RECEIVING FRAME FOR RECEIVING A SUPPORT PLATE FOR PIPETTE TIPS

Abstract

A receiving frame for a support plate for pipette tips that is formed from two opposing longitudinal walls and two opposing transverse walls, each has an upper side and a lower side and laterally enclose an interior space is disclosed. The upper sides of the longitudinal walls and transverse walls together form a circumferential support surface on which a support plate for pipette tips can be reversibly placed. The receiving frame has a footprint on the lower side of the longitudinal walls and the transverse walls.

Claims

1. A receiving frame (5) for a support plate (1, 3) for pipette tips (6), which is formed by two opposing longitudinal walls (51) and two opposing transverse walls (52), which each comprise an upper side and a lower side and which laterally enclose an interior space (60), wherein the upper sides of the longitudinal walls (51) and transverse walls (52) together form a circumferential support surface (50) on which a support plate for pipette tips can be placed, and wherein the receiving frame (5) comprises a footprint (58) on the lower side of the longitudinal walls and the transverse walls, characterized in that the receiving frame (5) comprises, on an inner side of at least one longitudinal wall (51), a guide claw (55) which—for the alternative positioning of two different support plates (1, 3) on the support surface (50)—projects beyond the support surface (50) and the receiving frame (5).

2. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide claw (55) comprises two claws (66) which are spaced apart from each other in the direction parallel to the support surface (50) by a guide (67), wherein the guide (67) is a recess which, starting from an upper side of the claw (66) which projects beyond the receiving frame (5), extends substantially at right angles relative to the support surface (50) to at least this support surface (50).

3. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises two guide claws (55), wherein one guide claw is arranged on each longitudinal wall (51), and both guide claws (55) face each other.

4. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that one or both claws (66) are pin-shaped for positioning a support plate (1,3) for pipette tips, or in that one or both claws (66) comprise a hook structure for reversibly holding a support plate (3) for pipette tips.

5. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the claws (66) of a guide claw (55) are fixed to the inner side of the longitudinal wall (51) via a common base (68), wherein the common base (68) is spaced from the inner side of the longitudinal wall or wherein the common base (68) is substantially connected to the inner side of the longitudinal wall (51).

6. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, on at least one transverse wall (52), a protrusion (59) comprising two guide slots (56), wherein the guide slots (56) are arranged in alignment with one another which extends parallel to the transverse wall (52).

7. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the longitudinal walls (51) comprises on its inner side an inner web (53) which comprises at least one retaining ridge (54) arranged towards the upper side of the frame and projecting from the inner web (53) in the direction of the interior space (60), wherein the retaining ridge (54) is adapted to reversibly retain a retaining lug (11) of an attached support plate for pipette tips (1) of a first embodiment.

8. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises, on each longitudinal wall (51), a guide claw (55) and two inner webs (53), each having a retaining ridge (54), wherein one inner web (53) is arranged on each side of the guide claw (55).

9. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a U-shaped protrusion (64) on both longitudinal walls (51).

10. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a base plate (65) connected to the longitudinal walls (51) and/or the transverse walls (52).

11. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a dividing insert (7), wherein the dividing insert (7) comprises a plurality of dividing walls (71) forming a plurality of receiving openings (70) for pipette tips (6).

12. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises, on an inner side of the longitudinal wall (51) or on an inner side of the transverse wall (52), an inner web (53) which comprises a retaining ridge (54) projecting in the direction of the interior space (60), wherein the retaining ridge (54) is configured to act on the dividing insert (7) in a reversibly retaining manner.

13. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 11, characterized in that the dividing insert (7) is formed of a plurality of dividing walls (71) forming the receiving openings (70) for pipette tips (6), wherein a receiving opening formed by one or more dividing walls (71) is dimensioned to receive one or more pipette tips (6).

14. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 11, characterized in that the dividing walls (71) are longitudinal and transverse walls extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal walls (51) or transverse walls (52), or in that the dividing walls are cylindrical hollow bodies extending from the lower side of the receiving frame (5) in the direction towards the upper side thereof.

15. The receiving frame (5) according to claim 1, comprising at least one external fin (73), which is arranged at an outer side of a longitudinal wall (51) and/or and outer side of a transverse wall (52) and/or an outer side of a frame corner, wherein the external fin (73) ends flush with the support surface (50).

16. A method of presenting pipette tips (6), comprising the following steps: Providing a receiving frame (5) according to one of the preceding claims, providing a support plate for pipette tips of a first embodiment (1) comprising at least one, preferably a plurality, of reinforcing struts (15) on its lower side and a plurality of retaining lugs (11), and providing a support plate for pipette tips of a second embodiment (3), which comprises at least one, preferably two, recesses on its longitudinal side, selecting either the support plate for pipette tips of the first embodiment (1) or the support plate for pipette tips of the second embodiment (3), and positioning and holding the selected support plate (1,3) on the receiving frame (5) by means of the guide claw.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0131] The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures (Fig.). The figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0132] The drawings show in each case in highly schematized form:

[0133] FIG. 1 shows a receiving frame according to the invention in a schematic view obliquely from above,

[0134] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged representation of a transverse wall of the receiving frame according to FIG. 1,

[0135] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged sectional view of a longitudinal wall of the receiving frame according to FIG. 1,

[0136] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged sectional view of a longitudinal wall of an alternative embodiment of a receiving frame,

[0137] FIG. 5 shows a prior art support plate for pipette tips of a first embodiment in an oblique view from below,

[0138] FIG. 6 shows a side view from below of a receiving frame with base plate and attached support plate for pipette tips from FIG. 5,

[0139] FIG. 7 shows a side view from above of a receiving frame with attached support plate for pipette tips from FIG. 5,

[0140] FIG. 8 shows a prior art support plate for pipette tips of a second embodiment in an oblique view from below,

[0141] FIG. 9 shows a side view from below of a receiving frame with base plate and attached support plate for pipette tips from FIG. 8,

[0142] FIG. 10 shows a side view from above of a receiving frame with attached support plate for pipette tips from FIG. 8,

[0143] FIG. 11A shows a highly schematized top view of a receiving frame 5 according to the invention, with particular focus on the support surface 50 for the two support plates,

[0144] FIG. 11B shows a highly schematized bottom view of a support plate of the first embodiment, focusing on the support surface for a receiving frame, and

[0145] FIG. 11C shows a highly schematized overlay of the views shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B,

[0146] FIG. 12A shows a highly schematized top view of a receiving frame 5 according to the invention with particular focus on the support surface 50 for the two support plates,

