that the lid is transparent, allowing the contents of the housing to be identified from the outside.

[0013] The support is not designed as a cover for the container. Instead, it is designed to be separate from the cover, retaining device, and container. The support allows the base area of ​​the container to be designed to any size. The support can be disposed of separately, reused, or purchased new or separately.

[0014] Further advantageous designs are described in the dependent claims.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the support can be detachably connected to the housing in a form-fitting manner in both the horizontal and vertical directions, thereby preventing relative movement between the support and the housing in both directions. The support will not separate from the housing when operated in a manner that causes the housing to tilt. The support will also remain attached to the housing even when it is raised.

[0016] This form-fit connection, achievable in both vertical and horizontal directions, creates a robust and stable connection between the container and its support. This prevents wobbling or tipping and facilitates the precision required for automated processing. Typically, this form-fit connection also ensures that the contents of the container can be stored stably and securely.

[0017] Another advantage of the detachable form-fit connection is that it allows for quick and easy connection of the enclosure to the support, making operation significantly easier. This also increases flexibility in use and storage.

[0018] Preferably, the support can be connected to the housing in a vertically oriented form-fit manner by rotating the housing relative to the support. More preferably, the support can be connected to the housing in a vertically oriented form-fit manner by rotating the housing relative to the support about a vertical axis. This provides the advantage that rotation is required to release the form-fit connection, thereby preventing accidental release.

[0019] Particularly preferred is that the support can be connected to the housing in the initial connection position, in which relative movement between the support and the housing in the vertical direction and relative movement in the horizontal direction are prevented.

[0020] The advantages of the initial connection position are: preventing horizontal movement ensures that the chamber is precisely positioned on the support before it is finally fixed in place by rotational movement. This reduces the risk of misalignment and potential damage to the chamber and support. Furthermore, the initial connection position helps prevent the chamber from sliding or tipping during connection, which is particularly useful if the chamber is already filled with pipette tips.

[0021] It would be particularly advantageous if the support could be connected to the housing in the final connection position, where relative movement between the support and the housing in the vertical and horizontal directions is prevented.

[0022] Preferably, the support and the housing can be moved relative to each other from an initial connection position to a final connection position by means of rotational movement. Preferably, the support and the housing can be moved relative to each other from an initial connection position to a final connection position by means of rotational movement about a vertical axis.

[0023] A particularly advantageous feature of the rotational motion to be performed is that it significantly facilitates operation, as the housing and support can be brought into a vertically and horizontally aligned position using only one hand. It is not necessary for the support to rotate in the opposite direction to the housing.

[0024] Preferably, the rotational movement of the housing relative to the support from the initial connection position to the final connection position is restricted by the wall of the support.

[0025] The advantage of this is that the enclosure can be positioned precisely, consistently, and repeatably, as it always stops accurately in the position defined by the wall. Furthermore, this facilitates simple operation, as the wall makes the process intuitive and user-friendly. Compared to existing technologies, the fact that the user can quickly and reliably understand when the enclosure is accurately positioned due to the wall's constraint significantly simplifies and, in particular, accelerates the connection process. Moreover, the wall prevents the enclosure from being rotated too far, which prevents damage to the enclosure or support and ultimately extends the service life of the components.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the rotational movement of the housing relative to the support from the initial connection position to the final connection position is guided or limited by the boundary portion of the support.

[0027] The advantage of the boundary section is that the rotational motion to be performed has been pre-determined by the user, which further enhances user-friendliness and ease of use.

[0028] In particular, in one embodiment, the support has a mark on its upper side that marks the initial connection position and / or an enlarged portion corresponding to the outline of the bottom of the housing. The mark is provided on the upper side of the support such that it is visible when the support is connected to the housing in the initial connection position.

[0029] The markings on the top of the support offer several operational advantages: thanks to clear orientation aids, the markings make it easier for users to correctly position the enclosure on the support, thus preventing the need for repeated adjustments or repositioning. This reduces damage and wear caused by incorrect operation. Furthermore, the markings on the top of the support help reduce the time required for detachable connections, as the initial connection position is clearly visible to the user.

