Holding structure for micropipette

Abstract

To provide a holding structure for a micropipette that is improved in usability for users at the time of holding and installing when a micropipette is used.SOLUTION: A holding structure for a micropipette includes: a base part capable of self-standing on a work plane surface; a holding part including an engagement part capable of engaging a micropipette to hold and stand the micropipette; a connection part for connecting the base part to the holding part; and a hook part capable of being hooked on another structure. The holding structure for a micropipette can change the posture between a first posture in which the base part stands by itself and a second posture which is different from the first posture and in which the hook part is hooked on another structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an easily detachable micropipette holder suitable for holding and placing a micropipette. The micropipette holder can be widely used in various experimental fields, such as medicine, pharmacy, biology, agriculture, and engineering. [Background technology]

[0002] A micropipette is a laboratory instrument that can measure liquid in microliter increments and is used routinely in a variety of experimental fields, including medicine, pharmacy, biology, agriculture, and engineering.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the structure of a micropipette under the name of "Pipette." The pipette described in Patent Document 1 has a disposable pipette tip at the tip that can be replaced at any time, and a rod-shaped grip part at the opposite end that can be held by an experimenter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 045418 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] On the other hand, although various improvements have been made to the main body of the micropipette, the means for holding and setting the micropipette has not yet been fully considered from the viewpoint of user convenience.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a micropipette holding structure that is easy for users to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A micropipette holding structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a base portion capable of standing on a work surface, a holding portion having an engaging portion capable of engaging with a micropipette and for holding and resting the micropipette, a connecting portion connecting the base portion and the holding portion, and a hooking portion capable of being hooked onto another structure, and is capable of changing its position between a first position in which the base portion stands on its own and a second position different from the first position in which the hooking portion is hooked onto another structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a micropipette holding structure that is user-friendly for holding and setting the micropipette when in use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a micropipette holding structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] Side view of the micropipette holding structure [Figure 3] Plan view of the micropipette holding structure [Figure 4] Side view of the micropipette holding structure in the first hooking position [Figure 5] Side view of the micropipette holding structure in the second hooking position [Figure 6] Side view of the micropipette holding structure of Modification 1 [Figure 7] Side view of a micropipette holding structure according to Modification 2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Background to this disclosure) A micropipette is an instrument capable of accurately aspirating and dispensing the exact volume of liquid specified by the user. It is routinely used in experiments in a variety of fields, including life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, biology, agriculture, and engineering. Manual micropipettes, capable of measuring microliter amounts of liquid, were developed in 1972 and have been in use for over half a century. However, because these micropipettes have a rod-shaped grip, the term "micropipette" generally refers to an instrument with a rod-shaped grip that allows for extremely precise measurement. For this reason, micropipettes with rod-shaped grips are widely used worldwide, and most laboratory workers in research institutions in various fields use micropipettes of this shape. There are currently many micropipette manufacturers, and the shapes of the primary micropipettes produced by each manufacturer are generally similar to those described above, with some variations.

[0011] There are also other uniquely shaped micropipettes, such as those with a grip that is positioned at a right angle and a flat bottom, allowing the micropipette to stand on its own on a laboratory table. However, compared to the micropipettes with the aforementioned shapes, these have fewer users.

[0012] Improvements to micropipettes are still ongoing, and various innovative models have been devised, such as types that use digital rather than manual systems to ensure accurate quantitative dispensing, types that are ergonomically designed for easy gripping, and types that are lightweight to reduce the strain of long-term use.However, compared to the micropipette itself, there has not been sufficient consideration given to the devices and installation methods for holding the micropipette, and from the perspective of user ease of use, no satisfactory products or methods have yet been presented.

[0013] In addition, laboratory personnel use micropipettes of various sizes depending on the amount of liquid they are handling, but to avoid unexpected contamination of the inside of the micropipette that occurs when an unspecified number of people share the same micropipette, it is common for each laboratory personnel to use their own dedicated pipette.As a result, there are always multiple types and multiple micropipettes on the laboratory desk, and the micropipettes take up a lot of space on the desk.

[0014] Furthermore, when using micropipettes in experiments, laboratory personnel frequently replace the disposable pipette tips at the end of the micropipette with new ones. Typically, multiple different liquids or liquid chemicals are used in a single experiment, and laboratory personnel use the same micropipette to aspirate and dispense these, so contamination of different chemicals by introducing different chemicals into other chemicals must be avoided. Furthermore, if a pipette tip comes into contact with an unsterile structure, such as a work surface on a laboratory desk, and the tip becomes contaminated, continuing to use the pipette will introduce contaminants into the chemicals being handled, thereby contaminating the entire chemical set. Therefore, laboratory personnel must always replace pipette tips with new ones.

