EP3560592A2 - Laboratory centrifuge, centrifuge tubes for a laboratory centrifuge and method for operating a centrifuge container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a centrifuge container (4), which is used in a laboratory centrifuge (1). According to the invention, the centrifuge container (4) has an RFID device (11). The RFID device (11) can communicate with the laboratory centrifuge (1). This communication can be, for example, a number of operating cycles that the centrifuge container (4) has undergone, a centrifugation time, an angular velocity of a rotation of the centrifuge container (4), an acceleration of the centrifuge container (4), a swing-out angle of the centrifuge container (4) and / or one Temperature inside the centrifuge container (4). It is also possible for the centrifuge container (4) to have a storage unit in which the cycles of centrifugation processes passed through by the centrifuge container (4) are stored. In this way, a cycle status of the centrifuge container (4) can be determined regardless of the laboratory centrifuge (1) with which the centrifuge container (4) is operated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a laboratory centrifuge. Laboratory centrifuges of the present type are used, for example, in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, medical technology and environmental analysis. By means of such a laboratory centrifuge is carried out a centrifugation of a product, in particular a container or vessel with a sample or substance arranged therein, or a plurality of such products at speeds which may be more than 3,000 U / min, for example. More than 15,000 U / min. As a result of the centrifugation, accelerations acting on the product are to be produced, which may be, for example, more than 15,000 × g (in particular more than 16,000 × g, more than 20,000 × g up to more than 60,000 × g). The centrifugation is intended to break down a mixture of substances formed by the sample or the substance into components of different densities. Depending on the chemical and / or physical properties of the substance mixture, a targeted control of the pressure and / or temperature conditions can additionally take place during the centrifugation. To mention just a few examples, the use of a laboratory centrifuge in connection with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a determination of the hematocrit, cytological examinations or the centrifuging of microtitres, blood bags, petroleum vessels or blood vessels u. Ä.

In laboratory centrifuges of the present type, different types of rotors, in particular swinging bucket rotors, angle rotors or drum rotors, find use, preferably in a laboratory centrifuge according to the invention a swinging bucket rotor is used, are arranged on which centrifuge containers distributed evenly over the circumference and pivotally supported about a circumferentially oriented pivot axis are. Such swinging bucket rotors For example, they can be used for sedimentation of smaller gravitational fields up to approx. 6,000 xg or even up to approx. 8,600 xg, which may be the case for example in medicine or research.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a centrifuge container, which is intended in particular for a swing-bucket rotor. Finally, the invention also relates to a method for operating a centrifuge container.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

• der Betriebssicherheit,
• einer Überwachung der Bestückung eines Rotors,
• einer Aufnahme und Übertragung von Messsignalen,
• einer Überwachung der Zahl der Einsatzzyklen eines Zentrifugenbehälters und/oder
• der Gewährleistung der Betriebsfestigkeit

verbessert ist. Des Weiteren betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung die Aufgabe, ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Zentrifugenbehälters in mehreren Zentrifugationsprozessen mit verbesserten Überwachungsmöglichkeiten für die Zahl der von dem Zentrifugenbehälter durchlaufenen Zyklen vorzuschlagen.The present invention has for its object to propose a centrifuge container and a laboratory centrifuge, which or which particular with respect

• the operational safety,
• a monitoring of the assembly of a rotor,
• a recording and transmission of measurement signals,
• monitoring the number of use cycles of a centrifuge container and / or
• Ensuring the durability

is improved. Furthermore, the present invention has the object of proposing a method for operating a centrifuge container in several centrifugation processes with improved monitoring possibilities for the number of cycles passed by the centrifuge container.

SOLUTION

The object of the invention is achieved with the features of the independent claims. Further preferred embodiments according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object underlying the invention is achieved by means of a centrifuge container for a laboratory centrifuge which has an RFID device (or a device with an RFID device). Meanwhile, RFID devices with the required quality can be added too reasonable prices. The RFID device wirelessly provides power and / or information exchange between the centrifuge container and adjacent components such as a laboratory centrifuge rotor or the laboratory centrifuge itself.

1. 1. Es kann sich bei den Informationen um eine Kennzeichnung des Zentrifugenbehälters handeln, welche in einer Speichereinheit der RFID-Einrichtung gespeichert ist. Eine Kennzeichnung der RFID-Einrichtung und damit des zugeordneten Zentrifugenbehälters kann spezifisch für den jeweiligen Zentrifugenbehälter sein oder aber spezifisch für einen Typ des Zentrifugenbehälters sein. Wird ein Zentrifugenbehälter mit einem Rotor in die Laborzentrifuge eingesetzt, kann eine Anregung der RFID-Einrichtung erfolgen und ein Auslesen der Kennzeichnung des Zentrifugenbehälters erfolgen, so dass bekannt ist, ob ein Zentrifugenbehälter und ggf. welcher spezifische Zentrifugenbehälter oder welcher Typ von Zentrifugenbehälter in dem Rotor und der Laborzentrifuge eingesetzt ist.
2. 2. Alternativ oder zusätzlich möglich ist, dass es sich bei den Informationen um Betriebsdaten des Zentrifugenbehälters (und damit der in dem Zentrufgenbehälter angeordneten Produkte) handelt.
   1. a) Betriebsdaten können beispielsweise in der RFID-Einrichtung gespeicherte Informationen zu dem mindestens einen Produkt oder dem Zentrifugenbehälter, wie beispielsweise ein Herstellungsdatum der Probe oder des Zentrifugenbehälters, ein Datum der Anordnung des Produkts in dem Zentrifugenbehälter, eine Spezifizierung der Probe oder des Zentrifugenbehälters, eine maximal zulässige Temperatur der Probe oder des Zentrifugenbehälters, eine Kompensationsabhängigkeit wie eine Kompensationskurve, welche die Abhängigkeit der Temperatur der Probe oder des Zentrifugenbehälters von einer gemessenen Temperatur in einem Innenraum der Zentrifugationskammer beschreibt, u. ä., sein.
   2. b) Um lediglich einige weitere nicht beschränkende Beispiele für Betriebsdaten zu nennen, kann die RFID-Einrichtung des Zentrifugenbehälters Informationen über den gewünschten bestimmungsgemäßen Prozess des Zentrifugierens, wie beispielsweise eine Dauer des Zentrifugierens, ein Drehzahlverlauf oder eine maximale Drehzahl während des Zentrifugierens, eine maximale Winkelbeschleunigung oder eine maximal auf die Probe wirkende Zentrifugalbeschleunigung u. ä., enthalten, welche dann von der Laborzentrifuge ausgelesen werden und dann von einer Prozesssteuerung der Laborzentrifuge verarbeitet und für die Steuerung oder Regelung der Durchführung der Zentrifugation berücksichtigt werden.
      Möglich ist aber auch, dass die vorgenannten Betriebsdaten während des Zentrifugationsprozesses über Sensoren erfasst und dokumentiert werden, so dass diese von der Laborzentrifuge während der Zentrifugation ausgelesen werden können zur Überwachung und/oder Dokumentation des Zentrifugationsprozesses oder auch zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt zwecks Dokumentation und/oder weiterer Auswertung außerhalb der Laborzentrifuge ausgelesen werden können
      Ebenfalls möglich ist, dass die Betriebsdaten Messsignale eines Sensors des Zentrifugenbehälters sind, welche vor, während oder nach der Zentrifugation aufgenommen werden und (ohne oder mit Speicherung) dann ausgetauscht werden können. Um lediglich einige nicht beschränkende Beispiele zu nennen, kann es sich um Messsignale
      • eines Beschleunigungssensors für eine Winkelbeschleunigung oder die Zentrifugalbeschleunigung des Zentrifugenbehälters,
      • eines Drehzahlsensors des Zentrifugenbehälters,
      • eines Winkelgeschwindigkeitssensors des Zentrifugenbehälters,
      • eines Neigungssensors für die Erfassung der Neigung des Zentrifugenbehälters bei Einsatz in einem Ausschwingrotor,
      • eines Temperatursensors des Zentrifugenbehälters, der vorzugsweise die Temperatur im Inneren des Zentrifugenbehälters und/oder die Temperatur außerhalb des Zentrifugenbehälters und damit in der Zentrifugationskammer misst,
      • eines Sensors zur Erfassung der Dauer und/oder des Ausmaßes der Zentrifugation des Zentrifugenbehälters und/oder
      • eines Sensors, der die Zusammensetzung des Gases in dem Zentrifugenbehälter oder außerhalb desselben, insbesondere in der Zentrifugationskammer, misst, um beispielsweise zu überwachen, dass inerte Bedingungen, insbesondere in Form von die Proben umgebendem reinem Sauerstoff oder Stickstoff, vorliegen
   handeln.
3. 3. Alternativ oder kumulativ möglich ist, dass die Informationen Prozessinformationen (insbesondere eine Kennzeichnung eines eingesetzten vorbestimmten Zentrifugationsprofils, eine Zentrifugationsdrehzahl und/oder-dauer, ein Drehzahlverlauf, eine erzeugte Zentrifugalbeschleunigung, ein Datum und/oder eine Uhrzeit des durchgeführten Zentrifugationsprozesses u. ä.) sind, welche von der Laborzentrifuge an die RFID-Einrichtung übertragen werden und zwecks Dokumentation in der Einrichtung des Zentrifugenbehälters gespeichert werden. Um lediglich einige die Erfindung nicht beschränkende Beispiele zu nennen, können in einem Zentrifugenbehälter Blutbeutel angeordnet sein. In diesem Fall können die Prozessinformationen eine minimale, maximale oder durchschnittliche Temperatur sein, welcher der Zentrifugenbehälter oder der Blutbeutel ausgesetzt ist. Als weitere Prozessinformationen kann eine durchschnittliche, maximale, minimale oder integrierte Beschleunigung dienen.