[0147] FIG. 12B shows a highly schematized bottom view of a support plate of the second embodiment, focusing on the support surface for a receiving frame, and

[0148] FIG. 12C shows a highly schematized overlay of the views shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B,

[0149] FIG. 13 shows a highly schematized section of the situation at a transverse wall of an alternative receiving frame in an overlay with a support plate of the first embodiment,

[0150] FIG. 14 shows an overview view of a receiving frame according to the invention of a first embodiment, comprising a dividing insert of a first embodiment,

[0151] FIG. 15 shows a detailed view of the receiving frame with inserted dividing insert according to FIG. 14,

[0152] FIG. 16 shows an overview view of a receiving frame according to the invention of a further embodiment with a dividing insert of a second embodiment,

[0153] FIG. 17 shows a detailed view of the receiving frame with inserted dividing insert according to FIG. 16,

[0154] FIG. 18 shows an overview view of a dividing insert of the first embodiment,

[0155] FIG. 19 shows an overview view of a dividing insert of the second embodiment,

[0156] FIG. 20 shows a highly schematized overview drawing of an assembly comprising a receiving frame and an attached variant of a support plate for pipette tips of the first embodiment,

[0157] FIG. 21 shows a schematic cross-section in a three-dimensional view through the assembly of FIG. 20,

[0158] FIG. 22 shows a highly schematized overview drawing of an assembly comprising a receiving frame and an attached support plate for pipette tips of the second embodiment,

[0159] FIG. 23 shows a schematic cross-section in a three-dimensional view through the assembly of FIG. 22, and

[0160] FIG. 24 shows a receiving frame in a further, alternative embodiment in a schematic view obliquely from above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0161] FIG. 1 shows a receiving frame 5 in an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. The schematic view shows the receiving frame obliquely from above. The receiving frame 5 is configured to support at least two specific embodiments of support plates 1, 3 for pipette tips. It is formed by two opposing longitudinal walls 51 and two opposing transverse walls. The longitudinal walls 51 and transverse walls 52 are connected to each other in such a way that, in this case, they form a substantially rectangular basic shape. They laterally enclose an interior space 60.

[0162] Each longitudinal wall 51 and each transverse wall 52 have an upper side and a lower side, as well as a height H. The height H is marked with a double arrow for the rear longitudinal wall 51 as an example. Together, the upper sides form a circumferential support surface 50 onto which a support plate for pipette tips 1, 3 can be placed. Typically, the upper side is also the upper side of the receiving frame 5. The lower side comprises a footprint 58 (see also FIG. 6 or 9). The footprint 58 may be formed by its own foot part which is connected to the lower side of the longitudinal and transverse walls 51, 52. The height of the receiving frame 5 is thus determined here by the height of the longitudinal or transverse walls 51, 52 plus the height of the foot part. On the other hand, it may be provided that the footprint 58 is directly formed by the lower sides of the longitudinal and transverse walls 51, 52, and/or that further structures such as complementary foot parts are provided on the lower sides of the longitudinal and/or transverse walls 51, 52 in order to increase the stability of the receiving frame 5 on a surface. This is shown by way of example in FIG. 1.

[0163] The support surface formed by the longitudinal walls 51 and transverse walls 52 is shown here almost continuously circumferential. It is interrupted only by a total of four guide slots in the transverse walls 52. However, depending on the design of the walls 51, 52, there may be several interruptions, as long as this does not lead to an unstable fit of the attached support plate 1, 3 on the receiving frame 5. It is essential for a stable fit in this case that the support surface extends planarly in one plane.

[0164] The course of the support surface 50 is adapted so that at least the two different embodiments of the support plates for pipette tips can be placed on the receiving frame with a stable fit. It represents a support compromise, so to speak. For this purpose, in this case both longitudinal walls 51 and both transverse walls have U-shaped protrusions 59, 64. In the embodiment shown here, the protrusions 59, 64 are shorter on the lower side of the receiving frame 5 than on the upper side, and are thus asymmetrical, so that the upper support surface encloses an enlarged interior space.

[0165] On the inner sides of the longitudinal walls 51 and transverse walls 52, inner webs 53 are located in each case in the protrusions. The inner webs 53 on the transverse walls 52 are offset in relation to the upper side in the direction of the lower side and in this case serve primarily to stabilize the receiving frame 5. The inner webs 53 on the longitudinal walls 51, on the other hand, close flush with the upper side of these longitudinal walls 51. They form here an addition to the support surface 50, on which either reinforcing struts 15 on the lower side of the support plate for pipette tips of the first embodiment 1 can rest, or on which the support plate for pipette tips of the second embodiment rests with its flat lower side 37.

[0166] The receiving frame 5 further comprises a respective guide claw 55 on the inner side of each longitudinal wall 51. In the embodiment shown here, each of the guide claws 55 is structurally connected to an inner web 53, wherein the inner web 53 and thus also corresponding the guide claw 55 is arranged centrally on the longitudinal wall 51 in each case.

[0167] Finally, on the outside of each longitudinal wall 51 there is a gripper edge by means of which the receiving frame 5 can be gripped and moved, for example, in an automated manner by a gripper robot of a liquid handling platform.

[0168] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of a transverse wall 52 of the receiving frame 5 according to FIG. 1. In particular, the upper side of the transverse wall 52 and the protrusion 59 of the transverse wall 52 with the two guide slots 56 are shown. The protrusion 59 in this embodiment is U-shaped, and formed by two spacer webs 61 and a transverse web 62.

[0169] One spacer web 61 is slotted in each case. Both slots of a protrusion 59 are aligned to jointly form a guide into which, for example, an orientation web 32 of a pipette tip support plate of the second embodiment can enter. Accordingly, the depth of each slot is adapted such that such an orientation web 32 does not strike the lower edge of the slot. In this way, the position of the orientation web 32 in the receiving frame 5 can prevent the support plate from incompletely resting on the receiving frame 5 and thus its fit from being unstable. In this regard, as long as a guide for a corresponding orientation web 32 can be formed by guide slots, the shape of the protrusion is not limited to a U-shape.

[0170] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a longitudinal wall 51 of the receiving frame 5 according to FIG. 1, with a view in particular at the upper side of the longitudinal wall 51. In particular, the guide claw 55 on the inner side of the longitudinal wall 51 is shown. The guide claw 55 comprises a base 68 on which two claws 66 are arranged at a distance from each other. The spacing between them forms a guide 67. In addition, the claws 66 can thus have a slight spring effect.

[0171] Via the base 68, the guide claw 55 is connected both to the inner side of the longitudinal wall 51 and, in this case, to an inner web 53.

