Charging stand kit and charging stand

Abstract

The charging stand kit for assembling a charging stand (1) for electrical pipettes (10) comprises a charging module (2) configured to hold an electrical pipette (10) to be charged, the charging module (2) comprising first and second sets of electrical contacts (7, 8) on first and second sides for connecting the charging module (2) electrically to adjacent parts (2, 3) of the charging stand (1), a first leg (3) having an upper end con- figured to be attached to the first side of the charging module (2) and comprising a set of electrical contacts (9) configured to contact the first set of electrical contacts (7) of the charging module (2), and a second leg (4) having an upper end config- ured to be attached to the second side of the charging module (2).

Description

[0001] Charging stand kit and charging stand

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention concerns a charging stand kit for assembling a charging stand for one or more electrical pipettes, as defined in claim 1 . The invention also concerns a charging stand assembled using parts of such a charging stand kit.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Pipettes used in laboratories may be held and stored in pipette stands. Stands may or may not be equipped with electrical charging possibility for charging electrical pipettes. Electrical pipettes are often charged during non-working hours. However, the users of pipettes often have a need to free their hands for short periods of time between pipetting tasks. To allow the users of pipettes to temporarily free their hands, laboratory desks are often provided with pipette stands for short-time storing of the pipettes. If the pipettes are stored in the pipette stands only for very short periods of time, it may not be necessary to provide the stands with a charging ability. However, often it is beneficial to provide also the pipette stands used on the desks where the actual pipetting is done with a charging ability.

[0006] For the charging during non-working hours, it may be beneficial to gather several pipettes on a single pipette stand. In other uses of pipette stands, it is often beneficial to minimize the size of the pipette stand. This is often the case when the pipettes are used in safety cabinets. The pipettes used in safety cabinets are often dedicated for the specific use and stored in the safety cabinets. As the space in a safety cabinet is limited, it is beneficial to have as small pipette stand as possible.

[0007] Different laboratories have different needs concerning the size of pipette stands and the number of charging positions in pipette stands, and the needs can also change over time. Therefore, there is a need for charging stands that can accommodate a different number of electrical pipettes. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the invention is to provide an improved charging stand kit for assembling a charging stand for one or more electrical pipettes. Another object of the invention is to provide a charging stand assembled using the parts of such a charging stand kit.

[0009] The charging stand kit according to the invention comprises

[0010] - a charging module having a first side and a second side, the charging module being configured to hold an electrical pipette to be charged, the charging module comprising a first set of electrical contacts arranged on the first side of the charging module for connecting the charging module electrically to an adjacent part of the charging stand on the first side of the charging module, and a second set of electrical contacts arranged on the second side of the charging module for connecting the charging module electrically to an adjacent part of the charging stand on the second side of the charging module,

[0011] - a first leg having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the first leg being configured to be attached to the first side of the charging module and comprising a set of electrical contacts configured to contact the first set of electrical contacts of the charging module in a mounted state of the charging module, and

[0012] - a second leg having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the second leg being configured to be attached to the second side of the charging module.