[0015] In addition, laboratory personnel typically perform multiple experimental procedures simultaneously, frequently temporarily abandoning their micropipettes to perform other procedures that do not require the use of a micropipette. To prevent the tip of the micropipette from coming into contact with unsterile objects such as a work surface and becoming contaminated, careful placement of the micropipette is required, and laboratory personnel have devised various methods. Specifically, for example, by placing only the rod-shaped grip on the edge of a work desk or on a box-like object on the work desk, with the tip of the tip free to move above the desk and avoid contact with contaminated objects, the tip of the micropipette must always be facing downward to prevent liquid from flowing into the micropipette and contaminating the inside of the micropipette body. However, these placement methods are very unstable, and if the micropipette were to fall, it could potentially not only contaminate the tip but also damage the micropipette body. Furthermore, if the micropipette breaks and the chemicals in the pipette tip are scattered, the laboratory may become contaminated with the chemicals over a wide area, and the experimenters themselves may be in danger. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid placing the micropipette in an unstable position.

[0016] On the other hand, there are also stationary structures that are fixed to a work desk and allow the micropipette to be temporarily placed when the micropipette is not in use. However, with stationary structures, the micropipette must be carried to the fixed position, preventing laboratory personnel from placing the micropipette wherever they wish. Furthermore, fixing such structures to the work desk makes it increasingly difficult to secure a large experimental work space. Furthermore, the sole purpose of stationary structures is to hold the micropipette, and structures that achieve this purpose should be inexpensive to manufacture. However, the retail price of currently available products appears to laboratory personnel to be expensive compared to their structure and mechanism. However, since no alternative methods or products exist to date, laboratory personnel are forced to choose between the unstable placement described above or using such products. This fact demonstrates that the price of a product determines the safety of laboratory personnel.

[0017] Furthermore, there is a need for efficient storage of numerous micropipettes on a laboratory desk, even when the micropipettes are not in use. One known structure for this purpose is a stationary pipette holder with a carousel-like shape, in which the micropipette holders are arranged around the outer periphery of a cylinder, allowing for the holding of multiple micropipettes. However, even when storing unused micropipettes in this pipette holder, the pipette holder itself remains on the laboratory desk, reducing the available experimental workspace. Furthermore, laboratory personnel may find the selling price to be prohibitively expensive given its limited use—storing micropipettes.

[0018] Therefore, the present inventors have studied a holding structure that can temporarily hold a micropipette and that is easy to use for laboratory workers. Specifically, the present inventors have studied a holding structure that can be set up anywhere that does not interfere with the laboratory worker's desired experiment by changing the position of the holding structure. The present inventors have studied a holding structure that can be set up anywhere both when the laboratory worker is using the micropipette and when he is not using it.

[0019] Furthermore, we investigated a holding structure that prevents the pipette tip attached to the end of the micropipette from coming into contact with unsterile structures such as the work surface of a laboratory desk, thereby contaminating the tip. Furthermore, we investigated a holding structure that can hold the pipette with the tip facing downward to prevent backflow of chemicals into the pipette, and that can keep the pipette stationary in a stable state without dropping or tipping over.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) A micropipette holding structure (hereinafter, holding structure 20) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the holding structure 20 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a side view of the holding structure 20. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the holding structure 20.

[0021] 1 to 3, the holding structure 20 is shown in a free-standing position. The vertical direction in the free-standing position is defined as the height direction Z, and the horizontal directions perpendicular to the height direction Z are defined as the front-rear direction K and the width direction L. One side of the front-rear direction K is defined as the front side K1, and the opposite side to the front side K1 is defined as the rear side K2.

[0022] The holding structure 20 is a structure that holds a micropipette 80 (FIG. 2). Because it supports the micropipette 80, the holding structure 20 may also be referred to as a micropipette stand structure. The holding structure 20 holds the micropipette 80 with the tip 81 of the micropipette 80 suspended above the work plane S1. The tip 81 of the micropipette 80 may be formed of an exchangeable pipette tip.

[0023] 1, the holding structure 20 includes a base portion 2, a holding portion 3, and a connecting portion 4. In the first embodiment, except for an engaging portion 6 described below, the entire base portion 2, the holding portion 3, and the connecting portion 4 can be configured as a frame-like structure using, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or a resin such as plastic. This configuration simplifies the structure of the holding structure 20 and makes it less expensive.

[0024] The base portion 2 is a member that can stand on its own on the work plane S1 in the freestanding position. When the base portion 2 stands on the work plane S1, the entire holding structure 20 stands on the work plane S1.

