MULTICHANNEL PIPING SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to 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) accommodating 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);- an actuating lever (4) configured to drive said pipetting head (1) in vertical translation between said raised position and said engaged position in response to a force applied on said actuating lever (4), said actuating lever (4) being rotationally movable 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) onto said tips (11) generated by said rotation of said actuating lever (4) between said rest position and said pivoted position.;

Description

Title of the invention: MULTICHANNEL PIPING SYSTEM Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of multichannel pipetting systems, such as multichannel sampling pipettes, also called pipetting systems, laboratory pipetting systems, or laboratory pipettes, or even liquid transfer pipettes, intended for the calibrated sampling and introduction of liquid into containers.

[0002] The invention is preferably applicable 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.

[0003] The invention applies to air displacement or positive displacement pipetting systems. Prior art

[0004] For many years, the design of pipetting systems, whether motorized, semi-motorized, or even manual, has been the subject of numerous improvements.

[0005] From the prior art, pipetting systems are known to include a pipetting head, a base comprising one or more trays intended to be positioned 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.

[0006] Conventionally, the pipetting head comprises a plurality of pipetting channels arranged in a rectangular matrix of rows and columns. Each of these pipetting channels is conventionally equipped with a tip designed to cooperate with a pipetting cone, which may be disposable, by inserting it to receive or dispense liquid.

[0007] In order to fit each of these pipetting cones onto its respective tip, a user uses, in a conventional manner, actuation means which can be manual or motorized, so as to translate the pipetting head along a vertical axis and to direct the tips towards the pipetting cones.

[0008] However, a drawback of existing pipetting systems, and mainly manual or servo 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.

[0009] However, this fitting operation proves to be relatively important for the good operation of the pipetting system so as to ensure the proper holding and sealing of the pipetting cones while avoiding pushing these pipetting cones in 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.

[0010] There is therefore a need to improve the existing system, and in particular to implement a reliable pipetting system, which allows control of the force required to fit the pipetting cones onto the tips of the pipetting head. Description of the invention

[0011] The invention aims to remedy at least in part the disadvantages mentioned above relating to prior art techniques.

[0012] 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 containing a plurality of pipetting channels arranged on a rectangular matrix of rows and columns, each of said pipetting channels being fitted 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 platform intended to be positioned opposite said pipetting head and configured to accommodate said support equipped with pipetting cones; - a tower extending from said base and comprising a linear guide rail along which the pipetting head can be moved manually along a vertical axis V relative to said base within said at least a predefined range of movement; - an actuating lever mounted movable in rotation about a horizontal axis H orthogonal to said vertical axis V with respect 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 on said actuating lever, said actuating lever being movable in rotation 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.

[0013] According to the invention, said pipetting system further includes means for controlling an axial insertion 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.

[0014] Thus, the invention proposes a new and inventive approach that makes it possible to resolve at least in part some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] In particular, the implementation of means for controlling an axial insertion force makes it possible to improve the reliability of the pipetting system by controlling the insertion force of the pipetting cones onto the tips of the pipetting head.

[0016] Indeed, such means of controlling a fitting force makes it possible to ensure that a user properly performs the operation of fitting the pipetting cones onto the tips connected to the pipetting head, ensuring that the fitting is sufficiently carried out, but not excessively, so that these cones remain in contact with the tips but do not damage the pipetting system.

[0017] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the means for controlling an axial insertion force along said vertical axis V of said pipetting cones onto said tips comprise a force sensor and a stop adapted to bear at least partially on said force sensor in response to at least a partial rotation of said actuating lever from said rest position to said pivoted position. This makes it possible to implement a pipetting system that is both mechanically simple and reliable.

[0018] 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 mobile in rotation about said horizontal axis H and pivoting about said horizontal axis H in response to a force applied on 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 into axial support against said stop and exerts a thrust force on said stop towards said force sensor.

[0019] 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.

[0020] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises retraction means for moving said rod away from said pipetting head, when said pipetting head is positioned outside of said predefined range of movement.

[0021] This prevents the retraction means from pushing the rod backward if the pipetting head is not positioned within the predefined range of motion, thus preventing it from striking and damaging the pipetting head. Only when the pipetting head is correctly positioned within the predefined range of motion can the rod come into axial contact with the stop.

[0022] 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 of said predefined range of movement.

[0023] In other words, the retraction spring exerts a force against a rotation pin which formalizes the axis of rotation, and therefore prevents the rotation of the rod around said horizontal axis H when the pipetting head is positioned outside the predefined range of movement.

[0024] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the pipetting system further comprises monitoring means, provided on said pipetting head and intended to be positioned opposite said tray.

