Interlocking cone 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 (66) including a plurality of recesses (70) formed in an outer side wall; a locking slide (74) movably retained within each of the plurality of recesses by a retaining plate (68) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis in a radially inward direction and in a radially outward direction relative to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge drive; and an elastic element (92) for biasing each locking slider in a radially outward direction. Each locking slider is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on an inner sidewall 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 fixing the rotor to the centrifuge driver and transmitting torque between the driver and the rotor to rotate the rotor 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, these conventional types of locking systems 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. For this purpose, using tools or other mechanisms to mechanically connect the rotor to the centrifuge driver is the result of the limited performance capabilities of the locking system operated centrifugally, which is limited by the ability of the associated axial force and torque caused by the centrifugal force during the rotation of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge driver (particularly at high 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 deficiencies 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 through the centrifuge driver. The hub of the centrifuge rotor includes at least one torque groove 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 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 driver head hub includes a boss protruding upward from the top surface of the driver 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 driver to the centrifuge rotor, and a plurality of recesses are formed in the outer side wall of the driver head hub and are circumferentially spaced around the driver head hub. The drive head also includes: a retaining plate attached to a base of the drive head hub, the retaining plate including a central hole configured to receive a distal end of the spindle therethrough; a locking slider movably retained by the retaining plate within each of the plurality of recesses so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive; and a resilient element positioned between and operatively engaged with each respective locking slider and the retaining plate to bias 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 a conical section of an 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.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, 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. According to another aspect of the invention, each locking slide comprises a rounded surface extending between the curved outer surface and the top surface of each locking slide, the rounded surface being configured to engage a shoulder formed in the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, 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 the plurality of recesses in a radially inward direction relative to the rotation 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 the plurality of recesses in a radially outward direction relative to the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive to define a second outer diameter of the drive head hub, which second outer diameter is greater than the first outer diameter.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present 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 through each locking slider. According to one aspect of the present invention, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive. According to another aspect of the present invention, each locking slider includes a first pin protruding from a first side of the locking slider and a second pin protruding from a second side of the locking slider, wherein the first pin and the second pin define the pivot axis of the locking slider. According to one aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of recesses includes a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall having a first groove configured to movably receive a first pin of the locking slider therein, and the second side wall having a second groove configured to movably receive a second pin of the locking slider therein.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking slider includes a pad protruding from the rear side of the locking slider, the pad being configured to abut the driver head hub when the locking slider is in a retracted position and to be spaced apart from the driver head hub when the locking slider is in an extended position. According to another aspect of the invention, the resilient element extends between a blind hole formed in the base of the locking slider and a blind hole formed in the retaining plate. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the at least one drive pin includes a first drive pin, a second drive pin, and a third drive pin spaced circumferentially around a central hole of the driver head hub.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a centrifuge is provided with a drive head and includes a centrifuge rotor, the centrifuge rotor including a hub, the hub being configured to receive the drive head therein, the hub including at least one torque groove formed therein, the at least one torque groove being 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.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the hub of the centrifuge rotor includes an inner side wall having a tapered section defining a shoulder, wherein each locking slider is configured to apply a radially outwardly directed force on the tapered section and shoulder of the inner side wall of the hub during rotation of the centrifuge rotor by a centrifuge drive. According to another aspect of the invention, each torque groove is an arc-shaped blind hole. According to yet another aspect of the invention, at least one torque groove includes four torque grooves spaced circumferentially around a center hole formed in the hub. According to one aspect of the invention, 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 acceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive. 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 deceleration of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive.

[0013] 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 through 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 driver head hub includes: a plurality of recesses formed in the outer side wall of the driver head hub and spaced circumferentially around the driver head hub; a retaining plate attached to the base of the driver head hub, the retaining plate including a center hole configured to receive the distal end of the spindle passing therethrough. The drive head also includes: a locking slider that is movably retained by a retaining plate in each of the plurality of recesses so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction relative to the rotational axis of the centrifuge drive; and a resilient element positioned between and operatively engaged with each respective locking slider and retaining plate to bias 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 a conical section of an inner side wall of a 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.