There are many possibilities for information which can be exchanged within the scope of the invention, of which only a few examples are given below without any restriction of the invention to the examples:

1. 1. The information may be an identification of the centrifuge container, which is stored in a memory unit of the RFID device. An identification of the RFID device and thus of the associated centrifuge container may be specific to the respective centrifuge container or may be specific to one type of centrifuge container. If a centrifuge container with a rotor is inserted into the laboratory centrifuge, an excitation of the RFID device can take place and a readout of the labeling of the centrifuge container can take place, so that it is known whether a centrifuge container and, if appropriate, which specific centrifuge container or type of centrifuge container in the rotor and the laboratory centrifuge is inserted.
2. 2. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the information is the operating data of the centrifuge container (and thus the products arranged in the centrifuge container).
   1. a) Operating data may, for example, information stored in the RFID device to the at least one product or the centrifuge container, such as a date of manufacture of the sample or centrifuge container, a date of placement of the product in the centrifuge container, a specification of the sample or the centrifuge container, a maximum permissible temperature of the sample or of the centrifuge container, a compensation dependence such as a compensation curve, which describes the dependence of the temperature of the sample or of the centrifuge container on a measured temperature in an interior of the centrifugation chamber, u. Ä., be.
   2. b) To name just a few more non-limiting examples of operating data, the RFID device of the centrifuge container may contain information about the desired centrifuge process, such as a duration of centrifugation, a speed history, or a maximum speed during centrifugation, a maximum angular acceleration or a maximum acting on the sample centrifugal acceleration u. Ä., Which are then read by the laboratory centrifuge and then processed by a process control of the laboratory centrifuge and taken into account for the control or regulation of the execution of the centrifugation.
      It is also possible, however, for the abovementioned operating data to be recorded and documented by sensors during the centrifuging process, so that they can be read out from the laboratory centrifuge during centrifugation for monitoring and / or documentation of the centrifugation process or at a later time for the purpose of documentation and / or further evaluation outside the laboratory centrifuge can be read
      It is also possible that the operating data are measurement signals of a sensor of the centrifuge container, which are recorded before, during or after the centrifugation and can then be replaced (without or with storage). To name just a few non-limiting examples, these may be measurement signals
      • an acceleration sensor for an angular acceleration or the centrifugal acceleration of the centrifuge container,
      • a speed sensor of the centrifuge container,
      • an angular velocity sensor of the centrifuge container,
      • an inclination sensor for detecting the inclination of the centrifuge container when used in a swing-bucket rotor,
      • a temperature sensor of the centrifuge container, which preferably measures the temperature inside the centrifuge container and / or the temperature outside the centrifuge container and thus in the centrifugation chamber,
      • a sensor for detecting the duration and / or extent of centrifugation of the centrifuge container and / or
      • a sensor which measures the composition of the gas in or outside the centrifuge container, particularly in the centrifugation chamber, to monitor, for example, that there are inert conditions, particularly in the form of pure oxygen or nitrogen surrounding the samples
   act.
3. 3. Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible for the information to include process information (in particular an identification of a predetermined centrifugation profile used, a centrifugation speed and / or duration, a speed curve, a generated centrifugal acceleration, a date and / or time of the centrifugation process carried out, and the like). ) which are transferred from the laboratory centrifuge to the RFID device and stored for documentation in the centrifuge container device. To name just a few non-limiting examples of the invention, blood bags may be placed in a centrifuge container. In this case, the process information may be a minimum, maximum, or average temperature to which the centrifuge container or blood bag is exposed. Further process information may be average, maximum, minimum or integrated acceleration.

With regard to the basic design, possible designs, components and the excitation as well as communication from and with usable within the scope of the invention RFID devices is basically on the website www.wikipedia.de under the search term RFID and RFID devices relevant standard works and publications, in particular
Klaus Finkenzeller: "RFID Handbook: Basics and practical applications of transponders, contactless chip cards and NFC", Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, 7th ed., ISBN: 9783446439436
directed.

1. a) Einerseits ist für eine drahtlose Anregung der Einrichtung zur Leistungsversorgung derselben und andererseits für den (uni-direktionalen oder bi-direktionalen) Austausch von Informationen zwischen der Einrichtung und benachbarten Bauelementen, insbesondere des Rotors und/oder der Laborzentrifuge, erforderlich, dass die Einrichtung und insbesondere eine Antenne derselben nicht durch den Zentrifugenbehälter, den Rotor oder andere Bauelemente abgeschirmt ist, womit die Anregung und der Austausch von Informationen zumindest erschwert würde.
2. b) Des Weiteren haben Untersuchungen gezeigt, dass infolge der hohen, in Laborzentrifugen eingesetzten Drehzahlen und dadurch hervorgerufenen Zentripetalbeschleunigungen Bauelemente der Einrichtung Schaden nehmen können.
3. c) Möglich ist auch, dass eine Anregung und/oder ein Austausch von Informationen nur möglich sind/ist, wenn die Relativgeschwindigkeit zwischen der Einrichtung des Zentrifugenbehälters gegenüber einer Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung der Laborzentrifuge, durch welche die Anregung erfolgt und/oder Informationen gesendet und/oder empfangen werden, einen Schwellwert nicht überschreitet. So sind beispielsweise in der Literaturstelle
   " Prüftechnik für RFID bei Hochgeschwindigkeitsanwendungen im Transportwesen", Mathias Baum, Björn Niemann, Ludger Overmeyer, Institut für Transport- und Automatisierungstechnik (ITA), Universität Hannover, ISBN 1860-5923
   Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtungen und zugeordnete RFID-Einrichtungen eingesetzt worden, welche nur bis zu Relativgeschwindigkeiten von 11,5 m/s arbeitsfähig waren. Für eine Rotation des Rotors der Laborzentrifuge mit einer Drehzahl von 6.000 U/min hat dies zur Folge, dass die Einrichtung, insbesondere die Antenne derselben, einen maximalen Abstand von 1,8 cm von der Rotationsachse des Rotors aufweisen darf, wenn die Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung gehäusefest angeordnet ist und somit nicht mit dem Rotor rotiert.
4. d) Angesichts der in der Laborzentrifuge wirkenden hohen Beschleunigungen kann eine Lösung der Einrichtung von dem Zentrifugenbehälter im Betrieb der Laborzentrifuge zu beträchtlichen Schäden an der Laborzentrifuge und Bauelementen derselben führen.

