EP3476489A1 - Centrifuge insert - Google Patents

Abstract

A centrifuge insert is provided which is suitable not only for one type of sample container or sample carrier, but for at least two geometrically differently designed elements from the group of sample containers and sample carriers. This ensures that the same centrifuge insert can still be used with different sample containers or sample carriers. This leads to a saving of space, especially in the laboratory. In addition, this reduces the acquisition costs and by reducing the manual effort, actions are accelerated, thereby increasing the laboratory throughput.

Description

The present invention relates to a centrifuge insert for receiving one or more elements from the group of sample containers and sample carriers in a laboratory centrifuge, which is indicated in the preamble of claim 1.

Centrifuge rotors are used in centrifuges, especially laboratory centrifuges, to separate the components of samples centrifuged therein, utilizing inertia. In the process, ever higher rotational speeds are used to achieve high separation rates. 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 × 1 m × 1 m, so their installation space is limited. Preferably, the device depth is at max. 70 cm limited.

In most cases it is provided that the samples are centrifuged at certain temperatures. For example, samples containing egg whites and the like may not be overheated so that the upper limit for tempering such samples is in the range of + 40 ° C by default. On the other hand, certain samples are by default cooled to + 4 ° C (the anomaly of the water starts at 3.98 ° C).

In addition to such predetermined maximum temperatures of, for example, about + 40 ° C and standard examination temperatures such as + 4 ° C and other standard examination temperatures are provided, such as at + 11 ° C to check at this temperature, whether the refrigeration system of the centrifuge runs controlled below room temperature , On the other hand, it is necessary for occupational safety reasons, to prevent touching of elements having a temperature of greater than or equal to + 60 ° C.

In principle, active and passive systems can be used for tempering. Active cooling systems have a refrigerant circuit that controls the centrifuge bowl, thereby indirectly cooling the centrifuge rotor and the sample containers received therein.

Passive systems are based on exhaust-assisted cooling or ventilation. This air is passed directly to the centrifuge rotor, whereby a temperature control takes place. The air is sucked through openings in the centrifuge bowl, wherein the suction takes place automatically by the rotation of the centrifuge rotor.

The samples to be centrifuged are stored in sample containers or sample carriers and these sample containers are rotationally driven by means of the centrifuge rotor. The centrifuge rotors are usually rotated by means of a vertical drive shaft, which is driven by an electric motor in rotation. There are different centrifuge rotors that are used depending on the application.

In general, such centrifuge rotors usually have a lower part and a lid, wherein in the closed state of the lid an inner space forms between the lower part and the lid, in which the sample containers can be arranged to centrifuge the samples in a suitable centrifuge. If the sample containers or sample carriers are arranged at a fixed predetermined angle in the centrifuge rotor, then it is a so-called fixed-angle rotor. On the other hand, if the sample containers or sample carriers are arranged to be pivotable in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor, then this is a swing-bucket rotor.

The centrifuge inserts are used to position and centrifuge the sample containers or sample carriers in the rotors of the centrifuges. For example, swinging bucket rotors are known which have a pivotable centrifuge cup, in which such a centrifuge insert is adjustable.

Many different types of sample containers are known, such as sample bottles, sample cups, sample tubes, tubes, reaction tubes, centrifuge tubes, bottles, microreaction tubes or cell culture bottles, which may also be present in different sizes. These sample containers may also have different bottom configurations, for example flat, conical or rounded. In addition, there are also different types of sample carriers, such as microplates, microtiter plates (MTP), PCR plates and deep well plates (DWP). In general it can be stated that sample containers have a single receptacle for samples and sample carriers a plurality of receptacles for samples.

The disadvantage of this is that separate centrifuge inserts are required for each sample container or sample carrier. As a result, users have to keep many different centrifuge inserts in stock, which is costly in terms of purchase and also space-intensive in terms of their storage.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate these disadvantages.

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

It has been recognized by the inventors that this task can be solved in a surprising manner in a particularly simple manner if a centrifuge insert is provided which is not only suitable for a type of sample container or sample carrier is suitable, but for at least two geometrically differently shaped elements from the group sample container and sample carrier. The one type should have an at least partially circular or oval cross-section and the other type an at least partially polygonal, in particular rectangular cross-section. Thus, either geometrically different elements can be centrifuged through the centrifuge insert with the centrifuge rotor.

