Centrifuge rotor, retaining ring and retaining ring arrangement for a centrifuge rotor, and centrifuge

Abstract

The invention relates to a centrifuge rotor (1) having a rotor body (2) and a receptacle (3) arranged centrally in the rotor body for a drive head (4) for a drive shaft of a centrifuge (5) rotatable about a rotation axis (R), and having a sample receptacle (6) for arranging several sample containers (7). A retaining ring (8) is provided on the top side (O) of the rotor body (2) facing away from the insertion side (E) of the drive head (4), which has an annular base (81) with a central opening (80) and pointed teeth (82) extending upward from the base away from the top side (O), wherein the retaining ring (8) is arranged in such a way that the rotation axis (R) extends through the central opening (80). The invention also relates to a retaining ring (8) for use with a centrifuge rotor (1), comprising an annular base body (81) with a central opening (80) and pointed teeth (82) extending upward from the base body away from the base body (81), wherein the pointed teeth (82) are offset outwardly by a spacing (A) relative to an inner edge (83) of the base body (81) at least in the region of their free ends (820), and to a retaining ring arrangement (9) comprising the retaining ring, and to a centrifuge (5) comprising the centrifuge rotor, the retaining ring or the retaining ring arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a centrifuge rotor and a centrifuge comprising the centrifuge rotor, in particular a laboratory centrifuge. Such centrifuges are used in laboratories for separating mixtures into their components by means of centrifugal force. In many application scenarios, the mixture is a biological or microbiological sample. An example is a cell suspension, which originates, for example, from a fermenter, a bioreactor or a similar container and needs to be separated into its components by centrifugation. Before centrifugation, the cell suspension needs to be transferred from this container into a suitable sample container, in which the cell suspension can be centrifuged. An example of such a sample container is a bottle, which is usually made of plastic and can be closed by means of a screw cap. Since it is usually desired to handle the cell suspension under sterile conditions, the bottle needs to be sterilized tediously before reuse. In order to enhance sterility, bottles with a hose passing through an opening in the cover have also been proposed, which can be connected to the container to transfer the cell suspension into the bottle. After use, the cover provided with the connecting hose can be disposed of, but there is still the problem of sterilizing the bottle for reuse. Background Art

[0002] In order to simplify the transfer and centrifugation of cell suspensions under sterile conditions, the applicant proposed a bag system in German patent application 102018001675.8 and international patent application PCT / IB2019 / 051639. The bag system includes several bags made of plastic film, the interior of which is connected to at least one hose, through which the bags can be filled or emptied. The hoses of the bags are connected to each other in a way that they are connected to a single transport hose. From the transport hose, the hose connection branches until each of the bags is connected to the transport hose. In this way, after the transport hose is connected to the container, all bags can be filled with cell suspension at one time. For centrifugation, the filled bag can be closed by a closing device already provided in the branched hose complex system, and the separation from other bags can be achieved by cutting off the hose connected to the bag. As an alternative, the hose section connected to the bag can also be closed with a separate closing device such as a hose clamp, and the hose can be cut off to separate the bags from the bag system. The separated bags are subsequently placed in corresponding sample receptacles of a centrifuge rotor and centrifuged in a known manner.

[0003] The bag system described above makes it possible to significantly simplify and speed up the operation of transferring the cell suspension to a sample container suitable for centrifugation, since several containers can be filled simultaneously. Furthermore, after centrifugation, the cells, which are usually in the form of clumps, can be separated from the liquid supernatant more easily in a flexible bag than in a centrifuge bottle. After the supernatant and / or the cells have been extracted, the bag can be disposed of. However, it is often desirable to further process the cells separated by centrifugation. Ideally, this should be done while maintaining sterility. The bag system of the invention also achieves this. The separated bag can be reconnected to an external component for further processing, either via a hose connector for filling the cell suspension or, as the case may be, via another hose connector. One solution is, for example, to connect to a liquid reservoir, from which liquid is transferred to the bag via a hose connector, so that the cells are resuspended for further processing. In order to transfer the liquid to the bag more quickly, a branched hose complex system can be used for this purpose, which is used to transfer the liquid to several bags simultaneously.

[0004] However, the scheme of separating the bag from the bag system before centrifugation and reconnecting the bag to the bag system after centrifugation is complicated and time-consuming. According to estimates, it takes at least 30 seconds to close the bag hose for each hose and then cut off the hose. This is also the case when reconnecting the bag. In this way, part of the time saved by filling the bag together is consumed again. However, if the bag is not separated in advance and the hose system is cut off, the centrifugation of the bag system will fail due to the slippage of the hose in the rotor chamber under the action of centrifugal force. This hides the following danger: the hose is torn off from the bag, and the sample contained in the bag is no longer available. In addition, there is a risk that the centrifuge is damaged by parts that slide around, or there is contamination caused by the sample that flows out. In addition, the above situation also applies to other sample containers equipped with at least one hose, such as bottles with hose cover closures. For this reason, the hose cover closure is usually replaced with a screw cap without a hose connector before centrifugation. This move will also lead to increased time consumption. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to improve the existing centrifuge system for processing sample containers having at least one hose connector, overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, and in particular reduce the time consumption during the centrifugation process of such sample containers.

[0006] The solution for achieving the above-mentioned object of the present invention is a centrifuge rotor, a retaining ring, a retaining ring configuration, and a centrifuge disclosed herein.

[0007] That is, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a centrifuge rotor having a rotor body and a receiving part for a drive head of a centrifuge drive shaft rotatable about a rotation axis arranged centrally in the rotor body, and having a sample receiving part for arranging several sample containers. The centrifuge rotor can in principle be any type of centrifuge rotor in the prior art, that is, in particular, it can be both a horizontal rotor and a fixed-angle rotor. The term "horizontal rotor" refers to a centrifuge rotor in which the sample container is supported on the rotor body in a deflectable manner on a holder and deflects outwards under the action of centrifugal force during operation of the centrifuge. In this case, the sample container is usually not supported directly on the rotor body, but a centrifuge cup supported in a deflectable manner is provided, in which the sample container is placed. An adapter can also be provided between the centrifuge cup and the sample container. The term "fixed-angle rotor" means that the sample container is not deflected outwards during centrifugation, but is arranged at a constant angle relative to the rotation axis. For this purpose, the centrifuge rotor usually has a correspondingly aligned recess in the rotor body. Either the sample container is placed directly in the recess or in an adapter arranged in the recess.

[0008] The centrifuge rotor of the present invention has a housing for a drive head of a drive shaft that can rotate around a rotation axis of the centrifuge in its rotor body. The specific technical scheme of the housing is also not further restricted, and in principle can be equivalent to all embodiments known in the prior art. In one embodiment, the housing is constructed as a rotor hub, which has a through hole for inserting the drive head. The side of the housing where the drive head is inserted into the rotor body is referred to as the insertion side of the centrifuge rotor. After the centrifuge rotor is fixed, a part of the drive head and / or the hub usually extends out of the surrounding surface of the top side of the rotor body. Wherein, the top side refers to the side of the rotor body opposite to the insertion side. As an alternative, the centrifuge rotor can also be fixed by means of a clamping nut. In addition, the following centrifuge rotor is known: a handle extends out of the top side of the centrifuge rotor, the handle is used to hold the rotor and can include an operating element for separating the locking mechanism, and the centrifuge rotor is automatically locked on the drive head by means of the locking mechanism. In principle, the drive head and the centrifuge rotor can also be fixed to each other by any method known in the prior art. For example, the movable locking wedges described in DE 10 2014 008 219 A1 and DE 10 2014 002 126 A1 of the applicant of the present case are suitable.

