Actuating device for a pipette and pipetting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipetting device (1) with an electronic pipette (2) and an actuating device (4) for the electronic pipette (2). The actuating device (2) has an actuating element (5) and a fastening device (6) for fixing the actuating device (4) to the pipette (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating device for an electronic pipette and a pipetting device comprising an electronic pipette and an actuating device.

[0002] Pipettes are used, for example, in laboratories for the precise dosing of liquid volumes.

[0003] For this purpose, pipettes have dispensing mechanisms designed to aspirate and dispense desired fluid volumes. The aspiration and dispensing of fluid volumes is achieved by pressing a pipetting button, which is usually located at the tip of the pipette. Due to its position at the tip, such a pipetting button is typically operated with the thumb.

[0004] Performing a large number of pipetting operations can lead to overuse of the thumb of the person operating the pipette.

[0005] Electronic pipettes, which reduce the force required for pipetting, already provide some relief. However, even electronic pipettes are generally operated with the thumb, which can lead to strain and potentially even damage to the thumb and thumb joints.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to enable comfortable and, above all, gentle handling of pipettes during their use.

[0007] To solve the problem, an actuating device for an electronic pipette with the features of independent claim 1 is first proposed. In particular, to solve the problem, an actuating device for an electronic pipette is proposed, wherein the actuating device comprises an actuating element and a fastening device for fixing the actuating device to a pipette.

[0008] The mounting device is designed to fix the actuator in different positions on the pipette. Thanks to this mounting device, the actuator can be positioned at various points on the pipette, allowing for free selection of the actuator's position for activating the pipette's dispensing mechanism.

[0009] The person using the pipette can individually adjust the position of the actuating mechanism to ensure comfortable and gentle operation. Furthermore, the position of the actuating mechanism and its actuator on the pipette can be changed to vary the strain on the hand during pipetting. This also helps to prevent strain on the hand operating the pipette.

[0010] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the mounting device is designed as a retaining clip. A retaining clip is particularly well suited for fixing the actuating device in different positions on a pipette. Furthermore, it is possible, if necessary, to remove the actuating device from the pipette and use it separately to control the pipette and its dispensing mechanism.

[0011] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the fastening device has at least two clamping jaws, between which a receptacle is formed. A pipette, with its pipette body, is arranged within this receptacle in the operating position of the actuating device. With its two clamping jaws and the receptacle formed between them, the actuating device can thus be clipped onto the outside of a pipette body.

[0012] The clamping jaws can be spring-loaded. This makes it possible to easily attach the actuating device to the pipette and its pipette body without tools.

[0013] The receptacle can have a concave, preferably cylindrical, contact surface formed between the clamping jaws. This allows the actuating device and its mounting device to be brought into a flat contact with the cylindrical body of a pipette.

[0014] The actuating element can be arranged on the front side of the base body of the actuating device. The front side of the base body of the actuating device can be the side facing away from the aforementioned fastening device, and in particular the retaining clip and its jaws. The actuating element is easily accessible to a person wishing to use the actuating device when located on the front side of the base body.

[0015] The actuating element can be designed as a push button. An actuating element designed as a push button can provide the person using the actuating device with haptic and / or audible feedback that the actuating element has been actuated. This can simplify the use of the actuating device during pipetting, as the person receives feedback about the actuation and the associated triggering of the dispensing mechanism of the pipette controlled by the actuating device.

[0016] The actuator can, for example, have a light source, such as an LED, on its base. The light source can be used to output a status of the actuator, such as the connection status of a communication interface of the actuator (which is described in more detail below and is preferably wireless) and / or the charge level of a battery in the actuator.

[0017] The actuating device can have a communication interface configured for the wireless and / or wired transmission of actuation signals to a corresponding receiving interface of a pipette after the actuating element has been activated. The communication interface thus enables communication between the actuating device and the pipette to be controlled. Preferably, the communication interface is configured for wireless transmission of the actuation signals. This increases user convenience, as it eliminates the need for a potentially disruptive cable connection between the actuating device and the pipette.