[0172] The guide claw 55 protrudes with its claws 66 over the upper side of the longitudinal wall 51 and thus over support surface 50. Thus, it can move into a lateral recess 31 of the support plate for pipette tips of the second embodiment 3 when the latter is placed on the receiving frame 5 (see also FIG. 10). At the same time, the guide claw 55 can enter with its guide slot 56 into a reinforcing strut 15 of the support plate for pipette tips of the first embodiment 1. Moreover, since the claws 66 both have a hook structure at their upper end, a light holding function can be exerted on the support plate of the second embodiment, upon interaction with said support plate. The support plate can nevertheless be manually lifted off the receiving frame 5 again when a suitable force is applied, for example by a user.

[0173] The inner webs 53 in this embodiment are arranged symmetrically on either side of the guide claw 55 on the longitudinal wall. A total of four of the inner webs 53 from this view each have a retaining ridge 54. In this regard, on two of the inner webs 53 the retaining ridges 54 are positioned at the upper end of the inner web 53, while on the other two the retaining ridges 54 are arranged offset from the upper side in the direction of the lower side on the inner web 53. The two upper retaining ridges 54 can cooperate with retaining lugs 11 on the pipette tip support plate of the first embodiment 1, thereby imparting a loose hold to this first support plate on the receiving frame 5. The position of the retaining lugs 11 can be seen in more detail in FIG. 5. The retaining ridges 54 have no function with respect to the pipette tip support plate of the second embodiment, since there are no complementary structures at the corresponding position on this support plate with which a retaining ridge 54 could interact.

[0174] On the other hand, the retaining ridges 54, which are arranged offset from the upper side of the receiving frame 5 at the inner webs 53, are arranged to cooperate in a retaining manner with an optional dividing insert 7. The dividing insert 7 is described in more detail in FIGS. 15 to 20. Since it is optional, the presence of retaining ridges 54 correspondingly cooperating with a dividing insert is also optional.

[0175] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a longitudinal wall 51 of a receiving frame 5 in an alternative embodiment, also in particular with a view at the upper side of the longitudinal wall 51. In this alternative embodiment, the guide claw 55 is positioned in the same way as in the embodiment of the receiving frame 5 shown in FIG. 3. However, the embodiments of the guide claw 55 and the inner webs 53 with retaining ridges differ from the corresponding formations as shown in FIG. 3:

[0176] In particular, in the case of the guide claw 55 in FIG. 4, the base 68 is not connected to an inner web 53, but to an offset arranged on the inner side of the longitudinal wall 51. Moreover, not only the claws 66 extend freely in the direction of the upper side of the receiving frame 5, but also the base 68, which leads to an increased spring effect compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. The claws 66 themselves and the guide 67 are of comparable design, so that a guiding engagement in a support plate of the first embodiment (in the reinforcing struts 15) and a guiding engagement of the second embodiment (in its lateral recess 31) also takes place in a comparable manner.

[0177] The inner webs 53 in the embodiment of the receiving frame 5 shown in FIG. 4 differ from the receiving frame 5 shown in FIG. 3 both with regard to their position relative to the guide claw 55 and with regard to the arrangement of the retaining ridges 54. FIG. 4 shows three inner webs 53 which are flush with the support surface 50 for support plates 1, 3. Of these three inner webs 53, one inner web 53 has two retaining ridges 54. One retaining ridge 54 is positioned at the upper end of the inner web 53, while the second retaining ridge 54 of this inner web 53 is arranged offset from the upper side towards the lower side. The upper retaining ridge 54 may cooperate with a retaining lug 11 on the pipette tip support plate of the first embodiment 1, thereby imparting a loose hold of said first support plate on the receiving frame 5. The upper retaining ridge 54, which is offset with respect to the upper surface of the receiving frame 5, is arranged to cooperate with an optional dividing insert 7.

[0178] FIG. 5 shows a support plate for pipette tips 1 of the first embodiment, known from the prior art, in an oblique view from below. Such a support plate 1 is also named as SBS support plate as mentioned before. It is sold as a “Refill Insert” with different disposable tip sizes by the applicant (for example “LiHa, ANSI, 10 μL”, order no. “LiHa, ANSI, 200 μL”, order no. 30057814, “LiHa, ANSI, 200 μL”, order no. 30057814 or example “LiHa, ANSI, 10 μL”, order no. “LiHa, ANSI, 1000 μL”, order no. 30057816).

[0179] Such an SBS support plate 1 has a base plate 17, in which a plurality of storage openings 10 are recessed for inserting and storing pipette tips 6. The arrangement (also called grid) of the storage openings 10 is standardized, as previously discussed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, there are 96 storage openings 10. By way of example, one storage opening 10 is shown occupied by a pipette tip 6. The support plate 1 also has an edge extending around the base plate 17 with a support surface 16 extending continuously around the lower side for a so-called SBS receiving box adapted to the SBS support plate 1 (such as, for example, the “DiTi Box, LiHa, empty, ANSI format” of the applicant (order number 30058506 or 30058507). The support surface 16 allows the SBS support plate to be placed on the SBS receiving box without wobbling, thus it does not tilt on the support surface from one position to another (no horizontal play). The circumferential edge is spaced from the base plate 17 by a plurality of reinforcing struts 15 on the lower side thereof. When the SBS support plate 1 is placed on an SBS standard box, it rests on complementary structures of the SBS standard box both with the circumferential support surface 16 and with the reinforcing struts 15. The reinforcing struts 15 thus form part of the support surface 16. The grid of storage openings is not only point-symmetrical in itself, but also standardized and point-symmetrically positioned on the SBS receiving box (not shown).

[0180] At each of the four corners in the circumferential edge there is a centering opening 12, into which complementary centering pins on the SBS standard box move in a reversible and slightly friction-locking manner when the support plate 1 is placed, thus centering and holding the support plate 1 on the SBS standard box.

[0181] Due to the centering pins on the SBS standard box, a support plate 3 of the second embodiment cannot be placed on this standard box, as this support plate 3 lacks complementary centering openings. The centering pins result in the support plate of the second embodiment being spaced from the support surface of the standard box without providing a secure fit.

[0182] It is possible that the SBS support plate (support plate 1 of the first embodiment) comprises an optional orientation aid for placing this support plate 1 in a defined orientation on the corresponding SBS standard box. This is a web receptacle 13, into which a complementary orientation web on a transverse side of the SBS standard box projects (not shown). The web receptacle 13 is an optional recess in the peripheral edge of the support plate 1 of the first embodiment. Since the orientation web is positioned at the top edge of the transverse side, the first support plate 1 will only come to rest flat on the SBS standard box if it is placed in the correct position on the box and the orientation web engages the web receptacle 13. No structures complementary to such an optional web receptacle 13 are provided on the receiving frame 5 according to the invention, which would lead to an interaction.

