EP2799147B1 - Laboratory centrifuge provided with means for locking the lid in the closed position thereof - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION REFERS

The present invention relates to the general field of laboratory centrifuges, allowing the separation of constituents contained in a liquid by centrifugation phenomenon.

BACKGROUND

Centrifugation makes it possible to separate constituents of variable size and mass contained in a liquid sample, from molecules to whole cells.

Indeed, the rotation of a rotor carrying a container containing the liquid sample, generates a centrifugal force which produces an acceleration exerted radially outwardly of the axis of rotation.

Thus, for a given constituent, by correctly choosing the rotational speed, the acceleration obtained becomes preponderant with respect to the molecular agitation, which causes its sedimentation towards the bottom of the container or its rise to the surface.

• un arbre d'entraînement, associé à des moyens moteurs,
• un rotor monté de façon amovible sur ledit arbre d'entraînement, destiné à recevoir les échantillons de liquides à centrifuger,
• une cuve blindée entourant le rotor, délimitant une ouverture d'accès,
• un carter qui porte la cuve blindée, et
• un couvercle mobile entre une position fermée pour l'obturation de ladite ouverture d'accès et une position ouverte pour libérer ladite ouverture d'accès, ce couvercle étant porté et articulé sur le carter précité.

For the implementation of this technique, a laboratory centrifuge comprising:

• a drive shaft, associated with driving means,
• a rotor removably mounted on said drive shaft, for receiving the samples of liquids to be centrifuged,
• a shielded tank surrounding the rotor, defining an access opening,
• a casing that carries the tank, and
• a cover movable between a closed position for closing said access opening and an open position to release said access opening, this cover being carried and hinged to the aforementioned casing.

Such a centrifuge is further provided with locking means to maintain the lid in its closed position during the entire centrifugation cycle.

These locking means must be adapted in addition to withstand the shocks produced by the rotor, or if necessary by its nacelles, in case of separation of the drive shaft at full speed, and thus to preserve the lid in the closed position .

Such locking means are for example described in the document FR-2 951 962 as well as in the document US 2001/024039 A1 .

• une position de verrouillage dans laquelle un crochet dudit pêne est associé avec une gâche portée par le couvercle pour le maintien de ce dernier en position fermée, et
• une position de déverrouillage, dans laquelle le pêne est dissocié de ladite gâche pour autoriser la manoeuvre en pivotement du couvercle entre ses positions ouverte et fermée.

These locking means comprise a bolt fitted to the casing, which is associated with actuating means for moving it in rotation between:

• a locking position in which a hook of said bolt is associated with a keeper carried by the cover to hold the latter in the closed position, and
• an unlocking position, in which the bolt is dissociated from said striker to allow the pivoting operation of the cover between its open and closed positions.

• un arbre moteur qui est entraîné en rotation selon un axe de rotation moteur s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe de rotation du pêne, et
• une bielle reliée, par une première de ses extrémités, audit pêne par l'intermédiaire d'un axe de pivotement et, par une seconde de ses extrémités, à un excentrique monté sur ledit arbre moteur.

The means for operating the bolt here include:

• a motor shaft which is rotated about an axis of motor rotation extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the bolt, and
• a connecting rod connected by a first end thereof to said bolt via a pivot axis and, by a second end thereof, to an eccentric mounted on said motor shaft.

Such a structure allows a relatively effective locking of the bolt in its locking position.

In this context, the hook of the bolt and the pivot bolt / connecting rod are positioned on either side of the pivot axis of the bolt, so that a lever arm may be exerted on the bolt is opposed to a lever arm capable of being exerted on said bolt / connecting rod pivot axis.

In addition, in the locking position, it is necessary that the bolt / connecting rod pivot axis, the high point of the eccentric and the motor rotation axis are aligned.

Now, in practice, this need for precise alignment of three different points of the maneuvering means makes such a structure relatively complex; the alignment of the three points is in addition relatively difficult to respect because of the inertia of the geared motors, with a risk on maintaining the locking position.

This structure of the locking means is more cumbersome because of the presence of the connecting rod interposed between the bolt and the eccentric. This mechanism is also complex with regard to the number of parts, with reliability issues and maintenance of locking that result.

The operation of the bolts, through such a structure of the locking means, is also relatively slow.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to propose a centrifuge whose bolt actuation means have a simplified structure and increased reliability, compared to that of the prior art, while preserving an optimum locking force of the cover.

