Rotary lock system for attaching rotor

Abstract

A driver head (20) of a centrifuge driver is used to detachably connect a rotor to a centrifuge. The driver head includes a driver head hub (58) including: a plurality of recesses (62) formed in the outer side wall; a locking slider (66) movably retained within each of the plurality of recesses to define an articulation joint and pivotable about the articulation axis in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction; and an elastic element for biasing each of the locking sliders in a radially inward direction. Each locking slider is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force (A2) on an inner side wall of a hub (22) of the centrifuge rotor to prevent axial movement of the centrifuge rotor along a rotational axis of the centrifuge driver and rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor relative to the driver head, wherein the radially outwardly directed force increases as the rotational speed of the drive head increases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to centrifuges and, more particularly, to a drive head locking system for removably connecting a rotor to a centrifuge drive of a centrifuge. Background Art

[0002] Laboratory centrifuges typically include a rotor that is removably coupled to a drive that is used to rotate the rotor at a specific speed required for centrifuging samples stored in the rotor. Although centrifuge rotors can vary significantly in construction and size, common rotor structures are fixed-angle rotors and swing bucket rotors (also known as swing-out rotors). Fixed-angle rotors, for example, include a solid rotor body that has multiple receiving chambers or rotor wells that are radially distributed in the rotor body and symmetrically arranged around the axis of rotation of the rotor. Samples in appropriately sized sample containers are placed in multiple rotor wells, allowing multiple samples to be centrifuged when the rotor is rotated by a centrifuge drive.

[0003] In order to rotate the rotor at a specific speed, the rotor is removably attached to the drive shaft or spindle driven by the motor of the centrifuge. In this regard, the centrifuge spindle generally includes a locking system, which is configured to be received by the rotor, for the rotor to be fixedly connected to the centrifuge driver and to transmit torque between the driver and the rotor so that the rotor rotates at a specific speed. A type of conventional locking system is a locking system operated by centrifugal force. In other words, as the rotating speed of the rotor increases, the coupling force applied to the rotor by the coupling device increases. However, the locking systems of these conventional types generally require the use of tools to initially connect the rotor and the centrifuge driver and to separate the rotor from the centrifuge driver. Other conventional locking system designs include integrated actuators or buttons, which are operable to, for example, initially connect the rotor and the centrifuge driver and to separate the rotor from the centrifuge driver. The use of tools or other mechanisms to mechanically couple the rotor to the centrifuge drive for this purpose is a result of the limited performance capabilities of centrifugally operated locking systems, which are limited by their ability to withstand the associated axial forces and torques caused by centrifugal forces during rotation of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive, particularly at high rotational speeds.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a centrifuge which ensures reliable locking against both rotational forces and axial lifting forces acting on the centrifuge rotor during a range of rotational speeds, but in particular at high rotational speeds, wherein the locking force increases with increasing rotational speed of the centrifuge rotor. Furthermore, the rotor should be mountable to and dismountable from the centrifuge drive in a very short time and, for example, without the use of tools, buttons or other mechanical actuators. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned and other disadvantages and drawbacks of centrifuge drive head locking systems for removably connecting a rotor to a centrifuge drive.Although the present invention will be discussed in conjunction with certain embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a driver head for a centrifuge driver is provided. The driver head is configured to be received in the hub of a centrifuge rotor for coupling the centrifuge rotor to the centrifuge driver so that the centrifuge rotor rotates around the axis of rotation of the centrifuge driver by the centrifuge driver. The hub of the centrifuge rotor includes at least one torque slot formed therein. The driver head includes a driver head hub having a spindle socket and a center hole, the spindle socket being configured to receive a spindle of the centrifuge driver, and the center hole being configured to receive a fastener passing therethrough to couple the driver head to the spindle. The drive head hub includes: a boss protruding upward from a top surface of the drive head hub, the boss including at least one drive pin, the at least one drive pin being configured to engage at least one torque groove formed in the hub of the centrifuge rotor to transmit the rotational motion of the centrifuge drive to the centrifuge rotor; a plurality of recesses formed in an outer side wall of the drive head hub and circumferentially spaced around the drive head hub; and a locking slider movably retained in each of the plurality of recesses to define an articulation joint and an articulation axis and pivotable about the articulation axis in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive. An elastic element is located between each locking slider and the drive head hub for biasing each locking slider in a radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive. For this purpose, each locking slider is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge rotor during rotation of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive to prevent axial movement of the centrifuge rotor along the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive and rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor relative to the drive head, wherein the radially outwardly directed force increases with increasing rotational speed of the drive head.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the driver head includes a retaining plate attached to the base of the driver head hub. The retaining plate includes a central hole configured to receive the distal end of the spindle therethrough. According to another aspect, at least one drive pin of the driver head includes a first drive pin, a second drive pin, and a third drive pin circumferentially spaced around the central hole of the driver head hub.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, each locking slider includes a curved outer surface in cross-section that matches the curvature of the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge rotor. According to another aspect, each locking slider includes a chamfered surface extending between the curved outer surface and the top surface of each locking slider. According to yet another aspect, each locking slider is movable between (1) a retracted position and (2) an extended position, in which each locking slider is received in a corresponding one of a plurality of recesses in a radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive to define a first outer diameter of the drive head hub, and in which each locking slider protrudes a certain distance from a corresponding one of a plurality of recesses in a radially outward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive to define a second outer diameter of the drive head hub, the second outer diameter being greater than the first outer diameter.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a plurality of recesses are equally spaced around the circumference of the drive head hub to provide self-centering of the drive head within the hub of the centrifuge rotor by each locking slide. According to another aspect, the articulation axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, each locking slide includes an articulated member configured to move within a socket portion of each of the plurality of recesses and a hole formed in the retaining plate to define an articulated joint. According to another aspect, a first end of the articulated member includes a bolt portion having a bushing configured to facilitate pivotal movement between the locking slide and the driver head hub, and a second end of the articulated member includes a bolt portion having a bushing configured to facilitate pivotal movement between the locking slide and the retaining plate.

[0011] According to yet another aspect, the locking slide includes a first radially extending sidewall portion and a second radially extending sidewall portion. The first radially extending sidewall portion is configured to abut a first radially extending surface of the driver head hub when the locking slide is in the extended position, and the second radially extending sidewall portion is configured to abut a second radially extending surface of the driver head hub when the locking slide is in the retracted position.

[0012] According to one aspect, the resilient element extends between a blind hole formed in a first radially extending surface of the driver head hub and a blind hole formed in a first radially extending side wall portion of the locking slide.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a centrifuge is provided with a driver head and includes a centrifuge rotor having a hub configured to receive the driver head therein. The hub includes at least one torque groove formed therein, the at least one torque groove being configured to receive at least one drive pin of the driver head hub for transmitting the rotational motion of the centrifuge driver to the centrifuge rotor. According to yet another aspect, each torque groove is an arc-shaped blind hole. According to one aspect, at least one torque groove includes four torque grooves spaced circumferentially around a center hole formed in the hub. According to another aspect, the first drive pin of the driver head hub is configured to engage the side wall of the first torque groove to prevent the driver head from rotating relative to the centrifuge rotor during the acceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge driver. According to yet another aspect, the second drive pin of the driver head hub is configured to engage the side wall of the second torque groove to prevent the driver head from rotating relative to the centrifuge rotor during the deceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge driver.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a driver head for a centrifuge driver is provided. The driver head is configured to be received in the hub of a centrifuge rotor for coupling the centrifuge rotor to the centrifuge driver so that the centrifuge rotor rotates around the axis of rotation of the centrifuge driver by the centrifuge driver. The hub of the centrifuge rotor includes at least one drive pin for transmitting the rotational motion of the centrifuge driver to the centrifuge rotor. The driver head includes a driver head hub having a spindle socket and a center hole, the spindle socket being configured to receive the spindle of the centrifuge driver, and the center hole being configured to receive a fastener passing therethrough to couple the driver head to the spindle. The drive head hub includes: a plurality of recesses formed in an outer sidewall of the drive head hub and circumferentially spaced about the drive head hub; a locking slider movably retained in each of the plurality of recesses to define an articulation joint and an articulation axis and pivotable in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive; and a resilient element located between each locking slider and the drive head hub for pivotally biasing each locking slider in a radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive. To this end, each locking slider is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the inner sidewall of the hub of the centrifuge rotor during rotation of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive to prevent axial movement of the centrifuge rotor along the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive and rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor relative to the drive head, wherein the radially outwardly directed force increases with increasing rotational speed of the drive head.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the driver head includes a crown attached to the top of the driver head hub. The crown includes a center hole and a plurality of torque grooves formed in the top surface of the crown, the center hole being configured to receive a fastener passing therethrough, the plurality of torque grooves being configured to receive at least one drive pin of the hub of the centrifuge rotor to transmit the rotational motion of the centrifuge driver to the centrifuge rotor. The driver head also includes a retaining plate attached to the base of the driver head hub. The retaining plate includes a center hole configured to receive the distal end of the spindle passing therethrough.

