EP3725413A1 - Centrifuge temperature control - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a centrifuge (10) with temperature control and a method for centrifuge temperature control. The centrifuge, which is designed in particular as a laboratory centrifuge (10), has a centrifuge container (30) in which a centrifuge rotor (28) can be accommodated, a centrifuge motor (26) for driving the centrifuge rotor (28), a housing (12) a bottom (20) and side walls (16, 17, 18), the centrifuge container (30), the centrifuge rotor (28) and the centrifuge motor (26) being accommodated in the housing (12), and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the centrifuge rotor (28), wherein the temperature control device has air guiding means (38) which are adapted to suck in air (160) in a lower region (151) into the centrifuge container (30). This temperature control of the centrifuge (10) works more effectively than before, and at the same time heat-emitting centrifuge components (26, 34, 36), such as centrifuge motor (26) and electronic components (34, 36) can be cooled. In addition, this temperature control also works when a safety container (32) is arranged around the centrifuge container (30).

Description

The present invention relates to a centrifuge with temperature control according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for centrifuge temperature control according to the preamble of claim 11.

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

The samples to be centrifuged are stored in sample containers and these sample containers are driven to rotate by means of a centrifuge rotor. Usually there are fixed-angle rotors and swing-bucket rotors that are used depending on the application. The sample containers can contain the samples directly, or separate sample containers containing the sample are used in the sample container, so that a large number of samples can be centrifuged simultaneously in one sample container.

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

In addition to such predetermined maximum temperatures of, for example, approx. + 40 ° C and standard test temperatures such as 4 ° C, other standard test temperatures are also provided, such as 11 ° C, in order to check at this temperature whether the refrigeration system of the centrifuge is below room temperature regulated runs. On the other hand, for reasons of occupational safety, it is necessary to prevent touching elements that have a temperature of greater than or equal to 60 ° C. Comparative values are given in DIN EN 61010-1: 2011-07, Table 19.

In principle, active and passive systems can be used for temperature control. Active cooling systems have a refrigerant circuit that regulates the temperature of the centrifuge container (centrifuge vessel), which indirectly cools the centrifuge rotor and the sample containers held in it.

Passive systems are based on exhaust air-assisted cooling or ventilation. This air is guided directly past the centrifuge rotor and thus also past the sample containers contained therein, whereby temperature control takes place. The air is fed into the centrifuge container from above, with the suction taking place automatically through the rotation of the centrifuge rotor.

The disadvantage of this passive temperature control is that it is not very effective.

In addition, centrifuge components need to be cooled in order to prevent the heat generated there from being radiated onto the samples. Additional cooling equipment is required for this.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a laboratory centrifuge with a temperature control that works more effectively. In particular, this temperature control should also enable the centrifuge components to be cooled at the same time. The temperature control should preferably also function in the presence of a safety container (safety boiler, armored boiler) around the centrifuge container.

Whenever a “temperature control of the centrifuge rotor” is mentioned in the context of the present invention, then a temperature control of the material received in the centrifuge rotor, ie in particular the sample container and samples received therein, is also meant. In addition, "temperature control" means not only cooling, but also heating.

This object is achieved with the centrifuge according to the invention according to claim 1 and the method according to the invention according to claim 11. Advantageous developments are given in the dependent claims and the following description, also in connection with the figures.

The inventors have recognized that this object can be achieved particularly easily and efficiently if the air is sucked into the centrifuge container in a lower area of the centrifuge container.

As a result, the air now enters the centrifuge container below the centrifuge rotor. This increases the cooling effect because a natural air flow is now supported by the fact that the air enters the centrifuge container in a cool state and, after being heated by the centrifuge rotor, can exit the centrifuge container warm.

