CENTRIFUGE ROTOR

Abstract

A centrifuge rotor (10) has a closure (32) between a lower part (12) of the centrifuge rotor (10) and a cover (14). The closure has been improved such that proper single-handed operation is made possible. In particular, the closure (32) can be closed and detached again using just one hand. This means that the closure (32) has a simpler structure and can also be produced more cost-effectively.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A centrifuge rotor (10; 100), comprising: a lower part (12; 106); and a cover (14; 108), wherein the centrifuge rotor (10; 100) has a rotational axis (D), wherein the cover (14; 108) can be placed onto the lower part (12; 106) along the rotational axis (D) in a closing direction (S) and can be removed along the rotational axis (D) in a detaching direction (L), wherein, when the cover (14; 108) is closed, there is a closure (32; 109) between the lower part (12; 106) and the cover (14; 108), wherein at least one element selected from the group consisting of the lower part (12; 106) and the cover (14; 108) comprises at least one first depression (34), in which, when the cover (14; 108) is closed, at least one spring element (36) engages, which is arranged on another element selected from the group consisting of the cover (14; 108) and the lower part (12; 106).

17. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 16, wherein the first depression (34) and the spring element (36) are adapted to provide a clip connection.

18. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 16, wherein the first depression (34) is designed to open perpendicularly to the rotational axis (D), and/or wherein the first depression is designed as a first annular groove (34).

19. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 16, wherein the first depression (34) comprises a detaching aid, which is designed as a first chamfer (40) or rounded portion, and by which the spring element (36) is brought out of engagement with the first depression (34) when the cover (14; 108) is removed from the lower part (12; 106).

20. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 19, wherein in relation to the closing direction (S), a closing aid is arranged between the first depression (34) and the lower part (12; 106), which is designed as a second chamfer (42) or rounded portion, and by which the spring element (36) is brought into engagement with the first depression (34) when the cover (14; 108) is placed onto the lower part (12; 106).

21. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 20, wherein the first depression (34) comprises a third chamfer (44) or rounded portion in relation to the detaching direction (L) on the side facing away from the lower part (12; 106).

22. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 21, wherein the first chamfer (40) and/or the second chamfer (42) and/or the third (44) chamfer have an angle in the range of from 30 to 80 relative to the rotational axis (D).

23. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 16, wherein the spring element is an annular diametric spring (36).

24. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 16, wherein the spring element (36) is arranged in a second depression (38) which is designed as a second annular groove (38), and wherein the second annular groove (38) comprises lateral boundaries that extend perpendicularly relative to the rotational axis (D).

25. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 24, wherein the spring element (36) has a cross section (0) relative to its windings (46) and, when the cover (14; 108) is open, at least a quarter of this cross section (0) is positioned in the second depression (38).

26. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 16, wherein the cover (14; 108) and/or the lower part (12; 106) has an undercut (23; 103, 105) which acts as a grip (22; 102, 114) for supporting the centrifuge rotor (10; 100), and wherein the undercut (23; 103, 105) projects relative to the cover (14; 108).

27. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 16, wherein a part (22; 102, 110a, 110b) of the lower part (12; 106) reaches through the cover (14; 108) when closed and acts as a support aid (22; 102) for the centrifuge rotor (10; 100), and wherein this part has a contrasting color from the cover (14; 108).

28. The centrifuge rotor (100) according to claim 27, wherein the part (110a, 110b) of the lower part (106) is designed as at least two supporting grip elements (110a, 110b) that are arranged so as to be spaced apart and/or opposite one another relative to the rotational axis (D) and complement one another together with corresponding elements (112a, 112b) of the cover (108) to form a continuous grip (114).

29. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 16, wherein the cover (14; 108) is designed without movable parts, in one piece, in relation to the closure (32; 109).

