Multichannel pipetting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipetting system comprising: - a support (20) that comprises a plurality of pipetting tips (12), the support (20) being arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns; - a pipetting head (1) that comprises a casing (10) accommodating a plurality of pipetting channels arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns, each of the pipetting channels being provided with an end piece (11) intended to press-fittingly co-operate with one of the pipetting tips (12) so as to receive or dispense liquid, the pipetting head (1) being movable within a predefined range of movement between a raised position in which the end pieces (11) are at a distance from the pipetting tips (12) and an engaged position in which the pipetting tips (12) are inserted onto the end pieces (11); - an actuating lever (4) configured to vertically translate the pipetting head (1) between the raised position and the engaged position in response to a force applied to the actuating lever (4), the actuating lever (4) being rotatable between at least one rest position and a pivoted position so as to move the pipetting head (1) from the raised position to the engaged position, characterised in that the pipetting system further comprises means for controlling an axial press-fitting force along the vertical axis (V) of the pipetting tips (12) on the end pieces (11) brought about by the rotation of the actuating lever (4) between the rest position and the pivoted position.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: MULTICHANNEL PIPETTING SYSTEM

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of multi-channel pipetting systems, such as multi-channel sampling pipettes, also called pipetting systems, laboratory pipetting systems, or laboratory pipettes, or liquid transfer pipettes, intended for the calibrated sampling and introduction of liquid into containers.

[0005] The invention is preferably applied to motorized or semi-motorized pipetting systems, with manual or servo-controlled movement of the pipetting head and motorized pipetting, but can also be applied to manual pipetting systems.

[0006] The invention applies to air displacement or positive displacement pipetting systems.

[0007] State of the prior art

[0008] For many years, the design of pipetting systems, whether motorized, semi-motorized or even manual, has been the subject of numerous improvements.

[0009] From the prior art, pipetting systems are known comprising a pipetting head, a base comprising one or more trays intended to come opposite the pipetting head, and a tower extending from the base and comprising a linear guide rail along which the pipetting head can be moved by a user along a vertical axis relative to the tray.

[0010] Conventionally, the pipetting head comprises a plurality of pipetting channels arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns. Each of these pipetting channels is conventionally provided with a tip intended to cooperate with a pipetting cone, which may be disposable, by fitting so as to receive or dispense liquid.

[0011] In order to fit each of these pipetting cones onto its respective tip, a user conventionally uses actuation means which may be manual or motorized, in order to translate the pipetting head along a vertical axis and direct the tips towards the pipetting cones.

[0012] However, a disadvantage of existing pipetting systems, and mainly manual or servo-controlled systems, is that it is not possible to ensure that a user correctly performs the operation of fitting the pipetting cones onto the tips connected to the pipetting head.

[0013] However, this fitting operation proves to be relatively important for the proper functioning of the pipetting system so as to ensure the proper holding and proper sealing of the pipetting cones while avoiding pushing these pipetting cones too far, which would have an impact on the ejection force and therefore potentially on the ergonomics, in the case of manual ejection, or on the sizing of the motor to be implemented for this ejection, in the case of motorized ejection.

[0014] There is therefore a need to improve the existing system, and in particular to implement a reliable pipetting system, which makes it possible to control the force required to fit the pipetting cones onto the tips of the pipetting head.

[0015] Statement of the invention

[0016] The invention aims to remedy at least in part the drawbacks mentioned above relating to the techniques of the prior art.

[0017] To this end, the invention relates to a pipetting system comprising: a support comprising a plurality of pipetting cones, said support being arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns; a pipetting head comprising a housing housing a plurality of pipetting channels arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns, each of said pipetting channels being provided with a tip intended to cooperate with one of said pipetting cones by fitting so as to receive or dispense liquid, said pipetting head being movable in a predefined range of movement between a raised position in which said tips are at a distance from said pipetting cones and an engaged position in which said pipetting cones are fitted onto said tips; a base comprising at least one tray intended to come opposite said pipetting head and configured to accommodate said support provided with pipetting cones;a tower extending from said base and comprising a linear guide rail along which the pipetting head can be manually moved along a vertical axis V relative to said base in said at least one predefined range of motion; an actuating lever mounted to be rotatable along a horizontal axis H orthogonal to said vertical axis V relative to said base, said actuating lever being configured to drive said pipetting head in vertical translation between said raised position and said engaged position in response to a force applied to said actuating lever, said actuating lever being rotatable between at least one rest position and a pivoted position so as to move said pipetting head from said raised position to said engaged position.;

