EP3725413B1 - Centrifuge temperature control - Google Patents

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, especially laboratory centrifuges, are used to separate the components of samples centrifuged in them by utilizing mass inertia. Increasingly higher rotation speeds are used to achieve high demixing rates. Laboratory centrifuges are centrifuges whose centrifuge rotors preferably operate at at least 3,000, preferably at least 10,000, in particular at least 15,000 revolutions per minute and are usually placed on tables. In order to be able to place them on a work table, they have 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 a maximum of 70 cm.

The samples to be centrifuged are stored in sample containers and these sample containers are rotated using a centrifuge rotor. There are usually fixed-angle rotors and swing-out rotors, which are used depending on the application. The sample containers can contain the samples directly or the sample containers can have their own sample containers containing the sample, so that a large number of samples can be centrifuged simultaneously in one sample container.

In most cases, samples are centrifuged at certain temperatures. For example, samples containing proteins and other organic substances must not be overheated, so 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 usually cooled in the range of +4°C (the anomaly of water begins 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 centrifuge's refrigeration system is below room temperature. On the other hand, for reasons of occupational safety, it is necessary to prevent touching elements that have a temperature of 60°C or higher. Comparison 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 coolant circuit that controls the temperature of the centrifuge container (centrifuge bowl), which indirectly cools the centrifuge rotor and the sample containers contained therein.

Passive systems are based on exhaust air-assisted cooling or ventilation. This air is passed directly past the centrifuge rotor and thus also past the sample containers contained therein, which results in temperature control. 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 tempering is that it is not very effective.

Furthermore, centrifuge components need to be cooled to prevent the heat generated there from radiating onto the samples. Additional cooling devices are required for this purpose.

From the EP 0 803 290 A1 A laboratory centrifuge is known in which ambient air is sucked in through an opening in the base and introduced into the rotor chamber through the annular gap opening parallel to the rotor axis. The air is then released through a wedge-shaped opening area between the housing and the housing cover through the air outlet opening.

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 cooling of the centrifuge components. Preferably, the temperature control should also work when there is a safety container (safety vessel, armored vessel) around the centrifuge container.

When in the context of the present invention we talk about "temperature control of the centrifuge rotor", we always mean temperature control of the goods contained in the centrifuge rotor, in particular the sample containers and samples contained therein. In addition, "temperature control" does not only mean 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 further developments are specified in the dependent subclaims and the following description, also in connection with the figures.

The inventors have recognized that this task can be solved 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 air entering the centrifuge container at the bottom cool and, after being heated by the centrifuge rotor, exiting the centrifuge container warm.

The centrifuge according to the invention, 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 base and lateral side walls, wherein the centrifuge container, the centrifuge rotor and the centrifuge motor are accommodated in the housing, and a temperature control device for temperature control of the centrifuge rotor, wherein the temperature control device has air guiding means which are adapted to suck air into the centrifuge container in a lower region of the centrifuge container, wherein the air guiding means are designed to suck in supply air through the base and/or at least one side wall of the centrifuge housing, is therefore characterized in that this supply air is guided directly from the centrifuge housing to the centrifuge container without coming into contact with heat-emitting elements of the centrifuge. This suction is preferably achieved by the rotation of the centrifuge rotor; alternatively or additionally, separate ventilation means could 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 makes the centrifuge particularly simple in construction.

According to the invention, the air guiding means are designed to suck in supply air through the base and/or at least one side wall of the centrifuge housing, with this supply air preferably being guided directly from the centrifuge housing to the centrifuge container without coming into contact with the centrifuge motor and/or electronic components of the centrifuge. This means that very short air guiding paths are implemented 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 itself. In this context, side walls are not only walls arranged on the sides, but also the front and back of the housing.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means are designed to guide exhaust air from the centrifuge container past the centrifuge motor and/or past electronic components of the centrifuge, with the exhaust air preferably being guided first past the centrifuge motor and then past the electronic components. This means that in addition to the temperature control of the centrifuge container, the other centrifuge components can also be cooled at the same time, which further improves the temperature control performance.