A further embodiment of the invention is devoted to the field of tension of the use of an RFID device in a centrifuge container for a laboratory centrifuge:

1. a) On the one hand, for a wireless excitation of the device for supplying power thereto and, on the other hand, for the (unidirectional or bi-directional) exchange of information between the device and neighboring components, in particular the rotor and / or the laboratory centrifuge, it is necessary for the device and in particular an antenna thereof is not shielded by the centrifuge container, the rotor or other components, whereby the excitation and the exchange of information would at least made more difficult.
2. b) Furthermore, studies have shown that components of the device can be damaged as a result of the high rotational speeds used in laboratory centrifuges and the resulting centripetal accelerations.
3. c) It is also possible that excitation and / or exchange of information is / are only possible if the relative speed between the device of the centrifuge container with respect to a transmitting and / or receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge, through which the excitation takes place and / or information sent and / or received, does not exceed a threshold. For example, in the literature
   " Testing technology for RFID in high-speed applications in transportation ", Mathias Baum, Bjorn Niemann, Ludger Overmeyer, Institute for Transport and Automation Technology (ITA), University of Hannover, ISBN 1860-5923
   Transmitting and / or receiving devices and associated RFID devices have been used, which were only able to operate relative speeds of 11.5 m / s. For a rotation of the rotor of the laboratory centrifuge with a speed of 6,000 rpm, this means that the device, in particular the antenna of the same, may have a maximum distance of 1.8 cm from the axis of rotation of the rotor when the transmitting and / or receiving device is fixed to the housing and thus does not rotate with the rotor.
4. d) In view of the high accelerations acting in the laboratory centrifuge, solution of the device from the centrifuge container during operation of the laboratory centrifuge can lead to considerable damage to the laboratory centrifuge and its components.

For one embodiment, this field of tension is taken into account by the invention in that there is a coupling region for a coupling of the centrifuge container to a rotor which predetermines an alignment of the centrifuge container with respect to a rotational axis of the rotor. In the event that the centrifuge container is used with a swing-bucket rotor, the orientation of the centrifuge container relative to the rotor may still change around the pivot axis oriented in the circumferential direction. In this case, however, the coupling region specifies which side of the centrifuge container is arranged on the side facing the axis of rotation of the rotor and which side of the centrifuge container is arranged on the opposite side, which is arranged adjacent to the wall of the laboratory centrifuge which delimits the centrifugation chamber of the laboratory centrifuge , For this embodiment, the device (or a part thereof such as a circuit board with the electronic components excluding the antenna) on the side of the centrifuge container is arranged, which faces the axis of rotation in the state in which the centrifuge container is coupled to the rotor. This has the consequence that the device (or the part of the same) has a small distance from the axis of rotation, which then the force acting on the device or parts of the same acceleration forces are small, on the one hand, the working capacity of the device is extended to higher speeds and / or mechanical or electronic impairments of the device can be avoided.

For a further embodiment, an antenna of the device is arranged on the side of the centrifuge container, which in the state in which the centrifuge container is coupled to the rotor, faces away from the axis of rotation. Other components of the device are arranged in this case on the side of the centrifuge container, which faces the axis of rotation. Thus, components of the device are arranged on different sides of the centrifuge container and thereby preferably electrically coupled to each other. This solution ensures that no shielding of the antenna of the device by the centrifuge container with respect to a transmitting and / or receiving device, which is located in the region of the wall of the laboratory centrifuge, which limits the centrifugation chamber of the laboratory centrifuge. It is accepted that the antenna of the device due to the relatively large distance from the axis of rotation relatively is exposed to large accelerations. Other components of the device, which are then arranged on the axis of rotation facing side, but are claimed with smaller accelerations, which may be advantageous for example for sensitive electrical or electronic components such as an electronic control unit or the RFID device and / or a sensor ,

For another embodiment of the centrifuge container according to the invention is also a coupling region for a coupling of the centrifuge container with a rotor present, which specifies an orientation of the centrifuge container with respect to a rotational axis of the rotor. In this case, the antenna of the device (or even the entire device) is arranged on the side of the centrifuge container, which faces the lid or the bottom of the laboratory centrifuge in the coupled with the rotor state of the centrifuge container, which is preferably at a small distance from the Rotation axis takes place. In this case, the antenna of the device can be excited and / or in exchange of information with a transmitting and / or receiving device whose antenna is arranged in the region of the bottom or the lid of the laboratory centrifuge.

For a proposal of the invention, the device comprises an antenna, by means of which the device can be supplied with energy wirelessly from a power source which is arranged outside the centrifuge container. This energy source can be an excitation ensuring transmitting device which is rotated with the rotor or fixed to the housing is arranged on the laboratory centrifuge and, for example, in the region of a centrifugation chamber bounding wall or even in the interior of the centrifugation chamber is arranged.

• lediglich ein einzelner Wert, ein Mittelwert, ein Maximalwert, ein Minimalwert, ein Wert nach einer vorgegebenen Zeitspanne oder ein Wert zu einem vorgegebenen Prozesszeitpunkt des Zentrifugationsprozesses,
• eine Änderung des Messsignals,
• ein Verlauf des Messsignals oder einer Änderung desselben

von der RFID-Einrichtung gespeichert werden und/oder an eine Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung kommuniziert werden.For a further proposal of the invention, the centrifuge container has at least one sensor for detecting an operating variable. In this case, the sensor can be formed separately from the RFID device or a circuit board forming this, but the measurement signal of the sensor can be supplied via an electrical measurement signal line to the board or the RFID device. It is also possible that the sensor is integrated in the RFID device or on a RFID device forming or supporting circuit board or other support means, which may also be flexible, is arranged. The detected operating variable may then be stored by the device or communicated as information to adjacent components. Here, for example, from the measurement signal of the sensor.

• only a single value, an average value, a maximum value, a minimum value, a value after a predetermined period of time or a value at a predetermined process time of the centrifugation process,
• a change of the measuring signal,
• a course of the measuring signal or a change of the same

are stored by the RFID device and / or communicated to a transmitting and / or receiving device.

For the operating variables, which the sensor detects, there are many possibilities. For example, a sensor may count the number of operating cycles that the centrifuge container has undergone. In this way, it is possible to document and check in the device and via a readout of the number of operating cycles how many operating cycles the centrifuge container has undergone, so that an exchange of the centrifuge container is possible when a predetermined number of operating cycles has been reached. It is possible here that the number of operating cycles is detected on the basis of measurement signals during centrifugation, in particular acceleration courses or when a maximum or recognition of a deceleration and / or acceleration process of the laboratory centrifuge is detected by means of a suitable sensor of the centrifuge container. But it is also possible that a counting pulse is sent to the RFID device via a transmitting and / or receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge with the insertion of the centrifuge container with a rotor in the laboratory centrifuge, which increases the current number of the counter by 1. Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible that the laboratory centrifuge sends a count pulse to the RFID device when a lid of the laboratory centrifuge is closed or a centrifugation process is started and / or terminated and, for example, a threshold value of the rotational speed of the rotor is exceeded. For example, it may be advantageous if no counting pulse sent to the RFID device and this is processed by the RFID device when only a centrifuge container is inserted into the laboratory centrifuge and this is removed again from the laboratory centrifuge without centrifugation has taken place.