[0009] According to the invention, a retaining ring is provided on the top side of the rotor body facing away from the insertion side of the drive head. The function of the retaining ring is to retain a hose from a sample container arranged in the centrifuge rotor and to prevent the hose from slipping during centrifugation. The retaining ring has an annular base body with a central opening and has sharp teeth extending upward from the top side of the rotor body facing away from the base body. The retaining ring is arranged on the top side in such a way that the rotation axis extends through the central opening.

[0010] Preferably, the retaining ring is arranged in a symmetrical manner around the rotation axis. This avoids imbalance during centrifugation. It is therefore particularly preferred that the center point of the central opening is located on the rotation axis. That is, the retaining ring is located on the top side of the rotor body, wherein the center opening of the annular base is located above the receiving part of the centrifuge rotor. Here, "above" does not mean that it is spatially offset upwards (although this is a feasible layout), but means that the base rests on the top side of the rotor body in a plane, and with respect to the projection onto this plane, the center opening of the base overlaps with the receiving part for the drive head.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring is arranged on the rotor body so that the inner edge of the annular base extends on the outside of the outer periphery of a hub, a clamping screw, a handle or a similar component extending from the rotor body surface in the center of the rotor body, which extends out of the top side of the rotor body. For simplicity, the present invention is further described below using the hub extending out of the surface as an example. However, the description is also applicable to other components extending out of the rotor body surface in the center of the centrifuge rotor. The spacing between the inner edge of the base and the outer periphery of the hub is preferably as small as possible, and the inner diameter of the base at its narrowest position is as just as large as possible for the base to be smoothly arranged around the hub. Among them, the smaller spacing usually represents a few millimeters, for example a maximum of 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm and in particular less than 2 mm. Based on the smaller spacing between the inner edge of the base and the outer periphery of the hub, the base can be aligned in a centered manner at the center of the rotor body.

[0012] The base of the retaining ring of the present invention is annular. In a preferred embodiment, the base adopts an annular and particularly closed technical solution. However, the present invention is not limited to this technical solution. For example, other annular shapes, particularly quadrilateral shapes, or technical solutions without edges but not precisely in the shape of a circular ring may also be adopted. In these cases, the narrowest inner diameter of the base is preferably arranged so that the retaining ring can be attached through the hub in a manner that the inner diameter of the base is adjacent to the outer periphery of the hub on the outside as described above. In addition, a technical solution in which the base is not completely closed but has an opening on its periphery may be adopted. However, this opening preferably has only a small size, for example, less than 10% of the total circumference, so as not to excessively weaken the stability of the retaining ring. The annular surface of the base preferably extends flatly and parallel to each other, but in principle other forms may also be adopted.

[0013] Starting from the base, several tines extend upward away from the top side of the rotor body. Wherein, the tines preferably start from the inner edge and / or from the outer edge of the base. Particularly preferably, the tines extend upward away from the outer edge of the base. The shape of the tines is not further restricted in principle. In principle, all shapes suitable for holding the hose of the sample container can be used so that the hose remains supported on the retaining ring and does not slip outward during centrifugation. Preferably, a long strip shape is adopted, wherein the narrow side of each tines is arranged on the base. For example, it is suitable to use strip-shaped or tongue-shaped tines. The length of the tines (the distance from the base to the free end of the tines) is also arranged in a way to ensure that the hose of the sample container is reliably held during centrifugation. In principle, the longer the better, wherein the maximum possible length is usually limited by the spacing between the base and the inner side of the cover, which is attached to the centrifuge rotor during centrifugation. The suitable length of the tines is, for example, between 1 and 6 cm, preferably between 2 and 5 cm, and in particular 2 to 4 cm. The length is in particular also dependent on the number and diameter of the hoses to be held by the tines, and on the extension of the tines in the direction of their longitudinal extension.

[0014] In a simple and preferred case, the tines are constructed in a flat manner in the direction of their longitudinal extension. That is, the tines extend at a uniform angle relative to the substrate surface over their entire length. In an alternative embodiment, the angle relative to the substrate surface varies within the range of the longitudinal extension direction. The angle variation may be present in the rounding or curvature of the tines. The tines that are bent or bent in the longitudinal extension range can be slightly longer than the corresponding flat extending tines, ensuring that the former protrude from the substrate with a sufficient height. The extension of the tines is preferably selected so that at least the area of ​​the free end of the tines is offset outwardly by a certain spacing relative to the inner edge of the substrate. This space generated by the spacing is used to accommodate a hose section of at least one hose of a sample container to be centrifuged by means of the centrifuge rotor of the present invention. Therefore, the spacing is preferably selected while taking into account the outer diameter of the hose to be fixed. Preferably, a hose section of each hose of the sample container arranged in the centrifuge rotor is retained by means of the retaining ring of the present invention, so that all hoses of the sample container are reliably fixed on the retaining ring during centrifugation. In the context of the present invention, “secured” means that the hose or the hose section is releasably fastened to the retaining ring in such a way that the hose or the hose section is prevented from becoming detached from the retaining ring during centrifugation.

[0015] Specifically, the above solution is preferably implemented as follows: the hose to be fixed on the retaining ring is pulled from the sample container toward the retaining ring and passes through one or more sharp teeth of the retaining ring, so that a section of the hose extends in the retaining ring on the inner side of the sharp teeth. Preferably, the hose section is pushed downward as far as possible toward the base body on the sharp teeth, and the hose section is preferably clamped or clamped between the sharp teeth and the hub of the centrifuge rotor. As an alternative or supplementary solution, the hose section can also be fixed between two adjacent sharp teeth. In order to achieve this, the spacing between adjacent sharp teeth is also selected while taking into account the outer diameter of the hose to be fixed, and is selected as follows: the spacing is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the hose or hose section to be fixed, and the hose section can be clamped or clamped between the pair of sharp teeth. Wherein "clamping" means squeezing the hose section between adjacent sharp teeth. The prerequisite for this is that the spacing between the sharp teeth is at most equal to the outer diameter of the hose section to be fixed. "Clamping" means that the hose section cannot be separated from the retaining ring due to the change of direction during the laying process along the sharp teeth. In this case, the spacing between the tines need not be greater than the outer diameter of the hose section to be fixed. However, in this case, the spacing between the tines also depends on the outer diameter of the hose section, because too large a spacing would make clamping difficult. Therefore, "substantially" means that the minimum spacing between the tines is at most 20% greater than the outer diameter of the hose to be fixed, in particular at most 10% greater. In principle, it is sufficient to adopt the following solution: the spacing selected taking into account the outer diameter of the hose is only present in the longitudinal extension direction of adjacent tines in a point-like or local manner, while the spacing in the remaining areas can be larger. For example, the spacing between adjacent tines can increase towards the free ends of the tines in order to insert the hose section between the tines. The clamping area with the tines spacing matching the hose diameter is preferably located in an area close to the base body, for example in the lower third of the tines, so that clamping can be carried out close to the base body. The description of the spacing between adjacent tines applies similarly to the spacing between the tines and the hub.