This laboratory centrifuge is of the type comprising: - a casing surrounding a rotor which is accessible through an opening, - a cover movable between a closed position to close said access opening and an open position to release said access opening and - means for locking said lid in said closed position.

These locking means comprise: at least one striker (preferably equipping said movable cover), at least one bolt (preferably equipping said casing), which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation between a position of locking in which said bolt is associated with said striker, and an unlocking position in which said bolt is dissociated from said striker, and - means for actuating said bolt comprising a motor shaft which is rotated on itself by means engines, along an axis of motor rotation extending parallel to the axis of rotation of said bolt, and which is coupled to said bolt via transmission means for the rotational operation of said bolt between its locking and unlocking positions .

According to the invention, said transmission means comprise a crank, extending said drive shaft, which carries an eccentric actuator bearing on a contact surface provided on said bolt, so that the eccentric rotation drive of said actuator member actuation about said axis of motor rotation causes its movement and support along said contact surface and the rotational control of said bolt between its locking and unlocking positions.

In general, the laboratory centrifuge comprises, on the one hand, a first longitudinal axis passing through the actuating member and the axis of engine rotation and, on the other hand, a second longitudinal axis passing through said member of actuation and by the axis of rotation of the bolt.
According to a preferred embodiment, the locking means are then arranged so that, in the locking position of the bolt, said first longitudinal axis extends to the square, or at least approximately to the square, relative to the second longitudinal axis.

This structural feature allows optimal and fast locking of the bolt in its closed position.

Indeed, the direction of a possible opening force exerted by the bolt on the actuating member then extends coaxially with the first longitudinal axis mentioned above, passing through the actuating member and the axis of rotation. engine.

This direction of the opening force thus exerts a zero lever arm on the actuating member around the axis of engine rotation, with a zero moment on the motor axis, thus avoiding any rotation phenomenon of the associated motor shaft.

This locking position is "wide" in that it allows a certain clearance, allowing better consideration of the inertia of geared motors and a simpler adjustment.

• se situe sur le premier axe longitudinal passant par l'organe d'actionnement et par l'axe de rotation moteur, et
• s'étend à l'équerre, ou au moins approximativement à l'équerre, par rapport, audit premier axe longitudinal.

In this case, the contact surface of the bolt advantageously comprises a locking section which, in the locking position of the bolt:

• lies on the first longitudinal axis passing through the actuating member and the axis of motor rotation, and
• extends at right angles, or at least approximately square, with respect to said first longitudinal axis.

The actuating member advantageously consists of a cylindrical stud which extends along a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to the axis of engine rotation. The contact surface of the bolt is then formed by an elongate slot which is formed in said bolt; this elongate light is delimited by two longitudinal edges extending parallel to each other and arranged on either side of a radial longitudinal axis arranged perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of said bolt.

• un crochet apte à coopérer avec la gâche, situé d'un côté de son axe de rotation, et
• un prolongement dans lequel est ménagée la lumière, situé d'un autre côté de son axe de rotation.

In this case, the bolt advantageously comprises:

• a hook adapted to cooperate with the striker, located on one side of its axis of rotation, and
• an extension in which is formed the light, located on the other side of its axis of rotation.

• une position active, pour bloquer automatiquement le couvercle dans ladite position d'attente lors de sa manoeuvre de la position ouverte vers la position fermée, et
• une position inactive, obtenue par la manoeuvre du pêne dans la position de déverrouillage, dans laquelle les moyens de maintien sont inactivés pour autoriser l'action desdits moyens de rappel du couvercle en position ouverte.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the cover advantageously comprises return means tending to cause its maneuver towards its open position; and the centrifuge further comprises means for holding the lid in a waiting position allowing a suitable positioning of the striker for cooperation with the bolt operated in the locking position, which holding means can be operated between two positions:

• an active position, to automatically lock the cover in said standby position when operating from the open position to the closed position, and
• an inactive position, obtained by the operation of the bolt in the unlocking position, wherein the holding means are inactivated to allow the action of said lid return means in the open position.

In this case, the holding means advantageously comprise at least one elastically deformable member which is arranged to rest on the striker of the cover operated in the waiting position, and which is able to oppose the action of the means of return the cover to the open position.

