EP3417943B1 - Centrifuge rotor with seal - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a centrifuge rotor according to the preamble of claim 1. A centrifuge rotor according to the preamble of claim 1 is from GB 2 233 584 A1 known.

Centrifuge rotors are used in centrifuges, in particular laboratory centrifuges, in order to separate the components from samples centrifuged therein, using the inertia. In order to achieve high segregation rates, ever higher rotation speeds are used. Laboratory centrifuges are centrifuges whose rotors operate at preferably at least 3,000, preferably at least 10,000, in particular at least 15,000 revolutions per minute and are usually placed on tables. In order to be able to place them on a work table, they have in particular a form factor of less than 1 m x 1 m x 1 m, so their installation space is limited. Preferably, the device depth is max. Limited to 70 cm.

It is usually provided that the samples are centrifuged at certain temperatures. For example, samples containing proteins and the like. Organic substances must not be overheated, so that the upper limit for the temperature control of such samples is in the range of + 40 ° C as standard. On the other hand, certain samples are cooled by default in the range of + 4 ° C (the anomaly of the water starts at + 3.98 ° C).

In addition to such predetermined maximum temperatures of, for example, approx. + 40 ° C and standard test temperatures such as, for example, + 4 ° C, other standard test temperatures are also provided, such as at + 11 ° C, in order to check at this temperature whether the refrigeration system of the centrifuge is running in a controlled manner below room temperature , On the other hand, for occupational health and safety reasons, it is necessary to prevent touching elements that have a temperature greater than or equal to + 60 ° C.

In principle, active and passive systems can be used for temperature control. Active cooling systems have a refrigerant circuit that tempers the centrifuge bowl, which indirectly cools the centrifuge rotor and the sample containers it contains.

Passive systems are based on exhaust air-assisted cooling or ventilation. This air is led directly past the centrifuge rotor, which means that the temperature is controlled. The air is sucked through openings in the centrifuge bowl, the suction taking place automatically by the rotation of the centrifuge rotor.

The samples to be centrifuged are stored in sample containers and these sample containers are driven in rotation by means of a centrifuge rotor. There are various centrifuge rotors that are used depending on the application. The sample containers can contain the samples directly, or separate sample containers containing the sample are used in the sample containers, so that a large number of samples can be centrifuged simultaneously in one sample container.

In general, such centrifuge rotors have a lower part and a lid, with an inner space being formed between the lower part and the lid when the lid is closed, in which the sample vessels can be arranged in order to centrifuge the samples in a suitable centrifuge. If the sample vessels are arranged in the centrifuge rotor at a predetermined angle, then it is a so-called fixed-angle rotor.

For connection to the centrifuge, the lower part is usually provided with a hub which can be coupled to the motor-driven drive shaft of the centrifuge. The cover in turn is usually screwed to the lower part.

A fluid-tight seal usually takes place between the lid and the lower part, for example that of the fixed-angle rotor FA-45-48-11 from Eppendorf®, which can be used, for example, in the laboratory centrifuge 5430 R from Eppendorf®, has a disc-like lid, in which is arranged a radially open groove, the groove containing an O-ring as a sealant. When closing, the cover is inserted into a corresponding approximately vertical recess of the lower part and clamped downwards, the O-ring being clamped between the groove and the side wall of the lower part, in order to thereby effect the seal.

The problem with this solution is that the seal, particularly when it is dry, twists when closing due to friction when sliding along the lower part. On the one hand, this can make the opening process very difficult. In addition, the sealing ring can even tear or be destroyed during centrifugation.

In addition, the slightest leakage can result from twisting. On the other hand, there are generally certain tolerances between the lower part and the cover, but also on the locking mechanisms, which is why centrifuging can result in the sealing ring being thrown out.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the seal between the lower part and the lid of a centrifuge rotor. In particular, the seal should be more effective and long-lasting. In addition, the opening and closing process should preferably be facilitated.

This object is achieved with the centrifuge rotor according to the invention as claimed in claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims and in the following description together with the figures.

It was recognized by the invention that this object can be achieved in a surprisingly simple manner in that the groove for holding the sealing means is arranged in such a way that it is axially aligned, namely axially from one of the two cover elements and the lower part to the other of the two cover elements and lower part open. Then the sealant cannot twist or open as much when opening and closing. In addition, centrifugation prevents the sealant from being ejected from the groove.