30. The centrifuge rotor (10; 100) according to claim 16, wherein there is a preferably aerosol-tight seal (28, 30) between the cover (14; 108) and the lower part (12; 106), such that the closure (32; 109) is arranged outside a sample space (26) formed between the cover (14; 108) and the lower part (12; 106) in relation to the seal (28, 30).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The features and further advantages of the present invention become apparent in the following with reference to the description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, in which, purely schematically:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a centrifuge rotor according to a first preferred configuration,

[0038] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the centrifuge rotor according to FIG. 1,

[0039] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a detail of the region Z of the closure of the centrifuge rotor according to FIG. 2,

[0040] FIGS. 4a and 4b are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of the diametric spring used as part of the closure of the centrifuge rotor according to FIG. 1,

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the centrifuge rotor according to a second preferred configuration,

[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower part of the centrifuge rotor according to FIG. 5, and

[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cover of the centrifuge rotor according to FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIGS. 1 to 4 are various views of a first preferred configuration of the centrifuge rotor 10.

[0045] It is clear that this centrifuge rotor 10 is rotationally symmetrical and comprises a lower part 12 and a cover 14, wherein the cover 14 is placed onto the lower part 12 in a closing direction S that is parallel to the rotational axis D and can be removed in a detaching direction L that is parallel to the rotational axis D.

[0046] The lower part 12 comprises a series of evenly spaced holes or compartments 16 for receiving sample vessels in the form of test tubes, for example (not shown). A hub 18 comprising a hole 20 is arranged centrally in the lower part 12, which hole can receive a drive shaft of a laboratory centrifuge (neither are shown), by means of which the centrifuge rotor 10 can be driven. A supporting grip 22 comprising an undercut 23 provided for gripping is formed on the hub 18 so as to project from the cover 14, by means of which supporting grip the centrifuge rotor 10 can be gripped and supported without loosening the cover 14 as a result.

[0047] The cover 14 is formed in one piece and comprises an actuation grip 24 having an undercut 25 provided for gripping.

[0048] A sample space 26 is formed between the lower part 12 and the cover 14 and sealed in an aerosol-tight manner by the outer seal 28 and inner seal 30, which are arranged between the lower part 12 and the cover 14 and are each formed rotationally symmetrically relative to the rotational axis D. The compartments 16 and thus the individual sample vessels are accessible from this sample space 26.

[0049] Furthermore, a closure 32 is formed between the lower part 12 and the cover 14, and is shown in a view of a detail in FIG. 3.

[0050] It is clear that the closure 32 is formed by three elements 34, 36, 38, namely a first depression 34 in the cover 14, the spring element 36, and the second depression 38, which retains the spring element 36.

[0051] The first depression 34, which is formed as an annular groove, is designed to open perpendicularly to the rotational axis D towards the rotational axis D and comprises a first chamfer 40, a second chamfer 42, and a third chamfer 44, wherein the chamfers 40, 42, 44 each have an angle of 30 relative to the rotational axis D. The depth of the first depression 34 relative to the inner circumferential surface of the actuation grip 24 is 1 mm. The height of the first depression 34 is configured in conjunction with the first chamfer 40 and the third chamfer 44 such that the spring element 36 is received in a compressed manner when the closure 32 is closed.

[0052] While there is a snug fit between the actuation grip 24 of the cover 14 and the hub 18 of the lower part 12, the cover 14 is arranged with radial spacing from the lower part 12 in the region of the closure 32, wherein the spacing is 1 mm.

[0053] The second depression 38 has an approximately rectangular cross section, wherein the corners are rounded due to the production process. The depth of the second depression 38 relative to the outer circumferential surface of the hub 18 is 3 mm. The height of the second depression 38 is configured such that the spring element 36 is received in a compressed manner when the closure 32 is closed.

