PIPETTING DEVICE

Abstract

A pipetting device (1) for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, comprising a housing (2) with a holding portion (3), which is constructed for holding the pipetting device (1) by means of an operator's hand, a support device (4), which is designed for supporting the pipetting device (1) on an operator's finger, the support device (4) being rotatable relative to the holding portion (3), preferably about a longitudinal axis (L) of the pipetting device (1). The invention further relates to a pipetting device (1) for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, comprising a releasable positive connection between a first and a second component of the pipetting device (1). Because the support device is adjustable relative to the holding device into a plurality of different defined rotational positions the pipetting device can be used by either left-handed and right-handed operators or by operators with hands of different sizes.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, comprising a housing having a holding portion configured for holding the pipetting device by an operator's hand, a support device configured for supporting the pipetting device on a finger of an operator, wherein the support device is rotatable relative to the holding portion, about a longitudinal axis (L) of the pipetting device, and a latching device with which the support device is releasably fixable to the housing in a plurality of different defined rotational positions.

16. The pipetting device according to claim 15, wherein the support device is releasably fixable to the housing in at least three defined rotational positions and adjacent rotational positions are spaced apart from one another at a rotation angle of at least 5°.

17. The pipetting device according to claim 15, wherein the latching device has an engagement element and a plurality of counter-engagement elements and wherein the engagement element can be brought into positive, non-positive and/or frictional engagement with each counter-engagement element, the support device respectively being releasably fixed to the housing in one of the rotational positions by the engagement.

18. The pipetting device according to claim 17, wherein the counter-engagement elements are formed on the housing, by recesses and/or elevations on the housing.

19. The pipetting device according to claim 17, wherein the latching device comprises a connecting element which is rotatably connected to the housing and non-rotatably connected to the support device and on which the engagement element is movably arranged.

20. The pipetting device according to claim 19, wherein a spring element is arranged at the connecting element, and the engagement element is arranged between the spring element and the counter-engagement elements, in such a way, that the spring force of the spring element counteracts rotation of the support device when the engagement element is engaged with one of the counter-engagement elements and/or that the spring force of the spring element acts on the engagement element in the direction of one of the counter-engagement elements.

21. The pipetting device according to claim 17, wherein the latching device is configured such that a torque of at least 5 Ncm is required to rotate the support device when the engagement element is engaged with a counter-engagement element.

22. The pipetting device according to claim 19, wherein the engagement element is a ball and/or is rotatably mounted on an outer side of the connecting element and/or is loaded with the spring force of the spring element and/or is formed in one piece and/or is integrally formed with the connecting element.

23. The pipetting device according to claim 19, wherein the engagement element comprises an arm which is connected at one end to the connecting element and comprises a latching lug at another end which is engageable with the counter-engagement element, wherein the arm is spring-elastic and generates a spring force which counteracts a rotation of the support device when the latching lug is engaged with one of the counter-engagement elements.

24. The pipetting device according to claim 19, wherein the support device is formed in multiple parts and comprises a first support part and a second support part, wherein the first support part is in engagement with the housing, the connecting element and the second support part, and wherein the second support part forms an anti-rotation device between the first support part and the connecting element.

25. The pipetting device according to claim 15, wherein the support device comprises a stop and the housing comprises a counter stop, which limit the path that the support device is rotatable relative to the housing.

26. The pipetting device according to claim 15, further comprising a device for haptic and/or acoustic indication of one of the rotational positions.

27. The pipetting device according to claim 15, wherein an actuating element for a displacement element of the pipetting device is carried by the support device and a mount for a pipette tip is provided on the holding device, and wherein said plurality of different defined rotational positions enable adjustment of the pipetting device for use by either left-handed and right-handed operators or by operators with hands of different sizes.

28. A pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, comprising a housing having a holding portion configured for holding the pipetting device by an operator's hand, a support device configured for supporting the pipetting device on a finger of an operator, wherein the support device is rotatable relative to the holding portion, about a longitudinal axis (L) of the pipetting device, and a locking device with which the support device is releasably lockable to the housing in a plurality of different rotational positions.

29. The pipetting device according to claim 28, wherein an actuating element for a displacement element of the pipetting device is carried by the support device and a mount for a pipette tip is provided on the holding device, and wherein said plurality of different defined rotational positions enable adjustment of the pipetting device for use by either left-handed and right-handed operators or by operators with hands of different hands sizes.

