Pipetting device

Abstract

Pipetting device (1) for taking up and dispensing fluid volumes, comprising - a housing (2) with a holding section (3) designed to hold the pipetting device (1) by means of an operator's hand, - a support device (4) designed to support the pipetting device (1) on a finger of an operator, wherein the support device (4) is rotatable relative to the holding section (3), preferably about a longitudinal axis (L) of the pipetting device (1), and - a locking device (5) by means of which the support device (4) can be detachably fixed to the housing (2) in at least three different and defined rotational positions, wherein adjacent rotational positions are spaced apart from each other by a rotational angle of at least 5°.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes or for handling liquid according to claim 1.

[0002] Pipetting devices of the type in question comprise a housing and a holding portion which is designed to hold the pipetting device by means of a hand of an operator.

[0003] Pipetting devices can generally be operated automatically or by a user using their operating hand. The present invention focuses in particular on the operation of a pipetting device using an operator's hand. In such an operation, the operator operates the pipetting device using at least one finger. The pipetting device must be held securely by the operator.

[0004] It is known in the prior art that a support device, which may, for example, be curved or hook-shaped, is provided to support the pipetting device. The support device is designed to support the pipetting device on a finger of an operator.

[0005] In practice, pipetting devices are used regularly and frequently by an operator. Operator hand fatigue can occur due to the constant repetition of the same pipetting movement. In everyday laboratory practice, the same movement is often repeated. This places high demands on pipetting devices in terms of ease of use and handling.

[0006] In order to improve the handling of a pipetting device, it is known from document WO 2005 / 049 208 A1 to provide for rotation of one component of the pipetting device relative to another component. WO 2005 / 049 208 A1 relates to an electronic pipette comprising a body, a tip part, a hook part, and a push-button part. The push-button part is configured to trigger the driving of an annular piston by means of an electric motor for taking up liquid into a tip container of the pipette or for draining liquid from the tip container of the pipette. Furthermore, the embodiment according to WO 2005 / 049 208 A1 also comprises a display part, wherein the body has a vertical axis. WO 2005 / 049 208 A1 further provides that at least one part selected from the group consisting of hook part, push-button part, and display part is rotatable about a vertical axis of the electronic pipette relative to the body of the pipette.Such rotatability makes it possible to adapt the aforementioned components consisting of push button part, display part and hook part to the hand of an operator.

[0007] A disadvantage of the current state of the art is that, due to the possible displacement of components, operating errors are relatively common in practice. This means that it is impossible to reliably prevent unwanted adjustment of the push-button, display, and / or hook. This not only impairs the handling of the pipette but also leads to a lack of precision during the pipetting process. Especially with manually operated pipettes, fatigue can lead to a lack of precision (for example, because a control element is not operated to the endpoint).However, since high precision, ease of handling and, if possible, the exclusion of operating errors when pipetting are necessary in laboratory environments, ergonomic adaptation of the pipette to an operator according to the embodiment disclosed in WO 2005 / 049 208 A1 is not used, particularly in practice.

[0008] One disadvantage of conventional electric and manually operated pipettes is that, due to the lack of adjustment options, the components can be positioned in a sterically unfavorable position for the operator's hand. This can, in turn, lead to fatigue or even pain, which leads to interruptions in the workflow and thus time loss.

[0009] Document US 2002 / 0 012 613 A1 discloses a pipette comprising a housing with a holding portion for holding the pipette by the operator's hand, as well as a support device configured to support the pipette on a finger of the operator. The support device is rotatable relative to the holding portion to adjust an angle Φ between a pipette tip and the support device to the operator's requirements. The angle Φ is typically 180 degrees, but is preferably adjustable between 150 and 210 degrees. The position of the support device can be changed by rotation and height adjustment to meet the ergonomic requirements of the operator.

[0010] Document EP 2 452 753 B1 discloses a pipette having an elongated handle for holding the pipette by an operator's hand, as well as an upper support device designed to support the pipette on a finger of the operator. In addition to the upper support device, the pipette also has a lower support device. The lower support device is positioned near the lower edge of the operator's palm or lowermost finger and is intended to prevent the operator's hand from slipping down the handle. The position of the lower support device can be adjusted relative to the upper support device, both in height and at a specific angle, and the lower support device can be fixed in this position by means of a retaining screw. The adjustment tolerance of the lower support device relative to the upper support device is approximately 60 degrees in both directions of rotation.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to improve the known pipetting devices with regard to safe (preventing incorrect operation) and comfortable operation and, in particular, to be able to bring the support device into a predetermined position precisely, safely, repeatably and quickly.

[0012] The above object is achieved by a pipetting device according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0013] The proposed pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes has a housing with a holding section, wherein the holding section is designed to hold the pipetting device by means of a hand of an operator.

[0014] Furthermore, the pipetting device comprises a support device which is designed to support the pipetting device on a finger of an operator, wherein the support device is rotatable relative to the holding section, preferably about a longitudinal axis of the pipetting device.

[0015] The pipetting device also includes a locking mechanism by means of which the support device can be releasably fixed to the housing in at least three different and defined rotational positions, with adjacent rotational positions spaced apart by a rotational angle of at least 5°. Therefore, the support device cannot assume any arbitrary rotational position, but only rotational positions predefined on the pipetting device.