[0016] According to another aspect, each locking slider includes a curved outer surface in cross-section that matches the curvature of the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge rotor. According to one aspect, each locking slider includes a chamfered surface that extends between the curved outer surface and the top surface of each locking slider. According to another aspect, each locking slider is pivotable between (1) a retracted position and (2) an extended position, in which each locking slider is received in a corresponding one of a plurality of recesses in a radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive to define a first outer diameter of the drive head hub, and in which each locking slider protrudes a certain distance from a corresponding one of a plurality of recesses in a radially outward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive to define a second outer diameter of the drive head hub, the second outer diameter being greater than the first outer diameter.

[0017] According to one aspect, a plurality of recesses are equally spaced around the circumference of the drive head hub to provide self-centering of the drive head within the hub of the centrifuge rotor by each locking slide. According to another aspect, the articulation axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive.

[0018] According to yet another aspect, each locking slide includes an articulation member configured to move within a socket portion of each of the plurality of recesses, a blind hole formed in the crown, and a hole formed in the retaining plate to define an articulation joint. According to one aspect, a first end of the articulation member includes a pin portion having a bushing configured to facilitate pivotal movement between the locking slide and the crown, and a second end of the articulation member includes a pin portion having a bushing configured to facilitate pivotal movement between the locking slide and the retaining plate.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking slider includes a first radially extending sidewall portion and a second radially extending sidewall portion. The first radially extending sidewall portion is configured to abut a first radially extending surface of the driver head hub when the locking slider is in an extended position, and the second radially extending sidewall portion is configured to abut a second radially extending surface of the driver head hub when the locking slider is in a retracted position. According to another aspect, the resilient element extends between a blind hole formed in the first radially extending surface of the driver head hub and a blind hole formed in the first radially extending sidewall portion of the locking slider.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a centrifuge is provided with a driver head and includes a centrifuge rotor having a hub configured to receive the driver head therein. The hub includes at least one drive pin that protrudes from the inner surface of the hub in an axially downward direction relative to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge driver. For this purpose, at least one drive pin is configured to transmit the rotational motion of the centrifuge driver to the centrifuge rotor. According to one aspect, each torque groove is an arc-shaped blind hole. According to another aspect, the at least one torque groove includes four torque grooves spaced circumferentially around a center hole formed in the hub. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the first drive pin of the crown is configured to engage the side wall of the first torque groove to prevent the rotation of the driver head relative to the centrifuge rotor during the acceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge driver. According to one aspect, the second drive pin of the crown of the centrifuge rotor is configured to engage the side wall of the second torque groove to prevent the rotation of the driver head relative to the centrifuge rotor during the deceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge driver.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an adapter for mounting a driver head to a spindle of a centrifuge driver is provided. The driver head is configured to be received in the hub of a centrifuge rotor for coupling the centrifuge rotor to the centrifuge driver so that the centrifuge rotor rotates around the axis of rotation of the centrifuge driver by the centrifuge driver. The driver head includes a central hole configured to receive a fastener therethrough to couple the driver head to the distal end of the spindle of the centrifuge driver. The adapter includes: a first protrusion configured to be received in a recess formed in the driver head; a second protrusion protruding in an axially opposite direction to the first protrusion; and a mounting hole extending axially through the adapter and extending between a first opening leading to the mounting hole formed in the first protrusion of the adapter and a second opening leading to the mounting hole formed in the second protrusion of the adapter. The mounting hole is configured to receive the distal end of the spindle through the second opening so that the central hole of the drive head, the mounting hole and the threaded hole in the distal end of the spindle are coaxially arranged to receive a fastener therethrough to couple the drive head and the adapter to the distal end of the spindle of the centrifuge drive.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the adapter comprises a cup-shaped flange axially located between the first and second projections. According to another aspect, the first projection is frustoconical in shape. According to yet another aspect, the mounting hole is frustoconical in shape.

[0023] Various additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing a centrifuge rotor coupled to a drive head of a centrifuge drive.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a centrifuge of , showing that when the drive head rotates the centrifuge rotor at a specific speed, the locking slider of the drive head exerts a radially outwardly directed force on the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge rotor.

[0027] Figure 3 is along Figure 2A cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1 shows the position of the locking slider of the drive head when the drive head is stationary.

[0028] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 , showing the forces acting on the locking slide of the drive head when the drive head rotates a centrifuge rotor at a specific speed.

[0029] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 5 shows details of the drive head and locking slider.

[0030] Figure 6 is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1 shows the position of the drive pin relative to the corresponding torque slot in the drive head when the drive head rotates the centrifuge rotor in a counterclockwise direction at a particular speed.

[0031] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 , showing the position of the drive pin relative to the corresponding torque slot in the driver head as the driver head decelerates to a stop.

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 1-Figure 7 Exploded view of the drive head.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge according to a second embodiment of the present invention showing a centrifuge rotor coupled to a drive head of a centrifuge drive.

[0034] Fig.10 is similar to Fig. 9 , showing additional details of the drive head and locking slide.

[0035] Fig.11 It is along Fig. 9 The cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 1 shows the position of the drive pin relative to the corresponding torque groove in the hub of the centrifuge rotor when the drive head rotates the centrifuge rotor in a counterclockwise direction at a particular speed.

[0036] Fig.12 is similar to Fig.11 , showing the position of the drive pin relative to the corresponding torque slot in the hub of the centrifuge rotor as the drive head slows to a stop.

[0037] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of a drive head attached to a spindle of a centrifuge with an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram showing a centrifuge rotor installed in an exemplary centrifuge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1 , shows an exemplary centrifuge 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which does not have any substructures of the centrifuge 10. Figure 1 As shown, the centrifuge 10 includes a centrifuge rotor 12, which is operably connected to a centrifuge drive 14, which has a drive shaft or spindle 16 driven by a motor 18, for rotating the rotor 12 around an axis of rotation A1 to achieve high-speed, centrifugal rotation of the rotor 12. As shown, the centrifuge drive 14 includes a drive head 20 positioned at one end of the spindle 16, which is configured to be received in a hub 22 of the rotor 12, for removably connecting the rotor 12 to the centrifuge drive 14 in a tool-free manner, as will be described in further detail below. The connection between the drive head 20 and the rotor 12 not only axially fixes the rotor 12 to the centrifuge drive 14, but also facilitates the transmission of torque between the centrifuge drive 14 and the rotor 12, so that the rotor 12 rotates with the rotation required for the centrifugal sample contained therein. The connection also provides self-centering of the drive head 20 in the hub 22 of the rotor 12, as will be described in further detail below.