The centrifuge rotor according to the invention thus has a lower part and a lid, wherein sample vessels can be arranged in the centrifuge rotor, which are secured against removal in the closed state of the centrifuge rotor, an interior being formed in the closed state of the centrifuge rotor between the lower part and the lid, between the lower part and cover is a seal that the Seals the interior in a fluid-tight manner from the surroundings of the centrifuge rotor, the seal having a sealant which is arranged in a first groove, the first groove being arranged on one of the elements of the cover and lower part, the first groove with respect to the axis of rotation (R) of the centrifuge rotor is designed to be open axially towards the other of the cover and lower part, the other of the cover and lower part having a first section which extends axially towards one of the cover and lower part and which, when closed, extends into the first groove) , and is characterized in that the sealing means has a radially extending base and an axially extending leg arranged thereon, the other of the elements cover and lower part abutting at least on the leg in the closed state.

It is provided that the sealing means has a radially extending base and an axially extending leg arranged thereon. The axial leg provides a particularly effective seal, for which only very low contact pressures are sufficient.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that the leg becomes thicker towards the base and is preferably conical at least on one side, the conicity preferably being in the range 2 ° -10 °, preferably 4 ° -8 ° and in particular 6 °. This means that the seal is particularly even, even with tolerances.

It is envisaged that the other of the elements cover and lower part in the closed state is at least on the leg. This makes sealing particularly effective.

It is provided that the other of the cover and lower part has a first section which extends axially towards one of the cover and lower part and which, when closed, extends into the first groove. This enables very high contact pressures to be achieved and held securely. In addition, the groove overlaps the first section, making the seal very secure and protected.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the lower part has a section below the sealing means, which extends radially outward, in particular inclined, in the direction away from the cover. As a result, any fluids that may occur are directed away from the seal. This inclined section preferably adjoins the first section when it is arranged on the lower part.

In the context of the present invention, “fluids” mean both gases and liquids.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the lower part has a groove below the sealing means, which is preferably located radially further out than the sealing means. As a result, any fluids that may occur are safely collected in the channel.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the other of the cover and lower part has a second groove which opens axially towards one of the cover and lower part and which interacts with the first groove in the closed state. This creates a particularly secure seal. In addition, the seal is centered and the placement of the lid on the lower part is facilitated.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the first section delimits the second groove radially inwards. Then there is a particularly secure seal because there is a meandering engagement between the two grooves, any fluid that may occur in the operating state being rejected by the seal.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the first groove has a radially inner first and a radially outer second boundary, which are preferably designed as projections. Then the lid is particularly lightweight, which simplifies centrifugation.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the first boundary extends axially lower in the direction of the lower part than the second boundary. Then the seal is particularly effective and protected.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the first section of the lower part is covered by the first boundary in the closed state. Then the seal is particularly effective and protected.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the centrifuge rotor is a bowl-shaped centrifuge rotor, which is designed in particular as a fixed-angle rotor.

The first groove is preferably formed on the cover and is open axially towards the lower part. Then the first section is arranged on the lower part and preferably delimits a second groove which interacts with the first groove.

However, an inverse configuration can also be provided such that the first groove is formed on the lower part and is open axially towards the cover. The first section is then arranged on the cover and preferably delimits a second groove which interacts with the first groove.

Fig. 1

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugenrotor gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausgestaltung in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht,

Fig. 2

den Zentrifugenrotor nach Fig. 1 in einer Detailansicht,

Fig. 3

das in dem Zentrifugenrotor nach Fig. 1 eingesetzte erfindungsgemäße Dichtungselement in einer Schnittansicht,

Fig. 4

die erfindungsgemäße Zentrifuge mit dem Zentrifugenrotor nach Fig. 1, Fig. 5 eine Detailansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugenrotors gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausgestaltung und

Fig. 6

eine Detailansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugenrotors gemäß einer dritten bevorzugten Ausgestaltung.