[0013] The charging stand kit according to the invention provides modules for assembling charging stands with a different number of charging modules. A charging stand for a single electrical pipette can be assembled using the parts of the charging stand kit, and by adding the number of the charging modules, the width of the charging stand can be increased to accommodate two or more electrical pipettes. As the parts are provided with electrical contacts configured to contact respective electrical contacts of an adjacent part of the charging stand, assembly of the charging stand is quick. The charging stand kit simplifies the production of different charging stand configurations, as the same modules can be used for assembling different charging stands. This is beneficial also for the users of the charging stands, as the users can easily adapt the number of charging positions of the charging stand for each use. If the user does not need many charging positions, the size of the charging stand can be minimized. The charging stand is configured such that it can be easily assembled by the end user. The charging stand can thus be delivered to the end user in a non-assembled state. Alternatively, the charging stand can be delivered to the end user in an assembled state. In that case, the end user can easily disassemble the charging stand to change the configuration of the charging stand.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first leg and the charging module are configured such that attaching of the charging module to the first leg brings the first set of electrical contacts of the charging module into contact with the set of electrical contacts of the first leg. As the electrical contacts are configured to be automatically brought into contact with each other, assembly of the charging stand is facilitated.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electrical contacts of the first leg, the first set of electrical contacts of the charging module and / or the second set of electrical contacts of the charging module are spring-loaded. The spring- loaded contacts ensure reliable contact.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, the charging stand kit comprises two or more charging modules. The charging stand kit can thus be configured for two or more electrical pipettes. However, the second and further charging modules can also be provided separately.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the charging module comprises a third set of electrical contacts configured to contact electrical contacts of a pipette for connecting the pipette to be charged to a charging circuit of the charging stand. The third set of electrical contacts is not necessary, but the charging module could also be configured for inductive charging.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second sets of the electrical contacts of the charging module and the set of electrical contacts of the first leg are configured to be concealed in a mounted state of the charging stand. This protects the contacts from dust and moisture and ensures reliable operation.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the upper ends of the first leg and the second leg are provided with attachment means for attaching the charging module to the first leg and the second leg, the first side of the charging module is provided with first attachment means and the second side of the charging module is provided with second attachment means, the attachment means of the charging module being configured such that each side of the charging module can be selectively attached to either a leg of the charging stand or to an additional, similar charging module. The first attachment means of the charging module can thus cooperate with the attachment means of the first leg and with the second attachment means of a similar charging module. The second attachment means of the charging module can cooperate with the attachment means of the second leg and with the first attachment means of a similar charging module. Further charging modules can thus be easily added to the charging stand.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the attachment means of the first and second leg and of the attachment means of the charging module comprise at least one protrusion or at least one recess that is configured to cooperate with a respective recess or protrusion of an adjacent part of the charging stand. The cooperating protrusions and recesses facilitate forming a firm joint that can carry the weight of even heavier electrical pipettes.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the charging stand kit comprises a base module having a first side and a second side, the lower end of the first leg is configured to be attached to the first side of the base module and the lower end of the second leg is configured to be attached to the second side of the base module. The base module provides additional rigidity and stability for the charging stand.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lower ends of the first leg and the second leg are provided with attachment means for attaching the base module to the first leg and the second leg, the first side of the base module is provided with first attachment means and the second side of the base module is provided with second attachment means, the attachment means of the base module being configured such that each side of the base module can be selectively attached to either a leg of the charging stand or to an additional, similar base module.

[0023] The first attachment means of the base module can thus cooperate with the attachment means at the lower end of the first leg and with the second attachment means of a similar base module. The second attachment means of the base module can cooperate with the attachment means at the lower end of the second leg and with the first attachment means of a similar base module. Further base modules can thus be easily added to the charging stand.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the attachment means at the lower ends of the first and second leg and each of the attachment means of the base module comprise at least one protrusion or at least one recess that is configured to cooperate with a respective recess or protrusion of an adjacent part of the charging stand.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the base module comprises a weight for stabilizing the charging stand. An additional weight allows achieving a stable charging stand with a slim structure.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the charging stand kit comprises detection means for detecting when the number of charging modules electrically connected to the first leg exceeds a predetermined number. This allows informing a user of the charging stand that the charging stand comprises too many charging modules, which can lead to too low charging current and / or to excessive mechanical load. The user could be informed, for instance, by means of an indicator light or a sound signal.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the charging stand kit comprises means for disconnecting supply of electrical current to the charging modules of the charging stand when said predetermined number of charging modules is exceeded. By disconnecting the supply of electrical current, it is ensured that the charging stand is not used in a configuration comprising too many charging modules.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the detection means comprise a voltage comparison circuit arranged in the first leg and configured to compare voltage in a voltage comparison point to a reference value and to disconnect supply of electrical current to the charging modules of the charging stand when the voltage in the voltage comparison point is below said reference value, the charging module comprising a conductor configured to be connected on the first side of the charging module to the voltage comparison point of the voltage comparison circuit and on the second side of the charging module to a similar conductor of an optional adjacent charging module of the charging stand, the charging module further comprising a resistor, via which said conductor of the charging module is connected to the ground. The voltage comparison circuit and the resistors of the charging modules provide a simple way of detecting when the charging stand comprises too many charging modules.

[0029] The charging stand according to the invention comprises the charging module, first leg, and second leg of the charging stand kit according to the invention assembled to form the charging stand.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the charging stand comprises at least one additional charging module.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the charging stand further comprises one or more base modules defined above such that the number of base modules is equal to the number of charging modules.