[0030] Another preferred embodiment is characterized by the following features: for a horizontal and vertical form-fit connection between the housing and the support, the bottom of the housing has a recess on its lower side, preferably a generally cylindrical recess, and the support has a protrusion on its upper side, preferably a generally cylindrical protrusion. In this preferred embodiment, the recess in the housing and the protrusion on the support are complementary, and the recess in the housing is designed to accommodate the protrusion on the support. Besides marking the initial connection position, the complementary design of the components makes it easier to connect and align the housing and the support.

[0031] Particularly preferred is that the recess in the housing and the protrusion on the support form a bayonet lock, specifically wherein the bottom of the housing has at least one engaging portion protruding into the recess, and the protrusion on the support has at least one opposing engaging portion protruding outward. The bayonet lock provides the advantage that the mechanical connection between the components can be quickly established and released, thereby achieving complete form and position fit in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0032] Another advantageous embodiment features a holding device with at least one display device that is externally observable and mounted on the edge of the holding device. Because the display device is externally visible, it is not necessary to open the casing to obtain information from it, such as information about the held pipette tip. In the prior art, containers (e.g., casings) are typically labeled with information about the provided pipette tip. The advantage of preferably molding the holding device integrally is that, for example, the removable holding device can be transferred from one casing to another without losing information about the contents of the holding device or without requiring relabeling of the casing.

[0033] Preferably, the display device can be affixed with information for identifying the pipette tip held in the holding device using laser processing, embossing, and / or inkjet processing. The advantage of being able to perform labeling without adding any additional materials is that, in terms of processing, the holding devices are categorized by type. The label itself, the label handling, and subsequent processing can be eliminated by means of this display device.

[0034] Specifically, the container has a lid that can be detachably attached to the housing and has a cutout for receiving a portion of the display device. Preferably, when the lid is closed, the display device is aligned with the front of the lid.

[0035] Preferably, the support has anti-slip components on its underside to prevent slippage. These may include a rubber base or pad, a felt slider, an absorbent base, or a special coating to create an anti-slip surface. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Further advantages, features, characteristics, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings and the drawings themselves. All features described and / or shown form the subject matter of the invention independently or in any combination, and are not limited to the general description or reference relationships in the claims. The drawings show:

[0037] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the container according to the invention, having a removable lid and support, is schematically shown in an exploded perspective view.

[0038] Figure 2 The illustration shows the source Figure 1 A bottom view of the container's body.

[0039] Figure 3 The illustration shows the source Figure 1 A top view of the container's support.

[0040] Figure 4 This schematically illustrates the situation where the housing and supports are not connected to each other, from... Figure 1 A 3D view of the container.

[0041] Figure 5 For the initial connection position between the housing and the support, from Figure 1 A schematic 3D diagram of the container.

[0042] Figure 6 For the final connection position between the housing and the support, from Figure 1 A schematic 3D diagram of the container.

[0043] Figure 7The image shows the initial connection position between the housing and the support. Figure 5 A schematic top view of the container.

[0044] Figure 8 The image shows the final connection position between the housing and the support. Figure 6 A schematic top view of the container.

[0045] Figure 9 It shows the path along the origin from Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of axis VII-VII of container 1 at the final connection position.

[0046] Figure 10 Showing from Figure 9 A schematic front view of the container.

[0047] Figure 11 For from Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the container, wherein the cap is open and the pipette tip is held in the holding device.

[0048] Figure 12 For from Figure 11 A schematic perspective view of a container without a retaining device.

[0049] Figure 13 For from Figure 1 A schematic 3D view of the interior of the container's body, and

[0050] Figure 14 For from Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a container holding device. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the container 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in a schematic exploded perspective view. The container 1 includes: a housing 2; a support 3, which can be detachably connected to the housing 2 for stable holding; a holding device 4 for holding a plurality of pipette tips 5; and a cap 6. The holding device 4 and the cap 6 can each be detachably connected to the housing 2.

