DE102011106598A1 - Device for providing pipette tips - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for providing pipette tips with • a refill pack containing • a perforated plate with a large number of holes, • pipette tips inserted into the holes, • a cup covering the pipette tips at a stiffness of up to 300 N / mm and • a pipette tip covering the top Removable cover, and • a holder with a receptacle for inserting the refill, • between the refill and the holder means for supporting the refill pack, when it is inserted into the receptacle, are present.

Description

The invention relates to a device for providing pipette tips.

Pipette tips are small plastic tubes that are used to hold liquid samples in the laboratory, preferably in quantities of about 0.1 μl to 100 ml. They have at the bottom a through-opening for liquid and at the top a through-opening for air, the cross-section of the pipette tips generally increasing from the lower to the upper through-opening. For dosing of liquid, the upper end of the pipette tip z. B. connected to a Kolbenhubpipette, so that the upper passage opening is connected to a displacement device for air of the pipette. For this purpose, the pipette tip is clamped with the passage opening on a neck of the pipette or clamped in a hole of the pipette. In the front of the approach or in the bottom of the hole opens a channel which is connected to the displacement device of the pipette. With the help of the displacement device, an air cushion is displaced so that a defined amount of liquid is taken up into the pipette tip and expelled therefrom. The metered amount of liquid depends on the displacement of the displacement device. The pipettes can have a constant displacement as fixed-volume pipettes or an adjustable displacement as variable pipettes. Furthermore, the pipettes may be piston stroke pipettes or direct displacement pipettes. After use, the pipette tip is separated from its seat on the pipette, for which purpose the pipette may have an ejector which, when actuated, forces the pipette tip off its seat. Thereafter, the pipette can pick up a new pipette tip. Carryover of sample liquid between successive dosages is thus avoided.

Filter pipette tips have near their upper end a filter that prevents aerosol or liquid from entering the pipette tip from the pipette tip and contaminating it. Filter pipette tips usually need to be packaged sterile until use.

Pipette tips are mounted on pipette tip holders to attach pipette tips to the seat of a pipette. These have a perforated plate made of plastic, also called "tray" or "wafer", with a plurality of holes in a matrix arrangement. The perforated plate usually has 96 holes in 8 rows and 12 columns. Pipette tips are inserted into the holes from above, but do not fall through due to an upwardly broadening diameter or collar.

The perforated plate is, for example, integrally connected to a downwardly projecting circumferential frame, which prevents the pipette tips used from contacting the substrate. Such a holder is in the DE 102 45 961 B4 described.

There are also holders for pipette tips, in which perforated plates are releasably insertable into a stackable frame. Such a holder for pipette tips is in the DE 197 42 493 C1 described.

Also known are holders for pipette tips, which are designed as boxes (also called "box") or frames (also called "rack") which are closed at the bottom. An equipped with pipette tips perforated plate is placed on the upper edge of the holder, so that the pipette tips protrude into a receptacle of the holder.

The pipette tips could be detached from a holder by pressing the seat of a single-channel pipette or the seats of a multichannel pipette from above onto the top ends of the pipette tips individually or simultaneously to several. Considerable pressing forces could be effective, which the holder must withstand, so that the pipette tip is fixed sufficiently firmly in its seat on the pipette. Accordingly stable the holder or the assembly must be formed of tray and holder.

Are known holders in the form of boxes or frames, which are thrown away after the removal of all pipette tips or reused. The reusable holders can be equipped with refill packs with fresh pipette tips. The refill packs may include a plurality of perforated plates equipped with pipette tips. For example, refill packs are known in which one or more filled with pipette tips perforated plates are arranged in cartons made of cardboard or cardboard frame. These refills are not adequately protected against contamination by dust etc. Sterile pipette tips can not be provided in this way.

In other known refill packs, a perforated plate equipped with pipette tips is releasably attached to the upper edge of the plastic bowl, with the pipette tips projecting into the bowl. In addition, a further perforated plate is arranged, the pipette tips protrude into the pipette tips of the lower perforated plate and the edge is releasably secured to the lower perforated plate. Further plates with pipette tips are arranged correspondingly above and above the arrangement is covered by a cover made of plastic, which is releasably attached to the uppermost perforated plate.

Refill packs of the type described above are for example in the WO 92/01514 A1 . US 5,366,088 and US Pat. No. 6,286,678,131 described.

Embodiments of these refill packs are also known, in which the lid is used for transferring the perforated plates equipped with pipette tips in front of the refill stack into the holder. In the holder locks the perforated plate and the cover can be removed and placed to protect the opened refill pack from contamination on the top perforated plate of the refill stack.

These refills have the disadvantage that they have to be opened for transferring perforated plates held therein pipette tips on a holder. The pipette tips are in this case at least partially accessible from outside, so that they are not protected against contamination. In particular, the pipette tips can touch the holder or other objects during the transfer and thereby become contaminated.

The "Tip SystemBox" (product name of the company Sarstedt AG & Co., Nümbrecht, Germany) is a box with a hinged lid made of autoclavable material, in the optional for autoclaving pipette tips in a tray or in a stack of equipped with pipette tips trays (called " Tip StackPack ") can be used to obtain a non-slip, tip-over-proof pipette. Optionally, it is possible to use so-called "Biosphere ^® boxes" without contamination in the Tip SystemBox. The Biosphere ^® boxes are sturdy, closed-bottom boxes carrying a tray with pipette tips at the top. On the tray, a lid is placed on top. In this application, the Tip SystemBox serves as a holder to prevent tipping over of the Biosphere ^® box tapering downwards when picking up pipette tips with a pipette. The stable Biosphere ^® boxes are relatively expensive disposable items.

Sterile pipette tips have been traded regularly in stable disposable boxes for processing and not in refill packages for transfer into a box or frame. In contrast to reusable boxes, these disposable boxes are thrown away after removing all pipette tips. They are material-consuming designed, so that they are expensive to produce and the user incurred large amounts of packaging waste. In many cases, the components of these disposable boxes are not easy enough to dismantle. The user often squeezes the remaining packaging together to reduce the volume of waste. The conventional one-way boxes do not always allow the use of automated processes in manufacturing.