[0054] The spring element 36 is formed as a diametric spring, as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4a and 4b. It is therefore an annular spring, which has been formed by joining, preferably welding, the ends of a spiral spring. In this case, the windings 46 are not parallel to the direction of the cross section of the spring, but are arranged so as to be inclined in a direction in a defined manner. The angle of inclination a, which measured relative to the radius, is in the range of from 40 to 50, by contrast with annular springs made of commonplace spiral springs, where this angle is 0. The cross section of the windings 46 is 5.1 mm.

[0055] Since the depth of the second depression 38 is thus greater than half the cross section of the windings 46 of the spring element 36, the spring element 36 is retained securely in the second depression 38, which is formed as an annular groove.

[0056] Preferably, the diametric spring 36 has 50 to 100 windings made of a high-alloy spring steel X7CrNiA1177 or material no. 14568 according to DIN EN 10270-3 in a thickness of 0.4 mm. Other resilient materials can also be used instead of this special spring steel. In addition, an O-ring could also be used instead of the diametric spring 36.

[0057] By means of this particular inclination of the windings 46, the diametric spring 36 can only be compressed a very small amount in the axial direction but very easily in the radial direction, wherein the diametric spring 36 always wants to return to its initial shape due to its spring elasticity.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a closed state of the closure 32 between the lower part 12 and the cover 14. In order to achieve this, the cover 14 has been placed onto the lower part 12 in the closing direction S such that the actuation grip 24 can slide downwards on the hub 18. Over the course of this downward movement, the second chamfer 42 is brought into contact with the spring element 36, as a result of which both axial and radial forces are exerted on the spring element 36. The spring element 36 withstands the axial forces as far as possible and likewise converts these forces into radial forces which together cause the windings 46 to be radially pivoted, as a result of which the radial proportion of the cross section decreases.

[0059] As a result, the raised portion 48, which is situated between the second chamfer 42 and the first chamfer 40, can slide past the spring element 36, as a result of which the spring element 36 penetrates into the first depression 34. As a result, the tension on the spring element 36 can be relieved again and in the process comes into contact with the first chamfer 40, by means of which, in conjunction with the tension on the spring element 36 being relieved, the cover 14 is automatically pulled onto the lower part 12 in the closing direction S until the spring element 36 comes into contact with the third chamfer 44 and said spring element 36 is centered in the first depression 34.

[0060] Since the first depression 34 is symmetrical and is situated precisely opposite the second depression 38 when the cover 14 is closed, the closure 32 is not exposed to any axial forces when the cover 11 is closed.

[0061] It could, however, also be provided that the first chamfer 40 extends with a greater inclination than the third chamfer 44, which thus extends more perpendicularly to the rotational axis D, as a result of which the spring element 36 exerts a greater force on the first chamfer 40 and therefore the cover 14 is preloaded against the lower part 12 in the closing direction S.

[0062] In addition, the position of the first depression 34 relative to the second depression 38 could also be changed when the cover 14 is closed such that the first depression 34 is arranged so as to be offset from the second depression 38 in the detaching direction. As a result, a force is also exerted on the cover 14 by the spring element 36.

[0063] At the same time, the seals 28, 30 are closed, meaning that the sample space 26 is sealed. Given that the closure 32 is situated outside the sample space 26 in relation to the seals 28, 30, the quality of the sealing of the sample space 26 is only dependent on the seals 28, 30 that are used. If annular rubber seals which come into contact with pressing surfaces are used here, aerosol-tight sealing of the sample space 26 from the surrounded portions can even be achieved.

[0064] In this context, it is preferably provided that the cover 14 can be moved slightly beyond the centered position of the spring element 36 in the first depression 34 in the direction of the lower part 12 in the closing direction S.

[0065] In order to detach the closure 32 again, the user simply needs to be lift the cover 14 from the lower part 12 in the detaching direction L by means of the actuation grip 24, which they can do by gripping and pulling up the actuation grip 24 with their index and middle fingers while generating counter-pressure on the supporting grip 22 with their thumb. In so doing, the actuation grip 24 slides upwards on the hub 18. Over the course of this upward movement, the spring element 36 is brought into increasing contact with the first chamfer 40, as a result of which both axial and radial forces are exerted on the spring element 36. The spring element 36 withstands the axial forces as far as possible and likewise converts these forces into radial forces which together cause the windings 46 to be radially pivoted, as a result of which the radial proportion of the cross section decreases.