[0183] The support plate 1 of the first embodiment has an engagement surface for a robot gripper on its upper side along each of the longitudinal sides, so that this support plate can be moved in an automated manner, for example in a liquid handling platform.

[0184] Finally, the support plate 1 of the first embodiment comprises at least two retaining lugs 11 on each of the outer longitudinal sides of the base plate 17. The retaining lugs 11 are arranged along the longitudinal side at the same position as two reinforcing struts 15, but closer to the lower side of the base plate 17.

[0185] FIG. 6 shows an assembly of a receiving frame 5 according to the invention and the support plate for pipette tips 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5. The receiving frame 5 comprises a base plate 65 which is clearly visible in this view, wherein the footprint 58 is formed by moldings of the lower sides of the longitudinal walls 51 and the transverse walls 52. These formations thus form a foot part of the receiving frame 5.

[0186] In FIG. 6, the assembly is formed by the receiving frame 5 and the attached support plate 1 and is shown in a side view from below. Thus, part of the interaction between the support surface 50 of the receiving frame 5 and the support surface 16 of the support plate 1 of the first embodiment is visible. Thus, it can be seen that not the entire support surface 50 of the receiving frame 5 is abutted by the support surface 16 of the support plate 1. Instead, the support plate 1 is placed with its support surface 16 in particular on the upper sides of the protrusions 59, 64 of the longitudinal walls 51 and transverse walls 52. On the remaining areas of the upper side or the support surface 50 of the receiving frame 5, respectively, the support plate 1 comes to rest only with its reinforcing struts 15.

[0187] In FIG. 6, it can be seen that the receiving frame 5 does not perform any function with respect to the centering openings 12 of the support plate 1. In addition, the guide slots 56 of the protrusion 59 of the transverse wall 52 do not perform any function with respect to the support plate 1 of the first embodiment. The receiving frame 5 exerts in particular a positioning function on the support plate 2 of the first embodiment by means of its guide claw(s) 55. In this case, a guide claw 55 enters with its guide 67 into one of the reinforcing struts 15 of the first support plate 1 (not shown, compare FIGS. 11a to 11c). Preferably, a guide claw 55 is positioned centrally on the longitudinal wall 51 of the receiving frame 5 for this purpose. In addition, a loose retaining function can be exerted via a retaining ridge 54 on one or more inner webs 53 of the receiving frame 5 by cooperating with the corresponding retaining lugs 11 on the lower side of the support plate 1 or its base plate 17. For this purpose, the base plate 17 of the support plate 1 of the first embodiment, which projects downwards beyond its support surface 16, sinks into the interior space 60 of the receiving frame 5.

[0188] FIG. 7 shows a side view from above of an assembly, as can also be seen in FIG. 6. In this view, it can be seen that the support plate 1 of the first embodiment rests in particular on the protrusions 59, 64 of the longitudinal and transverse walls 51, 52, while it protrudes beyond the receiving frame 5, for example, at the corner regions where a longitudinal wall 51 meets a transverse wall 52 in each case. The centering openings 12 of the support plate 1 of the first embodiment thus have no “counter structure” on the receiving frame 5 with which they can interact. The gripper edge 63 on the protrusion 64 of the frontally displayed longitudinal wall 51 of the receiving frame 5 is accessible to a gripper robot, since the longitudinal side of this support plate 1 is substantially flush with the protrusion 64 on the longitudinal wall 51 of the receiving frame 5 or projects only minimally beyond this protrusion 64 (compare FIG. 6).

[0189] FIG. 8 shows a support plate 3 for pipette tips known per se from the prior art in a second embodiment in an oblique view from below. Such support plates 3 are available from the applicant under order no. 30104803 (LiHa, hanging tip format, 10 μL), 30000627 (LiHa, hanging tip format, 200 μL) or 30000630 (LiHa, hanging tip format, 1000 μL).

[0190] This support plate 3 also comprises a base plate 38 in which a plurality of storage openings 30 for pipette tips 6 are embedded. Here, a base plate 38 is shown with 96 storage openings 30 arranged in a standardized array of 8×12. The base plate 38 is surrounded by a continuous circumferential lower side 37, with which the support plate 3 rests on a receiving box adapted to it (not shown; available under “Deck Runner, Nest, FCA DiTi Tray, 4-Position”, Tecan order no. 30042739). With the lower side 37, this support plate 3 rests on its receiving box without wobbling, that is to say that the lower side 37 of this support plate 3 is arranged plane-parallel to the support surface of its receiving box when it rests on the latter.

[0191] The support plate 3 of this second embodiment comprises, on its lower side 37, a recess 31 arranged centrally on the longitudinal side and at a distance from the base plate 38 and extending along this longitudinal side. The recess 31 thus arranged laterally is dimensioned such that a hook on the upper side of the adapted receiving box can enter this recess 31 when the support plate is placed on “its” receiving box, while the support plate continues to rest with its lower side 37 on the corresponding support surface of the receiving box. The hook extends along the longitudinal side of the receiving box.

[0192] Due to the presence of this hook, for example, a support plate 1 for pipette tips of the first embodiment cannot be placed on an existing receiving box for the support plate 1 of the second embodiment, as it lacks corresponding lateral recesses.

[0193] The support plate 3 of the second embodiment further comprises, at its lower side 37, an orientation web 32 extending at a distance from the base plate 38 along a transverse side. The support plate 3 further comprises, on its same transverse side, a recess 35 extending parallel to the orientation web 32. This recess 35 does not fully extend over the same length as the orientation web 32; however, it is almost directly adjacent thereto, so that the orientation web 32 constitutes a boundary of the recess 36 in the direction of the base plate 38. In fact, the orientation web 32 acts as a stop surface when the support plate 3 of the second embodiment is placed on a receiving box adapted thereto, since this receiving box comprises a position stop projecting upwards from its support surface, against which the support plate 3 is pushed (not shown).

[0194] For example, due to the position stop on the receiving box, a support plate 1 of the first embodiment cannot be placed on this receiving box for the support plate 3 of the second embodiment, as it does not have a complementary recess for receiving this stop.