[0016] In principle, different hose sections can also be fixed between the same pair of tines. This can be different hose sections of a single hose of a sample container, for example in the case of very long hoses and the hose needs to be fixed to the retaining ring several times in different areas in order to achieve a secure fixation, or hose sections of different sample containers. In this case, the hose sections are preferably clamped or clamped one above the other between the tines. In this case, preferably, the clamping area with a tines spacing matched to the hose diameter is either formed up to the height of the tines inserted into the hose, or the clamping spacing is provided in the area directly above the uppermost hose section.

[0017] A similar approach is used when designing the spacing of the tines relative to the inner edge of the base. As described above, in principle, it is sufficient if the spacing exists only in the region of the free end of the tine. However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tine is flat and extends vertically upward from the outer edge of the base. In this way, each tine has a constant lateral spacing from the inner edge of the base over its entire length. If it is assumed that the annular base has a uniform ring width (preferably but not necessarily), the spacing of all tine from the inner edge of the base is the same. In general, the symmetrical construction of the retaining ring of the present invention helps to simplify manufacturing and handling. In the case where the spacing between the inner edge of the base and the outer periphery of the hub of the rotor body for the drive head is small, the spacing between the tine and the inner edge of the base is approximately equal to the spacing between the tine and the hub. In order to be able to clamp the hose section of the sample container hose on the hub, the distance between the area where the tines come into contact with the hose section and the inner edge of the base is designed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the hose section, so that after the hose of the sample container is fixed on the retaining ring, the hose section introduced into the retaining ring is reliably clamped. In this case, tolerances can be allowed when designing the dimensions of the retaining ring, because the tines may bend slightly elastically outwards during the insertion of the hose section, and the hose, which is usually made of flexible plastic, can be compressed. The tines and the hose at least partially return to their starting position or starting shape, which in turn increases the clamping effect and contributes to the reliable retention of the hose.

[0018] In another possible embodiment of the retaining ring, the tines extend obliquely outwards and upwards (away from the top side of the rotor body) from the base body. The tines preferably extend radially away from the center point of the annular base body. In one embodiment, the tines are flat in the direction of their longitudinal extension. Therefore, the distance between the tines and the inner edge of the base body increases as the distance from the base body increases. In this case, the angle of the tines to the support surface of the base body preferably deviates relatively slightly from the vertical (90°) and is, for example, at least 70°. The minimum angle (i.e. 70° instead of 110°) relative to the support surface (in which the base body rests on the substrate) is always given, regardless of the base body region from which the tines extend upwards, i.e., for example, regardless of whether the tines start from the inner or outer edge of the base body. The oblique placement of the tines simplifies the insertion of the hose and, moreover, allows (provided that the hub has a sufficient height) the use of hoses of different sizes, which can be inserted more or less toward the base body depending on the outer diameter of the hose until a sufficiently secure fixation is achieved.

[0019] In another embodiment, the tine is bent several times, in particular twice, along its longitudinal extension direction, wherein, as mentioned above, bending also refers to a rounded bend. The first bend is preferably located in the area where the tine adjoins the base. In the area of ​​the tine adjoining the base, the tine first extends obliquely outward and upward. This foot area of ​​the tine can be used in particular to establish the desired lateral spacing between the free end of the tine and the inner edge of the base. In the case of using an annular base with a smaller width, for example, it is also possible to use the tine starting from the inner edge of the base with the help of this foot area, or to establish a sufficient lateral spacing with the inner edge of the base. In this case, the angle is preferably flatter and, for example, is between 5 and 45° relative to the supporting surface of the base. Subsequently, the free end area of ​​the tine connected to the foot area is preferably parallel to the rotation axis after another bend, or further extends outward and upward (away from the base) at a smaller angle relative to the rotation axis, for example, up to 10° (80° relative to the supporting surface of the base). In this case, the hose section is fixed by means of the free end section of the teeth.

[0020] Basically as described above, the technical solution of the base body of the retaining ring is generally based on the design of the centrifuge rotor and in particular its hub. The number of tines and the technical solution are then generally determined by the type of sample container and in particular by the hose starting from the sample container. Accordingly, the number of tines is preferably selected according to the number of hoses fixed by the retaining ring as required. For example, if only two opposite sample holders are constructed in the centrifuge rotor, which can accommodate each sample container, and each of the sample containers has a hose, then in principle two tines are sufficient to fix these hoses. For this purpose, each of the hoses is pulled from the sample container to one of the tines, the hose is guided around the tines, and the hose is clamped between the tines and the hub of the centrifuge rotor. Wherein, the tines are preferably located on the opposite sides of the base body, which are oriented on the top side of the rotor body so that the tines are adjacent to the sample holder for the sample container. However, it is preferred to use two adjacent tines to hold the hose, which are spaced a certain distance from each other so that a section of the hose can pass between these tines. As a supplementary solution, a hose section can be guided around one of the tines as described above and clamped between the inner side of the tines and the hub. In principle, it is not important whether the hose section first enters the interior of the retaining ring from the outside around one of the tines and then passes between adjacent tines and is then led out again, or first passes inward between adjacent tines and then around one of the tines and then out again. That is, the preferred solution of the above-mentioned embodiment including only two sample containers uses two pairs of sticks, so a total of four tines are used. In this regard, in the retaining ring of the present invention, the preferred minimum number of tines is four. As the number of sample containers increases, the total number of tines is preferably increased in steps of two. If a sample container has many hoses, or several sample containers for centrifugation are provided in a holder (which also leads to an increase in the number of hoses), several pairs of tines in the retaining ring can also be assigned to one holder. As an alternative, several hoses can be fixed on a pair of tines as described above, specifically in such a way that hose sections of different hoses pass between the tines one above the other. The retaining ring of the invention preferably has 4 to 24, particularly preferably 4 to 20, in particular 8 to 18, and especially 12 to 18 tines. These tines are distributed on the base body as close as possible to the corresponding retaining element of the centrifuge rotor and are in particular uniformly distributed within the periphery of the base body, wherein the uniform distribution can be both for individual tines and for groups of tines, in particular pairs of tines. In the above example comprising two by two tines, the two pairs of tines are arranged on the base body opposite to each other and are thus uniformly distributed.

[0021] The retaining ring of the present invention can in principle be made of any material suitable for bearing loads during centrifugation and during the fixing and removal of the hose. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining ring is made of a metal such as aluminum or steel, in particular spring steel. The retaining ring is preferably constructed in an integral manner, i.e., parts are not combined to form a finished retaining ring. A possible manufacturing method is, for example, 3D printing. However, if the retaining ring is made of metal, the retaining ring is preferably made of a metal sheet, wherein a preform is first separated from the metal sheet, for example, by stamping or separation using a laser. The preform is then transformed into a finished retaining ring by forming, wherein the forming in particular includes bending the tines from the plane of the preform. In the preform, the tines can extend outward from the outer edge of the base body, or, if the inner diameter of the central opening is large enough, can also extend inward from the inner edge of the base body. In the latter case, the tines are bent in a manner that extends outwardly in an inclined manner, so that at least the lateral spacing between the free end region of the tines and the inner edge is achieved. Another solution is to separate a comb-shaped preform from a metal sheet and then close this preform into a ring. For example, the butt edges can be welded to each other. In this case, the side edges of the preform can extend obliquely so that the length of the preform increases from the area of ​​the continuous strip corresponding to the base body toward the tip of the tine. After ring formation, a retaining ring is produced, whose diameter in the base area is smaller than the diameter in the tine area. If necessary, the tine can then be additionally bent so that it has the aforementioned shape, for example, with a free end extending parallel to the axis of rotation. In another solution, the side edges of the preform extend perpendicularly to its longitudinal extension direction. In this case, the tine is bent outward after ring formation, thereby establishing the desired spacing from the inner edge of the base. As an alternative, the retaining ring can also be made of a suitable plastic, for example by injection molding.