[0040] Continue to refer Figure 1 , an exemplary centrifuge rotor 12 includes a rotor body 24 and a rotor cover 26, which is configured to be coupled to an open end of the rotor body 24, particularly, for example, during centrifugation of a sample. In this regard, the rotor body 24 is symmetrical about a common rotation axis A1 with the centrifuge drive 14. The rotor 12 includes a plurality of rotor wells 28 (also referred to as receiving chambers or cell well cavities) formed in the rotor body 24 and radially distributed around a vertical hole 30 formed through the axial center of the rotor 12 in a symmetrical arrangement. Each rotor well 28 formed in the rotor body 24 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is configured to receive a sample container (not shown) therein to centrifuge a sample held in the sample container. Each rotor well 28 can be formed in the rotor body 24 so as to have a fixed angular relationship relative to the rotation axis A1 of the rotor 12. For this purpose, the rotor 12 can be considered a high-speed, fixed-angle rotor 12, for example, which is designed to rotate at a speed ranging from about 8,000 rpm to about 30,000 rpm.

[0041] However, while the rotor 12 is shown and described in the context of a fixed angle rotor having certain characteristics, it should be understood that the same inventive concepts associated with embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with different types of centrifuge rotors, such as swing bucket rotors and vertical rotors, for example, without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the inventive concepts associated with embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using the following rotors (listed by model) commercially available from the assignee of the present disclosure: Fiberlite TM F10-6x250 LEX、Fiberlite TM F10-6x100 LEX、Fiberlite TM F15-6x100y, Fiberlite TM F15-8x50cy, Fiberlite TM F15-48x1.5 / 2.0, Fiberlite TM F10-14x50cy, H3-LV, Fiberlite TM F15-24x1.5 / 2.0、BIOShield TM -720, TX-100, TX-150, TX-200, TX-400, TX-750, HIGHTPlate TM -6000. For this purpose, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , the rotor 12 includes a rotor insert 32 disposed within a central interior region of the rotor body 24, the rotor insert being configured to threadedly engage with the rotor hub 22. As shown, the rotor insert 32 is positioned about the rotation axis A1 and is configured to receive and threadedly engage the rotor hub 22 to hold the rotor hub 22 in position within the vertical bore 30 of the rotor 12. The engagement between the rotor insert 32 and the rotor hub 22 exposes an externally threaded top portion 34 of the hub 22 from the vertical bore 30, to which a hub retainer 36 is threadedly fastened to hold the hub 22 in position relative to the rotor body 24.

[0043] The rotor 12 also includes a cap screw 38 for securing the rotor cover 26 to the rotor body 24. The cap screw 38 is configured to be screwed into the internally threaded top portion 40 of the rotor hub 22, so that turning the cap screw 38 to engage the hub 22 presses the cap screw 38 down on the cover 26, thereby securing the cover 26 to the rotor 12. As shown, the cap screw 38, the hub 22, and the rotor insert 32 are coaxially arranged with the vertical hole 30 formed in the rotor body 24. The cover 26 seals and closes the open end of the rotor body 24 to prevent access to one or more sample containers held in the rotor well 28 during high-speed rotation of the rotor 12.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 1-Figure 2 , the hub 22 of the rotor 12 includes an internal cavity 42 that is configured to receive the drive head 20 of the centrifuge drive 14 therein for coupling the rotor 12 to the centrifuge drive 14. In this regard, the shape of the cavity 42 generally corresponds to the profile of the drive head 20. More specifically, the internal cavity 42 extends from the open end 44 of the hub 22 to the radially extending base surface 46 of the hub 22 to define an inner sidewall 48 of the hub 22. The inner sidewall 48 of the hub 22 includes an annular lip 49 adjacent to the open end 44, and the base surface 46 of the hub 22 includes a plurality of torque grooves 50 formed therein, each torque groove 50 being configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 52 of the drive head 20 therein to transmit the rotational motion of the centrifuge drive 14 to the centrifuge rotor 12, as described in further detail below.

[0045] refer to Figure 1-Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the details of the driver head 20 will now be described. As shown, the driver head 20 is permanently mounted to the distal end 54 of the spindle 16 using fasteners 56, and includes a driver head hub 58 and a retaining plate 60 coupled together in a coaxial arrangement. The driver head hub 58 also includes a plurality of recesses 62 formed in an outer side wall 64 of the driver head hub 58, each recess 62 being configured to movably retain a corresponding locking slide 66 therein. The plurality of radially movable locking slides 66 are configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the hub 22 of the rotor 12, such as Figure 2 As shown by the directional arrow A2 in FIG. 1 . The radially outwardly directed force A2 applied by each locking slider 66 on the hub 22 of the rotor 12 increases as the rotational speed of the drive head 20 increases. In this regard, the locking sliders 66 are used to prevent axial movement of the centrifuge rotor 12 along the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14 and rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor 12 relative to the drive head 20, and also provide self-centering of the drive head 20 within the hub 22 of the rotor 12, as described in further detail below. Figure 2, the driver head hub 58 includes a central hole 68 configured to receive the fastener 56 therethrough for attaching the driver head 20 to the distal end 54 of the spindle 16. The retaining plate 60 includes a central hole 70 configured to receive the distal end 54 of the spindle 16 therethrough. To this end, the fastener 56, which may be a bolt or screw, for example, is received through the hole 68 formed in the driver head hub 58 and is threaded into a threaded hole 72 in the distal end 54 of the spindle 16.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 1-Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the driver head hub 58 includes a generally cylindrical boss 74 projecting upwardly from a top surface 76 of the driver head hub 58 and a recess 78, also referred to as a spindle socket, formed in a base 80 of the driver head hub 58. The recess 78 extends a distance in the axial direction from the base 80 into the driver head hub 58 and is configured to receive a portion of the distal end 54 of the spindle 16 therein, as shown. The profile of the recess 78 achieves the same effect as a locking cone or Morse taper, thereby causing a self-retaining frictional engagement between the surface of the recess 78 and the surface of the spindle 16. The central hole 68 formed in the driver head hub 58 extends in the axial direction between the boss 74 and the recess 78, and is configured to receive the fastener 56 therethrough, as described above.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 1-2 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the drive head hub 58 (and more specifically, the boss 74) includes a plurality of blind holes 82 formed therein, each blind hole 82 being configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 52 therein. As briefly described above, the drive pins 52 are configured to engage the rotor hub 22 to transfer the rotational motion of the centrifuge drive 14 to the rotor 12. Briefly referring to Figure 6-Figure 7, the driver head hub 22 includes three drive pins 52 (i.e., a first drive pin, a second drive pin, and a third drive pin 52) that are circumferentially spaced about the center hole 68 of the driver head hub 58. In this regard, the combination of the blind hole 82 and the drive pin 52 are spaced 120° from each other about the axial center of the hub 22 that is coaxial with the rotation axis A1. However, the driver head hub 58 may include fewer or more blind hole 82 and drive pin 52 combinations that are spaced in different configurations about the axial center of the driver head hub 58. For example, the driver head hub 58 may include two blind hole 52 and drive pin 82 combinations that are spaced 180° from each other about the axial center of the driver head hub 58. In any case, the engagement between each drive pin 52 and the blind hole 82 is an interference fit, also known as a press fit. As a result, there may be a gap between the base of each blind hole 82 and the drive pin 52, such as Figure 2 However, it should be understood that the drive pin 52 can be attached to the driver head hub 58 in other ways, such as by welding or by threaded engagement. In one embodiment, the driver head hub 58 and the drive pin 52 can be integrally formed as a single piece.

[0048] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, for example, a plurality of recesses 62 are equally spaced and circumferentially around the driver head hub 58 so as to be symmetrically arranged. In this regard, three locking sliders 66 are spaced 120° from each other around the axial center of the driver head hub 58 so as to be positioned at 0°, 120°, and 240° around the axial center. The symmetrical arrangement of the plurality of recesses 62 and the locking sliders 66 around the driver head hub 58 provides self-centering of the driver head 20 within the hub 22 of the rotor 12, as will be described in further detail below. Although the driver head hub 58 includes three locking sliders 66, fewer or more locking sliders 66 may be provided. For example, the driver head hub 58 may include four locking sliders 66, which are spaced 90° from each other around the axial center of the driver head hub 58 so as to be positioned at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° around the axial center.