[0032] Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Embodiments of the invention are described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a charging stand kit according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a charging module of a charging stand,

[0036] Fig. 3 shows another view of the charging module of figure 2,

[0037] Fig. 4 shows parts of a first leg of a charging stand,

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a second leg of a charging stand,

[0039] Fig. 6 shows a partially cut view of a part of a charging stand,

[0040] Fig. 7 shows parts of the charging module of figure 2,

[0041] Fig. 8 shows a charging stand with a single charging module,

[0042] Fig. 9 shows parts of a charging stand with two charging modules prior to assembly of the charging stand,

[0043] Fig. 10 shows a charging stand with two charging modules, Fig. 11 shows the charging stand of figure 10 with two pipettes in charging positions,

[0044] Fig. 12 shows a charging stand with four charging modules,

[0045] Fig. 13 shows part of an electrical pipette,

[0046] Fig. 14 show a base module of a charging stand,

[0047] Fig. 15 shows another view of the base module of figure 14,

[0048] Fig. 16 shows parts of a charging stand kit, and

[0049] Fig. 17 shows schematically an arrangement for cutting the supply of charging current to the charging modules in case too many charging modules are mounted to a charging stand.

[0050] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0051] Figure 1 shows parts of a charging stand kit according to an embodiment of the invention. Different charging stand configurations and details of the parts of the charging stand kit are shown in the other figures.

[0052] The charging stand kit according to the invention can be used for assembling a charging stand 1 for one or more electrical pipettes 10. Figure 11 shows two electrical pipettes 10 in a charging stand 1 and figure 13 shows a partial side view of the pipettes of figure 10. The expression “electrical pipette” refers here to a pipette comprising a chargeable battery and electrical components powered by the battery. In the examples of the figures, the electrical pipette 10 is provided with a motor that is configured to operate a piston for aspirating and dispensing liquid. However, the electrical pipette 10 could also have a manually operable piston for aspirating and dispensing liquid, and the battery could power only a display or other electrical components of the pipette.

[0053] The charging stand kit of figure 1 is configured for assembling a charging stand 1 for one electrical pipette 10, but the charging stand kit can be supplemented by additional parts to assemble a charging stand 1 for two or more pipettes. The charging stand kit can be delivered to the end user in a non-assembled state such that the end user can assemble the charging stand 1 , or the charging stand kit can be delivered to the end user as an assembled charging stand 1. Preferably, the parts of the charging stand kit are configured to be used at least for charging stands for 1 to 4 pipettes. However, the parts could be configured to allow an assembly of a charging stand 1 for more than four pipettes 10, for instance for five or six pipettes 10.

[0054] The charging stand kit comprises a charging module 2. The charging module 2 is configured to hold an electrical pipette 10 to be charged. The charging module 2 has a first side and a second side. In figure 1 , the first side is on the right and the second side is on the left. The charging module 2 comprises a first set of electrical contacts 7 arranged on the first side of the charging module

[0055] 2. The first set of electrical contacts 7 is configured to allow the charging module 2 to be electrically connected to an adjacent part 2, 3 of the charging stand

[0056] 1 on the first side of the charging module 2. The charging module 2 further comprises a second set of electrical contacts 8 arranged on the second side of the charging module 2. The second set of electrical contacts 8 is configured to allow the charging module 2 to be electrically connected to an adjacent part

[0057] 2 of the charging stand 1 on the second side of the charging module 2.

[0058] The charging stand kit comprises a first leg 3 having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the first leg 3 is configured to be attached to the first side of the charging module 2. The first leg 3 comprises a set of electrical contacts 9 configured to contact the first set of electrical contacts 7 of the charging module 2 in a mounted charging stand 1 .

[0059] The charging stand kit further comprises a second leg 4 having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the second leg 4 is configured to be attached to the second side of the charging module 2.

[0060] In the embodiments of the figures, the charging stand kit further comprises a base module 5, which has a first side and a second side. The lower end of the first leg 3 is configured to be attached to the first side of the base module 5. The lower end of the second leg 4 is configured to be attached to the second side of the base module 5. The base module 5 increases the rigidity and stability of the charging stand 1. However, a modular charging stand 1 could be provided even without the base module 5.