[0016] An advantage of the pipetting device according to the invention is that the support mechanism can be adapted to different operators. For example, rotating the support mechanism allows the pipetting device to be used ergonomically for both larger and smaller hands. At the same time, the pipetting device can also be adapted to the hands of right- and left-handed users. The adaptability of the support mechanism according to the invention also enables the use of different fingers to support the support mechanism.

[0017] Accordingly, the invention results in an improvement in the ergonomics of operating the pipetting device, which in particular enables at least essentially fatigue-free operation for the operator. Especially when pipetting devices are used repeatedly and regularly, a design adapted to the operator's hand proves to be particularly advantageous and appropriate for comfortable use.

[0018] Furthermore, costs can be reduced for the user. This cost reduction is made possible in particular by the fact that the same pipetting device can be used by different people. Therefore, there is no need to keep different models in stock. Furthermore, time can be saved during high-throughput laboratory work—i.e., when the pipetting device is used multiple times—because the position of the support device set for the user can be maintained and, in particular, cannot be accidentally adjusted. Furthermore, the user can memorize the optimal position or rotational orientation and thus quickly reset it the next time they need to use it.

[0019] The locking mechanism ensures, in particular, that unwanted adjustment of the support device can be prevented. Thus, rotation of the support device relative to the housing or the holding section is only possible by applying a certain force. This preferably ensures that incorrect operation is excluded. This reliably prevents unwanted adjustment of the support device, which is not intended by the operator. Finally, the locking mechanism of the locking mechanism must first be released. The locking mechanism is established, in particular, between the housing and the support device – using appropriate means, as explained below.

[0020] Accordingly, the locking mechanism ensures that the proposed pipetting device meets the high demands of laboratory use and pipetting in laboratory environments, while simultaneously allowing adaptability to different operators. The pipetting device can therefore be used by several operators in the position of the support mechanism that is particularly advantageous for each operator.

[0021] Thus, according to the invention, the advantageous properties of adaptability can be implemented without having to accept the risk of incorrect operation.

[0022] This enables safe and convenient operation of the pipetting device according to the invention.

[0023] Preferably, the locking of the locking device can be perceived haptically and / or acoustically by the operator. The locking device ultimately divides the rotatable angular range for the support device relative to the housing into a plurality of angular segments, in each of which the locking device engages, thus enabling, in particular, the fixation of the support device. The angular segments or the rotational angle segments can predetermine the defined rotational positions or are, in particular, directly related to the defined rotational positions. Thus, rotation of the support device relative to or relative to the housing can preferably be enabled within a specific angular range.

[0024] The angular range refers in particular to the longitudinal axis of the pipetting device, which preferably represents the central axis of the pipetting device in the longitudinal extension of the pipetting device. The longitudinal extension ultimately characterizes the direction of the greatest extension of the pipetting device.

[0025] In particular, an adjustment or rotation of the support device can be initiated by the operator, preferably using a finger (including a thumb), exerting a force on the support device, which in turn leads to the rotation of the support device about the longitudinal axis of the pipetting device. The force can be applied in particular in the direction of the desired rotation and / or at least substantially in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the support device is fixed in the longitudinal direction or in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pipetting device, but can be moved in the circumferential direction in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pipetting device.

[0027] The adjustment of the desired position of the support device can thus be carried out almost intuitively by the user, which is particularly user-friendly. Complicated adjustment of certain components of the pipetting device using complex mechanisms can be eliminated.

[0028] A releasable fixation of the support device to the housing is also understood in particular to mean that the support device is removed from the housing or the pipetting device in order to change its position, rotated into the desired position or rotational orientation and then reconnected to the housing or the pipetting device. This use is then achieved in particular via a locking device, which does not necessarily have to be designed in such a way that the rotation of the support device has to be carried out when fastened to the housing. At least the locking device is preferably designed in such a way that a rotation of the support device relative to the housing into different rotational positions is enabled, for example by removing the support device from the housing, rotating it into the desired rotational position and then reconnecting it to the housing.An embodiment is preferred in which the support device is connected to the housing when the position changes.

[0029] In the aforementioned embodiment of the removable arrangement of the support device from the housing and / or in other embodiments, it can be provided that the support device is mounted and / or held on the housing. Such an arrangement particularly simplifies the provision and connection of a support device.

[0030] In particular, the pipetting device according to the invention comprises a volume setting device. The volume setting device is preferably designed to set a pipetting volume, in particular one desired by the operator. The set volume can be displayed, in particular, on a volume indicator that can be arranged on the housing and / or read by the operator.

[0031] Furthermore, the pipetting device can have an ejector device for ejecting a pipette tip attached to the pipetting device. The ejector device can be actuated, in particular, via a triggering means, in particular an ejector button.

[0032] In particular, the gripping of the pipetting device by the hand of an operator is predetermined by the shape of the holding section, by the position of the triggering means and / or by the position of the volume display. Furthermore, a cross-section, in particular an at least substantially elliptical and / or at least substantially oval cross-section of the pipetting device and / or the holding section can predetermined the position in which the user grasps the pipetting device on the holding section. According to the invention, by positioning and / or fixing the support device in a rotational position, it is now possible to find the optimal position for the operator and to assume this position during use of the pipetting device. At the same time, the operator can preferably conveniently read the set volume on the volume display and / or easily operate the triggering means.Accordingly, fixing the support device in different positions and / or rotational orientations can ensure that, in addition to ergonomics, handling can be significantly improved when using the pipetting device, preferably by allowing the support device to be adjusted or positioned depending on the arrangement of the volume display and / or the position of the trigger. Thus, the operator or user can read the set volume on the volume display and / or easily reach the trigger even while operating the pipetting device.