[0049] Reference now Figure 3-Figure 5, each locking slider 66 is received in a corresponding recess 62 so as to be movable in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14. An elastic element 84 is located between each locking slider 66 and the drive head hub 58 to bias each locking slider 66 in a radially inward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14. Each locking slider 66 is movably retained in a corresponding recess 62 to define an articulation joint 86 and an articulation axis A3 about which the locking slider 66 can pivot. In this regard, each recess 62 includes a socket portion 88 that is configured to receive an articulation member 90 of the corresponding locking slider 66 therein. The engagement between the socket portion 88 and the articulation member 90 defines an articulation joint 86 for each locking slider 66. As shown Figure 5 As shown, the articulation axis A3 is parallel to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14 .

[0050] As shown, the socket portion 88 of each recess 62 defines a cylindrically shaped socket that is sized to movably receive the hinge member 90 of the locking slide 66 therein and prevent the locking slide 66 from being pulled out or removed from the recess 62. Specifically, the socket portion 88 of each recess 62 is defined by a curved surface extending from a base surface 92 of the recess 62 to a first radially extending abutment surface 94 of the recess 62. Opposite the first radially extending abutment surface 94 of the recess 62 is a second radially extending abutment surface 96 of the recess 62. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, for example, the curved surface defining the socket portion 88 itself curves slightly inwardly in the direction of the neck 98 of the locking slide 66 before the first radially extending abutment surface 94, thereby retaining the hinge member 90 of the locking slide 66 in the socket defined by the socket portion 90 of the recess 62. In this way, the locking slide 66 is movably retained in the recess 62. To this end, the curved surface defining the socket portion 90 can extend around most of the hinge member 90.

[0051] Reference Figure 3-Figure 5 and Figure 8 , each locking slide 66 is generally "L" shaped in cross-section and includes a hinge member 90 and a boss 100. The transition area between the hinge member 90 and the boss 100 defines a neck 98, which is the area where the thickness of the locking slide 66 (i.e., the width of material measured between the radially outwardly facing surface and the radially inwardly facing surface of the locking slide 66) is the smallest. In any case, the boss 100 defines an inner sidewall 102, a first radially extending sidewall 104, a second radially extending sidewall 106, and a curved outer surface 108 of the locking slide 66. The curved outer surface 108 of each locking slide 66 generally matches the curvature of the inner sidewall 48 of the hub 22 of the rotor 12, such as Figure 3and Figure 4 To this end, each locking slide 66 may include a curved or chamfered surface 109 extending between the curved outer surface 108 and the top surface 126 of each locking slide 66 .

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each locking slider 66 can be in at least a first retracted position ( Figure 3 ) and the second extended position ( Figure 4 ), in which the first retracted position, each locking slider 66 is received in a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses 62 in a radially inward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge driver 14 to define a first outer diameter of the driver head hub 58, and in which the second extended position, each locking slider 66 (particularly the boss 100 of each locking slider 66) extends a certain distance from a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses 62 in a radially outward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge driver 14, so that the locking slider 66 defines a second outer diameter of the driver head hub 58 that is greater than the first outer diameter. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, each locking slider 66 is in the first retracted position when the rotor 12 is stationary. When so positioned, a portion of the second radially extending side wall 106 of each locking slider 66 contacts a portion of the second radially extending abutment surface 96 of the driver head hub 22. To this end, when each locking slider 66 is in the second extended position, such as when the rotor 12 is moving as shown in FIG. Figure 4 When rotating at the particular speed shown, a portion of the first radially extending side wall 104 contacts a portion of the first radially extending abutment surface 94 of the driver head hub 22. When the locking slides 66 are in the extended position, the curved outer surface 108 of each locking slide 66 also contacts the inner side wall 48 of the hub 22 of the rotor 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0053] Continue to refer Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a resilient element 84 is located between each locking slider 66 and the drive head hub 58 for biasing each locking slider 66 in a radially inward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14. The resilient element 84 may be a compression spring sandwiched between the first radially extending surface 94 of each recess 62 and the first radially extending side wall 104 of each locking slider 66. To this end, the first radially extending surface of each recess 62 may include a blind hole 110 formed therein, and the first radially extending side wall 104 of each locking slider 66 may include a blind hole 112 formed therein, each blind hole 110, 112 being configured to receive a corresponding end of the compression spring 84, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0054] Reference Figure 1-Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 The retaining plate 60 is generally shaped as an annular disk and is configured to be attached to the base 80 of the driver head hub 58 to limit axial movement of each of the plurality of locking slides 66 within each corresponding recess 62. The retaining plate 60 also includes a plurality of counterbores 114 (e.g., Figure 5 ). The counterbores 114 are spaced about the retaining plate 60 in a manner corresponding to the spacing of the recesses 62 formed in the driver head hub 58 and the locking slides 66. As described in further detail below, each counterbore 114 is configured to movably receive a portion of the hinge member 90 of each locking slide 66. The retaining plate 60 is attached to the driver head hub 58 using fasteners 118, which are received through corresponding mounting holes 120 formed in the retaining plate 60. The fasteners 118 may be, for example, screws or bolts, and each mounting hole 120 may include a countersunk hole configured to receive the head of the fastener 118 therein, such as a screw or bolt. Figure 2 shown.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the hinge member 90 of each locking slide 66 extends the height of the locking slide 66 and includes a first end 122 having a first peg portion 124 protruding from a top surface 126 of the locking slide 66 and a second end 128 having a second peg portion 130 protruding from a base surface 132 of the locking slide 66. The height of each locking slide 66 is the distance measured between the top surface 126 and the base surface 132 of the locking slide 66. In any case, the first peg portion 124 and the second peg portion 130 each include a bushing 134 to facilitate pivotal movement of the locking slide 66, and more specifically, pivotal movement of the hinge member 90, as described in further detail below. Figure 5 As shown, the first end 122 of the hinge member 90 is positioned within the blind hole 136 formed by the socket portion 88 of the recess 62. In this regard, the bushing 134 is received around the first pin portion 124 and sandwiched between the first end 122 of the locking slide 66 and the base of the blind hole 136. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, this engagement spaces a portion of the top surface 126 of the locking slide 66 defined by the boss 100 from the driver head hub 58. The second end 128 of each hinge member 90 is positioned within a corresponding counterbore 114 formed in the retaining plate 60. In this regard, the bushing 134 received around the second pin portion 130 is sandwiched between the second end 128 of the locking slide 66 and the retaining plate 60. For example, as Figure 2As shown, this engagement separates a portion of the base surface 132 of the locking slide 66 defined by the boss 100 from the driver head hub 58. The bushing 134 can be made of an engineering plastic (such as ) or any other suitable low friction material.

[0056] Now that certain details of the rotor 12 and drive head 20 of the centrifuge 10 have been described, the tool-free engagement between the drive head 20 and the hub 22 of the rotor 12 will now be described. In this regard, when the rotor 12 is to be connected to the drive head 20, the rotor 12 is positioned over the drive head 20 to align the drive head 20 within the hub 22 of the rotor 12. The rotor 12 is then moved downward until the drive head 20 is fully seated within the hub 22 of the rotor 12, as shown. Figure 2 When so positioned, the drive pin 52 is properly positioned within the corresponding torque slot 50 in the hub 20 of the rotor 12 to transfer the rotational motion of the centrifuge drive 14 to the centrifuge rotor 12, as described in further detail below. Figure 3 As shown, when the locking slide 66 is biased to the first retracted position by each resilient element 84 , the locking slide 66 does not interfere with the installation of the rotor 12 to the driver head 20 or the removal of the rotor 12 from the driver head 20 .

[0057] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , and as briefly described above, each locking slider 66 is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the hub 22 of the rotor 12 that increases as the rotational speed of the drive head 20 increases. The radially outwardly directed force exerted by each locking slider 66 on the hub 22 of the rotor 12 is used to prevent axial movement of the centrifuge rotor 12 along the rotational axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14 and rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor 12 relative to the drive head 20. In this regard, Figure 3 Each locking slide 66 is shown in a retracted position when the rotor 12 is stationary, with the curved outer surface 108 of each locking slide 66 moved away from the inner sidewall 48 of the hub 22 of the rotor 12 .