The centrifuge according to the invention, in particular laboratory centrifuge, with a centrifuge container in which a centrifuge rotor can be accommodated, a centrifuge motor for driving the centrifuge rotor, a housing with a bottom and side walls, the centrifuge container, the centrifuge rotor and the centrifuge motor being accommodated in the housing, and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the centrifuge rotor is therefore characterized in that the temperature control device has air guide means which are adapted to suck air into the centrifuge container in a lower region of the centrifuge container. This suction is preferably carried out by rotating the centrifuge rotor; as an alternative or in addition, separate ventilation means could also be used.

In an advantageous further development, these air guiding means have one or more openings in the bottom area of the centrifuge container. This means that the centrifuge has a particularly simple structure.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means are set up to suck in supply air through the bottom and / or at least one side wall of the centrifuge housing, this supply air preferably being passed directly from the centrifuge housing to the centrifuge container without heat-emitting elements of the centrifuge, in particular the centrifuge motor and / or electronic Components of the centrifuge, in contact too come. As a result, very short air flow paths are achieved before the air enters the centrifuge container and the cooling performance is improved because the supply air cannot be heated by components that emit heat from the centrifuge. In this context, side walls are not only side walls, but also the front and rear of the housing.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means are set up to guide exhaust air from the centrifuge container past the centrifuge motor and / or past electronic components of the centrifuge, the exhaust air preferably being guided first past the centrifuge motor and then past the electronic components. As a result, in addition to temperature control of the centrifuge container, the further centrifuge components can also be cooled at the same time, whereby the temperature control performance is further improved.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means are set up to guide exhaust air from the centrifuge container along the outside of the centrifuge container. This makes the use of the cooling effect of the supply air particularly effective.

In an advantageous development, the centrifuge furthermore has a safety container which at least partially encloses the centrifuge container, the air ducting means preferably being set up to guide exhaust air from the centrifuge container between the centrifuge container and the safety container. As a result, the centrifuge meets the highest safety standards, and yet the temperature control is very efficient and the cooling device is kept very compact.

In an advantageous further development, the safety container has one or more openings for the supply air in its bottom area. Then the air duct is particularly short and, moreover, this design does not reduce safety, because the centrifuge motor is usually arranged in the bottom area of the safety container, which is used to absorb energy in the event of a crash (the centrifuge rotor crashes in accordance with DIN EN 61010-2-020: 2017-12 ) cares.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means are designed to be thermally insulated at least in some areas and / or the centrifuge container is on its Provide thermal insulation on the outside in the area of the air duct. Then the temperature control is particularly efficient, whereby thermal bridges and thermal short circuits are avoided.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means are designed as a molded part, in particular a molded foam part, preferably made of polypropylene or polyurethane. The air guiding means can then be produced particularly simply and inexpensively.

In an advantageous development, at least one soundproof foam element, preferably made of polyurethane, is used for soundproofing. Noise development caused by the air duct can then be effectively dampened towards a user.

In an advantageous development, the air ducting means are multi-part, preferably consisting of a lower part for supplying the supply air to the centrifuge container and for discharging the exhaust air to the centrifuge motor and / or to the electronic components and an upper part for discharging the exhaust air from the centrifuge container into the space between the centrifuge container and containment. Then the centrifuge is particularly easy to assemble.

In an advantageous further development, the lower part is formed from two horizontally separated pieces, whereby it is preferably provided that one piece is arranged between the bottom of the housing and the safety container and the other piece is arranged between the safety container and the centrifuge container. This improves the mountability in the case of a security container.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means are adapted to guide the supply air into the centrifuge container in the direction of rotation of the centrifuge rotor and / or to introduce the supply air into the centrifuge container close to the axis of rotation. The guidance in the direction of rotation means that the air is routed particularly efficiently. Due to the supply air close to the axis, a centrifuge rotor effect is created, which increases the air flow.

In an advantageous development, the air guide means are adapted to collect the exhaust air and collect it on the centrifuge motor and / or the electronic components to lead past. This results in particularly effective cooling of the other centrifuge components.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means are adapted to extract the air moved in the centrifuge container by the centrifuge rotor at the edge of the centrifuge container. This supports the spinning wheel effect.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means have a rough surface, at least in some areas. As a result, local turbulences occur, which overall lead to a reduction in the flow resistance.