The features and further advantages of the present invention will become clear below on the basis of the description of preferred exemplary embodiments in connection with the figures. Here show purely schematically:

Fig. 1

the centrifuge rotor according to the invention according to a first preferred embodiment in a side sectional view,

Fig. 2

the centrifuge rotor Fig. 1 in a detailed view,

Fig. 3

that in the centrifuge rotor Fig. 1 used sealing element according to the invention in a sectional view,

Fig. 4

the centrifuge according to the invention with the centrifuge rotor Fig. 1 . Fig. 5 a detailed view of the centrifuge rotor according to the invention according to a second preferred embodiment and

Fig. 6

a detailed view of the centrifuge rotor according to the invention according to a third preferred embodiment.

Out Fig. 1 it can be seen that the centrifuge rotor 10 according to the invention has a lower part 12 and a cover 14. The centrifuge rotor 10 basically consists of a metal, preferably an aluminum-containing metal.

In the lower part 12 there are bores 16 for receiving sample vessels (not shown). In addition, the lower part 12 has a shaft holder 18 for receiving one Drive shaft of a suitable laboratory centrifuge 100 (for example the laboratory centrifuge 5430 R from Eppendorf®, not shown) on (cf. Fig. 4 ).

In addition, the lower part 12 has first closure means 20 known to the person skilled in the art, for example from the fixed-angle rotor FA-45-48-11 from Eppendorf®, which also comprise a rotor nut 22 with which the centrifuge rotor 10 is fastened to the drive shaft.

The cover 14 in turn has, for example, second closure means 24 known to the person skilled in the art from the fixed-angle rotor FA-45-48-11 from the Eppendorf® company with an actuating element 26 with which a user (not shown) places the cover 14 on the lower part 12 and can lock the second 24 with the first closure means 20. In addition, the rotor nut 22 can also be rotated on the lower part 12 with the aid of the actuating element in the closed state of the cover 14, as a result of which the centrifuge rotor 10 can also be attached or detached to the drive shaft in the closed state and thus inserted into the centrifuge or removed from the centrifuge ,

The second closure element 24 with the actuating element 26 is connected in a sealed manner to the actual cover body 28, so that at this point no fluid can escape from an interior 30 which is formed between the cover 14 and the lower part 12 when the centrifuge rotor is closed.

In order to catch any fluid that may occur (not shown), a groove 32 is arranged in the lower part 12, namely below and in relation to an axis of rotation R of the centrifuge rotor 10 radially further outward than the seal 34 between the lower part 12 and the cover 14 such fluid is always diverted away from the seal 34 into the channel 32.

In Fig. 2 is the seal 34 in an enlarged detail view of the area Z from Fig. 1 shown.

It can be seen that the cover 14 has a radially extending wall region 40, from which a first 42 and a second projection 44 extend axially downward towards the lower part 12. The two projections 42, 44 are the lateral boundaries 42, 44 of a first groove 46 that opens between them axially downward toward the lower part 12.

It can also be seen that the lower part 12 has a vertical, i.e. has axially extending wall area 48, from which a hook-like projection 50 extends radially inward into the interior 30. A second groove 54 is formed by the upper wall section 52 of the wall region 48 and the projection 50, which opens axially upwards towards the cover 14.

It can also be seen that the length of the upper wall section 52 corresponds to the length of the second projection 44 and that the length of the first projection 42 is formed such that the hook-like projection 50 in the closed state of the cover 14 on the lower part 12 through the first projection 42 is covered.

Below the second groove 54, the hook-like projection 50 is connected to the wall area 48 by means of a deflector 56 which runs inclined outwards and downwards. As a result, any resulting fluid is drained away from the seal 34 into the channel 32. In this context, the transition from the axial wall region 40 to the first projection 42 could also be made inclined (not shown) in order to improve fluid drainage.

The sealing element 60, which consists of a rubber material, is pressed into the first groove 46. It is particularly related to Fig. 3 It can be seen that the sealing element 60 has a radially extending base 62 and an axially extending leg 64 arranged thereon. For easy pressing into the first groove 46, the sealing element 60 has two chamfers 66 on the base 62.

The thickness of the leg 64 tapers away from the base 62. The base has a thickness such that the hook-like projection 50 bears against the base 62 before the second projection 44 bears against the second groove 54.

The taper of the leg 62 provides a taper of the sealing element 60, through which the hook-like projection 50 is pressed against the leg 62 of the sealing element 60 the more the lid 14 is pressed onto the lower part 12. The taper is preferably in the range 2 ° -10 ° and is in particular 6 °.