[0025] In the first embodiment, the base portion 2 is formed of a frame portion bent into, for example, a loop shape. The frame of the base portion 2 extends from a tip 2A on one side in the width direction L to a rear side K2, then curves and extends to a front side K1 to the tip 2A on the other side in the width direction L.

[0026] The frame of the base unit 2 extends along the work plane S1 and contacts the work plane S1, but because an object is stabilized by three-point support, the base unit 2 has at least three contact points with the work plane S1. For example, with this structure, even if the work plane S1 has protrusions or steps, the base unit 2 can stand independently on the work plane S1 more stably than if the base unit 2 were plate-shaped. However, since it is clear that an object will be more stable if the area created by the support points is larger when the center of gravity is the same, the shape of the base unit 2 may be plate-shaped. Also, for the above reasons, the shape of the holding structure 20 that contacts the work plane S1 may be flat.

[0027] The frame of the base portion 2 is bent at its rear end into a loop-shaped annular portion 9. The annular portion 9 defines a space R1 penetrating in the height direction Z inside. A structure separate from the work plane S1, such as a hook or protrusion on a wall inside a clean bench or draft chamber installed in a laboratory, protrudes into the space R1 inside the rear protruding portion of the annular portion 9. By protruding the other structure into the space R1, the annular portion 9 can be stably hooked onto the structure. Therefore, the annular portion 9 may also be referred to as a hook portion (second hook portion). This structure enables not only two-dimensional installation of a micropipette on a flat surface such as the work plane S1, but also three-dimensional installation on a wall surface extending in the height direction Z.

[0028] The holder 3 is a member that holds and places the micropipette 80. The holder 3 is provided at a distance in the height direction Z from the base 2. Therefore, the holder 3 can hold the micropipette 80 at a distance in the height direction Z from the base 2, i.e., the work plane S1.

[0029] The holding portion 3 has an engaging portion 6 and a pair of arms 7. The pair of arms 7 hold the engaging portion 6 from below.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the engaging portion 6 is a portion that can engage with the micropipette 80. The engaging portion 6 engages with a connecting portion 83 between the tip 81 and the grip portion 82 of the micropipette 80. The connecting portion 83 may be configured as an ejector that detaches a used pipette tip from the micropipette 80 when replacing the pipette tip. The engaging portion 6 engages with the micropipette 80 by sandwiching the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 83 in the width direction L.

[0031] When the engaging portion 6 engages with the connecting portion 83 of the micropipette 80, the longitudinal direction M (axial direction) of the micropipette 80 is aligned with the front-rear direction K of the holding structure 20. As shown in Fig. 3, when viewed from the height direction Z, the longitudinal direction M of the micropipette 80 may coincide with the front-rear direction K. The direction from the grip portion 82 to the tip 81 of the micropipette 80 is the direction toward the front side K1.

[0032] The engaging portion 6 is fixed to the upper portions of a pair of arms 7. The pair of arms 7 extend in the front-rear direction K so as to protrude further to the front side K1 than the engaging portion 6. The pair of arms 7 have a gap G1 in the width direction L, and the gap G1 gradually increases toward the front side K1.

[0033] 2, in the freestanding posture, the pair of arms 7 are inclined toward the front side K1 so as to approach the work plane S1. The engagement portion 6 fixed to the pair of arms 7 is also inclined toward the front side K1 so as to approach the work plane S1. Therefore, the holding portion 3 can hold the micropipette 80 in a state in which it is inclined downward from the grip portion 82 toward the tip 81.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the engaging portion 6 and the pair of arms 7 are provided so as to protrude forward K1 beyond the base portion 2. When viewed from the height direction Z, a part or all of the engaging portion 6 may overlap with the base portion 2.

[0035] The connecting portion 4 is a member that connects the base portion 2 and the holding portion 3 in the height direction Z. In the first embodiment, the connecting portion 4 is curved from the tip 2A of the base portion 2 and connected to the holding portion 3.

[0036] 2, when viewed in the width direction L, the connection portion 4 defines a recess 5 recessed toward the rear side K2. By placing the recess 5 over a structure other than the work plane S1, such as a protrusion or a rod-shaped member, the recess 5 can be hooked onto the structure. For this reason, the recess 5 may also be referred to as a hook portion (first hook portion).

[0037] In the first embodiment, the connection part 4 is formed by a frame part that is continuous with the frame part that constitutes the base part 2. The arm 7 of the holding part 3 is formed by a frame part that is continuous with the frame part that constitutes the connection part 4.