In an advantageous development, the air guide means have at least one optionally closable air guide. As a result, the start of the centrifuge rotor when the centrifuge is started or the braking of the centrifuge rotor when the centrifuge is stopped can be supported by reducing or eliminating the supply air when the centrifuge is started and increasing the supply air when the centrifuge is stopped. The closure can for example be provided by a closable and openable flap.

In an advantageous development, the air guide means at least partially surround the centrifuge motor horizontally. Preferably there is a complete horizontal enclosure between the housing base and the safety container or centrifuge container except for at least one exhaust air inlet and at least one exhaust air outlet. Then there is a specially defined air flow and thus a cooling effect on the centrifuge motor.

Independent protection is claimed for the method according to the invention for controlling the temperature of a centrifuge rotor of a centrifuge, in particular a laboratory centrifuge, with a centrifuge container in which a centrifuge rotor can be accommodated, a centrifuge motor for driving the centrifuge rotor, a housing with a bottom and side walls, with the housing the centrifuge container, the centrifuge rotor and the centrifuge motor are accommodated, and a temperature control device for temperature control of the centrifuge rotor, which is characterized in that air ducting means are used that are adapted (in particular by the rotation of the centrifuge rotor) to suck air in a lower area into the centrifuge container.

In an advantageous further development, the centrifuge according to the invention is used.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means of the centrifuge according to the invention are used.

In an advantageous development, air is introduced into the centrifuge container close to the axis and removed from the centrifuge container away from the axis. As a result, centrifugal forces and, with the help of the centrifuge rotor, a paddle wheel effect can be used to support the air flow.

In an advantageous development, when the centrifuge is started, the supply air is at least partially throttled, preferably prevented. As a result, the centrifuge can be started without a lot of energy, because the air friction resistance of the centrifuge rotor is reduced.

In an advantageous development, the supply air to the centrifuge container is increased when the centrifuge is stopped. Then the stopping of the centrifuge rotor is accelerated by air friction.

In an advantageous development, the temperature of the centrifuge rotor or the samples received therein is set by controlling the air flow through the centrifuge container. This results in a particularly simple temperature control.

For the three aforementioned developments, an air control can be provided which controls the amount of air as a function of a start or stop command and / or the speed of the centrifuge rotor.

Fig. 1

die erfindungsgemäße Zentrifuge in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 2

die erfindungsgemäße Zentrifuge nach Fig. 1 in einer vertikalen Schnittansicht,

Fig. 3

die erfindungsgemäße Zentrifuge nach Fig. 1 in einer ersten horizontalen Schnittansicht x-x,

Fig. 4

die erfindungsgemäße Zentrifuge nach Fig. 1 in einer zweiten horizontalen Schnittansicht y-y,

Fig. 5

das eine Stück des unteren Teils der Luftführungsmittel der erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifuge nach Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von oben,

Fig. 6

das eine Stück nach Fig. 5 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von unten,

Fig. 7

das andere Stück des unteren Teils der Luftführungsmittel der erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifuge nach Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von oben,

Fig. 8

das andere Stück nach Fig. 7 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von unten,

Fig. 9

den oberen Teil der Luftführungsmittel der erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifuge nach Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von oben,

Fig. 10

den oberen Teil nach Fig. 9 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von unten,

Fig. 11

eine Ansicht in den Sicherheitsbehälter der erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifuge nach Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von oben in einer Teildarstellung

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht auf den Zentrifugenbehälter der erfindungsgemäßen Zentrifuge nach Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von oben in einer Teildarstellung.