[0022] Normally, it is sufficient to fix the hose of the sample container on the retaining ring by fixing the hose section to prevent the hose from separating from the retaining ring during the centrifugation operation. However, in order to additionally lock the hose on the retaining ring, a locking ring can also be used according to the present invention. After the hose is fixed on the retaining ring, the locking ring is arranged on the retaining ring. The locking ring has an annular base body with a central opening and has sharp teeth extending radially outward from this base body. Therefore, the locking ring basically corresponds to the preform of the retaining ring made of sheet metal mentioned above. During the attachment process to the retaining ring, the locking ring is twisted relative to the retaining ring so that the sharp teeth of the locking ring are located in the gaps between the adjacent sharp teeth of the retaining ring. The number of sharp teeth of the locking ring does not need to be consistent with that of the retaining ring, but can also be less. The locking ring is located on the retaining ring and on the hose fixed on the retaining ring like a cover, and presses the hose downward toward the base body of the retaining ring by its weight. Since the locking ring is supported close to the rotating shaft like the retaining ring and the hose and is additionally engaged with the retaining ring, there is no risk of the locking ring being disengaged during centrifugation. Of course, another locking member can also be provided if necessary. The combination of the retaining ring and the locking ring constitutes the retaining ring configuration of the present invention.

[0023] The retaining ring can be fixedly or detachably connected to the centrifuge rotor. Any suitable fixing method can be used to achieve the fixation. Suitable methods include welding, brazing, bonding or the like. Examples of detachable connections include screwing, fixation using other detachable fixed components, detachable latching or snap connections, etc. However, it is usually sufficient to only attach the retaining ring to the surface of the rotor body movably. In this case, alignment components such as centering protrusions can be used as when using the fixing method mentioned to align the retaining ring in the desired position on the rotor body. In addition, the alignment components also help prevent the retaining ring from moving during centrifugation. However, by fixing the hose section between the tines of the retaining ring and the hub of the rotor body, not only the hose is retained, but also the retaining ring is placed relative to the rotor body, so no further fixing steps are required. Since the retaining ring is arranged near the rotation axis, that is, in an area with only small centrifugal forces, the forces acting on the retaining ring and the hose fixed on the retaining ring are small. This also helps to ensure that the position of the assembly does not change or only changes slightly during centrifugation.

[0024] Accordingly, with the aid of the centrifuge rotor according to the invention and the retaining ring used therein, sample containers with outwardly projecting hoses can be centrifuged without the need for special measures such as cutting off the hoses. Sample containers that can be centrifuged with the aid of the centrifuge rotor according to the invention or a centrifuge comprising this centrifuge rotor comprise in particular the following components: a bottle that can be closed by a cover, wherein the at least one hose is passed through an opening in the cover; a film bag, in which one end of the at least one hose is sealed, in particular glued or sealed; an arrangement of several film bags, in which each end of the at least one hose is sealed, in particular glued or sealed, wherein the other ends of the hoses are connected to one another. In particular, the sample container system described in German patent application 102018001675.8 and international patent application PCT / IB2019 / 051639 can be centrifuged. These two patent applications are explicitly cited and their contents are incorporated into the present application. The bag system including the branched hose complex can be centrifuged. Depending on the circumstances, only the common input hose for connecting the bag system to the fermenter or bioreactor needs to be shortened. There is no need to separate the bags of the bag system. As with the separated bags, each bag is usually placed in the sample holder of the centrifuge rotor of the present invention, either individually or in groups. The hose extending upward from the sample holder and still connected is guided to the retaining ring and fixed there with the help of the tines of the retaining ring as described above. This operation is preferably performed in the area of ​​the branching point (e.g., a T-shaped or Y-shaped connector), and the connector is preferably placed between adjacent tines in a manner such that the main trunk is located between the tines and the side portions branching out are located on the inner side of the tines. After the centrifugation operation is completed, the bag system can be taken out and transported as a whole for further processing. Unlike the prior art, it is no longer necessary to reconnect the individual bags into a bag system. That is, with the present invention, it is neither necessary to separate the individual bags from the bag system nor to reassemble the separated bags into a bag system. This can significantly save time and cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are used to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are only illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the drawings, the same components are represented by the same reference numerals, and not all components are always indicated by reference numerals. Specifically, among them:

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of a retaining ring of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1 A retaining ring preform similar to that shown can also be used as a locking ring together with the retaining ring;

[0028] Figure 3 Shown by Figure 1 The retaining ring configuration of the present invention is composed of a retaining ring and a locking ring;

[0029] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the retaining ring of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 5 For along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line XX in FIG. 1 including a first tine configuration;

[0031] Figure 6 For along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line XX including a second tine configuration;

[0032] Figure 7 Based on Figure 4 A top view of a preform of a retaining ring;

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a centrifuge for use in the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 9 is a side view of a sample container in the form of a centrifuge bottle with a flexible cap;

[0035] Fig.10 A side view of another sample container in the form of a film bag with a hose connector;

[0036] Fig.11 A bioreactor is shown having a bag system comprising several film bags connected to the bioreactor by a branched hose complex;

[0037] Fig.12 A perspective view of a centrifuge rotor in the form of a horizontal rotor in the prior art;

[0038] Fig.13 Show and according to Fig.12 The centrifuge rotor of the present invention includes a retaining ring arranged on the rotor corresponding to the centrifuge rotor of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.14 An exploded view of a centrifuge rotor including a retaining ring and a rotor cover in the form of a fixed angle rotor according to the present invention;

[0040] Fig.15 A top view of a horizontal rotor including a horizontal rotor disposed on the rotor in the form of a horizontal rotor according to the present invention;

[0041] Fig.16 For along Fig.15 A partial perspective section view of line YY in FIG.

[0042] Fig.17 A partial top view of a region between the pointed teeth and the hub of the centrifuge rotor of the present invention, including a hose fixed to a retaining ring;

[0043] Fig.18 For Fig.18 Another partial top view of the corresponding cutout portion, and

[0044] Fig.19 Based on Fig.16 A top view of the configuration with the hose omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 8 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a retaining ring 8 of the present invention. The retaining ring 8 is preferably made of metal, in particular aluminum or steel, in particular spring steel, or made of plastic. The retaining ring has a circular ring-shaped base body 81, which has a flat structure and extends in a plane P with its bottom side (not shown), which constitutes the support surface of the base body. The base body 81 has an inner edge 83, which surrounds a circular central opening 80. Several sharp teeth 82 (here 18 sharp teeth) extend away from the outer edge 84 in a manner evenly distributed around the periphery. All sharp teeth 82 adopt the same construction scheme, that is, these sharp teeth have the same shape and the same size. In the connection area of ​​each sharp tooth with the base body 81, the sharp tooth 82 has a bend K1. This bend has the form of a rounded bend here, and the bend is implemented so that the bend area 821 of the sharp tooth 82 connected to the bend K1 extends outward and upward from the base body 81. In the example shown, the angle adopted by the curved region 821 of each tine 82 when extending relative to the plane P is approximately 75°. Figure 1 In the right-hand region of the tines 82, the extension of the bending region and the angle α to the bearing surface P are shown by way of example for one of the tines 82, offset laterally to this tine. The angle α is defined for all tines 82 as the minimum angle to the plane P along the circumference of the base body 81 and is approximately 75° in each case. In the region of the free end 820, each of the tines 82 has a distance A to the inner edge 83 of the base body 81. Overall, the retaining ring 8 can therefore be described as crown-shaped.