[0038] Here, the structure of the engaging portion 6 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0039] 3, the engaging portion 6 has a pair of walls 6A, 6B that face each other in the width direction L and extend along the front-rear direction K. The walls 6A, 6B are arranged with a gap G2 in the width direction L. When the micropipette 80 is arranged within the gap G2, the pair of walls 6A, 6B sandwich and hold the outer circumferential surface of the micropipette 80 from the width direction L.

[0040] The gap G2 gradually decreases toward the front side K1, forming a taper, when viewed from the height direction Z. Therefore, the micropipette 80 tilted toward the tip 81 can be stably held.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the pair of walls 6A, 6B are integrally formed. The lower portions of the pair of walls 6A, 6B are connected to each other, and the engaging portion 6 has a U-shape that opens upward when viewed from the front-rear direction K. The engaging portion 6 may have another structure, and may be a clip with an openable top.

[0042] The holding structure 20 having the above-described configuration can change its position between the free-standing position shown in Fig. 2 and the hooked positions shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a side view of the holding structure 20 in the first hooked position. Fig. 5 is a side view of the holding structure 20 in the second hooked position.

[0043] The freestanding position shown in Fig. 2 is a position for placing the holding structure 20 on a work plane S1 such as a work bench or table for use. In other words, the freestanding position is a position for using the holding structure 20 as a freestanding stand. When an experimenter temporarily lets go of the micropipette 80 they are using, the holding structure 20 in the freestanding position allows the micropipette 80 to be placed two-dimensionally on a plane such as the horizontally extending work plane S1.

[0044] In the freestanding position, the base portion 2 of the holding structure 20 is freestanding relative to the work plane S1. The holding portion 3 extends away from the work plane S1 in the height direction Z and is inclined relative to the horizontal. That is, the engagement portion 6 is inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0045] When the connecting portion 83 of the micropipette 80 engages with the engaging portion 6 in the freestanding position, the micropipette 80 is held above the work plane S1 with the longitudinal direction M tilted relative to the horizontal. Specifically, the micropipette 80 is held with the tip 81 tilted downward relative to the grip portion 82. Meanwhile, the tip 81 of the micropipette 80 is spaced upward from the work plane S1.

[0046] When held by the holding structure 20 in a freestanding position, the grip portion 82 is located on the rear side K2 of the connection portion 83. The base portion 2 is located on the rear side K2 of the engagement portion 6. Therefore, the center of gravity C of the micropipette 80 located at the grip portion 82 is located above the base portion 2. This positional relationship allows the holding structure 20 to stably hold the micropipette 80.

[0047] The positions of the engagement portion 6 and the base portion 2 may be directly below the grip portion 82 where the center of gravity C of the micropipette 80 is located, but are not limited to this because the shape and center of gravity C of the micropipette 80 vary depending on the manufacturer and product.

[0048] Because the connecting portion 83 engages with the engaging portion 6, the grip portion 82 is open and not engaged with any other components. Therefore, a laboratory worker can easily grasp the grip portion 82 and easily lift the micropipette 80 together with the holding structure 20. The laboratory worker may also lift the micropipette 80 by itself. Although the dimensions of the connecting portion 83 differ depending on the manufacturer, they are similar in shape and exhibit a gentle taper compared to the grip portion 82. Therefore, the tapered shape of the engaging portion 6 makes it possible to hold micropipettes from different manufacturers. For these reasons, engaging the engaging portion 6 with the connecting portion 83 of the micropipette 80 is practical for holding various micropipettes and can be said to be a universal design.

[0049] 4 is a position for using the holding structure 20 by hanging it on a rod-shaped member such as a fall prevention bar 11 that is installed on a shelf 10 and extends horizontally. The shelf 10 refers to, for example, a laboratory shelf on a laboratory bench, and the bar 11 refers to, for example, a bar on the laboratory shelf.

[0050] A laboratory shelf is a shelf used to store chemicals and other items used in experiments, and is generally of the same standard installed on laboratory benches in laboratories at research institutions around the world. The laboratory benches on which the shelves are installed are also generally of the same standard worldwide. The shelf is installed in the center of the bench so that it faces the person conducting the experiment, and at the same time, the shelf is standardly equipped with a 1cm diameter stainless steel bar that extends horizontally to the shelf to prevent chemicals and other items from falling.

[0051] In other words, the first hooking position is a position for placing or storing the micropipette 80 three-dimensionally as a holder in which the holding structure 20 is hooked onto another structure.