For this purpose, supplementary parts can be used. However, this is not absolutely necessary. It may be an alternative arrangement possibility of the different elements, however, the centrifuge insert could also be adapted to accommodate both different elements at the same time.

This solution according to the invention ensures that the same centrifuge insert can nevertheless be used for geometrically different elements. This leads to a saving of space, especially in the laboratory. It also reduces the cost of acquisition.

The centrifuge insert according to the invention for accommodating one or more elements from the group of sample containers and sample carriers in a centrifuge rotor of a centrifuge, in particular a laboratory centrifuge, which is preferably designed as a swinging bucket rotor, is therefore characterized in that the centrifuge insert is adapted, at least a first element, at least partially has a circular or oval cross-section, and at least a second element, which at least partially has a polygonal cross-section, optionally accommodate. The polygonal cross-section is preferably a rectangular cross-section.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the first element is a sample container, preferably a sample bottle, a sample tube, a tube, a reaction vessel, a centrifuge vessel, a bottle, a microreaction vessel or is a cell culture bottle and in particular has a conical, flat or rounded bottom design. Then conventional sample containers can be centrifuged with the centrifuge insert.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the second element is a sample carrier, preferably a plate-shaped element, in particular in the form of a microplate, a microtiter plate, a PCR plate or a deepwell plate, with a plurality of receptacles for samples. Then conventional sample carriers can be centrifuged with numerous images for a large number of samples with the centrifuge insert.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the centrifuge insert is adapted to receive the elements in a form-fitting manner. As a result, the elements are kept very safe in centrifuging.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the bottom design of recordings of the centrifuge insert is adapted to the sample and / or sample carrier to be received in the bottom design and preferably has a flat, conical or rounded contour. As a result, there is a particularly secure mounting of the sample container or sample carrier in the centrifuge insert.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the centrifuge insert is modularly formed with a base body and at least one supplementary part, wherein the supplementary part is preferably adjustable in the body, in particular plugged and / or erectable on the body, in particular attachable, wherein between the base body and supplementary part in particular a plug connection, preferably in the form of a tongue and groove connection can be formed. As a result, the centrifuge insert can be adapted very easily to specific requirements of individual sample containers or sample carriers. Nevertheless, the space and cost savings is preserved because only one body and one or more supplementary parts must be purchased and kept in stock.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the plug connection provides a force and / or positive connection, preferably has clamping properties. As a result, the supplementary part is held particularly securely in the base body. For example, could be a spring-only connection, in which the spring widens conically with respect to the direction of insertion.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the supplementary part has one or more receptacles for first elements and / or that the supplementary part has an outer geometry which forms one or more receptacles for first elements together with a corresponding internal geometry of the main body. As a result, the centrifuge insert can be designed to be particularly variable and, in particular, can nevertheless each accommodate a maximum number of sample containers.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the centrifuge insert is designed for the lateral fixation of the first and / or the second elements. Such a lateral fixation can be achieved, for example, by recesses or grooves present at least in regions and / or by webs or protrusions existing at least in regions, which correspond to corresponding elements, such as edges, of the first and second elements. As a result, a very simple, yet effective recording is made possible, whereby by provident different grids of such depressions or webs and projections and differently dimensioned first and second elements can be added. Such a second element may be designed as a sample carrier, for example as a microtiter plate. Such a second element may be laterally at least partially encompassed by the webs or projections and / or the depressions or grooves.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the centrifuge insert is designed for the vertical fixing of the first and / or second elements. A Such vertical fixation could be achieved for example by a snap-in and / or clip connection. For example, the webs or projections could lock with a peripheral edge of the first and second element.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the centrifuge insert is adapted to receive the first elements by insertion into corresponding receptacles of the centrifuge insert. Then the first elements, especially in the form of sample containers, are kept very secure.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the centrifuge insert is adapted to carry the second elements, the second elements preferably being laterally fixed in a form-fitting manner on a base surface. Then the second elements, especially in the form of sample carriers held very safe.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the centrifuge insert has at least two oppositely arranged guides which are adapted to laterally support at least one supplementary part and / or at least one second element, preferably at least two supplementary parts stacked on top of each other or second elements. This ensures a particularly secure recording.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the guides are designed as handles for gripping the centrifuge insert. Then the centrifuge insert can be transported very easily and manipulated in a centrifuge. The handles can alternatively but also fulfill no leadership function, so be provided only for the grip function.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the guides have latching connection elements which are adapted to provide a latching connection between the guides and the supplementary part and / or the second element. This ensures the recording even better.