Accordingly, the material used for the packaging of sterile pipette tips and the amount of waste generated in the application.

Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a device for providing pipette tips which can be easily refilled, whereby the risk of contamination of pipette tips is reduced and the packaging waste is reduced. It is a further object of the present invention to propose the use of a refill pack which facilitates easier refilling of pipette tips, thereby reducing the risk of contamination of pipette tips and reducing packaging waste. Finally, it is the object of the invention to provide a method for producing a refill pack, which is suitable for use in a device according to the invention for providing pipette tips.

The object is achieved by a device for providing pipette tips with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the device are specified in subclaims.

• – eine Nachfüllpackung, die
• – eine Lochplatte mit einer Vielzahl Löcher,
• – in die Löcher eingesetzte Pipettenspitzen,
• – eine die Pipettenspitzen unten abdeckende Schale mit einer Steifigkeit von bis zu 300 N/mm und
• – eine die Pipettenspitzen oben abdeckende Abdeckung aufweist und
• – einen Halter mit einer Aufnahme zum Einsetzen der Nachfüllpackung,
• – wobei Nachfüllpackung und Halter Mittel zum Abstützen aufweisen, welche die Nachfüllpackung abstützen, wenn diese in die Aufnahme eingesetzt ist.

The inventive device for providing pipette tips comprises

• - a refill pack, the
• A perforated plate with a multiplicity of holes,
• - pipette tips inserted in the holes,
• - A cup covering the pipette tips below with a rigidity of up to 300 N / mm and
• - Has a pipette tips top covering cover and
• A holder with a receptacle for inserting the refill pack,
• - Refill pack and holder having means for supporting, which support the refill pack when it is inserted into the receptacle.

The inventive device for providing pipette tips comprises a refill pack having a perforated plate equipped with pipette tips. The pipette tips are covered at the bottom by a shell having a stiffness of up to 300 N / mm. The rigidity of the shell is the quotient of a maximum force introduced vertically into the shell, from which the shell deforms non-linearly and permanently, and the associated compression of the shell. In the device according to the invention, the shell has such a low rigidity, so that it is relatively easy to produce with little use of material. The refill pack can be used with the tray and cover in the holder, so that the pipette tips are covered at the top and bottom when refilling the holder and protected from contamination. Impurities of Pipette tips when fitting the holder can therefore be avoided or reduced.

The cover can be opened to pick up pipette tips using a pipette. After picking up pipette tips, the cover can be placed back onto the refill pack to protect pipette tips remaining on the perforated plate from contamination. When picking up pipette tips from the orifice plate by pressing a pipette onto the top of one or more pipette tips, vertical forces are applied to the shell via the orifice plate. Due to its relatively low rigidity, the shell could yield under these forces, which could result in pipette tips not being safely picked up by a pipette. This is avoided by the means for supporting the refill pack in the refill pack and holder. Namely, the means for supporting are such that when picking up pipette tips by means of a pipette, they divert forces to the perforated plate so that they do not act on the shell, or only reduced, and avoid deformations of the shell which impair the picking up of pipette tips. The holder is designed to be stable. The holder is reusable, so that the effort required for a stable execution of the holder is economically feasible.

The forces acting on the perforated plate when receiving pipette tips are preferably dissipated into the holder in that the perforated plate is supported on the edge on the means for supporting the holder, which are formed by a lower support of the holder. Furthermore, preferably, the perforated plate is supported indirectly via a laterally flange-like projecting upper support edge of the shell on the lower support edge of the holder. The perforated plate can be supported on the edge but also directly on the lower edge of the support. In this case, the shell can be held, for example, on the pipette tips held in the perforated plate or connected to the underside of the perforated plate, so that the outer edge region of the perforated plate projects outward with respect to the shell. Further, the invention includes possible embodiments in which the shell is supported on its outer surface of its side walls in a surface of the holder so that the shafts acting on the shell from the perforated plate form the outer surface or a majority of the outer surface of the side walls of the shell can be derived and shells with low stiffness can be used. Optionally, the shell is additionally supported with its bottom in the receptacle.

When all pipette tips are removed from the refill pack, they can be removed from the holder and replaced with a new refill pack.

The shell may be such that it covers only the through-openings for liquid of the pipette tips from below. Furthermore, it may be such that it additionally covers lower portions of the pipette tips laterally, for. B. by taking pictures z. B. in the form of hollow cones for each pipette tip or the entire group of pipette tips of the refill pack has at the bottom laterally comprehensive side walls. The shell may be adapted to laterally cover the pipette tips only over part of the space between the liquid passageway and the orifice plate. But it can also be designed so that it covers the pipettes over the entire distance range laterally. Furthermore, the shell may be such that it covers the perforated plate laterally. In addition, the shell may protrude above the perforated plate. If necessary. Side walls of the shell extend up to the level of the passage openings for air of the pipette tips upwards or beyond.

The cover may be designed to cover only the through-openings for air of the pipette tips from above. Furthermore, it may be such that it additionally covers upper portions of the pipette tips laterally, for. B. by taking pictures z. In the form of hollow cylinders for each individual pipette tip, or the entire group of pipette tips of the refill pack has side walls at the top. The sidewalls may be configured to extend over a portion of the pitch range between the pipette tip air passages and the orifice plate or over the entire gap region. They can be made more finely so that they laterally surround the perforated plate or extend downwards beyond the perforated plate.

If the shell covers the tips of the pipettes only at a distance from the perforated plate, it can be fixed directly to the pipette tips or via connecting elements (eg snap hooks) to the perforated plate (eg at the edge of the perforated plate or in recesses in the perforated plate) Bottom).

If the cover only covers the pipette tips at a distance from the perforated plate, it can be fastened directly to the pipette tips or via connecting elements (eg snap hooks) to the perforated plate (for example at the edge of the perforated plate or in recesses in the perforated plate top).

As far as shell and / or cover reach to the perforated plate or further, they may be attached to the perforated plate and / or to each other (eg via means for snapping or latching at the edge of the shell and / or cover and / or perforated plate).