The characteristics and further advantages of the present invention will become clear in the following on the basis of the description of a preferred exemplary embodiment in connection with the figures. It shows purely schematically:

Fig. 1

the centrifuge according to the invention in a perspective view,

Fig. 2

the centrifuge according to the invention Fig. 1 in a vertical sectional view,

Fig. 3

the centrifuge according to the invention Fig. 1 in a first horizontal sectional view xx,

Fig. 4

the centrifuge according to the invention Fig. 1 in a second horizontal sectional view yy,

Fig. 5

one piece of the lower part of the air guiding means of the centrifuge according to the invention Fig. 1 in a perspective view from above,

Fig. 6

the one piece after Fig. 5 in a perspective view from below,

Fig. 7

the other piece of the lower part of the air guide means of the centrifuge according to the invention Fig. 1 in a perspective view from above,

Fig. 8

the other piece after Fig. 7 in a perspective view from below,

Fig. 9

the upper part of the air guiding means of the centrifuge according to the invention Fig. 1 in a perspective view from above,

Fig. 10

the upper part after Fig. 9 in a perspective view from below,

Fig. 11

a view into the safety container of the centrifuge according to the invention Fig. 1 in a perspective view from above in a partial representation

Fig. 12

a view of the centrifuge container of the centrifuge according to the invention Fig. 1 in a perspective view from above in a partial representation.

In the Figures 1 to 12 the centrifuge 10 according to the invention and its most important components are shown in numerous views.

It can be seen that the centrifuge according to the invention is a laboratory centrifuge 10 which according to FIG Fig. 1 a centrifuge housing 12 with a centrifuge lid 14, side walls 16, a rear wall 17, a front 18 and a bottom 20. An operating unit 22 is integrated in the front 18 in the usual manner. The side walls 16 and also the rear wall 17 have ventilation openings (not shown), in the form of slots, through which air can pass into and out of the centrifuge housing 12.

In the Figs. 2 to 4 it can be seen that the laboratory centrifuge 10 has a centrifuge motor 26 which drives a centrifuge rotor 28, which can be removed, when appropriately controlled. In the centrifuge rotor 28, sample receptacles for sample vessels (both not shown) are arranged in the usual manner, and samples taken up in the sample vessels can then be centrifuged.

The centrifuge rotor 28 runs in a centrifuge container 30 made of stainless steel, which is surrounded by a safety container 32, which prevents rotor components from penetrating the centrifuge housing 12 in the event of a crash. This safety container 32 is designed to be reinforced accordingly. The centrifuge container 30 is in Fig. 11 shown in more detail and the containment 32 is shown in FIG Fig. 12 shown in more detail.

The laboratory centrifuge 10 has electronic components 34 for operating and controlling and regulating the laboratory centrifuge 10, as above all Fig. 3 becomes clear. For improved heat radiation, a cooling fin element 36 is provided, the cooling fins (not shown) of which run horizontally.

In addition, air guide means 38 are arranged in the laboratory centrifuge 10, which are shown in detail in FIGS Figures 5 to 10 are shown in more detail. These air guide means 38 are formed from an upper part 40 and a lower part 42, the lower part 42 in turn being subdivided into one piece 44 and another piece 46.

One piece 44 of the lower part 42 of the air guiding means 38 has according to the Fig. 5 and 6 an approximately bowl-shaped shape which opens upwards with a raised edge 48. In the edge 48 two laterally opposite recesses 50 are provided.

In the middle of the one piece 44 there is a central opening 54 which is intended to encompass the centrifuge motor 26.

Furthermore, the one piece 44 has four first 56 and two second connecting pieces 58, these connecting pieces each having passages 60, 62 through the one piece 44. The passages 62 through the second connection pieces 58 correspond to the respective recess 50. Inside and outside with respect to the Connection pieces 56, 58 are provided with circumferential projections 64, 66 in the form of ribs which delimit a first connection area 67 between them.

In Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 it can be seen that the passages 60 extend parallel to the direction of rotation D of the centrifuge rotor 28 in a spiral shape in the direction of the axis of rotation A.

The other piece 46 of the lower part 42 of the air guiding means 38 has according to the Fig. 7 and 8th has an approximately tire-shaped shape with a central recess 68 which is intended for the spaced-apart horizontal housing of the centrifuge motor 26.

