EP0136686A2 - Suspension system for a centrifuge rotor - Google Patents
Suspension system for a centrifuge rotor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0136686A2 EP0136686A2 EP84111692A EP84111692A EP0136686A2 EP 0136686 A2 EP0136686 A2 EP 0136686A2 EP 84111692 A EP84111692 A EP 84111692A EP 84111692 A EP84111692 A EP 84111692A EP 0136686 A2 EP0136686 A2 EP 0136686A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- rotor
- suspension system
- connection point
- flexible
- collar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04B—CENTRIFUGES
- B04B9/00—Drives specially designed for centrifuges; Arrangement or disposition of transmission gearing; Suspending or balancing rotary bowls
- B04B9/12—Suspending rotary bowls ; Bearings; Packings for bearings
Definitions
- This invention relates to a centrifuge rotor and, in particular, to a suspension system for a centrifuge rotor.
- a rotating body such as a centrifuge rotor.
- two events must occur simultaneously.
- the rotor's principle axis, the axis through the rotor's center of gravity. must lie parallel to the rotor's spin axis, the axis passing through the geometric center of the rotor.
- the rotor's center of gravity must lie on the spin axis. If these two events were enabled to occur more quickly after rotor start-up, then the rotor would pass through its critical speed at an earlier time (i.e., at a lower speed) thus reducing the vibration caused by a given amount of rotor unbalance.
- a suspension system for a centrifuge rotor having a weight W which makes satisfaction of each of the two conditions for the attainment of critical speed independent of each other. As a result, the critical speed of the rotor is lowered.
- the rotor suspension system embodying the teachings of this invention comprises a coupling member having a first and a second collar each flexibly connected to a rigid shaft.
- the rigid shaft has a dimension L.
- the first collar is flexibly connected at a first connection point "r" to the centrifuge rotor while the second collar is flexibly connected to the rotor drive member at a second connection point "d".
- One of the flexible joints is thus disposed a predetermined distance A from the center of gravity of the rotor.
- the flexible connections of the coupling exhibit predetermined torsional stiffness K d and K at their respective points of connection to the drive or the rotor.
- the distance A is defined by the relationship:
- FIG. 1 Shown in Figure 1 is a side elevational view entirely in section of a centrifuge rotor 10 in having a suspension system generally indicated by reference character 12 embodying the teachings of this invention. Since the suspension system 12 may be used with any well-known rotor configuration, the rotor 10 is illustrated only fragmentally. The center of gravity of the rotor is diagrammatically indicated by the character CG.
- the rotor 10 has a central bore 14 with a suitable top cap 16 secured thereover as by threaded bolts 18. The central projection of the top cap 16 is sized to receive a central aperture of a rotor cover knob 20.
- a generally disc-like rotor cover 22 is secured about the lower periphery of the knob 20 and held in position at that point by any suitable lock ring 24 as well understood by those skilled in the art.
- the rotor 10 may be further provided with a windshield 26.
- the windshield 26 is fragmentally indicated in the drawings and is conveniently secured to the rotor 10 in a manner to be discussed herein.
- Motive force for the rotor is derived from a rotor drive arrangement 30 which includes a drive spindle 32 projecting upwardly into the central bore 14.
- the upper end of the drive spindle 32 is provided with a threaded recess 34 for a purpose described herein.
- the suspension system 12 in accordance with the present invention includes a substantially annular coupling member generally indicated by the reference character 40.
- the coupling member includes first and second collar portions 42A and 42B, respectively.
- the collars are flexibly connected through suitable flexible links 44A and 44B to each end of a substantially rigid shaft portion 46.
- the shaft 46 has a length L while the center of gravity CG of the rotor 10 lies a distance A from one of the flexible links 44.
- the flexible links 44A and 44B have torsional stiffnesses K r and K d respectively associated therewith.
- the collars, flexible links, and rigid shaft are fabricated as a unitary member such as that provided by Heli-cal TM rotating shaft flexible couplings such as those sold by Heli-cal Products Company, Inc. Although such flexible couplings are preferred, any other flexible shaft coupling may be utilized.
- the collar 42B is secured to a drive adapter 48 by a threaded bolt 50.