30. Pipetting device for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, comprising a releasable form-fit connection between a first and a second component of the pipetting device, wherein the form-fit connection is configured in such a way that the first and the second component directly abut one another at least in regions, are inserted into one another, and are connectable to one another and releasable from one another by respective opposite rotations, the first component having a first inclined plane and the second component having a further inclined plane, which is formed complementarily to the first inclined plane, for realizing the form-fit connection.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a pipetting device according to the invention,

[0072] FIG. 2 shows a schematic section A-A of the pipetting device shown in FIG. 1,

[0073] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a detail of a connecting element according to the invention,

[0074] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the interaction between an engagement element according to the invention and a counter-engagement element,

[0075] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective detail view of a stop of a support device according to the invention,

[0076] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective detail view of a counter stop of a housing according to the invention,

[0077] FIG. 7A shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention in a first state,

[0078] FIG. 7B shows a schematic perspective view of the pipetting device shown in FIG. 7A in a second state,

[0079] FIG. 7C shows a schematic perspective view of the pipetting device shown in FIG. 7A in a third state,

[0080] FIG. 8A shows a schematic perspective view of a first support part, which is attached to the housing, of a support device according to the invention in a first state,

[0081] FIG. 8B shows a schematic perspective view of the support device shown in FIG. 8A in a second state,

[0082] FIG. 8C shows a schematic perspective view of the support device shown in FIG. 8A in a third state,

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of parts of a further embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention,

[0084] FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a latching device according to the invention,

[0085] FIG. 11 shows a schematic section of a further alternative embodiment of a latching device according to the invention,

[0086] FIG. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of the latching device shown in FIG. 11,

[0087] FIG. 13 shows a schematic section of parts of a further embodiment of a pipetting device according to the invention,

[0088] FIG. 14 shows a schematic perspective view of an anti-rotation device according to the invention,

[0089] FIG. 15 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of a first support part according to the invention, and

[0090] FIG. 16 shows a schematic front view of a further embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0091] In the figures, the same reference signs are used for the same or similar parts, achieving corresponding characteristics and advantages, even if a repeated description is omitted for simplicity.

[0092] FIG. 1 shows a pipetting device 1 for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes. The pipetting device 1 is held and guided by hand at its housing 2.

[0093] FIG. 2 shows a schematic section A-A through the pipetting device 1 shown in FIG. 1. Not shown is a pipette tip which can be attached to the lower end of the housing 2 of the pipetting device 1.

[0094] It is not shown in more detail that the pipetting device 1 has a displacement device. By means of the displacement device, a fluid, in particular a liquid, can be received into the pipette tip and subsequently dispensed therefrom. The displacement device can comprise a displacement element and a displacement housing. For reasons of simplification, not all components of the pipetting device are shown in detail in the section in FIG. 2.

[0095] A piston-cylinder arrangement can be provided as the displacement device, so that the displacement element can be designed as a piston and the displacement housing as a cylinder.

[0096] The pipetting device 1 shown in FIG. 1 preferably has an elongated shape and has a longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L preferably runs centrally through the pipetting device 1 and/or through the displacement device, in particular through the displacement element and the displacement housing.

[0097] When terms such as “axial”, “axial direction” and the like are used in the following, these refer to the longitudinal axis L. Correspondingly, terms such as “radial”, “radial direction” and the like also refer to the longitudinal axis L and indicate a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. When terms such as “top”, “bottom” and the like are used in the following, this refers to the extension of the longitudinal axis L.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 2, the pipetting device 1 has a drive device 19 for moving the displacement element in the displacement housing. It is not shown in more detail that the drive device 19 comprises a drive rod. The drive rod may extend axially and/or along the longitudinal axis L. Preferably, the drive rod is movable in axial direction and/or at least parallel to the displacement element. Furthermore, the drive device 19 preferably comprises an operating element 20. In particular, the drive device 19 can be actuated via the operating element 20.

[0099] Actuating the operating element 20, in particular pressing down, causes the drive rod to be pressed against the displacement element, so that the displacement element moves into the displacement housing and reduces the volume of the cavity. Accordingly, by actuating the drive device 19 and/or the operating element 20, previously received fluid can be dispensed from the pipetting device 1.

[0100] Unactuated, the displacement element, the drive device 19, the drive rod and/or the operating element 20 can return to the initial position automatically, in particular by means of resetting by a resetting element, which is not shown in more detail.