[0018] A wireless communication interface allows the actuator to be used remotely from the pipette being controlled, without the need for a wired connection between the actuator and the pipette. This means the actuator can be positioned at different locations on the pipette body or used separately, for example, in a hand that is not holding the pipette.

[0019] The actuating device can, for example, incorporate a power source, preferably a rechargeable battery, within its base. This allows the actuating device to be used independently of a mains power supply. If the actuating device includes a battery, it is advantageous for it to also have a charging interface. This allows the battery to be permanently installed and / or hermetically sealed within the base of the actuating device and recharged via the charging interface as needed.

[0020] In one embodiment of the actuating device, it is provided that it can also be used with a cable. The actuating device can, for example, have a power cable and / or a connection interface for a power cable to supply power to the actuating device. The previously mentioned charging interface can serve as the connection interface. Via the aforementioned charging interface, it is possible, for example, to connect a charging cable as a power cable and then use the actuating device while connected to mains power. This way, the actuating device can still be used even if the battery is depleted.

[0021] The problem is also solved by a pipetting device with the means and features of the claim directed to such a pipetting device. To solve the problem, a pipetting device with an electronic pipette is therefore proposed in particular, comprising an electronic dispensing mechanism for dispensing a fluid, and with an actuating device according to one of the claims directed to such a device, wherein the actuating device is configured for remote control of the dispensing mechanism of the pipette.

[0022] As previously explained in detail, the actuating device enables comfortable and, above all, joint-friendly use of the pipette. This is because the mounting device can be attached to the pipette in different positions and can also be used detached from the pipette and at a distance from it.

[0023] The pipette can have a receiving interface connected to the dispensing mechanism for receiving actuation signals from the actuator. Preferably, this receiving interface is designed as a wireless receiving interface. In this way, it is possible to transmit actuation signals to the pipette's receiving interface via a wireless communication interface of the actuator after the actuator of the operating device has been actuated. The received actuation signals then activate the electronic dispensing mechanism of the pipette. The pipette can have a cylindrical pipette body. A cylindrical pipette body simplifies the fixation of the actuation device to the pipette in different positions. This is particularly true if the fastening device of the actuation device is designed as a retaining clip.

[0024] The pipette may have a pipetting button on its body for actuating the dispensing mechanism. The pipetting button then allows for an alternative actuation of the dispensing mechanism if the actuating device cannot or should not be used.

[0025] The pipette can also have a display. Information and parameters of the pipette can be shown on the display. Particularly if the display is a touchscreen, it is also possible to adjust the pipette's settings via the display.

[0026] The pipette may have a clip on its body. This clip allows the pipette to be conveniently and securely attached, for example, in a breast pocket of a shirt, blouse, coat, or jacket.

[0027] If the pipette has a display, this display can, for example, be located on the clip. Positioning the display on the clip allows for a space-saving arrangement of the display on the pipette. Furthermore, the display on the clip can be positioned in a location where the user can easily read the information displayed.

[0028] The pipette may have an ejection mechanism for removing a pipette tip attached to a free end of the pipette. This ejection mechanism allows for contactless and therefore particularly hygienic removal of the pipette tip after use.

[0029] The pipette can include a control unit, such as a microcontroller. This control unit can convert the aforementioned actuation signals, received via the pipette's receiver interface, into control signals for activating the dispensing mechanism. The control unit also enables the output of information via the previously mentioned display.

[0030] The pipette can have a user interface for setting its parameters, such as the volume to be pipetted or other operating parameters. The previously mentioned display can serve as the user interface, especially if it is a touchscreen. Alternatively, or in addition to the display, a control knob can also be used as the user interface.