It is also possible that the centrifuge container or the RFID device has a memory unit which allows storage of at least one operating variable. In this case, a storage of any operating variable, cf. the aforementioned operating variables take place in the storage unit. For the sake of example only, an example not limiting the invention can be stored in the memory unit, a cycle counter reading that indicates how many cycles of centrifugation of the storage unit equipped with the centrifuge container has already passed. The counting of the cycles can be carried out by the centrifuge container itself, for example, by detecting an acceleration sensor of the centrifuge container with the exceeding of a threshold value when a centrifugation process is run through, so that when the threshold value is exceeded, a cycle count is increased. It is also possible that a pulse for changing the stored cycle count of the centrifuge container is triggered by the laboratory centrifuge and this pulse is then transmitted to the centrifuge container, where then the stored in the memory unit cycle count can be increased by one. Here, for example, the laboratory centrifuge with the closing of a lid or with the initiation or the passage of a centrifugation process, for example, exceeding a threshold value of a rotational speed of the rotor, trigger a pulse.

In order to name only an example which does not limit the invention, the embodiment according to the invention can contribute to the treatment of the following problem: For laboratory centrifuges known from the prior art, the centrifugation processes are counted by the laboratory centrifuge, assuming that always the same centrifuge containers in the Laboratory centrifuge can be used. If the number of centrifugation processes counted exceeds a threshold value, the user is signaled that the centrifuge containers must be replaced or even the laboratory centrifuge is shut down. Such monitoring of the number of centrifugation processes that has passed through a centrifuge container fails if different centrifuge containers are used with the laboratory centrifuge for different centrifugation processes or if a centrifuge container is used in different laboratory centrifuges. Furthermore, in such a known laboratory centrifuge can not be automatically detected if (u., Due to the signalized need for replacement of the centrifuge container) actually a replacement of the centrifuge container is done. Rather, a kind of reset the laboratory centrifuge is required in this case, with which a count is reset and the re-operation of the laboratory centrifuge is made possible. According to the invention, the number of continuous centrifugation processes can be counted by the RFID device for each centrifuge container itself, which then a use of any centrifuge container with a laboratory centrifuge is possible and a specific display and monitoring of the number of continuous centrifugation processes of the respective centrifuge container is possible. It is also possible that automatically by the laboratory centrifuge can be detected whether the arranged in the laboratory centrifuge centrifuge container has undergone a number of Zentrifugationsprozessen, which is smaller than a predetermined, the operational safety ensuring threshold.

An example of a further operating variable detected by means of a sensor of the centrifuge container may be a centrifugation duration, with which a documentation of the process conditions of the products which have been centrifuged in the centrifuge container can take place.

• eine Winkelgeschwindigkeit der Rotation des Zentrifugenbehälters um die Rotationsachse und/oder
• eine Beschleunigung des Zentrifugenbehälters (insbesondere eine Zentripetalbeschleunigung des Zentrifugenbehälters infolge des Zentrifugierens) und/oder
• einen Ausschwingwinkel des Zentrifugenbehälters, welcher als Mittelwert Aufschluss gibt über die Drehzahl des Rotors und dessen instationäre Änderungen Aufschluss geben über die homogenen Prozessbedingungen während der Zentrifugation,
• eine Temperatur des Zentrifugenbehälters und damit der in dem Zentrifugenbehälter angeordneten Produkte und/oder
• aktuellen, minimalen, maximalen, durchschnittlichen und/oder aufintegrierten Beschleunigungswert oder Unwuchtwert

erfasst.It is also possible that the sensor as a working size

• an angular velocity of rotation of the centrifuge container about the axis of rotation and / or
• an acceleration of the centrifuge container (in particular a centripetal acceleration of the centrifuge container as a result of the centrifuging) and / or
• a swing angle of the centrifuge container, which gives as an average value about the speed of the rotor and its transient changes give information about the homogeneous process conditions during the centrifugation,
• a temperature of the centrifuge container and thus the products arranged in the centrifuge container and / or
• current, minimum, maximum, average and / or integrated acceleration value or imbalance value

detected.

The device can be arranged at any point in the interior or outside of the centrifuge container or be distributed anywhere and be connected to a housing of the centrifuge container or a lid of the same in any way, in particular by flanging, screwing, gluing, a locking or locking device or a positive connection or snap connection. It is also possible that the device, in particular at least the antenna, is arranged in a recess of a component of the centrifuge container such as the housing. For a proposal of the invention, the device in the recess can be covered by a radiation-permeable cover member in this case, so that a passage of electromagnetic radiation on the one hand for an excitation and on the other hand for an exchange of information through the radiation-permeable cover is possible. For such a configuration, the device or the component thereof on the one hand in the interior of the recess by the component of the centrifuge container, in particular the housing thereof, protected and on the other hand protected by the radiation-permeable cover, without a significant impairment of the excitation and / or exchange of information he follows.

For a further inventive proposal, the centrifuge container has a transmitting and / or receiving device. By means of the transmitting and / or receiving device, information can be received from at least one sample container arranged in the centrifuge container. To mention only an example which does not limit the invention, the sample containers arranged in the centrifuge container may be blood bags, which are likewise equipped with an RFID device. In this case, the information transmitted by the RFID device of the blood bag to the RFID device of the centrifuge container may be information that specifies the blood bag or the blood taken therein (for example, a number or other identification of the bag, a name or an identification of the person from whom the blood has been taken, a date of withdrawal of the blood, a typing of the blood, in particular according to the blood group, an expiry date, etc.). It is also possible that the information is information regarding the centrifugation process, which the blood bag and thus the centrifuge container should pass through. This may, for example, a maximum acceleration, a centrifugation duration, a rotational speed, a maximum temperature, which may be exposed to the blood in the blood bag, a speed profile u. be a. The at least one information that is transmitted from the RFID device of the sample container to the RFID device of the centrifuge container, can then (without or with further processing) directly to a receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge or indirectly via a transmitting and / or receiving device of the rotor be transferred to the laboratory centrifuge. The laboratory centrifuge then uses this information for storage, for determining the operating parameters of the laboratory centrifuge, so that the centrifugation process can be carried out according to the information transmitted and / or for monitoring the centrifugation process. Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible that the laboratory centrifuge transmits information directly or indirectly via the rotor to the RFID device of the centrifuge container, which then (without or with further processing) from the RFID device of the centrifuge container to the RFID device of the sample container where they will be transferred can be stored. This information may, for example, be data on the centrifugation process (eg the date of the centrifugation process, parameters of the centrifugation such as a speed profile, duration, etc., results of the monitoring with an indication of any errors that have occurred or critical conditions, the temperatures, which have prevailed during centrifugation in the centrifugation chamber or in the centrifuge container, generated accelerations, etc.). Finally, it is also possible that information present in or generated by the RFID device of the centrifuge container, as explained above, is transmitted from the RFID device of the centrifuge container to the RFID device of the sample container and then stored in it. In this case, the transmitting and / or receiving device used for the communication between the RFID device of the centrifuge container and the RFID device of the sample container can only be used for this communication. However, it is also possible that the transmitting and / or receiving device is used multifunctionally as the transmitting and / or receiving device for this communication, via which the RFID device of the centrifuge container communicates with the rotor or the laboratory centrifuge.

Another solution of the problem underlying the invention is a laboratory centrifuge. In particular, the laboratory centrifuge has a rotor with at least one held on the rotor, in particular suspended centrifuge container. The laboratory centrifuge according to the invention has a transmitting and / or receiving device. The transmitting and / or receiving device ensures a (unidirectional or bi-directional) communication with a device of at least one held on a rotor centrifuge container. This communication may consist, on the one hand, of an excitation of the power supply device and / or, on the other hand, of an exchange of information.

For another variant, the transmitting and / or receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge communicates with a rotor. In this case, in turn, the rotor communicates with a device of at least one centrifuge container held on a rotor. Here, the communication between the device of the centrifuge container and the rotor is simplified, since at most relative movements occur as a result of the pivot angle of the centrifuge container relative to the rotor. On the other hand, then a choice of the relative arrangement of the transmitting and receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge relative to the rotor can be done so that a good communication is ensured for this transmission path of the information. For example For example, an antenna may be placed on the rotor a smaller distance from the axis of rotation than could be the case for the centrifuge container.