[0101] The pipetting device 1 according to the invention has a holding portion 3 on the housing 2, which is designed for holding the pipetting device 1 by means of an operator's hand. Furthermore, the pipetting device 1 comprises a support device 4, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 9.

[0102] FIG. 13 shows a section through the support device 4 as well as the upper portion of the pipetting device 1.

[0103] The support device 4 is designed to support the pipetting device 1 on a finger of an operator. According to the invention, it is provided that the support device 4 is rotatable relative to the holding portion 3. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, it is provided that a rotation about the longitudinal axis L of the pipetting device 1 takes place.

[0104] In FIGS. 7A to 7C, different positions of the support device 4 that can be assumed by rotating the support device 4 about the longitudinal axis L are shown in a perspective schematic view.

[0105] Also FIGS. 8A to 8C show a part of the support device 4, namely a first support part 14 of the support device 4, in different positions that can be assumed by rotating the support device 4 and/or the first support part 14 about the longitudinal axis L relative to the housing 2.

[0106] FIG. 13 further shows that the pipetting device 1 has a latching device 5. The latching device 5 is designed in such a way that the support device 4 is detachably/releasably fixable to the housing 2 in a plurality of different defined rotational positions. These different rotational positions can be seen, for example, in the previously explained FIGS. 7A to 7C.

[0107] The latching device 5 may be designed in such a way that a rotation of the support device 4 can be achieved by a force exerted on the support device 4, in which the latching device 5 must first be released. Subsequently, latching of the latching device 5 takes place to fix the desired rotational position. For example, the force to rotate the support device 4 can be exerted, in particular in the radial direction, by the hand of a user and in particular by the finger on which the support device 4 is supported.

[0108] In particular, the support device 4 can be releasably fixable to the housing 2 in at least three defined rotational positions. For example, three different rotational positions are shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C. It is understood that further rotational positions may also be adopted according to the invention, for instance between 3 to 20, preferably between 3 to 15, rotational positions may be adopted by the support device 4. Adjacent rotational positions can be spaced apart by a rotation angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 10°±5°.

[0109] Equal spacing may be provided between different rotational positions. In further embodiments, the different rotational positions can also be spaced apart by different rotation angles. However, the rotation angle is in particular at least 5° between two directly adjacent rotational positions.

[0110] FIG. 13 shows that the latching device 5 preferably has an engagement element 6. A plurality of counter-engagement elements 7 correspond to the engagement element 6, which are shown in more detail in FIG. 4, for example. FIG. 3 shows a detailed view on the engagement element 6. In the inserted state of the engagement element 6, it is provided that the engagement element 6 can be brought into form-fit/positive, force-fit/non-positive and/or frictional engagement with each counter-engagement element 7, as this is shown schematically in FIG. 13. By the engagement of the engagement element 6 with each counter-engagement element 7, the support device 4 can be releasably fixable to the housing 2 in one of the rotational positions, respectively. In this way, the counter-engagement elements 7 can specify the rotational positions of the support device 4 in which it is fixable. Via the spacing of the counter-engagement elements 7, also the rotation angle between adjacent rotational positions can be set.

[0111] In particular, the counter-engagement elements 7 are equally spaced from one another, as shown schematically in FIG. 4. However, it is also possible for a different distance to be provided between adjacent counter-engagement elements 7.

[0112] FIG. 4 shows that the counter-engagement elements 7 are preferably formed on the housing 2, in particular by recesses and/or elevations on the housing 2. Accordingly, the engagement element 6 can be brought into engagement with the corresponding recesses and/or elevations of the housing 2, which enables latching/locking of the latching device 5.

[0113] It is not shown that in a further preferred embodiment the releasable fixing of the support device 4 in the rotational positions on the housing 2 can be controlled by a locking element, preferably a locking button. In particular, a release of the support device 4 can be effected via the locking element, wherein alternatively or additionally the latching of the support device 4 in the individual or respective rotational positions can also be controlled and/or predetermined via the locking element.

[0114] According to the preferred embodiment example shown in FIG. 13, the latching device 5 may comprise a connecting element 8. The connecting element 8 may be rotatably connected to the housing 2 and non-rotatably connected to the support device 4. In FIG. 3, a detail of the connecting element 8 is shown schematically. Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows that the engagement element 6 is arranged movably, in particular rotatably, preferably rotatably about the ball center, on the connecting element 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the engagement element 6 is arranged between two projections 21 of the connecting element 8, which are arranged on the outer side 10 of the connecting element 8 facing the housing 2. The projections 21 may form a receptacle for arranging the engagement element 6.