[0033] The support device can be releasably fixed to the housing in at least three, preferably nine, defined rotational positions, which result in particular from the subdivision into angular sections, wherein adjacent rotational positions are spaced from one another at a rotational angle of at least 5°. It is particularly understood that the support device can be fixed via the locking device, so that the different rotational positions of the support device are ultimately ensured and preferably each fixed by the interaction between the locking device and the housing. Preferably between 3 and 20, preferably between 4 and 15, different rotational positions are provided, wherein the rotational angle between two adjacent rotational positions can be in particular between 5° and 20°, preferably between 7° and 15° and in particular 12° ± 2°.The angle of rotation between two adjacent rotational positions depends in particular on the absolute rotation range in relation to the zero position of the support device and / or on the number of rotational positions.

[0034] The different rotational positions also enable different positions for adjusting the support device, so that different specifications are available for adjusting the support device for different operators' hands - for example, for left-handed and right-handed people or for operators of different sizes. This enables a high level of individual adaptability of the pipetting device for the operators. The aforementioned angles of rotation ensure, in particular, that the distance between two adjacent rotational positions is not so small that it would no longer be noticeable to the operator; however, a sufficiently large number of different end positions of the support device can be provided within a certain angular range. Preferably, the support device can only be positioned in the defined rotational positions, so that one position orPositioning of the support device outside the rotational positions is particularly not possible.

[0035] In particular, starting from a so-called zero position, an adjustment or rotation of the support device of up to ± 80°, preferably up to ± 70°, more preferably ± 50° ± 10%, can be enabled. The zero position of the support device specifies, in particular, the orientation of the support device in the rest position or original position, which reflects the regular standard usage situation. Starting from this usage position, adjustment in different rotation directions can be made. The zero position can be selected differently for different pipetting devices, but is preferably predefined for each individual pipetting device.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the releasable fixation of the support device in the rotational positions on the housing can be controlled by a locking means, preferably a locking button, in addition to the locking of the support device. In particular, the locking means can enable the support device to be released. The locking means therefore offers a further preferred possibility for at least substantially reliably preventing unwanted adjustment of the support device. However, the invention can also be implemented without a locking means.

[0037] The locking device preferably has an engagement means and a plurality of counter-engagement means. The engagement means can be brought into positive, non-positive and / or frictional engagement with each counter-engagement means. Through this engagement, the support device can be releasably fixed to the housing in one of the rotational positions. Thus, locking is achieved through the interaction between an engagement means and a counter-engagement means. The multiple rotational positions can be made possible in particular by the arrangement or design of the counter-engagement means. Thus, ultimately, a spacing of the different rotational positions can also be achieved by a certain spacing of the counter-engagement means. The engagement means can be designed to correspond and / or complement the counter-engagement means, at least in part and / or in part.

[0038] Ultimately, in particular the interaction between the engagement means and the respective counter-engagement means enables the support device to be fixed in the individual rotational positions, whereby this fixation can, however, be released again in particular by actuating the support device, preferably by exerting a force on the support device.

[0039] When the locking mechanism of the locking device is released, the engagement means is then disengaged from the respective counter-engagement means and is guided and / or brought back into engagement with another counter-engagement means. The corresponding adjustment—i.e., the engagement and disengagement of the engagement means and the counter-engagement means—is preferably repeated until the desired position of the support device is reached.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the counter-engagement means are formed on the housing. In particular, the counter-engagement means can be formed by recesses and / or elevations on the housing. These recesses and / or elevations can be spaced apart from one another and preferably arranged on a wall of the housing facing the engagement means. The wall of the housing facing the engagement means can, in particular, be arranged on the inside of the housing, inaccessible to the operator.

[0041] Furthermore, in a preferred further embodiment, the locking device comprises a connecting element that is rotatably connected to the housing and non-rotatably connected to the support device, and on which the engagement means is preferably movably, in particular rotatably, arranged. In particular, the engagement means is movably mounted on the connecting element, so that the engagement means is ultimately fixed by the connecting element when the pipetting device is in use. The connecting element ultimately transmits, in particular, the rotation predetermined by the support device for adjusting the support device to the locking device.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment of the present inventive concept, a spring element, in particular a leaf spring, is arranged on the connecting element, wherein the engagement means is arranged between the spring element and the counter-engagement means. In the case of a leaf spring as the spring element, this is preferably made of metal. In particular, the engagement means is arranged between the spring element and the counter-engagement means such that the spring force of the spring means counteracts rotation of the support device when the engagement means is engaged with a counter-engagement means and / or such that the spring force of the spring means acts on the engagement means in the direction of one of the counter-engagement means.Ultimately, the spring element ensures, in particular, that rotation of the connecting element and, consequently, of the support device can continue. However, for this to happen, the spring force of the spring element must be overcome, among other things, so that the engagement means can be disengaged from the respective counter-engagement means. The spring force also ensures, in particular, that an undesired rotation of the support device is not triggered, which is particularly advantageous for preventing incorrect operation. Thus, the spring element can ensure that rotation of the support device is only achieved preferentially upon appropriate input from the operator.