According to a first embodiment, the elastically deformable member is implanted opposite a hook of the bolt intended to cooperate with the striker.
The bolt then advantageously comprises a bearing portion which is adapted, during the operation of the bolt in the unlocked position, to cause a maneuver of said elastic deformable member according to the inactive position in which it is spaced relative to the lock of the cover.

According to a second embodiment the elastically deformable member is carried by the bolt, above a hook capable of cooperating with the striker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

• la figure 1 est une vue générale d'une centrifugeuse de laboratoire selon l'invention, dans laquelle le couvercle est représenté en position ouverte et dans laquelle une paroi avant du carter n'est pas représentée de manière à accéder visuellement aux moyens qui permettent le verrouillage de ce couvercle en position fermée ;
• la figure 2 représente, en perspective, les moyens de verrouillage de la centrifugeuse selon la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de face des moyens de verrouillage selon la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe de la figure 3, selon un plan de coupe IV-IV passant par l'axe de rotation du pêne et s'étendant perpendiculairement à ce dernier ;
• la figure 5 est une vue partielle et agrandie de la figure 4, représentant son pêne et les moyens de manoeuvre associés ;
• la figure 6 est également une vue en coupe de la figure 3, selon un plan de coupe VI-VI passant par l'arbre moteur et s'étendant perpendiculairement à ce dernier ;
• les figures 7 à 10 correspondent à la figure 5, illustrant les principales étapes de la cinématique lors de la manoeuvre du pêne depuis sa position de déverrouillage jusqu'à sa position de verrouillage ;
• la figure 11 illustre le pêne en position de déverrouillage, dans laquelle une partie d'appui de ce pêne déplace, dans une position inactive, les moyens de maintien du couvercle dans une position d'attente.

The invention will be further illustrated, without being limited in any way, by the following description of a particular embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a general view of a laboratory centrifuge according to the invention, wherein the lid is shown in the open position and in which a front wall of the housing is not shown so as to visually access the means which allow the locking of this lid in closed position;
• the figure 2 represents, in perspective, the locking means of the centrifuge according to the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a front view of the locking means according to the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a sectional view of the figure 3 , according to a section plane IV-IV passing through the axis of rotation of the bolt and extending perpendicular thereto;
• the figure 5 is a partial and enlarged view of the figure 4 , representing his bolt and associated maneuvering means;
• the figure 6 is also a sectional view of the figure 3 , along a VI-VI section plane passing through the motor shaft and extending perpendicular thereto;
• the Figures 7 to 10 correspond to the figure 5 , illustrating the main steps of the kinematics during the operation of the bolt from its unlocking position to its locking position;
• the figure 11 illustrates the bolt unlocked position, wherein a bearing portion of the bolt moves, in an inactive position, the lid holding means in a waiting position.

The laboratory centrifuge 1 according to the invention, represented generally and in perspective on the figure 1 , comprises a housing 2 incorporating a shielded tank 3 in which there is a rotor 4 removably mounted on a rotating drive shaft (not shown).

In a conventional manner, the rotor 4 is intended to carry containers (tubes, bags, etc.) each receiving at least one liquid sample intended to undergo the centrifugation operations.

The rotor 4, shown on the figure 1 , Here is the type bucket rotor / mobile pods (designated in English "swing out" or "sw rotor"). These mobile buckets, not shown on the figure 1 , are each mounted free to rotate about an axis extending horizontally and perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the rotor 4.

Alternatively, the rotor 4 could be of the fixed angle type, in which the containers are placed in hollow recesses generally inclined between 15 ° and 45 ° with respect to the vertical.

The casing 2 and the tank 3 delimit an access opening 5, opening upwards, for access in particular to the rotor 4.

This casing 2 still carries a cover 6 mounted on hinges, for its pivoting along a horizontal axis of rotation 6 'between a closed position (not shown) to close the access opening 5 and an open position ( figure 1 ) to release this access opening 5.

This cover 6 comprises return means 61 which tend its maneuver towards its open position ( figure 1 ).

These return means 61 consist here for example of pneumatic cylinders, suitably arranged, exerting an upward thrust on the lid 6.

The lid 6, at rest, is thus in its open position; downward support (by an operator) on the cover 6 allows to cause its operation from its open position to its closed position.

The centrifuge 1 further comprises means 10 for locking the lid 6 moved in its closed position.