Preferably, the shell and / or cover is closed or free of passage openings, so that no impurities pass through the walls of the shell and / or cover.

Further preferably, the upper edge of the shell is located at the lower edge of the cover or lie on the upper edge of the shell and the lower edge of the cover on the perforated plate. Preferably, the system is such that an air passage between the adjoining surfaces is prevented or restricted.

According to one embodiment, the shell has a stiffness of up to 200 N / mm, preferably of up to 100 N / mm. Most preferably, the shell has a stiffness of up to 80 N / mm. As a result, the use of materials and the cost of manufacturing the shell is further reduced.

According to a further embodiment, the shell has a minimum rigidity of 20 N / mm, preferably of at least 40 N / mm. As a result, the shell still receives sufficient rigidity to protect it during storage and transport from deformations that could affect the arrangement of the pipette tip in the perforated plate.

According to another embodiment, the shell has a stiffness in the range of 0 to 20 N / mm.

Preferably, it has the lowest possible stiffness, d. H. a stiffness which is approximately 0 N / mm. As a result, the use of material for the shell can be minimized. The shell can be protected from damage by an outer packaging (eg made of cardboard) during storage and transport. The shell of low rigidity, which is preferably approximately 0 N / mm, is preferably a blister (plastic film molding). A blister is a molded part made of a plastic film. Such a plastic film molding is produced with very low wall thickness or little material and low rigidity.

In principle, however, a shell with a higher rigidity (eg of at least 20 N / mm) may also be a blister.

The parts of the refill pack can be connected together in various ways. According to one embodiment, means for the positive connection of perforated plate and shell and / or means for positive connection of cover and shell in covering position of the cover to the shell are present. The means for positive connection have the advantage that perforated plate, shell and cover are made separately and easy to install. Manufacturing and assembly can be done in an automated process. Separated from each other means for positively connecting the perforated plate and shell and means for positively connecting the cover and shell have the advantage that the cover can be opened without separating the perforated plate from the shell. As a result, with the cover open, the orifice plate is secured to the shell. As a result, the perforated plate is prevented in particular from being lifted off the tray with the pipette tips. The means for positively connecting the shell and / or perforated plate and holder preferably have undercuts of shell and / or perforated plate and holder, which come into engagement with each other during connection.

The means for positive connection are means for snapping or latching, also called "snap connections" or "snap-in connections". When connecting by means of a snap connection or latching connection, a component deforms at least partially elastically and hooked to the other component. For this purpose, one component can have an elastic projection (eg snap hook, knobs or bead) and the other component can have a recess (undercut) or a recess for latching the projection.

In principle, the parts of the refill pack can also be connected to one another in other ways, for example by non-positive connection (eg press-fitting) or cohesive connection (eg welding) of perforated plate and shell or merely by inserting the perforated plate between shell and cover. Furthermore, the shell can be connected to the cover in a force-locking manner (eg by press-fitting) or by a material fit (for example by a separable welded connection or by sealing a film as a cover).

According to one embodiment, the cover is completely detachable from the shell. According to another embodiment, the cover is connected at one edge via a hinge connection with the shell. In addition, the cover and shell at one of the hinge joint opposite edge having means for locking in the closed position with each other. Cover and shell can be made separately from each other with the respective means for locking and / or joint parts of a hinge connection. Thereafter, if appropriate, the articulated connection can be produced. In principle, it is also possible to produce a cover and shell in one piece, wherein the hinge connection can be realized by a film hinge, a flexible hinge strip or hinges.

According to one embodiment, the means for supporting on a laterally projecting upper support edge of the shell on which the perforated plate is supported on the edge, and a projecting laterally from the upper edge of the receptacle lower support edge of the holder on which the shell is placed with its upper support edge. When the refill pack is inserted into the receptacle, the tray rests on the upper support rim of the holder and the perforated plate is supported over the upper support rim of the tray on the lower support rim of the holder. As a result, the Aufsteckkräfte are derived when picking up pipette tips by means of a pipette over the edge of the perforated plate by the material of the upper Auflagerandes in the lower support edge of the holder. A deformation of the shell, which could affect the inclusion of pipette tips, is thereby avoided.

According to one embodiment, the holder has a lower part with the receptacle for the shell and a cover which covers the receptacle with an inserted refill pack. In this embodiment, the refill pack is additionally protected by the lid of the holder from contamination. After removing pipette tips from the refill pack, they can be covered again by their cover and additionally by the lid. But it is also possible to remove the cover from the refill and to protect remaining on the perforated plate pipette tips only through the lid of the holder.

According to one embodiment, the lid has a hinge connection with the lower part of the holder. Basically, the lid can be held by its weight in the closed position or pressed by a spring in the closed position. Furthermore, the lower part and the lid may have at the edge, which faces the hinge connection, means for locking or locking the lid and lower part. According to another embodiment, the lid is completely detachable from the lower part and connectable in the closed position by means for latching and / or locking with the lower part.

According to one embodiment, means for locking shell and / or perforated plate and holder in the arrangement of the refill pack are present in the recording. These latching means can prevent the tray and / or orifice plate from being lifted when the pipette tips are removed from the orifice plate. According to a further embodiment, the means for locking the shell and / or perforated plate and holder are stronger than the force for opening the cover of the refill. This makes it possible to open the refill without holding the shell and / or the perforated plate by hand. Impurities of the refill pack are thereby avoided.

The means for latching the cover and cover preferably have undercuts of the cover and cover, which engage behind each other in the stiffened state.

According to a further embodiment, the lid of the holder and the cover of the refill have means for locking the lid with the cover, which are latched together by closing the lid when inserted into the receptacle refill, wherein the force to release the locking between the lid and cover by opening the lid is greater than the force to release the locking between the cover and shell by opening the cover. In this embodiment, the cover of the holder is automatically locked with the cover of the refill pack inserted into the holder when the lid is closed. Furthermore, it is ensured in this embodiment that when opening the lid, the cover is opened with, since the force to dissolve. the locking between the cover and the cover exceeds the force for releasing the locking between the cover and the shell. When you open and close the lid thus simultaneously the cover of the refill pack is opened and closed. This double protection of the refill is achieved from contamination. In addition, the pipette tips are protected from contact with the lid of the holder. Furthermore, this saves a work step.