[0043] Preferably, the locking device is designed such that, to rotate the support device when the engagement means is engaged with a counter-engagement means, a torque of at least 3 Ncm, preferably of at least 5 Ncm, more preferably of at least 10 Ncm, preferably between 10 and 30 Ncm, is required. In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned torque is also ensured by the spring force of the spring element that must be overcome. The torque in the aforementioned magnitude ensures, in particular, that the rotation of the support device is deliberately initiated by the operator and thus unintentional rotation can be prevented, since in the event of an unintentional movement, torques in the aforementioned magnitude are not exerted.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the engagement means can be designed as a ball. The ball design enables optimized engagement with counter-engagement means, which are formed in particular on the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the engagement means can be rotatably mounted, in particular rotatable about itself and / or relative to the housing, on an outer side of the connecting means.

[0045] In particular, the engagement means can be arranged on a corresponding receptacle of the connecting means, which is preferably formed by projections of the connecting means. The connecting means can also have a recess in the region of the receptacle, so that, in particular, contact between the spring element and the engagement means can be ensured. The recess of the connecting means can also extend beyond the receptacle and ultimately serve, in particular, to accommodate the spring element.

[0046] Preferably, the connecting element is designed and arranged such that the connecting element is mounted so as to be movable in the circumferential direction, particularly relative to the housing. Such movement, in particular, ensures that the support device can be fixed in various rotational positions.

[0047] The engagement means can in particular be subjected to the spring force of the spring element, preferably in that abutment of the engagement means on the spring element can be ensured at least during the rotation of the support device.

[0048] Particularly preferably, the engagement means is formed in one piece, which can reduce the production effort of the pipetting device according to the invention.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the engagement means is preferably formed integrally with the connecting element. This embodiment also enables a comfortable, secure, and improved adjustment of the support device.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment, in which in particular the connecting element and / or at least a part of the support device is formed integrally with the engagement means, the engagement means has an arm which is connected to the connecting element at one end and has a locking lug at another end which can be brought into engagement with the counter-engagement means. In this embodiment, it is also preferably provided that the counter-engagement means are formed on the housing, preferably by corresponding projections or elevations and / or depressions. Preferably, the arm is designed to be spring-elastic, whereby a spring force is generated which counteracts rotation of the support device when the locking lug is in engagement with a counter-engagement means.In such a preferred embodiment, a spring element of the aforementioned type can be omitted, since the spring properties can preferably be ensured by the arm itself. Thus, in this embodiment, incorrect operation of the pipetting device can be at least substantially reliably prevented, so that rotation of the support device relative to the housing is initiated merely by the operator's command.

[0051] Particularly preferably, the support device is designed in several parts and can comprise a first support part and a second support part. The first support part can engage with the housing, the connecting element, and the second support part, wherein the second support part can form an anti-twist device between the first support part and the connecting element.

[0052] The first and the second support part can be connected in a force-fitting, friction-fitting, form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner, preferably by adhesive bonding, to form the support device.

[0053] The anti-rotation device can provide counter-support for the support device and prevent unwanted rotation between the connecting element and the support device, so that the connecting element can be connected to the support device in a rotationally fixed manner. The anti-rotation device can be formed, in particular, by a toothing on the second support part and a counter-toothing on the connecting element that is complementary to the toothing. Therefore, the anti-rotation device is formed, in particular, by a positive connection between the toothing and the counter-toothing.

[0054] The counter-toothing preferably has a plurality of counter-teeth, whereby the toothing can also have a plurality of teeth. The teeth of the toothing can be arranged in a preferably form-fitting manner in the gaps formed between the counter-teeth. Particularly preferably, the number of teeth and / or the gaps formed between adjacent teeth exceeds the number of counter-teeth of the counter-toothing. Accordingly, the counter-toothing can be connected to the toothing in multiple positions, or the toothing provides multiple arrangement options for the counter-toothing. Accordingly, the anti-rotation device can also be adapted or optimized depending on the arrangement of the connecting element on the support device.

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment of the pipetting device, the support device has a stop, and the housing has a counter-stop, which limit the path the support device can rotate relative to the housing. The interaction between the stop and counter-stop thus allows the maximum rotatability or the maximum angle of rotation to be specified, starting from the zero position of the support device.

[0056] Furthermore, the pipetting device can have a device for haptic and / or acoustic indication of one of the rotational positions. This provides the operator with a simple indication of whether the support device is locked and whether the support device is arranged and fixed in the desired position.

[0057] In particular, the device for haptic and / or acoustic indication can be provided by the locking device, or the locking device can have the device for haptic and / or acoustic indication. The locking in the individual rotational positions can be indicated to the user, in particular, by sounds occurring during the locking process.

[0058] The aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention as well as the aspects and features of the present invention resulting from the further description can be realized independently of one another, but also in any combination.

[0059] Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the present invention emerge from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0060] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a pipetting device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic section AA of the Fig. 1 shown pipetting device, Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of a section of a connecting element according to the invention, Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of the interaction between an engagement means according to the invention and a counter-engagement means, Fig. 5 a schematic perspective detailed view of a stop of a support device according to the invention, Fig. 6 a schematic perspective detailed view of a counter-stop of a housing according to the invention, Fig. 7A is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention in a first state, Fig. 7B is a schematic perspective view of the Fig. 7A shown pipetting device in a second state, Fig. 7C is a schematic perspective view of the Fig. 7A shown pipetting device in a third state, Fig. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a first support part of a support device according to the invention, fastened to the housing, in a first state, Fig. 8B is a schematic perspective view of the Fig. 8A shown support device in a second state, Fig. 8C is a schematic perspective view of the Fig. 8A shown support device in a third state, Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective exploded view of parts of another embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention, Fig. 10 a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a locking device according to the invention, Fig. 11 a schematic section of a further alternative embodiment of a locking device according to the invention, Fig. 12 a schematic perspective view of the Fig. 11 shown locking device, Fig. 13 a schematic section of parts of another embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention, Fig. 14 a schematic perspective view of an anti-twist device, Fig. 15 a schematic perspective view of a part of a first support part and Fig. 16 a schematic front view of another embodiment of a connecting element.