[0046] Figure 2 A top view of a possible preform for retaining the ring 8. Figure 1 The finished retaining rings are differentiated according to Figure 2 The preform has sixteen, not eighteen, teeth. Accordingly, this preform results in a retaining ring having sixteen teeth evenly distributed over the periphery of the base body. Figure 1The retaining ring 8 shown in the figure requires the use of a preform with eighteen pointed teeth 802 evenly distributed along the outer edge 804 of the base 801. Without taking into account the different number of pointed teeth, there is no fundamental difference between the preform with sixteen pointed teeth and eighteen pointed teeth, so the following description of the preform with sixteen pointed teeth is also applicable to the preform with eighteen or any other number of pointed teeth. The preform 800 has a circular, flat base 801 like the finished retaining ring 8. The inner edge of the base surrounds a circular central opening 805. The pointed teeth 802 constructed in the same way extend from the outer edge 804 of the base in a manner evenly distributed around the periphery. The pointed teeth extend radially outwards by a length L in the radial direction and are in the same plane as the base 801. Overall, the preform 800 can therefore be described as a flat radial ring. The width B (parallel to the extension of the length L) varies along the longitudinal extension direction of the pointed teeth 802. For all tines 802, the width increases slightly from the outer edge 804 outward and reaches a maximum width B at one third of the total length L. max . Subsequently, the width B gradually decreases towards the free end 806 of the tine, so that the width of the free end is again approximately equal to the width in the region of the connection of each tine 802 to the outer edge 804 of the base body 801. Correspondingly, the spacing D between the tine 82 varies with the distance from the outer edge 84 of the base body 81. The preform 800 is preferably produced from a metal sheet by stamping or separation, for example by means of a laser. The finished retaining ring 8 is then produced by bending the tine out of the plane of the metal sheet.

[0047] Figure 3 FIG. 9 is a top view of a retaining ring arrangement 9 of the present invention. The retaining ring arrangement is composed of a retaining ring 8 and a locking ring. In the example shown, the retaining ring 8 corresponds to Figure 1 The retaining ring shown. The locking ring is placed on this retaining ring. The latter is a prefabricated part for the retaining ring 8, similar to the combination Figure 2 The preform described in the embodiment of the present invention, however, has eighteen sharp teeth 802. That is, by bending the sharp teeth 802 upward, it is possible to obtain a locking ring such as the following: Figure 1 The locking ring is attached in a twisted manner relative to the retaining ring 8 so that the sharp teeth of the locking ring are located in the gap 822 of the retaining ring 8. The locking ring is used to press down the hose (not shown here) of the sample container fixed on the retaining ring 8, thereby more reliably preventing the hose from detaching from the retaining ring 8 during the centrifugation operation.

[0048] Figure 48 is a top view of another embodiment of a retaining ring 8 according to the invention. The retaining ring 8 again has a circular base body 81, whose inner edge 83 surrounds a circular central opening 80. In the example shown, fourteen uniformly distributed and identically designed tines 82 extend outwardly and upwardly from the base body 81. The tines 82 have a substantially uniform width B over their entire length L. Only in the region of the free ends 820 of the tines are the tines beveled, so that the spacing D is additionally widened in this region, which simplifies the insertion of a tube (not shown here) of a sample container.

[0049] Figure 5 and Figure 6 For along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line XX in FIG. 1 is provided, and different technical solutions of retaining ring 8 are shown. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 8 , the diameter of the retaining ring 8 is uniform from the bottom (support surface P of the base body 81) to the top (free ends 820 of the tines 82). The angle α between the support surface P and the longitudinal extension direction of the tines 82 preferably also lies in the range between 70 and 90° and is specifically about 75° here. The size of the angle selected in the individual case also depends in particular on the outer diameter of the hose of the sample container to be fastened to the retaining ring 8. It is preferably selected so that the spacing A of the tines 82, at least in the region within their free ends 820, is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the hose.

[0050] Figure 6 Show Figure 4 Another embodiment of a tine 82 in a retaining ring. Two bends K1 and K2 are provided in the longitudinal extension of the tine. The bend K1 adjacent to the base body 81 causes the tine to first bend outwards at an angle α. The angle α is about 60° here. The tine is then bent back toward the inside of the retaining ring by means of a second bend K2, so that the tine extends approximately parallel to the center axis M of the retaining ring, which usually coincides with the axis of rotation R of the centrifuge rotor after the retaining ring is attached to the top side of the centrifuge rotor. Accordingly, the angle β relative to the support surface P of the retaining ring is 90°. For the sake of clarity, the angle relative to the parallel-displaced plane P' is shown here. It is also possible to thereby establish a spacing A for accommodating a hose between the free end 820 of the tine 82 and the inner edge 83 of the base body 81.

[0051] Figure 7 Shown for making Figure 4The preform 800 of the retaining ring 8 is shown. The preform 800 is produced from a metal sheet preferably by separation, for example by punching or laser processing. The preform 800 is generally comb-shaped and comprises a strip 801 corresponding to the future base body, and sharp teeth 802 extending perpendicularly to the strip in the same plane. The end end 807 of the strip 801 extends obliquely, so that the length of the lower edge 808 is slightly smaller than the edge 809 from which the sharp teeth 802 extend. If the strip 801 is closed into a ring, the edges 807 butt against each other, resulting in a Figure 5 The diameter of the protective ring is smallest in the region of the lower edge 808 and increases continuously towards the free end 820 of the tine. By subsequently bending the tine, a tine can be produced as shown. Figure 6 The retaining ring shown can also be manufactured using a preform 800 in which the abutting edge 807 does not extend obliquely but extends perpendicularly to the edges 808 and 809.

[0052] Figure 8 The basic structure of the centrifuge of the present invention is shown, wherein the centrifuge is preferably a laboratory centrifuge. In this specific example, the centrifuge is a floor-standing centrifuge, which is also suitable for centrifuging larger sample containers based on its size. But the present invention also relates to other types of centrifuges, such as desktop centrifuges. The centrifuge 5 has a cavity 51 in its housing 50, wherein the cavity is a rotor chamber for accommodating a centrifuge rotor. The centrifuge rotor is attached to a drive head 4 extending into the rotor chamber and is connected to the drive head in a non-rotatable manner. The drive head 4 is rotated by a drive shaft coupled to an unillustrated motor. In this way, the centrifuge rotor and the sample container accommodated in this centrifuge rotor also rotate, so the sample contained in the sample container is separated into its components according to density under the action of centrifugal force. The rotor chamber 51 can be closed with the help of a cover 52.

[0053] Figures 9 to 11 An example of a sample container 7 which can be processed within the scope of the present invention is shown. Fig. 9 The sample container 7 is shown using a centrifuge bottle as an example. A wall 70, usually made of plastic, surrounds a sample receiving space 71 in which the sample to be separated can be received. The sample receiving space 71 is accessible through an opening in the bottle neck. In the example shown, the opening is closed by a screw cap 73, which is screwed onto a thread (not shown) on the bottle neck. A hose 72 passes through the opening in the cap 73 and communicates with the sample receiving space 71 of the bottle. The sample can be filled into the bottle 74 via the hose 72.