[0018] According to the invention, said pipetting system further comprises means for controlling an axial fitting force along said vertical axis V of said pipetting cones on said tips generated by the rotation of the actuating lever between the rest position and the pivoted position. Thus, the invention proposes a new and inventive approach making it possible to resolve at least in part some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0019] In particular, the implementation of means for controlling an axial fitting force makes it possible to improve the reliability of the pipetting system by controlling the fitting force of the pipetting cones onto the tips of the pipetting head.

[0020] Indeed, such means of controlling a fitting force make it possible to ensure that a user correctly carries out the operation of fitting the pipetting cones onto the tips connected to the pipetting head by ensuring that the fitting is carried out sufficiently, but not excessively, so that these cones hold in contact with the tips but do not damage the pipetting system.

[0021] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the means for controlling an axial fitting force along said vertical axis V of said pipetting cones on said tips comprise electronic means for controlling an axial fitting force. According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the means for controlling an axial fitting force along said vertical axis V of said pipetting cones on said tips comprise a force sensor and a stop capable of coming at least partially to bear on said force sensor in response to at least partial rotation of said actuating lever from said rest position to said pivoted position.

[0022] This allows the implementation of a pipetting system that is mechanically simple and at the same time reliable.

[0023] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, said tower comprises a rod for resuming movement of said actuating lever, said rod being connected to said actuating lever by means of drive means, said rod being movable in rotation about said horizontal axis H and pivoting about said horizontal axis H in response to a force applied to said actuating lever, so that a rotation of said actuating lever from said rest position to said pivoted position causes a rotation of said rod and said drive means from a retracted position to a position in which said rod comes to bear axially against said stop and exerts a thrust force on said stop towards said force sensor.

[0024] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, said force sensor is vertically spaced from said stop so that a thrust exerted by said rod on said stop is detected from a predetermined value of support of said rod on said stop.

[0025] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises retraction means intended to move said rod away from said pipetting head, when said pipetting head is positioned outside said predefined range of movement. This makes it possible to prevent the retraction means from moving the rod backwards if the pipetting head is not positioned within the predefined range of movement, to prevent it from hitting, for example, the pipetting head and damaging it. Only when the pipetting head is correctly positioned within the predefined range of movement will said rod be able to come into axial contact with said stop.

[0026] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, said retraction means comprise a retraction spring configured to exert a force towards a rotation pin materializing said horizontal axis H so as to move said rod away from said pipetting head, when said pipetting head is positioned outside said predefined range of movement. In other words, the retraction spring exerts a force against a rotation pin which formalizes the axis of rotation, and therefore prevents rotation of the rod around said horizontal axis H when the pipetting head is positioned outside the predefined range of movement.

[0027] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the pipetting system further comprises monitoring means, arranged on said pipetting head and intended to be positioned opposite said tray.

[0028] Such monitoring means may, for example, include a CCD or CMOS camera making it possible to control the number of lines of cones fitted, to control whether the consumable (which may be the pipetting cone holder, the pipetting cones, a reservoir, a microtitration plate) is present or absent from the tray, to control the position of the tray in the case of a multi-position tray, to control actions carried out (taking of pipetting cones, presence of liquid in consumables), or even to control the type of tray installed in the case of a pipetting system having several removable or rotating trays.

[0029] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, said stop is at least partially made from deformable plastic or deformable metal.

[0030] This provides sufficient elasticity to allow the stop to deform when the rod exerts an axial force.

[0031] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the pipetting system further comprises a pipetting motor so as to receive or dispense liquid into said liquid collection or receiving containers arranged on said tray, and to eject used pipetting tips.

[0032] This ejection of pipetting tips can be done by moving a plate.

[0033] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the pipetting system further comprises means for recognizing a pipetting cone holder.