In a conventional manner, safety means allow rotation of the rotor 4 only in the case where the cover 6 is in the closed and locked position. The closed and locked position of the lid 6 is, in practice, maintained as long as the rotor 4 is rotating within the vessel 3.

These locking means 10 here comprise, on the one hand, two strikers 11 equipping the movable cover 6 and, on the other hand, two bolts 12 equipping the housing 2.

The strikes 11 are formed at each end (or substantially at each end) of a free edge of the cover 6, opposite its edge rotatably mounted on the housing 2.

These latches 11 each comprise a stem 11a (visible in figures 1 and 7 ), extending parallel to the axis of rotation 6 'of the cover 6, intended to cooperate with one of the bolts 12.

The two bolts 12 are part of a locking module 13, as shown in isolation on the Figures 2 and 3 , which is attached (advantageously removably) within the housing 2.

These two bolts 12 are movable in rotation simultaneously about the same axis of rotation 14, so as to cooperate each with one of the latches 11 of the cover 6 in its closed position.

This axis of rotation 14 of the bolts 12 is here parallel to the axis of rotation 6 'of the cover 6.

• une position de verrouillage ou position verrouillée (figure 10), dans laquelle les pênes 12 sont associés chacun avec une gâche 11, et
• une position de déverrouillage ou position déverrouillée (figure 7 notamment) dans laquelle les pênes 12 sont dissociés des gâches 11.

The locking module 13 is equipped with operating means 15 for rotating the bolts 12 between two end-of-travel positions, namely:

• a locked position or locked position ( figure 10 ), in which the bolts 12 are each associated with a striker 11, and
• an unlock position or unlocked position ( figure 7 in particular) in which the bolts 12 are dissociated strikes 11.

The operating means 15 according to the invention have a mechanical structure which, in spite of its relative simplicity and its compactness, is adapted to provide a maneuver precise and fast bolts 12 and to maintain optimal hold of these bolts 12 in the locked position.

In particular, the operating means 15 are able to prevent any accidental movement of the bolts 12 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

This phenomenon occurs in particular in the case where a thrust force is exerted on the cover 6 in the direction of its opening, in particular during an accidental detachment of the rotor 4 from its drive shaft, or accidental detachment of the rotor. a nacelle, leading to its projection and percussion against the lid 6 at full speed.

The corresponding actuating means are described below in detail in relation to the Figures 2 to 6 .

These operating means 15 cooperate in particular with a first bolt 121, thus forming a "master" bolt (or "motor") ( Figures 2 and 3 ).

The second "slave" bolt 122 is coupled in rotation with this first bolt 121 by means of a transmission shaft 123 which extends coaxially with their common axis of rotation 14 ( Figures 2 and 3 ).

These operating means 15 comprise a motor shaft 16 ( Figures 3 to 6 ) which is rotated on itself by motor means 16a ( Figures 2 and 3 ), for example a conventional electric motor per se, controlled by control means (for example electronic and / or software).

The motor shaft 16 pivots about an axis of motor rotation 16 '( Figures 3 to 6 ) which extends parallel to the axis of rotation 14 of the bolts 12.

This drive shaft 16 is coupled in rotation with a bolt 12, in this case the master bolt 121, via transmission means 17 described below.

The corresponding bolt 121 consists of a plate having a median plane 12 'which extends perpendicularly to its axis of rotation 14 ( figure 3 ).

• un crochet 12a apte à s'accrocher sur l'une des gâches 11, situé approximativement d'un côté supérieur de l'axe de rotation 14, et
• un prolongement 12b dans lequel est ménagée une lumière allongée 12c destinée à coopérer avec les moyens de transmission 17 précités, située approximativement d'un côté inférieur de son axe de rotation 14.

This bolt 121 comprises two parts, extending on either side of its axis of rotation 14, namely:

• a hook 12 is adapted to catch on one of the latches 11, situated approximately on an upper side of the axis of rotation 14, and
• an extension 12b in which is provided an elongate slot 12c intended to cooperate with the above-mentioned transmission means 17 situated approximately on a lower side of its axis of rotation 14.

• une encoche 12a1, ici en forme générale de U, formant le crochet proprement dit destiné à recevoir la gâche 11, et
• deux parties avant d'appui, l'une supérieure 12a2 et l'autre inférieure 12a3, ménagées de part et d'autre de l'encoche 12a1 et destinées chacune à coopérer ici avec des moyens de maintien du couvercle qui seront décrits par la suite.