[0066] As a result, the raised portion 48 can slide past the spring element 36, as a result of which the spring element 36 is brought out of engagement with the first depression 34 and the cover 14 can be completely removed from the lower part 12.

[0067] It is clear therefrom that this is proper single-handed operation, because just one hand is needed to place the cover 14 onto the lower part 12 and close the closure 32 and to detach the closure 32 and remove the cover 14 from the lower part 12.

[0068] In addition, the closure 32 only has three elements, whereas the closure in EP 2 024 097 A1 has more than 10 elements, for example. In this case, the closure 32 is easy to maintain, since only the diametric spring 36 needs to be replaced to do this. In addition, the closure 32 is easy to produce, since the first depression 34 and the second depression 38 can be produced by turning, and no milling is required.

[0069] The closure 32 is very easily accessible and is particularly secure, since, due to the centrifugal forces acting during centrifuging, no axial forces act on the closure 32, but only radial forces, which brace the diametric spring 36 further against the first depression 34.

[0070] The strength of the closure 32 can be influenced in various ways and therefore can be adjusted in a targeted manner, wherein the following factors have an influence, inter alia: [0071] the depth of the first depression 34, because the force of the closure increases the more the diametric spring 36 is compressed by first depression 34, [0072] the spring force of the diametric spring 36, which is determined by the wire thickness, the number of windings, the wire material, and the geometry of the diametric spring 36, in particular the winding angle, and [0073] the angle of the first chamfer 40.

[0074] Even though a diametric spring 36 has been described above as the spring element, it is clear that other spring elements can also be used, however. For example, they could be steel balls, which are each preloaded against a spring and engage in the first depression 34. This may be a number of evenly spaced steel balls. A rubber-elastic O-ring could also be used instead of the diametric spring 36. In addition, individual diametric-spring portions could be used rather than one continuous diametric spring 36, wherein these portions are then mounted in second depression portions that are accordingly arranged in portions. In addition, instead of spring-loaded balls, leaf springs having accordingly formed rounded portions or projections could also be used which engage in the first depression 34.

[0075] With the supporting grip 22, the entire centrifuge rotor 10 can be very simply and securely supported, even when the closure 32 is closed, because the actuation grip 24 can be pushed downwards in the closing direction S by the fingers surrounded portion the supporting grip 22.

[0076] FIGS. 5 to 7 are various views of a second preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor 100. This centrifuge rotor 100 only differs in relation to the configuration of the supporting grip 102 and the actuation grip 104, while the remainder of the configuration of the lower part 106 and the cover 108 is identical, in particular in relation to the closure 109, and therefore this will not be explained again.

[0077] It is clear that, by contrast with the centrifuge rotor 10, the actuation grip 104 and the supporting grip 102 are designed here such that they complement one another to form a single element 102, 104 when the cover 108 is closed on the lower part 106.

[0078] More precisely, according to FIG. 6, the supporting grip 102 is designed to comprise two opposing supporting grip elements 110a, 110b and respective undercuts 103 for gripping the supporting grip 102, and the actuation grip 104 is designed to comprise two opposing actuation grip elements 112a, 112b and respective undercuts 105 for gripping the actuation grip 104, which all, when the cover 108 is closed on the lower part 106, interlock with one another such that they fit together, wherein their contours are coordinated such that they complement one another in a rotationally symmetrical manner to form a single grip 114 comprising a single undercut 116. In this case, the actuation grip elements 112a, 112b project radially inwards relative to an opening 120, wherein this opening 120 is adapted to receive the hub 122 of the lower part 106 such that it fits therein.