[0195] On the transverse side opposite the orientation web 32, the support plate 3 of the second embodiment comprises a recess 35 extending from the outer edge towards the base plate 38 and dimensioned to receive a positioning pin of the receiving box when the support plate 3 is placed on its receiving box (not shown). Such a positioning pin is located on the upper side of the receiving box at a corner, so that the support plate 3 can be placed on its receiving box in only one orientation.

[0196] The support plate 3 of the second embodiment further comprises two engagement surfaces 34 for a robot gripper. The engagement surfaces 34 each extend along the longitudinal sides of the support plate 3 starting from the lower side 37.

[0197] FIG. 9 shows a side view from below of a receiving frame 5 with base plate 65, as shown in FIG. 6, and a support plate 3 for pipette tips according to the second embodiment placed thereon. The receiving frame 5 and the support plate 3 placed thereon form a composite assembly. The base plate 65 is not necessary for the secure mounting of the support plate 3.

[0198] In this view, a part of the interaction between the support surface 50 of the receiving frame 5 and the support plate 3 of the second embodiment placed thereon is also visible. It can thus be seen that, in the detail shown, almost the entire support surface 50 of the receiving frame is abutted by the lower side 37 of the support plate 3 of the second embodiment. The orientation web 32 of the second support plate 3 is recessed in the guide slots 56 of the receiving frame 5 to such an extent that almost complete bearing is possible. Only the upper side of the transverse webs 62 of the protrusion 59 of the transverse walls 52 are not abutted by the support plate 3 of the second embodiment (compare FIG. 10).

[0199] Since the orientation web 32 of the support plate 3 of the second embodiment forms an orientation channel 33 due to its spacing from the base plate 38, this forms an accessible support surface for the receiving frame 5 according to the invention, which can be acted upon by its support surface 50 when the support plate 3 is placed on the receiving frame 5. This is possible if the orientation web 32 is recessed in the guide slots 56 of the receiving frame 5. In this way, despite the presence of the orientation web 32, the corresponding support surfaces of the second support plate 3 and of the receiving frame can act on each other in a plane-parallel manner. In this respect, it is sufficient if one of the transverse walls 52 of the receiving frame 5 comprises guide slots 56.

[0200] However, for simplified operation of the receiving frame 5, it may be provided that corresponding guide slots 56 are provided on both transverse walls 52. This allows the support plate 3 of the second embodiment to be placed in both longitudinal orientations.

[0201] The engagement surface 34 of the support plate 3 of the second embodiment for a robot gripper projects beyond the support surface 50 on the outside and along the longitudinal walls 51 of the receiving frame 5, without affecting the seating of this support plate 3 on the receiving frame 5.

[0202] FIG. 10 shows a side view from above of an assembled assembly comprising a receiving frame 5 with an attached support plate 3 for pipette tips of the second embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0203] It can be clearly seen here that when the support plate 3 of the second embodiment is in place, the first connecting element of the receiving frame 5, the guide claw 55, moves into the lateral recess 31 of the support plate 3. For a better overview, this situation is shown in an enlargement in the dot-dashed circular section. It can be clearly seen in this enlargement that the guide claw 55 of the receiving frame 5 enters the lateral recess 31 of the support plate 3 of the second embodiment. In this way, the support plate 3 is guided into the correct position. In this embodiment, the guide claw additionally comprises a claw 66 at the distal end of each guide 67. The claw 66 thereby protrudes slightly beyond the upper side of the base plate 38 with the storage openings 30 for pipette tips 6 when the support plate 3 is placed on the receiving frame. Since the guides 67 are slightly resiliently arranged at the base 68 of the guide claw 55 (compare FIGS. 3 and 4), the claws impart a loose hold of the support plate 3 on the receiving frame 5 which nevertheless allows easy lifting of the support plate 3.

[0204] For a stable hold, it is not necessary for the receiving frame 5 to have a guide claw 55 on each of its longitudinal walls 51. However, it can be advantageous if the support plate 3 is oriented on both sides on the receiving frame by the guide claw 55 (not shown here, see FIG. 1).

[0205] FIGS. 11A to 11C show in highly schematized views those structures on a support plate 1 of the first embodiment and on a receiving frame 5 according to the invention, which are brought into contact with each other when this support plate 1 is placed on the receiving frame.

[0206] FIG. 11A shows a top view of a receiving frame 5. In particular, the support surface 50 for the two support plates 1, 3 is shown, which for the sake of clarity is shown embedded in the essential structures such as longitudinal and transverse walls 51, 52 of the receiving frame 5. The support surface 50 is shown hatched here and also in FIG. 11C. Also visible from above are the inner webs 53, the upper sides of which in this case also partially contribute to the support surface 50. From FIG. 11C it can be seen in more detail that in this embodiment it is in particular the inner webs 53 on the longitudinal walls 51 that contribute to the support surface 50—the inner webs 53 on the transverse walls are offset with respect to the upper side.

[0207] The inner webs 53 in this embodiment are widened on the lower side of the receiving frame 5 compared to their embodiment on the upper side of the receiving frame 5, both in the direction of the opposite wall and in their extension along the wall to which they are attached. A guide claw 55 is arranged on the inner web 53 arranged centrally on each longitudinal wall 51. Also visible in this top view, at each of the four outer corners, are portions of the foot of the receiving frame which contributes to the footprint.

[0208] FIG. 11B shows a view of a support plate 1 of the first embodiment from below. In particular, the outline of the base plate 17 with the storage openings 10 for pipette tips as well as the structures surrounding the base plate are shown here, with which this support plate 1 is placed on the receiving frame 5 shown in FIG. 11A. The continuous support surface 16 surrounding the base plate 17 can be clearly seen, the geometry of which is adapted to a standard SBS box. This support surface 16 is connected to and spaced from the base plate 17 by means of reinforcing struts 15. The lower side of the reinforcing struts is flush with the circumferential support surface 16, so that they can also be acted upon as part of the support surface 16. Also shown are the four centering openings 12 in the support surface 16, with one centering opening 12 in each corner. In the embodiment shown here, the support plate 1 is of point-symmetrical design.

[0209] FIG. 11C shows an overlay of the views in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B. The overlay is shown in such a way that it can be seen how the support plate of the first embodiment of FIG. 11B is positioned relative to the receiving frame 5 of FIG. 11A and abuts it when it is placed on the receiving frame 5. The support surfaces 50 of the receiving frame 5 are shown hatched. It can be clearly seen how the four corners of the support plate with the centering openings 12 project beyond the support surface 50. Instead, the support plate 1 of the first embodiment abuts the corner regions of the support surface 50 of the receiving frame with its reinforcing struts 15 which are arranged in this region. The circumferential support surface 16 of the support plate 1 of the first embodiment shown here acts on the support surface 50 for support plates of the receiving frame 5 substantially at the upper sides of the protrusions 59, 64 of the longitudinal and transverse walls 51, 52.