The hook 12 has several parts, namely:

• a notch 12 to 1, here in the general shape of U, forming the actual hook intended to receive the keeper 11, and
• two front support portions, one upper 12 to 2 and the other lower 12 to 3, formed on either side of the notch 12 to 1 and each intended to cooperate here with means for holding the lid which will be described later.

The two front support portions 12 to 2 and 12 to 3 are each located in the extension of one of the branches of the notch 12 to 1 U-shaped.

Moreover, the contour of the elongated slot 12c constitutes a contact surface intended to cooperate with the transmission means 17.

This elongate slot 12c here passes through the extension 12 b of the bolt 121 and extends in its median plane 12 '.

As illustrated on the figure 5 , this elongate light 12 c is here of generally oblong right shape. It consists of two longitudinal edges 12 c 1, 12 c 2 which extend parallel, and on either side, a radial longitudinal axis 12 c 3 passing through the axis of rotation 14 of the bolt 121 and arranged perpendicular to this axis 14.

These two longitudinal edges 12c 1, 12c 2 which are, in practice, the contact surface, intended to cooperate with the transmission means 17.

A first longitudinal edge "rear" 12 c 1 is a first side of the radial longitudinal axis 12 c 3, and is oriented in the same direction as the hook opening 12 a; and a second longitudinal edge "before" 12 c 2 is a second side of the radial longitudinal axis 12 c 3, and it is oriented away from the hook opening 12 a.

• une extrémité distale 12c4, localisée à distance de l'axe de rotation 14, et
• une extrémité proximale 12c5, située à proximité de ce même axe de rotation 14.

The elongate slot 12c of the bolt 121 also comprises two longitudinally opposite ends ( figure 5 ), to know :

• a distal end 12 c 4, located at a distance from the axis of rotation 14, and
• a proximal end 12 c 5, situated close to the same axis of rotation 14.

The transmission means 17 comprise in turn a crank 18, a first end of which is connected to the aforementioned motor shaft 16, and a second end carries an actuating member 19, eccentric and extending along a longitudinal axis 19 '.

The crank 18 here consists of a plate of generally oblong shape, extending in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of engine rotation 16 'and which is parallel to the plane 12' of the bolt 121.

The motor shaft 16 extends on the side of one of the two faces of this crank 18; and the actuating member 19 extends on the side of the other of the two faces of this crank 18.

This crank 18 has a radial longitudinal axis 18 '( figure 6 ) which passes through the axis of motor rotation 16 'and the longitudinal axis 19' of the actuating member 19, and which extends perpendicularly to these two axes 16 ', 19'.

The actuating member 19 here consists of a cylindrical stud whose longitudinal axis 19 'is oriented parallel to the axis of motor rotation 16'.

This actuating member 19 is thus driven in eccentric rotation about the axis of motor rotation 16 ', this by the drive shaft 16 associated with the crank 18.

This actuating member 19 is mounted through the elongated slot 12c of the bolt 121, perpendicularly to the center plane 12 'of the latter.

The diameter of this actuating member 19 corresponds here, with the clearance, to the width of the elongated light 12 c of the bolt 121 (corresponding to the distance between its longitudinal edges 12 c 1, 12 c 2 opposite).

During its rotation about the axis of motor rotation 16 ', the actuating member 19 circulates and presses along the longitudinal edges 12 c 1, 12 c 2 of the elongated light 12 c of the bolt 121 (forming its surface contact) and, therefore, rotates this bolt 121 between its locking and unlocking positions as subsequently developed in connection with the Figures 7 to 11 .

As illustrated again on Figures 4 to 10 the centrifuge 1 also comprises means 25 for holding the lid 6 in a "semi-closed" waiting position.

This position allows a stable correct positioning of the rod 11a of the latch 11 opposite the hook 12 a of the bolt 121, for the actuation of the bolt 121 in the locking position.

These retaining means 25 consist here of a deformable member resiliently, which is located opposite the hook 12 a of the bolt 121 and is intended to cooperate with the keeper 11 received by the bolt 121.

This elastically deformable member 25 is secured to the casing 2, at one of its ends.

This elastically deformable member 25 here consists of a tongue or platinum semi-rigid, made of a metal or plastic material.