[0058] Figure 4 1 shows each locking slider 66 in an extended position when the rotor 12 rotates at a particular speed (as indicated by directional arrow A5) and shows the contact force between each locking slider 66 and the hub 22, as indicated by directional arrow A4. When the curvature of the curved outer surface 108 of each locking slider 66 matches or conforms to the curvature of the inner sidewall 48 of the rotor hub 22, the entire curved outer surface 108 of each locking slider 66 engages the inner sidewall 48. During the rotation of the rotor 12 through the drive head 20, the centrifugal force component F based on the rotational speed of the drive head 20 cThe biasing force applied by the resilient element 84 is overcome to cause each locking slider 66 to pivot in a radially outward direction and engage with the inner sidewall 48 of the rotor hub 22. The centrifugal force component F of each locking slider 66 c It can be determined using the following formula: Fc = m*r*Ω 2 , where "m" is the weight of the locking slider 66, "r" is the distance between the rotation axis A1 of the rotor 12 and the center of mass of the locking slider 66, and "Ω" is the rotation speed of the rotor 12. As the rotation speed of the drive head 20 increases, and therefore the rotation speed of the rotor 12 increases, the centrifugal force component F acting on each locking slider 66 increases. c The combined centrifugal force (F ) applied by the locking sliders 66 to the rotor hub 22 is also increased, thereby increasing the contact force A4 between each locking slider 66 and the rotor hub 22. Tests were conducted on a prototype of the centrifuge 10 assembly described above to determine the combined centrifugal force (F ) applied by the locking sliders 66 to the rotor hub 22. c *3). Table 1 below shows these test results. Table 1 To this end, the deceleration of the rotor 12 reduces the contact force A4 between each locking slide 66 and the hub 22 .

[0059] The contact force A4 between each locking slider 66 and the hub 22 causes a static friction coefficient F between each locking slider 66 and the inner side wall 48 of the rotor hub 22. sf (e.g. radial holding force and axial holding force, also called friction force). In this regard, the static friction coefficient F sf is a function of the coefficient of friction "μ" between the contact surfaces 108, 48 and the contact force A4. That is, Fsf = μ*Fc. Generally, as the contact force A4 increases with the speed of the rotor 12, the static friction coefficient F sf (Radial holding force and axial holding force) also increase accordingly. Since the hub 22 of the rotor 12 and each locking slider 66 can be formed of steel (e.g., 316L stainless steel), the friction coefficient μ between the curved outer surface 108 of each locking slider 66 and the side wall 48 of the rotor hub 22 can be, for example, between 0.3 and 0.5. However, the surface roughness of the curved outer surface 108 of each locking slider 66 and the side wall 48 of the rotor hub 22 can be changed to improve the friction coefficient μ therebetween. For example, the surfaces 108, 48 can be machined and processed with different Ra (average roughness) (e.g., 15Ra) so that the friction coefficient μ therebetween is in the range of, for example, between 0.3 and 0.8.

[0060] In view of the above, the weight of each locking slider 66 is an important design requirement for the operation of the drive head 20. In this regard, especially at lower rotational speeds of the rotor 12, the weight of each locking slider 66 should be as heavy as possible to increase F sf To this end, the three locking sliders 66 design provides a self-centering effect of the driver head hub 20 as well as a large size and mass of each locking slider 66. Therefore, although it is possible to have fewer or more locking sliders 66, such as two or four, each design sacrifices the self-centering effect (e.g., two locking sliders 66) or requires a smaller size and therefore smaller mass of each locking slider 66 (e.g., four locking sliders 66).

[0061] During the above-described testing, another advantage of the connection between drive head 20 and rotor 12 during operation of centrifuge 10 was observed. In this regard, centrifuge 10 was observed to be exceptionally quiet during operation, with a decibel (dB) output of 57.6 dB measured at 10,000 rpm.

[0062] Now refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6-Figure 7 , when the drive head 20 is completely seated in the rotor hub 22, as shown Figure 2 As shown, the rotor 12 is considered to be mounted to the centrifuge drive 14. When so positioned, the drive pin 52 is received within the corresponding torque slot 50 and is configured to engage the side wall 138 of each corresponding torque slot 50 to minimize movement of the drive head 20 relative to the rotor 12 during initial acceleration or deceleration of the rotor 12 through the drive 14. The engagement between the drive pin 52 and the torque slot 50 can also transfer the rotational motion of the centrifuge drive 14 to the centrifuge rotor 12 during initial acceleration or deceleration of the rotor 12 through the drive 14. As shown in FIG. Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the torque grooves 50 are formed as oblong arc-shaped blind holes having a slightly curved profile that substantially conforms to the circumference of the base surface 46 of the rotor hub 22. In this regard, the torque grooves 50 are formed in the base surface 46 of the rotor hub 22 and are circumferentially spaced in an end-to-end symmetrical arrangement around an axial center of the hub 22 that is coaxial with the rotation axis A1. For this purpose, although the rotor hub 22 includes four torque grooves 50, fewer or more torque grooves 50 may be provided.

[0063] Reference Figure 6-Figure 7, the driver head 20a is completely seated within the rotor hub 22 such that the first drive pin 52 is positioned within the first torque slot 50, the second drive pin 52 is positioned within the second torque slot 50, and the third drive pin 52 is positioned within the third torque slot 50. In particular, the first drive pin 52 is in abutment or near abutment with the rightmost arcuate portion 140 of the side wall 138 of the first torque slot 50 (i.e., the rightmost portion of the torque slot side wall 138 measured in a radial direction around the axial center of the rotor hub 22), and the second drive pin 52 is positioned in abutment or near abutment with the leftmost arcuate portion 142 of the side wall 138 of the second torque slot 50 (i.e., the leftmost portion of the torque slot side wall 138 measured in a radial direction around the axial center of the rotor hub 22). The third drive pin 52 is centrally positioned within the third torque slot 50. As shown, the first drive pin 52 and the second drive pin 52 do not abut the arcuate portion 140 of the side wall 138 of the first torque slot 50 and the arcuate portion 142 of the side wall of the second torque slot at the same time. Instead, depending on whether the rotor 12 is accelerating or decelerating, only one of the drive pins 52 is in abutting relationship with the corresponding arcuate portion 140, 142 of the torque slot side wall 138. This configuration allows a small gap to be formed between the unengaged drive pin 52 and the corresponding side wall 138, as described in further detail below.

[0064] Figure 6 The rotor 12 is shown being accelerated to a particular rotational speed by the driver head 20, as indicated by directional arrow A6. As shown, during acceleration, the first drive pin 52 is in abutment with the rightmost arcuate portion 140 of the side wall 138 of the first torque slot 50 to transfer torque from the driver head 20 to the rotor 12, as indicated by directional arrow A7. To this end, the engagement between the first drive pin 52 and the first torque slot 50 prevents the driver head 20 from rotating relative to the centrifuge rotor 12 during the acceleration of the centrifuge rotor 12 by the centrifuge driver 14. Also during acceleration of the rotor 12, the second drive pin 52 is spaced apart from the leftmost arcuate portion 142 of the side wall 138 of the second torque slot 50, so that a gap 144 is formed therebetween.

[0065] Figure 7 The rotor 12 is shown during deceleration or braking, as indicated by directional arrow A8. In this regard, the rotor 12 is less than Figure 6, the first drive pin 52 is spaced apart from the rightmost arcuate portion 140 of the side wall 138 of the first torque slot 50 so as to form a gap 146 therebetween. The size of the gap 146 may be similar to that described above with respect to the centrifuge rotor 12, as shown in the directional arrow A9. Figure 6 Gap 144 is described.

[0066] Now refer to Figure 9-12 , in which like reference numerals represent like features, a second embodiment of the drive head 20a of the present invention is shown and will now be described. Similar to the previous embodiment, the drive head 20a forms a part of the centrifuge 10a and is used to removably connect the centrifuge rotor 12a to the spindle 16 of the centrifuge drive 14 driven by the motor 18, thereby rotating the rotor 12 about the rotation axis A1 to achieve high-speed centrifugal rotation of the rotor 12. The main difference between the centrifuge 10a of the present embodiment and the centrifuge 10 of the previously described embodiment lies in the construction of the drive head 20a and the construction of the rotor hub 22a. For this purpose, although the centrifuge 10a and the centrifuge drive 14a are Fig. 9 are not fully shown, but it should be understood that they are similar to, for example, the above Figure 1 A centrifuge 10 and a centrifuge drive 14 are described.