Fig. 1

den Grundkörper des erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatzes nach einer ersten bevorzugten Ausgestaltung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 2a und 2b

zwei Ergänzungsteile für den Grundkörper des erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatzes nach Fig. 1 in perspektivischen Ansichten,

Fig. 3

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatz nach Fig. 1 in einer ersten Anwendung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 4

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatz nach Fig. 1 in einer zweiten Anwendung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 5

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatz nach Fig. 1 in einer dritten Anwendung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 6

eine Laborzentrifuge mit Zentrifugenrotor und darin angeordnetem Zentrifugeneinsatz in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 7

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatz gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausgestaltung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 8

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatz nach Fig. 7 in einer ersten Anwendung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 9a, 9b

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatz nach Fig. 7 in einer zweiten Anwendung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht und einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 10

den Grundkörper und das Ergänzungsteil des erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatzes nach einer dritten bevorzugten Ausgestaltung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 11

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatz nach Fig. 10 in einer ersten Anwendung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 12

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatz nach Fig. 10 in einer zweiten Anwendung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 13

den erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifugeneinsatz nach Fig. 10 in einer dritten Anwendung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht und

Fig. 14a, b, c

die Aufnahmen erfindungsgemäßer Zentrifugeneinsätze im Zusammenwirken mit aufgenommenen Probenbehältern im Querschnitt.

The features and further advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following with reference to the description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures. Here are purely schematic:

Fig. 1

the main body of the centrifuge insert according to the invention according to a first preferred embodiment in a perspective view,

Fig. 2a and 2b

two supplementary parts for the main body of the centrifuge insert according to the invention Fig. 1 in perspective views,

Fig. 3

after the centrifuge insert according to the invention Fig. 1 in a first application in a perspective view,

Fig. 4

after the centrifuge insert according to the invention Fig. 1 in a second application in a perspective view,

Fig. 5

after the centrifuge insert according to the invention Fig. 1 in a third application in a perspective view,

Fig. 6

a laboratory centrifuge with centrifuge rotor and centrifuge insert arranged therein in a perspective view,

Fig. 7

the centrifuge insert according to the invention according to a second preferred embodiment in a perspective view,

Fig. 8

after the centrifuge insert according to the invention Fig. 7 in a first application in a perspective view,

Fig. 9a, 9b

after the centrifuge insert according to the invention Fig. 7 in a second application in a perspective view and a side view,

Fig. 10

the main body and the supplementary part of the centrifuge insert according to the invention according to a third preferred embodiment in a perspective view,

Fig. 11

after the centrifuge insert according to the invention Fig. 10 in a first application in a perspective view,

Fig. 12

after the centrifuge insert according to the invention Fig. 10 in a second application in a perspective view,

Fig. 13

after the centrifuge insert according to the invention Fig. 10 in a third application in a perspective view and

Fig. 14a, b, c

the recordings of inventive centrifuge inserts in cooperation with recorded sample containers in cross section.

In the Fig. 1 to 5 a first preferred embodiment of the centrifuge insert 10 according to the invention is shown in different views.

More specifically shows Fig. 1 the main body 12 of the centrifuge insert 10, the Fig. 2a and 2 B show two supplementary parts 14, 16 for this body 12 and the Fig. 3 to 5 show various possible combinations of body 12 and supplemental parts 14, 16 and resulting applications.

It can be seen that the base body 12 is substantially octagonal in cross-section and has a central recess 18 which corresponds to six with respect to the circumference equally spaced cylinder segment-shaped recesses 20. Between each two adjacent recesses 20 is a vertically extending groove 22, which springs back with respect to the central recess 18 to the outside. Instead of an octagonal, a differently shaped cross section may also be present.

On the two outer sides 24, 26 of the octagonal cross section are webs 28, 30 which protrude vertically upwards relative to the base surface 32 of the base body 12. In addition, located on the base surface 32 oppositely arranged webs 34, 34 ', 34 ", wherein the webs 28, 30, 34, 34', 34" between them comprise a rectangular area, the form-fitting a rectangular cross-section of a second element, eg. a sample carrier, can record. At the same time located in front of the webs 28, 30 with respect to the base surface 32 recesses 29, 31 and in front of the webs 34, 34 ', 34 "grooves 35, 35', 35".