[0052] In the first hooking position, the recess 5 of the holding structure 20 covers and is hooked onto the bar 11, with the bar 11 positioned within the recess 5. The base 2 extends along the height direction Z, away from the shelf 10, and in this embodiment, extends at an angle relative to the height direction Z. The holding portion 3 extends downward from the bar 11. The front wall S2 of the shelf 10 is located below and in front of the bar 11. The holding portion 3 abuts against the front wall S2 of the shelf 10. Because the two arms 7 of the holding portion 3 are spaced apart by a distance G1, the holding portion 3 abuts against the front wall S2 of the shelf 10 at two points spaced apart in the width direction L (the plane of the paper in FIG. 4 ). The contact between the holding portion 3 and the shelf 10 prevents the holding structure 20 from rotating around the bar 11, enabling the micropipette 80 to be stably held.

[0053] The micropipette 80 held by the holding structure 20 in the first hooking position is held so that the longitudinal direction M is aligned with the height direction Z. The tip 81 of the micropipette 80 is spaced apart from the front wall S2 of the shelf 10.

[0054] 5 is a position for hanging the holding structure 20 on a protrusion such as a hook 12 that protrudes horizontally from a vertically extending wall S3. In other words, the second hanging position is a position for hanging the holding structure 20 on another structure as a holder. The wall S3 extends vertically.

[0055] In the second hooking position, the annular portion 9 of the holding structure 20 is hooked onto the hook 12. In other words, the hook 12 protrudes into the space R1 inside the annular portion 9. The base portion 2 hangs down from the hook 12 and extends downward. The tip 2A of the base portion 2 abuts against the wall S3. The contact between the tip 2A of the base portion 2 and the wall S3 prevents the tip 81 of the micropipette 80 from contacting the wall S3.

[0056] Note that by adjusting the length and angle of each component, other parts of the holding structure 20, such as the tip 7A of the arm 7, may come into contact with the wall S3. This is simply done so that other parts of the holding structure 20 come into contact with the wall S3 before the tip 81 of the micropipette 80 does.

[0057] The micropipette 80 held by the holding structure 20 in the second hooking position is held so that the longitudinal direction M is aligned with the vertical direction. The tip 81 of the micropipette 80 is spaced apart from the wall S3.

[0058] As described above, the posture of the holding structure 20 and the posture of the micropipette 80 held by the holding structure 20 are different in the free-standing posture, the first hooked posture, and the second hooked posture. Note that the posture of the holding structure 20 in the first hooked posture and the second hooked posture may be the same.

[0059] In addition to the fact that the holding structure 20 is designed to be easily attached to and detached from the micropipette 80, the micropipette 80 can be stored in an existing carousel-like pipette holder that is widely used for storing micropipettes while the holding structure 20 is still attached to the micropipette 80.

[0060] [summary] The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0061] The holding structure 20 according to the first embodiment can change its position between a free-standing position and two hooked positions. The holding structure 20 can hold the micropipette 80 in either position.

[0062] In the freestanding position, the base portion 2 can be freestanding on the work plane S1, allowing the holding structure 20 to be used as a stand for the micropipette 80. In the first hooking position, the recess 5 can be hooked onto the bar 11, allowing the holding structure 20 to be used as a holder for the micropipette 80. In the second hooking position, the annular portion 9 can be hooked onto the hook 12, allowing the holding structure 20 to be used as a holder for the micropipette 80 in a form different from the first hooking position. In other words, the holding structure 20 can achieve different functions, a stand function and a holder function for the micropipette 80, with a single structure.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the example in which the holding structure 20 has two different hooking positions has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The holding structure 20 may have either the recess 5 or the annular portion 9 and have only one corresponding hooking position.

[0064] To stably hold the micropipette 80 in different positions, the engaging portion 6 has a pair of walls 6A, 6B with a gap G2 that narrows toward the front side K1. In the freestanding position and the hooked position, the gap G2 narrows in the direction in which gravity acts to bias the micropipette 80, allowing the engaging portion 6 to firmly clamp the micropipette 80.

[0065] That is, the more the micropipette 80 moves in the direction of gravity due to its own weight, the more firmly the engaging portion 6 holds the micropipette 80, thereby enabling more stable holding.

[0066] [effect] According to the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0067] The holding structure 20 (micropipette holding structure) of the first embodiment comprises a base portion 2 that can stand on a work plane S1, a holding portion 3 that holds and places a micropipette 80, a connection portion 4 that connects the base portion 2 and the holding portion 3, and a hook portion that can be hooked onto another structure. The holding portion 3 has an engagement portion 6 that can engage with the micropipette 80. The holding structure 20 can change its position between a free-standing position (first position) in which the base portion 2 stands on its own, and a hooked position (second position) in which the hook portion is hooked onto another structure, which is different from the free-standing position.

[0068] This configuration allows the orientation of the holding structure 20 to be changed between a freestanding orientation in which it stands on the work plane S1 and a hooked orientation in which it is hooked onto another structure. This improves the ease of use of the holding structure 20 for laboratory personnel when holding and setting the micropipette 80 during use. Furthermore, because the holding structure 20 has a simple structure, it can be manufactured inexpensively.