In an advantageous further development, the air guiding means are designed 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 further comprises a safety container which at least partially encloses the centrifuge container, wherein the air guiding means are preferably designed to guide exhaust air from the centrifuge container between the centrifuge container and the safety container. As a result, the centrifuge satisfies 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 floor area. The air duct is then particularly short and, in addition, this design does not reduce safety because the centrifuge motor is usually located in the floor area of the safety container, which ensures that energy can be absorbed in the event of a crash (crash of the centrifuge rotor according to DIN EN 61010-2-020:2017-12).

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

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

In an advantageous further development, at least one soundproofing foam element, preferably made of polyurethane, is used for sound insulation. This allows noise caused by the air flow to be effectively insulated from the user.

In an advantageous further development, the air guiding means are made up of several parts, preferably 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 the safety container. The centrifuge can then be assembled particularly easily.

In an advantageous development, the lower part is formed from two horizontally separated pieces, wherein 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 safety container.

In an advantageous further 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. By guiding the air in the direction of rotation, the air is guided particularly efficiently. By guiding the supply air close to the axis, a centrifuge wheel effect is created by the centrifuge rotor, which increases the air flow.

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

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

In an advantageous further development, the air guiding means have a rough surface at least in some areas. This causes local turbulence, which leads overall to a reduction in flow resistance.

In an advantageous development, the air guide means have at least one optionally closable air guide. This can support the start-up of the centrifuge rotor when the centrifuge starts or the braking of the centrifuge rotor when the centrifuge stops by reducing or completely eliminating the supply air when the centrifuge starts and increasing the supply air when the centrifuge stops. The closure can be provided, for example, by a closable and openable flap.

In an advantageous development, the air guiding means at least partially enclose the centrifuge motor horizontally. Preferably, the air guiding means completely enclose the centrifuge motor between the housing base and the safety container or centrifuge container horizontally, with the exception of at least one exhaust air inlet and at least one exhaust air outlet. This results in a particularly defined air flow and thus a cooling effect on the centrifuge motor.

Independent protection is claimed for the method according to the invention for tempering 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 base and lateral side walls, wherein the centrifuge container, the centrifuge rotor and the centrifuge motor are accommodated in the housing, and a tempering device for tempering the centrifuge rotor, wherein air guiding means are used which are adapted to suck air into the centrifuge container in a lower region (in particular by rotating the centrifuge rotor), wherein the air guiding means are designed to suck in supply air through the base and/or at least one side wall of the centrifuge housing, which is characterized in that this supply air is guided directly from the centrifuge housing to the centrifuge container without coming into contact with heat-emitting elements of the centrifuge. get.

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

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

In an advantageous further development, air is introduced into the centrifuge container close to the axis and removed from the centrifuge container away from the axis. This basically makes it possible to use centrifugal forces and, with the help of the centrifuge rotor, a paddle wheel effect to support the air flow.

In an advantageous further development, the supply air is at least partially throttled, preferably blocked, when the centrifuge is started. This means that the centrifuge can be started without great energy expenditure because the air friction resistance of the centrifuge rotor is reduced.

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

In an advantageous further development, the temperature of the centrifuge rotor or the samples contained therein is adjusted by controlling the air flow through the centrifuge container. This makes temperature control particularly simple.

For the three aforementioned developments, an air control can be provided which controls the air quantity depending on a start or stop command and/or on 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 below from the description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction 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 part 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.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 to 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 view

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.1 a centrifuge housing 12 with a centrifuge lid 14, side walls 16, a rear wall 17, a front 18 and a base 20. An operating unit 22 is integrated in the front 18 in the usual way. The side walls 16 and also the rear wall 17 have ventilation openings (not shown) in the form of slots through which air can enter and exit the centrifuge housing 12.

In the Fig. 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 holders for sample vessels (neither shown) are arranged in the usual way, whereby samples held 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 escaping from 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 safety container 32 is in Fig. 12 shown in more detail.