[0031] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment, but is not limited to this embodiment. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining the features of one or more claims with one another and / or from combining one or more features of the exemplary embodiment. The following are shown: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a pipetting device comprising a pipette and an actuating device attached to the pipette body of the pipette in a first position, the actuating device being configured to actuate an electronic dispensing mechanism of the pipette, Fig. 2 the in Fig. 1 Pipetting device shown with an actuating device attached to the pipette body in a different position, Fig. 3 a detailed presentation of the in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 pipettes shown, Fig. 4 the in Fig. 3 Pipettes shown with attached pipette tip, Fig. 5 a sequence of illustrations to demonstrate the attachment of the actuating device to the pipette body of the pipette shown in the previous figures, Fig. 6 a perspective single view of the actuating device looking at a front of the actuating device, on which a push button as an actuating element and an LED as a light source to indicate the operating status of the actuating device are arranged, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 further individual illustrations of the actuating device from different perspectives, Fig. 10. A perspective drawing to illustrate the previously common one-handed use of a pipette during pipetting, Fig. 11. A perspective drawing to illustrate one-handed use of the [items / products] in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 Pipetting device comprising the pipette and the actuating device attached to the outside of the pipette body during pipetting, Fig. 12. A perspective representation to illustrate further one-handed use of the [items / products] in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 5 and Fig. 11 pipetting device shown, wherein the actuating device is in a format that is different from Fig. 11 other positions on the pipette body, as well as Fig. 13. A perspective representation to illustrate two-handed use of the [item / tool] in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 5, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 Pipetting device shown, where one person holds the pipette in one hand and the actuating device in another hand.

[0032] The figures show a pipetting device, designated as a whole by 1. The pipetting device 1 comprises an electronic pipette 2, which has an electronic dispensing mechanism 3 for dispensing a fluid, and an actuating device 4 for remote control of the dispensing mechanism 3 of the pipette 2.

[0033] The actuating device 4 provides an alternative operating concept for the pipette 2 and its dispensing mechanism 3, which enables comfortable and gentle handling of the pipette 2 during pipetting.

[0034] The actuating device 4 for the electronic pipette 2 has an actuating element 5. The actuating element 5 of the actuating device 4 shown in the figures is designed as a push button and can be actuated to trigger the dispensing mechanism 3 of the pipette 2 for pipetting.

[0035] Furthermore, the actuating device 4 also has a fastening device 6. The fastening device 6 serves to and is designed to detachably fix the actuating device 4 in different positions on the pipette 2.

[0036] In this way, the actuating device 4 can be fixed in a position on the outside of the pipette 2 that is particularly easy for the user to reach. This allows for user-specific and ergonomic placement and use of the actuating device 4 on the pipette 2, and thus particularly comfortable handling of the pipette 2 during pipetting.

[0037] The fastening device 6 is designed as a retaining clamp, as shown in the figures. The fastening device 6 comprises two clamp jaws 7 and 8, between which a receptacle 9 is formed. The individual component drawings of the actuating device 4 are shown in the figures. Fig. Figures 6-9 illustrate the construction of the fastening device 6 and the position of the clamping jaws 7 and 8 relative to the receptacle 9.

[0038] In the operating position of the actuating device 4 on the pipette 2, the pipette 2 is arranged with its base body inside the receptacle 9.

[0039] The attachment of the actuating device 4 to the pipette body 10 of the pipette 2 is shown in the sequence of illustrations of the Fig. 5 shown. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates how the pipette 2 with its pipette body 10 is inserted into the receptacle 9 between the two clamp jaws 7 and 8 of the fastening device 6 of the actuating device 4, or how the actuating device 4 is clipped onto the outside of the pipette body 10 of the pipette 2.

[0040] Fig. Figure 9 shows that the receptacle 9 between the two clamping jaws 7 and 8 has a concave cylindrical contact surface 11 with which the actuating device 4 rests flat against the pipette body 10 of the pipette 2 in the operating position, as shown in the right-hand figure in Fig. 5 illustrates.

[0041] Since the clamping jaws 7 and 8 are spring-loaded, the actuating device 4 can be easily clipped onto the pipette body 10 and, if necessary, moved along the pipette body 10. The spring-loaded clamping jaws 7 and 8 also allow for easy removal of the actuating device 4.

[0042] The clamping jaws 7 and 8 are arranged on a base body 12 of the actuating device 4. The actuating element 5 of the actuating device 4 is arranged on a front face 13 of the base body 12 of the actuating device 4. The front face 13 faces away from the contact surface 11 between the two clamping jaws 7 and 8.