[0061] In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts, whereby corresponding properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0062] Fig. Figure 1 shows a pipetting device 1 for taking up and dispensing fluid volumes. The pipetting device 1 is held and guided by its housing 2 by hand.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a schematic section AA through the Fig. 1 shows the pipetting device 1. Not shown is that a pipette tip can be attached to the pipetting device 1.

[0064] Not shown in detail is that the pipetting device 1 comprises a displacement device. By means of the displacement device, a fluid, in particular a liquid, can be taken up into the pipette tip and subsequently released again from it. The displacement device can comprise a displacement means and a displacement housing. For reasons of simplification, the cross-section in Fig. 2 not all components of the pipetting device are shown in detail.

[0065] A piston-cylinder arrangement can be provided as the displacement device, so that the displacement means can be designed as a piston and the displacement housing as a cylinder.

[0066] The Fig. The pipetting device 1 shown in Figure 1 preferably has an elongated shape and has a longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L preferably runs centrally through the pipetting device 1 or through the displacement device, in particular through the displacement means and the displacement housing.

[0067] When terms such as “axial”, “axial direction” and the like are used below, this refers to the longitudinal axis L. Accordingly, terms such as “radial”, “radial direction” and the like also refer to the longitudinal axis L and indicate a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. When terms such as “top”, “bottom” and the like are used below, this refers to the extension of the longitudinal axis L.

[0068] The pipetting device 1 has, as shown in Fig. 2, a drive device 19 for moving the displacement means in the displacement housing. Not shown in detail is that the drive device 19 has a drive rod. The drive rod can extend axially and / or along the longitudinal axis L. The drive rod is preferably movable in the axial direction and / or at least parallel to the displacement means. Furthermore, the drive device 19 preferably has an operating element 20. In particular, the drive device 19 can be actuated via the operating element 20.

[0069] Actuating the operating element 20, in particular pressing it down, causes the drive rod to be pressed against the displacement means, so that the displacement means moves into the displacement housing and reduces the volume of the cavity. Accordingly, by actuating the drive device 19 or the operating element 20, previously absorbed fluid can be dispensed from the pipetting device 1.

[0070] When not actuated, the displacement means and the drive device 19, the drive rod and / or the operating element 20 can return to the starting position automatically, in particular by means of a return means which is not shown in detail.

[0071] The pipetting device 1 according to the invention has a holding section 3 on the housing 2, which is designed to hold the pipetting device 1 by means of a hand of an operator. Furthermore, the pipetting device 1 comprises a support device 4, which is shown in more detail in the Fig. 9 is shown.

[0072] The Fig. 13 shows a section through the support device 4 and the upper section of the pipetting device 1.

[0073] The support device 4 is designed to support the pipetting device 1 on a finger of an operator. According to the invention, the support device 4 is rotatable relative to the holding section 3. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, rotation about the longitudinal axis L of the pipetting device 1 is provided.

[0074] In the Fig. 7A to 7C show, in a perspective schematic representation, different positions of the support device 4, which can be assumed by rotating the support device 4 about the longitudinal axis L.

[0075] Also the Fig. 8A to 8C show a part of the support device 4, namely a first support part 14 of the support device 4, in different positions that can be assumed by rotating the support device 4 or the first support part 14 about the longitudinal axis L relative to the housing 2.

[0076] In Fig. 13 further shows that the pipetting device 1 has a locking device 5. The locking device 5 is designed such that by means of it the support device 4 can be releasably fixed in at least three different and defined rotational positions on the housing 2. These different rotational positions are derived, for example, from the previously explained Fig. 7A to 7C.

[0077] The locking device 5 can be designed such that a force exerted on the support device 4 can cause rotation of the support device 4, whereby the locking device 5 must first be released. The locking device 5 is then locked into place to fix the desired rotational position. The force for rotating the support device 4 can be exerted, for example, by the hand of a user and in particular by the finger on which the support device 4 is supported, in particular in the radial direction.

[0078] The support device 4 can be releasably fixed to the housing 2 in at least three defined rotational positions. For example, three different rotational positions are possible in the Fig. 7A to 7C. It is understood that, according to the invention, further rotational positions can also be assumed; thus, between 3 and 20, preferably between 3 and 15, rotational positions can be assumed by the support device 4. Adjacent rotational positions are spaced apart from one another by a rotation angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 10° ± 5°.

[0079] In this case, an equal spacing can be provided between different rotational positions. In further embodiments, the different rotational positions can also be spaced apart from each other by different angles of rotation. However, the angle of rotation is in particular at least 5° between two immediately adjacent rotational positions.