In addition, the interlocking first 46 and second grooves 54 in connection with the abutment of the hook-like projection 50 on the leg 62 ensure that the cover 14 is centered on the lower part 12.

As a result, the cover 14 can be placed very easily on the lower part 12. In addition, the seal 34 is always and permanently fluid-tight, because the taper of the leg 62 ensures secure contact of the hook-like projection 50 on the leg 62 even with dimensional tolerances.

The fact that the first groove 46 opens axially downward prevents the sealant 60 from escaping from the first groove 46 due to centrifugation. In addition, the centrifugation only increases the sealing effect between leg 62 and hook-like projection 50.

There is also no twisting of the seal during the closing or opening of the cover 14 on the lower part 12 or during centrifuging, as a result of which there is no risk of damage even when the sealing element 60 is dry.

Finally, the taper makes the closing process much easier.

In Fig. 4 the centrifuge 100 according to the invention is shown, which has the centrifuge rotor 10 according to the invention. It can be seen that the laboratory centrifuge 100 has a housing 102 with a closable cover 104 in the usual manner, with corresponding drive means in the form of an electric motor, control means and cooling means (not shown) being used in the interior.

In the 1 to 4 A first preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor 10 according to the invention is shown, whereas Fig. 5 shows a second preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor 200 according to the invention, specifically only the detailed view of the seal 202 being shown here. All other elements are essentially the same as the first preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor 10 according to FIGS 1 to 4 educated.

It can be seen that here the cover 204 with a somewhat larger radius is designed such that the cover 204 clasps the lower part 206, while in FIG Fig. 2 It can be seen that the lower part 12 clasps the lid 14 there.

More specifically, here the first section 208 is arranged on the cover 204 and this first section 208 engages in the first groove 210, which is arranged with the sealing means 212 on the lower part 206. The first groove 210 is thus designed to open axially towards the cover 204. In return, the second groove 211 is formed on the cover 204 and the first section 208 delimits the second groove 211 radially inwardly, while the second groove 211 is delimited on the outside by the circumferential collar 213.

The seal 202 is also very secure in this embodiment, but the first preferred embodiment is according to FIGS 1 to 4 even more advantageous, since the variant after Fig. 5 fluid that may occur may lie on the sealing means 212 between the first section 208 and the inner boundary 214 of the first groove 210, so that after opening the cover 204 the first groove 210 should be cleaned with the sealing means 212, which is the case with the first preferred embodiment 10 would not be necessary since fluid occurring there cannot get into the second groove 54.

It can also be seen that the sealant 212 is identical to the sealant 60 in FIG Fig. 2 is formed, wherein it is simply rotated by 180 ° with respect to the centrifuge rotor 10.

In Fig. 6 A third preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor 300 according to the invention is shown, wherein here likewise only the detailed view of the seal 302 is shown concretely. All other elements are essentially the same as the first preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor 10 according to FIGS 1 to 4 educated.

The centrifuge rotor after Fig. 6 only differs from the design in that Fig. 5 that no outer circumferential collar (213 in Fig. 5 ) is provided, instead the cover 304 is delimited by the first section 306, which in turn engages in the first groove 308 on the lower part 310 and acts against the sealing means 312.

It has become clear from the above illustration that the seal 34, 202 between the lower part 12, 206 and the lid 14, 204 of the centrifuge rotor 10, 200 is substantially improved with the present invention. The seal 34, 202 used according to the invention is more effective and long-lasting than seals used previously. It also makes opening and closing easier.