[0210] In each case, the reinforcing strut 15, which is arranged centrally on each longitudinal side of the support plate 1 of the first embodiment, comes into position above a guide claw 55, which is also arranged centrally on each longitudinal wall 51 of the receiving frame 5. Thereby, this reinforcing strut 15 is inserted into the guide 67 of the guide claw 55 which protrudes above the upper side of the corresponding longitudinal wall 51. In this way, the support plate 1 of the first embodiment can rest flat on the support surface 50 of the receiving frame 5, although no opening is provided through which the protruding guide claw 55 can be guided. The positioning of this central reinforcing strut 15 of the first support plate 1 with respect to the guide claw 55 of the receiving frame 5 is indicated in FIG. 11C.

[0211] Moreover, the support plate 1 of the first embodiment rests with its support surface 16 not only on the support surface of the receiving frame on the protrusions 64 of the longitudinal walls 51. In addition, it rests with two further reinforcing struts on its longitudinal sides on the upper side of complementarily positioned inner webs 53 on the longitudinal walls 51 of the receiving frame 5.

[0212] Finally, FIG. 11C also shows the interaction between the inner webs 53 on the longitudinal walls 51 of the receiving frame 5 and the base plate 17 of the support plate 1 of the first embodiment. In this respect, the inner webs 53 of the receiving frame 5, in particular on its longitudinal walls 51, project so far into its interior space 60 that, when the first support plate 1 is in place and its base plate 17 also projects into the interior space 60 of the receiving frame 5, they almost touch the outer sides of the base plate 17. Since the support plate 1 of the first embodiment has a retaining lug 11 on both outer longitudinal sides of its base plate 17 in each case below two reinforcing struts 15 (compare FIG. 5), additional stabilization of the mounted support plate 1 can be achieved by the optional use of retaining ridges 54 on the complementary inner webs 53 of the receiving frame 5. For this purpose, the retaining ridges 54 are dimensioned in such a way that they cooperate with the retaining lugs 11 on the base plate 17 of the support plate (by being able to make slight contact with each other). A corresponding situation between the retaining lug 11 and the retaining ridges 54 is indicated in FIG. 11C for two inner webs 53 on the right longitudinal wall, each with an arrow.

[0213] FIGS. 12A to 12C show, in highly schematized views, those structures on a support plate 3 of the second embodiment and on a receiving frame 5 according to the invention which are brought into contact when this support plate 3 is placed on the receiving frame 5.

[0214] In FIG. 12A a top view of a receiving frame 5 is shown. This view corresponds to the view shown and described in FIG. 11A.

[0215] FIG. 12B shows a view of a support plate 3 of the second embodiment from below (for an alternative view, see also FIG. 8). The outline of the base plate 38 with the storage openings 30 for pipette tips as well as the lower side of the circumferential structures forming the support surface 37 can be clearly seen here. Arranged centrally of the longitudinal sides, the lateral recesses 31 can be seen. On a transverse side, the orientation web 32 can also be seen, as well as the orientation channel 33 formed between the orientation web 32 and the base plate 38, which is also part of the support surface 37.

[0216] It can be seen from the view shown in FIG. 12B that the arrangement of the storage openings 30 in the base plate 38 is point-symmetrical. The base plate 38 itself is also axially symmetrical with respect to the outer edges of the longitudinal sides of the support plate 3 of the second embodiment. However, with respect to the transverse sides and with respect to the position of the base plate 38 relative to the transverse sides, the support plate 3 of the second embodiment is formed asymmetrically: On the one hand, the base plate is arranged at a smaller distance from the upper transverse side, while the distance from the lower transverse side is larger in comparison. Furthermore, the upper transverse side has an asymmetrically arranged recess 35 for a positioning pin. Further recesses 36 are again symmetrically provided on the upper and lower transverse sides.

[0217] FIG. 12C shows an overlay of the views in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The overlay is also shown here in such a way that it can be seen how the support plate 3 of the second embodiment in FIG. 12B is positioned in relation to the receiving frame in FIG. 12A and acts on it when it is placed on the receiving frame 5.

[0218] From this overlay it can be seen that the support plate 3 of the second embodiment rests with a large part of its support surface 37 on its lower side on the support surface for support plates 1, 2 of the receiving frame. The circumferential support surface 37 is thus so wide on the longitudinal sides of this second support plate 34 that the upper sides of the inner webs 53 on the longitudinal walls 51 of the receiving frame fully engage the support surface 37. Moreover, the receiving frame 5 is dimensioned in such a way that the inner webs 53 protrude towards the base plate 38 of the second support plate 3, but do not clamp the latter when it is placed on the receiving frame 5. This is possible because they project into the spaces between adjacent storage openings 30 when the support plate 3 is in place, but do not contact the corresponding outer surface.

[0219] From this overlay, it is also possible to see the position of the orientation web in the guide slots 56 of the lower transverse wall 52 when the support plate 3 of the second embodiment is placed on the receiving frame 5. Likewise, the position of the two guide claws 55 of the receiving frame 5 in the respective lateral recesses 31 on the longitudinal sides of the support plate 3 can be seen. In this case, the guide claws 55 are of smaller dimensions than the lateral recesses 31, so that there is play in the direction of the respective transverse sides (upwards and downwards in this view). This play is minimized when the support plate 3 is in place, due to the orientation web 32 being retracted into the guide slots 56. Play from left to right in this view can be minimized by means of claws 66 on the guide claws 55, as previously described.

[0220] FIG. 13 shows a highly schematized section of an overlay of the structures concerned for the overlay of an alternative receiving frame with a support plate of the first and the second embodiment at the situation at one of the transverse walls. A transverse wall shown on the left can be seen here. Unlike the receiving frame 5 shown by way of example in FIGS. 11A to 11C or 12A to 12C, this receiving frame 5 does have a protrusion 59 on the transverse wall 52. However, there are no guide slots in this protrusion into which the orientation web 32 of the support plate 3 of the second embodiment can be countersunk for placing the support plate. Instead, the spacer web 61, which is used to determine the spacing of the transverse web 62 of the recess relative to the lateral regions of the transverse wall 52, is shortened compared to the embodiments of FIG. 11A. As a result, the upper surface of the transverse web 62 and the spacer web 61 is also acted upon by the support surface 37 on the lower surface of the support plate 3 of the second embodiment after this support plate is placed on the receiving frame 5. The length of the spacer web 61 is thereby adapted to the support plate 3 of the second embodiment in such a way that the orientation web 32 of this second support plate 3 projects past the outer side of the transverse wall 52 and its protrusion 59. A support plate 1 of the first embodiment acts on the upper side of the transverse wall 52 and its protrusion 59 of this receiving frame 5 with its reinforcing struts 15 (not shown).