As developed below, it is in particular arranged to successively retract and then press, automatically, on the shaft 11a of the catch 11 when moving the lid 6 from its open position to its closed position.

• une partie supérieure 25a, formant rampe pour l'escamotage de la languette 25 lors du passage de la tige 11a de la gâche 11, et
• une partie inférieure 25b, pour son appui au-dessus de ladite tige 11a de la gâche 11.

This tongue 25 comprises for this:

• an upper portion 25a, forming a ramp for the retraction of the tongue 25 during the passage of the rod 11a of the striker 11, and
• a lower part 25b , for its support above said rod 11 has the striker 11.

The rotation control of the bolts 12 between their locking and unlocking positions, by the actuating member 19, is described in more detail below in relation to the Figures 7 to 11 for the master bolt 121.

In unlock position ( figure 7 ), The bolt 12 has an inclination in which its hook 12 a is tilted backwards so as to release the descending trajectory tracking of the latch 11 complementary.

The actuating member 19 is located here on the side of the proximal end 12 c 5 of the elongate slot 12c of the bolt 12.

When maneuvering the lid 6 towards its closed position by an operator, the striker 11 is moved downwards in a circular trajectory centered on the axis of rotation 6 'of the lid 6.

This striker 11 engages successively with the two parts 25 a, 25 b above the tongue 25, namely firstly the upper part 25 has, for its retraction during the passage of the rod 11a of the striker 11 and its lower part 25b , for its support above said rod 11 has striker 11.

The elastically deformable member 25 rests on the strike plate 11 of the cover 6 which is then automatically maintained in a position called "standby" with the rod 11 has facing the hook 12 has ( figure 8 ).

This deformable member 25 then opposes the action of the return means 61 of the lid 6 to the open position; the lower part 25b of the tongue 25 then exerts a retaining force which is greater than the thrust force exerted by the return means 61 of the cover 6 in the open position.

The elastically deformable member 25 is thus automatically in an active position, to lock the cover 6 in this "semi-closed" waiting position.

The control means are informed of the presence of the strikes 11 by appropriate detection means, conventional per se.

The operator can then control the centrifuge 1 for rotating the rotor 4.

The strikes 11 having been detected, the centrifuge 1 then automatically drives the bolts 12 in a hooking position with the strikers 11, corresponding to a maneuver of the bolts 12 in their locking position ( Figures 8 to 10 ).

For this, the operating means 15 move the bolts 12 in rotation about their axis of rotation 14, from the unlocking position to its locking position ( Figures 8, 9 and 10 ).

For this purpose, the drive shaft 16 is pivoted to rotate the actuating member 19 about the axis of motor rotation 16 '(in a counter-clockwise rotation direction). Figures 8 to 10 ).

The actuating member 19 then travels in a circular path around the axis of motor rotation 16 '. It also travels within the elongate slot 12c, while circulating and pressing along the contact surface formed by the rear longitudinal edge 12 c 1 ( figure 10 ).

This action causes a rotation of the bolt 121 in a direction of rotation, here a direction of clockwise rotation, which is opposite to the direction of rotation of the actuating member 19.

The bolt 12 then reaches its locking position, with its hook 12 is enclosing the striker 11 are complementary (in particular its stem 11 a).

The upper support portion 12 2 of the hook portion 12a abuts on the elastically deformable member 25 so as to move it to an inoperative position, and thus take the place of the latter over the rod 11 has waste 11.

This locking position of the bolt 12 is detected / determined by appropriate control means, conventional per se, comprising for example a sensor on the bolt 12 and a sensor on the striker 11 (the sensor is for example a pushbutton switch suitably arranged ).

These control means thus make it possible to confirm that the two pairs of bolts 12 / keeper 11 are in the locking position.

The control means then stop the rotation of the bolt 12, taking into account the signal emitted by the aforementioned control means.

The closed position of the lid 6 is thus locked by the cooperation between the bolts 12 and their strikers 11 complementary.

• un premier axe longitudinal A1 passant par l'axe longitudinal 19' de l'organe d'actionnement 19 et par l'axe de rotation moteur 16', correspondant encore ici à l'axe longitudinal radial 18' de la manivelle 18, et
• un second axe longitudinal A2 passant par l'axe longitudinal 19' de l'organe d'actionnement 19 et par l'axe de rotation 14 des pênes 12, correspondant ici à l'axe longitudinal radial 12c3 de la lumière allongée 12c du pêne 12.