[0052] The housing 2 includes a bottom 7 and side walls 8 to 11 extending upward from the bottom 7. At the corners, i.e., at the points where the two side walls 8 to 11 intersect, reinforcement members 12 are preferably provided to enhance the stability of the housing 2. The ends of the side walls 8 to 11 spaced apart from the bottom 7 form circumferential edges 13. The side walls 8 to 11 and the bottom 7 together define an installation space 14.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment shown herein, the housing 2 widens from its bottom 7 toward its edge 13. This means that the profile of the edge 13 is larger than that of the bottom 7. The housing 2 preferably corresponds to the shape of an inverted truncated pyramid without a base, wherein the top surface corresponds to the bottom 7 (having an approximately rectangular shape), and all side surfaces are formed by sidewalls 8 to 11.

[0054] Fastening members 15 are provided on the rear sidewall 10 to allow the cover 6 to be detachably connected to the housing 2 and to be pivotally mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the fastening members 15 is designed as a hinge. However, in other embodiments, the fasteners of the cover 6 may also be designed as bayonets, latches, and / or hook-shaped closures.

[0055] The protrusion 16 is preferably centered at the end of the front sidewall 8 that is spaced apart from the bottom 7. The protrusion 16 can be used to open and close the cover 6, or to fix the cover 6 in the closed position.

[0056] The housing 2 has a recess 25 that protrudes from the bottom side of the bottom 7 into the mounting space 14 of the housing 2, and the recess 25 is preferably in a basic cylindrical shape.

[0057] The recess 25 preferably has at least a plurality of reinforcing members 36, which extend radially from the cylindrical recess 25.

[0058] These reinforcements 36 are particularly preferably arranged in pairs opposite each other in diameter in order to improve the stability of the housing 2.

[0059] The mounting space 14 of the housing 2 is particularly suitable for holding the holding device 4, and if necessary, for holding the pipette tip 5 held in the holding device 4. The holding device 4 has multiple receiving portions 17 for holding the pipette tip 5. The holding device 4 can be detachably connected to the housing 2.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment shown herein, the retaining device 4 has hook-shaped elements 38 on two opposite sides, wherein the hook-shaped elements 38 have outwardly pointing (not shown) claws that engage in a form-fitting manner in recesses (not visible in the figure) inside the front sidewall 8 and rear sidewall 10 of the housing 2 in a vertically oriented manner. By pressing the corresponding actuating device 18, the hook-shaped elements 38 are elastically bent, causing the claws to move out of the corresponding recesses, thereby releasing the vertically oriented connection and allowing the retaining device 4 to be removed from the housing 2.

[0061] The retaining device 4 has a frame 21 surrounding the receiving portion 17. The display device 22 is integrally molded on the frame.

[0062] In this embodiment, the cover 6 includes a cover wall 19 and a cover sidewall 20 projecting from the cover wall 19 in the outer peripheral region. On the rear cover sidewall 20, the cover 6 has a component through which it can be pivotally mounted to the housing 2 or to a fastening component 15 of the housing 2. A closing element 23 is molded on the front cover sidewall 20, which interacts with a protrusion 16 of the housing 2 and secures the cover 6 in the closed position. To release the closing element 23 or the cover 6, the closing element 23 must be pulled past the protrusion 16.

[0063] In addition, the cover 6 has a cutout 24 on the front side wall 20 of the cover for accommodating a portion of the display device 22 formed on the edge portion 21.

[0064] Preferably, the lid is substantially transparent, making the contents of container 1 visible.

[0065] In the preferred embodiment shown, the support 3 has a recessed receiving area 27 on its upper side 26 for receiving the housing 2. This recessed receiving area 27 is surrounded by a preferred circumferentially raised boundary 28.

[0066] In addition, the support 3 has a mark 29 on its upper side, which corresponds to an enlarged portion of the outline of the bottom of the housing 2, and the mark 29 marks the initial connection position between the housing 2 and the support 3.