[0034] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the recognition means comprise a color sensor arranged on the tower, opposite the tray. According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the pipetting system comprises tracking means capable of delivering information belonging to the group comprising: a number of pipetting cones not yet used; information relating to a protocol step to be carried out, in progress, or carried out; information on the presence of a support on said tray; information relating to a value representative of a fitting force; information on the date or time of carrying out a fitting and / or pipetting; a planned maintenance date; information identifying consumables present on the tray; information identifying the pipetting system.

[0035] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, said tracking means comprise a microcontroller and display means.

[0036] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment, the pipetting system is a semi-motorized pipetting system.

[0037] The invention also relates to a method for fitting pipetting cones onto a pipetting system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, said method comprising a step of pivoting said actuating lever from a rest position to a pivoted position so as to move said pipetting head from said raised position in which said tips are at a distance from said pipetting cones to said engaged position in which said pipetting cones are fitted onto said tips, characterized in that it further comprises a step of controlling an axial fitting force along said vertical axis of said pipetting cones onto said tips.

[0038] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment, the step of controlling a fitting force comprises a step of emitting a signal when the fitting force reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0039] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, this signal may be a visual signal, an audible signal or a haptic signal.

[0040] Such a signal can be useful to warn a user that they can release the lever.

[0041] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment, the step of controlling a fitting force may also comprise a step of emitting a signal when the actuating lever is released while the fitting force has not reached a predetermined threshold.

[0042] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, this signal may be a visual signal, an audible signal or a haptic signal. Such a signal may be useful to prevent a user from releasing the lever too early.

[0043] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment, the step of controlling a fitting force may also comprise a step of sending information to the microcontroller so as to only authorize a pipetting operation if a predetermined fitting force threshold has been reached.

[0044] Presentation of figures

[0045] The invention, as well as the various advantages that it presents, will be more easily understood in the light of the following description of an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment thereof, and of the appended drawings among which:

[0046] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a pipetting system according to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever being in the rest position;

[0047] [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of the pipetting system of Fig. 1 with the actuating lever in the pivoted position;

[0048] [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of the pipetting system of Fig. 1, without the pipetting head housing;

[0049] [Fig. 4] is a perspective view of the pipetting system of Fig. 2, without the pipetting head housing;

[0050] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of a portion of the pipetting system of Figure 2;

[0051] [Fig. 6] is a side view of Figure 5;

[0052] [Fig. 7a] is a perspective sectional view of the pipetting system according to the embodiment of Figure 1, the actuating lever being in the rest position;

[0053] [Fig. 7b] is a rear perspective view of the pipetting system according to the embodiment of Fig. 7a;

[0054] [Fig. 7c] is a detailed view of part of Figure 7b;

[0055] [Fig. 8a] is a perspective sectional view of the pipetting system according to the embodiment of Figure 1, the actuating lever being in the pivoted position;

[0056] [Fig. 8b] is a rear perspective view of the pipetting system according to the embodiment of Fig. 8a, and

[0057] [Fig. 8c] is a detailed view of part of Figure 8b.

[0058] Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0059] The general principle of the invention is based on the implementation of means for controlling a vertical axial fitting force of the pipetting cones on the tips so as to ensure the sealing of these cones with respect to these tips, but also so as to ensure that when fitted, the cones do not damage the tips by incorrect handling by a user (excessive fitting force for example). Thus the implementation of means for controlling an axial fitting force makes it possible to implement a reliable pipetting system which makes it possible to control the fitting force of the pipetting cones on the tips of the pipetting head by ensuring that the fitting is carried out sufficiently, but not excessively, so that the pipetting cones hold in contact with the tips but do not damage the pipetting system.

[0060] We now present, in relation to Figures 1 to 8C, an embodiment of the invention taken for illustrative, but non-limiting purposes.

[0061] As illustrated, the pipetting system, which is here a semi-motorized pipetting system, comprises: a support 20 provided with a plurality of pipetting cones 12, arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns; a pipetting head 1; a base 2 comprising at least one tray 9 intended to come opposite the pipetting head 1 and configured to accommodate the support 20 provided with pipetting cones 12; a tower 3 extending from the base 2 and comprising a linear guide rail 30 along which the pipetting head 1 can be manually moved along a vertical axis V relative to said base 2; an actuating lever 4 mounted to move in rotation along a horizontal axis H orthogonal to the vertical axis V relative to the base 2.