[0014] 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 central hole and a plurality of torque slots formed in a top surface of the crown, the central hole being configured to receive a fastener therethrough, the plurality of torque slots 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.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, each locking slide includes a curved outer surface in cross-section that mates with the curvature of an inner side wall of a hub of a centrifuge rotor. According to one aspect of the invention, each locking slide includes a rounded surface extending between the curved outer surface and the top surface of each locking slide, the rounded surface being configured to engage a shoulder formed in the inner side wall of the hub of the centrifuge.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, 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 the plurality of recesses in a radially inward direction relative to the rotation 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 the plurality of recesses in a radially outward direction relative to the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive to define a second outer diameter of the drive head hub, which second outer diameter is greater than the first outer diameter.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, a plurality of recesses are equally spaced around the circumference of the driver head hub to provide self-centering of the driver head within the hub of the centrifuge rotor by each locking slider. According to another aspect of the invention, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge driver. According to one aspect of the invention, each locking slider comprises a first pin protruding from a first side of the locking slider and a second pin protruding from a second side of the locking slider, wherein the first pin and the second pin define the pivot axis of the locking slider.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of recesses includes a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall having a first slot configured to movably receive a first pin of a locking slider therein, and the second side wall having a second slot configured to movably receive a second pin of the locking slider therein. According to another aspect of the present invention, the locking slider includes a pad protruding from a rear side of the locking slider. The pad is configured to abut against the driver head hub when the locking slider is in a retracted position and to be spaced apart from the driver head hub when the locking slider is in an extended position. According to one aspect of the present invention, the resilient element extends between a blind hole formed in a base of the locking slider and a blind hole formed in a retaining plate.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, a centrifuge is provided with a drive head and includes a centrifuge rotor having a hub configured to receive the drive head therein. The hub includes 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 being configured to transmit the rotational motion of the centrifuge drive to the centrifuge rotor.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the hub of the centrifuge rotor includes an inner side wall having a tapered section defining a shoulder. Each locking slider is configured to apply a radially outwardly directed force on the tapered section and shoulder of the inner side wall of the hub during rotation of the centrifuge rotor by a centrifuge drive. According to yet another aspect of the invention, each torque slot is an arc-shaped blind hole. According to one aspect of the invention, at least one torque slot includes four torque slots spaced circumferentially around a central hole formed in the hub.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, a first drive pin of the crown is configured to engage a side wall 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. According to another aspect of the invention, a second drive pin of the crown of the centrifuge rotor is configured to engage a side wall of the 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 of the invention, the first projection is truncated cone in shape. According to one aspect of the invention, the mounting hole is truncated cone in shape.

[0024] 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

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a centrifuge showing additional detail of the drive head.

[0028] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 The 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.

[0029] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 , showing the movement of the locking slide of the drive head when the drive head rotates the centrifuge rotor at a specific speed.

[0030] Figure 4A yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the engagement between the locking slides and a centrifuge rotor illustrating the force exerted by each locking slide on the hub of the centrifuge rotor when the centrifuge rotor is rotating at a particular speed.

[0031] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 5 shows the forces acting on the locking slide of the drive head when the drive head rotates the centrifuge rotor at a particular speed.

[0032] Figure 6 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 5 shows additional details of the drive head and locking slide.

[0033] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 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 clockwise direction at a particular speed.

[0034] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7 , showing the position of the drive pin relative to the corresponding torque slot in the hub of the rotor as the drive head slows to a stop.

[0035] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 - Figure 8 Exploded view of the drive head.

[0036] Fig.10 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.

[0037] Fig.11 is along Fig.10 The cross-sectional view taken along line 11 - 11 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 clockwise direction at a specific speed.

[0038] Fig.12 is similar to Fig.11 , 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram showing a centrifuge rotor installed in an exemplary centrifuge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] 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 1As 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 TMF10-6x100 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, Fiberlite TM F9-6x1000LEX、Fiberlite TM F21-8x50y, Fiberlite TM F12-6x500 LEX、Fiberlite TM F10-4x1000 LEX、Fiberlite TM F20-12x50 LEX、Fiberlite TM F14-14x50cy, Fiberlite TM F23-48x1.5, Fiberlite TM F14-6x250y, Fiberlite TM F30-8x100、Fiberlite TM F30-8x50、Fiberlite TM F17-6x250 LEX. For this purpose, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Now refer to Figure 1 - Figure 2 , the hub 22 of the rotor 12 includes an internal cavity 42, which is configured to receive the driver head 20 of the centrifuge drive 14 therein for coupling the rotor 12 to the centrifuge drive 14. As shown, 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 the inner side wall 48 of the hub 22. The inner side wall 48 of the hub 22 is generally stepped to correspond to the profile of the driver head 20. More specifically, the inner side wall 48 includes a truncated cone portion 50, which is configured to receive one or more locking sliders of the driver head hub 22 during the rotation of the centrifuge rotor 12 by the centrifuge drive 14, as described in further detail below. The truncated cone portion 50 is defined by a conical section 52 and a shoulder 54 of the side wall 48. The conical section 52 of the side wall 48 extends from a lip 56 formed on the inner side wall 48 of the hub 22 to the shoulder 54 to define the height of the conical section 52. As shown, when the tapered section 52 of the sidewall 48 extends from the lip 56 to the shoulder 54, the tapered section 52 gradually extends in a radially outward direction relative to the rotation axis A1. In this regard, the tapered section 52 extends at an angle between 5° and 30° relative to the vertical direction (e.g., the rotation axis A1). Therefore, the first inner diameter ("ID") of the truncated cone portion 50 of the sidewall 48 measured at or near the shoulder 54 is greater than the second ID of the truncated cone portion 50 measured at or near the lip 56. The base surface 46 of the hub 22 includes a plurality of torque grooves 58 formed therein, each torque groove 58 being configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 60 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.