As illustrated by figure 10 in this arrangement, it is possible to define two longitudinal axes A1 , A2 , namely:

• a first longitudinal axis A1 passing through the longitudinal axis 19 'of the actuating member 19 and the axis of engine rotation 16', again corresponding here to the radial longitudinal axis 18 'of the crank 18, and
• a second longitudinal axis A2 passing through the longitudinal axis 19 'of the actuating member 19 and through the axis of rotation 14 of the bolts 12, here corresponding to the radial longitudinal axis 12 c 3 of the elongated slot 12 c of the bolt 12.

In this locking position of the bolt 12 according to the figure 10 the structure of the locking mechanism is adapted so that the first longitudinal axis A1 extends at right angle, or at least approximately square, with respect to the second longitudinal axis A2 .

By "approximately squared" is meant a set of a few degrees, for example at most 5 °, for the angle formed between the longitudinal axes A1 and A2 above (thus included for example between 85 ° and 95 ° ).

Still in this locking position of the bolt 12, the actuating member 19 is supported on a portion of the rear longitudinal edge 12 c 1, called "locking section 12 c 11".

The locking portion 12 c 11 of the bolt 12 - is located in the first longitudinal axis A1 passing through the actuator 19 and the motor axis of rotation 16 ', and - extends at right angle or at at least approximately at right angles to this first longitudinal axis A1 .

This locking portion 12 c 11 extends on either side of the first longitudinal axis A1 at right angles relative to the second longitudinal axis A2, for example over a length of 1 cm either side of this first axis A1 .

Such a structure secures the locking of the lid 4.

Indeed, if the rotor 4 or a nacelle was to come off accidentally during a centrifugation operation, this object would then cause a force on the cover 4 tending to maneuver to its open position.

The strikers 11 will then exert an upward pulling force, tending to rotate the associated bolts 12 to their unlocked position.

In this case, the locking portion 12c of the bolt 11 "engine" 12, 121 will generate a thrust on the actuating member 19 force, this force extending coaxially to the first longitudinal axis A1 and axis longitudinal 18 'of the crank 18, towards the axis of motor rotation 16'.

And because of this direction and direction, this thrust force generates no lever arm on the actuating member 19, and therefore a zero moment on the axis of motor rotation 16 '; no rotational force is then exerted on the associated crank 18.

This results in a particularly effective holding of the bolt 12, which ensures optimal locking of the bolts 12 in the locking position.

For the pivoting operation of the bolts 12 from their locked position to their unlocking position ( figure 11 ), the operating means 15 cause the displacement of the actuating member 19 in eccentric rotation about the motor axis 16 ', in this case clockwise on the figure 11 .

This actuating member 19 is thus caused to circulate and press along the longitudinal edge before 12 c 2, causing the rotation control of the bolts 12 associated.

Again, this action causes a rotation of the bolt 121 in a direction of rotation which is opposite to the direction of rotation of the actuating member 19.

During this maneuver, the lower support portion 12c 3 of the hook 12 is raised, thereby exerting a levering action on the elastically deformable member 25 which causes it to move to an inactive position in which it is spaced from the direction of the striker 11 of the cover 6 to its open position.

Since the holding means 25 are inactivated, the return means 61 of the cover 6 act in such a way as to automatically cause the cover 6 to move to its open position ( figure 1 ).

This unlocked position of the bolt 12 is detected / determined again by appropriate sensors, for example push contactors.

This position of the bolts 12 is temporary. They are pivoted automatically, by the operating means associated with the control means, in the unlocking position with the holding means 25 in the active position according to the figure 7 .

Again, this unlocked position of the bolt 12 is detected / determined by appropriate sensors, for example push contactors.

In general, the operating means 15 according to the invention have the advantage of being particularly compact (reducing the number of parts), reliable and efficient, for the rapid control of the bolts 12 and also for maintaining in the locking position said bolts 12 with their respective latches 11.

This feature particularly allows optimum resistance of these locking means 10 against the possible forces generated by a rotor 4 or a portion of the rotor 4 striking the cover 6, and then exerting traction on the latches 11 associated.

This structure also has a relatively wide locking position, allowing better consideration of the inertia of geared motors and simpler adjustments.