According to one embodiment, the means for locking the perforated plate and shell of two opposite edges of the perforated plate downwardly projecting locking tabs with outwardly projecting locking lugs and the locking lugs receiving recesses in the side walls below the upper edges of the shell. This embodiment allows the use of already known perforated plates in the refill of the device. According to a further embodiment, the means for rusting shell and holder have outwardly projecting formations in the side walls below the upper edges of the shell and the formations cross-springy locking hooks of the holder. According to a further embodiment, the formations in the side walls of the shell are at the same time designed as recesses for receiving the latching noses of the perforated plate. Thus, the holder can be equipped optionally with the refill of the device according to the invention or with the perforated plate of a conventional refill without shell and cover.

According to a further embodiment, the shell and / or the cover has a wall thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment, perforated plate, shell and cover are made of plastic. The perforated plate is preferably injection-molded and / or the shell is deep-drawn or a blister (molded part made of a plastic film with low rigidity) or injection-molded and / or the cover is deep-drawn or injection-molded. In particular, in execution of the shell as a blister, the cover may also be a film which is sealed onto the upper edge of the blister. The film can be produced by means of suitable production methods (eg blow molding, laminating multilayer films, etc.).

According to a preferred embodiment, the holder is also made of plastic. Preferably, the holder is injection molded. Since the holder is reusable, an at least partial formation of the holder made of other materials than plastic is also considered. Thus, the holder may be wholly or partly made of metal.

According to one embodiment, the perforated plate and / or the shell and / or the cover and / or the holder consist wholly or partly of polypropylene and / or polyethylene and / or polycarbonate and / or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers and / or polystyrene and / or polyethylene terephthalate and / or biodegradable plastics and / or bio-based plastics and / or composite films of polyamide and polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene.

According to one embodiment, the refill pack is enclosed in a bag and / or shrink wrap prior to insertion into the holder. According to a preferred embodiment, the refill pack is sealed in the bag and / or the shrink film in a sterile manner. According to another embodiment, several refill packs are contained together in a bag and / or a shrink wrap. According to a further embodiment, the refill pack is inserted in the bag and / or in the shrink film in an outer packaging of cardboard and / or corrugated cardboard. For insertion into the holder, the refill pack is removed from the bag and / or the shrink wrap. This eliminates a sterile barrier that protects the pipette tips from contamination. However, the pipette tips of the refill pack are still protected by the tray and the cover from contamination.

According to a further embodiment, the refill pack has a tamper-evident closure. This is for the safe storage of the contents of the package, especially if the granting of sterility is particularly critical. If the refill packaging is opened, the tamper-evident closure is destroyed. This makes it easy to see at a glance whether the refill pack is still in its original condition.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by using a refill pack according to claim 20.

• • die Nachfüllpackung in ihrer Verpackung oder einem Teil der Verpackung in einen Halter eingesetzt,
• • werden Pipettenspitzen durch Aufsetzen einer Pipette aus der Lochplatte entnommen und
• • leitet der Halter beim Aufsetzen der Pipette wirkende Aufsetzkräfte an der Verpackung vorbei.

When using a refill pack according to the invention with a perforated plate equipped with pipette tips and a packaging enclosing the perforated plate with the pipette tips for providing pipette tips

• • the refill pack is placed in a holder in its packaging or part of the packaging,
• • pipette tips are removed from the perforated plate by placing a pipette and
• • The holder guides the placement forces acting on the packaging when placing the pipette.

When used according to the invention, the pipette tips are protected against contamination when inserted into the holder. Preferably, they are protected from contamination until the opening of the packaging arranged in the holder immediately before the removal of pipette tips by the packaging. The package is preferably formed by a shell and by a cover which is described in detail in the claims for the device for providing pipette tips. The packaging may also be a packaging made of cardboard or other material. Preferably, the refill pack is placed in the entire package in the holder in which it has been previously transported or stored. However, the use also includes possible variants in which the refill pack is inserted into the holder only in a part of its packaging, for example in a lower part of the packaging which protects the pipette tips from below. The bottom part of the package protects the pipette tips when inserted into the holder in the areas that come in contact with liquid before hand contact or contact with the holder, which could lead to undesirable contamination. When placing a pipette on one or more pipette tips, the pipette tip is clamped onto a lip of the pipette or clamped into a hole in the pipette, so that it is fixed on the neck or in the bore. The thereby acting Aufsetzkräfte be passed by the holder on the packaging over, so they do not deform the packaging and prevent the achievement of sufficiently high clamping forces for fixing the pipette tip on the neck or in the bore. Preferably, the keeper passes the landing forces completely past the package or parts of the package, which have low rigidity, so that any deformation of the package is avoided. For this purpose, the perforated plate over an intermediate, laterally flange-like protruding edge region of the packaging to be supported on the holder, or the perforated plate can be supported directly on the holder. However, it is sufficient that the retainer deflect the landing forces only partially, to the extent that deformation of the package is prevented to a degree that obviates the attainment of sufficiently high clamping forces to secure the pipette tip to the neck or bore , For this purpose, for example, the packaging with the outer surface of its side walls may be supported flat in a receptacle of the holder, wherein it may preferably be supported in the holder with the entire outer surface of its side walls or a majority of this outer surface. Optionally, the shell is additionally supported with its bottom in the receptacle. Preferably, the placement forces are conducted by the holder in a substrate on which rests the holder.

According to one embodiment of the use, the refill pack is removed prior to insertion into the holder of a sterile outer packaging. In the sterile outer packaging, the refill pack is protected under sterile conditions until it is inserted into the holder. When inserted into the holder, it is still protected by the packaging. This use allows the pipette tips to be inserted into the holder in a sterile or nearly sterile condition. The pipette tips can be inserted into the holder in the sterile state if the packaging of the refill pack itself is sterile. This can be achieved in particular in the execution of the refill pack as a blister pack. In this case, the pipette tips in the refill pack can be placed in a sterile condition in the holder, even if the refill pack was not previously contained in a sterile outer packaging. Advantageously, even in a sterile package, the refill pack is packaged in a sterile overpack, because this avoids contamination of the outside of the refill pack and corresponding accumulations of contaminants on the holder into which the refill pack is inserted.