[0054] Fig.10Another example of a sample container 7 for use within the scope of the invention is shown. The sample container is a film bag 75. Its wall 70 consists of two congruent plastic films, which are approximately rectangular in the upper region and circular in the lower region, as shown in the figure. In the region of the outer edges of the plastic films, the two films are welded to each other along a circumferential seam 700 and a sample receiving space 71 is formed between the films. In the upper region of the film bag 75, in the region of the seam 700, a connection piece comprising two hose connectors 723, 723' is welded in a liquid-tight manner between the two films. The hoses 72, 72' are connected to the two hose connectors 723, 723'. The hose 72, which is closed by a hose clamp K, is used to fill the film bag 75 with a sample, which is in the form of a suspension S here. The level of the sample that has not yet been processed is indicated by a transversely extending line marked with a triangle. The second hose 72' is used for extracting the supernatant after centrifugation and is provided with a closed connector 724 at its end remote from the hose connector 723'. The film bag 75 can be connected to other containers for further processing via the closed connector 724, wherein the closure in the connector is preferably opened by the connection. The connector 724 has, for example, a membrane that is pierced during the connection process.

[0055] Fig.11 The bag system is shown, which in the example shown has four film bags 75, which correspond essentially to Fig.10The film bag has two hose connectors, wherein hoses 72A-72D for filling the film bag are connected to the first hose connectors 723A-723D, and hoses 72' for extraction are connected to the second hose connectors 723'. The hoses 72A-72D are connected in pairs in several stages in such a way that they are finally merged into a single hose 72G by connecting hoses 72E and 72F. The merging of the hoses at the connection points is preferably carried out with the aid of a connector 77, which is, for example, constructed as a T-shaped connector or a Y-shaped connector shown here. The connected hoses 72A to 72G are referred to as branched hose complexes 76 below. In the example shown, hose 72G is connected to a conventional bioreactor B. After the reaction, the cell suspension S in the bioreactor needs to be moved into each film bag 75. With the help of the configuration shown, this can be achieved simply and quickly while maintaining aseptic conditions. A more detailed description of the filling operation and more detailed information about the bag system and the individual film bags can be found in German patent application 102018001675.8 and in international patent application PCT / IB2019 / 051639. In order to separate the cells from the liquid, the film bag 75 containing the sample needs to be centrifuged. For this purpose, the bag system is first separated from the bioreactor B. This is done, for example, by cutting off the hose 72G after closing the hose clamp K, which is indicated by two oblique lines 78 in the area of ​​this hose. The new end of the hose 72G thus shortened is closed with the aid of a suitable hose closure, preferably with the aid of a closed connector. The bag system, which has now been separated from the bioreactor B, is then moved into the sample container of the centrifuge rotor for centrifugation.

[0056] Figures 13 to 15 An example of a centrifuge rotor 1 according to the invention is shown, which can be used to centrifuge the aforementioned sample containers. Suitable centrifuge rotors correspond essentially to the centrifuge rotors known from the prior art. The difference lies in principle only in the use of the retaining ring according to the invention or the retaining ring configuration according to the invention. In order to illustrate this difference, first of all, in conjunction with Fig.12 A conventional centrifuge rotor is described by taking a horizontal rotor 1A as an example. The horizontal rotor 1A has a rotor body 2, including a central body 20, which is generally in the shape of a sleeve. In the example shown, eight retaining arms extend radially outward from the central body 20. From the outer ends 210 of the retaining arms, retaining members 60 in the form of stop pins extend to both sides. A centrifuge cup 61 can be supported on the stop pin in a manner that allows it to deflect around a deflection axis that passes through the longitudinal axis of the relative stop pin. For this purpose, the centrifuge cup 61 has protrusions 611 on the relative outer sides, which define a respective accommodation space 612 for the stop pin 60. Fig.12A total of eight centrifuge cups 61 are shown, seven of which are fixed to the holder 60. In order to illustrate the deflection operation, the centrifuge cup 61 in the outward deflection state is shown on the far left of the figure, which state originally only occurs during centrifugation. The remaining seven suspended centrifuge cups in the figure are in a stationary state, hanging down in the direction of gravity. The eighth centrifuge cup 61 shown in the lower right corner of the figure has not yet been fixed to the centrifuge rotor 1. The holder 60 and the centrifuge cup 61 together form the sample holding part 6 of the horizontal rotor 1A. The sample container 7 to be centrifuged is placed in the centrifuge cup 61 suspended on the holder 60. Depending on the circumstances, an adapter not shown here can be arranged in advance in the interior 610 of the corresponding centrifuge cup 61. This type of adapter is used to stabilize and protect the sample container in the centrifuge cup in a known manner. In the example shown, the interior 610 of the centrifuge cup 61 has an elliptical cross-section. Accordingly, the centrifuge cup is suitable for accommodating elliptical sample containers, but is particularly suitable for accommodating in this case. Fig.10 and Fig.11 A film bag is shown exemplarily in FIG.

[0057] Before the centrifugation operation is performed, the centrifuge rotor 1 is first placed in the centrifuge, for example Figure 8 The centrifuge rotor is inserted into the rotor chamber 51 shown and coupled to the drive head 4. The side of the centrifuge rotor into which the drive head 4 is inserted is referred to below as the insertion side E. The side of the rotor body 2 opposite to the insertion side E is referred to below as the top side O. In the example shown, the hub 30, which is generally designed as a sleeve and is embedded in the opening of the central body 20, is used to accommodate the drive head 4. The hub 30 protrudes upwards from the top side O of the rotor body 2. Fig.13 The centrifuge rotor 1 of the present invention is similar to Fig.12 The centrifuge rotor shown differs only in that a retaining ring 8 is attached to the top side O of the rotor body 2. The retaining ring 8 is placed from top to bottom on the part of the hub 30 that protrudes from the top side O of the rotor body 2. The retaining ring rests movably on a ring disk 301 that laterally surrounds the hub 30. In a less preferred solution, the retaining ring can also be fixed to the rotor body or the hub in an inseparable manner. In the example shown, the retaining ring 8 corresponds to Figure 1 The retaining ring shown. The retaining ring is constructed in such a way that the diameter of the central opening 80 is only slightly larger than the diameter of the hub 30. Therefore, the inner edge of the retaining ring 8 extends in a manner closely adjacent to the outer periphery 302 of the hub 30. The spacing is preferably only a few millimeters. Therefore, the retaining ring is arranged in such a way that the center point of the central opening is located on the rotation axis R or only deviates from the rotation axis very slightly. Therefore, the spacing between the tines 82 extending out of the top side O of the rotor body 2 and the outer periphery 302 of the hub 30 is substantially the same for all tines in the circumferential direction. The space provided between the tines and the hub is used to accommodate and fix the hose of the sample container arranged in the centrifuge cup 61.