[0069] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the hook portion has at least a first hook portion defined by the connection portion 4.

[0070] With this configuration, the connecting portion 4 can be hooked onto another structure to achieve the first hooked position.

[0071] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the first hook portion is configured as a recess 5 defined by the curved connecting portion 4.

[0072] With this configuration, the recess 5 can be hooked onto another structure to achieve the first hooked position.

[0073] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the other structure is a bar 11 (rod-shaped member), and the recess 5 is placed over the bar 11 to hook the first hook portion.

[0074] With this configuration, the recess 5 can be placed over the bar 11 to achieve the first hooking position.

[0075] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the hook portion has a second hook portion provided on the base portion 2.

[0076] With this configuration, the base portion 2 can be hooked onto another structure to achieve the second hooked position.

[0077] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the second hook portion is configured by an annular portion 9 in the base portion 2 that defines a through space.

[0078] With this configuration, the annular portion 9 can be hooked onto another structure to achieve the second hooked position.

[0079] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the other structure is a hook 12 (protrusion), which protrudes into the annular portion 9 and hooks onto the second hook portion.

[0080] With this configuration, the hook 12 can be protruded into the annular portion 9 to realize the second hooking position.

[0081] In the holding structure 20 of embodiment 1, when the engagement portion 6 is engaged with the micropipette 80 and viewed from the height direction Z in a free-standing posture, the front-to-rear direction K coincides with the longitudinal direction M of the micropipette 80, and the base portion 2 is located below the grip portion 82 of the micropipette 80.

[0082] With this configuration, in the free-standing position, the center of gravity C of the micropipette 80 located in the grip portion 82 can be easily positioned above the base portion 2. Therefore, in the free-standing position, the micropipette 80 can be stably held.

[0083] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the engaging portion 6 engages with a connecting portion 83 (portion) between the tip 81 and the grip portion 82 of the micropipette 80.

[0084] With this configuration, the engagement of the engaging portion 6 with the connecting portion 83 allows the micropipette 80 to be held more stably than when the engaging portion 6 engages with the grip portion 82, which has a larger outer diameter than the connecting portion 83. Furthermore, although the dimensions of the connecting portion 83 differ depending on the manufacturer, the shape of the connecting portion 83 is generally the same as that of the grip portion 82, and both have a gentle taper. Therefore, the engaging portion 6 can hold micropipettes made by different manufacturers.

[0085] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, when the engaging portion 6 is engaged with the micropipette 80, the tip 81 of the micropipette 80 is located forward of the grip portion 82. In the free-standing posture, the engaging portion 6 is inclined toward the front side K1 so as to approach the work plane S1.

[0086] With this configuration, the tip 81 of the micropipette 80 can be held and placed in a state of being tilted downward in a free-standing position, thereby preventing backflow within the micropipette 80.

[0087] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the engaging portion 6 sandwiches the circumferential surface of the micropipette 80 in the width direction L that intersects with the height direction Z.

[0088] With this configuration, the engagement part 6 is open in the height direction Z, making it easy to insert and remove the micropipette 80 in the height direction Z. Compared to when the engagement part 6 is cylindrical and the micropipette 80 is inserted and removed in the forward and backward direction K, it takes less effort to insert and remove the micropipette 80, and there is less risk of the tip 81 of the micropipette 80 touching the engagement part 6 and becoming contaminated.

[0089] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the engagement portion 6 has a pair of wall portions 6A, 6B (portions) having a gap G2 in the width direction L, and the gap G2 becomes smaller toward the front side K1.

[0090] With this configuration, the gap G2 narrows in the direction in which gravity acts to bias the micropipette 80 (toward the front side K1), thereby preventing the micropipette 80 from falling off the engagement part 6. In other words, the more the micropipette 80 moves in the direction in which gravity acts due to its own weight, the more firmly the engagement part 6 holds the micropipette 80, allowing for more stable holding and placement. Furthermore, compared to when the gap G2 is constant, the engagement part 6 is more likely to engage with micropipettes having connecting parts 83 of different dimensions.

[0091] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the holding portion 3 further has a pair of arms 7 extending forward K1 beyond the engaging portion 6 in the front-rear direction K.

[0092] With this configuration, in the first hooking position, the arm 7 can abut against the front wall S2 on which the bar 11 is provided. This prevents the holding structure 20 from rotating around the bar 11, allowing the micropipette 80 to be stably held and placed. Furthermore, because the arm 7 protrudes forward K1 beyond the engagement portion 6, the arm 7 can abut against the front wall S2 before the engagement portion 6 abuts against the front wall S2. This reduces the risk of the engagement portion 6 abutting against the front wall S2 and causing the micropipette 80 to fall off the engagement portion 6.