The laboratory centrifuge 10 has electronic components 34 for operating and controlling the laboratory centrifuge 10, as can be seen from 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 guiding means 38 are arranged in the laboratory centrifuge 10, which are described in detail in the Fig. 5 to 10 are shown in more detail. These air guiding means 38 are formed from an upper part 40 and a lower part 42, wherein the lower part 42 is in turn subdivided into a piece 44 and another piece 46.

One piece 44 of the lower part 42 of the air guide means 38 has, according to the Fig.5 and 6 an approximately bowl-shaped form that opens upwards with a raised edge 48. Two recesses 50 arranged laterally opposite one another are provided in the edge 48.

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

Furthermore, the one piece 44 has four first 56 and two second connection pieces 58, wherein these connection pieces each have 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 in relation to the connection pieces 56, 58 there are 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 run parallel to the direction of rotation D of the centrifuge rotor 28, spirally curved in the direction of the axis of rotation A.

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

The other piece 46 has a partially circumferential edge 70 and internal 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, with a connecting projection 88 in the form of a rib between the circumferential projections 84, 86 and a connecting projection 90 in the form of a rib on the projection 86.

The central recess 68 corresponds to an exhaust air supply line 92 and an exhaust air outlet 94 and has three rounded portions 96 which lead to the spaced enclosure 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 together the two passages 82 of the two second recesses 78 and directs them in the direction of the central recess 68 and the exhaust air discharge line 96. The passages 82, which are located exactly opposite one another in the second recesses 78 with respect to the axis of rotation A of the centrifuge rotor 28, thus describe a 90° arc under the second connection areas 72, 74 and the edge 70, whereby, as in Fig.3 As can be seen, coming from the recesses 78, they first pass radially outwards 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 third connection areas 104, 106 arranged opposite one another 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 partially designed to overlap. There is also a connecting projection 114.

One piece 44 of the lower part 42 of the air guide means 38 has, according to Fig.5 also has connecting projections 116, 118 in the form of ribs, which partially enclose the passages 60, 62, 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 Figs. 9 and 10 it can be seen that the upper part 40 of the air guiding means 38 is designed like a ring, wherein the ring has an inner circumferential projection 130. In addition, there are formations 132, 134, 136 which serve to attach 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 against 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 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 achieved, whereby the accuracy of fit when connecting the safety container 32 and the other pieces 46 of the lower part 42 is improved, since 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 into the one piece 44 of the lower part 42, has a bottom 151 which Fig. 12 is only partially shown (with an annular recess that is not actually present to clarify the air flow paths) (cf. Fig.2 ). Below the base 151 there is a sleeve 152 around the centrifuge motor 26 (cf. Fig.2 and 4 ), 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, a very good fit and at the same time sealing of the passages 60 and the connections 120 is achieved by the projections 116, 118, 126, 128, which are pressable (compressible) and compensate for tolerances.

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

The openings 144, 146 of the safety container 32 are flush in cross section with the respective cross sections of the recesses 76, 78, so that the connecting pieces 56, 58 can fit snugly into the recesses 76, 78 in order to thereby seal the passages 60, 62 with the passages 80, 82. As a result, no supply or exhaust air can escape in the connection area between another 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 does not lie completely against the bottom 20 of the housing, which ensures tolerance compensation.

When mounted, the supply air connections 108 engage accordingly Fig.2 directly into corresponding openings 158 in the bottom 20 of the housing 12, resulting in an overall closed air duct 160, 162 consisting of supply air 160 and exhaust air 162.

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

The rotation of the centrifuge rotor 28 in the direction of rotation results in a centrifuge wheel effect, whereby the exhaust air is thrown outwards to the centrifuge container 30 and is thereby accelerated. As a result, the intake of the supply air 160 takes place automatically, and this effect is further supported by the fact that Fig.4 the passages 60 run spirally inwards in the direction of rotation.