In the context of the invention, the transmitting and receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge can be arranged in any area of the laboratory centrifuge. The transmitting and / or receiving device is preferably arranged directly on the wall of the laboratory centrifuge which delimits a centrifuging chamber. It is also possible that this wall in the region of the transmitting and / or receiving device has a radiation-permeable cover element, which is arranged between the centrifugation chamber and the transmitting and / or receiving device. Here, the transmitting and / or receiving device may be arranged in the region of a circumferential surface of the wall about the axis of rotation. It is also possible that the transmitting and / or receiving device is arranged in the region of a bottom of the centrifugation chamber or in the region of a lid of the laboratory centrifuge. The above-described possible locations for the arrangement of the transmitting and / or receiving device can apply to the entire transmitting and / or receiving device or only for a transmitting and / or receiving antenna thereof.

Information of the laboratory centrifuge and / or the centrifuge container can be written and / or read during operation of the laboratory centrifuge or in a standstill of the rotor or in dedicated maintenance phases in a memory of the RFID device. It is possible within the scope of the invention that the laboratory centrifuge has a control device. The control device has in this case, for example, control logic, which performs an evaluation of information of the transmitting and / or receiving device.

An evaluation can be carried out for a first variant to the effect, with which number of centrifuge containers, the rotor is equipped. If, for example, four rotors for centrifuge containers are provided on a rotor and distributed uniformly around the circumference, equipping the rotor with three centrifuge containers would result in imbalance, which would impair the operation of the laboratory centrifuge, or even damage the laboratory centrifuge or even the environment of the laboratory centrifuge can result. Thus, an evaluation of the number of centrifuge containers of the rotor gives important information for the process and operational safety of the laboratory centrifuge.

For a second variant of the invention, an evaluation is made as to which type (or types) of centrifuge containers the rotor is equipped with. Thus, for example, it can be detected on the basis of the evaluation whether a specific type or several types of centrifuge containers are used on the rotor. If this is not the case, an imbalance can also arise with the problems explained above with regard to the rotation of the rotor with the centrifuge containers. It is also possible that, for example, the inclusion of the rotor for the non-intended type is not suitable, which can be detected by the evaluation, which then appropriate remedial action can be initiated.

It is also possible that, depending on the type (s) of centrifuge containers held on the rotor, an adaptation of the centrifuging profile (ie the maximum speed, a speed curve, time periods for individual speeds and the like) must take place. Thus, in the context of the invention, the control logic based on the determined types of centrifuge containers, which are held on the rotor to make an evaluation to the effect of which centrifugation of at least one type of centrifuge container of the centrifugation process must be performed and it can then a corresponding control of the drive unit the laboratory centrifuge to carry out the centrifugation process with the centrifugation profile specific for this type or types.

Preferably, the control device has control logic, which in the event that the evaluation of the information of the transmitting and / or receiving device shows that the rotor is not equipped with the required number of centrifuge containers and / or the rotor is not with the right type or is equipped with the right types of centrifuge containers, generates an error signal and / or restricts or prevents operation of the laboratory centrifuge. For example, an optical or acoustic error signal may be generated which signals the user of the laboratory centrifuge that the required number of centrifuge containers are not provided on the rotor, or an inadmissible type of centrifuge container is used in conjunction with the rotor and the laboratory centrifuge. To give just another example, a suitable fault indication can be generated on a display of the laboratory centrifuge. However, it is also possible that operation of the laboratory centrifuge is restricted, so that, for example, in the case of the wrong number of centrifuge containers or a wrong type of centrifuge container, an adaptation of the maximum permissible rotational speed of the rotor takes place. It is possible, for example, that in a map of the laboratory centrifuge is stored in which number of centrifuge containers and / or which type of a detected centrifuge container which maximum speed is allowed or which type of centrifugation profile to be used.

It is also possible that one or the aforementioned control device has control logic which generates a signal which depends on the number of operating cycles which the centrifuge container has undergone. This embodiment is based on the recognition that a centrifuge container must undergo maintenance after a predetermined number of operating cycles or must be replaced. However, if a laboratory centrifuge finds use with a large number of centrifuge containers, it is only possible with increased effort to monitor the number of operating cycles a single centrifuge container has undergone. For the embodiment according to the invention, the number of continuous operating cycles, in particular in the form of a counter, is detected for each centrifuge container by means of the associated device. If a threshold value for the number of operating cycles is exceeded, this can be signaled by the laboratory centrifuge, in particular via a display or a warning tone. It is also possible that a multi-level signaling to the user, for example, a color code according to a traffic light green, yellow, red can be used. In this case, a green tint indicates that the operation of the centrifuge container is safe, a yellow tint indicates that maintenance or replacement of the centrifuge container needs to occur soon, and a red tint indicates that the centrifuge container has reached its maximum number of operating cycles and maintenance or the centrifuge container needs to be replaced. It is also possible that, when a maximum number of operating cycles is reached, the operation of the laboratory centrifuge is prevented. Furthermore, it is possible that the laboratory centrifuge for a centrifuge container arranged in the laboratory centrifuge is checked via a corresponding input device as to how many operating cycles the centrifuge container has already undergone. To give just another example, not limiting the invention, a display of the type "centrifuge container 123 has reached 76% of its life" can be produced on the laboratory centrifuge, where "123" is a marking specific to the centrifuge container.

For the type of design of the transmitting and / or receiving device of the laboratory centrifuge and in particular the antenna thereof for transmitting and / or receiving, there are many possibilities within the scope of the invention. For an embodiment of the invention, the transmission and / or receiving device a Ringsegment- or ring antenna, which is arranged in the region of a lid of the laboratory centrifuge or a bottom of the laboratory centrifuge and extends concentrically to the axis of rotation at least over a partial circumference or the entire circumference. In this case, the device of the centrifuge container and in particular an antenna thereof may be moved closely adjacent to the ring segment or loop antenna with the rotation of the laboratory centrifuge, not merely a temporary communication of the antenna of the RFID device with an antenna of the transmitting and / or Receiving device is carried out in a specific circumferential angle, but as a result of the use of the ring antenna communication over all angles of rotation (or a large range of angles of rotation) is possible. Here, in the context of the invention, the ring segment or ring antenna can be arranged concentrically or eccentrically to the axis of rotation.

Quite possible within the scope of the invention but also the use of any other antenna, such as a plate antenna, a cable antenna or a rod antenna, which may be arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation or eccentrically of this. To name just a few non-limiting examples, a cable antenna or other antenna may be ellipsoidal, rectangular or any shape, the antenna then being preferably arranged in a transverse plane to the axis of rotation and / or concentric or eccentric to the axis of rotation can be. Investigations based on the invention have shown that in some applications it may even be more favorable as a result of the reflections occurring in the stainless steel vessel of the laboratory centrifuge, if the antenna is arranged eccentrically to the axis of rotation.

Quite possible within the scope of the invention is that excitation and / or exchange of information takes place during operation of the laboratory centrifuge and all the rotational speeds passed through. For a particular proposal of the invention, one or the control device on control logic, which limits a communication and / or evaluation of information on operating areas in which there is a stoppage of the rotor. But it is also possible that the communication and / or the evaluation is limited to operating areas in which a speed of the rotor is smaller than a predetermined threshold value of the speed. This threshold value of the rotational speed is determined so that a reliable transmission of information between the RFID device and the transmitting and / or receiving device is ensured.