The other piece 46 has a partially circumferential edge 70 and inner second connection areas 72, 74, which have four first 76 and two second recesses 78 with corresponding passages 80, 82 corresponding to the connection pieces 56, 58. These second connection areas 72, 74 are in turn surrounded by circumferential projections 84, 86 in the form of ribs, a connecting projection 88 in the form of a rib between the circumferential projections 84, 86 and a connection projection 90 in the form of a rib on the projection 86 being arranged .

The central recess 68 corresponds to an exhaust air supply line 92 and an exhaust air discharge line 94 and has three fillets 96, which are intended for the spaced-apart enclosure of corresponding fastening elements 98 of the centrifuge motor 26 in the housing base 20 (cf. Fig. 3 ).

In the exhaust air supply line 92 there is a curved wedge 100 which brings the two passages 82 of the two two second recesses 78 together and directs them in the direction of the central recess 68 and the exhaust air discharge line 96. The passages 82, which are exactly opposite one another in the second recesses 78 with respect to the axis of rotation A of the centrifuge rotor 28, thus each describe a 90 ° bend under the second connection areas 72, 74 and the edge 70, whereby they, as in FIG Fig. 3 can be seen, coming from the depressions 78, first merge radially outward into the edge 70 and then run around this edge 70 up to the wedge 100 and the exhaust air supply line 92.

The two passages 82 are surrounded by a common projection 102 in the form of a rib. The four passages 80 open into two oppositely arranged third connection areas 104, 106 with corresponding supply air connections 108, which are also designed as projections. The connection areas 104, 106 are in turn surrounded by circumferential projections 110, 112. The circumferential projections 110, 112 and 102 are designed to partially overlap. There is also a connecting protrusion 114.

One piece 44 of the lower part 42 of the air guiding means 38 points out loud Fig. 5 likewise connecting projections 116, 118 in the form of ribs, which surround the passages 60, 62 in areas, with connections 120, 122 being recessed in each case. In addition, connecting projections 124, 126, 128 in the form of ribs are provided.

In the Figures 9 and 10 it can be seen that the upper part 40 of the air guide means 38 is designed like a hoop, the hoop having a collar 130 running around the inside. In addition, there are formations 132, 134, 136 which are used to fasten and align the upper part 40 with respect to the safety container 32 and the upper part 138 of the housing 12. The axial projection 140, which is designed as a continuous rib, serves to seal off the safety container 32.

In Fig. 11 it can be seen that the safety container 32 has openings 144, 146 in its bottom 142 for connection to the passages 80, 82 of the other piece 46 of the lower part 42 of the air guiding means 38, bores 148 for fastening the safety container 32 to the bottom 20 of the housing 12 and has a central opening 150 for receiving the centrifuge motor 26.

Due to the circumferential projections 84, 86 as well as the connecting projection 88 and the connection projection 90, the second connection areas 72, 74 do not lie directly on the safety container 32, but a tolerance compensation is effected, whereby the accuracy of fit when connecting the safety container 32 and the other pieces 46 of the lower part 42 is improved because the projections 84, 86, 88, 90 can be pressed very easily.

In Fig. 12 Finally, it can be seen that the centrifuge container 30, which is inserted in the one piece 44 of the lower part 42, has a bottom 151, which in FIG Fig. 12 is only partially shown (with an actually non-existent annular recess to clarify the air flow paths) (cf. Fig. 2 ). Below the bottom 151 there is a sleeve 152 around the centrifuge motor 26 (cf. Fig. 2 and 4th ), which is fixed in the one piece 44 with its outer circumference (cf. Fig. 2 ), thereby acting as a seal and, together with the bottom 151 of the centrifuge container 30, forms an air duct space 153 which communicates with the four connections 120.

Here, too, there is again a very good fit and at the same time sealing of the passages 60 and the connections 120 by the projections 116, 118, 126, 128, which can be pressed (compressible) and compensate for tolerances.

The centrifuge container 30 with the one piece 44 of the lower part 42 is in the assembled state Fig. 2 in the security container 32 Fig. 11 used.