[0067] For the detachable connection between the housing 2 and the support 3, the support 3 has a protrusion 30 on its upper side 26, the protrusion 30 preferably being substantially cylindrical in shape and complementary to the recess 25 in the housing 2.

[0068] Figure 2 The housing 2 is shown schematically in a bottom view. The lower side of the bottom 7 of the housing 2 and the recess 25 are visible here. The bottom 7 of the housing 2 has at least one engaging portion 31 protruding into the recess 25.

[0069] In the embodiment shown here, four joining portions 31 protrude radially into the recesses 25. The joining portions 31 are preferably designed as strips or a mesh. (As in...) Figure 2 As can be seen in the bottom view, the engagement portions 31 are distributed around the outer periphery of the recess 25 and arranged in pairs opposite each other in a diametrically opposed manner. The engagement portions 31 are spaced apart from the base of the recess 25 to allow for rear engagement. In a preferred embodiment, the outer side of the engagement portion 31 is aligned with the lower side of the bottom 7.

[0070] Figure 3The support 3 with the upper side 26 is shown in top view. The protrusion 30, designed to complement the recess 25, has at least one opposing engagement portion 37, but the opposing engagement portion 37 protrudes outward in the radial direction.

[0071] In the embodiment shown here, four opposing engagement portions 37 are arranged in pairs diametrically on the outer periphery or contour of the protrusion 30. The opposing engagement portions 37 are preferably designed as strips or mesh. The opposing engagement portions 37 are arranged at a distance from the upper side 26 of the support 3 so that the engagement portion 31 of the bottom 7 of the housing 2 can be gripped from behind. The upper side of the opposing engagement portions 37 is preferably arranged aligned with the upper side of the protrusion 30. Furthermore, the support 3 has openings 35 corresponding to the number of engagement portions 31 on the bottom 7 of the housing 2.

[0072] Figure 4 The housing 2 and support 3 are shown in a perspective view before assembly. The housing 2 can be placed on the top side 26 of the support 3 surrounded by the boundary 28 or in the receiving area 27 by means of vertical relative movement along the vertical axis V via the lower side of the bottom 7, so that the support 3 can be detachably connected to the housing 2 in a form-fitting manner in both horizontal and vertical directions.

[0073] Label 29 provides the operator with information on how to position the housing 2 on the support 3.

[0074] For the purposes of this invention, the term "movement in the horizontal or vertical direction" is understood to mean movement along the horizontal axis H or the vertical axis V.

[0075] The protrusion 30 of the support 3 engages in the complementary recess 25 of the housing 2. The engaging portion 31 of the bottom 7 of the housing 2, which exist and are congruently fitted, and the opposing engaging portion 37 of the protrusion 30, can move over each other by vertical relative movement along the vertical axis V. The position reached thereafter marks the initial connection position.

[0076] Figure 5 The initial connection position of the container 1 according to the invention, or the initial connection position of the box 2 and the support 3, is shown. The initial connection position is indicated by a mark 29 on the upper side 26 of the support 3 to facilitate the connection between the box 2 and the support 3. In the initial connection position, relative movement between the box 2 and the support 3 in the vertical direction and relative movement in the horizontal direction are prevented by form and position fit. The mark 29 on the upper side 26 of the initial connection position is still visible in the initial connection position of the box 2 and the support 3 because the mark 29 corresponds to an enlarged portion of the outline of the bottom 7 of the box 2.

[0077] Support 3 and housing 2 can be moved from the initial connection position to the final connection position. The final connection position is... Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in the image.

[0078] Preferably, the final connection position or the form-fit connection position can be achieved by the rotational movement α of the housing 2 relative to the support 3 about the vertical axis V. Preferably, in the embodiment shown here, the connection principle corresponds to a bayonet lock.

[0079] The rotational motion α is preferably a targeted motion used to establish functional connections.

[0080] The rotational motion α is particularly preferred, especially for achieving a form-fit connection between the housing 2 and the base 3, and particularly resists axial separation between the housing 2 and the base 3.

