EP0262060A2 - Centrifugal arrangement for carrying out analyses - Google Patents

Centrifugal arrangement for carrying out analyses Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0262060A2
EP0262060A2 EP87420250A EP87420250A EP0262060A2 EP 0262060 A2 EP0262060 A2 EP 0262060A2 EP 87420250 A EP87420250 A EP 87420250A EP 87420250 A EP87420250 A EP 87420250A EP 0262060 A2 EP0262060 A2 EP 0262060A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support plate
plate
rotation
support
individual
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP87420250A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0262060B1 (en
EP0262060A3 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Simon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kis Photo Industrie SARL
Original Assignee
Kis Photo Industrie SARL
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from FR8613550A external-priority patent/FR2604925B1/en
Priority claimed from FR8613552A external-priority patent/FR2605104B1/en
Priority claimed from FR8613551A external-priority patent/FR2605108B1/en
Application filed by Kis Photo Industrie SARL filed Critical Kis Photo Industrie SARL
Publication of EP0262060A2 publication Critical patent/EP0262060A2/en
Publication of EP0262060A3 publication Critical patent/EP0262060A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0262060B1 publication Critical patent/EP0262060B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04B—CENTRIFUGES
    • B04B5/00—Other centrifuges
    • B04B5/02—Centrifuges consisting of a plurality of separate bowls rotating round an axis situated between the bowls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04B—CENTRIFUGES
    • B04B15/00—Other accessories for centrifuges
    • B04B15/02—Other accessories for centrifuges for cooling, heating, or heat insulating
    • 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
    • B04B9/08—Arrangement or disposition of transmission gearing ; Couplings; Brakes
    • 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
    • B04B9/14—Balancing rotary bowls ; Schrappers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
    • Y10T436/111666—Utilizing a centrifuge or compartmented rotor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a centrifuge device for carrying out analyzes, in particular biological and medical, of samples contained in an analysis unit; the latter comprises, in a manner known per se, a reading cell for any spectrophotometric measurement in absorbance.
  • Such a device has for example been described in patent application FR-A-2 524 874, and comprises: - A support plate, driven in rotation by a motor means (13), comprising around its periphery a plurality of individual supports for the various housings, themselves rotary relative to the support plate; - Means for pivoting each individual support relative to the support plate, in order to orient the centrifugal force relative to each analysis unit; - A spectrophotometric measurement assembly, the optical path of which is perpendicular to the plane of the support plate, and capable of passing through the reading cell of each housing, in a predetermined position of the latter in rotation.
  • the present invention relates to means making it possible to rotate the different analysis boxes, and more precisely their different individual supports, responding to the following concerns: - do not significantly increase the inertia of the support plate, so as to limit the power of the drive motor, and lighten the mechanical design of the entire device; - do not use any individual means for controlling the rotation of each individual support of an analysis unit, such as a stepping motor; - controlling the rotation of these same individual supports, by mechanical action, from a fixed part external to the support plate.
  • the means making it possible to pivot each individual support comprise: - A plate fixed relative to the support plate, arranged below the latter, comprising a peripheral guide; - a pivoting portion, coplanar with the fixed plate, articulated at one end on the latter, comprising at least one guide rail, having a radius of curvature coinciding with that of the peripheral guide of the fixed plate, the pivoting portion being movable between two positions, a first position in which the guide rail coincides with the guide of the fixed plate, and a second position in which the guide rail coincides with the free end of a fitting projecting externally relative to the fixed plate, and connected to the peripheral guide; - A plurality of axes orthogonal to the support plate, mounted to rotate freely on the latter, at the upper end of which are fixed the different individual supports, and at the lower end of which are fixed different rods parallel to the fixed plate, each rod comprising at its two ends two coplanar rollers bearing on the peripheral guide of the fixed plate.
  • the characteristic means of the present invention are of great mechanical simplicity. It is ultimately the drive motor in rotation of the support plate, which indirectly rotates the analysis boxes.
  • the means according to the invention allow the different analysis boxes to be pivoted gradually, smoothly, relative to the support plate. By thus avoiding any accelerated rotation of an analysis unit, one thus avoids any secondary centrifugation of the latter, relative to its own axis, which would adversely affect the quality of the analysis.
  • the automatic device for carrying out biological and medical analyzes is integrated within a box of generally parallelepiped shape having the general reference (1), observable within FIG. 6.
  • This box has on its face upper two covers respectively (2) and (3), one (2) acting as a liquid crystal screen (4) and releasing, when in the open position, a touch keyboard (5), the other (3) allowing access to the various individual supports of the centrifuge device which will be described later.
  • This cover (3) releases, when in the open position, a semi-circular orifice serving as access to the loading (7) of the analysis boxes (50) on the rotary upper plate of the centrifuge device.
  • the cover (3) has a sealing member (6), intended to fit perfectly into the access orifice (7).
  • the covers (2) and (3) can be locked by means of a locking button (8).
  • the results of the analysis are printed by means of a printer (9) located in the immediate vicinity of the liquid crystal screen (4) and the keyboard (5).
  • the entire device is in a known manner governed by a microcomputer whose software of the PROM type is observed in reference (10).
  • the housing (1) also has at its upper face a hatch (11) for changing the lamp of the optical system, also described later.
  • the centrifuge device will now be described in more detail.
  • This consists first of all of a lower fixed circular plate (12), to which is attached a stepping motor (13), fixed by means of four screws and nuts of which the fixing holes (14) have been materialized.
  • the motor (13) has in a known manner a centering boss (15), allowing better positioning accuracy.
  • the fixed plate (12) is suspended by three shock absorbers of the silent-block type, one of the application points of which has been indicated by the reference (16).
  • the fixed plate (12) also has a flange or peripheral guide (17), intended to cooperate with pivoting members, which will also be described later.
  • the motor (13) is integral with an axis (18) on which are nested and fixed three successive plates, namely in order: - a support plate (19), fixed on the axis (18) by means of a conical insert (20); - a plate called the locking plate (21); an upper plate (22) joining together by means of nuts the said locking plate (21) and itself, namely the upper plate (22), on the conical insert (20) of the support plate (19) and this, on the axis of rotation (18) of the motor (13).
  • the upper plate (22) has five receptacles (23) each intended to receive an analysis unit (50). Within the base (24) of each of these said receptacles, a slot (25) is provided on the one hand, intended to cooperate with a part of the locking plate (21) and a semi-circular orifice (26), intended to cooperate with the pivot axis described later.
  • a circular plate (27) serving as an individual support for an analysis unit (50) has under its underside a mortise (28), intended to cooperate with a tenon (29), formed at the upper end of an axis pivot (30). Each support (27) also has two positioning pins (31), intended to cooperate with the positioning orifices provided within each of the analysis boxes.
  • the support plate (19) has a plurality of orifices (32), each intended to leave a passage for the pivot axis (30).
  • Each of these orifices (32), located on the periphery of the plate (19), is tangent by two radial ramps (33), rising from the center of the plate towards its periphery, each of these ramps (33) being intended to receive a ball said balancing ball (34).
  • These balls (34) are intended to allow dynamic balancing of the rotary assembly of the centrifuge device.
  • the support plate comprises a plurality of pairs of ascending ramps (33), from the center to the periphery, each of these ramps being radial.
  • the number of receptacles (23) present is equal to five, therefore the number of pairs of ramps (33) also.
  • Each pair of ramps (33) is arranged, in the vicinity of the periphery of the support plate (19), on either side of an orifice (32), allowing the passage of an axis (30) for pivoting the housings (50) to be centrifuged in the receptacles (23) of the upper plate (22).
  • Each of said ramps (33) receives a ball (34), made of steel, the diameter of which is a function of the mass of the desired ball. Because the ramps are ascending from the center to the periphery of the plate (19), the angle of inclination being twelve degrees (12 °) relative to the horizontal, when said plate does not rotate, the balls are located in the vicinity of the center of said plate (19), in contact with a crown (80) of limitation of the lower path of the balls, said crown surrounding the conical insert (20), for fixing on the axis of the motor (13).
  • the locking plate (21) is in the form of a corolla, the number of petals (35) coincides with the number of receptacles (23) of the upper plate (22), five in this case.
  • Each of these petals (35) or radial elements is terminated, at its free end, by a lug or stop (36) extending towards the upper plate (22), and intended to cooperate with a slot (35), formed at within the base (24) of each of the receptacles (22) of said tray (22), and this, only in the case where the receptacle (23) considered does not contain a housing (50) to be centrifuged.
  • each petal (35) has on its underside, that is to say, on the side of the support plate (19), a stop (81) or retaining means, come from the molding, and located in the vicinity of the base of the petal (35).
  • This stop (81) is intended to retain the ball (34) towards the crown (80), when the corresponding receptacle (23) receives a casing to be centrifuged, during the centrifugation phases.
  • Each of the petals (35) is subjected to a stress transmitted via the lug (36) when a receptacle (23) receives a centrifuge box, because the plate (21) is made of a plastic material flexible with elastic memory, and that the molding gives it a shape such that it naturally tends to cause the cooperation of the lug (36), with the slot (25), upwards.
  • any lowering of the lug (36) causes the concomitant lowering of the stopper (81) for retaining balls (34).
  • the two extreme positions of the plate (21) are visible respectively in FIGS. 10 and 11.
  • the casings (50) when it is desired to centrifuge the casings (50), the latter are positioned within the receptacles (23), by means of the positioning pins (31), and the various centrifugation phases can be immediately carried out, without worry about balancing the device.
  • the mass of the housings (50) to be centrifuged being known
  • the mass of the balancing balls (34) is adapted, using balls of known diameter (the density of the balls remaining constant, the only parameter being able to vary the mass is the diameter), so that the sum of the moments, relative to the axis of the motor (13), of the centrifugal forces applying on the balls (34) in the low position and on the housing (50 ) to be centrifuged correspondingly, ie equal to the moments with respect to the same axis of the centrifugal forces applying to the balls in the high position of the same pair of ramps (33).
  • the empty receptacles do not cause the petals (35) of the plate (21) to be lowered, therefore do not prevent the balls from rising to the top of the corresponding ramps.
  • the larger the radius of the circle described by the object on which said forces are based, and the greater its moment relative to the axis passing through the center of said circle it is possible, by calculating beforehand the mass of the balls (34) necessary for balancing, to obtain dynamic and automatic balancing.
  • each petal (35) is articulated individually on an axis (83), orthogonal to the axis of rotation, and journalled on the locking plate (21). Under these conditions, the low rest position of a petal (35) is in contact with a ball (34).
  • a corresponding housing (50) is present on the upper plate (22)
  • the corresponding ball (34) cannot go up towards the high end of the corresponding ramp (33) being blocked by the stop (81);
  • the stop (36) is not blocked from above, and the ball (34) pushes the stop (81), and therefore the corresponding petal (35), and can reach the 'high end of the ramp (33).
  • This particular embodiment avoids exerting a rappelling push on each box (50).
  • the fixed plate (12) has in the vicinity of its periphery and on a given sector a portion called “pivoting portion” (37).
  • This pivoting portion (37) has two guide rails (38) and (39), concentric and orthogonal to the plane of the fixed plate (12).
  • the pivoting portion (37) coplanar with said fixed plate (12) integrates with this plate and defines a flange or peripheral guide (17) complete, that is to say - say defining a perfect circle.
  • the pivoting device also has an electromagnet (40) intended to attract towards the outside of the fixed plate (12) said pivoting portion (37), which is articulated at one of its ends to pivot in the plane.
  • each pivot axis (30) mentioned above has at its lower end a stud (41) intended to cooperate with a mortise (42) formed on a link (43) arranged parallel to the fixed plate (12); each link (43) acts as a link between two coplanar and identical rollers (44) and (45), the pivot axis of which is parallel to the axis (30).
  • the rollers (44) and (45) of each pivoting member are rotated by means of the axis (30), the latter being itself driven by means of the orifices (32) formed on the support plate (19).
  • the rails (38,39) are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the diameter of the rollers (44,45).
  • the radius of curvature of the outer guide rail (39) has the same value as that of the peripheral edge (17) of the fixed plate (12), and this in order to provide a complete peripheral edge when it is not desired to carry out a pivoting phase.
  • the length of the internal guide rail (38) is shorter than the external guide rail (39), and this by a value corresponding to the diameter of the rollers (44,45), with variations in circumference , because the radii of the circles on which the rails (38,39) are based do not have the same value, as can be seen more clearly in Figure 7.
  • the edge (46) is connected to the peripheral rim (17) of said plate (12), and it constitutes, in fact, a simple extension of said rim (17) outside the fixed plate (12). Therefore, it has the same thickness and the same height as this rim (17).
  • the free end of the edge (46) coincides with one of the ends of the external guide rail (39), that opposite to the pivot axis (47) of the pivot portion (37), when said pivot portion is actuated.
  • the free end of the connecting edge (46) has a circular curvature whose radius is equal to the radius of the rollers (44,45), to the different thicknesses.
  • the device comprises means capable of causing the pivoting portion (37) to pivot.
  • this means is an electromagnet (40), fixed on the fixed plate (12).
  • This electromagnet is advantageously controlled by means of a microcomputer, in order to synchronize in a simple and rapid manner the pivoting or non-pivoting of the different rotary axes (30) that the device comprises.
  • a magnetic core (83) slides conventionally in the body of the electromagnet (40), and is fixed at one of its ends to a fixing lug (84) located on the pivoting portion (8) .
  • the device comprises a spiral spring in tension (85), the points of application of which are respectively located on a lug (88), fixed at the free end of the connection edge (46), and on a lug (87), fixed in the vicinity from the end of the pivoting portion (37) located towards the pivot axis (47).
  • FIGS 8 and 9 illustrate clearly the mode of action of the device according to the invention.
  • the pivoting portion (37) when the electromagnet is not activated, defines a peripheral circular rim (17) complete with the plate (12), and when said electromagnet (40) is activated, then allows, as it will be now described, the pivoting of the axis (30) considered.
  • each of the two rollers (44,45) of the axes (30) are in contact with the peripheral circular rim complete (17) of the plate (12), owing to the fact that the axis (30) follows a constant circular trajectory imposed by the rotating plate (19), this trajectory being located in the vicinity of said edge, in order to involve the contact of the said rollers (44,45) with the flange (17).
  • the link (43), connecting the two rollers (44,45) to the axis (30) being rigid, it imposes, due to the trajectory of the axis (30), the contact of the two rollers with the rim (17).
  • the electromagnet (40) When one wishes to cause the pivoting of one hundred and eighty degrees (180 °) of one or more mobiles (30), the electromagnet (40) is actuated which attracts the pivoting portion (37) towards it, by rotation of the latter around its own pivot axis (47).
  • the front roller (45) due to the rotation of the axis or axes (30), engages in the guide track defined by the two rails (38,39).
  • the pivoting portion (37) Because the pivoting portion (37) is in a position spaced from its original position, the roller (45) itself deviates from its circular path, causing a separation of the rear roller (44) from the flange (17 ), and this towards the inside of the fixed plate (12), due to the constant circular trajectory of the axis (30) and the rigidity of the link (43).
  • the trajectory of the rear roller (44) is imposed by the rotation of the rod (43) around the pivot axis (30), rotation itself imposed by the path followed by the front roller (45).
  • roller (44) continues its own trajectory inside the plate (12) and joins the circular peripheral rim (17) in front of the roller (45), which has completed its stroke in the pivoting portion (37).
  • the turntable (19) must rotate anticlockwise (that is to say counterclockwise), so that the front roller ( 45) of each of the axes (30) penetrates the correct side of the pivoting portion (37).
  • the analysis boxes (50) comprise in a known manner a chamber for the reagent, a chamber for the reagent and a reading cell (82) having at least two parallel faces. They are secured to each individual support (27) by means of positioning lugs (31). They undergo a pivoting of 180 °, by means of the pivoting axis (30), in order to allow the inversion of the centrifugal force which is exerted on them, said centrifugal force being intended to transfer liquids, due to the use of capillaries to connect the different chambers within this housing (50). It should be noted that each of the boxes (50) has on one of the side surfaces a code / bar carrying the analysis parameter used and the expiration date of said box.
  • optical system allowing, in addition to reading the code / bar, spectrophotometric analysis by absorbance of the result of the reaction between the reagent and the reagent present in said housing (50).
  • This optical system (see FIG. 5) comprises a lamp (51) fixed on a swivel plate (52) at 90 °, in order to facilitate the lamp changing phases via the hatch (11).
  • the lamp (51) is surmounted by a spherical mirror (53) intended to focus at the level of a first diaphragm (54) the light beam which it receives.
  • the diaphragm (54) is followed by a lens (55) intended to form a parallel beam of light from the diaphragm (54).
  • This parallel beam is then calibrated by means of a second diaphragm (56), and sent through the reading cell (83) of the boxes (50).
  • the optical system is constructed in such a way that it frees up a space corresponding to the thickness of the housing (50).
  • the light beam transmitted by the reading cells of the housings (50) is focused by means of a converging lens (57) on the end of a single-strand optical fiber (58) made of silica, intended to transmit the light beam up to to the optical analysis system.
  • This code / bar reading cell (59) is connected to an electronic card decrypting the code / bar and the parameter used in the boxes and the expiration date. This first part of the optical system is detailed in FIG. 5.
  • the optical analysis system is detailed in FIG. 2.
  • the other end of the optical fiber (58) is located in the vicinity of a second set of optical elements, constituting the optical analysis system.
  • the light beam transmitted by the optical fiber (58) is focused by means of a converging lens (65) on a calibrated diaphragm (60), which allows the light beam to be routed over a flat field holographic network (61 ), which, in a known manner, reflects: - source light, called by convention, order "0"(zero); - different spectra of source light diffracted at known angles; by convention, these spectra are called orders 1, -1, 2, -2, etc., in the order of their least transmission.
  • a cell (62) makes it possible to carry out a measurement at zero order of the total light, in order to monitor the variations of the lamp (51). Simultaneously, the intensity of certain lines of the order -1 is analyzed by means of a strip of photodiodes (63), practically facing the holographic network (61). The characteristics of the photodiodes are predetermined.
  • the assembly constituted by the holographic network (61), the arrays of photodiodes (63) and the second optical assembly are inserted within the housing (64), protected from light and dust.
  • the connections from the photodiodes (63) are connected to electronic cards in a conventional manner, and then interpreted by means of a microcomputer previously mentioned.
  • the thermostat member illustrated in FIG. 4, firstly comprises a fan (70) pulsating air through heating resistors (71), at the end of which the pulsed air is guided through the by means of a heat flow guide (72), on the centrifuge device.
  • the upper plate of the latter has in its center a dome (73), intended to distribute the heat flow over all of the housings (50). Due to the presence of the cover (3) and the sealing member (6), the hot air is recycled, and re-aspirated via a channel (74) located under the fan (70).
  • the whole device is governed by a microcomputer which orders the different phases of centrifugation, pivoting, thermostatization and optical analysis.
  • This microcomputer is controlled by means of a touch keyboard (5).