[0062] The pipetting head 1 comprises, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 7a, a plurality of pipetting channels arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns, each of the pipetting channels being provided with a tip 11 intended to cooperate with one of the pipetting cones 12 by fitting so as to subsequently receive or distribute liquid into containers provided for this purpose.

[0063] As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the pipetting head also includes a casing 10 so as to protect the various components of this pipetting head from the external environment and therefore from premature wear or breakage.

[0064] The pipetting system also comprises a pipetting motor 100 arranged at the pipetting head so as to receive or dispense liquid into the liquid sampling or receiving containers arranged on the tray 9. More particularly, to receive or dispense liquid into the liquid sampling or receiving containers arranged on the tray 9, the motor drives pistons 110 which slide in the pipetting channels provided with tips. According to the invention, the pipetting head 1 is movable in a predefined range of movement between a raised position in which the tips 11 are at a distance from the pipetting cones 12 and an engaged position in which the pipetting cones 12 are fitted onto said tips 11.In other words, the raised position may in particular correspond to a position in which the pipetting head is positioned above, or even almost in contact with, the pipetting cones 12, while the engaged position may correspond to a position in which the pipetting cones 12 are fitted onto the tips 11.

[0065] This predefined range of movement is, in this embodiment, materialized by a window 16 formed in the casing 10, more precisely at the rear of the casing.

[0066] In the predefined range of movement, this pipetting head 1 is set in motion by means of the actuating lever 4 which is configured to drive the pipetting head 1 in vertical translation between the raised position and the engaged position in response to a force applied to the actuating lever 4, for example by means of a user.

[0067] More particularly, the actuating lever 4 is movable in rotation between at least one rest position and a pivoted position so as to move the pipetting head 1 from the raised position to the engaged position, defined above.

[0068] It should be noted that the pipetting head 1 can be moved manually along a vertical axis V relative to said base 2 along the guide rail 30 of the tower 3 in said at least one predefined range of movement.

[0069] According to embodiments, the pipetting head can also be moved manually along a vertical axis V relative to said base along the guide rail of the tower in several predefined, consecutive or at least partially merged ranges of movement.

[0070] According to the invention, the pipetting system further comprises means for controlling an axial fitting force along the vertical axis V of the pipetting cones 12 on the tips 11 generated by the rotation of the actuating lever 4 between the rest position and the pivoted position.

[0071] These means for controlling an axial fitting force along the vertical axis V of the pipetting cones on the tips may for example comprise electronic means for controlling an axial fitting force.

[0072] These electronic means for controlling an axial fitting force may in particular comprise one or more sensors. They may also comprise a switch or a contactor making it possible to obtain information representative of an arrival at a given point. In this embodiment, the means for controlling an axial fitting force along the vertical axis V of the pipetting cones 12 on the tips 11 comprise a force sensor 5 and a stop 6 capable of coming at least partially to bear on the force sensor 5 in response to an at least partial rotation of the actuating lever 4 from the rest position to the pivoted position.

[0073] In other words, as the actuating lever pivots from the rest position to the pivoted position, the stop 6 will press more heavily on the force sensor, which will make it possible to control the axial fitting force along the vertical axis V of the pipetting cones 12 on the tips 11.

[0074] More particularly still, in this embodiment, and as illustrated in the various figures, the tower 3 comprises a rod 40 for resuming movement of the actuating lever 4, so that a rotation of the actuating lever 4 from the rest position to said pivoted position causes a rotation of the rod 40 from a retracted position to a position in which this rod 40 comes to bear axially against the stop 6 and exerts a thrust force on the stop 6 towards the force sensor 5. To do this, the rod 40 is movable in rotation about the horizontal axis H and pivots about the horizontal axis H in response to a force applied to the actuating lever 4.

[0075] In this embodiment, and as more particularly visible in FIG. 6, one end 400 of the rod 40 is capable of coming into axial support against a portion 60 of said stop extending in projection at the level of one end of the stop 6.