[0115] A rotationally fixed arrangement of the connecting element 8 on the support device 4 is shown schematically in FIG. 13.

[0116] FIG. 14 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of the connecting element 8 connected to the support device 4. In addition, FIG. 14 shows that the connecting element 8 is connected to the support device 4 in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular at least also via an anti-rotation device 16.

[0117] Preferably, the connecting element 8 can be tensioned with the support device 4, in particular by means of a bayonet lock, preferably rotatably tensioned relative to the housing.

[0118] Preferably, a spring element 9 is arranged on the connecting element 8. The spring element 9 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3, among others.

[0119] The spring element 9 can be a component of the latching device 5. In the preferred exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, the spring element 9 is designed as a leaf spring. Furthermore, FIG. 13 shows that the engagement element 6 is arranged between the spring element 9 and the counter-engagement elements 7. In particular, the spring element 9 can be associated with a recess 22 of the connecting element 8 in such a way that the spring element 9 spans at least partially, preferably completely, the recess 22 of the connecting element 8. Furthermore, the receptacle formed by the projections 21 of the connecting element 8 for the engagement element 6 may also face the recess 22 and/or be at least substantially directly adjacent to the recess 22. The shape of the recess 22 can in particular be adapted to the shape of the spring element 9.

[0120] Preferably, the engagement element 6 is arranged between the spring element 9 and the counter-engagement elements 7 in such a way that the spring force of the spring element 9 counteracts a rotation of the support device 4 when the engagement element 6 is engaged with a counter-engagement element 7 and/or that the spring force of the spring element 9 acts on the engagement element 6 in the direction of one of the counter-engagement elements 7.

[0121] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 13, it is provided that the latching device 5 is designed in such a way that a torque of at least 5 Ncm, preferably between 5 to 30 Ncm, is required to rotate the support device 4 when the engagement element 6 is engaged with the respective counter-engagement element 7. A torque in the aforementioned order of magnitude can ensure that an unintentional rotation of the support device 4 can be prevented. A rotation of the support device 4 should in particular only occur if this is deliberately specified by the operator. Ensuring such a conscious specification can be guaranteed in particular by the previously mentioned torque. This torque can also be ensured due to the spring-elastic design of the spring element 9. Thus, the spring force of the spring element 9 can specify the torque to be applied.

[0122] FIG. 3 shows that the engagement element 6 is preferably designed as a ball. Furthermore, the engagement element 6 can be mounted in particular on the outer side 10 of the connecting element 8, which side can face the housing 2 in the installed state.

[0123] The connecting element 8 may be designed and arranged such that the connecting element 8 is mounted so as to be movable in the circumferential direction, in particular movable relative to the housing 4.

[0124] An alternative embodiment of the latching device 5 is shown schematically, for example, in FIGS. 11 and 12, wherein FIG. 11 shows a section of the support device 4 arranged on the housing 2 with the latching device 5 provided.

[0125] FIG. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of parts of the pipetting device 1 shown in FIG. 11.

[0126] According to the alternative embodiment of the latching device 5 shown in FIG. 11, the engagement element 6 can also be designed as a ball which is mounted on the outer side 10 of the connecting element 8. However, the engagement element 6 is guided axially movably and not radially movably.

[0127] Furthermore, the alternative embodiment according to FIGS. 11 and 12 shows that the spring element 9 can be designed as a spiral spring and/or compression spring. Other embodiments of the spring element 9 may also be provided in this alternative embodiment. In this context, it is understood that although FIGS. 11 and 12 show a different design of the latching device 5, the previous and/or still following explanations of the pipetting device 1 according to the proposal can also apply in the same way to the alternative embodiment of the latching device 5 according to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0128] In the illustrated and preferred embodiment according to FIG. 13—but also in the alternative embodiment according to FIGS. 11 and 12—the engagement element 6 is acted upon by the spring force of the spring element 9.

[0129] In addition, the engagement element 6 is in particular formed as a single piece.

[0130] In another embodiment, which is not shown in more detail, the engagement element 6 may also be integrally formed with the connecting element 8.