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Abstract

Dispositif de centrifugation pour la réalisation d'analyses, notamment biologiques et médicales, d'échantillons contenus dans un boîtier d'analyse comprenant : - un plateau support (19), comportant vers sa périphérique une pluralité de supports individuels (27) pour les différents boitiers, eux-mêmes rotatifs par rapport au plateau support ; - un ensemble de mesure spectrophotométrique (51,52) dont le trajet optique est perpendiculaire au plan du plateau support, caractérisé en ce que les moyens permettant de faire pivoter chaque support individuel comprennent : - un plateau fixe (12) par rapport au plateau support (19), disposé au-dessous de ce dernier, comportant un guide périphérique (17); - une portion de pivotement (37), coplanaire avec le plateau fixe ; - une pluralité d'axes orthogonaux (30) au plateau support (19) ; - des moyens d'actionnement de la portion (37) de pivotement.Centrifugation device for carrying out analyzes, in particular biological and medical, of samples contained in an analysis box comprising: - a support plate (19), comprising towards its peripheral a plurality of individual supports (27) for the different boxes, themselves rotatable relative to the support plate; - a spectrophotometric measurement assembly (51, 52) whose optical path is perpendicular to the plane of the support plate, characterized in that the means making it possible to rotate each individual support comprise: - a fixed plate (12) relative to the support plate (19), arranged below the latter, comprising a peripheral guide (17); - A pivoting portion (37), coplanar with the fixed plate; - a plurality of orthogonal axes (30) to the support plate (19); - means for actuating the pivoting portion (37).