[0067] Reference Fig. 9 , the exemplary centrifuge rotor 12a is similar in many respects to the above reference Figure 1-Figure 7 The rotor 12 described in the figure, and therefore the same reference numerals represent the same features. Therefore, some features will not be described again. As shown, the rotor 12a includes a rotor hub 22a, which defines an internal cavity 42a, which is configured to receive the driver head 20a of the centrifuge driver 14a therein, for the rotor 12 to be connected to the centrifuge driver 14a in a tool-free manner. The internal cavity 42a extends from the open end 44a of the hub 22 to the radially extending base surface 46a of the hub 22a to define the inner side wall 48a of the hub 22. The base surface 46a of the hub 22a includes a plurality of blind holes 148 formed therein, and each blind hole 148 is configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 52a therein, so that the rotational motion of the centrifuge driver 14a is transmitted to the centrifuge rotor 12a, as described in further detail below.

[0068] Each blind hole 148 is configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 52a therein, and in the illustrated embodiment, the hub 22a includes three blind holes 148 and drive pin 52a combinations. The blind holes 148 and drive pin 52a combinations are spaced 120° apart from one another about the axial center of the hub 22 coaxial with the rotation axis A1 (e.g., Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ). However, the hub 22a may include fewer or more blind holes 148 and drive pin 52a combinations spaced apart in different configurations around the axial center of the hub 22a. For example, the hub 22a may include two blind holes 148 and drive pin 52a combinations spaced 180° apart from each other around the axial center of the hub 22a. In any case, the engagement between each drive pin 52a and the blind hole 148 is an interference fit, also known as a press fit. As a result, there may be a gap between the base of each blind hole 148 and the drive pin 52a, such as Fig. 9 However, it should be understood that the drive pin 52a can be attached to the hub 22a in other ways, such as by welding or by threaded engagement. In one embodiment, the hub 22a and the drive pin 52a can be integrally formed as a single piece.

[0069] Reference Fig. 9 , the driver head 20a is mounted to the distal end 54 of the spindle 16 by fasteners 56, and includes a driver head hub 58a, a crown 150 and a retaining plate 60 coupled together in a coaxial arrangement. When the driver head 20a is fully seated within the rotor hub 22a, as shown Fig. 9 As shown, the drive pin 52a is received in a corresponding torque groove 152 formed in the crown 150, thereby engaging the side wall 154 of each corresponding torque groove 152 to minimize the movement of the driver head 20a relative to the rotor 12a during the initial acceleration or deceleration of the rotor 12a by the driver 14a, as will be described in further detail below. The crown 150, the driver head hub 58a and the retaining plate 60 each include a central hole 156, 68, 70, respectively. The central holes 156, 68 formed in the crown 150 and the driver head hub 58a, respectively, are configured to receive the fastener 56 therethrough for attaching the driver head 20a to the distal end 54 of the spindle 16, as shown.

[0070] Similar to the above reference Figure 1-Figure 8The driver head hub 58, the driver head hub 58a includes a plurality of radially movable locking sliders 66, which are configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the hub 22a of the rotor 12a, and the force increases with the increase of the rotation speed of the driver head 20a. Each locking slider 66 is movably retained in a corresponding recess 62a formed in the outer side wall 64a of the driver head hub 58a. The elastic element 84 is located between each locking slider 66 and the driver head hub 58a, and each locking slider 66 can move in the corresponding recess 62a along the radially inward direction and the radially outward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge driver 14a. To this end, each locking slider 66 is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the inner wall 48a of the hub 22a of the centrifuge rotor 12a, which force increases as the rotational speed of the drive head 20a increases, so as to prevent axial movement of the centrifuge rotor 12a along the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14a and rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor 12a relative to the drive head 20a.

[0071] Continue to refer to Fig. 9 , the crown 150 is configured to be attached to the driver head hub 58a and includes a recess 158 formed in the base 160 of the crown 150, which is configured to receive the boss 74a of the driver head hub 58a therein for coupling the crown 150 to the driver head hub 58a. In this regard, the boss 74a of the driver head hub 58a is configured to be completely received within the recess 158 of the crown 150, thereby placing the base 160 of the crown 150 in engagement with the top surface 76a of the driver head hub 58a. To this end, the fit between the recess 158 of the crown 150 and the boss 74a of the driver head hub 58a may be, for example, an interference fit. The crown 150 also includes a plurality of torque slots 152 formed in a top surface 162 of the crown 150, each torque slot 152 being configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 52a therein to transfer the rotational motion of the centrifuge driver 14a to the centrifuge rotor 12a, as described in further detail below. A central hole 156 formed in the crown 150 extends in an axial direction between the top surface 162 of the crown 150 and the recess 158, and may include a countersunk hole formed in the top surface 162 that is configured to receive a head of a fastener 56 therein, as shown.

[0072] refer to Fig.10 , the base 160 of the crown 150 includes a plurality of blind holes 164 formed therein. Fig.10As shown in the figure, each blind hole 164 is configured to movably receive the first end 122 of the hinge member 90 of the corresponding locking slide 66 therein. Therefore, the blind holes 164 are spaced around the crown 150 in a manner corresponding to the spacing between the recess 62a formed in the driver head hub 58a and the locking slide 66. To this end, each locking slide 66 is movably retained in the corresponding recess 62a by the crown 150 and the retaining plate 60. As shown in the figure, the first end 122 of each hinge member 90 is positioned in the corresponding blind hole 164 formed in the crown 150, so that the bushing 134 received around the first bolt portion 124 is sandwiched between the locking slide 66 and the crown 150. For example, as shown in Fig.10 As shown, this engagement spaces a portion of the top surface 126 of the locking slide 66 defined by the boss 100 from the crown 150. The second end 128 of each hinge member 90 is positioned within a corresponding counterbore 114 formed in the retaining plate 60. In this regard, the bushing 134 received around the second pin portion 130 is sandwiched between the locking slide 66 and the retaining plate 60. For example, as Fig.10 As shown, this engagement spaces a portion of the base surface 132 of the locking slide 66 defined by the boss 100 from the retaining plate 60. To this end, the engagement between the hinge member 90 and the driver head hub 58a, the crown 150 and the retaining plate 60 defines the hinge joint 86a.

[0073] Reference Figure 11-Figure 12 , the driver head 20a is completely seated within the rotor hub 22a such that the first drive pin 52a is positioned within the first torque slot 152, the second drive pin 52a is positioned within the second torque slot 152, and the third drive pin 52a is positioned within the third torque slot 152. In particular, the first drive pin 52a is in abutment or near abutment with the rightmost arcuate portion 166 of the side wall 154 of the first torque slot 152 (i.e., the rightmost portion of the torque slot side wall 154 measured in a radial direction around the axial center of the rotor hub 22a), and the second drive pin 52a is positioned in abutment or near abutment with the leftmost arcuate portion 168 of the side wall 154 of the second torque slot 152 (i.e., the leftmost portion of the torque slot side wall 154 measured in a radial direction around the axial center of the rotor hub 22a). The third drive pin 52a is centrally positioned within the third torque slot 152. As shown, the first drive pin 52a and the second drive pin 52a do not abut the arcuate portion 166 of the side wall 154 of the first torque groove 152 and the arcuate portion 168 of the side wall of the second torque groove at the same time. Instead, depending on whether the rotor 12a is accelerating or decelerating, only one of the drive pins 52a is in abutting relationship with the corresponding arcuate portion 166, 168 of the torque groove side wall 154. This configuration allows a small gap to be formed between the unengaged drive pin 52a and the corresponding side wall 138, as described in further detail below.