[0025] Such monitoring means may, for example, include a CCD or CMOS camera allowing control of the number of lines of pipette tips fitted, control of whether the consumable (which may be the pipetting tip holder, the pipetting tips, a reservoir, a microtiter plate) is present or absent from the platform, control of the position of the platform in the case of a multi-position platform, control of actions performed (picking up pipetting tips, presence of liquid in consumables), or even control of the type of platform installed in the case of a pipetting system with several removable or rotating platforms.

[0026] 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.

[0027] This makes it possible to provide sufficient elasticity to allow deformation of the stop when the rod exerts an axial force.

[0028] 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 distribute liquid into said liquid sampling or receiving containers arranged on said tray, and to eject used pipetting cones.

[0029] This ejection of the pipetting cones can be achieved by moving a plate.

[0030] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the The pipetting system further includes means for recognizing a pipetting cone support.

[0031] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the recognition means comprise a color sensor provided on the tower, opposite the platform.

[0032] 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 completed; - information on the presence of a support on said platform; - information relating to a value representative of an effort of the handle; - information on the date or time of the completion of a fitting and / or pipetting; - a scheduled maintenance date; - identification information for consumables present on the tray; - identification information for the pipetting system.

[0033] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, said tracking means comprise a microcontroller and display means.

[0034] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment, the pipetting system is a semi-motorized pipetting system.

[0035] 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.

[0036] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment, the step of controlling a fitting force includes a step of emitting a signal when the fitting force reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Such a signal can be useful to warn a user that he can release the lever.

[0039] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment, the step of controlling a fitting force may also include a step of emitting a signal when the actuating lever is released while the fitting force has not reached a predetermined threshold.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Such a signal can be useful to prevent a user from releasing the lever too soon.

[0042] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment, the control step The insertion effort may also include a step of sending information to the microcontroller so as to only allow a pipetting operation if a predetermined insertion effort threshold has been reached. Presentation of the figures

[0043] The invention, and its various advantages, will be more easily understood in the light of the following description of an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment thereof, and the accompanying drawings, among which: [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a pipetting system according to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation lever being in the rest position; [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the pipetting system of [Fig.1], with the actuation lever in the pivoted position; [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the pipetting system of [Fig.1], without the pipetting head housing; [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the pipetting system of [Fig.2], without the pipetting head housing; [Fig.5] is a perspective view of part of the pipetting system of [Fig.2]; [Fig.6] is a side view of [Fig.5]; [Fig.7a] is a perspective cross-sectional view of the pipetting system according to the embodiment of [Fig.1], with the actuation lever in the rest position; [Fig.7b] is a rear perspective view of the pipetting system according to the embodiment of [Fig.7a]; [Fig.7c] is a detailed view of part of [Fig.7b]; [Fig.8a] is a perspective cross-sectional view of the pipetting system according to the embodiment of [Fig.1], with the actuation lever in the pivoted position; [Fig.8b] is a rear perspective view of the pipetting system according to the embodiment of [Fig.8a], and [Fig.8c] is a detailed view of part of [Fig.8b].

[0044] Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0045] The general principle of the invention is based on the implementation of control means

[0046]

[0047]

[0048]

[0049]

[0050] The system uses a vertical axial force to grip the pipetting cones onto the tips, ensuring a tight seal between the cones and the tips. It also prevents damage to the tips due to improper handling by the user (e.g., excessive force). Therefore, implementing axial force control measures allows for a reliable pipetting system that manages the force required to grip the pipetting cones onto the pipetting head tips. This ensures sufficient, but not excessive, grip, so that the pipetting cones remain in contact with the tips without damaging the pipetting system. We now present, in relation to figures 1 to 8C, an embodiment of the invention taken by way of illustration, but not limitation. As illustrated, the pipetting system, which here is a semi-motorized pipetting system, includes: - a support 20 equipped 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 platform 9 intended to be positioned opposite the pipetting head 1 and configured to accommodate the support 20 equipped 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 moved manually along a vertical axis V relative to said base 2; - an actuation lever 4 mounted movable in rotation about a horizontal axis H orthogonal to the vertical axis V with respect to the base 2. The pipetting head 1 comprises, as 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 receive or distribute liquid subsequently into containers provided for this purpose. As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the pipetting head also includes a housing 10 so as to protect the various components of this pipetting head from the external environment and therefore from premature wear or breakage. The pipetting system also includes a pipetting motor 100 located at the pipetting head to receive or dispense liquid into the sampling or receiving containers arranged on the tray 9. More specifically, to receive or dispense liquid into the sampling or receiving containers arranged on the tray 9, the motor drives pistons 110 which slide into pipetting channels fitted with tips.