[0081] The rotational movement α to be performed does not require any complex manual intervention and can be performed with only one hand, thus the rotational movement α is limited by the design of the support 3. The recessed receiving area 27 is surrounded by a raised boundary 28. The boundary 28 forms a wall 32, which is preferably perpendicular to the receiving area 27 and serves as a guide and stop for the housing 2. The rotational movement α is limited by the wall 32.

[0082] The portions of the side walls 8 and 10 of the housing 2 that directly contact the boundary 28 of the support 3 at the initial connection position are called the initial stop region 33. This initial stop region 33 restricts the rotational movement α to be performed to achieve the final connection position to only one possible rotational direction. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The initial stop area 33 can be seen in the image. Figure 7 The image shows the initial connection position from... Figure 5 Top view of the box body 2 and support 3.

[0083] exist Figure 6 The final connection position between housing 2 and support 3 is shown in the diagram. (See reference...) Figure 5 As can be seen, the housing is no longer located within mark 29, that is, the housing is no longer in the initial connection position. In the final connection position, the relative movement of the support 3 and the housing 2 in the vertical and horizontal directions is prevented by the overlapping joint portion 31 of the bottom 7 of the housing 2 and the opposing joint portion 37 of the protrusion 30. The overlapping joint portion 31 of the bottom 7 of the housing 2 and the opposing joint portion 37 of the protrusion 30 are now located in the vertical plane due to the rotational movement α and form a form-position fit. The joint portion 31 of the bottom 7 of the housing 2 engages behind the opposing joint portion 37 of the protrusion 30 and fits into the opening 35 of the support 3.

[0084] The side walls 8 and 10 of the housing 2, at their final connection position, directly contact the boundary 28 of the support 3, defining the final stop region 34. This final stop region 34 restricts the rotational movement α required to achieve the initial connection position to only one possible rotational direction. Figure 6 and Figure 8 The final stop area 34 can be seen in the image. Figure 8 Showing from Figure 6 A top view of the box 2 and the support 3 in their final connected positions.

[0085] Figure 8 The rotational or locking motion performed by the housing 2 relative to the support 3 is shown. The rotational motion α of the housing 2 relative to the support 3 from the initial connection position to the final connection position is predetermined by the raised boundary 28 of the receiving area 27 of the support 3.

[0086] In this embodiment, the rotational motion α has a maximum value of 45 degrees due to the number of interlocking engagement portions 31 and opposing engagement portions 37. The rotational motion α corresponds to the maximum value of the quotient of 360 degrees and the number of interlocking engagement portions 31 and opposing engagement portions 37.

[0087] In other embodiments, the angle of rotational motion α is preferably between 45 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0088] Figure 9 To follow from Figure 8 The section along axis VII-VII shows the container 1 in its final connected position. Here, it can be seen that the recess 25 of the box 2 and the protrusion 30 of the support 3 combine with the inwardly protruding engagement portion 31 and the outwardly protruding opposing engagement portion 37 to form a bayonet lock, and in the final connected position, the support 3 is releasably connected to the box 2 in a form-fitting manner in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0089] Figure 10 The container 1 is shown in the previous view. The display device 22 is preferably molded on the front side of the edge portion 21, and the display device 22 is substantially rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the display device 22 may also be square or trapezoidal in shape. The cover 6 has a cutout 24 on its front sidewall 20 to accommodate a portion of the display device 22.

[0090] However, in other embodiments, the cutout 24 may not be provided for the display device 22. In this case, the display device 22 is preferably molded onto the frame 21 such that the substantial portion of the display device 22 extends toward the bottom 7 of the housing 2.

[0091] Preferably, the display device 22 is visible from the outside when the retaining device 4 is inserted into the housing 2.

[0092] Particularly preferred is that the display device 22 is visible from the outside when the retaining device 4 is inserted into the housing 2 and the cover 6 is closed.

[0093] Laser processing, embossing, or inkjet printing can be used to mark the display device 22 with information for identifying the pipette tip 5 held in the holding device 4.