Finally, vertically extending from the base surface 32 upwardly extending handles 36 are provided, each comprising an approximately semi-cylindrical space 38 and the top have a top surface 40. Thereby, a handle 36 for gripping the centrifuge insert 10 is provided, which can be gripped by the spaces 38 particularly secure.

Below the base surface 32, an edge 42, opposite to the radially recessed outer walls 44 of the central recess 18 and the recesses 20 extend.

In Fig. 2a For example, shown is a first supplemental part 14 for the main body 12 which is substantially formed as a hollow cylinder with a wall 46 on which outwardly projecting ribs 48 extend radially equidistant. The wall 46 in this case has an outer circumference, which is matched in a pass-shaped manner to the inner circumference of the central recess 18. The ribs 48 run down toward one becoming sharper and the other becoming flatter and correspond to the grooves 22, which also become narrower and flatter away from the base surface 32. As a result, a clamping effect is achieved when inserting the supplementary part 14 in the base body 12 and so the supplemental part 14 held securely by force and positive engagement in the base body 12.

By forming a hollow cylinder of the supplementary part 14, a large axial receptacle 59 is formed here, which can receive a circular cross-section of a first element, for example a sample container, in a form-fitting manner.

In Fig. 2b a second supplementary part 16 is shown for the base body 12, which is formed substantially star-shaped. In the middle there is an axial receptacle 60 and at the edge six cylinder segment-shaped recesses 62 are arranged equidistantly, with 62 webs 64 extend between the recesses, on which in turn ribs 66 accordingly Fig. 2a are arranged. These ribs 66 can in turn passively into the grooves 22 of the body 12th engage to achieve a clamping action when inserting the supplementary part 16 in the base body 12 and so to keep the supplementary part 16 securely in the base body 12.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the recesses 62 taper conically downwards 68, this shaping corresponding to conical narrowings 70 of the recesses 20. After insertion of the supplemental part 16 in the base body 12 thereby form receptacles 72 (see. Fig. 4 ) conically tapering at the bottom and thus suitable for sample containers with a conically tapered bottom area. Exactly the same geometry also has the axial receptacle 60, so that here seven identical receptacles 60, 72 result.

In Fig. 3 the centrifuge insert 10a according to the invention is designed as a combination of basic body 12 and supplemental part 14 and shown in the swing-bucket 110 of a swing-bucket rotor 108 of a laboratory centrifuge 100, which is shown only partially. Thus, a single sample container 74, which is exemplified as a wide-mouth bottle with 250 ml volume, be centrifuged. Since the axial receptacle 59 has a width adapted to the circular cross-section of the sample container 74, the sample container 74 is received in the centrifuge insert 10a in a form-fitting and thus secure manner.

In Fig. 4 the centrifuge insert 10b according to the invention is designed as a combination of basic body 12 and supplementary part 16 and shown in the swing-bucket 110 of a swing-bucket rotor 108 of a laboratory centrifuge 100, which is shown only partially. Thus, individual sample containers 76, which are designed as sample tubes with 50 ml volume, can be centrifuged. Since the receptacles 60, 72 have a width adapted to the circular cross section of the sample containers 76, the sample containers 76 in the centrifuge insert 10b are likewise positively connected and thus securely received.

In Fig. 5 the centrifuge insert 10c according to the invention is designed as a combination of basic body 12 and supplementary part 14 and shown in the swing-bucket 110 of a swing-bucket rotor 108 of a laboratory centrifuge 100, which is shown only partially. Thus, for example, individual sample carriers 78, which are designed as microtiter plates, can be centrifuged. Since the rectangular area encompassed by the webs 28, 30, 34, 34 ', 34 "is adapted to the substantially rectangular base area 80 of the microtiter plate 78, and the edge 82 of the base area 80 fits into the grooves 35, 35', 35". and the recesses 29, 31 can dip, the microtiter plate 78 is fixed laterally on the centrifuge insert 10c in a form-fitting manner and thus securely received (cf. Fig. 9b showing a similar interaction). In this application form, the supplementary part 16 could be used or it is not a supplementary part 14, 16 used - always the sample carrier 78 is held laterally secure.

Alternatively to this embodiment, the supplementary part 16 may be inserted into the main body 12. However, no supplementary part 14, 16 at all must be inserted into the main body 12, since the sample carrier 78 is supported on the base surface 32, so that the main body 12 alone can already form the centrifuge insert 10.