[0080] In Fig. 13 shows that the locking device 5 preferably has an engagement means 6. Several counter-engagement means 7 correspond to the engagement means 6, which are shown in more detail in the Fig. 4 are shown. The Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the engagement means 6. In the inserted state of the engagement means 6, it is provided that the engagement means 6 can be brought into positive, non-positive and / or frictional engagement with each counter-engagement means 7, as can be seen schematically from the Fig. 13. Through the engagement of the engagement means 6 with each counter-engagement means 7, the support device 4 can be releasably fixed in one of the rotational positions on the housing 2. Thus, the counter-engagement means 7 can specify the rotational positions of the support device 4 in which it can be fixed. The angle of rotation between adjacent rotational positions can also be adjusted by spacing the counter-engagement means 7.

[0081] In particular, the counter-engagement means 7 are equally spaced from each other, as can be seen schematically from the Fig. 4. However, it can also be provided that a different distance is provided between adjacent counter-engagement means 7.

[0082] In Fig. 4 shows that the counter-engagement means 7 are preferably formed on the housing 2, in particular by recesses and / or elevations on the housing 2. The engagement means 6 can therefore be brought into engagement with the corresponding recesses or elevations of the housing 2, which enables the locking device 5 to be locked.

[0083] The locking device 5 can be designed according to the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 13, have a connecting element 8. The connecting element 8 can be rotatably connected to the housing 2 and non-rotatably connected to the support device 4. In Fig. 3 shows a schematic section of the connecting element 8. Furthermore, Fig. 3, that the engagement means 6 is arranged movably, in particular rotatably, preferably rotatably around the ball center, on the connecting element 8. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the engagement means 6 is arranged between two projections 21 of the connecting means 8, which are arranged on the outer side 10 of the connecting element 8 facing the housing 2. The projections 21 can form a receptacle for arranging the engagement means 6.

[0084] A rotationally fixed arrangement of the connecting means 8 on the support device 4 is shown schematically in the Fig. 13 stands out.

[0085] Fig. 14 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of the connecting element 8 connected to the support device 4. In addition, Fig. 14, that the connecting element 8 is connected to the support device 4 in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular at least via an anti-twist device 16.

[0086] Preferably, the connecting element 8 can be clamped to the support device 4, in particular by means of a bayonet lock, preferably clamped rotatably relative to the housing.

[0087] Preferably, a spring element 9 is arranged on the connecting element 8. The spring element 9 is, among other things, in the Fig. 3 is shown in more detail.

[0088] The spring element 9 can be a component of the locking device 5. In the Fig. 4 to 5, the spring element 9 is designed as a leaf spring. Furthermore, the Fig. 13, that the engagement means 6 is arranged between the spring element 9 and the counter-engagement means 7. The spring element 9 can in particular be assigned to a recess 22 of the connecting element 8 such that the spring element 9 at least partially, preferably completely, spans the recess 22 of the connecting element 8. The receptacle formed by the projections 21 of the connecting element 8 for the engagement means 6 can furthermore also face the recess 22 or at least substantially directly border the recess 22. The shape of the recess 22 can in particular be adapted to the shape of the spring element 9.

[0089] Preferably, the engagement means 6 is arranged between the spring element 9 and the counter-engagement means 7 in such a way that the spring force of the spring element 9 counteracts a rotation of the support device 4 when the engagement means 6 is in engagement with a counter-engagement means 7 and / or that the spring force of the spring means 9 acts on the engagement means 6 in the direction of one of the counter-engagement means 7.

[0090] At the Fig. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 13, the locking device 5 is designed such that a torque of at least 5 Ncm, preferably between 5 and 30 Ncm, is required to rotate the support device 4 when the engagement means 6 is engaged with the respective counter-engagement means 7. A torque of the aforementioned magnitude can ensure that unintentional rotation of the support device 4 can be prevented. Ultimately, rotation of the support device 4 should only occur when deliberately specified by the operator. Such a deliberate specification can be ensured in particular by the aforementioned torque. This torque can also be ensured due to the spring-elastic design of the spring element 9. Thus, ultimately, the spring force of the spring element 9 can specify the torque to be applied.

[0091] In Fig. Figure 3 shows that the engagement means 6 is preferably designed as a ball. Furthermore, the engagement means 6 can be mounted in particular on the outer side 10 of the connecting element 8, which can face the housing 2 in the installed state.

[0092] The connecting element 8 can be designed and arranged such that the connecting element 8 is mounted so as to be movable in the circumferential direction, in particular so as to be movable relative to the housing 4.

[0093] An alternative embodiment of the locking device 5 is shown, for example, in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 shown schematically, where Fig. 11 shows a section of the support device 4 arranged on the housing 2 with the provided locking device 5.

[0094] The Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of parts of the pipetting device 1, which in Fig. 11 are shown.

[0095] After the Fig. In the alternative embodiment of the locking device 5 shown in Figure 11, the engagement means 6 can also be designed as a ball, which is mounted on the outer side 10 of the connecting element 8. However, the engagement means 6 is guided for axial movement and not radial movement.

[0096] In addition, the alternative embodiment according to the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 that the spring element 9 can be designed as a spiral or compression spring. Further embodiments of the spring element 9 can also be provided in this alternative embodiment. In this context, it is understood that the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show a different design of the locking device 5, however, the previous and / or following embodiments of the proposed pipetting device 1 also apply in the same way to the alternative embodiment of the locking device 5 according to the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 may apply.

[0097] The engagement means 6 is in the illustrated and preferred embodiment according to the Fig. 13 - but also in the alternative embodiment according to the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 - is subjected to the spring force of the spring element 9.