- the drive adapter 48 is itself secured at the upper end of the drive spindle 32 by a capped bolt 52 which is received within the threaded recess 34 of the spindle 32.
- the collar 42A is connected to a ring 56 by a threaded bolt 58.
- the ring 56 is itself secured to the rotor by a threaded bolt 60.
- the bolt 60 extends through the outward portion of the ring 56 and serves to secure not only the ring 56 but also the central portion of the windshield 26 to the under surface of the rotor 10.
- connection point "r” is that flexible connection point adjacent the connection of the coupling 40 to the rotor 10 as defined by the flexible link 44A between the rigid shaft 46 and the collar 42A.
- connection point "d” is defined at the flexible connection point adjacent to the connection of the coupling 40 to the drive spindle 32 defined by the flexible link 44B which extends between the rigid shaft 46 and the collar 42B.
- the rotor's critical speed is that rotational speed at which two events simultaneously occur. These events are, firstly, the parallel alignment of the principal axis of the rotor (an axis extending through the rotor center of gravity CG) and the spin axis of the rotor (that is, an axis through the geometric center of the rotor). Secondly, the rotor's center of gravity CG must lie on the spin axis.
- the suspension system 12 in accordance with the present invention isolates and makes independent the satisfaction of the above two conditions imposed on a rotor enabling it to reach its critical speed.
- the suspension system 12 acts generally as a kinematic equivalent of an infinite pendulum. As seen in the force diagram of Figure 2, in order that the above two conditions be independently achieved, the angle d must at all times be made to equal the angle r .
- the distance A is defined by the following relationship:
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- Centrifugal Separators (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a centrifuge rotor and, in particular, to a suspension system for a centrifuge rotor.
- An important consideration when using a centrifuge apparatus is insuring that the load carried by the rotor is in balance with respect thereto. This concern is well-founded since, as rotational speed increases through the critical value, rotor unbalance manifests itself as vibration. Depending upon the magnitude of the unbalance, such vibration may be sufficient to damage the centrifuge apparatus.
- For a rotating body, such as a centrifuge rotor. to pass through its critical speed, two events must occur simultaneously. First, the rotor's principle axis, the axis through the rotor's center of gravity. must lie parallel to the rotor's spin axis, the axis passing through the geometric center of the rotor. Second, the rotor's center of gravity must lie on the spin axis. If these two events were enabled to occur more quickly after rotor start-up, then the rotor would pass through its critical speed at an earlier time (i.e., at a lower speed) thus reducing the vibration caused by a given amount of rotor unbalance.
- In view of the foregoing it would be advantageous to provide a centrifuge that would maintain vibratory forces at a minimum, thus increasing the amount of unbalance that the centrifuge would be able to tolerate. One manner of accomplishing this end is to reduce the critical speed of the rotor. By lowering the rotor's critical speed, the vibration imposed on the centrifuge by a given rotor unbalance is commensurately reduced.
- In accordance with this invention a suspension system for a centrifuge rotor having a weight W is provided which makes satisfaction of each of the two conditions for the attainment of critical speed independent of each other. As a result, the critical speed of the rotor is lowered. The rotor suspension system embodying the teachings of this invention comprises a coupling member having a first and a second collar each flexibly connected to a rigid shaft. The rigid shaft has a dimension L. The first collar is flexibly connected at a first connection point "r" to the centrifuge rotor while the second collar is flexibly connected to the rotor drive member at a second connection point "d". One of the flexible joints is thus disposed a predetermined distance A from the center of gravity of the rotor. The flexible connections of the coupling exhibit predetermined torsional stiffness Kd and K at their respective points of connection to the drive or the rotor.
-
- K is the torsional stiffness at the flexible r connection of the coupling to the rotor at the connection point "r":
- kd is the torsional stiffness at the flexible connection of the coupling to the rotor drive at the connection point "d";
- A is the distance that the center of gravity of the rotor lies from the connection point "r": L is the length of the rigid shaft; and
- W is the weight of the rotor.
- With the suspension system of the present invention, the satisfaction of the individual conditions necessary to make attainment of critical speed is made independent of each other, and the rotor's critical speed is then a function of the torsional stiffnesses of the coupling, the weight W of the rotor, and the length L of the rigid shaft.