[0093] In the holding structure 20 of the first embodiment, the gap G1 between the pair of arms 7 increases toward the front side K1.

[0094] With this configuration, the arm 7 can be more stably brought into contact with the front wall S2 in the first hooking position.

[0095] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the recess 5 and the annular portion 9 are described as examples of the hook portion, but the present invention is not limited to these. The holding structure 20 may have other structures as the hook portion that can be hooked onto another structure. For example, the holding structure 20 may have a through hole as the hook portion, or a protrusion that can engage with an opening.

[0097] In the first embodiment, an example in which the base portion 2 is configured as a frame has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The base portion 2 may be a plate-shaped member. In this case, the base portion 2 may have a through-hole at the rear end portion instead of the annular portion 9. The base portion 2 may have a tripod structure.

[0098] In the first embodiment, the connecting portion 4 is connected to the tip 2A of the base portion 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Modifications 1 and 2, the connecting portion 4 may be connected to the base portion 2 at a position K2 rearward of the tip 2A.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the base unit 2 is aligned with the work plane S1 in the self-standing posture, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the second modification, the base unit 2 may have a portion that is floating above the work plane.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the example in which the holding portion 3 has the engaging portion 6 and the pair of arms 7 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The holding portion 3 may have only the engaging portion 6 to which the connecting portion 4 is directly connected.

[0101] In the first embodiment, an example in which the top of the engaging portion 6 is open has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the engaging portion 6 may be a cylindrical member.

[0102] (Variation 1) Fig. 6 is a side view of a holding structure 30 of Modified Example 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the holding structure 30 of Modified Example 1 differs from the holding structure 20 of Embodiment 1 in the structure of the connecting portion 34. In Modified Example 1, explanations that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same or equivalent configurations as in Embodiment 1.

[0103] The connection portion 34 of the holding structure 30 extends in the height direction Z from a position P1 on the rear side K2 of the tip 2A of the base portion 2, and curves to connect to the holding portion 3. The portion of the base portion 2 located on the front side K1 of position P1 faces the connection portion 34 located above.

[0104] The connecting portion 34 defines a recess 35 recessed toward the rear side K2 between the connecting portion 34 and the base portion 2. The recess 35 is defined between the connecting portion 34 and a portion of the base portion 2 facing the connecting portion 34. By placing the recess 35 over a structure such as a protrusion or rod-shaped member other than the work plane S1, the recess 35 can be hooked onto the structure.

[0105] (Variation 2) Fig. 7 is a side view of a holding structure 40 of Modified Example 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the holding structure 40 of Modified Example 2 differs from the holding structure 20 of Embodiment 1 in the structure of the base portion 42. In Modified Example 2, explanations that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same or equivalent configurations as in Embodiment 1.

[0106] The base portion 42 of the holding structure 40 contacts the work plane S1 at a tip 42A and a portion 42C on the front side K1 of the rear end 42B. The base portion 42 between the tip 42A and the portion 42C is floating above the work plane S1.

[0107] The holding portion 43 of the holding structure 40 has a shape that conforms to the connecting portion 83 of the micropipette 80. Specifically, the arm 47 of the holding portion 43 has a step 47B that rises in the height direction Z and receives the end of the connecting portion 83 facing the front-rear direction K. Therefore, the connecting portion 83 catches on the step 47B, and the micropipette 80 is stably held by the holding portion 43.

[0108] The tip 42A of the base portion 42 may be located on the front side K1 of the holding portion 43.

[0109] The micropipette holding structure in the first aspect comprises a base portion that can stand on its own on a work plane, a holding portion having an engaging portion that can engage with the micropipette and that holds and places the micropipette, a connecting portion that connects the base portion and the holding portion, and a hooking portion that can be hooked onto another structure, and is capable of changing its position between a first position in which the base portion stands on its own and a second position that is different from the first position and in which the hooking portion is hooked onto another structure.

[0110] In the micropipette holding structure of the second aspect, the hook portion in the micropipette holding structure of the first aspect has at least a first hook portion defined by the connection portion.

[0111] In a third aspect of the micropipette holding structure, in the micropipette holding structure of the second aspect, the first hook portion is configured as a recess defined by a curved connection portion.

[0112] In a fourth aspect of the micropipette holding structure, in the micropipette holding structure of the third aspect, the other structure is a rod-shaped member, and the recess is placed over the rod-shaped member to hook the first hook portion.