[0131] FIG. 10 likewise shows an alternative embodiment of the latching device 5, in which the engagement element 6 is not formed as a ball but is further firmly connected to the support device 4. In particular, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the engagement element 6 may be integrally formed with at least part of the support device 4. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the engagement element 6 is designed to be hook-like.

[0132] For example, the engagement element 6 may have an arm 11, which is shown in FIG. 10 and in particular in the detailed view shown in FIG. 10. The arm 11 may be connected to the connecting element 8 at one end and have a latching lug 12 at another end, which may in particular provide a hook shape. The latching lug 12 can be brought into engagement with counter-engagement elements 7, preferably the arm 11 being of spring-elastic design and generating a spring force which counteracts rotation of the support device 4 when the latching lug 12 is engaged with one of the counter-engagement elements 7.

[0133] In this context, it is understood that also the aforementioned and/or following embodiments relating to further preferred designs of the pipetting device 1 can be applied to the now described alternative embodiment of the latching device 5 according to FIG. 10.

[0134] In an embodiment not shown, but also preferred, it is provided that the support device 4 is rotatably mounted on the housing 2 insofar as the support device 4 is removable from the housing 2, rotated to the desired rotational position and then reconnected to the housing 2. Such an arrangement is also understood to be a releasable fixing of the support device 4 to the housing 2 via the latching device 5. In particular, in this embodiment not shown, the support device 4 is held and/or mounted on the housing 2. However, it may also be provided in further embodiments that the support device 4 is held and/or mounted on the housing 2.

[0135] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of parts of the pipetting device 1 according to the invention.

[0136] FIG. 9 shows part of the housing 2 as well as the components of the support device 4.

[0137] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the support device 4 is designed in multiple parts. Thus, the support device 4 may comprise a first support part 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that the first support part 14 is engaged with the housing 2, the connecting element 8 and a second support part 15. The second support part 15 can be disengaged from the support part 14 and/or fixedly connected to the first support part 14. The first support part 14 may in turn face the connecting element 8, as can be seen from the sectional view shown in FIG. 13.

[0138] The first and second support parts 14, 15 can be frictionally connected to one another, preferably via a screw connection, and/or materially connected, preferably adhesively bonded, and/or positively connected.

[0139] The second support part 15 can form an anti-rotation device 16 between the first support part 14 and the connecting element 8. The anti-rotation device 16 is shown in more detail in FIG. 14. In the preferred exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 14, it is provided that the anti-rotation device 16 is formed by a toothing 23 provided on the second support part 15, which is formed in particular corresponding and/or complementary to a counter-toothing 24 of the connecting element 8. The counter-toothing 24 on the connecting element 8 is arranged on a connecting projection 25 of the connecting element 8. The toothing 23 and the counter-toothing 24 can in particular mesh with one another or be in a non-positive, positive and/or frictional engagement with one another in the connected state and thus preferably form the anti-rotation device 16.

[0140] Accordingly, the teeth of the toothing 23 engage in the gaps formed between adjacent counter-teeth of the counter-toothing 24 preferably in a form-fit manner. In addition, the counter-teeth of the counter-toothing 24 engage in the gaps formed between adjacent teeth of the toothing 23 preferably in a form-fit manner.

[0141] Further, FIG. 14 shows that in a preferred exemplary embodiment, the number of teeth of the toothing 23 exceeds the number of counter-teeth of the counter-toothing 24. This allows the counter-toothing 24 to be arranged in multiple positions on the toothing 23 to form the anti-rotation device 16. This is particularly useful for arranging the connecting element 8 in different positions relative to the support device 4.

[0142] In another preferred embodiment, shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is provided that the support device 4 has a stop 17 and the housing 2 has a counter stop 18, which limit the distance that the support device 4 is rotatable relative to the housing 2. The stop 17 on the support device 4, in particular on the first support part 14, is shown in a detailed view in FIG. 5. The counter stop 18 corresponding to this is shown in more detail in FIG. 6, which also shows a schematic perspective detailed view of the housing 2. In the installed state, the interaction between stop 17 and counter stop 18 now enables the maximum rotation of the support device 4 to be limited, preferably by up to +/−80°, preferably up to +/−60°, more preferably +/−50°+/−20%, starting from a zero position of the support device 4. Such a zero position or original position of the support device 4 is shown schematically, for example, in FIG. 7A.