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de cen­trifugation pour la réalisation d'analyses, notamment biologiques et médicales, d'échantillons contenus dans un boîtier d'analyse ; ce dernier comprend, de manière connue en soi, une cellule de lecture pour toute mesure spectrophotométrique en absorbance.The present invention relates to a centrifuge device for carrying out analyzes, in particular biological and medical, of samples contained in an analysis unit; the latter comprises, in a manner known per se, a reading cell for any spectrophotometric measurement in absorbance.

Un tel dispositif a par exemple été décrit dans la demande de brevet FR-A-2 524 874, et comprend :

    - un plateau support, entrainé en rotation par un moyen moteur (13), comportant vers sa périphérie une plu­ralité de supports individuels pour les différents boîtiers, eux-mêmes rotatifs par rapport au plateau support ;
    - des moyens permettant de faire pivoter chaque sup­port individuel par rapport au plateau support, afin d'orienter la force centrifuge par rapport à chaque boîtier d'analyse ;
    - un ensemble de mesure spectrophotométrique, dont le trajet optique est perpendiculaire au plan du plateau support, et susceptible de traverser la cellule de lec­ture de chaque boîtier, dans une position prédéterminée de ce dernier en rotation.Such a device has for example been described in patent application FR-A-2 524 874, and comprises:

- A support plate, driven in rotation by a motor means (13), comprising around its periphery a plurality of individual supports for the various housings, themselves rotary relative to the support plate;
- Means for pivoting each individual support relative to the support plate, in order to orient the centrifugal force relative to each analysis unit;
- A spectrophotometric measurement assembly, the optical path of which is perpendicular to the plane of the support plate, and capable of passing through the reading cell of each housing, in a predetermined position of the latter in rotation.

Dans le cadre d'un dispositif tel que décrit précé­demment, la présente invention a pour objet des moyens permettant de faire pivoter les différents boîtiers d'analyse, et plus précisémment leurs différents supports individuels, répondant aux préoccupations suivantes :
    - ne pas augmenter dans des proportions importantes l'inertie du plateau support, de manière à limiter la puissance du moteur d'entrainement, et alléger la concep­tion mécanique de l'ensemble du dispositif ;
    - ne recourrir à aucun moyen individuel de commande en rotation de chaque support individuel d'un boîtier d'analyse, tel qu'un moteur pas à pas ;
    - commander la rotation de ces mêmes supports indi­viduels, par une action mécanique, à partir d'une partie fixe extérieure au plateau support.Within the framework of a device as described above, the present invention relates to means making it possible to rotate the different analysis boxes, and more precisely their different individual supports, responding to the following concerns:
- do not significantly increase the inertia of the support plate, so as to limit the power of the drive motor, and lighten the mechanical design of the entire device;
- do not use any individual means for controlling the rotation of each individual support of an analysis unit, such as a stepping motor;
- controlling the rotation of these same individual supports, by mechanical action, from a fixed part external to the support plate.

Selon la présente invention, les moyens permettant de faire pivoter chaque support individuel comprennent :
    - un plateau fixe par rapport au plateau support, disposé au-dessous de ce dernier, comportant un guide périphérique ;
    - une portion de pivotement, coplanaire avec le pla­teau fixe, articulée à une extrémité sur ce dernier, comportant au moins un rail de guidage, ayant un rayon de courbure coïncidant avec celui du guide périphérique du plateau fixe, la portion de pivotement étant mobile entre deux positions, une première position dans laquelle le rail de guidage coïncide avec le guide du plateau fixe, et une seconde position dans laquelle le rail de guidage coïncide avec l'extrémité libre d'un raccord en saillie externe par rapport au plateau fixe, et relié au guide périphérique ;
    - une pluralité d'axes orthogonaux au plateau sup­port, montés libres en rotation sur ce dernier, à l'extrémité supérieure desquels sont fixés les différents supports individuels, et à l'extrémité inférieure desquels sont fixées différentes biellettes parallèles au plateau fixe, chaque biellette comportant à ses deux extrémités deux galets coplanaires prenant appui sur le guide périphérique du plateau fixe.According to the present invention, the means making it possible to pivot each individual support comprise:
- A plate fixed relative to the support plate, arranged below the latter, comprising a peripheral guide;
- a pivoting portion, coplanar with the fixed plate, articulated at one end on the latter, comprising at least one guide rail, having a radius of curvature coinciding with that of the peripheral guide of the fixed plate, the pivoting portion being movable between two positions, a first position in which the guide rail coincides with the guide of the fixed plate, and a second position in which the guide rail coincides with the free end of a fitting projecting externally relative to the fixed plate, and connected to the peripheral guide;
- A plurality of axes orthogonal to the support plate, mounted to rotate freely on the latter, at the upper end of which are fixed the different individual supports, and at the lower end of which are fixed different rods parallel to the fixed plate, each rod comprising at its two ends two coplanar rollers bearing on the peripheral guide of the fixed plate.

Comme on le verra ci-après, les moyens caractéris­tiques de la présente invention sont d'une grande simpli­cité mécanique. C'est en définitive le moteur d'entraine­ment en rotation du plateau support, qui indirectement fait pivoter les boîtiers d'analyse.As will be seen below, the characteristic means of the present invention are of great mechanical simplicity. It is ultimately the drive motor in rotation of the support plate, which indirectly rotates the analysis boxes.

Par ailleurs, les moyens selon l'invention permettent de faire pivoter de manière progressive, sans à coup, les dif­férents boîtiers d'analyse, par rapport au plateau support. En évitant ainsi toute rotation accélérée d'un boîtier d'analyse, on évite ainsi toute centrifugation secondaire de ce dernier, par rapport à son propre axe, ce qui nuirait à la qualité de l'analyse.Furthermore, the means according to the invention allow the different analysis boxes to be pivoted gradually, smoothly, relative to the support plate. By thus avoiding any accelerated rotation of an analysis unit, one thus avoids any secondary centrifugation of the latter, relative to its own axis, which would adversely affect the quality of the analysis.

La manière dont l'invention peut être réalisée et les avantages qui en découlent ressortiront mieux de l'exemple de réalisation qui suit, donné à titre indicatif et non limitatif, à l'appui des figures annexées.

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective, partielle­ment éclatée, d'un dispositif automatique pour la réali­sation d'analyses biologiques et médicales, selon l'invention.
  • La figure 2 est une coupe transversale du spectopho­tomètre à réseau holographique à champ plan, faisant partie du dispositif selon la figure 1.
  • La figure 3 est une coupe transversale du système de centrifugation selon l'invention.
  • La figure 4 est une coupe transversale du disposi­tif, matérialisant notamment le système de thermostatisa­tion et ventilation.
  • La figure 5 est une coupe transversale de l'ensemble optique, faisant partie de l'ensemble de mesure spectro­photométrique ;
  • La figure 6 est une vue schématique en perspective de l'ensemble du dispositif selon l'invention, intégré au sein d'un boîtier.
  • La figure 7 est une vue de dessus, à échelle agran­die, des moyens de pivotement conformes à l'invention.
  • Les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues illustrant le mode de fonctionnement des moyens de pivotement selon la figure 7.
  • Les figures 10 et 11 sont des coupes transversales illustrant le fonctionnement d'un dispositif d'équili­brage dynamique selon l'invention, en l'absence d'un boîtier d'analyse à centrifuger, respectivement en phase d'arrêt et en phase de centrifugation.
  • Les figures 12 et 13, sont des coupes transversales illustrant le fonctionnement du même dispositif, en présence d'un boîtier d'analyse à centrifuger, respecti­vement en phase d'arrêt et en phase de centrifugation.
  • La figure 14 représente, comme à la figure 3, un autre système de centrifugation conforme à l'invention.
The manner in which the invention can be implemented and the advantages which result therefrom will emerge more clearly from the embodiment which follows, given by way of non-limiting example, in support of the appended figures.
  • Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an automatic device for carrying out biological and medical analyzes, according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross section of the planar field holographic grating spectophotometer, forming part of the device according to FIG. 1.
  • Figure 3 is a cross section of the centrifuge system according to the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a cross section of the device, including materializing the thermostat and ventilation system.
  • Figure 5 is a cross section of the optical assembly, forming part of the spectrophotometric measurement assembly;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the entire device according to the invention, integrated within a housing.
  • Figure 7 is a top view, on an enlarged scale, of the pivoting means according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 are views illustrating the operating mode of the pivoting means according to FIG. 7.
  • Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sections illustrating the operation of a dynamic balancing device according to the invention, in the absence of an analysis unit to be centrifuged, respectively in the stop phase and in the centrifugation phase .
  • Figures 12 and 13 are cross sections illustrating the operation of the same device, in the presence of an analysis unit to be centrifuged, respectively in the stop phase and in the centrifugation phase.
  • Figure 14 shows, as in Figure 3, another centrifuge system according to the invention.

Le dispositif automatique pour la réalisation d'ana­lyses biologiques et médicales selon l'invention est in­tégré au sein d'un boitier de forme générale parallélépi­pédique portant la référence générale (1), observable au sein de la figure 6. Ce boitier présente sur sa face supérieure deux capots respectivement (2) et (3), l'un (2) faisant office d'écran à cristaux liquides (4) et dégageant,lorsqu'il est en position ouverte, un clavier tactile (5), l'autre (3) permettant un accès aux diffé­rents supports individuels du dispositif centrifugeur qui sera décrit ultérieurement. Ce capot (3) libère lorsqu'il est en position ouverte , un orifice semi-circulaire servant d'accès au chargement (7) des boitiers d'analyse (50) sur le plateau supérieur rotatif du dispositif centrifugeur. De plus, comme il sera décrit ultérieurement, comme l'ensemble du dispositif est thermostaté, le capot (3) présente un organe d'étanchéité (6), destiné à s'emboiter parfaitement dans l'orifice d'accès (7).Les capots (2) et (3) sont verrouillables au moyen d'un bouton de verrouillage (8).The automatic device for carrying out biological and medical analyzes according to the invention is integrated within a box of generally parallelepiped shape having the general reference (1), observable within FIG. 6. This box has on its face upper two covers respectively (2) and (3), one (2) acting as a liquid crystal screen (4) and releasing, when in the open position, a touch keyboard (5), the other (3) allowing access to the various individual supports of the centrifuge device which will be described later. This cover (3) releases, when in the open position, a semi-circular orifice serving as access to the loading (7) of the analysis boxes (50) on the rotary upper plate of the centrifuge device. In addition, as will be described later, since the entire device is thermostatically controlled, the cover (3) has a sealing member (6), intended to fit perfectly into the access orifice (7). The covers (2) and (3) can be locked by means of a locking button (8).