[0074] Fig.11 The rotor 12a is shown accelerated to a specific speed by the driver head 20a, as shown by the directional arrow A10. As shown, during acceleration, the first drive pin 52a is in abutment with the rightmost arcuate portion 166 of the side wall 154 of the first torque groove 152 to transfer torque from the driver head 20a to the rotor 12a, as shown by the directional arrow A11. To this end, the engagement between the first drive pin 52a and the first torque groove 152 prevents the driver head 20a from rotating relative to the centrifuge rotor 12a during the acceleration of the centrifuge rotor 12a by the centrifuge driver 14a. Also during the acceleration of the rotor 12a, the second drive pin 52a is spaced apart from the leftmost arcuate portion 168 of the side wall 154 of the second torque groove 152 so that a gap 170 is formed therebetween.

[0075] Fig.12 The rotor 12a is shown during deceleration or braking, as indicated by directional arrow A12. In this regard, the rotor 12a is moving at a speed less than Fig.11 14a. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first drive pin 52a is configured to rotate at a specific rotational speed of the speed of the rotor 12a shown in the figure. As shown, during deceleration, the second drive pin 52a is in abutment with the leftmost arcuate portion 168 of the side wall 154 of the second torque slot 152 to transfer torque from the driver head 20a to the rotor 12a, as shown by the direction arrow A13. To this end, the engagement between the second drive pin 52a and the second torque slot 152 prevents the driver head 20a from rotating relative to the centrifuge rotor 12a during the period when the centrifuge rotor 12a is decelerated by the centrifuge driver 14a. Similarly, during deceleration of the rotor 12a, the first drive pin 52a is spaced apart from the rightmost arcuate portion 166 of the side wall 154 of the first torque slot 152, so that a gap 172 is formed therebetween. The size of the gap 172 can be similar to that described above with respect to Fig.11 Gap 170 is described.

[0076] Now refer to Fig.13, wherein like reference numerals denote like features, details of an adapter 220 for attaching any of the above-described driver heads 20, 20a to a spindle 222 of a centrifuge (not shown) that is of different size than the spindle 16 of the above-described centrifuge 10, 10a are shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this regard, the distal end 224 of the spindle 222 is smaller in diameter than the distal end 54 of the above-described spindle 16 and therefore cannot properly fit within the recess 78 formed in the base 80 of the driver head hub 58. In another embodiment, an adapter may be provided to attach the driver head 20, 20a to a distal end 224 of a spindle that is larger in diameter than the distal end 54 of the above-described spindle 16. As described in further detail below, the adapter 220 fits to the distal end 224 of the spindle 222, and a portion of the adapter 220 is received within the recess 78 of the driver head hub 58 so that the driver head 20 can be operably coupled to the spindle 222.

[0077] Continue to refer Fig.13 , the adapter 220 includes a cup-shaped flange 226 and a mounting hole 228 that extends axially through the adapter 220 and extends between a first opening 230 leading to the mounting hole 228 formed in a first protrusion 232 of the adapter 220 and a second opening 234 leading to the mounting hole 228 formed in a second protrusion 236 of the adapter 220. The first protrusion 232 and the second protrusion 236 protrude from the flange in axially opposite directions so that the mounting hole 228 is formed through the axial center of the adapter 220. As shown, the axial center of the adapter 220 is coaxial with the rotation axis A14 of the spindle 222, the driver head 20, and the adapter 220. The diameter of the first opening 230 formed in the first protrusion 232 is smaller in size than the diameter of the second opening 234 formed in the second protrusion 236. In this regard, the diameter of the mounting hole 228 gradually decreases in size along the axial length of the mounting hole 228 and in a direction from the second opening 234 to the first opening 230. Thus, the mounting hole 228 is substantially truncated-conical in shape. To this end, the configuration of the mounting hole 228 may vary depending on the type of centrifuge being used.

[0078] As shown, the second opening 234 is configured to receive the distal end 224 of the spindle 222 therethrough, and the first opening 230 is configured to receive the fastener 238 therethrough for securing the adapter 220 and the driver head 20 to the spindle 222. In this regard, the distal end 224 of the spindle 222 is received into the mounting hole 228 through the second opening 234 to position the distal end 224 of the spindle 222 within the mounting hole 228, as shown. For example, the fit between the distal end 224 of the spindle 222 and the mounting hole 228 may be a friction fit to secure the adapter 220 to the spindle 222. To this end, the mounting hole 228 may have different configurations based on the configuration of the spindle 222. For example, the mounting hole 228 may have a constant diameter between the first opening 230 and the second opening 234.

[0079] As shown, the first protrusion 232 of the adapter 220 is substantially truncated cone-shaped and is sized to be received within the recess 78 of the driver head hub 58 to couple the driver head 20 to the adapter 220. That is, the outer profile of the first protrusion 232 substantially corresponds to the profile of the recess 78. The fit between the first protrusion 232 of the adapter 220 and the recess 78 of the driver head hub 58 may be, for example, a friction fit. The adapter 220 is configured to be clamped between the driver head 20 and the distal end 224 of the spindle 222 in a coaxial arrangement, as shown, wherein the driver head 20 and the adapter 220 are mounted to the distal end 54 of the spindle 16 using a fastener 238. To this end, the fastener 238, which may be, for example, a bolt or a screw, is received through the aligned holes 68, 228 and is screwed into the threaded hole 240 in the distal end 224 of the spindle 222 to secure the driver head 20 and the adapter 220 to the spindle 222.

[0080] Fig.14 An exemplary centrifuge 10, 10a is shown, which includes a housing 210, a drive 14, 14a, and one of the above-mentioned rotors 12, 12a coupled to the drive 14, 14a using one of the above-mentioned drive heads 20, 20a. In operation, the drive 14, 14a applies rotation to the spindle, which in turn provides a rotational torque to the rotor 12, 12a to rotate the rotor 12, 12a at a desired speed.

[0081] Although the present invention has been illustrated by describing various embodiments of the present invention, and although the embodiments have been described in great detail, it is not intended that the scope of the appended claims be limited or in any way restricted to such details. Therefore, the various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will be clear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Therefore, such details may be deviated from without departing from the scope of the general concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drive head for a centrifuge drive, the drive head being configured to be received within a hub of a centrifuge rotor for coupling the centrifuge rotor to the centrifuge drive so that the centrifuge rotor is rotated by the centrifuge drive about an axis of rotation of the centrifuge drive, the hub of the centrifuge rotor having at least one torque slot formed therein, the drive head comprising: a drive head hub including a spindle socket configured to receive a spindle of the centrifuge drive and a central bore configured to receive a fastener therethrough to couple the drive head to the spindle, the drive head hub comprising: a boss protruding upwardly from a top surface of the driver head hub, the boss including at least one drive pin configured to engage the at least one torque groove formed in the hub of the centrifuge rotor to transfer rotational motion of the centrifuge driver to the centrifuge rotor; a plurality of recesses formed in an outer sidewall of the driver head hub and spaced circumferentially about the driver head hub; a locking slide movably retained within each of the plurality of recesses to define an articulation joint and an articulation axis and pivotable in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction relative to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge drive; and a resilient element located between each locking slide and the drive head hub for biasing each locking slide in the radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive; Each locking slider is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge rotor during rotation of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive to prevent axial movement of the centrifuge rotor along the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive and rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor relative to the drive head, wherein the radially outwardly directed force increases with increasing rotational speed of the drive head.

2. The drive head according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a retention plate attached to a base of the driver head hub, the retention plate including a central aperture configured to receive a distal end of the spindle therethrough.

3. The driver head according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each locking slide comprises a curved outer surface in cross-section that matches the curvature of the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge rotor.

4. The driver head according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each locking slide includes a chamfered surface extending between the curved outer surface and a top surface of each locking slide.

5. The driver head according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each locking slide is capable of pivoting between the following positions: a retracted position wherein each locking slide is received within a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses in a radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive to define a first outer diameter of the drive head hub; and An extended position wherein each locking slide protrudes a distance from the corresponding one of the plurality of recesses in a radially outward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive to define a second outer diameter of the drive head hub, the second outer diameter being greater than the first outer diameter.

6. The driver head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of recesses are equally spaced around the circumference of the drive head hub to provide self-centering of the drive head within the hub of the centrifuge rotor by each locking slide.

7. The driver head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The articulation axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive.