According to one embodiment, a sterile refill pack is inserted into the holder. This is z. B. a blister pack.

The sterile outer packaging is preferably a sterile plastic bag or a sterile plastic box.

Finally, the object is achieved by a method for producing a refill pack according to claim 23.

• • in ein Vakuumwerkzeug mit einer Kavität mit einem Auflagerand im oberen Bereich eine Blisterfolie aus Kunststoff eingebracht,
• • unter Einwirkung von Vakuum und Temperatur auf die Blisterfolie ein an die Form der Kavität angepasster Blister mit einem oberen Auflagerand hergestellt,
• • eine mit Pipettenspitzen bestückte Lochplatte in den Blister eingebracht oder eine Lochplatte in den Blister eingebracht und danach die Lochplatte mit Pipettenspitzen bestückt und
• • auf den oberen Auflagerand des Blisters eine Abdeckung aufkaschiert.

In the inventive method for producing a refill pack containing pipette tips is

• A plastic blister foil is introduced into a vacuum tool having a cavity with a support edge in the upper region,
• Under the action of vacuum and temperature on the blister foil, a blister adapted to the shape of the cavity is produced with an upper bearing edge,
• • Insert a perforated plate equipped with pipette tips into the blister or insert a perforated plate into the blister and then fit the perforated plate with pipette tips and
• • a cover is laminated on the upper edge of the blister.

The inventive method is suitable to produce refills with extremely low cost of materials. In particular, the pipette tips can be stored in the refill pack in the sterile state if the production of the refill pack takes place under sterile conditions. Sterile conditions can be maintained until the refill pack is opened. The refill pack only needs to be opened in a holder, d. H. immediately before removing pipette tips for dosing. The lamination is done z. B. by heat sealing or thermal welding of a cover made of plastic with the blister made of plastic.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments. In the drawings show:

1 a device for providing pipette tips when inserting a refill pack into a holder in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

2 the refill pack in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

3.1 the holder with the lid open in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

3.2 an alternative holder with filling with the lid open in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

4 the device in a perspective exploded view;

5 the device with refill pack inserted in the holder with the lid open and cover removed in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

6 the locking of perforated plate, shell and holder of the same device in a partial vertical section;

7 the locking of a perforated plate with the holder of the same device in a partial vertical section;

8th a further embodiment of an apparatus for providing pipette tips during insertion of the refill pack in the holder in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

9 the refill of the same device in a perspective exploded view obliquely from above and from the side;

10 the refill pack with the lid off in a perspective view obliquely from below and from the side;

11 the device with refill pack inserted in the holder and the cover removed in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

12 Perforated plate with inserted pipette tips and shell of a variant of the refill pack in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

13 the same variant with associated cover pulled apart in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

14 a further variant of a perforated plate with pipette tips and shell in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

15 the same variant with associated cover pulled apart in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

16 another device for providing pipette tips in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

17 the same device when inserting the refill pack in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

18 the same device in a perspective exploded view obliquely from above and from the side;

19 a further variant of a refill with an executed as a blister shell with inserted perforated plate in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

20 Production of the blister in a vacuum tool in a rough schematic vertical section;

21 Arrangement for determining the dependence of the deformation of shells and holders on the applied compressive force in a roughly schematic view;

22 Diagram with measured force-displacement curves of the shell of a conventional refill and the lower part of a conventional holder;

23 tabular overview of measured values of the stiffness of the shell of a device according to the invention and of the holder according to the invention and of shells of conventional refill stacks and of lower parts of conventional holders.

In this application, the terms "top" and "bottom" refer to an orientation of the device with a horizontal perforated plate, wherein the shell is arranged substantially below the perforated plate and the cover substantially above the perforated plate. Furthermore, the receptacle is aligned horizontally with its opening for inserting the refill and the lid is vertically above the receptacle of the lower part.

In various embodiments, the same or basically matching parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

According to 1 includes the device according to the invention 1 a refill pack 2 and a holder 3 ,

According to 2 and 4 includes the refill pack 2 a perforated plate 4 , a shell arranged underneath 5 and one above the perforated plate 4 arranged cover 6 , In the perforated plate are pipette tips 7 used what was in 4 exemplary for four pipette tips 7 is shown.

According to 3.1 and 4 points the holder 3 a frame 8th , a trough 9 and a lid 10 on.

The perforated plate 4 is a substantially rectangular plate, which in 8 rows and 12 columns total 96 circular holes 11 having. The holes 11 are sized to pipette tips 7 certain size can be used therein and due to an extension of its outer diameter to the upper end in the perforated plate 4 are held without going through the holes 11 falling through. For this purpose, the pipette tips 7 one continuously from the bottom to the top have widening diameter or a sudden increase in the outer diameter.

From the two longer edges of the perforated plate 4 Stand down latching tabs 12 in front. The locking tabs 12 are arranged approximately in the middle of the two longer edges. The locking tabs 12 each have locking lugs next to their two lateral edges 13.1 . 13.2 on.

The perforated plate 4 is made of a resilient plastic, so that the locking tabs 12 or the locking lugs 13.1 . 13.2 are elastically deformable. The perforated plate 4 is preferably produced by injection molding.

The shell 5 is essentially boxy. In the embodiment, the distance of opposing side walls increases 14.1 . 14.2 respectively. 14.3 . 14.4 starting from the ground 15 to an upper opening 16 the Bowl 5 slightly. The shell 5 has on the upper edge circumferentially outwardly projecting heel 17 , This is followed by a vertical upper edge section 18 At the upper end of the upper edge portion is a horizontally outwardly projecting upper support edge 19 arranged.

Approximately in the middle of the two side walls 14.1 . 14.2 is located approximately directly below the paragraph 17 a shape 20 the side walls 14.1 . 14.2 , in vertical section of 6 two acute angles to the plane of the side walls 14.1 . 14.2 directed sections 20.1 . 20.2 have, along a connecting line 20.3 connected to each other. According to 4 have the side walls 14.1 . 14.2 below the upper support edge 19 between two strip-shaped edge sections 20:12 . 20:22 the formations 20 recesses 21 on, up to about the connecting line 20.3 or a short piece below.