In Fig. 6 the centrifuge insert 10a according to the invention is shown in a perspective view in cooperation with a laboratory centrifuge 100. It can be seen that the laboratory centrifuge 100 has a housing 102 with a lid 104 which can close the sample space 106 in which a motor driven (not shown) centrifuge rotor 108 is located. The centrifuge rotor 108 is designed as a swing-bucket rotor and has centrifuge cups 110, which can pivot away from the axis of rotation D during centrifuging, ie, outwards. In these centrifuge cups 110, the centrifuge inserts 10a according to the invention are incorporated.

In the Fig. 7 to 9b a second preferred embodiment of the centrifuge insert 200 according to the invention is shown in different views.

It can be seen that this centrifuge insert 200 differs from the centrifuge insert 10 in that here the main body 202 is formed with the handles 204 without a central recess for receiving supplementary parts. Instead, nine identical receptacles 206 are arranged directly in the main body 202, which correspond in principle to the receptacles 60, 72 of the centrifuge insert 10a, and are formed with the same inner diameter.

Again, upwardly rising webs 210, 212, 214, 216 are provided on a base surface 208, which enclose a rectangular area. At the same time, recesses 211, 213 and grooves 215, 217, 218, 219 again exist.

The handles 204 are here, in contrast to the centrifuge insert 10 is not arranged symmetrically with respect to the webs 210, 212, but slightly offset so that they can be arranged between two receptacles 206. However, this does not interfere with the grip function of these handles 204, since they are nevertheless symmetrically located with respect to the center of gravity extending in the center of the central receptacle 206.

In Fig. 8 the centrifuge insert 200 according to the invention is shown in a first application, the inclusion of nine sample containers 220, which are designed as sample tubes with a capacity of 50 ml and thereby can be centrifuged in the laboratory centrifuge 100. Since the receptacles 206 have a width adapted to the circular cross-section of the sample containers 220, the sample containers 220 are positively accommodated in the centrifuge insert 200 and thus securely received.

In the Fig. 9a and 9b is the centrifuge insert 200 according to the invention in a second application, the inclusion of a sample carrier 222, as a microtiter plate is formed, shown in two views. In turn, since the rectangular area encompassed by the webs 210, 212, 214, 216 is adapted to the substantially rectangular base 224 of the microtiter plate 222 and the rim 226 dips into the recesses 211, 213 and grooves 215, 217, 218, 219 , the microtiter plate 222 is fixed laterally on the centrifuge insert 200 in a form-fitting manner and thus securely received, in particular from Fig. 9b clearly stated. In addition, a clip connection between the webs 210, 212, 214, 216 and the edge 226 could exist to set the sample carrier 222 vertically.

In the Fig. 10 to 13 Finally, a third preferred embodiment of the centrifuge insert 300 according to the invention is shown in different views.

Fig. 10 1 shows the main body 302 of the centrifuge insert 300, which differs from the main body 202 of the centrifuge insert 200 in that here a larger number of receptacles 304 are provided in the base surface 306. These receptacles 304 are adapted for receiving sample containers 308 which are in the form of 5 ml volume reaction vessels, ie, since the receptacles 304 have a width adapted to the circular cross section of the sample containers 308, the sample containers 308 are positively seated in the centrifuge insert 300 and thus safely received (see the in Fig. 11 shown corresponding first application).

Furthermore, it can be seen that the base surface 306 does not stand up so far in relation to the bottom surface 310 of the main body 302. Therefore, with respect to a particular centrifuge cup 110 (see FIG. Fig. 6 ) the handles 312 be longer.

Otherwise, also in this base body 302, a surround of a rectangular area in the form of webs 314, 316, 318, 318 ', 318 ", 318"' and recesses 315, 317 and grooves 319, 319 ', 319 ".

Fig. 10 Figure 11 also shows an accessory 320 which has a base 322 and walls 324 extending downwardly therefrom which provide a plurality of seats 326 whose bottom surfaces are missing, respectively, so that the seats are formed as hollow cylinders of constant cross-section over their entire length. These receptacles 326 are adapted for receiving sample containers 328 which are in the form of sample bottles of 15 ml volume.

In Fig. 12 Furthermore, it can be seen that the grips 312 engage with their outer contour in the indentations 330 of the supplementary part 320 in a form-fitting manner, so that the supplemental part between the handles 312 is laterally fixed and thereby securely arranged on the main body 302 also in the centrifuging operation. In addition, this configuration for the supplementary part 320 forms a threading and positioning aid, so that the receptacles 326 of the supplementary part 320 can be positioned exactly above the receptacles 304 of the main body 302. The handles 312 thus also form guides for the supplementary part 320. In addition, an example could be a clip-like latching between the handles 312 and the supplementary part 320.