[0076] This rod 40 is here connected to the actuating lever 4 by means of drive means 41, 42, so that a rotation of the actuating lever 4 from the rest position to the pivoted position causes a rotation of the rod 40 and of the drive means 41, 42 from a retracted position to a position in which the rod 40 comes to bear axially against the stop 6 and exerts a thrust force on the stop 6 towards the force sensor 5.

[0077] As can be seen more particularly in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the force sensor 5 is vertically spaced from the stop 6 so that a thrust exerted by the rod 40 on the stop 6 is detected from a predetermined value of support of the rod 40 on the stop 6.

[0078] For example, this predetermined value can be between 440N and 650 N.

[0079] In order to allow the deformation of the stop when pressed by the rod 40, the stop 6 of this embodiment is at least partially made from deformable plastic or deformable metal.

[0080] When the pipetting head is not positioned within the predefined range of motion, it may be necessary, according to one embodiment, to hold the actuating lever back to prevent it from hitting, for example, the pipetting head and damaging it.

[0081] As a result, and as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 7a to 8c, the pipetting system further comprises retraction means intended to move the rod 40 away when the pipetting head 1 is positioned outside the predefined range of movement. For example, the pipetting head can be positioned outside the predefined range of movement when the pipetting system is being installed, cleaned or maintained. It can also be positioned outside the range of movement when the pipetting system is stopped or on standby, these locking means then making it possible to prevent incorrect manipulation by a person passing by the pipetting system and mistakenly pressing the actuating lever.

[0082] This position outside the range of motion can also be used to extract pipetting tips from the holder, or to leave sufficient distance to install another consumable on the tray.

[0083] Thus, only when the pipetting head is correctly positioned within the predefined range of movement can the rod come into axial contact with the said stop when rotating the actuating lever from the raised position to the pivoted position.

[0084] As illustrated in Figures 7a to 8c, the locking means of this embodiment comprise a retraction spring 44 configured to exert a force towards a rotation pin 45 materializing the horizontal axis H so as to move the rod 40 away from the pipetting head 1 when the pipetting head 1 is positioned outside the predefined range of movement.

[0085] This retraction spring is arranged along an axis orthogonal to the horizontal axis H so that it produces a force along this axis orthogonal to the horizontal axis H. It is positioned in a housing hollowed out in the rod 40.

[0086] In this way, when the pipetting head is not positioned within the predefined range of motion, the rod is spaced apart and cannot rub against the housing 10 in the event that the actuating lever is lowered, which would result in damaging the housing and the pipetting head.

[0087] When the pipetting head is correctly positioned within the predefined range of movement, the window 16 provided in the casing 10 is opposite this rod 40 so that the stop 6 is accessible for this rod 40, this rod 40 then being able to exert a pushing force on the stop 6 towards the force sensor 5.

[0088] The pipetting system can also allow, in addition to having control of the force of fitting the pipetting cones onto the pipetting tips, to carry out a more global monitoring of the pipetting system and the different protocols in progress, so as for example to ensure the correct execution of the protocol.

[0089] By protocol, we can in particular designate steps comprising actions of moving one or more elements, of sampling, distribution or mixing of sampled or distributed liquids, of taking or ejecting pipetting cones.

[0090] Therefore, according to one embodiment, the pipetting system may comprise tracking means capable of delivering information belonging to the group comprising: a number of pipetting cones not yet used; information relating to a protocol step to be carried out, in progress, or carried out; information on the presence of a support on said tray; information relating to a value representative of a fitting force; information on the date or time of carrying out a fitting and / or pipetting; a planned maintenance date; information identifying consumables present on the tray; information identifying the pipetting system.

[0091] To facilitate this exploitation of the monitoring, in particular by a user, the pipetting system may comprise monitoring means comprising a microcontroller and display means.

[0092] Thus, with the display of tracking information, a user can make decisions accordingly, perform required steps, stop the cone fitting process if a predefined value is displayed.

[0093] With this display, it is also possible to prevent a protocol step from being possible if the preset tip insertion value is not reached. This can be done, for example, by blocking the movement of the pipetting motor.