The shell 5 is preferably made by deep drawing from a thin plastic film.

According to 2 and 4 is the cover 6 hood-like, starting from the ground 21 the cover 6 the distance between opposing side walls 22.1 . 22.2 . 22.3 . 22.4 the cover 6 to the opening 23 the cover 6 widened. The cover 6 has according to 4 on the insides of their sidewalls 22.1 to 22.4 linear or punctiform locking projections 24 that with the upper bearing edge 19 are lockable (see. 6 ).

The perforated plate 4 is on the upper bearing edge 19 the Bowl 5 placed. This is where the locking tabs engage 12 in the recesses 21 and are the locking lugs 13.1 . 13.2 behind the strip-shaped edge sections 20:12 . 20:22 the formations 20 latched (see. 2 ). Through the recesses 21 through can the locking tabs 12 pressed inwards, so that the locking lugs 13.1 . 13.2 from the formations 20 get rid of and the perforated plate 4 from the shell 5 is liftable.

According to 2 is the perforated plate 4 on the shell 5 put on and by the interaction of locking lugs 13.1 . 13.2 and formations 20 locked with this. Further, the cover 6 at their locking projections 24 with the upper bearing edge 19 the Bowl 5 locked. In this condition is the refill pack 2 in the holder 3 can be used, the pipette tips 7 are protected against contamination.

According to 3.1 and 4 includes the frame 8th of the owner 3 an upper, substantially horizontal frame part 25 that a recording 26 of the owner 3 encloses above. The upper frame part 25 is down with the trough 9 connected. The trough 29 stands from an inner edge of the upper frame part 25 down before. From the outer edge of the upper frame part 25 is a wrap around apron 27.1 down in front of the trough 9 encloses. The skirt 27.1 is the same distance or slightly further down from the upper frame part 25 before than the trough 9 ,

In the variant of 3.2 stand from the corners of the upper frame part 25 four feet 27.2 down before. The four feet 27.2 stand the same distance or slightly further down than the trough 9 ,

The trough 9 is essentially cuboid. In the example of 3.1 and 3.2 he has opposite side walls 28.1 . 28.2 . 28.3 . 28.4 whose distance is starting from the ground 29 to the upper opening 30 the recording 26 slightly enlarged. The trough 9 and the upper frame part 25 limit the recording 26 of the owner 3 from the top through the opening 30 is accessible.

Around the opening 30 The lower edge of the support extends around it 31 of the owner 3 ,

The upper frame part 25 has at the inner edges of its two long sides in each case two latching hooks 32 in the vertical section of 6 and 7 Are U-shaped. The locking hooks 32 have a distance from each other, the distance between the strip-shaped edge portions 20:12 . 20:22 the formations 20 the Bowl 5 equivalent. Between the two latching hooks 32 are at the top of the upper frame part 25 Free rooms 33 present, which gives access to the locking tabs 12 a perforated plate 4 enable.

According to 5 and 6 surround the latching hooks 32 the outsides of the formations 20 when the refill pack 2 in the holder 3 is used. According to 7 overlap the latching hooks 32 the locking lugs 13.1 . 13.2 at the locking tabs 12 if the perforated plate 4 without shell 5 in the holder 2 is engaged.

trough 9 and frame 8th are z. B. separately injection molded and connected together, for. B. by latching, or made in one piece by 2K injection molding. Together they form the lower part 34 of the owner 3 ,

The lid 10 is about articulated joints 35 to an outer edge of the horizontal frame part 25 is articulated. The cover 6 and the lid 10 each have complementary undercuts 36 . 37 (see. 6 . 7 ), which reach behind each other when the refill pack 2 in the holder 3 used and the lid 10 is closed.

The locking between the lid 10 and cover 6 is stronger than the locking between cover 6 and shell 5 so the cover 6 from the shell 5 is lifted off when the lid 10 is opened. The cover remains 6 in the lid 10 , This situation is in 5 shown. Preferably, the latch is between refill pack 2 and holder 3 stronger than the lock between cover 6 and shell 5 , so the refill pack 2 when opening the lid 10 and the cover 6 not from the holder 3 is pulled out. The pipette tips 7 are then ready to be picked up by a pipette. By closing the lid 10 will the cover 6 again with the shell 5 locked and become remaining pipette tips 7 protected against contamination.

If all pipette tips 7 from the refill pack 2 taken, this can be pulled out of their locks and a new refill 2 be replaced. Optionally, this may be the perforated plate first 4 from the shell 5 are removed, whereby the cancellation of further locking is facilitated. The parts of the refill pack 2 can be taken apart to save space.

The embodiment of 8th to 11 differs from the above especially in that the upper bearing edge 19 the Bowl 5 directly with the side walls 14.1 to 14.4 connected is. Furthermore, from the outer edges of the narrow sides of the upper Auflagerandes 19 snap hooks 35 high. The shell 5 is about the snap hook 35 with the perforated plate 4 Lockable (see. 10 and 11 ). Here are the locking tabs 12 on the outsides of the side walls 14.1 . 14.2 arranged. The shell 5 is thus by means of a snap connection under the perforated plate 4 attached. The cover 6 is from the top of the perforated plate 4 placed so that it is positively connected to this, as in 8th shown.

If this refill pack 2 according to 11 in the holder 3 is inserted, lock the locking lugs 13.1 . 13.2 the perforated plate 4 directly with the locking hooks 32 of the owner 3 , Here is the perforated plate 4 over the upper bearing edge 19 on the lower ground 31 of the owner 3 supported.

The lid 10 of the owner 3 is over side tabs 36 with bearing eyes 37 on bearing bolts 38 stored by the side walls of the holder 3 protrude outward. The cover 6 must be separate from the refill pack 2 be deducted to access the pipette tips 7 to have. After removal of pipette tips, the refill pack can 2 by closing the lid 10 to be protected.