[0047] Continue to refer Figure 2 - Figure 4 and Fig. 9, the details of the driver head 20 will now be described. As shown, the driver head 20 is permanently mounted to the distal end 62 of the spindle 16 using fasteners 64, and includes a driver head hub 66 and a retaining plate 68 coupled together in a coaxial arrangement. The driver head hub 66 also includes a plurality of recesses 70 formed in an outer side wall 72 of the driver head hub 66, each recess 70 being configured to movably retain a corresponding locking slide 74 therein. Figure 4 As shown, when the rotor 12 rotates at a certain speed, as shown by the direction arrow A3, a plurality of radially movable locking sliders 74 can be moved in a radially outward direction, as shown by the direction arrow A2. As described in further detail below, each locking slider 74 is configured to apply a radially outwardly directed centrifugal force F on the hub 22 of the rotor 12. To this end, the radially outwardly directed force F applied by each locking slider 74 on the hub 22 of the rotor 12 increases with the increase in the rotation speed of the drive head 20. In this regard, the locking slider 74 is used to prevent the axial movement of the centrifuge rotor 12 along the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14 and the rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor 12 relative to the drive head 20, and also provides self-centering of the drive head 20 within the hub 22 of the rotor 12, as described in further detail below.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the driver head hub 66 includes a central hole 76 configured to receive the fastener 64 therethrough for attaching the driver head 20 to the distal end 62 of the spindle 16. The retaining plate 68 includes a central hole 78 configured to receive the distal end 62 of the spindle 16 therethrough. To this end, the fastener 64, which may be a bolt or screw, for example, is received through the hole 76 formed in the driver head hub 66 and is threaded into a threaded hole 80 in the distal end 62 of the spindle 16.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Fig. 9, the driver head hub 66 includes a generally cylindrical boss 82 protruding upwardly from a top surface 84 of the driver head hub 66 and a recess 86, also referred to as a spindle socket, formed in a base 88 of the driver head hub 66. The recess 86 extends a distance in the axial direction from the base 88 into the driver head hub 66 and is configured to receive a portion of the distal end 62 of the spindle 16 therein, as shown. The structure of the recess 86 achieves the same effect as a locking cone or Morse taper, thereby providing a self-retaining frictional engagement between the surface of the recess 86 and the surface of the spindle 16. The center hole 76 formed in the driver head hub 66 extends in the axial direction between the boss 82 and the recess 86 and is configured to receive the fastener 64 therethrough, as described above.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Fig. 9 , the drive head hub 66 (and more specifically, the boss 82) includes a plurality of blind holes 90 formed therein, each blind hole 90 being configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 60 therein. As briefly described above, the drive pins 60 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 7 - Figure 8 , the driver head hub 22 includes three drive pins 60 (i.e., a first drive pin, a second drive pin, and a third drive pin 60) that are circumferentially spaced about the center hole 76 of the driver head hub 66. In this regard, the combination of the blind hole 90 and the drive pin 60 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 66 may include fewer or more blind hole 90 and drive pin 60 combinations that are spaced in different configurations about the axial center of the driver head hub 66. For example, the driver head hub 66 may include two blind hole 60 and drive pin 90 combinations that are spaced 180° from each other about the axial center of the driver head hub 66. In any case, the engagement between each drive pin 60 and the blind hole 90 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 90 and the drive pin 60, such as Figure 2 However, it should be understood that the drive pin 60 can be attached to the driver head hub 66 in other ways, such as by welding or by threaded engagement. In one embodiment, the driver head hub 66 and the drive pin 60 can be integrally formed as a single piece.