The openings 144, 146 of the containment 32 close in cross-section with the respective cross-sections of the recesses 76, 78, so that the connecting pieces 56, 58 can fit into the recesses 76, 78 in order to thereby connect the passages 60, 62 with the passages 80 To connect 82 sealed. As a result, no incoming or outgoing air can escape in the connection area between the other piece 46, the safety container 32 and a piece 44, but is guided completely through the air ducts 154, 156 formed.

Because the other piece 46 of the lower part 42 has projections 102, 110, 112, 114, the other piece 46 again does not lie fully on the bottom 20 of the housing, which ensures tolerance compensation.

The supply air connections 108 engage accordingly in the assembled state Fig. 2 directly into corresponding openings 158 in the bottom 20 of the housing 12, resulting in a total of a closed air duct 160, 162 from supply air 160 and exhaust air 162.

More precisely, the supply air 160 is sucked in through the four openings 158 located in the base 20 and into the supply air connections 108 and the ducts 80 convicted. From there, the supply air is transferred to the connecting pieces 56 and through the ducts 60 via the connections 120 to the air duct space 153 formed by the sleeve 152 and the bottom 151 of the centrifuge container 30 and from there through the annular gap 163 between the centrifuge container 30 and the sleeve 152 of the centrifuge motor 26 formed inlet opening 163 is transported close to the axis into the centrifuge container 30.

The rotation of the centrifuge rotor 28 in the direction of rotation results in a centrifugal wheel effect, as a result of which the exhaust air is thrown to the outside of the centrifuge container 30 and is thereby accelerated. As a result, the intake air 160 takes place automatically, this effect being further supported by the fact that Fig. 4 the passages 60 run in the direction of rotation in a spiral inward.

The supply air 160 enters the annular gap 164 located between the centrifuge container 30 and the upper part 138 of the housing 12 (the annular gap 164 is delimited by the upper flange 165 of the centrifuge container 30 and the upper part 138 of the housing 12) and is passed through the upper part 40 with the projection 130 into the space 166 between the centrifuge container 30 and the safety container 32, which extends around the centrifuge container 30. This exhaust air 162 is passed through the two recesses 50 and the connections 122 to the passages 62 and from there into the passages 82. From the passages 82, the exhaust air 162 is passed on into the exhaust air channels 156 until it hits the wedge 100 and from there is passed there past the centrifuge motor 26 in the direction of the cooling fin element 36 and the electronic components 34.

The flow directions of supply air 160 and exhaust air 162 are each indicated by arrows.

It can be seen that the supply air is introduced into the centrifuge container 30 directly from the cold bottom area, bypassing the warm areas of the centrifuge 10. This takes place without any support from fans and the like, because the rotation of the centrifuge rotor 28 causes a centrifugal wheel effect, as a result of which the supply air 160 is sucked into the centrifuge container 30. This results in a particularly effective cooling of the centrifuge rotor 28 with the samples contained therein and the centrifuge container 30.

The supply air 160 then flows over the annular gap 164 and is guided into contact with the centrifuge container 26 in the space 166 between the centrifuge container 26 and the safety container 32, which results in further cooling of the centrifuge container 26 and thus the centrifuge rotor 28 with the samples contained therein.

Finally, after the centrifuge container 30 has been cooled, the exhaust air 162 is also used to cool the centrifuge motor 26 and the electronic components 34 and their cooling device 36, whereby the heat input of these elements 26, 34, 36 into the centrifuge container 30 is reduced from the start, which ultimately also leads to a cooling of centrifuge container 30 and centrifuge rotor 28 with the samples contained therein leads.

From the above illustration it has also become clear that a centrifuge 10 is provided with a temperature control which works more effectively than temperature-controlled centrifuges that have been used up to now. At the same time, this temperature control can also be used to cool heat-emitting centrifuge components, such as centrifuge motor 26 and electronic components 34, 36. In addition, this temperature control also works if a safety container 32 is arranged around the centrifuge container 30.