Les résultats issus de l'analyse sont imprimés au moyens d'une imprimante (9) située au voisinage immédiat de l'écran à cristaux liquides (4) et du clavier (5). L'ensemble du dispositif est de manière connue régi par un micro-ordinateur dont on observe le logiciel de type PROM en référence (10). Le boitier (1) présente également au niveau de sa face supérieure une trappe (11) permettant le changement de la lampe du système optique, décrit également ultérieurement.The results of the analysis are printed by means of a printer (9) located in the immediate vicinity of the liquid crystal screen (4) and the keyboard (5). The entire device is in a known manner governed by a microcomputer whose software of the PROM type is observed in reference (10). The housing (1) also has at its upper face a hatch (11) for changing the lamp of the optical system, also described later.

Le dispositif centrifugeur va être maintenant décrit plus en détail. Celui-ci se compose tout d'abord d'un plateau circulaire fixe (12) inférieur, auquel est solidarisé un moteur pas à pas (13), fixé au moyen de quatre vis et écrous dont on a matérialisé les orifices (14) de fixation. Le moteur (13) présente de façon connue un bossage de centrage (15), permettant une meilleure précision de positionnement. Le plateau fixe (12) est suspendu par trois amortisseurs du type silent-bloc, dont on a matérialisé l'un des points d'application par la référence (16). Le plateau fixe (12) présente en outre un rebord ou guide périphérique (17), destiné à coopérer avec des organes de pivotement, qui seront également décrits ultérieurement. Le moteur (13) est solidaire d'un axe (18) sur lequel sont emboités et fixés trois plateaux successifs, à savoir dans l'ordre :
    - un plateau support (19), fixé sur l'axe (18) au moyen d'un insert conique (20) ;
    - un plateau dit plateau de verrouillage (21) ;
    - un plateau supérieur (22) solidarisant au moyen d'écrous le dit plateau de verrouillage (21) et lui-même, à savoir le plateau supérieur (22), sur l'insert conique (20) du plateau support (19) et ce, sur l'axe de rotation (18) du moteur (13).The centrifuge device will now be described in more detail. This consists first of all of a lower fixed circular plate (12), to which is attached a stepping motor (13), fixed by means of four screws and nuts of which the fixing holes (14) have been materialized. The motor (13) has in a known manner a centering boss (15), allowing better positioning accuracy. The fixed plate (12) is suspended by three shock absorbers of the silent-block type, one of the application points of which has been indicated by the reference (16). The fixed plate (12) also has a flange or peripheral guide (17), intended to cooperate with pivoting members, which will also be described later. The motor (13) is integral with an axis (18) on which are nested and fixed three successive plates, namely in order:
- a support plate (19), fixed on the axis (18) by means of a conical insert (20);
- a plate called the locking plate (21);
an upper plate (22) joining together by means of nuts the said locking plate (21) and itself, namely the upper plate (22), on the conical insert (20) of the support plate (19) and this, on the axis of rotation (18) of the motor (13).

Le plateau supérieur (22) présente cinq récepta­cles (23) destinés à recevoir chacun un boitier d'analyse (50). Au sein de la base (24) de chacun de ces dits réceptacles, est ménagé d'une part une fente (25), destinée à coopérer avec une partie du plateau de verrouillage (21) et un orifice semi-circulaire (26), destiné à coopérer avec l'axe de pivotement décrit ultérieurement. Une plaque circulaire (27) servant de support individuel pour un boîtier d'analyse (50) présente sous sa face inférieure une mortaise (28), destinée à coopérer avec un tenon (29), ménagé à l'extrémité supérieure d'un axe de pivotement (30). Chaque support (27) présente en outre deux ergots de positionnement (31), destinés à coopérer avec les orifices de positionnement ménagés au sein de chacun des boitiers d'analyse.The upper plate (22) has five receptacles (23) each intended to receive an analysis unit (50). Within the base (24) of each of these said receptacles, a slot (25) is provided on the one hand, intended to cooperate with a part of the locking plate (21) and a semi-circular orifice (26), intended to cooperate with the pivot axis described later. A circular plate (27) serving as an individual support for an analysis unit (50) has under its underside a mortise (28), intended to cooperate with a tenon (29), formed at the upper end of an axis pivot (30). Each support (27) also has two positioning pins (31), intended to cooperate with the positioning orifices provided within each of the analysis boxes.

Le plateau support (19) présente une pluralité d'orifices (32), destinés chacun à laisser un passage à l'axe de pivotement (30). Chacun de ces orifices (32), situés sur la périphérie du plateau (19), est tangenté par deux rampes radiales (33),ascendantes du centre du plateau vers sa périphérie, chacune de ces rampes (33) étant destinée à recevoir une bille dite bille d'équilibrage (34). Ces billes (34) sont destinées à permettre un équilibrage dynamique de l'ensemble rotatif du dispositif de centrifugation.The support plate (19) has a plurality of orifices (32), each intended to leave a passage for the pivot axis (30). Each of these orifices (32), located on the periphery of the plate (19), is tangent by two radial ramps (33), rising from the center of the plate towards its periphery, each of these ramps (33) being intended to receive a ball said balancing ball (34). These balls (34) are intended to allow dynamic balancing of the rotary assembly of the centrifuge device.

Le plateau support comprend une pluralité de paires de rampes (33) ascendantes, du centre vers la périphérie, chacune de ces rampes étant radiale. Dans l'exemple décrit, le nombre de réceptacles (23) présents est égal à cinq, donc le nombre de paires de rampes (33) également. Chaque paire de rampes (33) est disposée, au voisinage de la périphérie du plateau support (19), de part et d'autre d'un orifice (32), permettant le passage d'un axe (30) de pivotement des boîtiers (50) à centrifuger dans les réceptacles (23) du plateau supérieur (22).The support plate comprises a plurality of pairs of ascending ramps (33), from the center to the periphery, each of these ramps being radial. In the example described, the number of receptacles (23) present is equal to five, therefore the number of pairs of ramps (33) also. Each pair of ramps (33) is arranged, in the vicinity of the periphery of the support plate (19), on either side of an orifice (32), allowing the passage of an axis (30) for pivoting the housings (50) to be centrifuged in the receptacles (23) of the upper plate (22).

Chacune desdites rampes (33) reçoit une bille (34), réalisée en acier, et dont le diamètre est fonction de la masse de la bille désirée. Du fait que les rampes sont ascendantes du centre vers la périphérie du plateau (19), l'angle d'inclinaison étant de douze degrés (12°) par rapport à l'horizontale, lorsque ledit plateau ne tourne pas, les billes sont situées au voisinage du centre dudit plateau (19), au contact d'une couronne (80) de limitation du parcours inférieur des billes, ladite couronne entourant l'insert conique (20), de fixation sur l'axe du moteur (13). Par contre, lorsqu'aucun organe ne limite leur course ascensionnelle, si le plateau (19) tourne, lesdites billes (34) sont soumises à la force centrifuge, qui, si la vitesse de rotation est suffisante, provoque la montée des billes (34) jusqu'en haut des rampes (33). Pour cela, il suffit que les moments des forces centrifuges s'appliquant sur les billes (34), par rapport à l'axe central vertical du moteur (13), soient supérieurs aux moments des forces de gravité s'appliquant également sur les billes, par rapport au même axe.Each of said ramps (33) receives a ball (34), made of steel, the diameter of which is a function of the mass of the desired ball. Because the ramps are ascending from the center to the periphery of the plate (19), the angle of inclination being twelve degrees (12 °) relative to the horizontal, when said plate does not rotate, the balls are located in the vicinity of the center of said plate (19), in contact with a crown (80) of limitation of the lower path of the balls, said crown surrounding the conical insert (20), for fixing on the axis of the motor (13). On the other hand, when no member limits their upward stroke, if the plate (19) rotates, said balls (34) are subjected to centrifugal force, which, if the speed of rotation is sufficient, causes the balls (34) to rise. ) to the top of the ramps (33). For this, it is sufficient that the moments of the centrifugal forces applying to the balls (34), relative to the vertical central axis of the motor (13), be greater than the moments of the forces of gravity also applying to the balls , with respect to the same axis.

Le plateau de verrouillage (21) se présente sous la forme d'une corolle, dont le nombre de pétales (35) coïn­cide avec le nombre de réceptacles (23) du plateau supérieur (22), cinq en l'occurence. Chacun de ces pétales (35) ou éléments radiaux est terminé, à son ex­trémité libre, par un ergot ou butée (36) s'étendant vers le plateau supérieur (22), et destiné à coopérer avec une fente (35), ménagée au sein de la base (24) de chacun des réceptacles (22) dudit plateau (22), et ce , uniquement dans le cas où le réceptacle (23) considéré ne contient pas de boîtier (50) à centrifuger. En outre, chaque pétale (35) présente sur sa face inférieure, c'est-à-dire, du côté du plateau support (19), une butée (81) ou moyen de retenue, venu du moulage, et situé au voisinage de la base du pétale (35). Cette butée (81) est destinée à retenir la bille (34) vers la couronne (80), lorsque le réceptacle (23) correspondant reçoit un boîtier à centrifuger, lors des phases de centrifugation.The locking plate (21) is in the form of a corolla, the number of petals (35) coincides with the number of receptacles (23) of the upper plate (22), five in this case. Each of these petals (35) or radial elements is terminated, at its free end, by a lug or stop (36) extending towards the upper plate (22), and intended to cooperate with a slot (35), formed at within the base (24) of each of the receptacles (22) of said tray (22), and this, only in the case where the receptacle (23) considered does not contain a housing (50) to be centrifuged. In addition, each petal (35) has on its underside, that is to say, on the side of the support plate (19), a stop (81) or retaining means, come from the molding, and located in the vicinity of the base of the petal (35). This stop (81) is intended to retain the ball (34) towards the crown (80), when the corresponding receptacle (23) receives a casing to be centrifuged, during the centrifugation phases.