[0051] According to the invention, the pipetting head 1 is mobile within 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] This predefined range of movement is, in this embodiment, materialized by a window 16 formed in the housing 10, more precisely at the rear of the housing.

[0054] Within the predefined range of motion, 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 on the actuating lever 4, for example by means of a user.

[0055] More particularly, the actuating lever 4 is rotationally mobile 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, as defined above.

[0056] 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 a predefined range of movement.

[0057] 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 overlapping ranges of movement.

[0058] According to the invention, the pipetting system further includes means for controlling an axial insertion 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.

[0059] More particularly, in this embodiment, the means for controlling an axial insertion 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 into contact with the force sensor 5 in response to at least a partial rotation of the actuating lever 4 from the rest position to the pivoted position.

[0060] In other words, as the actuating lever pivots from the rest position to the pivoted position, the stop 6 will press more firmly on the force sensor, thus allowing the force to be controlled. axial fitting along the vertical axis V of the pipetting cones 12 onto the tips 11.

[0061] More particularly, in this embodiment, and as illustrated in the various figures, the tower 3 includes a rod 40 for resuming movement of the actuating lever 4, such 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 into axial support against the stop 6 and exerts a pushing force on the stop 6 towards the force sensor 5. To do this, the rod 40 is free to rotate about the horizontal axis H and pivots about the horizontal axis H in response to a force applied on the actuating lever 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, and as more particularly visible in [Fig.6], an end 400 of the rod 40 is able to bear axially against a portion 60 of said stop extending outward at the level of an end of the stop 6.

[0063] This rod 40 is here connected to the actuating lever 4 by means of drive means 41, 42. such 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 into axial support against the stop 6 and exerts a pushing force on the stop 6 towards the force sensor 5.

[0064] As can be seen more particularly in [Fig.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.

[0065] For example, this predetermined value can be between 440N and 650N.

[0066] In order to allow deformation of the stop when supported by the rod 40, the stop 6 of this embodiment is at least partially made from deformable plastic or deformable metal.

[0067] When the pipetting head is not positioned within the predefined range of movement, it may be necessary, according to one embodiment, to hold the actuation lever back to prevent it from hitting, for example, the pipetting head and damaging it.

[0068] Consequently, and as can be seen in particular in Figures 7a to 8c, the pipetting system further includes retraction means for moving the rod 40 away when the pipetting head 1 is positioned outside the predefined range of motion. For example, the pipetting head may be positioned outside the predefined range of motion when the pipetting system is being installed, cleaned, or maintained. It may also be positioned outside the range of movement when the pipetting system is stopped or in standby mode, these locking means then making it possible to avoid an incorrect manipulation by a person passing by the pipetting system and accidentally pressing the actuation lever.

[0069] This position outside the range of movement can also be used to extract the pipetting cones from the holder, or to leave sufficient distance to install another consumable on the tray.

[0070] Thus, it is only when the pipetting head is correctly positioned within the predefined range of movement that the rod will be able to come into axial contact against said stop during the rotation of the actuation lever from the raised position to the pivoted position.

[0071] As illustrated in Figures 7a to 8c, the locking means of this embodiment include 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.

[0072] This retraction spring is provided 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.

[0073] In this way, when the pipetting head is not positioned within the predefined range of movement, the rod is moved away and cannot rub against the housing 10 if the actuation lever is lowered, which would result in damage to the housing and the pipetting head.

[0074] When the pipetting head is properly positioned within the predefined range of movement, the window 16 in the housing 10 is opposite this rod 40 so that the stop 6 is accessible to this rod 40, this rod 40 can then exert a pushing force on the stop 6 towards the force sensor 5.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Protocol can include, in particular, 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.

[0077] Therefore, according to one embodiment, the pipetting system may include monitoring means capable of delivering information belonging to the group comprising: - a number of pipetting tips not yet used; - information relating to a protocol step to be carried out, in progress, or completed; - information on the presence of a support on said platform; - information relating to a value representative of an effort of the handle; - information on the date or time of the completion of a fitting and / or pipetting; - a scheduled maintenance date; - identification information for consumables present on the tray; - identification information for the pipetting system.

[0078] To facilitate this exploitation of the tracking, in particular by a user, the pipetting system may include tracking means comprising a microcontroller and display means.

[0079] 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.

[0080] With this display, it is also possible to prevent a step of the protocol from being possible if the predefined cone insertion value is not reached. Such a prevention can, for example, be achieved by blocking the movement of the pipetting motor.

[0081] These monitoring means can also be used to ensure the proper execution of the pipetting protocol.

[0082] Thus, these monitoring methods can enable action to be taken.

[0083] The system can also be equipped with monitoring means, provided on the pipetting head 1 and intended to be positioned opposite the platform 9.