[0094] When the holding device 4 is loaded with pipette tips 5, information or labels are preferably applied. This information pertains to the pipette tips 5 stored in the container 1. The pipette tips 5—whether sterile / non-sterile, with or without filters, and of different lengths (absorbable / transferable volume)—have individual item numbers and names.

[0095] Therefore, the information preferably includes at least one of the following details for identifying the stored pipette head 5: item number, name, matrix / bar / color code and / or batch number.

[0096] Particularly preferred is that the display device 22 is visible from the outside—preferably when the retaining device 4 is connected to the housing 2—so that the operator can quickly and easily see what is in the mounting space 14 of the housing 2. When the cover 6 is closed, the display device 22 is preferably aligned with the front sidewall 20 of the cover.

[0097] Figure 11 A perspective view of the container 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the lid 6 is open and a retaining device 4, equipped with a plurality of pipette tips 5, is inserted into the housing 2. The housing 2 is in its final connected position with the support 3. In this position, the housing 2 is connected to the support 3 in a form-fitting manner in both the horizontal and vertical directions, thus being completely stable and usable. This means that in this state, the lid 6 can be opened and rocked with one hand using the closure 23, the retaining device 4 can be loaded with pipette tips 5, at least one pipette can be inserted into one of the pipette tips 5, the retaining device 4 can be removed from the housing 2 by pressing the actuating device 18 together, and a new retaining device 4 loaded with pipette tips 5 can be inserted into the housing 2. The housing 2, and most importantly, the removal of the pipette tips 5 can be operated in a tilt-resistant manner via the attached support 3. Even in cases where the orientation of the pipette relative to the pipette tip is unfavorable, the support 3 ensures anti-tilting during insertion in a biosafety cabinet behind a glass plate. This is particularly advantageous because in the illustrated embodiment, the pipette tip 5 is loosely inserted into the receiving portion 17, and if the housing 3 tilts, the pipette tip 5 will fall off.

[0098] Figure 12 The image shows container 1 with lid 6 open in the final connection position between housing 2 and support 3. Figure 11 On the contrary, Figure 12 In the middle, the housing 2 is not connected to the holding device 4 equipped with the pipette tip 5. The holding device 4 is in Figure 12 The device can be replaced without restriction in the shown state; the anti-tilt operation is not affected in any way by the retaining device 4. Various retaining devices 4 can be detachably connected to the housing 2.

[0099] Figure 13 A perspective view of the housing 2 without the support 3, which can be connected to the housing 2 in a form-fit and detachable manner, is shown. Furthermore, the detachable cover 6 is separated from the fastening member 15 of the housing 2. Since the retaining device 4 is absent, the mounting space 14 of the housing 2 can be seen, particularly the recess 25 protruding into the mounting space 14 and the pair of reinforcing members 12 extending diametrically from the recess 25.

[0100] Figure 14 The holding device 4 is shown in perspective, having multiple receiving portions 17 for holding the pipette tip 5. When connected to the housing, the display device 22 is molded onto the edge portion 21, preferably on the front side of the holding device 4. The holding device can be detached from the housing 2 by pressing the actuating device 18.

[0101] 1 Container

[0102] 2. The container's body

[0103] 3. Container supports

[0104] 4. Container holding device

[0105] 5. Pipette tip

[0106] 6. Container lid

[0107] 7. Bottom of the box

[0108] 8. Front side wall of the enclosure

[0109] 9. Side walls of the enclosure

[0110] 10. Rear side wall of the enclosure

[0111] 11. Side walls of the enclosure

[0112] 12. Reinforcing components for the enclosure

[0113] 13. Edge of the box

[0114] 14. Installation space of the enclosure

[0115] 15. Fastening components of the enclosure

[0116] 16. Protrusions of the housing

[0117] 17. Receiving part of the holding device

[0118] 18. Actuating device for holding device

[0119] 19. The cover of the lid

[0120] 20. Side wall of the lid

[0121] 21. Frame of the retaining device

[0122] 22. Display device for holding device

[0123] 23 Locking element from the cover

[0124] 24. Cut from the lid

[0125] 25. Recess from the box body

[0126] 26. Top side of the support

[0127] 27. Support housing area

[0128] 28. Boundary of the supports

[0129] 29. Markings on the supports

[0130] 30 protrusions of the supports

[0131] 31. The joint at the bottom

[0132] 32. Boundary Wall

[0133] 33 Initial Stopping Area

[0134] 34. Final stop area

[0135] 35. Opening from the support

[0136] 36. Reinforcing member for the recessed part

[0137] 37 Opposite joint portion of the protrusion

[0138] 38. Hook-shaped element of the retaining device

[0139] V Vertical axis

[0140] H horizontal axis

[0141] α Rotational motion.