[0061] A charging stand 1 for one electrical pipette 10 comprises the first leg 3, the second leg 4, and one charging module 2 arranged between the upper ends of the first leg 3 and the second leg 4. Charging current is conducted to the charging module 2 via the first leg 3. The second leg 4 does not need to be provided with any electrical components.

[0062] In the embodiments of the figures, a charging stand 1 for one electrical pipette 10 further comprises one base module 5 arranged between the lower ends of the first leg 3 and the second leg 4. The base module 5 does not need to be provided with any electrical components.

[0063] The charging module 2 and the optional base module 5 are configured to be releasably attached to the first leg 3 and the second leg 4. The charging stand 1 can be easily disassembled to change the configuration of the charging stand 1 to accommodate more pipettes 10.

[0064] The upper end of the first leg 3 is provided with attachment means 17 for attaching the charging module 2 to the upper end of the first leg 3. The first side of the charging module 2 is provided with first attachment means 18 configured to cooperate with the attachment means 17 of the upper end of the first leg 3 for attaching the charging module 2 to the upper end of the first leg 3.

[0065] The upper end of the second leg 4 is provided with attachment means 20 for attaching the charging module 2 to the upper end of the second leg 4. The second side of the charging module 2 is provided with second attachment means 19 configured to cooperate with the attachment means 20 of the upper end of the second leg 4 for attaching the charging module 2 to the upper end of the second leg 4.

[0066] The first attachment means 18 of the charging module 2 are similar to the attachment means 20 of the upper end of the second leg 4. The second attachment means 19 of the charging module 2 are similar to the attachment means 17 of the upper end of the first leg 3. The first attachment means 18 of the charging module 2 can thus cooperate with the second attachment means 19 of another charging module 2 and the second attachment means 19 of the charging module 2 can cooperate with the first attachment means 18 of another charging module 2. The first side of the charging module 2 can thus be attached either to the first leg 3 or to a second side of a similar charging module 2. Similarly, the second side of the charging module 2 can be attached either to the second leg 4 or to a first side of a similar charging module 2. The lower end of the first leg 3 is provided with attachment means 21 for attaching the base module 5 to the lower end of the first leg 3. The first side of the base module 5 is provided with first attachment means 22 configured to cooperate with the attachment means 21 of the lower end of the first leg 3 for attaching the base module 5 to the lower end of the first leg 3.

[0067] The lower end of the second leg 4 is provided with attachment means 24 for attaching the base module 5 to the lower end of the second leg 4. The second end of the base module 5 is provided with second attachment means 23 configured to cooperate with the attachment means 24 of the lower end of the second leg 4 for attaching the base module 5 to the lower end of the second leg 4.

[0068] The first attachment means 22 of the base module 5 are similar to the attachment means 24 of the lower end of the second leg 4. The second attachment means 23 of the base module 5 are similar to the attachment means 21 of the lower end of the first leg 3. The first attachment means 22 of the base module 5 can thus cooperate with the second attachment means 23 of another base module 5 and the second attachment means 23 of the base module 5 can cooperate with the first attachment means 22 of another base module 5. The first side of the base module 5 can thus be attached either to the first leg 3 or to a second side of a similar base module 5. Similarly, the second side of the base module 5 can be attached either to the second leg 4 or to a first side of a similar base module 5.

[0069] In the embodiments of the figures, the attachment means 17 at the upper end of the first leg 3 comprise a protrusion 17A. The first attachment means 18 of the charging module 2 comprise a recess 18A configured to receive the protrusion 17A of the first leg 3. In the embodiments of the figures, the attachment means 17, 18 further comprise a screw 29 for securing the attachment of the first leg 3 and the charging module 2. The attachment means 20 at the upper end of the second leg 4 comprise a similar recess 20A as the first attachment means 18 of the charging module 2. The second attachment means 19 of the charging module 2 comprise a similar protrusion 19A as the upper end of the first leg 3. The recess 20A of the second leg 4 can thus receive the protrusion 19A of the charging module 2. In the embodiments of the figures, the attachment means 19, 20 further comprise a screw 30 for securing the attachment of the second leg 4 and the charging module 2. At the lower end of the first leg 3, the attachment means 21 comprise a protrusion 21A. The first attachment means 22 of the base module 5 comprise a recess 22A configured to receive the protrusion 21 A of the first leg 3. In the embodiments of the figures, the attachment means 21 , 22 further comprise a screw 31 for securing the attachment of the first leg 3 and the base module 5. The attachment means 24 at the lower end of the second leg 4 comprise a similar recess 24A as the first attachment means 22 of the base module 5. The second attachment means 23 of the base module 5 comprise a similar protrusion 23A as the lower end of the first leg 3. The recess 24A at the lower end of the second leg 4 can thus receive the protrusion 23A of the base module 5. In the embodiment of the figures, the attachment means 22, 23 further comprise a screw 32 for securing the attachment of the second leg 4 and the base module 5.