Another solution to the problem underlying the invention is a method for operating a centrifuge container, which is in particular a centrifuge container, as has been previously described. In this method, the same centrifuge container is used in several centrifugation processes, whereby the centrifuge container is not always operated in the same laboratory centrifuge, but in at least two laboratory centrifuges of the same type or different types. The invention is based here on the recognition that in the reciprocal operation of the centrifuge container in different laboratory centrifuges counting the cycles of Zentrifugationsprozesse, which was exposed to the centrifuge container, by the laboratory centrifuge itself is not possible. According to the invention it is proposed that the centrifuge container is first introduced into a first laboratory centrifuge. Before, with or after passing through a centrifugation process, the generation of a pulse for a cycle counter then takes place. This pulse can be generated for example by evaluating an acceleration of the centrifuge container, by opening or closing a lid of the laboratory centrifuge or the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge with the passage of the centrifugation process. The pulse is then transmitted to the centrifuge container, wherein the aforementioned communication types and paths can be used. In the storage unit of the centrifuge container, a cycle counter reading is stored, which represents how many cycles the centrifuge container has already passed. In a first use of the centrifuge container for a centrifugation process, the cycle count is thus set to zero. As a result of the pulse, the cycle count is increased by one. It then takes place storing the increased cycle count on the storage unit of the centrifuge container. It is possible that this subsequent centrifugation processes are then run through with the same laboratory centrifuge and the same centrifuge container, which then each one increase the cycle count by one. If the centrifuge container is then introduced into a second laboratory centrifuge, (according to the preceding explanations), a pulse for a cycle counter is generated by the second laboratory centrifuge with or after passing through a centrifugation process with the centrifuge container in the second laboratory centrifuge. The pulse then leads to an increase in the cycle count stored by the storage unit of the centrifuge container. It then takes place storing the increased cycle count on the storage unit of the centrifuge container. It can then be carried out a further implementation of Zentrifugationsprozessen with the second laboratory centrifuge and / or carry out further centrifugation processes again with the first laboratory centrifuge or a third laboratory centrifuge (etc.), then in each case an increase in the cycle count takes place. Thus, according to the invention, the cycle count stored on the storage unit of the centrifuge container properly reflects the cycles of centrifugation processes performed by the centrifuge container, irrespective of the laboratory centrifuge in which the centrifuge container has been used.

The use of the cycle counter reading stored in the memory unit in this way can be carried out, for example, as follows:
With the introduction of the centrifuge container in a laboratory centrifuge, the cycle counter reading can be read by the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge. If the cycle count is greater than a threshold, a centrifugation process may be blocked to avoid undue stress on the centrifuge container. Alternatively or cumulatively, a visual or audible indication may be generated on the laboratory centrifuge to signal the user that the centrifuge container has undergone a maximum number of cycles. In this case, a comparison of the cycle count by the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge with predetermined, available at the laboratory centrifuge thresholds of the cycle count can be done. It is also possible that in the RFID device of the centrifuge container for the centrifuge container, the maximum cycle number is stored, it is read by the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge and the control unit of the laboratory centrifuge, a comparison of the current cycle counter reading with the selected specific threshold value of the maximum cycle number.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the description and the drawings. The advantages of features and of combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can take effect alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention. Without thereby altering the subject matter of the appended claims, the following applies with regard to the disclosure content of the original application documents and the utility model: Further features can be found in the drawings - in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components relative to one another and their relative arrangement and operative connection. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or of features of different claims is also possible deviating from the chosen relationships of the claims and is hereby stimulated. this concerns also features that are shown in separate drawings or are mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different claims. Likewise, in the claims listed features for further embodiments of the invention can be omitted.

The features mentioned in the patent claims and the description are to be understood in terms of their number that exactly this number or a greater number than the said number is present, without requiring an explicit use of the adverb "at least". For example, when talking about an element, it should be understood that there is exactly one element, two elements or more elements. These features may be supplemented by other features or be the only characteristics that make up the product in question.

The reference numerals contained in the claims do not limit the scope of the objects protected by the claims. They are for the sole purpose of making the claims easier to understand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 und 2

zeigen stark schematisiert Ausführungsbeispiele einer Laborzentrifuge.

Fig. 3

zeigt schematisch eine Laborzentrifuge in einem Vertikalschnitt.

Fig. 4

zeigt schematisch eine Komponente eines Zentrifugenbehälters mit einer Antenne, einer Frequenzweiche und einer RFID-Einrichtung und einem Temperatursensor.

In the following the invention will be further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures.

Fig. 1 and 2

show highly schematic embodiments of a laboratory centrifuge.

Fig. 3

schematically shows a laboratory centrifuge in a vertical section.

Fig. 4

schematically shows a component of a centrifuge container with an antenna, a crossover and an RFID device and a temperature sensor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 1 is a laboratory centrifuge 1 in a centrifugal chamber 2 of the laboratory centrifuge 1 is a rotor 3 driven by a motor, on which a plurality of centrifuge containers 4a, 4b, ... (which are referred to in some embodiments as a "centrifuge cup") held, in particular suspended. The laboratory centrifuge 1 points, preferably adjacent to the centrifugation chamber 2, a transmitting and / or receiving device 5. Furthermore, the laboratory centrifuge 1 has a control device 6 and an output device 7, which is preferably a display 8.

• Kommunikation mit der Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung 5 zum Austausch von Informationen (uni- oder bi-direktional);
• Speicherung von Informationen;
• Messung einer Betriebsgröße;
• quantitative Erfassung der Betriebshäufigkeit des Zentrifugenbehälters 4, insbesondere die Gesamtdauer der Zentrifugation des Zentrifugenbehälters 4, die Zahl der Zentrifugationsprozesse, in welchen der Zentrifugenbehälter 4 eingesetzt worden ist oder ein kumuliertes Maß für die Beaufschlagung des Zentrifugenbehälters 4 mit Beschleunigungen und Kräften während der Zentrifugationsprozesse und/oder
• Ermöglichung einer nicht kabelgebundenen Anregung zwecks Energieversorgung der Einrichtung 9.

The centrifuge container 4 has an electrical or electronic device 9. The device 9 is designed to perform, for example, the following functions:

• Communication with the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 for the exchange of information (unidirectional or bi-directional);
• Storage of information;
• Measurement of a farm size;
• quantitative recording of the frequency of operation of the centrifuge container 4, in particular the total duration of centrifugation of the centrifuge container 4, the number of centrifugation processes in which the centrifuge container 4 has been used or an accumulated measure of the loading of the centrifuge container 4 with accelerations and forces during the centrifugation processes and / or
• Enabling a non-wired stimulation to energize the device 9.

For the illustrated embodiment, the device 9 has at least one antenna 10. In this case, one antenna can serve for the uni- or bi-directional exchange of information, while another antenna is used for the excitation for the power supply. But it is also possible that the exchange of information and the excitation to the power supply via the same antenna 10 is guaranteed.

Furthermore, the device 9 has an RFID device 11. The device 9 can furthermore have at least one sensor 12 for detecting an operating variable of the centrifuge container 4. The antenna 10, the RFID device 11 and the sensor 12 are formed in the usual manner and connected to each other. These may be combined to form a structural unit or arranged distributed and connected to each other via electrical connection lines. It is possible that the RFID device 11 and / or the sensor 12 are arranged on a circuit board 13. It is possible, for example, that the RFID device 11 and / or the sensor 12, in particular on the board 13, with a small distance from a rotation axis of the laboratory centrifuge 1 are arranged so that they are as small as possible Accelerations are exposed. On the other hand, the antenna 10 can be positioned freely such that optimal communication with the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 of the laboratory centrifuge 1 results. For this purpose, for example, the antenna 10 may be arranged at a location which has the smallest possible distance from the transmitting and / or receiving device 5, to which the antenna 10 is preferably arranged at a small distance from a wall 14 which delimits the centrifugation chamber 2 , In this case, the antenna 10 may be arranged at a small distance from a vertical, in particular cylindrical side wall or from the bottom or the lid of the centrifugation chamber 2.

In Fig. 1 dotted an exchange 15 of information and an excitation 16 between the antenna 10 of the device 9 of the centrifuge container 4 and an antenna 17 of the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 are shown. A communication 18 between the antennas 10, 17 may consist in the exchange 15 of the information and / or the excitation 16, wherein also an exchange 15 and an excitation 16 can take place simultaneously or the exchange 15 and the excitation 16 alternately and in different phases of operation can be done.