[0221] FIG. 14 shows an overview drawing of a receiving frame 5 according to the invention of a first embodiment with a dividing insert 7 in a first embodiment for accommodating 96 pipette tips 6, which is positioned in the interior space of the receiving frame 5. Pipette tips 6 are not shown here. The receiving frame 5 corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with regard to the embodiment of the guide claws 55, the guide slots 56 and the inner webs 53 with the retaining ridges 54.

[0222] A dividing insert 7 may extend in the receiving frame 5 over almost its entire height H, resting for example on a base plate 65 or positioned slightly above the lower side of the longitudinal and transverse walls 51, 52 (see also FIG. 19). It also extends towards the upper side of the longitudinal and transverse walls 52; however, it is not provided that the dividing insert 7 extends towards the upper side of the receiving frame 5 in such a way that an attached support plate 5 contacts the dividing insert 7.

[0223] Such a high dividing insert 7 is particularly suitable for keeping long pipette tips 6 separated from each other in the receiving frame. However, it is also possible that a dividing insert 7 is designed to be significantly shorter and, for example, primarily accommodates and separates the outlet ends of pipette tips 6 projecting into the receiving frame. A positioning in the lower or middle area of the interior space 60 of the receiving frame 5 may be provided in these cases.

[0224] A dividing insert 7 comprises a plurality of dividing walls 71. In the embodiment of the dividing insert shown here, the dividing walls 71 are formed as cylindrical hollow bodies with a circular base. The cylindrical hollow bodies can also be readily seen in FIG. 19. In each case, a cylindrical hollow body can form a receiving opening 70 for a pipette tip 6. In this embodiment of the dividing insert 7 it is not mandatory that each of the necessary 96 receiving openings 70 is formed by its own hollow cylinder. Rather, receiving openings 70 can be realized in this dividing insert 7, for example, by being surrounded and thereby delimited by the outer sides of the hollow cylinders forming the surrounding receiving openings 70. Likewise, receiving openings 70 are provided on the outer sides of the dividing insert 7, each of which is formed by a corresponding half cylindrical hollow body. In this case, an outer boundary is formed by the inner side of the nearest longitudinal wall 51 or the inner side of the nearest transverse wall 52 (see also FIG. 18).

[0225] FIG. 15 shows a detailed view of the receiving frame 5 with the dividing insert 7 inserted as shown in FIG. 14. Here, the interaction between a retaining ridge 54 on an inner web 53 of the receiving frame 5 and the dividing insert 7 can be seen. The dividing insert 7 here comprises a recess 72, into which the retaining ridge 54 of the receiving frame 5 projects when the dividing insert 7 is inserted. It is provided here that the retaining ridge 54, which is further offset towards the lower side with respect to the upper side of the receiving frame 5, cooperates with the dividing insert 7. The interaction of this retaining ridge 54 with the recess 72 in the dividing insert 7 can, for example, reduce the risk of the dividing insert 7 falling out when the receiving frame 5 moves.

[0226] FIG. 16 shows a general view of a receiving frame of a further embodiment, in which a second embodiment of a dividing insert is inserted. The receiving frame 5 corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 with regard to the design of the guide claws 55, the guide slots 56 and the inner webs 53 with the retaining ridges 54.

[0227] The dividing insert 7 extends in the receiving frame 5 over almost its entire height H. Here, too, it is not provided that an attached support plate 5 should touch the dividing insert 7. Rather, a dividing insert 7 of such a height is particularly suitable for keeping long pipette tips 6 separated from each other in the receiving frame. However, it is also possible that the dividing insert 7 is configured to be of significantly shorter design, and thus in particular accommodates and separates the outlet ends of pipette tips 6 projecting into the receiving frame. The possible configurations of the dividing insert 7 with respect to its height and its position in the interior space 60 of the receiving frame 5 with respect to the dividing insert 7 shown in FIG. 14 or 15 can be applied equally to the dividing insert 7 of FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0228] The dividing insert 7 again comprises a plurality of dividing walls 71. In the embodiment shown here, the dividing walls 71 are longitudinal and transverse walls which each extend parallel to the longitudinal walls 51 or transverse walls 52 of the receiving frame 5 and thus determine the arrangement of the receiving openings. A receiving opening 70 in the dividing insert 7 is formed by two longitudinal walls and two transverse walls, respectively. The distances between the dividing walls 71 are chosen such that a respective receiving opening 70 can receive a pipette tip 6 of a particular type. However, depending on requirements, the longitudinal and transverse walls can also be arranged in such a way that, for example, four adjacent pipette tips 6 each project into a common receiving opening 70.

[0229] FIG. 17 shows a detailed view of the receiving frame 5 with inserted dividing insert 7 as shown in FIG. 16, in particular the interaction between the shown inner webs 53 of the receiving frame 5 and the dividing insert 7. The dividing insert 7 here also comprises recesses 72 into which the inner webs 53 of the receiving frame 5 project. A recess 72 is realized in this second embodiment of the dividing insert 7 in each case on dividing walls 71. This concerns in each case the contact points of a transverse wall with the outer longitudinal wall. A recess 72 is provided in the dividing insert 7 for each of the three inner webs 53 of the receiving frame 5 which can be seen. Again, the downwardly offset retaining ridge 54 of the central inner web 53 may help to minimize the risk of the dividing insert 7 falling out when the receiving frame 5 moves.

[0230] FIG. 18 shows a single dividing insert 7 according to the first embodiment of FIG. 14. The possible arrangement of hollow cylinders and half hollow cylinders for forming the receiving openings 70 can clearly be seen in this case. The recesses 72 in the dividing insert 7, which are arranged on its upper side, can also be seen well. In this embodiment, the dividing insert 4 comprises such recesses 72, the position and arrangement of which are adapted to the position and arrangement of retaining ridges 54 in the receiving frame 5 as shown in FIG. 14. Moreover, in FIG. 19, a possible shape of the dividing walls 71 is shown, which in this case is adapted to the external shape of pipette tips 6. For this purpose, the hollow cylinders have a conically tapering part on their side facing the lower side of the receiving frame 5 (when inserted in a receiving frame 5).