In this embodiment, a conventional perforated plate come 4 and a conventional cover 6 for use.

The refill pack 2 from 12 and 13 is different from the refill pack 2 according to 8th to 11 in that the shell 5 only the lower areas of the pipette tips 7 covers. This is the shell 5 designed as a bottom plate. This has a plate-shaped carrier 39 with a large number of circular plate holes 40 on whose underside hollow cone 41 protrude. The arrangement of the plate holes 40 corresponds exactly to the arrangement of the holes in the perforated plate 4 , The inner contour of the hollow cone 41 is to the outer contour of the lower conical areas of the pipette tips 7 customized.

The pipette tips held in the perforated plate are through the plate holes 40 in the hollow cone 41 insertable and by pressing force fit with these connectable. In this arrangement, the refill is 2 in 12 shown.

The trained as a bottom plate shell 5 protects the lower parts of the pipette tip when moving the refill pack 2 in a holder 3 according to 8th , When reacting is preferably in addition a cover 6 corresponding 8th on the perforated plate 4 pressed on to the pipette tips 7 protect from above. Thus, the gas or liquid coming into contact areas of the pipette tips 7 protected during transfer. This refill pack 2 is particularly material-saving.

The refill pack 2 from 14 and 15 differs from the above-described in that the shell formed as a bottom plate 5 additionally with upstanding side walls 42.1 to 42.4 is provided that the pipette tips 7 cover laterally. If the perforated plate 4 on the upper edge of the side walls 42.1 to 42.4 seated and the pipette tips 7 in the hollow cone 41 are pressed, the arrangement of pipette tips 7 , Perforated plate 4 and shell 5 held positively and positively. In addition, the cover 6 by pressing force fit on the perforated plate 4 fixed.

The refill packs 2 from 12 to 15 are basically like the refill pack 2 from 8th to 11 in a holder 3 can be used and removed from this.

The embodiment of 16 to 18 differs from the embodiment of 1 to 7 in particular in that the holder 3 without a trough 9 and without lid 10 is trained. Further, the cover 6 the refill pack 2 designed as a snap lid, with the outer edge of the upper Auflagerandes 19 the Bowl 5 is snappable. Since the snap edge 43 the cover 6 the outer edge of the Auflagerandes 19 encompasses the snap edge 43 himself on the lower shelf 31 on, like in 16 shown.

The perforated plate 4 lies on the outwardly projecting heel 17 the Bowl 5 on and the load straps 12 grab slots 44 of the paragraph 17 so they are below the paragraph 17 are accessible from the outside. The locking tabs 12 are thus at suitable locking lugs 13.1 . 13.2 with corresponding undercuts of the holder 3 lockable.

In this device, the pipette tips 7 only through the shell 5 and the cover 6 protected against contamination.

In the embodiment of 19 is the shell 5 according to the shell of the refill pack 2 from 14 to 18 educated. The shell 5 is made as a blister. The cover 6 can in this embodiment also by a on the upper support edge 19 laminated foil be formed.

According to 20 gets into a vacuum tool 45 with a corresponding cavity 46 with a support edge 47 in the upper area a blister foil 48 made of plastic. The blister 49 is then in a conventional manner under the action of vacuum and temperature on the blister film 48 produced. The refill pack 2 is then made by using pipette tips 7 equipped perforated plate 4 in the blister 49 is introduced. Finally, a cover 6 made of paper or a suitable foil on the upper support edge 19 of the blister 49 be laminated on. The pipette tips 7 If necessary, can also after the molding of the blister 49 in the perforated plate 4 be used.

This method of production can be automated and can be easily implemented in terms of process engineering. The blister packaging allows a strong reduction of packaging waste. Also allows one as a blister 49 executed refill pack 2 the assembly of a holder 3 with sterile pipette tips 7 , Only shortly before the removal of the pipette tips 7 needs the cover 6 or the laminated foil to be removed.

The refill pack 2 with a blister as a shell 5 can in the holder 2 be latched, the locking tabs 12 with the locking lugs 13.1 . 13.2 through the blister film 48 through with the appropriate latching hooks 32 or other undercuts of the holder 3 are lockable. If the refill pack is locked, the sealing film may peel off the blister 49 subtracted and the pipette tips 7 can be removed. The blister foil 48 is so flexible that it is a flat support of the perforated plate 4 on the lower ground 31 does not bother, so marginal pipette tips 7 can be removed without interference.

According to 21 is used to determine the stiffness of a shell 5 used a test setup in which a compression testing machine 50 Zwick / Roell 2005 built in 2003 is used. The from the pressure testing machine 50 applied compressive force and deformation are via a force and displacement measuring device 51 measured. The force is over a metal plate 52 at the top of the pipette tips 7 initiated in the perforated plate 4 sit to the influence of the deflection of the perforated plate 4 to minimize. From the perforated plate 4 the pressure is applied to the upper edge of the shell 5 transfer.

The examined shell 5 is loaded to a maximum pressure of 1,000 Newton or 5 mm compression. The Zwick pressure gauge picks up the force-displacement curves. In 22 this is pictured for an example of a bowl. The compressive force is given in Newton (N) and the compression in millimeters. Up to maximum force, the shell deforms 5 linear. The stiffness is the quotient of maximum force (eg 200 N) and associated compression (eg 1.38 mm). In the example, the stiffness is 155 N / mm.

The maximum force is derived from the curves, where the products noticeably become non-linear and permanently deformed. The determination of the maximum force for the shell of a conventional refill stack is in 22 entered.

The stiffness of each shell is the quotient of maximum force and associated compression calculated. In the overview of 23 are the corresponding measurement results of conventional trays and holders of various manufacturers and one embodiment of the shell according to the invention 5 and the holder of the invention 3 (Manufacturer F, shell 3 ).