[0058] Fig.14 Another example of a centrifuge rotor 1 according to the invention is shown by way of example with a fixed-angle rotor 1B. The fixed-angle rotor 1B is substantially cylindrical and has an outer wall 10, comprising a central opening (not shown) arranged on the insertion side E, in which a hub 30 for accommodating a drive head of a centrifuge drive is embedded. The hub 30 projects out of the top side O of the fixed-angle rotor 1B opposite the insertion side E. Several cavities 62 are provided in the interior of the fixed-angle rotor, each of which has an opening 63 facing the top side O. These cavities are sample containers 6 of the fixed-angle rotor 1B for accommodating sample containers. In the example shown, the sample container 6 again has an elliptical cross section, so that it can be as shown Fig.13 For centrifugation of film bags, the swing-out rotor 1A is used. In order to fix the hose of the film bag for centrifugation, similar to the combination Fig.13 In the description made herein, the retaining ring 8 of the present invention is attached to the hub 30. For clarity, Fig.14 The components of the centrifuge rotor of the present invention are shown in an exploded view. The arrows indicate the direction of movement during assembly. In the assembled state, the retaining ring 8 is movably attached to the gear ring 301 provided on the side of the hub. Fig.13 As already described, the retaining ring 8 can also be fixed in an inseparable manner to the rotor surface O and / or the toothed ring. The centrifuge rotor 1 can be closed by means of a cover 10 which bears against the upper edge 11 of the rotor body 2 in the assembled state.

[0059] Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a top view of another example of a horizontal rotor 1A of the present invention when looking down at the top side of the horizontal rotor. Fig.13 The horizontal rotor is similar to the , but has only four retaining arms extending from the central body 20. At the outwardly widened ends 210 of the retaining arms, retaining elements 60 in the form of stop pins protrude laterally. Fig.13 The description made, a centrifuge cup 61 is hung on these retaining members. A bag system 7 (with Fig.11 The film bag 75 is similar to the bag system of the centrifuge cup 61. Each of the four film bags 75 is individually arranged in one of the four centrifuge cups 61. In the upper area of ​​the wall 70 of each bag 75, the first end of the hose 72A-72D is sealed. The other end is connected to the connecting hose 72E, and one end 720 of the connecting hose is equipped with a closed closure 721. By connecting this closure 721 to the transport line leading to the container, all the film bags 75 can be filled with samples from the container, or conversely, all the film bags 75 can be emptied through the transport line 720. As in the example Fig.11 The difference between the configuration shown is that in Fig.15In the example shown, the branched hose complex does not have multiple branches, but adopts a solution in which the hoses 72A-72D are directly connected to the connecting hose 72E at the corresponding branching points 77. The hose 72D of the last one of the film bags 75 is provided at the end of the connecting hose 72 facing away from the end 720 (upper right in the figure), or (in other words), the other end of the connecting hose 720 is connected to the last one of the film bags 75.

[0060] The bag system 7 can be centrifuged together with the branched hose complex 76 without having to cut the hoses 72A-72D for this purpose. Fig.11 As described, only the delivery line 720 is shortened and the delivery line is closed by means of a closed connector 721 or another suitable closure. In order to prevent the hose of the hose complex 76 from slipping and being torn off from the film bag 75 during centrifugation, the hose is fixed on the retaining ring 8, which is attached to the top side of the rotor body at the center of the rotor body 2 through the hub 30. This is basically as described above. According to the number of hoses to be fixed, the retaining ring 8 has a total of four pairs of sharp teeth 82. These sharp teeth are distributed on the outer edge of the base in a manner opposite to each of the four centrifuge cups 61. In order to be fixed, the hose 72A-72D is respectively passed through the gap between a pair of sharp teeth 82, and the hose is pressed downward toward the base. The connecting hose 72E connected to the hose 72A-72D is arranged in the gap between the sharp teeth 82 and the outer periphery of the hub 30. The delivery line 720 is guided outward through the gap between two adjacent pairs of sharp teeth. Thus, each of the connectors 77 has a portion in the gap between the tines 82 and the hub 30, while the other portion is guided outward in the gap between two adjacent tines. In this way, all hoses are securely fixed on the retaining ring 8 and thus in the center of the centrifuge rotor 1A. If the centrifuge rotor is rotated, the secure fixing of the hoses of the hose complex 76 on the retaining ring 8 in the central area (only small centrifugal forces act on this area) is maintained. Therefore, the hoses can neither slip in the rotor chamber during centrifugation nor be torn off the film bag 75.

[0061] Figures 16 to 18 The following is intended to greatly simplify the description of the details of the hose fastening of the hose assembly 76. Fig.16 For Fig.158. A perspective sectional view in the region of the line YY of FIG. In the sectional view, a cross section of the hose 72D and the delivery line 720 can be seen, which is located just outside the retaining ring 8. In the further extension, the hose sections of these hoses pass between adjacent tines 82, into the region between the inner side of the tines 82 and the outer circumference 302 of the hub 30, and are subsequently laid to different sides in the gap 823 in a manner extending further along the outer circumference 302 of the hub 30. Therein, at least in the region of the free ends 820, the spacing A between the inner sides of the tines 82 is substantially equal to the outer diameter d of the hose to be fixed to the retaining ring 8. In the example shown, the curved region 821 of the tines 82 protrudes vertically upwards from the base surface 81. In this case, the spacing A is the same over the entire length L of the tines. However, it is also possible, as described in the previous example, for the spacing A to increase towards the free ends 820 of the tines 82. In this way, by pushing the hose section to be fixed downwards towards the base 81, the hose section is increasingly clamped or clamped between the hub and the tines and thus reliably fixed on the retaining ring. A similar process can also be used when fixing the hose section between adjacent tines 82. The spacing D varies over the longitudinal extent of the tines and has a minimum value in the region of the lower third adjacent to the base 81. Accordingly, the tines 82 have a width B of 0.1 mm. max The maximum width expansion is in the region of . Starting from this maximum width, the width of the tines 82 decreases continuously upward and downward. The spacing D is also approximately equal to the outer diameter d of the hose section to be fixed. Preferably, the position of the maximum width is also based on the outer diameter d of the hose section to be fixed and is selected in such a way that at least half of the cross section of the hose section is lower than the maximum width of the tines 82. In this way, the hose section can be reliably clamped or clamped between adjacent tines. In general, the spacing A and the spacing D do not need to be exactly equal to the outer diameter d of the hose section to be fixed. On the one hand, these spacings can be slightly smaller, because the hose to be fixed is usually a deformable plastic hose, which can withstand compression during the insertion process. Therefore, the hose can be clamped in the gap when the shape of the hose changes, wherein the dimensions A and D are smaller than d. On the other hand, A and D can also be slightly larger than d, because the hose section to be fixed is clamped due to its bending and multiple changes of direction during fixation on the retaining ring 8, and is thus also reliably fixed.

[0062] The fixing of the hose in the area of ​​the connection point 77 of the hose also prevents the hose from slipping off the retaining ring 8. Fig.17 and Fig.18 Two examples are shown in FIG. 1 . They are both partial views of a hose complex 76 in the region of a connection point 77, which is arranged between the hub 30 and a pair of pointed teeth 82. This view corresponds substantially to FIG. Fig.15 A local enlarged view of the area Z. Fig.17In the illustrated configuration, the connection between the hose 72B (whose other end, not shown, is connected to the film bag 75) and the connecting hose 72E is achieved by means of a conventional T-piece 770 made of plastic. In order to lock the hose end to the T-piece, a cable tie or a hose clamp can be used, but it is not shown here for the sake of clarity. The trunk of the T-piece 770 containing the hose end of the hose 72B is led outward through the gap 822 located between two adjacent tines 82. The crossbeam of the T-piece 770 containing the hose 72E is located on the inner side of the tines 82 in a manner adjacent to the outer periphery of the hub 30. Therefore, the T-piece 770 and the hose sections 72B and 72E connected thereto are located almost immovably between the tines 82 and the hub 30 and can only be removed therefrom by pulling them upwards. However, the hose sections remain in the shown position during centrifugation. Fig.18 The configuration shown in Fig.17 The configuration of is different only in that a Y-shaped piece is used instead of a T-shaped piece.