[0070] The length of the protrusion 17A of the attachment means 17 at the upper end of the first leg 3 and the protrusion 19A of the second attachment means 19 of the charging module 2 is preferably at least 10 mm. This ensures that the charging modules 2 are firmly attached to adjacent parts 2, 3, 4 of the charging stand 1 .

[0071] Instead of arranging protrusions 17A, 21 A in the first leg 3 and recesses 20A, 24A in the second leg 4, the first leg 3 could be provided with a recess at least at one end of the first leg 3 and the second leg 4 could be provided with a protrusion at least at one end of the second leg 4. The protrusions and recesses of the charging module 2 and the base module 5 should be adapted accordingly.

[0072] In the embodiments of the figures, the upper end of the first leg 3 is provided with a cut-out 33, which extends over part of an area that is configured to face the first side of the charging module 2. The first side of the charging module 2 is provided with a collar 34 that is configured to be engaged with the cut-out 33 of the first leg 3. The second side of the charging module 2 is provided with a similar cut-out 35 as the upper end of the first leg 3. The upper end of the second leg 4 is provided with a similar collar 36 as the first side of the charging module 2. The collar 36 of the second leg 4 is configured to be engaged with the cut-out 35 of the second side of the charging module 2. The cut-outs 33, 35 and the collars 34, 36 prevent twisting of the charging modules 2 relative to the legs 3, 4 and each other about an axis that is parallel to a width direction of the charging stand. The cut-outs 33, 35 and the collars 34, 36 also carry load in the vertical direction.

[0073] The lower end of the first leg 3 is provided with a cut-out 37, which extends over part of an area that is configured to face the first side of the base module 5. The first side of the base module 5 is provided with a collar 38 that is configured to be engaged with the cut-out 37 at the lower end of the first leg 3. The second side of the base module 5 is provided with a similar cut-out 39 as the lower end of the first leg 3. The lower end of the second leg 4 is provided with a similar collar 40 as the first side of the base module 5. The collar 40 at the lower end of the second leg 4 is configured to be engaged with the cut-out 39 of the second side of the base module 5. The cut-outs 37, 39 and the collars 38, 40 prevent twisting of the base modules 5 relative to the legs 3, 4 and each other about an axis that is parallel to the width direction of the charging stand 1.

[0074] The attachment means of the first leg 3, the second leg 4, the charging module 2 and the base module 5 could be implemented in many other ways, for instance using suitable snap-fit connectors.

[0075] In the embodiments of the figures, the base modules 5 are configured to form part of a support surface of the charging stand 1 . Also the first leg 3 and the second leg 4 form part of the support surface. The charging stand 1 is thus configured to be supported against a laboratory desk or other surface by the first and second legs 3, 4 and the base modules 5. This makes the charging stand 1 stable. However, the charging stand kit could also be configured such that in an assembled charging stand 1 the base modules 5 do not form part of the support surface. The base modules 5 could thus form a support bar that is raised from the surface on which the charging stand 1 is placed.

[0076] In the embodiments of the figures, each of the first leg 3 and the second leg 4 has a base portion 3A, 4A and an upright portion 3B, 4B. The base portion 3A, 4A forms part of the support surface of the charging stand 1 . In the mounted state of the charging stand 1 , the base portion 3A, 4A extends in a depth direction of the charging stand 1. The upright portion 3B, 4B extends upwards from a first end of the base portion 3A, 4A. The base module 5 is configured to be attached to the second end of the base portion 3A, 4A of the first leg 3 and the second leg 4. The charging modules 2 are attached to the upright portions 3A, 4A and are thus located closer to the first ends than the second ends of the base portions 3A, 4A of the first and second legs 3, 4. As the base modules 5 are attached to the second ends of the base portions 3A, 4A, they effectively stabilize the charging stand 1 .