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 limited by the upper flange 165 of the centrifuge container 30 and the upper part 138 of the housing 12) and is guided through the upper part 40 with the projection 130 into the intermediate space 166 between the centrifuge container 30 and the safety container 32, which extends all around the centrifuge container 30. This exhaust air 162 is guided via 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 guided further into the exhaust air ducts 156 until it hits the wedge 100 and from 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 directly from the cold bottom area into the centrifuge container 30, bypassing 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 centrifuge wheel effect, whereby the supply air 160 is sucked into the centrifuge container 30. This results in 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 intermediate space 166 between the centrifuge container 26 and the safety container 32, resulting in further cooling of the centrifuge container 26 and thus of the centrifuge rotor 28 with the samples contained therein.

Finally, after cooling the centrifuge container 30, the exhaust air 162 is used to cool the centrifuge motor 26 as well as 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 outset, which ultimately also leads to a cooling of the centrifuge container 30 and the centrifuge rotor 28 with the samples contained therein.

From the above illustration it has also become clear that a centrifuge 10 is provided with a temperature control that works more effectively than previously used temperature-controlled centrifuges. This temperature control can also simultaneously cool heat-emitting centrifuge components, such as the centrifuge motor 26 and electronic components 34, 36. In addition, this temperature control also works when a safety container 32 is arranged around the centrifuge container 30.

List of reference symbols

10

inventive centrifuge, laboratory centrifuge

12

Centrifuge housing

14

Centrifuge lid

16

side walls

17

Back wall

18

front

20

Floor

22

Control unit

26

Centrifuge motor

28

Centrifuge rotor

30

Centrifuge container

32

Safety containers

34

electronic components of the centrifuge 10

36

Cooling fin element

38

Air ducts

40

upper part of the air duct 38

42

lower part of the air duct 38

44

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

46

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

48

raised edge of one piece 44

50

two laterally opposite recesses in the edge 48

54

central breakthrough of one piece 44

56

four first connection pieces

58

two second connection pieces

60

Passages of the first four connection pieces 56

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 surrounding edge 70 of the other piece 46

72, 74

second connection areas

76

four first recesses

78

two second recesses

80

Passages of the first four wells 76

82

Passages of the two second wells 78

84, 86

circumferential projections, ribs

88

Connecting projection, rib

90

Connection projection, rib

92

Exhaust air supply

94

Exhaust air extraction

96

three roundings

98

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

100

curved wedge

102

common projection of the two passages 82, rib

104, 106

Third connection areas arranged opposite each other

108

Air supply connections, projections, ribs

110, 112

circumferential projections, ribs

114

Connecting projection, rib

116, 118

Connecting projections, ribs

120, 122

connections

124, 126, 128

Connecting projections, ribs

130

inner circumferential recess of the upper part 40 of the air guide means 38

132, 134, 136

Formations

138

upper part of the housing 12

140

axial projection, rib

142

Bottom of the safety container 32

144, 146

Breakthroughs in the ground 142

148

Drilling in the ground 142

150

central opening in the floor 142

151

Bottom of the centrifuge container 30

152

Centrifuge motor sleeve 26

153

Air duct space

154, 156

Air ducts

158

Openings in the bottom 20 of the housing 12

160

Supply air

162

Exhaust air

163

Annular gap between centrifuge container 30 and sleeve 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

upper flange of the centrifuge container 30

166

Space between centrifuge container 30 and safety container 32

D

Direction of rotation of the centrifuge rotor 28

A

Rotation axis

Claims (13)

1. 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 side walls (16, 17, 18), wherein the centrifuge container (30), the centrifuge rotor (28) and the centrifuge motor (26) are accommodated in the housing (20), and a temperature control device for temperature control of the centrifuge rotor (28), wherein the temperature control device comprises air-guide members (38) configured to draw air (160) into the centrifuge container (30) in a lower region (151, 152), wherein the air-guide members (38) are configured to draw incoming air (160) through the base (20) and/or at least one side wall of the centrifuge housing (12), characterized in that this incoming air (160) is conveyed directly from the centrifuge housing (12) to the centrifuge container (30) without contacting heat-dissipating elements of the centrifuge.
2. Centrifuge (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air-guide members (38) are configured to guide the incoming air (160) directly from the centrifuge housing (121) to the centrifuge container (30) without contacting the centrifuge motor (26) and/or electronic components (34, 36) of the centrifuge (10).
3. Centrifuge (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air-guide member (38) das configured