The following is an example of an operation of a laboratory centrifuge 1 according to Fig. 1 explained. After assembly of the centrifuge container 4 with products and suspension of the centrifuge container 4 on the rotor 3, the rotor 3 is used with the centrifuge containers 4 in the centrifugation chamber 2, and it is a drive connection with the drive of the laboratory centrifuge 1 created. In the device 9, which likewise forms a transmitting and / or receiving device 19, a marking of the associated centrifuge container 4 is stored in a memory unit. This marking may indicate the type of centrifuge container 4 used, with which several centrifuge containers 4 of the same type have the same marking. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for a marking to be stored in the form of a marking specific to each centrifuge container 4. For example, triggered by a manual input of the user of the laboratory centrifuge 1, by closing the lid of the laboratory centrifuge 1 or recording the operation of the laboratory centrifuge 1 by the control software thereof generates a control unit 20 of the transmitting and / or receiving device 5, an excitation 16 for the purpose of energy supply of the transmitter and / or receiving device 19. As a result of the excitation 16, the memory can be read and an exchange 15 of information, here the read-out label done. The thus transmitted identifier is then transmitted to the control device 6, which is an evaluation performs. This evaluation may, for example, consist in the test as to whether the type of centrifuge container 4 correlated with the labeling is correct for the laboratory centrifuge 1 or the selected centrifugation process. It is also possible that it is checked whether the right number of centrifuge containers 4 is suspended on the rotor 3. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the count of a counter of the device 9, by means of which it is counted how many centrifugation processes the centrifuge container 4 has passed through, is read out. If the test indicates that the intended type of centrifuge containers 4 is present and the correct number of centrifuge containers 4 are suspended from the rotor 3 and / or the counter readings of the centrifuge containers 4 are smaller than the maximum number of centrifugation processes which the centrifuge containers 4 are allowed to pass through, done by the control unit 6, the release of the centrifugation process. Before or during the drive of the rotor 3, an exchange 15 of information takes place between the transmitting and / or receiving devices 5, 19, in that a counting pulse for carrying out a further centrifuging process is transmitted to the transmitting and / or receiving device 19 of the centrifuge container 4, such that a stored current count of a counter of the means 9 for the number of centrifugation processes to which the centrifuge container 4 was exposed can be increased by one. During the centrifugation process or after the same, an exchange 15 of information in the form of a currently ascertained or temporarily stored measured value of the sensor 12 to the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 can take place with subsequent processing by the control device 6.

Preferably, before or after a centrifugation process, an exchange 15 of information takes place in the form of the current counter reading. The control device 6 compares the current counter reading with a threshold value. Detects the controller 6 based on this comparison that the maximum allowable count is reached, the controller 6 generates an output on the display 8 such that the user is signaled that the centrifuge container 4 has passed through the maximum number of permissible centrifugation processes. In this case, the control device 6 preferably also generates an output on the display 8, which makes it possible to identify the centrifuge container 4 among the majority of the centrifuge container 4 arranged in the laboratory centrifuge 1, which is done, in particular, by displaying the marking specific to the centrifuge container 4.

It is possible that the exchange 15 of information and / or an excitation 16 for the different centrifuge containers 4 takes place with the same or different excitation frequencies and / or exchange frequencies.

Fig. 2 also shows a schematic diagram of a modified embodiment. Here, the RFID device 11 and the sensor 12 are not arranged on a common board 13. Rather, here form the antenna 10 and the RFID device 11, a structural unit 21, while the sensor 12 is formed separately and u. U. also spaced from the assembly 21 is arranged. In this case, the communication 18 of the transmitting and / or receiving device 19 of the centrifuge container 4 does not take place with the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 of the laboratory centrifuge 1, but rather with a transmitting and / or receiving device 22 of the rotor 3. This can, for example have an antenna 23, via which the communication 18 takes place, and a control device 24 for controlling a possible excitation 16 and / or exchange 15. The transmitting and / or receiving device 22 of the rotor 3 is in communication 25 with the transmitting and This communication 25 can be wired, for example via a sliding contact between the rotor 3 and the laboratory centrifuge 1, take place. For the illustrated embodiment, the communication 25 but also wirelessly. For this purpose, the transmitting and / or receiving device 22 has an antenna 26, via which the communication 25 with the antenna 17 of the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 takes place.

Fig. 3 shows very schematically the laboratory centrifuge 1 with the rotatably mounted about a rotation axis 27 and driven rotor 3 and about pivot axes 28a, 28b, ... suspended centrifuge containers 4a, 4b, ... Here are the devices 9a, 9b, ... im Area of the lid of the centrifuge container 4 is arranged. The centrifugation chamber 2 is closed with a cover 29. On the cover 29, a ring antenna 30 is held on the centrifugation chamber 2 side facing. The ring antenna 30 is disposed concentric with the axis of rotation 27 and located at a small distance from the devices 9a, 9b, ... and the antennas 10a, 10b, ... thereof to allow short transmission paths.

Fig. 4 shows by way of example and highly schematic an electrical circuit diagram of a device 9. The antenna 10 is connected via a branch 31 in a first line branch 32 via a first filter 33 to the sensor 12. Furthermore, the antenna 10 is connected via the branch 31 in a second line branch 34 via a second filter 35 to the RFID device 11 connected. The first leg 32 has a demodulator 36 (acting in the direction from the antenna 10 to the sensor 12) and a modulator 37 (acting in the direction from the sensor 12 to the antenna 10), the demodulator 36 and the modulator 37 preferably between the filter 33 and the sensor 12 are arranged. It is possible for the demodulator 36 and / or the modulator 37 to have a diode 38 with a downstream low-pass filter or a capacitor.

Preferably, the first filter 33 is a high pass while the second filter 35 is a low pass. The high pass and the low pass have no overlap in terms of their patency. It is also possible that the filters 33, 35 are designed as bandpass filters without overlapping. It is further possible that the junction 31 and the filters 33, 35 are formed by a diplexer or a so-called diplexer, at the input of which the antenna 10 is connected and at the outputs of which the sensor 12 and the RFID device 11 are connected.

For a possible embodiment of the sensor 12 forms a vibratory system, wherein the resonant circuit of the sensor 12 is formed with a quartz 39. The resonant frequency of the resonant circuit is dependent on the temperature to which the sensor 12 is exposed due to the temperature dependence of the behavior of the quartz 39, whereby the sensor 12 is a temperature sensor.

The RFID device 11 has a memory 40. In the memory 40 a specific for the centrifuge container 4 characteristic 41 is stored. The parameter 41 allows a unique identification of the associated centrifuge container 4. The parameter 41 may be, for example, a serial number or a serial or product number. It is also possible that the parameter 41 is a calibration parameter which can describe the behavior of the sensor 12, in this case the specific dependence of the resonance frequency on the temperature acting on the quartz 39. Such a parameter may be, for example, a calibration factor, a calibration curve, a calibration function or a calibration map.

A device 9 according to Fig. 4 allows the following operation:
If an excitation 16 of the device 9 with an excitation frequency which can pass through the second filter 35, but does not pass the first filter 33, can be a power supply the RFID device 11 are ensured by this excitation, and it can be an exchange 15 of information, here the characteristic 41, take place. The resonant circuit formed by the quartz 39 of the sensor 12 has a temperature-dependent resonant frequency. The resonant circuit is excited to oscillate at the resonant frequency by means of excitation 16, with a design of the resonant circuit such that, in the expected temperature range, the resonant frequency is in a frequency range which allows excitation in resonance with an excitation frequency of the excitation 16 which is the first Filter 33 can happen, but the second filter 35 does not happen. In this case, the temperature can be determined by means of the transmitting and / or receiving device 5 or 22 by the variation of the excitation frequency and the search of the resonance via a calibration characteristic which describes the dependence of the resonance frequency on the temperature. Preferably, an excitation 16 may have a carrier frequency in the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, while the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit of the sensor 12 may be, for example, in a range of 32 KHz to 67 KHz or 170 KHz to 250 KHz. On the other hand, the RFID device 11 is excited at a frequency of 868 MHz or 915 MHz, whereby changes of ± 5% or ± 10% of these frequencies are also possible. If a plurality of centrifuge containers 4 with associated sensors are used in a laboratory centrifuge 1 or in several laboratory centrifuges 1, the resonant circuits of the sensors 12 can have resonance frequencies in different, non-overlapping resonant frequency ranges.