[0077] The base module 5 has substantially the same width as the charging module 2. When a further charging module 2 and a further base module 5 are added between the first leg 3 and the second leg 4, the distance between the upper ends of the legs 3, 4 thus increases the same amount as the distance between the lower ends of the legs 3, 4. The number of charging modules 2 arranged between the first leg 3 and the second leg 4 is thus mechanically limited only by the strength of the parts, and in principle a charging stand 1 can be provided with any number of charging modules 2.

[0078] In the embodiments of the figures, the first leg 3 and the charging module 2 are configured such that attaching of the charging module 2 to the first leg 3 brings the first set of electrical contacts 7 of the charging module 2 into contact with the set of electrical contacts 9 of the first leg 3. Similarly, when two charging modules 2 are attached to each other, the electrical contacts 7 on the first side of one of the charging modules 2 are brought into contact with the electrical contacts 8 on the second side of the other charging module 2.

[0079] In the embodiments of the figures, the electrical contacts 9 of the first leg 3, and the second set of electrical contacts 8 of the charging module 2 are spring- loaded. This ensures reliable contact of the electrical contacts. Instead of making both the electrical contacts 9 of the first leg 3 and the second set of electrical contacts 8 of the charging module 2 spring-loaded, the first set of electrical contacts of the charging module 2 could be made spring-loaded. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 9 of the first leg 3, the first set of electrical contacts 7 of the charging module 2, and the second set of electrical contacts 8 of the charging module 2 could be spring-loaded.

[0080] In the embodiments of the figures, the first and second sets of the electrical contacts 7, 8 of the charging module 2 and the set of electrical contacts 9 of the first leg 3 are configured to be concealed in a mounted state of the charging stand 1 . The electrical contacts are thus protected from dust and moisture. In the embodiments of the figures, the charging module 2 comprises a third set of electrical contacts 11 configured to contact electrical contacts 27 of a pipette 10 for connecting the pipette 10 to be charged to a charging circuit of the charging stand 1. As shown in figure 13, the pipette 10 is provided with charging pins 27 on the sides of the pipette 10. The charging pins 27 form electrical contacts for charging the pipette 10.

[0081] The charging module 2 is provided with a charging slot 25 that is configured to support the electrical pipette 10. The electrical contacts of the third set of electrical contacts 11 are arranged on two opposite sides of the charging slot 25. When a pipette 10 is lowered into the charging slot 25, charging pins 27 of the electrical pipette 10 are brought into contact with the third set of electrical contacts 11 . It is not necessary to have external electrical contacts in the charging module 2 and the pipette 10, but the charging module 2 and the pipette 10 could also be configured for inductive charging.

[0082] The base module 5 can comprise a weight for stabilizing the charging stand 1 . The weight can be arranged inside the base module 5 and can be made of a material having a greater density than the rest of the base module 5. The weight can be made of a suitable metal or alloy. The weight allows making the charging stand 1 stable even with a slim structure.

[0083] In the embodiment of figure 17, the charging stand kit comprises detection means 12 for detecting when the number of charging modules 2 electrically connected to the first leg 3 exceeds a predetermined number. Although the parts of the charging stand kit are configured to allow any number of the charging modules 2 and the base modules 5 to be mounted between the first leg 3 and the second leg 4, there may be a need to limit the number of charging modules 2 in one charging stand 1. If too many charging modules 2 are mounted into one charging stand 1 , a charger connected to the charging stand 1 or integrated into the charging stand 1 may not be able to supply sufficient charging current to the charging modules 2. Also, the charging stand 1 may not be able to carry the weight of the pipettes 10. The maximum allowed number of charging modules 2 in the charging stand 1 could be, for instance, four or five.

[0084] The charging stand 1 may be configured to indicate when the maximum allowed number of charging modules 2 has been exceeded. In the embodiment of figure 17, the charging stand 1 comprises means 14 for disconnecting supply of electrical current to the charging modules 2 of the charging stand 1 when the predetermined number of charging modules 2 is exceeded. This ensures that the charging stand 1 is not used with too many charging modules 2.