[0043] The actuating device 4 has a light source 14 in the form of an LED on the front 13 of its base body 12. The light source 14 enables a clearly visible indication of the operating status of the actuating device 4 for the user.

[0044] The light source 4 can output information about the charge status of an accumulator 17 of the actuating device 4, which will be explained in more detail below, or about the connection status of a communication interface 15 of the actuating device 4.

[0045] As previously mentioned, the actuating device 4 has a communication interface 15. The communication interface 15 is designed for the wireless transmission of actuation signals after actuation of the actuating element 5 to a corresponding receiving interface 16 of the pipette 2 of the pipetting device 1.

[0046] When a user of the pipetting device 1 activates the actuating element 5 on the device 4, this triggers an actuation signal that can be transmitted wirelessly via the communication interface 15 of the actuating device 4 to the receiving interface 16 of the pipette 2.

[0047] The received actuation signal activates the dispensing mechanism 3 of the pipette 2, resulting in the dispensing or aspiration of a fluid. The actuation device 4 thus enables remote control of the dispensing mechanism 3 of the pipette 2 during pipetting, independent of the actuation of a pipetting button 19 of the pipette 2.

[0048] The actuating device 4 has a power source in its base body 2, namely a rechargeable battery 17. The battery 17 can be recharged as needed via a charging interface 18 on the base body 12 of the actuating device 4.

[0049] The charging interface 18 can also be used to connect a power cable. This allows the operating device 4 to still be used in mains-powered operation even if the battery 17 is depleted.

[0050] The pipette 2 of the pipetting device 1 has on its pipette body 10 the aforementioned pipetting button 19 for actuating the dispensing mechanism 3. Fig. Figure 10 shows the use of pipette 2 for pipetting. To pipette, a user operates the pipette according to the diagram. Fig. 10 the pipetting button 19 at the top end of the pipette body 10 with the thumb 28 of his hand 27.

[0051] The Pipette 2 also features a Display 20. Information such as connection status, pipetting volume, pipetting operations, and the Pipette 2's battery level can be displayed via the Display 20.

[0052] The display 20 is designed as a touch-sensitive display, so that user input can also be made via the display 20, for example to adjust the pipette 2.

[0053] Pipette 2 has a clip 21 on its pipette body 10. The display 20 is located on the clip 21 of pipette 2.

[0054] The Clip 21 allows the Pipette 2 to be conveniently and securely fixed, for example in a pocket of a garment.

[0055] Pipette 2 also has a release mechanism 22 for releasing a pipette tip 24 attached to a free end 23 of pipette 2. A pipette tip 24 at the free end 23 of pipette 2 is in Fig. 4 shown.

[0056] The pipette 2 also includes a control unit 25, which can be designed as a microcontroller, for example, and serves to control, for example, the dispensing mechanism 3 of the pipette 2.

[0057] An actuation signal received via the receiver interface 16 can be converted via the control unit 25 into a control signal for controlling the dispensing mechanism 3.

[0058] Settings for Pipette 2 can be made via a setting knob 26 on Pipette 2.

[0059] Fig. Figure 11 shows the use of the pipetting device 1, wherein the actuating device 4 is arranged in a first position in a lower region of the pipette body 10 near the free end 23 of the pipette 2 and is fixed to the pipette body 10 of the pipette 2.

[0060] A user holds the pipette 2 in one hand 27 and places their index finger 29 on the actuating element 5 of the actuating device 4. In this position, the user can now pipette without having to use the pipetting button 19 located on the head of the pipette body 10. The actuating device 4, clipped onto the outside of the pipette body 10, thus offers the user a customizable and therefore very comfortable way to use the pipette 2.

[0061] Fig. Figure 12 shows an alternative use of the actuating device 4 on the outside of the pipette body 10 of the pipette 2. According to Fig. 12 the user of the pipette 2 holds the pipette 2 in a hand 27, wherein the actuating device 4 is now arranged on the outside of the pipette body 10 in such a way that the actuating element 5 of the actuating device 4 can be actuated with a thumb 28 of the user to trigger the dispensing mechanism 3 of the pipette 2.