In addition, the supplementary part 320 at some points of its bottom surface 334 annular projections 336 on the receptacles 326 ', which engage in corresponding recesses 304' of the base body 302 positively and non-positively. For this purpose, these recordings 304 'of the main body 302 have an additional groove 337 into which the annular projections 336 can be inserted. This results in a further lateral fixing of the supplementary part 320 relative to the main body 302. The inner diameters of the receptacles 326, 326 'of the supplementary part 320 and of the receptacles 304, 304' of the main body 302 are identical, so that a continuously continuous receptacle 304, 304 ', 326, 326 'results.

Because of this non-positive and positive connection of annular projections 336 and Kehlung 337 could be dispensed with an additional force or positive engagement with the handles 312.

The sample bottles 328 have a relatively large length. Due to the continuous formation of the receptacles 304, 304 ', 326, 326' and the adaptation of their width to the circular cross-section of the sample container 328, the sample container 328 in the centrifuge insert 300a, which is formed from the main body 302 and the supplementary part 320, form-fitting and thus safely received, wherein the sample container 328 extend through into the main body 302 and laterally held by both the base body 302 and the supplementary part 320, such as Fig. 12 shows.

In Fig. 13 a third application of Zentrifugiereinsatzes 300 is shown, in which on the base body 302, a sample carrier 338, which is designed as a microtiter plate, is arranged. Again, because the rectangular area encompassed by lands 314, 316, 318, 318 ', 318 ", 318"' matches the substantially rectangular base 340 of microtiter plate 338, and edge 342 fits into cavities 315, 317 and grooves 319, 319 ', 319 ", the microtiter plate 338 is in turn laterally fixed to the centrifuge insert 300 in a form-fitting manner and thus securely received.

In the Fig. 14a, b, c Finally, three receptacles 400, 410, 420 according to the invention centrifuge inserts purely schematically in cooperation with each recorded sample containers 402, 412, 422 shown in cross section. It can be seen that the bottom configurations of receptacles 400, 410, 420 and sample containers 402, 412, 422 are adapted to one another such that in each case a form fit (the distance between the side walls is only drawn for better visibility), whereby the sample container 402 , 412, 422 are kept particularly secure in the recordings. Show Fig. 14 a a flat, Fig. 14b a rounded and Fig. 14c a conical bottom design of the respective receptacle 400, 410, 420 and sample container 402, 412, 422nd

Although certain sample containers 74, 76, 220, 308, 328, 402, 412, 422 and sample carriers 78, 222, 338 have been described within the scope of the above description, the centrifuge insert according to the invention can also be used with other sample containers and sample carriers, in particular those with be adapted to a different geometry, including the floor design, and / or volume of the recording.

From the foregoing, it has become clear that the present invention provides a centrifuge insert 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 200, 300, 300a that utilizes different sample containers 74, 76, 220, 328 or sample carriers 78, 222, 338 can be. This leads to a saving of space, especially in the laboratory. In addition, this reduces the acquisition costs and by reducing the manual effort, actions are accelerated, thereby increasing the laboratory throughput.

Unless otherwise indicated, all features of the present invention may be freely combined with each other. The features described in the description of the figures can, unless stated otherwise, be freely combined with the other features as features of the invention. Objective features of the centrifuge insert can also be re-formulated into process features as part of a process, and process features in the context of centrifuge use can be reformulated into device features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10, 10a, 10b, 10c

First preferred embodiment of the centrifuge insert according to the invention

12

Basic body of the centrifuge insert

14, 16

Supplementary parts for the main body

18

central recess

20

cylinder segment-shaped recesses

22

vertical groove

24, 26

outsides

28, 30

Stege

32

Base surface basic body

34, 34 ', 34 "