[0084] It should be noted that, according to an alternative, these means of surveillance could also be provided on the tower.

[0085] These means of surveillance could also be provided on or under the platform.

[0086] Such monitoring means may, for example, include a CCD or CMOS camera enabling control of the number of pipette lines inserted, control of whether the consumable (which may be the pipetting tip holder or the pipetting tips) is present or absent from the tray, control of the position of the tray, control of actions performed (picking up pipetting tips, presence of liquid in consumables), or even control of the type of tray installed in the case of a pipetting system with several removable or rotating trays.

[0087] The monitoring means can, for example, also be composed of LEDs.

[0088] They may also be composed of one or more accelerometers for monitoring the positioning or movement of one or more trays relative to the pipetting head. This tray positioning detection can by example, to allow the adjustment of the required insertion force depending on whether only one or more rows of cones are positioned under the head and are to be inserted.

[0089] The system can also be equipped with means for recognizing the supports 20 of pipetting cones 12. Such recognition means may in particular include a color sensor provided on the tower 3, opposite the platform 9.

[0090] The system can also be equipped with means for recognizing a liquid present in a container provided opposite the tray 9.

[0091] The invention also relates to a method of fitting pipetting cones 12 onto the pipetting system according to the invention.

[0092] This method includes 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 away from the pipetting cones 12 to the engaged position in which the pipetting cones 12 are fitted onto the tips 11. It also includes a step of controlling an axial fitting force along the vertical axis V of the pipetting cones 12 onto the tips 11.

[0093] It should be noted that, according to one embodiment, the step of controlling a fitting force may include a step of emitting a signal when the fitting force reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0094] This signal may in particular be a visual signal, such as the lighting of an LED of a certain colour or a predefined number of LEDs, or an audible signal to alert on the reaching of a predetermined threshold so as not to damage the pipetting system.

[0095] This signal can also be a message displayed on the display means.

[0096] Such a signal can be useful to warn a user that he can release the lever.

[0097] The fitting process may also include a subsequent step of ejecting the pipetting cones after 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 tray, as well as a dismounting step.

[0098] The method may also include an initial step of positioning a support comprising a plurality of pipetting cones on the platform. It may also include an initial step of inputting data into the tracking means.

[0099] This entered data may, for example, include parameters such as a setpoint value to be reached to ensure the correct fitting of the pipetting cones, depending on the type of cones that has been chosen by an operator.

[0100] These parameters may also include control parameters of the system, which can for example allow the establishment of a pipetting protocol, the setting of a volume of liquid to be taken or distributed, the setting of a pipetting speed.

[0101] It should be noted that this initial input step can be done manually by an operator via a graphical interface for controlling the pipetting system.

[0102] The input could also be partially automatic, for example by taking into account different information collected by sensors of the pipetting system.

Claims

Demands

1. 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) containing 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 be opposite said pipetting head (1) and configured to accommodate said support (20) equipped 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 moved manually along a vertical axis (V) relative to said base (2) within said at least a predefined range of movement; an actuating lever (4) mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis (H) orthogonal to said vertical axis (V) with respect 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 rotatable 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, said pipetting system further comprising means for controlling an axial engagement force about said axis vertical (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. 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 bearing at least partially on said force sensor (5) in response to at least a partial rotation of said actuating lever (4) from said rest position to said pivoted position.

2. 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 on said actuating lever (4), such 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 support against said stop (6) and exerts a thrust force on said stop (6) towards said force sensor (5).

3. 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).

4. Pipetting system according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it further comprises retraction means for moving said rod (40) away from said pipetting head (1), when said pipetting head (1) is positioned outside said predefined range of movement.

5. A 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 pin (45) of rotation 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.

6. Pipetting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises monitoring means, provided on said pipetting head (1) and / or on said tower (3) and intended to be positioned opposite said platform (9).

7. Pipetting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that said stop (6) is at least partially made from deformable plastic or deformable metal.

8. Pipetting system according to any 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 sampling or receiving containers arranged on said tray (9), and to eject used pipetting tips (12).

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

10. Pipetting system according to claim 9, characterized in that said recognition means comprise a color sensor provided on said tower (3), opposite said plate (9).

11. Pipetting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it 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 performed, in progress, or performed; - information on the presence of a support on said tray; - information relating to a value representative of a fitting force; - information of the date or time of performing a fitting and / or a pipetting; - a scheduled maintenance date; - information identifying consumables present on the tray; - information identifying the pipetting system.

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

13. A method for fitting pipetting cones (12) onto a pipetting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, 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 about said vertical axis (V) of said pipetting cones (12) onto said tips (H).

14. A 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.

Images