Unless stated otherwise, all features of the present invention can be combined with one another freely and isolated from other features. Unless otherwise stated, the features described in the description of the figures can also be freely and isolated combined with the other features, in particular the claims features, as features of the invention. Features of the device can also be used in reformulated form as method features and method features in reformulated form as device features.

List of reference symbols

10

centrifuge according to the invention, laboratory centrifuge

12

Centrifuge housing

14th

Centrifuge lid

16

side walls

17th

Back wall

18th

front

20th

ground

22nd

Control unit

26th

Centrifuge motor

28

Centrifuge rotor

30th

Centrifuge container

32

Security container

34

electronic components of the centrifuge 10

36

Cooling fin element

38

Air ducting means

40

upper part of the air guiding means 38

42

lower part of the air guide means 38

44

a piece of the lower part 42 of the air guiding means 38

46

another piece of the lower part 42 of the air guiding means 38

48

raised edge of one piece 44

50

two laterally opposite recesses in the edge 48

54

central opening of one piece 44

56

four first connecting pieces

58

two second connection pieces

60

The four first connecting pieces 56 pass through

62

Passages of the two second connection pieces 58

64, 66

circumferential projections, ribs

67

first connection area

68

central recess of the other piece 46

70

partially circumferential edge 70 of the other piece 46

72, 74

second connection areas

76

four first wells

78

two second wells

80

Passing through of the four first depressions 76

82

Passing through of the two second depressions 78

84, 86

circumferential projections, ribs

88

Connecting protrusion, rib

90

Connection protrusion, rib

92

Exhaust air supply

94

Exhaust air discharge

96

three fillets

98

Fastening elements of the centrifuge motor 26 in the housing base 20

100

curved wedge

102

common projection of the two ducts 82, rib

104, 106

third connection areas arranged opposite one another

108

Air supply connections, protrusions, ribs

110, 112

circumferential projections, ribs

114

Connecting protrusion, rib

116, 118

Connecting protrusions, ribs

120, 122

connections

124, 126, 128

Connecting protrusions, ribs

130

inwardly circumferential projection of the upper part 40 of the air guiding means 38

132, 134, 136

Formations

138

upper part of housing 12

140

axial projection, rib

142

Bottom of containment 32

144, 146

Openings in the floor 142

148

Holes in the floor 142

150

central opening in bottom 142

151

Bottom of centrifuge container 30

152

Centrifuge Motor Boot 26

153

Duct space

154, 156

Air ducts

158

Openings in the base 20 of the housing 12

160

Supply air

162

Exhaust air

163

Annular gap between centrifuge container 30 and collar 152 of centrifuge motor 26, inlet opening for supply air 160 into centrifuge container 30

164

Annular gap between centrifuge container 30 and upper part 138 of housing 12

165

centrifuge container top flange 30

166

Space between centrifuge container 30 and safety container 32

D.

Direction of rotation of the centrifuge rotor 28

A.

Axis of rotation

Claims (13)