[0079] Overall, this results in a larger grip 114, which may have a greater diameter than in the centrifuge rotor 10, since the supporting grip 102 no longer has to have a smaller diameter than the actuation grip 104. The centrifuge rotor 100 can therefore be handled, i.e. transported as well as opened and closed, more easily and comfortably.

[0080] One drawback of this configuration is that the cover 108 can then no longer be freely positioned on the lower part 106, but only with an angular orientation of 90 between the supporting grip 102 and the actuation grip 104. In order to prevent the user from accidentally only gripping the actuation grip 104 during support and not also at least gripping the supporting grip 102, it is preferably provided that the supporting grip 102 is the same color, for example black, as the rest of the lower part 106, while the actuation grip 104 is the same color, for example red, as the rest of the cover 108.

[0081] Even if, in the embodiments described, the spring element 36 is arranged in a second depression 38 in the hub 18 that is designed as an annular groove and the spring element 36 engages in a first depression 34 which is arranged on the cover 14, it is nevertheless clear that a reverse configuration can also be selected in which the spring element is arranged on the cover and engages in a first depression arranged on the hub.

[0082] In the embodiments shown, this could be implemented simply by it not being the annular groove 38 in the hub 18 that extends over greater than half of the cross section of the windings 46 of the spring element 36, but rather the annular groove 34 in the cover. As a result, the spring element 36 would remain in the annular groove 34 in the cover and the annular groove 38 in the hub 18 would form the first depression, in which the spring element 346 engages during the closure process. To do this, the cross sections of the annular groove 34 and the annular groove 38 could simply be swapped.

[0083] It has become clear from the information set out that the present disclosure provides a centrifuge rotor 10, 100 in which the closure between the lower part of the centrifuge rotor 10, 100 and the cover 14, 108 has been improved such that proper single-handed operation is made possible. In particular, the closure can be closed and detached again using just one hand. This means that the closure has a simpler structure and can also be produced more cost-effectively.

[0084] Unless otherwise stated, all the features of the present disclosure can be freely combined with one another. Unless otherwise stated, the features described in the description of the figures can also be freely combined with the remaining features as features of the disclosure. Claimed features of the apparatus can also be reworded into method features as part of a method and method features can also be reworded into apparatus features as part of the apparatus.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0085] 10 first preferred configuration of the centrifuge rotor [0086] 12 lower part [0087] 14 cover [0088] 16 holes or compartments for receiving sample vessels [0089] 18 hub [0090] 20 hole in hub 18 [0091] 22 supporting grip [0092] 23 undercut for gripping the supporting grip 22 [0093] 24 actuation grip [0094] 25 undercut for gripping the actuation grip 24 [0095] 26 sample space [0096] 28 outer seal between lower part 12 and cover 14 [0097] 30 inner seal between lower part 12 and cover 14 [0098] 32 closure between lower part 12 and cover 14 [0099] 34 first depression in the cover [0100] 36 spring element, annular spring, diametric spring [0101] 38 second depression in the hub 18 [0102] 40 first chamfer, detaching aid [0103] 42 second chamfer, closing aid [0104] 44 third chamfer [0105] 46 windings of the spring element 36 [0106] 48 raised portion between the second chamfer 42 and the first chamfer 40 [0107] 100 second preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor [0108] 102 supporting grip [0109] 103 undercut for gripping the supporting grip 102 [0110] 104 actuation grip [0111] 105 undercut for gripping the actuation grip 104 [0112] 106 lower part [0113] 108 cover [0114] 109 closure [0115] 110a, 110b supporting grip elements [0116] 112a, 112b actuation grip elements [0117] 114 single grip [0118] 116 undercut of the single grip 114 [0119] 120 opening in cover 108 [0120] 122 hub of the lower part 106 [0121] angle of inclination of the windings 46 [0122] cross section of the windings 46 [0123] D rotational axis D [0124] L detaching direction [0125] S closing direction