Chacun des pétales (35) est soumis à une contrainte transmise par l'intermédiaire de l'ergot (36) lorsqu'un réceptacle (23) reçoit un boîtier à centrifuger , du fait que le plateau (21) est réalisé en un matériau plastique souple à mémoire élastique, et que le moulage lui donne une forme telle qu'il tend naturellement à provoquer la coopération de l'ergot (36), avec la fente (25), vers le haut. Ainsi, compte tenu de la mobilité de chaque pétale (35), par rappport à un axe orthogonal à l'axe de rota­tion, tout abaissement de l'ergot (36) provoque l'abais­sement concomitent de la butée (81) de rétention des billes (34). Les deux positions extrêmes du plateau (21) sont visibles respectivement sur les figures 10 et 11.Each of the petals (35) is subjected to a stress transmitted via the lug (36) when a receptacle (23) receives a centrifuge box, because the plate (21) is made of a plastic material flexible with elastic memory, and that the molding gives it a shape such that it naturally tends to cause the cooperation of the lug (36), with the slot (25), upwards. Thus, taking into account the mobility of each petal (35), compared to an axis orthogonal to the axis of rotation, any lowering of the lug (36) causes the concomitant lowering of the stopper (81) for retaining balls (34). The two extreme positions of the plate (21) are visible respectively in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Ainsi, lorsque l'on désire réaliser la centrifuga­tion de boîtiers (50), on positionne ces derniers au sein des réceptacles (23), au moyen des ergots de positionne­ment (31), et on peut immédiatement procéder aux diffé­rentes phases de centrifugation, sans s'inquiéter de l'équilibrage du dispositif. En effet, la masse des boîtiers (50) à centrifuger étant connue, on adapte la masse des billes (34) d'équilibrage, en utilisant des billes de diamètre connu (la masse volumique des billes restant constante, le seul paramètre pouvant faire varier la masse est le diamètre), de façon à ce que la somme des moments, par rapport à l'axe du moteur (13), des forces centrifuges s'appliquant sur les billes (34) en position basse et sur le boîtier (50) à centrifuger correspondant, soit égale aux moments par rapport au même axe des forces centrifuges s'appliquant sur les billes en position haute d'une même paire de rampes (33).Thus, when it is desired to centrifuge the casings (50), the latter are positioned within the receptacles (23), by means of the positioning pins (31), and the various centrifugation phases can be immediately carried out, without worry about balancing the device. Indeed, the mass of the housings (50) to be centrifuged being known, the mass of the balancing balls (34) is adapted, using balls of known diameter (the density of the balls remaining constant, the only parameter being able to vary the mass is the diameter), so that the sum of the moments, relative to the axis of the motor (13), of the centrifugal forces applying on the balls (34) in the low position and on the housing (50 ) to be centrifuged correspondingly, ie equal to the moments with respect to the same axis of the centrifugal forces applying to the balls in the high position of the same pair of ramps (33).

Ainsi, c'est par la seule utilisation de la force centrifuge générée par la rotation des plateaux que l'on réalise un équilibrage dynamique automatique. De plus, il est tout à fait possible de n'employer qu'une partie des réceptacles (23) du plateau supérieur (22), sans pour autant perturber l'équilibrage. En effet, lorsque l'on place un boîtier (50) à centrifuger, ce dernier appuie sur l'ergot (36) qui faisait saillie au niveau de la fente (25) de la base (24), provoquant ainsi un abaisse­ment du pétale (35), donc de la butée (81), ayant pour conséquence la rétention des deux billes (34) correspon­dantes en position basse. Par contre, les réceptacles vides n'entrainent pas d'abaissement des pétales (35) du plateau (21), donc n'empêchent pas l'ascension des billes au sommet des rampes correspondantes. Comme il est bien connu, qu'à forces égales, plus le rayon du cercle décrit par l'objet sur lequel s'appuient lesdites forces est grand, et plus grand est son moment par rapport à l'axe passant par le centre dudit cercle, on peut, en calculant au préalable la masse des billes (34) nécessaire pour réaliser l'équilibrage, obtenir un équilibrage dynamique et automatique.Thus, it is by the sole use of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the plates that automatic dynamic balancing is achieved. Moreover, he it is entirely possible to use only part of the receptacles (23) of the upper plate (22), without disturbing the balancing. In fact, when a casing (50) to be centrifuged is placed, the latter presses on the lug (36) which protruded at the level of the slot (25) of the base (24), thus causing a lowering of the petal (35), therefore of the stop (81), resulting in the retention of the two corresponding balls (34) in the low position. On the other hand, the empty receptacles do not cause the petals (35) of the plate (21) to be lowered, therefore do not prevent the balls from rising to the top of the corresponding ramps. As it is well known, that at equal forces, the larger the radius of the circle described by the object on which said forces are based, and the greater its moment relative to the axis passing through the center of said circle , it is possible, by calculating beforehand the mass of the balls (34) necessary for balancing, to obtain dynamic and automatic balancing.

Selon une variante d'exécution représentée à la fi­gure 14, chaque pétale (35) est articulée individuelle­ment sur un axe (83), orthogonal par rapport à l'axe de rotation, et tourillonné sur le plateau de verrouillage (21). Dans ces conditions, la position basse de repos d'un pétale (35) est au contact d'une bille (34). Lors de la rotation de l'ensemble des plateaux, si un boîtier (50) correspondant est présent sur le plateau supérieur (22), alors la bille (34) correspondante ne peut remonter vers l'extrémité haute de la rampe (33) correspondante étant bloquée par la butée (81) ; si un boîtier (50) est absent, alors la butée (36) n'est pas bloquée par le haut, et la bille (34) repousse la butée (81), et donc le pétale correspondant (35), et peut atteindre l'extré­mité haute de la rampe (33).According to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 14, each petal (35) is articulated individually on an axis (83), orthogonal to the axis of rotation, and journalled on the locking plate (21). Under these conditions, the low rest position of a petal (35) is in contact with a ball (34). During the rotation of all of the plates, if a corresponding housing (50) is present on the upper plate (22), then the corresponding ball (34) cannot go up towards the high end of the corresponding ramp (33) being blocked by the stop (81); if a housing (50) is absent, then the stop (36) is not blocked from above, and the ball (34) pushes the stop (81), and therefore the corresponding petal (35), and can reach the 'high end of the ramp (33).

Ce mode d'exécution particulier évite d'exercer une poussée en rappel sur chaque boîtier (50).This particular embodiment avoids exerting a rappelling push on each box (50).

Il va être décrit maintenant plus en détail le dis­positif de pivotement des boîtiers d'analyse. Le plateau fixe (12) présente au voisinage de sa périphérie et sur un secteur donné une portion dite "portion de pivotement" (37). Cette portion de pivotement (37) présente deux rails de guidage (38) et (39), concentriques et orthogo­naux par rapport au plan du plateau fixe (12). Lorsque le dispositif de pivotement n'est pas activé, la portion de pivotement (37), coplanaire avec ledit plateau fixe (12) s'intègre à ce plateau et définit un rebord ou guide périphérique (17) complet, c'est-à-dire définissant un cercle parfait. Le dispositif de pivotement présente en outre un électroaimant (40) destiné à attirer vers l'extérieur du plateau fixe (12) ladite portion de pivo­tement (37), qui est articulée au niveau de l'une de ses extrémités pour pivoter dans le plan du plateau fixe (12). De plus, chaque axe de pivotement (30) précédemment cité, présente à son extrémité inférieure un tenon (41) destiné à coopérer avec une mortaise (42) ménagée sur une biellette (43) disposée parallèlement au plateau fixe (12) ; chaque biellette (43) joue le role de lien entre deux galets coplanaires et identiques (44) et (45), dont l'axe de pivotement est parallèle à l'axe (30). Ces galets (44) et (45), disposés respectivement aux deux extrémités d'une biellette (43), prennent appui, lorsque les plateaux (19,21 et 22) sont en rotation sur le rebord périphérique (17) du plateau fixe (12). En effet, les galets (44) et (45)dé chaque organe de pivotement sont entrainés en rotation par l'intermédiaire de l'axe (30), celui-ci étant lui-même entrainé par l'intermédiaire des orifices (32) ménagés sur le plateau support (19).The device for pivoting the analysis boxes will now be described in more detail. The fixed plate (12) has in the vicinity of its periphery and on a given sector a portion called "pivoting portion" (37). This pivoting portion (37) has two guide rails (38) and (39), concentric and orthogonal to the plane of the fixed plate (12). When the pivoting device is not activated, the pivoting portion (37), coplanar with said fixed plate (12) integrates with this plate and defines a flange or peripheral guide (17) complete, that is to say - say defining a perfect circle. The pivoting device also has an electromagnet (40) intended to attract towards the outside of the fixed plate (12) said pivoting portion (37), which is articulated at one of its ends to pivot in the plane. of the fixed plate (12). In addition, each pivot axis (30) mentioned above, has at its lower end a stud (41) intended to cooperate with a mortise (42) formed on a link (43) arranged parallel to the fixed plate (12); each link (43) acts as a link between two coplanar and identical rollers (44) and (45), the pivot axis of which is parallel to the axis (30). These rollers (44) and (45), disposed respectively at the two ends of a link (43), bear when the plates (19, 21 and 22) are rotating on the peripheral edge (17) of the fixed plate ( 12). Indeed, the rollers (44) and (45) of each pivoting member are rotated by means of the axis (30), the latter being itself driven by means of the orifices (32) formed on the support plate (19).

Les rails (38,39) sont espacés d'une distance cor­respondant au diamètre des galets (44,45). Le rayon de courbure du rail externe (39) de guidage a la même valeur que celui du rebord périphérique (17) du plateau fixe (12), et ce afin de ménager un rebord périphérique complet lorsque l'on ne désire pas procéder à une phase de pivotement.The rails (38,39) are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the diameter of the rollers (44,45). The radius of curvature of the outer guide rail (39) has the same value as that of the peripheral edge (17) of the fixed plate (12), and this in order to provide a complete peripheral edge when it is not desired to carry out a pivoting phase.