Stege

29, 31

wells

35, 35 ', 35 "

groove

36

handles

38

semi-cylindrical space

40

Top surface 40

42

edge

44

Outer walls of the central recess 18 and the recesses 20th

46

Wall of supplementary part 14

48

outwardly projecting ribs 48

59

axial absorption

60

axial reception of the supplementary part 16

62

cylinder segment-shaped recesses

64

Stege

66

ribs

68

conical taper of the recess 62

70

conical taper of the recess 20

72

Recordings

74

Sample container, wide-mouth bottle 250 ml

76

Sample container, sample tube 50 ml

78

Sample carrier, microtiter plate

80

Base area of the microtiter plate 78

82

Edge of the base 80

100

laboratory centrifuge

102

casing

104

cover

106

sample space

108

Centrifuge rotor, swing-out rotor

110

centrifuge tube

200

second preferred embodiment of the centrifuge insert according to the invention

202

Basic body of the centrifuge insert 200

204

handles

206

Recordings

208

footprint

210, 212, 214, 216

Stege

211, 213

wells

215, 217, 218, 219

groove

220

Sample container, sample tube 50 ml

222

Sample rack, microtiter plate

224

Base of the microtiter plate 222

226

Edge of the base 224

300

third preferred embodiment of the centrifuge insert according to the invention

302

Basic body of the centrifuge insert 300

304

Recordings

304 '

Receptacle with annular projection 336

306

footprint

308

Sample container, reaction tube 5 ml

310

Bottom surface of the main body 302

312

Guides, handles

314, 316, 318, 318 ', 318 "

Stege

315, 317

wells

319, 319 ', 319 "

groove

320

complementary part

322

footprint

324

walls

326

Recordings

326 '

Shooting with chill 327

327

Fillet 326 '

328

Sample container, sample tube 50 ml

330

Indentations of the supplementary part 320

334

Bottom surface of the supplementary part 320

336

annular projections of the supplementary part 320

338

Sample carrier, microtiter plate

340

Base area of the microtiter plate 338

342

Edge of the base area 340

400, 410, 420

Recordings of centrifuge inserts

402, 412, 422

sample container

D

axis of rotation

Claims (10)

Centrifuge insert for receiving one or more elements from the group sample container and sample carrier in one, preferably designed as swinging rotor centrifuge rotor a centrifuge, in particular a laboratory centrifuge, characterized in that the centrifuge insert is adapted, at least a first element, the at least partially a circular or oval cross-section has, and at least a second elements, which has at least partially a polygonal cross-section, optionally accommodate. Centrifuge insert according to claim 1, characterized in that the first element is a sample container, preferably a sample bottle, a sample cup, a sample tube, a tube, a reaction vessel, a centrifuge vessel, a bottle, a microreaction vessel or a cell culture flask and in particular has a conical bottom portion and / or that the second element is a sample carrier, preferably a plate-shaped element, in particular in the form of a microplate, a microtiter plate, a PCR plate or a deepwell plate, with a plurality of receptacles for samples. Centrifuge insert according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the centrifuge insert is adapted to receive the elements positively and / or that the bottom design of recordings of the centrifuge insert is adapted to the bottom design of the male sample container and / or sample carrier, and preferably a flat, conical or rounded Has contour. Centrifuge insert according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge insert is modularly formed with a base body and at least one supplementary part, wherein the supplementary part is preferably adjustable in the body, in particular insertable and / or erectable on the body, in particular attachable, wherein between Main body and supplementary part, in particular a plug connection, preferably in the form of a tongue and groove connection can be formed. Centrifuge insert according to claim 4, characterized in that the supplementary part has one or more first receptacles for first elements and / or that the supplementary part has an outer geometry which forms one or more second receptacles for first elements together with a corresponding internal geometry of the base body. Centrifuge insert according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge insert for lateral fixing of the first and / or the second elements is formed. Centrifuge insert according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge insert has one or more webs or projections which are adapted to at least partially enclose at least one of the first and second elements laterally and / or that the centrifuge insert has one or more recesses or grooves adapted to at least partially laterally at least one of the first and second elements, the centrifuge insert being particularly adapted to receive the first elements by insertion into corresponding receptacles of the centrifuge insert and / or to support the second elements, the second elements preferably are fixed laterally on a base surface form-fitting. Centrifuge insert according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge insert has at least two oppositely arranged guides which are adapted to laterally support at least one supplementary part and / or at least one second element, preferably at least two supplementary parts or second elements stacked on top of each other. Centrifuge insert according to claim 8, characterized in that the guides have latching connection elements which are adapted to provide a latching connection between the guides and the supplementary part and / or the second element. Centrifuge insert according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge insert has handles for gripping the centrifuge insert, which are designed in particular as the guides according to one of claims 8 or 9.

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