   a) for guiding exhaust air (162) out of the centrifuge container (30) along the centrifuge motor (26) and/or along electronic components (34, 36) of the centrifuge (10), wherein the exhaust air (162) is preferably guided first along the centrifuge motor (26) and then along the electronic components (34, 36), and/or

   b) for guiding the exhaust air (162) out of the centrifuge container (30) along an outer side of the centrifuge container (30, 164).
4. Centrifuge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge (10) further comprises a safety container (32), which at least partially surrounds the centrifuge container (30), and the air-guide members (38) are preferably configured to guide exhaust air (162) out of the centrifuge container (30) between (166) centrifuge containers (30) and a safety container (32), wherein the safety container (32) comprises, on its base region (142), preferably one or more openings (144) for incoming air (160).
5. Centrifuge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

   c) the air-guide members (38) are configured to be thermally insulated at least in sections and/or the centrifuge container (10) is provided with a thermal insulation (44) on its outer side in the region of the air guide (38) and/or

   d) the air-guide members (38) are configured as a molded part, in particular a foam molded part (40, 44, 46), preferably made of polypropylene or polyurethane, in particular expanded polypropylene, and/or the at least one sound-absorbing foam element (40, 44, 46), preferably made of polyurethane, is used for sound absorption.
6. Centrifuge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air-guide members (38) are formed in several parts, preferably from a lower part (42) for conveying incoming air (160) to the centrifuge container (30) and for discharging 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).
7. Centrifuge (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the lower part (42) is formed from two horizontally separated parts (44, 46), wherein it is preferably provided that in connection with claim 4, one part (46) is arranged between the base (20) of the housing (12) and the safety container (32) and the other part (44) is arranged between the safety container (32) and the centrifuge container (30).
8. Centrifuge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

   e) the air-guide members (38) are configured to guide the incoming air (160) in the direction of rotation (D) of the centrifuge rotor (28) into the centrifuge container (30) and/or to introduce the incoming air (160) close to the axis of rotation (A) into the centrifuge container (30) and/or

   f) the air-guide members (38) are configured to remove air displaced into the centrifuge container (30) by the centrifuge rotor (28) on the periphery (164) of the centrifuge container (30).
9. Centrifuge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

   g) the air-guide members have a rough surface at least in places, and/or

   h) the air-guide member comprises at least one air guide which can be optionally closed.
10. Centrifuge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air-guide members (38) enclose the centrifuge motor (26) at least partially horizontally, preferably completely horizontally, between the housing base (20) and the safety container (32) or centrifuge container (30), with the exception of at least one exhaust air inlet (50) and at least one exhaust air outlet (62).
11. Method for temperature control 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), in which the centrifuge container (30), the centrifuge rotor (28) and the centrifuge motor (26) are accommodated in the housing (12), and a temperature control device for temperature control of the centrifuge rotor (28), wherein air-guide members (38) are used, which are configured to draw air (160) into the centrifuge container (30) in a lower region (151, 152), wherein the air-guide members (38) are configured to draw incoming air (160) through the base (20) and/or at least one side wall of the centrifuge housing (12), characterized in that this incoming air (160) is conveyed directly from the centrifuge housing (12) to the centrifuge container (30) without contacting the heat-dissipating elements of the centrifuge.
12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that

    i) the centrifuge (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is used and/or
    that air-guide members (38) having features relating to the air-guide member (38) of any one of claims 1 to 10 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) at a distance from the axis (164).
13. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that

    l) when the centrifuge is started, the incoming air is at least partially throttled, preferably inhibited, and/or that, when the centrifuge is stopped, the incoming air to the centrifuge container is increased and/or

    m) the temperature of the centrifuge rotor is set by controlling the air flow through the centrifuge container.

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