Il est à noter que la longueur du rail interne de guidage (38) est de longueur inférieure au rail de guida­ge externe (39), et ce d'une valeur correspondant au dia­mètre des galets (44,45), aux variations de circonférence près, du fait que les rayons des cercles sur lesquels les rails (38,39) s'appuient n'ont pas la même valeur, comme on peut le voir plus nettement dans la figure 7.It should be noted that the length of the internal guide rail (38) is shorter than the external guide rail (39), and this by a value corresponding to the diameter of the rollers (44,45), with variations in circumference , because the radii of the circles on which the rails (38,39) are based do not have the same value, as can be seen more clearly in Figure 7.

La bordure (46) est reliée au rebord périphérique (17) du dit plateau (12), et elle constitue, en fait, un simple prolongement dudit rebord (17) à l'extérieur du plateau fixe (12). De ce fait, elle présente la même épaisseur et la même hauteur que ce rebord (17). Comme il sera décrit plus en détail par la suite, l'extrémité libre de la bordure (46) coïncide avec l'une des extrémi­tés du rail de guidage externe (39), celle opposée à l'axe de pivotement (47) de la portion de pivotement (37), lorsque ladite portion de pivotement est actionnée. De plus, l'extrémité libre de la bordure de raccord (46) présente une courbure circulaire dont la rayon est égal au rayon des galets (44,45), aux différentes épaisseurs près.The edge (46) is connected to the peripheral rim (17) of said plate (12), and it constitutes, in fact, a simple extension of said rim (17) outside the fixed plate (12). Therefore, it has the same thickness and the same height as this rim (17). As will be described in more detail below, the free end of the edge (46) coincides with one of the ends of the external guide rail (39), that opposite to the pivot axis (47) of the pivot portion (37), when said pivot portion is actuated. In addition, the free end of the connecting edge (46) has a circular curvature whose radius is equal to the radius of the rollers (44,45), to the different thicknesses.

Le dispositif comprend un moyen apte à provoquer le pivotement de la portion de pivotement (37). Dans l'exemple décrit, ce moyen est un électroaimant (40), fixé sur le plateau fixe (12). Cet électroaimant est avantageusement commandé au moyen d'un micro-ordinateur, afin de synchroniser de façon simple et rapide le pivo­tement ou le non-pivotement des différents axes rotatifs (30) que comprend le dispositif. Un noyau magnétique (83) coulisse de façon classique dans le corps de l'électro­aimant (40), et est fixé au niveau de l'une de ses extré­mités à une patte de fixation (84) située sur la portion de pivotement (8). De plus, afin de permettre le retour de la portion de pivotement (37) à sa position originale lorsque l'action de l'électroaimant a cessé, et afin de limiter la course de ladite portion lorsque ledit électroaimant est activé, le dispositif comprend un ressort spiralé en traction (85), dont les points d'application sont respectivement situés sur une patte (88), fixée à l'extrémité libre de la bordure de raccord (46), et sur une patte (87), fixée au voisinage de l'extrémité de la portion de pivotement (37) sise vers l'axe de pivotement (47).The device comprises means capable of causing the pivoting portion (37) to pivot. In the example described, this means is an electromagnet (40), fixed on the fixed plate (12). This electromagnet is advantageously controlled by means of a microcomputer, in order to synchronize in a simple and rapid manner the pivoting or non-pivoting of the different rotary axes (30) that the device comprises. A magnetic core (83) slides conventionally in the body of the electromagnet (40), and is fixed at one of its ends to a fixing lug (84) located on the pivoting portion (8) . In addition, in order to allow the pivoting portion (37) to return to its original position when the action of the electromagnet has ceased, and in order to limit the stroke of said portion when said electromagnet is activated, the device comprises a spiral spring in tension (85), the points of application of which are respectively located on a lug (88), fixed at the free end of the connection edge (46), and on a lug (87), fixed in the vicinity from the end of the pivoting portion (37) located towards the pivot axis (47).

Les figures 8 et 9 illustrent de façon claire le mode d'action du dispositif selon l'invention. La portion de pivotement (37), lorsque l'électroaimant n'est pas activé, définit un rebord circulaire périphérique (17) complet du plateau (12), et lorsque ledit électroaimant (40) est activé, permet alors, comme il va être mainte­nant décrit, le pivotement de l'axe (30) considéré.Figures 8 and 9 illustrate clearly the mode of action of the device according to the invention. The pivoting portion (37), when the electromagnet is not activated, defines a peripheral circular rim (17) complete with the plate (12), and when said electromagnet (40) is activated, then allows, as it will be now described, the pivoting of the axis (30) considered.

L'ensemble des axes (30) étant en rotation, action­nés au moyen du plateau (19) tournant solidaire du moteur (13), chacun des deux galets (44,45) des axes (30) sont en contact avec le rebord circulaire périphérique complet (17) du plateau (12), du fait que l'axe (30) suit une trajectoire circulaire constante et imposée par le plateau tournant (19), cette trajectoire se situant au voisinage dudit rebord, afin d'impliquer le contact des­ dits galets (44,45) avec le rebord (17). En effet, la biellette (43), reliant les deux galets (44,45) à l'axe (30) étant rigide, elle impose, du fait de la trajectoire de l'axe (30), le contact des deux galets avec le rebord (17).All the axes (30) being in rotation, actuated by means of the turntable (19) integral with the motor (13), each of the two rollers (44,45) of the axes (30) are in contact with the peripheral circular rim complete (17) of the plate (12), owing to the fact that the axis (30) follows a constant circular trajectory imposed by the rotating plate (19), this trajectory being located in the vicinity of said edge, in order to involve the contact of the said rollers (44,45) with the flange (17). Indeed, the link (43), connecting the two rollers (44,45) to the axis (30) being rigid, it imposes, due to the trajectory of the axis (30), the contact of the two rollers with the rim (17).

Lorsque l'on désire provoquer le pivotement de cent quatre vingt degrés (180°) de l'un ou des mobiles (30) on actionne l'électroaimant (40) qui attire vers lui la portion de pivotement (37), par rotation de celle-ci autour de son propre axe de pivotement (47). Ainsi, le galet antérieur (45), du fait de la rotation du ou des axes (30), s'engage dans la voie de guidage définie par les deux rails (38,39). Du fait que la portion de pivo­tement (37) est en position écartée par rapport à sa position originale, le galet (45) s'écarte lui-même de son trajet circulaire, provoquant un écartement du galet postérieur (44) du rebord (17), et ce vers l'intérieur du plateau fixe (12), du fait de la trajectoire circulaire constante de l'axe (30) et de la rigidité de la biellette (43). La trajectoire du galet postérieur (44) est imposée par la rotation de la biellette (43) autour de l'axe de pivotement (30), rotation elle-même imposée par le trajet suivi par le galet antérieur (45).When one wishes to cause the pivoting of one hundred and eighty degrees (180 °) of one or more mobiles (30), the electromagnet (40) is actuated which attracts the pivoting portion (37) towards it, by rotation of the latter around its own pivot axis (47). Thus, the front roller (45), due to the rotation of the axis or axes (30), engages in the guide track defined by the two rails (38,39). Because the pivoting portion (37) is in a position spaced from its original position, the roller (45) itself deviates from its circular path, causing a separation of the rear roller (44) from the flange (17 ), and this towards the inside of the fixed plate (12), due to the constant circular trajectory of the axis (30) and the rigidity of the link (43). The trajectory of the rear roller (44) is imposed by the rotation of the rod (43) around the pivot axis (30), rotation itself imposed by the path followed by the front roller (45).

L'axe (30) poursuivant sa trajectoire circulaire constante, le galet (44) poursuit sa propre trajectoire à l'intérieur du plateau (12) et rejoint le rebord (17) périphérique circulaire devant le galet (45), qui a terminé sa course dans la portion de pivotement (37).The axis (30) continuing its constant circular trajectory, the roller (44) continues its own trajectory inside the plate (12) and joins the circular peripheral rim (17) in front of the roller (45), which has completed its stroke in the pivoting portion (37).

Il est important de souligner que, au moment de l'introduction du galet antérieur (45) dans la portion de pivotement (37), la vitesse angulaire de pivotement est nulle. Puis, du fait de l'écartement externe de ladite portion de pivotement, et du fait de la rotation constan­te du ou des axes (30), la vitesse angulaire de pivote­ment augmente jusqu'à un maximum atteint lorsque ledit galet (45) arrive en fin de course de la voie de guidage (38,39), la vitesse linéaire du galet postérieur (44) étant alors elle-même maximum.It is important to emphasize that, at the time of the introduction of the front roller (45) into the pivoting portion (37), the angular speed of pivoting is zero. Then, due to the external spacing of said pivoting portion, and due to the constant rotation of the axis (s) (30), the angular speed of pivoting increases to a maximum reached when said roller (45) reaches the end of the travel of the guideway (38, 39), the linear speed of the rear roller (44) then being itself maximum.

Lorsque le galet (44) passe devant le galet (45), la vitesse angulaire de pivotement diminue jusqu'à ce que le galet (44) atteigne le rebord (17), et ce de façon concomitante avec le retour du galet (45) le long dudit rebord, ledit galet (45) ayant juste terminé sa course le long de la bordure de raccord (46). La vitesse angulaire de pivotement redevient alors nulle, le pivotement de 180° est alors achevé. Si l'on ne désire faire pivoter qu'un seul axe (30), on cesse l'actionnement de l'élec­troaimant, permettant, de par l'action du ressort de rappel (85) le retour de la portion de pivotement (37) à sa position originale, c'est-à-dire celle définissant un rebord périphérique circulaire complet. Par contre, si l'on désire opérer au pivotement de l'ensemble des axes (30), on actionne l'électroaimant pendant une durée correspondant à la rotation d'un tour du plateau tournant.When the roller (44) passes in front of the roller (45), the angular speed of pivoting decreases until the roller (44) reaches the flange (17), and this concomitantly with the return of the roller (45) along said rim, said roller (45) having just finished its race along the connection edge (46). The angular speed of pivoting then becomes zero again, the pivoting of 180 ° is then completed. If it is desired to pivot only one axis (30), the actuation of the electromagnet is stopped, allowing, by the action of the return spring (85), the return of the pivoting portion (37 ) to its original position, that is to say that defining a complete circular peripheral rim. On the other hand, if one wishes to operate the pivoting of all the axes (30), the electromagnet is actuated for a period corresponding to the rotation of one turn of the turntable.