[0051] refer to Figure 3, for example, the plurality of recesses 70 are equally spaced and circumferentially around the driver head hub 66 so as to be symmetrically arranged. In this regard, the three locking sliders 74 are spaced 120° from each other around the axial center of the driver head hub 66 so as to be positioned at 0°, 120°, and 240° around the axial center. The symmetrical arrangement of the plurality of recesses 70 and the locking sliders 74 around the driver head hub 66 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 66 includes three locking sliders 74, fewer or more locking sliders 74 may be provided. For example, the driver head hub 66 may include four locking sliders 74 spaced 90° from each other around the axial center of the driver head hub 66 so as to be positioned at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° around the axial center.

[0052] Each locking slider 74 is received in a corresponding recess 70 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. Figure 2 As shown, the resilient element 92 is located between each corresponding locking slider 74 and the retaining plate 68 and is operatively engaged with each corresponding locking slider and the retaining plate to bias each locking slider 74 in a radially inward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14, as will be described in further detail below. Each locking slider 74 is movably retained in the corresponding recess 70 and can rotate about the pivot axis A4 in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14. In this regard, each recess 70 includes a pair of slots 94 (i.e., a first slot 94 and a second slot 94), each slot being configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of pins 96 (i.e., a first pin 96 and a second pin 96) of the locking slider 74 therein to facilitate the pivotal movement of the locking slider 74 relative to the drive head hub 22.

[0053] like Fig. 9 As shown, each slot 94 is formed in a corresponding side wall 98 of the recess 70 and extends from the base 88 of the driver head hub 66 to a certain distance in the axial direction into the driver head hub 66. To this end, an opening of each slot 94 is formed in the base 88 of the driver head hub 66 so that each pin 96 of the locking slide 74 can be received in the corresponding slot 94 to install the locking slide 74 in the recess 70. Figure 2 As shown, for example, the pin 96 defines a pivot axis A4 of each locking slide 74, about which the locking slide 74 can rotate. For this purpose, the pivot axis A4 is perpendicular to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14. In one embodiment, the pin 96 can be equipped with a bushing, which can be made of an engineering plastic (such as ) or any other suitable low friction material.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 - Figure 4 and Fig. 9 , each locking slide 74 includes a curved outer surface 100, a first radially extending sidewall 102, a second radially extending sidewall 104, a top surface 106, and a base surface 108. The curved outer surface 100 of each locking slide 74 is curved in cross-section and substantially matches the curvature of the tapered section 52 of the inner sidewall 48 of the hub 22 of the rotor 12, such as Figure 5 Each locking slide 74 also includes a first circular surface 110 extending between the curved outer surface 100 and the top surface 106 of the locking slide 74. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the first circular surface 110 substantially matches the curvature of the shoulder 54 of the frustoconical portion 50 of the inner side wall 48 of the hub 22 of the rotor 12. To this end, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, when each locking slider 74 pivots into engagement with the truncated conical portion 50 of the inner side wall 48 of the hub 22 during rotation of the drive head 20, the curved outer surface 100 of the locking slider 74 exerts a radially outwardly directed force on the tapered segment 52, and the first circular surface 110 exerts a radially outwardly directed force on the shoulder 54, thereby preventing 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 providing self-centering of the drive head 20 within the hub 22 of the rotor 12.

[0055] Continue to refer Figure 2 - Figure 4 and Fig. 9 Each locking slide 74 also includes a pad 112 protruding from a rear side 114 of the locking slide 74. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the liner 112 is configured to abut the driver head hub 66 when the locking slide 74 is received in the recess 70. Fig. 9 As shown, the pins 96 are each located on a respective side 102, 104 of the locking slide 74. In this regard, the first pin 96 protrudes from the first side 102 of the locking slide 74 and the second pin 96 protrudes from the second side 104 of the locking slide 74. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the pair of pins 96 are located proximal to the base surface 108 of the locking slide 74 and may be located in the lower half of the locking slide 74 or the lower third of the locking slide 74. Each locking slide 74 also includes a second circular surface 116 extending between the base surface 108 and the rear side 114 of the locking slide 74. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, base surface 108 and second circular surface 116 , which may be chamfered, facilitate rocking or pivoting movement of locking slide 74 relative to driver head hub 66 .