[0094] These monitoring methods can also be useful for ensuring that the pipetting protocol is being carried out correctly.

[0095] Thus, these monitoring methods can help to generate action.

[0096] The system can also be equipped with monitoring means, arranged on the pipetting head 1 and intended to be positioned opposite the tray 9.

[0097] It should be noted that, alternatively, these surveillance means could also be installed on the tower.

[0098] These surveillance means could also be arranged on or under the platform.

[0099] Such monitoring means may, for example, include a CCD or CMOS camera making it possible to control the number of cone lines fitted, to control whether the consumable (which may be the pipetting cone holder or the pipetting cones) is present or absent from the tray, to control the position of the tray, to control actions carried out (taking of pipetting cones, presence of liquid in consumables), or even to control the type of tray installed in the case of a pipetting system having several removable or rotating trays.

[0100] The monitoring equipment can also be made up of LEDs, for example.

[0101] They can also be composed of one or more accelerometers to monitor the positioning or movement of one or more trays relative to the pipetting head. This detection of the positioning of the tray can, for example, make it possible to adapt a fitting force setpoint to be achieved depending on whether only one or more rows of cones are positioned under the head and are to be fitted.

[0102] The system can also be provided with means for recognizing the supports 20 of pipetting cones 12. Such recognition means can in particular comprise a color sensor arranged on the tower 3, opposite the plate 9.

[0103] The system can also be provided with means for recognizing a liquid present in a container arranged opposite the plate 9.

[0104] The invention also relates to a method for fitting pipetting cones 12 onto the pipetting system according to the invention.

[0105] This method comprises a step of pivoting the actuating lever 4 from a rest position to a pivoted position so as to move the pipetting head 1 from the raised position in which the tips 11 are at a distance from the pipetting cones 12 to the engaged position in which the pipetting cones 12 are fitted onto the tips 11. It also comprises a step of controlling an axial fitting force along the vertical axis V of the pipetting cones 12 onto the tips 11.

[0106] It should be noted that, according to one embodiment, the step of controlling a fitting force may comprise a step of emitting a signal when the fitting force reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0107] This signal may in particular be a visual signal, such as the lighting of an LED of a certain color or a predefined number of LEDs, or an audible signal to provide an alarm when a predetermined threshold is reached so as not to damage the pipetting system.

[0108] This signal can also be a message displayed on the display means.

[0109] Such a signal can be useful to warn a user that they can release the lever.

[0110] The fitting process may also include a subsequent step of ejecting the pipetting tips, once pipetting has been completed. Such a step may include a translation of the head along the vertical axis so as to move away from the plate, as well as a dismantling step.

[0111] The method may also comprise an initial step of positioning a support comprising a plurality of pipetting cones on the tray. It may also comprise an initial step of entering data into the tracking means.

[0112] This entered data may, for example, include parameters such as a setpoint value to be reached to ensure the correct fitting of the pipetting tips, depending on the type of tips chosen by an operator. These parameters may also include system control parameters, which may, for example, allow the establishment of a pipetting protocol, adjustment of a volume of liquid to be sampled or dispensed, or adjustment of a pipetting speed.

[0113] It should be noted that this initial entry step can be carried out manually by an operator via a graphical interface for controlling the pipetting system.

[0114] The capture could also be partially automatic, for example by taking into account different information collected by sensors in the pipetting system.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A pipetting system comprising: a support (20) comprising a plurality of pipetting cones (12), said support (20) being arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns; a pipetting head (1) comprising a housing (10) housing a plurality of pipetting channels arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns, each of said pipetting channels being provided with a tip (11) intended to cooperate with one of said pipetting cones (12) by fitting so as to receive or dispense liquid, said pipetting head (1) being movable in a predefined range of movement between a raised position in which said tips (11) are at a distance from said pipetting cones (12) and an engaged position in which the pipetting cones (12) are fitted onto said tips (11);a base (2) comprising at least one tray (9) intended to come opposite said pipetting head (1) and configured to accommodate said support (20) provided with pipetting cones (12); a tower (3) extending from said base (2) and comprising a linear guide rail (30) along which the pipetting head (1) can be manually moved along a vertical axis (V) relative to said base (2) in said at least one predefined range of movement;an actuating lever (4) mounted to be movable in rotation along a horizontal axis (H) orthogonal to said vertical axis (V) relative to said base (2), said actuating lever (4) being configured to drive said pipetting head (1) in vertical translation between said raised position and said engaged position in response to a force applied to said actuating lever (4), said actuating lever (4) being movable in rotation between at least one rest position and a pivoted position so as to move said pipetting head (1) from said raised position to said engaged position, characterized in that said pipetting system further comprises means for controlling an axial fitting force along said vertical axis (V) of said pipetting cones (12) on said tips (11) generated by said rotation of said actuating lever (4) between said rest position and said pivoted position.;