Il est à noter que dans l'exemple décrit, le plateau tournant (19) doit tourner dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre, (c'est-à-dire dans le sens trigonométrique), afin que le galet antérieur (45) de chacun des axes (30) pénètre du bon côté de la portion de pivotement (37). Mais il est bien entendu, qu'il pourrait tout aussi bien tourner dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre dans la mesure où l'on utilise l'énantiomè re (inverse optique) de la portion de pivotement (37).It should be noted that in the example described, the turntable (19) must rotate anticlockwise (that is to say counterclockwise), so that the front roller ( 45) of each of the axes (30) penetrates the correct side of the pivoting portion (37). However, it is understood that it could just as well turn clockwise as long as the enantiomer (optical reverse) of the pivoting portion (37) is used.

Les boîtiers d'analyse (50) (cf figure 5) compren­nent de façon connue une chambre pour le réactif, une chambre pour le réactant et une cellule de lecture (82) présentant au moins deux faces parallèles. Ils sont soli­darisés sur chaque support individuel (27), au moyen des ergots (31) de positionnement. Ils subissent un pivote­ment de 180°,au moyen de l'axe de pivotement (30),afin de permettre l'inversion de la force centrifuge qui s'exerce sur eux,ladite force centrifuge étant destinée à transfé­rer les liquides,du fait de l'utilisation de capillaires pour relier les différentes chambres au sein de ce boî­tier (50). Il est à noter que chacun des boîtiers (50) présente sur l'une des surfaces latérales un code/barre portant le paramètre d'analyse utilisé et la date de péremption dudit boîtier.The analysis boxes (50) (see FIG. 5) comprise in a known manner a chamber for the reagent, a chamber for the reagent and a reading cell (82) having at least two parallel faces. They are secured to each individual support (27) by means of positioning lugs (31). They undergo a pivoting of 180 °, by means of the pivoting axis (30), in order to allow the inversion of the centrifugal force which is exerted on them, said centrifugal force being intended to transfer liquids, due to the use of capillaries to connect the different chambers within this housing (50). It should be noted that each of the boxes (50) has on one of the side surfaces a code / bar carrying the analysis parameter used and the expiration date of said box.

Il va être décrit maintenant plus en détail le sys­tème optique permettant, outre la lecture du code/barre, l'analyse spectrophotométrique par absorbance du résultat de la réaction entre le réactif et le réactant présents dans ledit boîtier (50).There will now be described in more detail the optical system allowing, in addition to reading the code / bar, spectrophotometric analysis by absorbance of the result of the reaction between the reagent and the reagent present in said housing (50).

Une partie de ce système optique est fixée au bord du plateau fixe (12), du côté opposé à la portion de pi­votement (37). Ce système optique (cf figure 5) comprend une lampe (51) fixée sur un plateau pivotant (52) à 90°, afin de faciliter les phases de changement de la lampe par l'intermédiaire de la trappe (11). Lorsqu'elle est en position opérationnelle, la lampe (51) est surmontée d'un miroir sphérique (53) destiné à focaliser au niveau d'un premier diaphragme (54) le faisceau lumineux qu'il reçoit. Le diaphragme (54) est suivi d'une lentille (55) destinée à former un faisceau parallèle de la lumière issue du diaphragme (54). Ce faisceau parallèle est alors calibré au moyen d'un deuxième diaphragme (56), et envoyé au travers de la cellule de lecture (83) des boîtiers (50). En effet, le système optique est réalisé de telle façon, qu'il libère un espace correspondant à l'épaisseur du boîtier (50). Le faisceau lumineux transmis par les cellules de lecture des boîtiers (50) est focalisé au moyen d'une lentille convergente (57) sur l'extrémité d'une fibre optique (58) monobrin en silice, destinée à transmettre le faisceau lumineux jusqu'au système d'analyse optique.A part of this optical system is fixed to the edge of the fixed plate (12), on the side opposite to the pivoting portion (37). This optical system (see FIG. 5) comprises a lamp (51) fixed on a swivel plate (52) at 90 °, in order to facilitate the lamp changing phases via the hatch (11). When it is in the operational position, the lamp (51) is surmounted by a spherical mirror (53) intended to focus at the level of a first diaphragm (54) the light beam which it receives. The diaphragm (54) is followed by a lens (55) intended to form a parallel beam of light from the diaphragm (54). This parallel beam is then calibrated by means of a second diaphragm (56), and sent through the reading cell (83) of the boxes (50). Indeed, the optical system is constructed in such a way that it frees up a space corresponding to the thickness of the housing (50). The light beam transmitted by the reading cells of the housings (50) is focused by means of a converging lens (57) on the end of a single-strand optical fiber (58) made of silica, intended to transmit the light beam up to to the optical analysis system.

D'autre part, une cellule de lecture code/barre (59) ménagée au sein de l'ensemble optique précédemment décrit, et faisant face à l'une des faces latérales des boitiers (50), est située au voisinage de ladite face latérale lorsque le boitier est en position dans l'inter­valle séparant le diaphragme (56) de la lentille conver­gente (57). Cette cellule de lecture code/barre (59) est reliée à une carte électronique décryptant le code/barre et le paramètre utilisé dans les boitiers et la date de péremption. Cette première partie du système optique est détaillée au sein de la figure 5.On the other hand, a code / bar reading cell (59) formed within the optical assembly previously described, and facing one of the lateral faces of the housings (50), is located in the vicinity of said lateral face. when the housing is in position in the interval separating the diaphragm (56) from the converging lens (57). This code / bar reading cell (59) is connected to an electronic card decrypting the code / bar and the parameter used in the boxes and the expiration date. This first part of the optical system is detailed in FIG. 5.

Le système d'analyse optique est détaillé au sein de la figure 2. L'autre extrémité de la fibre optique (58) est située au voisinage d'un second ensemble d'élé­ments optiques, constituant le système d'analyse optique. Le faisceau lumineux, transmis par la fibre optique (58) est focalisé au moyen d'une lentille convergente (65) sur un diaphragme calibré (60).Ce dernier permet l'acheminement du faisceau lumineux sur un réseau holographique à champ plan (61), qui, de manière connue, réfléchit :
    - la lumière source, appelée par convention, ordre "0" (zéro) ;
    - différents spectres de la lumière source diffrac­tée selon des angles connus ; par convention, ces spectres sont appelés ordres 1,-1, 2,-2,etc..., dans l'ordre de leur moindre transmission.The optical analysis system is detailed in FIG. 2. The other end of the optical fiber (58) is located in the vicinity of a second set of optical elements, constituting the optical analysis system. The light beam transmitted by the optical fiber (58) is focused by means of a converging lens (65) on a calibrated diaphragm (60), which allows the light beam to be routed over a flat field holographic network (61 ), which, in a known manner, reflects:
- source light, called by convention, order "0"(zero);
- different spectra of source light diffracted at known angles; by convention, these spectra are called orders 1, -1, 2, -2, etc., in the order of their least transmission.

En ce qui concerne la présente invention, seuls les ordres zéro et -1 sont analysés.With regard to the present invention, only the orders zero and -1 are analyzed.

Tout d'abord, une cellule (62) permet d'effectuer une mesure à l'ordre zéro de la lumière totale, afin de surveiller les variations de la lampe (51).
Simultanément, l'intensité de certaines raies de l'ordre -1 est analysée au moyen d'une barrette de photodiodes (63), faisant pratiquement face au réseau holographique (61). Les caractéristiques des photodiodes sont prédéter­minées. L'ensemble constitué par le réseau holographique (61), les barrettes de photodiodes (63) et le second ensemble optique sont insérés au sein du boîtier (64), à l'abri de la lumière et de la poussière. Les connections issues des photodiodes (63) sont reliées à des cartes électroniques de manière classique, et interprétées ensuite au moyen d'un micro-ordinateur précédemment cité.First of all, a cell (62) makes it possible to carry out a measurement at zero order of the total light, in order to monitor the variations of the lamp (51).
Simultaneously, the intensity of certain lines of the order -1 is analyzed by means of a strip of photodiodes (63), practically facing the holographic network (61). The characteristics of the photodiodes are predetermined. The assembly constituted by the holographic network (61), the arrays of photodiodes (63) and the second optical assembly are inserted within the housing (64), protected from light and dust. The connections from the photodiodes (63) are connected to electronic cards in a conventional manner, and then interpreted by means of a microcomputer previously mentioned.

L'organe de thermostatisation, illustré au sein de la figure 4, comprend tout d'abord un ventilateur (70) pulsant de l'air au travers de résistances chauffantes (71), à l'issue desquelles l'air pulsé est guidé au moyen d'un guide de flux de chaleur (72), sur le dispositif de centrifugation. Le plateau supérieur de ce dernier présente en son centre un dôme (73), destiné à répartir le flux de chaleur sur l'ensemble des boitiers (50). De par la présence du capot (3) et de l'organe d'étanchéité (6), l'air chaud est recyclé, et réaspiré par l'inter­médiaire d'un canal (74) situé sous le ventilateur (70).The thermostat member, illustrated in FIG. 4, firstly comprises a fan (70) pulsating air through heating resistors (71), at the end of which the pulsed air is guided through the by means of a heat flow guide (72), on the centrifuge device. The upper plate of the latter has in its center a dome (73), intended to distribute the heat flow over all of the housings (50). Due to the presence of the cover (3) and the sealing member (6), the hot air is recycled, and re-aspirated via a channel (74) located under the fan (70).

Toutefois, il existe une arrivée d'air frais (75), afin de compenser les légères fuites toujours existantes dans ces dispositifs. Cette source (75) d'air frais est ménagée sur la face postérieure du boitier (1) du dispo­sitif d'analyse.However, there is an intake of fresh air (75), in order to compensate for the slight leaks still existing in these devices. This source (75) of fresh air is provided on the rear face of the housing (1) of the analysis device.