[0085] In the embodiment of figure 17, the detection means 12 comprise a voltage comparison circuit arranged in the first leg 3. The voltage comparison circuit is configured to compare voltage in a voltage comparison point 26 to a reference value Vref and to disconnect the supply of electrical current to the charging modules 2 of the charging stand 1 when the voltage in the voltage comparison point 26 is below the reference value.

[0086] Each charging module 2 comprises a conductor 16. On the first side of the charging module 2, the conductor 16 is connected to the voltage comparison point 26 of the voltage comparison circuit and on the second side of the charging module 2 to a similar conductor 16 of the adjacent charging module 2. Each charging module 2 further comprises a resistor 13, via which the conductor 16 of the charging module 2 is connected to the ground. The resistors 13 of the charging modules 2 are thus connected in parallel. The more charging modules 2 there are in the charging stand 1 , the lower is the resistance between the voltage comparison point 26 and the ground. If the resistance of each resistor 13 is R, the resistance over the resistors 13 connected in parallel is R / n, where n is the number of the resistors 13.

[0087] The voltage comparison circuit of the first leg 3 is provided with a voltage dividing resistor 15. The voltage comparison point 26 is on one side of the voltage dividing resistor 15 and a known voltage can be connected to the other side of the voltage dividing resistor 15. A comparator 28 compares the voltage in the voltage comparison point 26 to the reference value Vref. The reference value is selected so that when the maximum allowed number of charging modules 2 are mounted into the charging stand 1 , the voltage in the voltage comparison point 26 is above the reference value, and when the maximum allowed number of charging modules 2 in the charging stand 1 is exceeded, the voltage drops below the reference value. If the voltage drops below the reference value, the comparator 28 opens a switch 14, which disconnects the supply of charging current Icharge to the charging modules 2. In the example of figure 17, a voltage of 5 V is configured to be connected to the other side of the voltage dividing resistor 15. When the voltage of 5 V is connected to the other side of the voltage dividing resistor 15, the voltage in the voltage comparison point 26 is 5 V * (R / n I (R1 +R / n)). If the resistance R1 of the voltage dividing resistor 15 is equal to the resistance R of the resistor 13 of the charging module 2, the voltage in the voltage comparison point 26 is 2.5 V when the charging stand 1 is provided with one charging module 2. With two charging modules 2, the voltage is 1.67 V, with three charging modules 2 the voltage is 1 .25 V, and with four charging modules the voltage is 1 V. When the number of charging modules 2 is five, the voltage in the voltage comparison point 26 is 0.83 V. If the maximum allowed number of charging modules 2 is four, the reference value Vref for the voltage comparison should be less than 1 V. When five or more charging modules 2 are arranged in the charging stand 1 , the voltage in the voltage comparison point 26 drops below the reference value Vref, and the switch 14 is opened. Consequently, no charging current can flow to the charging modules 2.

Claims

Claims:1 . A charging stand kit for assembling a charging stand (1 ) for one or more electrical pipettes (10), the charging stand kit comprising- a charging module (2) having a first side and a second side, the charging module (2) being configured to hold an electrical pipette (10) to be charged, the charging module (2) comprising a first set of electrical contacts (7) arranged on the first side of the charging module (2) for connecting the charging module (2) electrically to an adjacent part (2, 3) of the charging stand (1 ) on the first side of the charging module (2), and a second set of electrical contacts (8) arranged on the second side of the charging module (2) for connecting the charging module (2) electrically to an adjacent part (2) of the charging stand (1 ) on the second side of the charging module (2),- a first leg (3) having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the first leg (3) being configured to be attached to the first side of the charging module (2) and comprising a set of electrical contacts (9) configured to contact the first set of electrical contacts (7) of the charging module (2) in a mounted state of the charging module (2), and- a second leg (4) having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the second leg (4) being configured to be attached to the second side of the charging module (2).

2. A charging stand kit according to claim 1 , wherein the first leg (3) and the charging module (2) are configured such that attaching of the charging module (2) to the first leg (3) brings the first set of electrical contacts (7) of the charging module (2) into contact with the set of electrical contacts (9) of the first leg (3).

3. A charging stand kit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical contacts (9) of the first leg (3), the first set of electrical contacts (7) of the charging module (2) and / or the second set of electrical contacts (8) of the charging module (2) are spring-loaded.