[0098] In addition, the engagement element 16 is in particular formed in one piece.

[0099] In a further embodiment, which is not shown in detail, the engagement means 6 can also be formed integrally with the connecting element 8.

[0100] In the Fig. 10 also shows an alternative embodiment of the locking device 5, in which the engagement means 6 is not designed as a ball, but is also firmly connected to the support device 4. In particular, the engagement means 6 can be designed according to the Fig. 10, the support device 4 can be formed integrally with at least a part of the support device 4. In the embodiment shown in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the engagement means 6 is designed like a hook.

[0101] Thus, the engagement means 6 may comprise an arm 11 which is in the Fig. 10 and in particular in Fig. 10. The arm 11 can be connected to the connecting element 8 at one end and have a locking lug 12 at another end, which can in particular provide a hook shape. The locking lug 12 can be engaged with counter-engagement means 7, wherein the arm 11 is preferably designed to be resilient and generates a spring force that counteracts rotation of the support device 4 when the locking lug 12 is engaged with one of the counter-engagement means 7.

[0102] In this context, it is understood that the above-mentioned and / or following embodiments, which relate to further preferred embodiments of the pipetting device 1, also refer to the now described alternative embodiment of the locking device 5 according to the Fig. 10 can be transferred.

[0103] In an embodiment not shown but likewise preferred, it is provided that the support device 4 is rotatably mounted on the housing 2 in that the support device 4 can be removed from the housing 2, rotated into the desired rotational position and then reconnected to the housing 2. Such an arrangement is also understood to mean a releasable fixation of the support device 4 via the locking device 5 on the housing 2. In particular, in this embodiment not shown, the support device 4 is held and / or mounted on the housing 2. However, it can also be provided in other embodiments that the support device 4 is held and / or mounted on the housing 2.

[0104] The Fig. 9 shows an exploded view of parts of the pipetting device 1 according to the invention.

[0105] In the Fig. 9 shows a part of the housing 2 and the components of the support device 4.

[0106] At the Fig. 9, it is provided that the support device 4 is designed in several parts. Thus, the support device 4 can have a first support part 14. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, it can be seen that the first support part 14 is engaged with the housing 2, the connecting element 8, and a second support part 15. The second support part 15 can be detached from the support part 14 and / or be firmly connected to the first support part 14. The first support part 14, in turn, can face the connecting element 8, as can be seen from the Fig. 13 shown section.

[0107] The first and second support parts 14, 15 can be connected to one another in a force-fitting manner, preferably via a screw connection, and / or in a material-fitting manner, preferably glued, and / or in a form-fitting manner.

[0108] The second support part 15 can form an anti-twist device 16 between the first support part 14 and the connecting element 8. The anti-twist device 16 is shown in more detail in the Fig. 14. In the Fig. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 14, the anti-rotation device 16 is formed by a toothing 23 provided on the second support part 15, which toothing is designed in particular to correspond or complement a counter-toothing 24 of the connecting element 8. The counter-toothing 24 on the connecting element 8 is arranged on a connecting projection 25 of the connecting element 8. The toothing 23 and the counter-toothing 24 can in particular engage one another or be in a force-fitting, positive-fitting and / or frictional engagement with one another in the connected state and thus preferably form the anti-rotation device 16.

[0109] Accordingly, the teeth of the toothing 23 preferably engage in a form-fitting manner in the gaps formed between adjacent mating teeth of the mating toothing 24. Furthermore, the mating teeth of the mating toothing 24 preferably engage in a form-fitting manner in the gaps formed between adjacent teeth of the toothing 23.

[0110] Furthermore, Fig. 14, in a preferred embodiment, the number of teeth of the toothing 23 exceeds the number of counter-teeth of the counter-toothing 24. This makes it possible to arrange the counter-toothing 24 in several positions on the toothing 23 to form the anti-rotation device 16. This is particularly useful for arranging the connecting element 8 in different positions relative to the support device 4.

[0111] In a further preferred embodiment, which is described in more detail in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, it is provided that the support device 4 has a stop 17 and the housing 2 has a counter-stop 18, which limit the path that the support device 4 can rotate relative to the housing 2. The stop 17 on the support device 4, in particular on the first support part 14, is shown in a detailed view in Fig. 5. The corresponding counter stop 18 is shown in more detail in the Fig. 6, which also shows a schematic perspective detailed view of the housing 2. In the installed state, the interaction between stop 17 and counter-stop 18 allows the maximum rotation of the support device 4 to be limited, preferably by up to + / - 80°, preferably up to + / - 60°, more preferably + / - 50° + / - 20%, starting from a zero position of the support device 4. Such a zero position or original position of the support device 4 is shown schematically, for example, in the Fig. 7A.

[0112] Not shown in detail is that the pipetting device 1 has a device for haptic and / or acoustic indication of one of the rotational positions. In particular, this makes it possible to easily indicate to the operator that the locking device 5 is locked.

[0113] In Fig. 9 are the control element 20, which for example in Fig. 1, and a volume adjustment sleeve are not shown in detail or have been omitted for the sake of simplicity of illustration. In addition, Fig. 9 not shown in more detail that connecting means can be provided, in a preferred embodiment screws, which can serve for the connection, in particular for the force-locking connection, of the first and second support parts 14, 15.

[0114] In addition, Fig. 13 shows that a slider 26 is arranged between the first and second support parts 14, 15, which can be used for adjustment.