Tout le dispositif, comme déjà dit, est régi par un micro-ordinateur qui ordonne les différentes phases de centrifugation, de pivotement, de thermostatisation et d'analyse optique. Ce micro-ordinateur est commandé au moyen d'un clavier tactile (5).The whole device, as already said, is governed by a microcomputer which orders the different phases of centrifugation, pivoting, thermostatization and optical analysis. This microcomputer is controlled by means of a touch keyboard (5).

Claims (10)

1/ Dispositif de centrifugation pour la réalisation d'analyses, notamment biologiques et médicales, d'échan­tillons contenus dans un boîtier d'analyse (50), lequel comprend une cellule de lecture (82) pour toute mesure spectrophotométrique en absorbance, appareil comprenant :
      - un plateau support (19), entrainé en rotation par un moyen moteur (13), comportant vers sa périphérie une pluralité de supports individuels (27) pour les différents boitiers (50), eux-mêmes rotatifs par rapport au plateau support ;
      - des moyens (12,30,44,45) permettant de faire pivo­ter chaque support individuel par rapport au plateau support, afin d'orienter la force centrifuge par rapport à chaque boîtier d'analyse;
      - un ensemble de mesure spectrophotométrique (51,52, 61,4), dont le trajet optique est perpendiculaire au plan du plateau support, et susceptible de traverser la cellule de lecture de chaque boitier, dans une position prédéterminée de ce dernier en rotation,
caractérisé en ce que les moyens permettant de faire pi­voter chaque support individuel comprennent :
      - un plateau fixe (12) par rapport au plateau sup­port (19), disposé au-dessous de ce dernier, comportant un guide périphérique (17) ;
      - une portion de pivotement (37), coplanaire avec le plateau fixe, articulée à une extrémité (47) sur ce dernier, comportant au moins un rail (38,39) de guidage, ayant un rayon de courbure coïncidant avec celui du guide périphérique (17) du plateau fixe, la portion de pivotement étant mobile entre deux positions, une première position dans laquelle le rail de guidage coïncide avec le guide du plateau fixe, et une seconde position dans laquelle le rail de guidage coïncide avec l'extrémité libre d'un raccord (46) en saillie externe par rapport au plateau fixe, et relié au guide périphérique ;
      - une pluralité d'axes orthogonaux (30) au plateau support (19), montés libres en rotation sur ce dernier, à l'extrémité supérieure desquels sont fixés les différents suports individuels (27), et à l'extrémité inférieure desquels sont fixées différentes biellettes (43) parallè­les au plateau fixe, chaque biellette comportant à ses deux extrémités deux galets (44,45) coplanaires prenant appui sur le guide périphérique du plateau fixe ;
      - des moyens (40) d'actionnement de la portion (37) de pivotement.1 / Centrifugation device for carrying out analyzes, in particular biological and medical, of samples contained in an analysis box (50), which comprises a reading cell (82) for any spectrophotometric measurement in absorbance, apparatus comprising:
- A support plate (19), driven in rotation by a motor means (13), comprising around its periphery a plurality of individual supports (27) for the various housings (50), themselves rotary relative to the support plate;
- Means (12,30,44,45) for pivoting each individual support relative to the support plate, in order to orient the centrifugal force with respect to each analysis unit;
a spectrophotometric measurement assembly (51.52, 61.4), the optical path of which is perpendicular to the plane of the support plate, and capable of passing through the reading cell of each case, in a predetermined position of the latter in rotation,
characterized in that the means making it possible to pivot each individual support comprise:
- a fixed plate (12) relative to the support plate (19), arranged below the latter, comprising a peripheral guide (17);
- A pivoting portion (37), coplanar with the fixed plate, articulated at one end (47) on the latter, comprising at least one guide rail (38, 39), having a radius of curvature coinciding with that of the peripheral guide (17) of the fixed plate, the pivoting portion being movable between two positions, a first position in which the guide rail coincides with the guide of the fixed plate, and a second position in which the guide rail coincides with the free end of a connector (46) projecting externally relative to the fixed plate, and connected to the peripheral guide;
- A plurality of orthogonal axes (30) to the support plate (19), mounted freely in rotation on the latter, at the upper end of which are fixed the various individual supports (27), and at the lower end of which are fixed different links (43) parallel to the fixed plate, each link comprising at its two ends two rollers (44,45) coplanar bearing on the peripheral guide of the fixed plate;
- Means (40) for actuating the pivoting portion (37). 2/ Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la courbure de l'extrémité libre du raccord (46) en saillie externe est égale à la courbure des galets (44,45).2 / Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the curvature of the free end of the connector (46) projecting externally is equal to the curvature of the rollers (44,45). 3/ Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que des moyens d'équilibrage dynamique sont asso­ciés au plateau support, et comprennent :
      - sur le plateau support (19), une pluralité de rampes radiales (33), associées aux différents supports individuels (27), chaque rampe radiale étant ascendante du centre vers la périphérie dudit plateau, ainsi qu'une pluralité de billes d'équilibrage (34), reçues dans les différentes rampes radiales (33) respectivement ;
      - un plateau de verrouillage (21), disposé parallé­lement au plateau support, solidaire en rotation avec ce dernier,comportant une pluralité d'éléments radiaux (35), mobiles chacun par rapport à un axe orthogonal à l'axe de rotation, chaque élément radial comportant du côté opposé au plateau support (19), une butée (36) contre un boitier d'analyse, et du côté en vis à-vis du plateau support (19) un moyen de retenue (81) d'une bille d'équilibrage correspondante, au voisinage du centre de rotation du plateau support.3 / Device according to claim 1, characterized in that dynamic balancing means are associated with the support plate, and comprise:
- on the support plate (19), a plurality of radial ramps (33), associated with the different individual supports (27), each radial ramp being ascending from the center towards the periphery of said plate, as well as a plurality of balancing balls (34), received in the different radial ramps (33) respectively;
- a locking plate (21), arranged parallel to the support plate, integral in rotation with the latter, comprising a plurality of radial elements (35), each movable relative to an axis orthogonal to the axis of rotation, each element radial comprising on the side opposite the support plate (19), a stop (36) against an analysis unit, and on the side opposite the support plate (19) a retaining means (81) of a corresponding balancing ball, in the vicinity of the center of rotation of the support plate. 4/ Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'à chaque support individuel (27) correspond sur le plateau support une paire de rampes ascendantes (33) et de billes d'équilibrage (34).4 / Device according to claim 3, characterized in that each individual support (27) corresponds on the support plate a pair of ascending ramps (33) and balancing balls (34). 5/ Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les rampes (33) constitutives d'une même paire sont disposées de part et d'autre d'un orifice (32) destiné à faire pivoter l'axe (30) d'un support individuel (27).5 / Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the ramps (33) constituting the same pair are arranged on either side of an orifice (32) intended to rotate the axis (30) of individual support (27). 6/ Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les rampes radiales ascendantes (33) présentent une inclinaison par rapport à l'horizontale, comprise entre dix (10) et quinze degrés, de préférence au voisi­nage de douze degrés.6 / Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the ascending radial ramps (33) have an inclination relative to the horizontal, between ten (10) and fifteen degrees, preferably in the vicinity of twelve degrees. 7/ Dispositif d'équilibrage dynamique selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le plateau de verrouillage (21) se présente sous forme d'une corolle, dont les pétales (35) se confondent avec les éléments radiaux.7 / dynamic balancing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking plate (21) is in the form of a corolla, whose petals (35) merge with the radial elements. 8/ Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un plateau supérieur (22), solidaire en rotation du plateau support (19), disposé parallèlement au-dessus de ce dernier, comportant vers sa périphérie une pluralité de réceptacles (23) pour les différents boitiers (50), un orifice (26) étant ménagé dans chaque réceptacle (23) pour le passage de l'axe (30) de pivotement de chaque support individuel (27).8 / Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an upper plate (22), integral in rotation with the support plate (19), arranged parallel above the latter, comprising around its periphery a plurality of receptacles ( 23) for the various housings (50), an orifice (26) being formed in each receptacle (23) for the passage of the pivot axis (30) of each individual support (27). 9/ Dispositif selon les revendications 3 et 8, caractérisé en ce que d'une part le plateau de verrouil­lage (21) est situé entre le plateau support (19) et le plateau supérieur (22), et d'autre part les différentes butées (36) pénètrent, en position haute, dans des fentes (25) associées aux différents réceptacles.9 / Device according to claims 3 and 8, characterized in that on the one hand the locking plate (21) is located between the support plate (19) and the upper plate (22), and on the other hand the different stops (36) penetrate, in the high position, into slots (25) associated with the various receptacles. 10/ Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le plateau support (19) est muni d'un index de positionnement (48) permettant un repérage du boîtier d'analyse (50).10 / Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support plate (19) is provided with a positioning index (48) allowing identification of the analysis unit (50).
EP87420250A 1986-09-25 1987-09-24 Centrifugal arrangement for carrying out analyses Expired - Lifetime EP0262060B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8613552 1986-09-25
FR8613550 1986-09-25
FR8613551 1986-09-25
FR8613550A FR2604925B1 (en) 1986-09-25 1986-09-25 DEVICE FOR PIVOTING A ROTATING MOBILE MOVING ON THE EDGE OF A TRAY
FR8613552A FR2605104B1 (en) 1986-09-25 1986-09-25 DYNAMIC BALANCING DEVICE OF A CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS
FR8613551A FR2605108B1 (en) 1986-09-25 1986-09-25 AUTOMATIC DEVICE FOR PERFORMING PARTICULARLY BIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL ANALYZES

Publications (3)

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EP0262060A2 true EP0262060A2 (en) 1988-03-30
EP0262060A3 EP0262060A3 (en) 1989-03-08
EP0262060B1 EP0262060B1 (en) 1991-09-04

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EP87420250A Expired - Lifetime EP0262060B1 (en) 1986-09-25 1987-09-24 Centrifugal arrangement for carrying out analyses

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US (1) US4865810A (en)
EP (1) EP0262060B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3772690D1 (en)

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DE3772690D1 (en) 1991-10-10
EP0262060B1 (en) 1991-09-04
EP0262060A3 (en) 1989-03-08
US4865810A (en) 1989-09-12

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