Claims (10)

1. A laboratory centrifuge (1) including - a casing (2) surrounding a rotor (4) that is accessible through an opening (5), - a lid (6) mobile between a closed position to close said access opening (5) and an open position to clear said access opening (5), and - means (10) for the locking of said lid (6) in said closed position, which locking means (10) comprise:

   - at least one strike (11),

   - at least one bolt (12), which is mounted mobile in rotation about an axis of rotation (14) between a locking position in which said bolt (12) is associated with said strike (11), and an unlocking position in which said bolt (12) is dissociated from said strike (11), and

   - operating means (15) of said bolt (12) comprising a motor shaft (16) that is driven into rotation about itself by motor means (16a), according to a motor axis of rotation (16') extending parallel to the axis of rotation (14) of said bolt (12), and that is coupled to said bolt (12) through transmission means (17) for the rotational operation of said bolt (12) between its locking and unlocking positions,

   characterized in that said transmission means (17) comprise a crank (18), extending said motor shaft (16), which carries an actuating member (19) bearing on a contact surface (12c1, 12c2) formed on said bolt (12), so that the driving into eccentric rotation of said actuating member (19) about said motor axis of rotation (16') causes its circulation and bearing along said contact surface (12c1, 12c2) and the rotational control of said bolt (12) between its locking and unlocking positions.
2. The laboratory centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes, on the one hand, a first longitudinal axis (A1) passing through the actuating member (19) and through the motor axis of rotation (16'), and on the other hand, a second longitudinal axis (A2) passing through said actuating member (19) and through the axis of rotation of the bolt (14), and in that the locking means (10) are arranged so that, in the locking position of the bolt (12), said first longitudinal axis (A1) extends square, or at least approximately square, relative to the second longitudinal axis (A2).
3. The centrifuge according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact surface (12c1, 12c2) of the bolt (12) includes a locking segment (12c11) that, in the locking position of the bolt (12):

   - is located on the first longitudinal axis (A1) passing through the actuating member (19) and through the motor axis of rotation (16'), and

   - extends square, or at least approximately square, with respect to said first longitudinal axis (A1).
4. The centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating member (19) consists in a cylindrical tenon that extends along a longitudinal axis (19') oriented parallel to the motor axis of rotation (16'), and in that the contact surface (12c1, 12c2) of the bolt (12) is formed by the contour of an elongated hole (12c) formed in said bolt (12), which elongated hole (12c) is delimited by two longitudinal edges (12c1, 12c2) extending parallel to, and on either side of, a radial longitudinal axis (12c3) arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation (14) of said bolt (12).
5. The centrifuge according to claim 4, characterized in that the bolt (12) includes:

   - a hook (12a) adapted to cooperate with the strike (11), located on one side of its axis of rotation (14), and

   - an extension (12b) in which is formed the elongated hole (12c), located on another side of its axis of rotation (14).
6. The centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the strike(s) (11) equip the mobile lid (6), and in that the bolt(s) (12) equip the casing (2).
7. The centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lid (6) includes return means (61) tending to cause the operation thereof towards its open position, and in that said centrifuge (1) also includes means (25) for holding the lid in a waiting position allowing an adapted positioning of the strike (11) for the cooperation with the bolt (12) operated to the locking position, which holding means (25) are operable between two positions:

   - an active position, to automatically secure the lid (6) in said waiting position at the time of its operation from the open position to the closed position, and

   - an inactive position, obtained by the operation of the bolt (12) to the unlocking position, in which the holding means (25) are inactivated to allow the action of said means (61) for returning the lid (6) to the open position.
8. The centrifuge according to claims 6 and 7 taken in combination, characterized in that the holding means (25) comprise at least one elastically deformable member that is arranged to bear on the strike (11) of the lid (6) operated to the waiting position, and that is adapted to act against the action of the means (61) for returning the lid (6) towards the open position.
9. The centrifuge according to claim 8, characterized in that the elastically deformable member (25) is implanted opposite a hook (12a) of the bolt (12) intended to cooperate with the strike (11).
10. The centrifuge according to claim 9, characterized in that the bolt (12) includes a bearing portion (12a3) that is adapted, during the operation of the bolt (12) to the unlocking position, to cause an operation of said elastic deformable member (25) to the inactive position in which it is spaced apart from the strike (11) of the lid (6).

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