Claims

1. A container for holding a plurality of pipette tips (5), the container comprising: - Box (2), the box (2) having a bottom (7), - A holding device (4), which is connectable to the housing (2) and has a set of receiving portions (17) for holding the pipette tip (5), and - Support (3), which can be connected to the housing (2) for stable holding of the housing (2).

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The container (1) has a lid (6) that can be detachably connected to the housing (2), preferably wherein the lid (6) is pivotally attached to or installed to the housing (2).

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support (3) can be detachably connected to the housing (2) in a form-fitting manner in the horizontal and vertical directions, so that relative movement between the support (3) and the housing (2) in the horizontal and vertical directions is prevented.

4. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support (3) can be connected to the housing (2) in a vertically oriented manner via the rotational movement (α) of the housing (2) relative to the support (3). Preferably, the support (3) can be connected to the housing (2) in a vertically oriented manner via the rotational movement (α) of the housing (2) relative to the support (3) about the vertical axis (V).

5. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, - The support (3) can be connected to the housing (2) in the initial connection position, in which relative movement between the support (3) and the housing (2) in the vertical direction and relative movement in the horizontal direction are prevented. - The support (3) can be connected to the housing (2) in the final connection position, in which relative movement between the support (3) and the housing (2) in the vertical and horizontal directions is prevented, and - The support (3) and the housing (2) can be moved relative to each other from the initial connection position to the final connection position by means of rotational movement (α).

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein, The rotational movement (α) of the housing (2) relative to the support (3) from the initial connection position to the final connection position is restricted via the wall (32) of the support (3).

7. The container according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The rotational movement (α) of the housing (2) relative to the support (3) from the initial connection position to the final connection position is guided or predetermined by the edge portion (28) of the support (3).

8. The container according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The support (3) has a mark (29) on its upper side (26) that marks the initial connection position and / or the mark (29) corresponds to an enlarged portion of the outline of the bottom (7) of the housing (2). The mark (29) is provided on the upper side (26) of the support (3) such that the mark (29) is visible when the support (3) is connected to the housing (2) at the initial connection position.

9. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For the horizontal and vertical form-fit connection between the box body (2) and the support (3), - The bottom (7) of the box (2) has a recess (25) on its lower side. Preferably, the recess (25) is a generally cylindrical recess. - The support (3) has a protrusion (30) on its upper side (26), preferably, the protrusion (30) is a generally cylindrical protrusion, and - The recess (25) of the housing (2) is complementary to the protrusion (30) of the support (3), and the recess (25) of the housing (2) is designed to accommodate the protrusion (30) of the support (3).

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein, The recess (25) of the housing (2) and the protrusion (30) of the support (3) form a bayonet lock, wherein the bottom (7) of the housing (2) has at least one engaging portion (31) protruding into the recess (25), and the protrusion (30) of the support (3) has at least one outwardly protruding opposing engaging portion (37).

11. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The holding device (4) has at least one display device (22) that can be observed from the outside, and the display device (22) is mounted on the edge (21) of the holding device (4).

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein, The display device (22) is engraved or can be engraved with information for identifying the pipette tip (5) held in the holding device (4) by laser processing, embossing and / or inkjet processing.

13. The container according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The container (1) has a lid (6) that can be detachably connected to the housing (2) and has a cutout (24) for receiving a portion of the display device (22), wherein, preferably, when the lid (6) is closed, the display device (22) is aligned with the front side of the lid (6).

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