Centrifuge (10), in particular laboratory centrifuge, with a centrifuge container (30) in which a centrifuge rotor (28) can be accommodated, a centrifuge motor (26) for driving the centrifuge rotor (28), a housing (12) with a base (20) and lateral side walls (16, 17, 18), the centrifuge container (30), the centrifuge rotor (28) and the centrifuge motor (26) being accommodated in the housing (20), and a temperature control device for temperature control of the centrifuge rotor (28), characterized that the temperature control device has air guiding means (38) which are adapted to suck air (160) in a lower region (151, 152) into the centrifuge container (30). Centrifuge (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air guiding means (38) are set up to suck in supply air (160) through the base (20) and / or at least one side wall of the centrifuge housing (12), this supply air (160) being preferred is passed directly from the centrifuge housing (12) to the centrifuge container (30) without coming into contact with heat-emitting elements of the centrifuge, in particular the centrifuge motor (26) and / or electronic components (34, 36) of the centrifuge (10). Centrifuge (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air guiding means (38) are set up a) to lead exhaust air (162) from the centrifuge container (30) past the centrifuge motor (26) and / or past electronic components (34, 36) of the centrifuge (10), the exhaust air (162) preferably first at the centrifuge motor (26 ) and then past the electronic components (34, 36), and / or b) conveying exhaust air (162) from the centrifuge container (30) along the outside of the centrifuge container (30, 164). Centrifuge (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge (10) furthermore has a safety container (32) which at least partially encloses the centrifuge container (30), and the air ducting means (38) are preferably set up, exhaust air (162) out of the centrifuge container (30) between (166) centrifuge container (30) and safety container (32), the Safety container (32) preferably has one or more openings (144) for the supply air (160) in its bottom area (142). Centrifuge (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that c) the air guiding means (38) are at least partially thermally insulated and / or that the centrifuge container (10) is provided with thermal insulation (44) on its outside in the area of the air duct (38) and / or d) the air guiding means (38) are formed as a molded part, in particular a molded foam part (40, 44, 46), preferably made of polypropylene or polyurethane, in particular expanded polypropylene, and / or the soundproofing foam element (40, 44, 46), preferably made of at least one Polyurethane is used. Centrifuge (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air guiding means (38) in several pieces, preferably from a lower part (42) for supplying the supply air (160) to the centrifuge container (30) and for discharging the exhaust air (162) to the Centrifuge motor (26) and / or to the electronic components (34, 36) and an upper part (40) for discharging the exhaust air (162) from the centrifuge container (30) into the space (166) between the centrifuge container (30) and the safety container ( 32) are formed. Centrifuge (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the lower part (42) is formed from two horizontally separated pieces (44, 46), it is preferably provided that in connection with claim 4 a piece (46) between the bottom (20) of the housing (12) and the safety container (32) is arranged and the other piece (44) is arranged between the safety container (32) and the centrifuge container (30). Centrifuge (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that e) the air guide means (38) are adapted to guide the supply air (160) in the direction of rotation (D) of the centrifuge rotor (28) into the centrifuge container (30) and / or the supply air (160) close to the axis of rotation (A) into the Initiate centrifuge container (30) and / or f) the air guide means (38) are adapted to remove the air moved in the centrifuge container (30) by the centrifuge rotor (28) at the edge (164) of the centrifuge container (30). Centrifuge (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that g) the air guiding means have a rough surface at least in some areas and / or h) the air guiding means have at least one optionally closable air duct. Centrifuge (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air guiding means (38) at least partially surround the centrifuge motor (26) horizontally, preferably horizontally between the housing base (20) and the safety container (32) or centrifuge container (30) up to at least one exhaust air inlet (50) and at least one exhaust air outlet (62) completely enclose. A method for controlling the temperature of a centrifuge rotor (28) of a centrifuge (10), in particular a laboratory centrifuge, with a centrifuge container (30) in which a centrifuge rotor (28) can be accommodated, a centrifuge motor (26) for driving the centrifuge rotor (28), a housing (12) with a base (20) and side walls (16, 17, 18), the centrifuge container (30), the centrifuge rotor (28) and the centrifuge motor (26) being accommodated in the housing (12), and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the centrifuge rotor (28), characterized in that air guiding means (38) are used which are adapted to suck air (160) into the centrifuge container (30) in a lower area (151, 152). Method according to claim 11, characterized in that i) the centrifuge (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 is used and / or that air guiding means (38) with the features of one of claims 1 to 10 relating to air guiding means (38) are used and / or k) Air (160) is introduced into the centrifuge container (30) close to the axis (A) and removed from the centrifuge container (30) remote from the axis (164). Method according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that l) when the centrifuge is started, the supply air is at least partially throttled, preferably prevented, and / or that when the centrifuge is stopped, the supply air to the centrifuge container is increased and / or m) the temperature of the centrifuge rotor is adjusted by controlling the air flow through the centrifuge container.

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