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
- The invention may be more fully understood from the following detailed description thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application, and in which:
- Figure 1 is a side elevational view entirely in section of a rotor suspension arrangement in accordance with the present invention: and
- Figure 2 is a force diagram illustrating the forces acting upon the rotor suspension arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
- Throughout the following detailed description similar reference numerals refer to similar elements in all Figures of the drawings.
- Shown in Figure 1 is a side elevational view entirely in section of a
centrifuge rotor 10 in having a suspension system generally indicated byreference character 12 embodying the teachings of this invention. Since thesuspension system 12 may be used with any well-known rotor configuration, therotor 10 is illustrated only fragmentally. The center of gravity of the rotor is diagrammatically indicated by the character CG. Therotor 10 has a central bore 14 with a suitabletop cap 16 secured thereover as by threadedbolts 18. The central projection of thetop cap 16 is sized to receive a central aperture of arotor cover knob 20. A generally disc-like rotor cover 22 is secured about the lower periphery of theknob 20 and held in position at that point by anysuitable lock ring 24 as well understood by those skilled in the art. Therotor 10 may be further provided with awindshield 26. Thewindshield 26 is fragmentally indicated in the drawings and is conveniently secured to therotor 10 in a manner to be discussed herein. - Motive force for the rotor is derived from a
rotor drive arrangement 30 which includes adrive spindle 32 projecting upwardly into the central bore 14. The upper end of thedrive spindle 32 is provided with a threadedrecess 34 for a purpose described herein. - The
suspension system 12 in accordance with the present invention includes a substantially annular coupling member generally indicated by thereference character 40. The coupling member includes first andsecond collar portions 42A and 42B, respectively. The collars are flexibly connected through suitableflexible links 44A and 44B to each end of a substantiallyrigid shaft portion 46. Theshaft 46 has a length L while the center of gravity CG of therotor 10 lies a distance A from one of the flexible links 44. Theflexible links 44A and 44B have torsional stiffnesses Kr and Kd respectively associated therewith. - In practice the collars, flexible links, and rigid shaft are fabricated as a unitary member such as that provided by Heli-cal TM rotating shaft flexible couplings such as those sold by Heli-cal Products Company, Inc. Although such flexible couplings are preferred, any other flexible shaft coupling may be utilized.
- The
collar 42B is secured to adrive adapter 48 by a threadedbolt 50. Thedrive adapter 48 is itself secured at the upper end of thedrive spindle 32 by acapped bolt 52 which is received within the threadedrecess 34 of thespindle 32. Similarly, the collar 42A is connected to aring 56 by a threadedbolt 58. Thering 56 is itself secured to the rotor by a threadedbolt 60. Thebolt 60 extends through the outward portion of thering 56 and serves to secure not only thering 56 but also the central portion of thewindshield 26 to the under surface of therotor 10. - As may be better understood by reference to the force diagram shown in Figure 2, the above-described suspension system serves to suspend the
rotor 10 to thedrive spindle 32 at two substantially flexible connection points indicated in the drawings as connection points "r" and "d". As seen with reference to Figure 1. connection point "r" is that flexible connection point adjacent the connection of thecoupling 40 to therotor 10 as defined by the flexible link 44A between therigid shaft 46 and the collar 42A. Similarly, the connection point "d" is defined at the flexible connection point adjacent to the connection of thecoupling 40 to thedrive spindle 32 defined by theflexible link 44B which extends between therigid shaft 46 and thecollar 42B. - As noted earlier, the rotor's critical speed is that rotational speed at which two events simultaneously occur. These events are, firstly, the parallel alignment of the principal axis of the rotor (an axis extending through the rotor center of gravity CG) and the spin axis of the rotor (that is, an axis through the geometric center of the rotor). Secondly, the rotor's center of gravity CG must lie on the spin axis. By making the satisfaction of these two conditions independent of each other it is possible to permit the rotor to attain its critical speed at a lower rotational speed. As a consequence vibratory forces imposed on the rotor by a given rotor unbalance are lessened. Thus, the rotor may be enabled to tolerate larger amounts of rotor unbalance.