[0143] It is not shown in more detail that the pipetting device 1 has a device for haptic and/or acoustic indication of one of the rotational positions. In particular, this makes it possible to indicate to the operator in a simple manner that a latching of the latching device 5 is present.

[0144] In FIG. 9, the operating element 20, which is shown in FIG. 1, for example, and a volume setting sleeve are not shown in more detail or have been omitted for reasons of simple illustration. Furthermore, it is not shown in more detail in FIG. 9 that connecting members can be provided, in a preferred exemplary embodiment screws, which can be used for connection, in particular for force-fit connection, of the first and second support parts 14, 15.

[0145] In addition, FIG. 13 shows that a slider 26 is arranged between the first and second support parts 14, 15, which can be used for adjustment.

[0146] Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 13, additional hooks 27 can be provided to improve the interaction and the holding together of the support device 4 and/or of the first and second support parts 14, 15 with each other. The hooks 27 can be inserted into corresponding hook receptacles 28 or hook receptacles 28 designed to receive, preferably for engagement, the hooks 27, and/or can be arranged in the hook receptacles 28 in a form-fitting and/or friction-fitting manner.

[0147] In the embodiment according to FIG. 13, it is shown that the hooks 27 can be formed on both the first and the second support part 14, 15, the corresponding hook receptacles 28 being formed on the respective other support part 14, 15 in a complementary manner to the hooks 27.

[0148] Furthermore, FIG. 13 schematically shows the form-fit/positive arrangement of the hooks 27 of the first and the second support part 14, 15 in corresponding and/or complementary hook receptacles 28 on the respective other support part 14, 15.

[0149] Not shown is a further, in particular alternative embodiment of a pipetting device 1 according to the invention for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes. In this case, the pipetting device 1 can have a housing 2 with a holding portion 3, which is designed to hold the pipetting device 1 by means of an operator's hand.

[0150] In this embodiment, which is not shown, the pipetting device has a support device 4, which is designed to support the pipetting device 1 on a finger of an operator, the support device 4 being rotatable relative to the holding portion 3, preferably about a longitudinal axis L of the pipetting device 1.

[0151] The support device 4, the housing 2 and/or the holding portion 3 may be designed/constructed according to the embodiments described above.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment not shown, the pipetting device may have a locking device by means of which the support device 4 is releasably lockable in a plurality of different rotational positions on the housing 2. This locking device is not shown in more detail.

[0153] In a further alternative pipetting device 1 for receiving and dispensing fluid volumes, which according to the invention represents in particular an independent aspect of the invention, it is provided that the pipetting device 1 has a releasable form-fitting connection between a first and a second component of the pipetting device 1. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 15 and 16, the first component is the connecting element 8, while the second component is formed by the first support part 14.

[0154] In principle, the first and second components may also be formed by other components of the pipetting device 1 in further embodiments not shown.

[0155] The form-fitting connection is also designed in such a way that the first and the second component—in the illustrated exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 15 and 16 the connecting element 8 and the first support part 14—are in direct contact with each other, preferably inserted into each other, at least in certain regions, which is apparent in particular from FIGS. 9 and 13. The first and the second component (connecting element 8 and first support part 14) are connectable to and disconnectable from each other by rotating them in opposite directions, respectively. In this case, the first component (the connecting element 8 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 16) has a first inclined plane 29 and the second component (the first support part 14 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 15) has a further inclined plane 13, formed complementary to the first inclined plane 29, for realizing the form-fitting connection, in particular the bayonet lock.

[0156] Individual aspects of the invention described above may be implemented independently from each other, but may also be implemented and advantageous in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0157] 1 Pipetting device [0158] 2 Housing [0159] 3 Holding portion [0160] 4 Support device [0161] 5 Latching device [0162] 6 Engagement element [0163] 7 Counter-engagement element [0164] 8 Connecting element [0165] 9 Spring element [0166] 10 Outer side [0167] 11 Arm [0168] 12 Latching lug [0169] 13 Further inclined plane [0170] 14 First support part [0171] 15 Second support part [0172] 16 Anti-rotation device [0173] 17 Stop [0174] 18 Counter stop [0175] 19 Drive device [0176] 20 Operating element [0177] 21 Projections from 8 [0178] 22 Recess [0179] 23 Toothing [0180] 24 Counter-toothing [0181] 25 Connecting projection [0182] 26 Slider [0183] 27 Hooks [0184] 28 Hook receptacles [0185] 29 First inclined plane [0186] L Longitudinal axis