[0062] Fig. Figure 13 shows another way of handling the pipetting device 1. According to Fig. 13 The actuating device 4 is taken from the outside of the pipette body 10 of the pipette 2. Fig. Figure 13 illustrates a two-handed operation of the pipetting device 1, in which the pipette 2 is held in one hand by the user. The user holds the actuating device 4 in the other hand, and can position their index finger 29 in the receptacle 9 of the clamping device 6 between the two clamping jaws 7 and 8. The user can press the actuating element 5 on the base body 12 of the actuating device 4 with their thumb 28 to trigger the dispensing mechanism 3 of the pipette 2 held in their other hand and to pipette.

[0063] Straight Fig. Figure 13 also shows that the user can read the display 20 on the clip 21 of the pipette 2 particularly well due to the way the pipette 2 is held with their right hand. This is the case when operating the pipette 2 with one hand without the actuating device 4, as shown in Fig. As shown in 10, it is more difficult. Reference symbol list 1 Pipetting device 2 pipettes 3. Delivery mechanism 4 Actuating device 5 Actuating element 6 Mounting device 7 Clamp jaw 8 clamp jaw 9th entry 10 pipette bodies 11 Plant area 12 basic shapes of 4 13 Front 14 light bulbs 15 Communication interface 16 Receiving interface 17 Power source, accumulator 18 charging interface 19 Pipetting button 20 Display 21 Clip 22 Ejection mechanism 23 free end of 2 24 pipette tips 25 Control unit 26 Adjustment knob 27 Hand 28 thumbs up 29 index finger

Claims

Actuating device (4) for an electronic pipette (2) with an actuating element (5) and a fastening device (6) for fixing the actuating device (4) to a pipette (2). Actuating device (4) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device (6) is configured to fix the actuating device (4) in different positions on the pipette (2) and / or wherein the fastening device (6) is designed as a retaining clip. Actuating device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening device (6) comprises at least two clamping jaws (7, 8) between which a receptacle (9) is formed, within which a pipette (2) with its pipette body (10) is arranged in the operating position of the actuating device (4) on the pipette (2). Actuating device (4) according to the previous claim, wherein the receptacle (9) has a concave, preferably cylindrical, contact surface (11) formed between the clamping jaws (7, 8). Actuating device (4) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the clamping jaws (7, 8) are spring-elastic and / or arranged on a base body (12) of the actuating device (4). Actuating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (5) is arranged on a front side (13) of a base body (12) of the actuating device (4) and / or is designed as a push button. Actuating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (4) has, in particular on its base body (12), a light source (14), in particular an LED. Actuating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (4) has a communication interface (15) which is configured for wireless and / or wired transmission of actuating signals after actuation of the actuating element (5) to a corresponding receiving interface (16) of a pipette (2). Actuating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (4) preferably in its base body (12) comprises a power source (17), in particular a rechargeable accumulator. Actuating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (4) has a charging interface (18) for charging a battery of the actuating device (4) and / or wherein the actuating device (4) has a power cable and / or a connection interface for a power cable. Pipetting device (1) with an electronic pipette (2) comprising an electronic dispensing mechanism (3) for dispensing a fluid, and with an actuating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims for remote control of the dispensing mechanism (3) of the pipette (2). Pipetting device (1) according to the previous claim, wherein the pipette (2) has a receiving interface (16) for receiving actuation signals from the actuating device (4) and / or wherein the pipette (2) has a cylindrical pipette body (). Pipetting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipette (2) has a pipetting button (19) on its pipette body (10) for actuating the dispensing mechanism (3). Pipetting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipette (2) has a display (20). Pipetting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipette (2) has a clip (21) on its pipette body (10), preferably wherein a display (20) of the pipette (2) is arranged on the clip (21). Pipetting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipette (2) has a release mechanism (22) for releasing a pipette tip (24) attached to a free end (23) of the pipette (2). Pipetting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipette (2) comprises a control unit (25), in particular a microcontroller.

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