- The
suspension system 12 in accordance with the present invention isolates and makes independent the satisfaction of the above two conditions imposed on a rotor enabling it to reach its critical speed. Thesuspension system 12 acts generally as a kinematic equivalent of an infinite pendulum. As seen in the force diagram of Figure 2, in order that the above two conditions be independently achieved, the angle d must at all times be made to equal the angle r. -
- K is the torsional stiffness at the flexible r connection of the coupling to the rotor at the connection point "r":
- Kd is the torsional stiffness at the flexible connection of the coupling to the rotor drive at the connection point "d";
- A is the distance that the center of gravity of the rotor lies from the connection point "r": L is the length of the rigid shaft: and W is the weight of the rotor.
- Utilizing the suspension system of the present invention, as noted earlier, provides the kinematic equivalent of an infinite pendulum. Thus, the application of a force to the rotor acting through its center of gravity will result only in the deflection of the rotor. Simultaneously, a restoring couple imposed upon rotor will result only in the tilting of the rotor. In this way, the rotor's critical speed becomes a function only of the torsional stiffnesses of the couplings, the weight of the rotor, and the length of the shaft.
- Those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present teachings may effect numerous modifica- - tions thereto. These modifications are, however, to be construed as lying within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (1)
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US53903683A | 1983-10-05 | 1983-10-05 | |
US539036 | 1983-10-05 | ||
US06/539,364 US4511350A (en) | 1983-10-06 | 1983-10-06 | Suspension system for a centrifuge rotor |
US539364 | 2000-03-31 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0136686A2 true EP0136686A2 (en) | 1985-04-10 |
EP0136686A3 EP0136686A3 (en) | 1986-12-10 |
Family
ID=27066000
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP84111692A Withdrawn EP0136686A3 (en) | 1983-10-05 | 1984-09-29 | Suspension system for a centrifuge rotor |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0136686A3 (en) |
DK (1) | DK476784A (en) |
GR (1) | GR80543B (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7487760B2 (en) | 2006-07-04 | 2009-02-10 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel supply apparatus for internal combustion engine |
US7659228B2 (en) | 1995-12-27 | 2010-02-09 | Bayer Aktiengesellschaft | Synergistic insecticide mixtures |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE183971C (en) * | ||||
DE583250C (en) * | 1929-05-15 | 1933-08-30 | Aeg | Attachment of spinning pots, centrifuge drums or similar high-speed machine parts |
DE1106256B (en) * | 1955-09-26 | 1961-05-04 | Clemens A Voigt | Centrifuge with a vertical drum shaft |
US4096711A (en) * | 1976-12-13 | 1978-06-27 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Dual flex plate drive |
US4203305A (en) * | 1974-03-25 | 1980-05-20 | Williams Richard H | Flexible coupling |
-
1984
- 1984-09-29 EP EP84111692A patent/EP0136686A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1984-10-03 GR GR80543A patent/GR80543B/en unknown
- 1984-10-04 DK DK476784A patent/DK476784A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE183971C (en) * | ||||
DE583250C (en) * | 1929-05-15 | 1933-08-30 | Aeg | Attachment of spinning pots, centrifuge drums or similar high-speed machine parts |
DE1106256B (en) * | 1955-09-26 | 1961-05-04 | Clemens A Voigt | Centrifuge with a vertical drum shaft |
US4203305A (en) * | 1974-03-25 | 1980-05-20 | Williams Richard H | Flexible coupling |
US4096711A (en) * | 1976-12-13 | 1978-06-27 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Dual flex plate drive |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7659228B2 (en) | 1995-12-27 | 2010-02-09 | Bayer Aktiengesellschaft | Synergistic insecticide mixtures |
US7487760B2 (en) | 2006-07-04 | 2009-02-10 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel supply apparatus for internal combustion engine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0136686A3 (en) | 1986-12-10 |
GR80543B (en) | 1985-02-05 |
DK476784A (en) | 1985-04-06 |
DK476784D0 (en) | 1984-10-04 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): BE DE FR GB IT LU NL |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
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AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): BE DE FR GB IT LU NL |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19861201 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19870601 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19880521 |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: ROMANAUSKAS, WILLIAM ANDREW |