Unless otherwise stated, all features of the present invention can be freely combined with one another. Unless otherwise stated, the features described in the description of the figures can also be freely combined with the other features as features of the invention. Objective features of the device can also be used in the context of a process reformulated to process features and process features reformulated in the context of the device for device features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

first preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor according to the invention

12

Bottom part of the centrifuge rotor 10

14

Centrifuge rotor cover 10

16

Holes for receiving sample vessels

18

Shaft holder for a drive shaft

20

first closure means on the lower part 12

22

rotor nut

24

second closure means of the cover 14

26

Actuating element of the second closure means

28

cover body

30

Interior between lower part 12 and cover 14

32

Channel in the lower part 12

34

Sealing between lower part 12 and cover 14

40

radially extending wall area of the cover 14

42

first projection of the cover 14, first limitation

44

second projection of the cover 14, second limitation

46

first groove on cover 14

48

axially extending wall area of the lower part 12

50

hook-like projection, first section

52

upper wall section of wall area 48

54

second groove on the lower part 12

56

deflector

60

Sealing element, sealant

62

Base of the sealing element 60

64

Leg of the sealing element 60

66

Chamfer at base 62

100

laboratory centrifuge

102

casing

104

cover

200

second preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor according to the invention

202

seal

204

cover

206

lower part

208

first section, inner boundary of the second groove 211

210

first groove

211

second groove

212

sealant

213

all-round collar

214

inner boundary of the first groove 210

300

third preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor according to the invention

302

seal

304

cover

306

first section

308

first groove

310

lower part

312

sealant

R

axis of rotation

Z

Detail section in Fig. 1

Claims (10)

1. Centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300) comprising a lower part (12; 206; 310) and a cover (14; 204; 304), wherein sample cups can be received in the centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300), which cups are secured against removal in the closed state of the centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300), wherein an internal space (30) forms between the lower part (12; 206; 310) and the cover (14; 204; 304) in the closed state of the centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300), wherein a seal (34; 202; 302) exists between the lower part (12; 206; 310) and the cover (14; 204; 304), which seals off the internal space (30) from the surroundings of the centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300) in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the seal (34; 202; 302) comprises a sealing means (60; 212; 312) which is arranged in a first groove (46; 210; 308), wherein the first groove (46; 210; 308) is arranged on one of the elements of the cover (14; 204; 304) and the lower part (12; 206; 310), wherein the first groove (46; 210; 308) is designed so as to be open axially towards the other of the elements of the cover (14; 204; 204) and the lower part (12; 206; 304), with respect to the axis of rotation (R) of the centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300), wherein the other of the elements of the cover (14; 204; 304) and the lower part (12; 206; 310) comprises a fist portion (50; 208; 304) that extends axially towards one of the elements of the cover (14; 204; 304) and the lower part (12; 206; 310), which portion extends into the first groove (46; 210; 308) in the closed state, characterised in that the sealing means (60; 212; 312) comprises a radially extending base (62) and a limb (64) that is arranged thereon and extends axially, wherein the other of the elements of the cover (14; 204; 304) and the lower part (12; 206; 310) rests at least on the limb (64) in the closed state.
2. Centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300) according to claim 1, characterised in that the limb (64) becomes thicker towards the base (62) and is preferably conical at least on one side, wherein the conicity is preferably in the range of 2° to 10°, preferably 4° to 8°, and is in particular 6°.
3. Centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300) according to either of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lower part (12; 206; 310) comprises a portion (56) below the sealing means (60; 212; 312), which portion extends radially outwards, in particular in an inclined manner, away from the cover (14; 204; 304).
4. Centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lower part (12; 206; 310) comprises a channel (32) below the sealing means (60; 212; 312) which is preferably arranged further towards the outside than the sealing means (60), when viewed radially.
5. Centrifuge rotor (10; 200) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the other of the elements of the cover (14; 204; 304) and the lower part (12; 206; 310) comprises a second groove (54; 211) which opens axially towards one of the elements of the cover (14) and lower part (12), and which interacts, in the closed state, with the first grove (46; 210).
6. Centrifuge rotor (10; 200) according to claim 5, characterised in that the first portion (50; 208) limits the second groove (54; 211) radially towards the inside.
7. Centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first groove (46; 210; 308) comprises a radially inner first (42; 208) and a radially outer second boundary (44) which are preferably designed as projections.
8. Centrifuge rotor (10) according to claim 7, characterised in that the first boundary (42) extends axially deeper, towards the lower part (12), than the second boundary (44).
9. Centrifuge rotor (10) according to either claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the first portion (50) of the lower part (12) is covered by the first boundary (42) in the closed state.
10. Centrifuge rotor (10; 200; 300) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the centrifuge rotor is a shell-like centrifuge rotor which is in particular designed as a fixed-angle rotor (10; 200; 300).

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