Preferably, a coupling of the centrifuge container 4 to the rotor 3 in the region of the pivot axis 28 via a coupling region 42, which sets an orientation of the centrifuge container 4 relative to the rotation axis 27 such that the centrifuge container 4 only with a predetermined side, which faces the axis of rotation 27 , can be coupled to the rotor 3.

Preferably, according to Fig. 1 a communication 18 of the RFID device 11 of the centrifuge container 4 directly to the laboratory centrifuge 1 and the housing thereof. In this case, an antenna 17 of the laboratory centrifuge can be designed as a cable antenna, for which purpose preferably a so-called locfield antenna ("LOCFIELD" is a registered trademark) can be used with a length in the range of 0.5 m to 1.5 m or 0, 8 meters to 1.2 meters. The cable antenna may then be integrated into the cover 29, for which purpose the cover 29 may have a partially annular or annular groove or recess in which the cable antenna extends over a partial circumference or over the entire circumference about the axis of rotation 27 extends. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that a plate antenna is used, which is integrated in particular in a recess of the lid and is preferably covered in the direction of the centrifugation chamber 2 protective and / or sealing. Preferably, the communication with at least one of the aforementioned, integrated in the lid 29 antenna by means of UHF frequencies.

It is also possible that the antenna 17, possibly with the interposition of a transmitting and / or receiving device of the centrifuge container 4 and / or the rotor 3, communicates with a sample container such as a blood bag, preferably by means of a communication with an RFID device of the sample container , In this way, a transmission of information to the sample container to the control unit 20 of the laboratory centrifuge 1, for example, the type of sample, a type identification of the sample, a specific sample number of the sample, the date of filling the sample container u. This information can then be displayed to the user on a display of the laboratory centrifuge 1 or stored by the laboratory centrifuge 1 or externally thereof.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

laboratory centrifuge

2

centrifugation chamber

3

rotor

4

centrifuge container

5

Transmitting and / or receiving device

6

control device

7

output device

8th

display

9

electrical / electronic device

10

antenna

11

RFID device

12

sensor

13

circuit board

14

wall

15

exchange

16

stimulation

17

antenna

18

communication

19

Transmitting and / or receiving device

20

control unit

21

unit

22

Transmitting and / or receiving device

23

antenna

24

control device

25

communication

26

antenna

27

axis of rotation

28

swivel axis

29

cover

30

ring antenna

31

branch

32

first wiring harness

33

first filter

34

second wiring harness

35

second filter

36

demodulator

37

modulator

38

diode

39

quartz

40

Storage

41

parameter

42

coupling region

Claims (16)

Centrifuge container (4) for a laboratory centrifuge (1), characterized in that the centrifuge container (4) has an RFID device (11). Centrifuge container (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that a) a coupling region (42) for a coupling of the centrifuge container (4) with a rotor (3) is present, which specifies an orientation of the centrifuge container (4) relative to a rotation axis (27) of the rotor (3), and b) a device (9) having the RFID device (11) is arranged at least partially on the side of the centrifuge container (4), which faces the axis of rotation (27) in the state of the centrifuge container (4) coupled to the rotor (3) is. Centrifuge container (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that a) an antenna (10) of the device (9) on the side of the centrifuge container (4) is arranged, which in the coupled to the rotor (3) state of the centrifuge container (4) facing away from the axis of rotation (27), and b) further components of the device (9) on the side of the centrifuge container (4) are arranged, which in the coupled to the rotor (3) state of the centrifuge container (4) of the rotation axis (27) faces. Centrifuge container (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a) a coupling region (42) for a coupling of the centrifuge container (4) with a rotor (3) is present, which specifies an orientation of the centrifuge container (4) relative to a rotation axis (27) of the rotor (3), and b) an antenna (10) of the device (9) or RFID device (11) on the side of the centrifuge container (4) is arranged, which in the coupled to the rotor (3) state of the centrifuge container (4) the lid or the Bottom of the laboratory centrifuge (4) faces. Centrifuge container (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (9) or RFID device (11) comprises an antenna (10) via which the RFID device (11) are supplied with power wirelessly by a power source can, which is arranged outside the centrifuge container (4). Centrifuge container (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) at least one sensor (12) for detecting an operating variable is present and / or b) a memory unit for storing at least one operating variable is present. Centrifuge container (4) according to claim 6, characterized in that a) a number of operating cycles, which has passed through the centrifuge container (4), and / or b) a centrifugation period and / or c) an angular velocity of the rotation of the centrifuge container (4) and / or d) an acceleration of the centrifuge container (4) and / or e) a swing angle of the centrifuge container (4) and / or f) a temperature is detected by the sensor (12) and / or stored by the memory unit. Centrifuge container (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (9) or RFID device (11) is at least partially disposed in a recess of a component of the centrifuge container (4) and is covered by a radiation-permeable cover member. Centrifuge container (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (9) or RFID device (11) has a transmitting and / or receiving device, via which the RFID device (11) a) can receive information from at least one sample container contained in the centrifuge container (4) and / or b) can send information to at least one sample container contained in the centrifuge container (4). Laboratory centrifuge (1), in particular with at least one centrifuge container (4) held on a rotor (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laboratory centrifuge (1) has a transmitting and / or receiving device (5) for a communication (18 ) With a) a device (9) or RFID device (11) at least one of a rotor (3) held centrifuge container (4) according to one of the preceding claims and / or b) a rotor (3) which communicates with a device (9) or RFID device (11) of at least one centrifuge container (4) held on a rotor (3) according to one of the preceding claims, having. Laboratory centrifuge (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that a control device (6) is present, which has control logic which carries out an evaluation of information of the transmitting and / or receiving device (5) to the effect a) with which number of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) of the rotor (3) is equipped and / or b) with which type or types of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) the rotor (3) is equipped and / or c) whether the rotor (3) is equipped with the required number of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) and / or d) if the rotor (3) is equipped with the right type or types of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...) and / or e) with which centrifugation profile for the at least one type of centrifuge container (4a, 4b, ...), with which or the rotor (3) is equipped, the centrifugation process must be performed. Laboratory centrifuge (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that one or the control device (6) has control logic which, in the event that the evaluation of information of the transmitting and / or receiving device (5) shows that a) the rotor (3) is not equipped with the required number of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...). and or b) the rotor (3) is not equipped with the right type or types of centrifuge containers (4a, 4b, ...), generates an error signal and / or restricts or prevents operation of the laboratory centrifuge (1). Laboratory centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that one or the control device (6) has control logic which generates a signal which is dependent on the number of operating cycles which the centrifuge container (4) has undergone. Laboratory centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the transmitting and / or receiving device (5) for the communication (18) with at least one on a rotor (3) held centrifuge container (4) has a ring antenna (30) which in the region of a lid (29) of the laboratory centrifuge (1) or a bottom of a centrifugation chamber (2) of the laboratory centrifuge (1) is arranged. Laboratory centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that one or the control device (6) has control logic, which includes a communication (18) and / or evaluation on operating ranges a) at a standstill and / or b) at speeds which are less than a threshold value of the speed, limited. Method for operating a centrifuge container (4), in particular a centrifuge container (4) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in several centrifuging processes in at least two laboratory centrifuges (1), in particular in at least two laboratory centrifuges (1) according to one of claims 10 to 15, with the following process steps: a) introducing the centrifuge container (4) into a first laboratory centrifuge (1a), b) generation of a pulse for a cycle counter, c) increasing a cycle count stored by a storage unit of the centrifuge container (4) due to the generated pulse, d) storing the increased cycle count on the storage unit of the centrifuge container (4), e) introducing the centrifuge container (4) into a second laboratory centrifuge (1b), f) generating a pulse for a cycle counter, g) increasing the cycle count stored by the storage unit of the centrifuge container (4) as a result of the generated pulse, h) storing the increased cycle count on the storage unit of the centrifuge container (4).

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