It turns out that the shells of refill packs have a significantly lower rigidity than holders, which are designed as a box or rack.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10245961 B4 [0005]
• DE 19742493 C1 [0006]
• WO 92/01514 A1 [0011]
• US 5366088 [0011]
• US 6286678131 [0011]

Claims (23)

Device for providing pipette tips with • a refill pack ( 2 ), which • a perforated plate ( 4 ) with a large number of holes ( 11 ), • in the holes ( 11 ) used pipette tips ( 7 ), • one of the pipette tips ( 7 ) cup covering below ( 5 ) with a stiffness of up to 300 N / mm and • one of the pipette tips ( 7 ) top cover, removable cover ( 6 ) and • a holder ( 3 ) with a recording ( 26 ) for inserting the refill pack ( 2 ), Whereby between refill pack ( 2 ) and holders ( 3 ) Means for supporting ( 19 . 31 ) of the refill pack ( 2 ), if these are included in the recording ( 26 ) is used, are present. Device according to Claim 1, in which the shell ( 5 ) has a stiffness of up to 200 N / mm, preferably up to 100 N / mm. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the shell ( 5 ) has a rigidity of at least 20 N / mm, preferably of at least 40 N / mm. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3 with means for latching ( 12 . 20 ) of perforated plate ( 4 ) and shell ( 5 ) and / or latching means ( 19 . 24 ) of cover ( 6 ) and shell ( 5 ) in the closed position of the cover ( 6 ) on the shell ( 5 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for supporting a laterally projecting upper bearing edge ( 19 ) the Bowl ( 5 ), on which the perforated plate ( 4 ) is supported at the edge, and one laterally from the upper edge of the receptacle ( 26 ) projecting lower bearing edge ( 31 ) of the holder ( 3 ) on which the shell ( 5 ) with its upper bearing edge ( 19 ) can be placed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, with means for latching ( 20 . 32 ) of shell ( 5 ) and / or perforated plate ( 4 ) and holders ( 3 ) when the refill pack ( 2 ) in the recording ( 26 ). Device according to Claim 6, in which the means for latching ( 20 . 32 ) of shell ( 5 ) and / or perforated plate ( 12 ) and holders ( 3 ) stronger than the force to open ( 6 ) the cover of the refill pack ( 2 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the holder has a lower part ( 34 ) with the recording ( 26 ) for the shell ( 5 ) and a recording ( 26 ) with an inserted refill pack ( 2 ) covering lid ( 10 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the lid ( 10 ) a hinge connection ( 35 ) with the lower part ( 34 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the lid ( 10 ) of the holder ( 3 ) and the cover ( 6 ) of the refill pack ( 2 ) Means for latching ( 36 . 37 ) of the lid ( 10 ) with the cover ( 6 ) by closing the lid ( 10 ) in the recording ( 26 ) inserted refill pack ( 2 ) are latched together, wherein the force for releasing the locking between the lid ( 10 ) and cover ( 6 ) by opening the lid ( 10 ) greater than the force for releasing the locking between cover ( 6 ) and shell ( 5 ) by opening the cover ( 6 ). Device according to one of Claims 4 to 10, in which the means for latching ( 12 . 20 ) of perforated plate ( 4 ) and shell ( 5 ) of two opposite edges of the perforated plate downwardly projecting locking tabs ( 12 ) with outwardly projecting latching lugs ( 13.1 . 13.2 ) and the locking lugs ( 13.1 . 13.2 ) receiving recesses in the side walls ( 14.1 . 14.2 ) the Bowl ( 5 ) exhibit. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the means for latching ( 20 . 32 ) of shell ( 5 ) and holders ( 3 ) outwardly projecting formations ( 20 ) in the side walls ( 14.1 . 14.2 ) the Bowl ( 5 ) and the formations ( 20 ) comprehensive, resilient latching hooks ( 32 ) of the holder ( 3 ) exhibit. Apparatus according to claims 11 and 12, in which the formations ( 20 ) in the side walls ( 14.1 . 14.2 ) the Bowl ( 5 ) at the same time as recesses for receiving the latching hooks ( 32 ) of the perforated plate ( 4 ) are formed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which the holder ( 3 ) a box with a closed receptacle ( 26 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which the holder ( 3 ) a frame ( 8th ) with an open recording ( 26 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, in which the shell ( 5 ) and / or the cover ( 6 ) has a wall thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the perforated plate ( 4 ) made of polypropylene and / or the shell ( 5 ) made of polypropylene or polyethylene and / or the cover ( 6 ) made of polypropylene or polyethylene and / or the holder ( 3 ) is made of polycarbonate. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the perforated plate ( 4 ) and / or the shell ( 5 ) deep-drawn or injection-molded or a blister and / or in which the cover ( 6 ) deep-drawn or injection-molded and / or in which the holder ( 3 ) is injection molded. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at least one refill ( 2 ) before insertion into the holder ( 3 ) is enclosed in a bag and / or in a shrink wrap. Use of a refill pack with one with pipette tips ( 7 ) equipped perforated plate ( 4 ) and one the perforated plate ( 4 ) with the pipette tips ( 7 ) enveloping packaging ( 5 . 6 ) for providing pipette tips ( 7 ) for dosing, in which • the refill pack ( 2 ) in the packaging ( 5 . 6 ) or in a part thereof in a holder ( 3 ), • pipette tips ( 7 ) by placing a pipette from the perforated plate ( 4 ) and • the holder ( 3 ) contact forces acting on the packaging during placement of the pipette ( 5 . 6 ) over. Use according to claim 20, in which the refill pack ( 2 ) is taken from a sterile outer packaging containing one or more refills ( 2 ) contains. Use according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a sterile refill ( 2 ) in the holder ( 3 ) is used. Method for producing a refill pack ( 2 ) containing pipette tips ( 7 ), in which • in a vacuum tool ( 45 ) with a cavity ( 46 ) with a support edge ( 47 ) in the upper area a blister foil ( 48 ) is introduced from plastic, • under the influence of vacuum and temperature on the blister foil ( 48 ) to the shape of the cavity ( 46 ) adapted blisters ( 49 ) with an upper bearing edge ( 19 ), • one with pipette tips ( 7 ) equipped perforated plate ( 4 ) contained in the blister ( 49 ) or a perforated plate ( 4 ) in the blister ( 49 ) and then the perforated plate ( 4 ) with pipette tips ( 7 ) and • on the upper support edge ( 19 ) of the blister ( 49 ) a cover ( 6 ) is laminated.

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