8. The driver head according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each locking slide includes a hinge member configured to be movable within a receptacle portion of each of the plurality of recesses and a hole formed in the retaining plate to define the hinge joint.

9. The driver head according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first end of the hinged member includes a bolt portion having a bushing, which is configured to facilitate pivotal movement between the locking slide and the driver head hub, and the second end of the hinged member includes a bolt portion having a bushing, which is configured to facilitate pivotal movement between the locking slide and the retaining plate.

10. The driver head according to claim 5, characterized in that The locking slider includes a first radially extending side wall portion and a second radially extending side wall portion, wherein the first radially extending side wall portion is configured to abut a first radially extending surface of the driver head hub when the locking slider is in the extended position, and the second radially extending side wall portion is configured to abut a second radially extending surface of the driver head hub when the locking slider is in the retracted position.

11. The driver head according to claim 10, characterized in that The resilient element extends between a blind hole formed in the first radially extending surface of the driver head hub and a blind hole formed in the first radially extending sidewall portion of the locking slide.

12. The driver head according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one drive pin includes a first drive pin, a second drive pin, and a third drive pin spaced circumferentially about the central bore of the driver head hub.

13. A centrifuge comprising: The driver head according to claim 1; and A centrifuge rotor comprising a hub configured to receive the drive head therein, the hub comprising at least one torque slot formed therein, the at least one torque slot configured to receive at least one drive pin of the drive head hub for transmitting rotational motion of the centrifuge drive to the centrifuge rotor.

14. The centrifuge according to claim 13, characterized in that Each torque slot is an arc-shaped blind hole.

15. The centrifuge according to claim 14, characterized in that The at least one torque slot includes four torque slots spaced circumferentially about a central bore formed in the hub.

16. The centrifuge according to claim 13, characterized in that The first drive pin of the driver head hub is configured to engage a sidewall of the first torque slot to prevent rotation of the driver head relative to the centrifuge rotor during acceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive.

17. The centrifuge according to claim 16, characterized in that The second drive pin of the driver head hub is configured to engage a sidewall of the second torque slot to prevent rotation of the driver head relative to the centrifuge rotor during deceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive.

18. A drive head for a centrifuge drive, the drive head being configured to be received within a hub of a centrifuge rotor for coupling the centrifuge rotor to the centrifuge drive so that the centrifuge rotor is rotated by the centrifuge drive about an axis of rotation of the centrifuge drive, the hub of the centrifuge rotor having at least one drive pin for transmitting rotational motion of the centrifuge drive to the centrifuge rotor, the drive head comprising: a drive head hub including a spindle socket configured to receive a spindle of the centrifuge drive and a central bore configured to receive a fastener therethrough to couple the drive head to the spindle, the drive head hub comprising: a plurality of recesses formed in an outer sidewall of the driver head hub and spaced circumferentially about the driver head hub; a locking slide movably retained within each of the plurality of recesses to define an articulation joint and an articulation axis and pivotable in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction relative to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge drive; and a resilient element located between each locking slide and the drive head hub for biasing each locking slide in the radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive; Each locking slider is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge rotor during rotation of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive to prevent axial movement of the centrifuge rotor along the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive and rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor relative to the drive head, wherein the radially outwardly directed force increases with increasing rotational speed of the drive head.

19. The driver head according to claim 18, characterized in that Also includes: a crown attached to a top of the driver head hub, the crown including a central bore configured to receive the fastener therethrough and a plurality of torque slots formed in a top surface of the crown, the central bore configured to receive at least one drive pin of the hub of the centrifuge rotor to transfer rotational motion of the centrifuge drive to the centrifuge rotor; and A retention plate is attached to a base of the driver head hub, the retention plate including a central aperture configured to receive a distal end of the spindle therethrough.

20. The driver head according to claim 18, wherein: Each locking slide comprises a curved outer surface in cross-section that matches the curvature of the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge rotor.

21. The driver head according to claim 20, characterized in that Each locking slide includes a chamfered surface extending between the curved outer surface and a top surface of each locking slide.

22. The driver head of claim 18, wherein each locking slide is pivotable between the following positions: a retracted position wherein each locking slide is received within a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses in a radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive to define a first outer diameter of the drive head hub; and An extended position wherein each locking slide protrudes a distance from the corresponding one of the plurality of recesses in a radially outward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive to define a second outer diameter of the drive head hub, the second outer diameter being greater than the first outer diameter.

23. The driver head according to claim 18, characterized in that The plurality of recesses are equally spaced around the circumference of the drive head hub to provide self-centering of the drive head within the hub of the centrifuge rotor by each locking slide.

24. The driver head according to claim 18, characterized in that The articulation axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive.

25. The driver head according to claim 18, characterized in that Each locking slide includes an articulation member configured to move within a socket portion of each of the plurality of recesses, a blind hole formed in the crown, and a hole formed in the retaining plate to define the articulation joint.

26. The driver head according to claim 25, characterized in that The first end of the hinge member includes a bolt portion having a bushing, which is configured to facilitate pivotal movement between the locking slide and the crown, and the second end of the hinge member includes a bolt portion having a bushing, which is configured to facilitate pivotal movement between the locking slide and the retaining plate.

27. The driver head according to claim 22, characterized in that The locking slider includes a first radially extending side wall portion and a second radially extending side wall portion, wherein the first radially extending side wall portion is configured to abut a first radially extending surface of the driver head hub when the locking slider is in the extended position, and the second radially extending side wall portion is configured to abut a second radially extending surface of the driver head hub when the locking slider is in the retracted position.

28. The driver head according to claim 27, characterized in that The resilient element extends between a blind hole formed in the first radially extending surface of the driver head hub and a blind hole formed in the first radially extending sidewall portion of the locking slide.

29. A centrifuge comprising: The driver head according to claim 19; and A centrifuge rotor comprising a hub configured to receive the drive head therein, the hub comprising at least one drive pin protruding from an inner surface of the hub in an axially downward direction relative to an axis of rotation of the centrifuge drive, the at least one drive pin configured to transmit rotational motion of the centrifuge drive to the centrifuge rotor.

30. The centrifuge according to claim 29, characterized in that Each torque slot is an arc-shaped blind hole.

31. The centrifuge according to claim 29, characterized in that At least one of the torque slots includes four torque slots spaced circumferentially about a central bore formed in the hub.

32. The centrifuge according to claim 29, characterized in that The first drive pin of the crown is configured to engage a sidewall of the first torque slot to prevent rotation of the drive head relative to the centrifuge rotor during acceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive.

33. The centrifuge according to claim 32, characterized in that A second drive pin of the crown of the centrifuge rotor is configured to engage a sidewall of a second torque slot to prevent rotation of the drive head relative to the centrifuge rotor during deceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive.

34. An adapter for mounting a drive head to a spindle of a centrifuge drive, the drive head being configured to be received within a hub of a centrifuge rotor for coupling the centrifuge rotor to the centrifuge drive such that the centrifuge rotor is rotated by the centrifuge drive about an axis of rotation of the centrifuge drive, the drive head including a central bore configured to receive a fastener therethrough to couple the drive head to a distal end of the spindle of the centrifuge drive, the adapter comprising: a first protrusion configured to be received within a recess formed in the driver head; a second protrusion, the second protrusion protruding in a direction opposite to the axial direction of the first protrusion; and a mounting hole extending axially through the adapter and between a first opening to the mounting hole formed in the first projection of the adapter and a second opening to the mounting hole formed in the second projection of the adapter; wherein the mounting hole is configured to receive a distal end of the spindle through the second opening such that the central hole of the drive head, the mounting hole, and the threaded hole in the distal end of the spindle are coaxially arranged to receive the fastener therethrough to couple the drive head and the adapter to the distal end of the spindle of the centrifuge drive.

35. The adapter according to claim 34, characterized in that Also included is a cup-shaped flange located axially between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

36. The adapter according to claim 34, characterized in that The first protrusion is truncated cone in shape.

37. The adapter according to claim 34, characterized in that The mounting hole is truncated cone in shape.

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