4. A charging stand kit according to any of claims 1 -3, wherein the charging stand kit comprises two or more charging modules (2).

5. A charging stand kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging module (2) comprises a third set of electrical contacts (11 ) configured to contact electrical contacts (27) of a pipette (10) for connecting the pipette (10) to be charged to a charging circuit of the charging stand (1 ).

6. A charging stand kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second sets of the electrical contacts (7, 8) of the charging module (2) and the set of electrical contacts (9) of the first leg (3) are configured to be concealed in a mounted state of the charging stand (1 ).

7. A charging stand kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper ends of the first leg (3) and the second leg (4) are provided with attachment means (17, 20) for attaching the charging module (2) to the first leg (3) and the second leg (4), the first side of the charging module (2) is provided with first attachment means (18) and the second side of the charging module (2) is provided with second attachment means (19), the attachment means (18, 19) of the charging module (2) being configured such that each side of the charging module (2) can be selectively attached to either a leg (3, 4) of the charging stand (1 ) or to an additional, similar charging module (2).

8. A charging stand kit according to claim 7, wherein each of the attachment means (17, 20) of the first and second leg (3, 4) and of the attachment means (18, 19) of the charging module (2) comprise at least one protrusion (17A, 19A) or at least one recess (18A, 20A) that is configured to cooperate with a respective recess (18A, 20A) or protrusion (17A, 19A) of an adjacent part of the charging stand (1 ).

9. A charging stand kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging stand kit comprises a base module (5) having a first side and a second side, and the lower end of the first leg (3) is configured to be attached to the first side of the base module (5) and the lower end of the second leg (4) is configured to be attached to the second side of the base module (5).

10. A charging stand kit according to claim 9, wherein the lower ends of the first leg (3) and the second leg (4) are provided with attachment means(21 , 24) for attaching the base module (5) to the first leg (3) and the second leg (4), the first side of the base module (5) is provided with first attachment means (22) and the second side of the base module (5) is provided with second attachment means (23), the attachment means (22, 23) of the base module (5) being configured such that each side of the base module (5) can be selectively attached to either a leg (3, 4) of the charging stand (1 ) or to an additional, similar base module (5).

11. A charging stand kit according to claim 10, wherein each of the attachment means (21 , 24) at the lower ends of the first and second leg (3, 4) and each of the attachment means (22, 23) of the base module (5) comprise at least one protrusion (21 A, 23A) or at least one recess (22A, 24A) that is configured to cooperate with a respective recess (22A, 24A) or protrusion (21 A, 23A) of an adjacent part of the charging stand (1 ).

12. A charging stand kit according to any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the base module (5) comprises a weight for stabilizing the charging stand (1 ).

13. A charging stand kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging stand kit comprises detection means (12) for detecting when the number of charging modules (2) electrically connected to the first leg (3) exceeds a predetermined number.

14. A charging stand kit according to claim 13, wherein the charging stand kit comprises means (14) for disconnecting supply of electrical current to the charging modules (2) of the charging stand (1 ) when said predetermined number of charging modules (2) is exceeded.

15. A charging stand kit according claim 13 or 14, wherein the detection means (12) comprise a voltage comparison circuit arranged in the first leg (3) and configured to compare voltage in a voltage comparison point (26) to a reference value and to disconnect supply of electrical current to the charging modules (2) of the charging stand (1 ) when the voltage in the voltage comparison point (26) is below said reference value, the charging module (2) comprising a conductor (16) configured to be connected on the first side of the charging module (2) to the voltage comparison point (26) of the voltage comparison circuit and on the second side of the charging module (2) to a similar conductor (16) of an optionaladjacent charging module (2) of the charging stand (1), the charging module (2) further comprising a resistor (13), via which said conductor (16) of the charging module (2) is connected to the ground.

16. A charging stand (1) for electrical pipettes (10), wherein the charging stand (1) comprises the charging module (2), first leg (3) and second leg(4) of the charging stand kit according to any of the preceding claims assembled to form the charging stand (1 ).

17. A charging stand (1) according to claim 16, wherein the charging stand (1 ) comprises at least one additional charging module (2).

18. A charging stand (1 ) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the charging stand (1 ) further comprises one or more base modules (5) according to any of claims 9 to 12 such that the number of base modules (5) is equal to the number of charging modules (2).

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