[0063] Fig.19 for Fig.16 . It can be seen that the diameter of the central opening 80 of the base 81 of the retaining ring 8 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the hub 30 on which the retaining ring 8 is arranged. Therefore, the inner edge 83 of the base 81 extends adjacent to the outer periphery 302 of the hub 30 at a very small spacing, for example a few millimeters. In this way, the retaining ring 8 is centered above the center of the centrifuge rotor, and the center point M of the central opening 80 coincides with the rotation axis R of the centrifuge rotor or is only slightly offset by a few millimeters from this rotation axis. Therefore, the hoses arranged in the gaps 822 between adjacent tines 82 and in the gaps 823 between the tines 82 and the hub 30 are fixed in close contact with the rotation axis R, so that only small centrifugal forces act on these hoses during centrifugal operation. In addition, the hose section fixed between the hub 30 and the retaining ring 8 helps to fix the retaining ring 8 on the hub 30, so that even if the spacing between the inner edge 83 and the outer periphery 302 of the hub is relatively large, the retaining ring does not move relative to the hub during centrifugation.

Claims

1. A centrifuge rotor (1) comprising a rotor body (2) and a receiving part for a drive head (4) for a drive shaft of a centrifuge (5) rotatable about a rotation axis (R) arranged centrally in the rotor body, and a sample receiving part (6) for arranging several sample containers (7), It is characterized in that A retaining ring (8) is provided on the top side (O) of the rotor body (2) facing away from the insertion side (E) of the drive head (4), the retaining ring having an annular base (81) with a central opening (80) and pointed teeth (82) extending upward from the base away from the top side (O), wherein the retaining ring (8) is arranged in such a way that the rotation axis (R) extends through the central opening (80), The sample container (7) has at least one hose (72). At least one of the hoses (72) of the sample container (7) passes between two adjacent pointed teeth (82) of the retaining ring (8). Wherein, a distance (A) for accommodating the hose of the sample container (7) is established between the free end (820) of the pointed tooth (82) and the inner edge (83) of the base body (81), A locking ring is provided on the retaining ring (8), wherein the locking ring has an annular base body with a central opening and pointed teeth extending radially outward from the base body, wherein the pointed teeth are arranged in a gap (822) between adjacent pointed teeth (82) of the retaining ring (8).

2. The centrifuge rotor according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The substrate (81) has at least one of the following characteristics: - the base body is arranged in such a way that the center point of the central opening (80) lies on the axis of rotation (R), - the base body is in the shape of a circular ring, The base body has 4 to 24 sharp teeth (82).

3. The centrifuge rotor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The tines (82) have at least one of the following characteristics: - the pointed teeth are offset outwardly by the distance (A) at least in the region of their free ends (820) relative to the inner edge (83) of the base body (81), the tines are bent in the region of their connection to the base body (81), wherein the angle (α) relative to the supporting surface (P) of the base body is between 70 and 90°, - the tine is bent several times along its longitudinal extension direction, wherein the first bend (K1) is in the region where the tine (82) is connected to the base body (81), and the second bend (K2) is towards the free end (820) of the tine (82), wherein the bent region (821) of the tine (82) including the free end (820) extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis (R), - the pointed teeth extend radially outward from the base (81), - the pointed teeth are evenly distributed within the periphery of the base body (81), The tines have a maximum width (B) along their longitudinal extension max ), which is located at one third of the total length (L) of the pointed tooth (82) adjacent to the base body (81).

4. The centrifuge rotor according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The retaining ring (8) has at least one of the following characteristics: - the retaining ring rests movably on the top side (O), -The retaining ring adopts an integrated construction solution, - the retaining ring is made of metal, or the retaining ring is made of plastic, The retaining ring is produced by separating the teeth (82) from a metal sheet and subsequently bending the teeth (82) when it is made of metal, or by injection molding when it is made of plastic.

5. The centrifuge rotor according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The centrifuge rotor is a horizontal rotor (1A), the rotor body (2) includes a central body (20) containing a container and a retaining arm extending radially outward from the central body, and a sample container (6) is provided on the outer end (210) of the retaining arm, which includes a retaining member (60) for rotatably supporting a centrifuge cup (61), wherein the sample container (7) is accommodated in the centrifuge cup (61).

6. The centrifuge rotor according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The centrifuge rotor is a fixed-angle rotor (1B), wherein the sample receiving part (6) is constructed as a cavity (62) located in the rotor body (2), and the sample container (7) is received in the cavity (62).

7. The centrifuge rotor according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The sample container (7) has at least one hose (72) extending outward and communicating with a sample containing space (71) defined by a container wall (70).

8. The centrifuge rotor according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The sample container (7) is selected from: a bottle (74) which can be closed by a cover (73), wherein the at least one hose (72) passes through an opening in the cover (73), a film bag (75) in which one end of the at least one hose (72) is sealed, An arrangement of several film bags (75) in which one end of at least one hose (72) is sealed, wherein the other ends of the hoses (72) are connected to one another to form a branched hose assembly (76).

9. The centrifuge rotor according to claim 8, It is characterized in that Sections of the interconnected hoses (72) of all sample containers (7) are passed between two adjacent teeth (82) of the retaining ring (8), wherein the respective hose section is passed between the other adjacent teeth (82).

10. The centrifuge rotor according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The hose section of the hose composite (76) is fastened to the pointed teeth (82) in the region of its branching point (77).

11. The centrifuge rotor according to any one of claims 9 to 10, It is characterized in that At least one hose section is directed outwardly of the retaining ring (8) along the inside of at least one of the tines (82) and optionally between another pair of adjacent tines (82).

12. The centrifuge rotor according to any one of claims 9 to 10, It is characterized in that Meet at least one of the following characteristics: - the spacing (D) between adjacent tines (82) is at least partially substantially equal to the outer diameter (d) of the at least one hose (72), - the distance (A) between the pointed teeth (82), at least in the region of their free ends (820), and the inner edge (83) of the base body (81) is substantially equal to the outer diameter (d) of the at least one hose (72), - The spacing (D) between adjacent pointed teeth (82) and / or the spacing (A) between the pointed teeth (82) at least in the region of their free ends (820) and the inner edge (83) of the base body (81) is arranged in such a way that the at least one hose (72) can be fixed between the pointed teeth (82) and / or between the pointed teeth (82) and the hub (30), the clamping nut or the handle protruding from the top side (O) of the rotor body (2).

13. A retaining ring arrangement (9) comprising a retaining ring (8) for use with a centrifuge rotor (1) and a locking ring attachable to the retaining ring (8), in, The retaining ring (8) comprises an annular base body (81) with a central opening (80) and pointed teeth (82) extending upwardly from the base body away from the base body (81), wherein the pointed teeth (82) are offset outwardly at a distance (A) relative to an inner edge (83) of the base body (81) at least in the region of their free ends (820), wherein the distance (A) is used to accommodate a hose (72). wherein at least one hose (72) can be passed between two adjacent pointed teeth (82) of the retaining ring (8), The locking ring has an annular base body with a central opening and pointed teeth extending radially outward from the base body, wherein the pointed teeth are arranged in a manner such that they can be located in gaps (822) between adjacent pointed teeth (82) of a retaining ring (8).

14. A centrifuge (5) comprising a centrifuge rotor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a retaining ring arrangement (9) according to claim 13.

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