[0231] FIG. 19 shows a single dividing insert 7 according to the second embodiment of FIG. 16. The dividing walls 71 are such that each receiving opening 70 is formed by two transverse walls and two longitudinal walls as previously described with respect to FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0232] The recesses 72 at six contact points of a transverse wall on each outer longitudinal wall, which are adapted in height to the presence of retaining ridges on the longitudinal walls 51 of a receiving frame 5, are clearly shown here. In any embodiment of the dividing insert 7 or the receiving frame 5, it is possible that such structures for retaining a dividing insert 7 in a receiving frame 5 are mutually adapted to each other. The recesses 72 may be bounded by U-shaped connecting walls towards the lower side and open connecting walls towards the outside. For example, inner webs 53 of the receiving frame 5 can project into the formed channel and thus stabilize the position of the dividing insert 7 in the interior space 60 of the receiving frame 5. Functionally equivalent shapes but deviating from a U-shape, such as a V-shape, semi-circular or the like are correspondingly also possible.

[0233] FIG. 20 shows a highly schematized overview drawing of an assembly having a receiving frame 5 and a variant of a support plate 1 for pipette tips of the first embodiment placed thereon. An exemplary inserted pipette tip 6 is shown in this support plate 1. The assembly also comprises a dividing insert 7 of a first embodiment, as can be seen in detail in FIG. 21.

[0234] FIG. 21 shows a schematic cross-section in a spatial view through the assembly of FIG. 20 along the indicated sectional plane. It can be clearly seen here, on the one hand, how a dividing insert 7 is positioned in the interior space 60 of the receiving frame 5, and how a pipette tip projecting into a storage opening 10 of the attached support plate 1 of the first embodiment projects into the dividing insert 7, respectively into a receiving opening 70 of the dividing insert 7. The receiving openings 70 of the dividing insert 7 are thereby longer than the length of the pipette tip 6 by which it projects into the receiving frame. In this way, the part of an inserted pipette tip 6 which projects into the receiving frame 5 is almost completely positioned in the dividing insert 7. In this case, the dividing insert 7 rests on a present base plate 65.

[0235] It can also be seen how the support plate 1 rests on the upper edge of the receiving frame 5 with the lower side of its structures surrounding the base plate.

[0236] FIG. 22 shows a highly schematized overview drawing of an assembly having a receiving frame 5 and an attached support plate 1 for pipette tips of the second embodiment. An exemplary inserted pipette tip 6 is shown in this support plate 1. The assembly also comprises a dividing insert 7 of a second embodiment, as can be seen in detail in FIG. 23.

[0237] FIG. 23 shows a schematic cross-section in a spatial view through the assembly of FIG. 22 along the indicated sectional plane. It can be clearly seen here, on the one hand, how a dividing insert 7 is positioned in the interior space 60 of the receiving frame 5, and how a pipette tip inserted into a storage opening 30 of the mounted support plate 3 of the second embodiment projects into the dividing insert 7, or into a receiving opening 70 of the dividing insert 7, respectively. The dividing insert 7 also rests here on a base plate 65.

[0238] In particular, it can be derived from FIGS. 21 and 23 that the height H of the receiving frame 5 should be adapted to the pipette tips 6 to be inserted. Moreover, the height of the dividing insert 7 and also the dimension of the receiving openings 70 in this dividing insert 7 can be adapted to the dimensions of the pipette tips 6 to be inserted. In particular, it may be provided that the dividing insert 7 is configured in such a way that the longitudinal axis of its receiving openings 70 lies on the longitudinal axis of the storage openings 10, 30 of the support plate 1, 3 used for pipette tips when the dividing insert 7 is inserted in the corresponding receiving frame 5.

[0239] FIG. 24 is a schematic view from above on a receiving frame 5 in a further embodiment. The receiving frame 5 shown is very similar to the receiving frame 5 shown in FIG. 1, despite the fact that it is comparably shorter, thus having a smaller height H. In this “shortened” embodiment the receiving frame 5 is particularly suited for receiving shorter pipette tips 6, for example pipette tips 6 which are configured for a precise pipetting of 200 μl or 100 μl or less. In contrast to this, a higher embodiment of the receiving frame 5 may be particularly suitable for receiving pipette tips 6 which are configured for larger volumes up to 1000 μl.

[0240] The advantage of receiving frames 5 which are suitable for shorter pipette tips 6 is that they may be used together with a so-called spacer, using which multiple support plates may be stacked on top of each other (not shown).

[0241] The receiving frame 5 shown here comprises in total four external fins 73 arranged at an outer side. In each case one external fin 73 is arranged on one corner of the receiving frame 5. An external fin 73 extends here along the complete height h of the receiving frame (compare FIG. 1) and ends flush with the support surface 50 for a support plate. The upper side of the external rips thereby form a star-like radiating extension of the support surface 50. It is the advantage of such external fins 73 that the additionally contribute to the stability, for example in case a 96 pipetting head is pressed onto the pipette tips 6 which are inserted into a support plate placed on the receiving frame 5, or in case when such pipette tips are attached in a row to a multichannel pipetting arm, and the forces are applied asymmetrically onto a support plate. By means of external fins 73 positioned according to FIG. 24, in particular the corners of a support plate placed on a receiving frame 5 may be supported in this situation, and a deformation of the support plate may be minimized or even prevented.

[0242] The number and arrangement of external fins 73 may be adapted to the geometrical particularities, as well as the elements described previously.

TABLE-US-00001 LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 1 Support plate of a first embodiment 3 Support plate of a second embodiment 5 Receiving frame 6 Pipette tip 7 Dividing insert for pipette tips 8 Gripper 10 Storage opening of 1 for pipette tips 11 Retaining lug 12 Centering opening 13 Web receptacle 14 Engagement surface for gripper arm 15 Reinforcing struts 16 Support surface for SBS receiving box 17 Base plate 30 Storage opening of 3 for pipette tips 31 Lateral recess 32 Orientation web 33 Orientation channel 34 Engagement surface for gripper arm 35 Recess for positioning pin 36 Recess 37 Support surface 38 Base plate 50 Support surface for support plate 51 Longitudinal wall 52 Transverse wall 53 Inner web 54 Retaining ridge 55 Guide claw 56 Guide slot 58 Footprint 59 Protrusion from 52 60 Interior space 61 Spacer web 62 Transverse web 63 Gripper edge 64 Protrusion from 51 65 Base plate 66 Claw of the guide claw 67 Guide of the guide claw 68 Base of the guide claw 70 Receiving opening 71 Dividing wall 72 Recess 73 external fin H Height