[0115] Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment, which is described in Fig. 13, additional hooks 27 may be provided to improve the interaction and holding together of the support device 4 or the first and second support parts 14, 15. The hooks 27 can be inserted into corresponding hook receptacles 28 designed to receive, preferably latch, the hooks 27 and / or can be arranged in the hook receptacles 28 in a form-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner.

[0116] In the embodiment according to Fig. 13 shows that the hooks 27 can be formed on both the first and the second support part 14, 15, wherein the corresponding hook receptacles 28 on the respective other support part 14, 15 are formed complementary to the hooks 27.

[0117] Furthermore, Fig. 13 schematically shows the positive arrangement of the hooks 27 of the first and second support parts 14, 15 in corresponding or complementary hook receptacles 28 on the respective other support part 14, 15.

[0118] In a further preferred embodiment, which is described in more detail in the Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, it is provided that the pipetting device 1 has a detachable positive connection between the connecting element 8 and the first support part 14.

[0119] The positive connection is designed in such a way that the connecting element 8 and the first support part 14 are at least partially in direct contact with one another, preferably inserted into one another, which is particularly evident from the Fig. 9 and Fig. 13. The connecting element 8 and the first support part 14 can be connected to and detached from one another by respective opposite rotation. The connecting element 8 has a first inclined plane 29, and the first support part 14 has a further inclined plane 13 complementary to the first inclined plane 29 for implementing the positive connection, in particular a bayonet lock.

[0120] Individual aspects of the invention described above can be realized independently of one another, but also in any combination and can be advantageous. List of reference symbols: 1 pipetting device 2 housings 3 holding section 4 Support device 5 locking device 6 means of intervention 7 Counter-intervention measures 8 Connecting element 9 Spring element 10 Outside 11 Arm 12 locking lug 13 more inclined planes 14 first support part 15 second support part 16 Anti-twist device 17 stop 18 Counter stop 19 Drive device 20 Control element 21 projections from 8 22 Recess 23 Gearing 24 Counter-toothing 25 connecting projection 26 sliders 27 hooks 28 hook receptacles 29 first inclined plane L Longitudinal axis

Claims

[1] Pipetting device (1) for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, comprising - a housing (2) with a holding section (3) which is designed to hold the pipetting device (1) by means of a hand of an operator, - a support device (4) which is designed to support the pipetting device (1) on a finger of an operator, wherein the support device (4) is rotatable relative to the holding section (3), preferably about a longitudinal axis (L) of the pipetting device (1), and - a locking device (5) by means of which the support device (4) can be releasably fixed in at least three different and defined rotational positions on the housing (2), wherein adjacent rotational positions are spaced from one another at a rotational angle of at least 5°. [2] Pipetting device according to claim 1, wherein the locking device (5) has an engagement means (6) and a plurality of counter-engagement means (7), and wherein the engagement means (6) can be brought into positive, non-positive and / or frictional engagement with each counter-engagement means (7), by means of which the support device (4) is releasably fixed in one of the rotational positions on the housing (2). [3] Pipetting device according to claim 2, wherein the counter-engagement means (7) are formed on the housing (2), preferably by depressions and / or elevations on the housing (2). [4] Pipetting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the locking device (5) comprises a connecting element (8) which is rotatably connected to the housing (2) and non-rotatably connected to the support device (4) and on which the engagement means (6) is movably arranged. [5] Pipetting device according to claim 4, wherein a spring element (9), in particular a leaf spring, is arranged on the connecting element (8), and the engagement means (6) is arranged between the spring element (9) and the counter-engagement means (7), preferably in such a way that - that the spring force of the spring element (9) counteracts a rotation of the support device (4) when the engagement means (6) is in engagement with one of the counter-engagement means (7) and / or - that the spring force of the spring element (9) acts on the engagement means (6) in the direction of one of the counter-engagement means (7). [6] Pipetting device according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the locking device (5) is designed such that a torque of at least 5 Ncm is required to rotate the support device (4) when the engagement means (6) is in engagement with a counter-engagement means (7). [7] Pipetting device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the engagement means (6) is designed as a ball. [8] Pipetting device according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the engagement means (6) is rotatably mounted on an outer side (10) of the connecting element (8). [9] Pipetting device according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the engagement means (6) is acted upon by the spring force of the spring element (9). [10] Pipetting device according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the engagement means (6) is formed in one piece and / or is formed integrally with the connecting element (8). [11] Pipetting device according to claim 4, wherein the engagement means (6) comprises an arm (11) which is connected at one end to the connecting element (8) and at another end has a locking lug (12) which can be brought into engagement with the counter-engagement means (7), preferably wherein the arm (11) is designed to be resilient and generates a spring force which counteracts rotation of the support device (4) when the locking lug (12) is in engagement with one of the counter-engagement means (7). [12] Pipetting device according to one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the support device (4) is designed in several parts and has a first support part (14) and a second support part (15), wherein the first support part (14) is in engagement with the housing (2), the connecting element (8) and the second support part (15) and wherein the second support part (15) forms an anti-twist device (16) between the first support part (14) and the connecting element (8). [13] Pipetting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support device (4) has a stop (17) and the housing (2) has a counter-stop (18) which limit the path by which the support device (4) can be rotated relative to the housing (2). [14] Pipetting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipetting device (1) has a device for haptic and / or acoustic indication of one of the rotational positions.

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