[0113] In a fifth aspect of the micropipette holding structure, in the micropipette holding structure of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the hook portion has a second hook portion provided on the base portion.

[0114] In a sixth aspect of the micropipette holding structure, in the micropipette holding structure of the fifth aspect, the second hook portion is configured as an annular portion in the base portion that defines a through space.

[0115] In a seventh aspect of the micropipette holding structure, the other structure in the micropipette holding structure of the sixth aspect is a protrusion that protrudes into the annular portion and hooks onto the second hook portion.

[0116] As the micropipette holding structure in the eighth aspect, in the micropipette holding structure in any of the first to seventh aspects, when the engagement portion is engaged with the micropipette and viewed from the height direction in the first position, the front-to-back direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the micropipette, and the base portion is located below the grip portion of the micropipette.

[0117] A ninth aspect of the micropipette holding structure is the micropipette holding structure of the eighth aspect, wherein the engagement portion engages with a portion between the tip of the micropipette and the grip portion.

[0118] As a micropipette holding structure in the tenth aspect, in the micropipette holding structure in the eighth or ninth aspect, when the engagement portion is engaged with the micropipette, the tip of the micropipette is positioned forward of the grip portion, and in the first position, the engagement portion is inclined so as to move forward and closer to the work plane.

[0119] In an eleventh aspect of the micropipette holding structure, in the micropipette holding structure of any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the engaging portion clamps the peripheral surface of the micropipette in a width direction that intersects with the height direction.

[0120] A micropipette holding structure in a twelfth aspect is the micropipette holding structure in the eleventh aspect, wherein the engaging portion has a pair of portions spaced apart in the width direction, the space becoming smaller toward the front.

[0121] A micropipette holding structure in a thirteenth aspect is the micropipette holding structure in any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects, wherein the holding portion further has a pair of arms extending forward of the engaging portion in the front-to-rear direction.

[0122] A micropipette holding structure in a fourteenth aspect is the micropipette holding structure in the thirteenth aspect, wherein the distance between the pair of arms increases toward the front.

[0123] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0124] The micropipette holding structure of the present disclosure is useful as a structure that allows laboratory personnel to hold a micropipette in any position they wish in different postures while taking into consideration the safety of the laboratory personnel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 2 Base 2A tip 3 Holding part 4 Connection 5 recess 6 Engagement part 7 Arm 9 Annular section 20 Retention structure

Claims

1. A base part that can stand on a work surface; a holding part having an engaging part that can engage with a micropipette and that holds and places the micropipette; a connection portion that connects the base portion and the holding portion; a hook portion that can be hooked onto another structure, A holding structure for a micropipette, the position of which can be changed between a first position in which the base portion is freestanding and a second position which is different from the first position and in which the hook portion is hooked onto the other structure.

2. The holding structure for a micropipette according to claim 1 , wherein the hook portion has at least a first hook portion defined by the connecting portion.

3. The micropipette holding structure according to claim 2 , wherein the first hook portion is configured as a recess defined by a curve of the connecting portion.

4. The other structure is a rod-shaped member, The micropipette holding structure according to claim 3 , wherein the rod-shaped member is covered with the recess and the first hook portion is hooked thereon.

5. The micropipette holding structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hook portion has a second hook portion provided on the base portion.

6. The micropipette holding structure according to claim 5 , wherein the second hook portion is configured as an annular portion on the base portion that defines a through space.

7. The other structure is a protrusion, The micropipette holding structure according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion projects into the annular portion and hooks onto the second hook portion.

8. 5. The micropipette holding structure according to claim 1, wherein when viewed from the height direction in the first posture with the engaging portion engaged with the micropipette, the front-to-rear direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the micropipette, and the base portion is located below the grip portion of the micropipette.

9. 9. The micropipette holding structure according to claim 8, wherein the engaging portion engages with a portion between the tip of the micropipette and the grip portion.

10. When the engaging portion is engaged with the micropipette, the tip of the micropipette is located forward of the grip portion, 9. The micropipette holding structure according to claim 8, wherein in the first position, the engaging portion is inclined so as to approach the work plane toward the front side.

11. The micropipette holding structure according to claim 8 , wherein the engaging portion sandwiches the peripheral surface of the micropipette in a width direction intersecting with the height direction.

12. The engaging portion has a pair of portions spaced apart in the width direction, The micropipette holding structure according to claim 11, wherein the gap decreases toward the front side.

13. 9. The micropipette holding structure according to claim 8, wherein the holding portion further includes a pair of arms extending forward of the engaging portion along the front-rear direction.

14. 14. The micropipette holding structure according to claim 13, wherein the distance between the pair of arms increases toward the front.

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