2. Pipetting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for controlling an axial fitting force along said vertical axis (V) of said pipetting cones (12) on said tips (11) comprise electronic means for controlling an axial fitting force.

3. Pipetting system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for controlling an axial fitting force along said vertical axis (V) of said pipetting cones (12) on said tips (11) comprise a force sensor (5) and a stop (6) capable of coming at least partially to bear on said force sensor (5) in response to at least partial rotation of said actuating lever (4) from said rest position to said pivoted position.

4. Pipetting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said tower (3) comprises a rod (40) for resuming movement of said actuating lever (4), said rod (40) being connected to said actuating lever (4) by means of drive means (41, 42), said rod (40) being movable in rotation about said horizontal axis (H) and pivoting about said horizontal axis (H) in response to a force applied to said actuating lever (4), so that a rotation of said actuating lever (4) from said rest position to said pivoted position causes a rotation of said rod (40) and of said drive means (41, 42) from a retracted position to a position in which said rod (40) comes into axial abutment against said stop (6) and exerts a thrust force on said stop (6) towards said force sensor (5).

5. Pipetting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said force sensor (5) is vertically spaced from said stop (6) so that a thrust exerted by said rod (40) on said stop (6) is detected from a predetermined value of support of said rod (40) on said stop (6).

6. Pipetting system according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that it further comprises retraction means intended to move said rod (40) away from said pipetting head (1), when said pipetting head (1) is positioned outside said predefined range of movement.

7. Pipetting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said retraction means comprise a retraction spring (44) configured to exert a force towards a rotation pin (45) materializing said horizontal axis (H) so as to move said rod (40) away from said pipetting head (1), when said pipetting head (1) is positioned outside said predefined range of movement.

8. Pipetting system according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises monitoring means, arranged on said pipetting head (1) and / or on said tower (3) and intended to be positioned opposite said plate (9).

9. Pipetting system according to one of claims 2 to 8 characterized in that said stop (6) is at least partially made from deformable plastic or deformable metal.

10. Pipetting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a pipetting motor (100) so as to receive or distribute liquid into said liquid collection or reception containers arranged on said tray (9), and to eject used pipetting cones (12).

11. Pipetting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means for recognizing the supports (20) of pipetting cones (12).

12. Pipetting system according to claim 11, characterized in that said recognition means comprise a color sensor arranged on said tower (3), opposite said tray (9).

13. Pipetting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises monitoring means capable of delivering information belonging to the group comprising: a number of pipetting cones not yet used; information relating to a protocol step to be carried out, in progress, or carried out; information on the presence of a support on said tray; information relating to a value representative of a fitting force; information on the date or time of carrying out a fitting and / or pipetting; a planned maintenance date; information identifying consumables present on the tray; information identifying the pipetting system.

14. Pipetting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said monitoring means comprise a microcontroller and display means.

15. Method for fitting pipetting cones (12) onto a pipetting system according to one of claims 1 to 14, said method comprising a step of pivoting said actuating lever (4) from a rest position to a pivoted position so as to move said pipetting head (1) from said raised position in which said tips (11) are at a distance from said pipetting cones (12) to said engaged position in which said pipetting cones (12) are fitted onto said tips (11), characterized in that it further comprises a step of controlling an axial fitting force along said vertical axis (V) of said pipetting cones (12) onto said tips (11).

16. Method for fitting pipetting cones (12) according to the preceding claim, the step of controlling a fitting force comprising a step of emitting a signal when the fitting force reaches a predetermined threshold.

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