[0056] Continue to refer Figure 2 - Figure 4 and Fig. 9 , each locking slide 74 is movably retained within a corresponding recess by a retaining plate 68. Therefore, when the locking slide 74 is pivoted radially inwardly and radially outwardly relative to the driver head hub 66, the base surface 108 and the second circular surface 116 of each locking slide 74 can engage the retaining plate 68. The retaining plate 68 is generally shaped as an annular disk and is configured to be attached to the base 88 of the driver head hub 66 to limit axial movement of each of the plurality of locking slides 74 within each corresponding recess 70. The retaining plate 68 is attached to the driver head hub 66 using fasteners 118, which are received through corresponding mounting holes 120 formed in the retaining plate 68. The fasteners 118 can be, for example, screws or bolts, and each mounting hole 120 can include a countersunk hole that is configured to receive the head of the fastener 118 therein, such as a Figure 2 shown.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The resilient element 92 is located between and operatively engaged with each respective locking slider 74 and the retaining plate 68 to bias each locking slider 74 in a radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14, e.g. Figure 2 As shown. The resilient element 92 may be a compression spring sandwiched between the base surface 108 of each locking slider 74 and the retaining plate 68. To this end, the base surface 108 of each locking slider 74 may include a blind hole 122 formed therein, and the retaining plate 68 may include a plurality of corresponding blind holes 124 formed therein, each blind hole 122, 124 being configured to receive a corresponding end of the compression spring 92, such as Figure 2 In one embodiment, the compression spring 92 may be tilted so that the axial centerline of the compression spring 92 is oriented radially outward relative to the rotation axis A1. In another embodiment, the compression spring 92 may be oriented so that the axial centerline of the compression spring 92 is parallel to the rotation axis A1.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 - Figure 5 Each locking slider 74 can be in at least a first retracted position ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) and the second extended position ( Figure 4 and Figure 5), in the first retracted position, each locking slider 74 is received in a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses 70 in a radially inward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14, so that the locking slider 74 defines a first outer diameter of the drive head hub 66, and in the second extended position, each locking slider 74 (particularly the curved outer surface 100 of each locking slider 74) is spaced a certain distance from a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses 70 in a radially outward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14, so that the locking slider 74 defines a second outer diameter of the drive head hub 66 that is larger than the first outer diameter. When the rotor 12 is stationary, each locking slider 74 is in the first retracted position. For example, Figure 2 As shown, when so positioned, the liner 112 contacts the driver head hub 22.

[0059] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 4A , when each locking slider 74 is in the second extended position, such as when the rotor 12 is Figure 4 When rotating at the particular speed shown, the locking slides 74 and the pads 112 pivot or rotate away from the driver head hub 66 so that the curved outer surface 100 of each locking slide 74 engages the tapered section 52 of the inner side wall 48 of the hub 22. When so positioned, the first circular surface 110 of each locking slide 74 also engages the shoulder 54. Figure 4A As shown, each locking slider 74 is pivoted radially outward relative to the rotation axis A1 to define a tapered locking angle θ1 of each locking slider 74. The tapered locking angle θ1 generally corresponds to the angle of the tapered section 52 of the inner side wall 48 of the hub 22 relative to the rotation axis A1. In this regard, the tapered locking angle θ1 can be in the range between 3° and 30°, and preferably in the range between 3° and 5°.

[0060] Continue to refer Figure 4A , when in the extended position, each of the plurality of locking sliders 74 applies a radially outwardly directed force F on the hub 22 of the rotor 12. The centrifugal force F applied by each locking slider 74 on the hub 22 of the rotor 12 can be determined using the following formula: F = m*r*Ω 2 , where "m" is the weight of the locking slider 74, "r" is the distance between the rotation axis A1 of the rotor 12 and the center of mass of the locking slider 74, and "Ω" is the rotation speed of the rotor 12. It is worth noting that the center of mass 125 of each locking slider 74 is spaced a distance D1 in the radially outward direction relative to the pivot axis A4 of the locking slider 74. When the rotation speed of the drive head 20 increases and thus the rotation speed of the rotor 12 increases, the force F applied by each locking slider 74 on the hub 22 also increases. As shown in the figure, the force F applied by each locking slider 74 on the hub 22 includes two components F D and FG . F D is the locking downward force vector collinear with the surface of the tapered section 52 of the hub 22. G is the force vector perpendicular to the surface of the tapered section 52 of the hub 22. In particular, F G Angle relative to F to form an angle θ2 therebetween, where θ2 = θ1 and F G =F*cos(θ2). For this purpose, F G It is the locking force that prevents the rotor hub 22 from moving in the upward direction along the rotation axis A1 during rotation of the rotor 12 by the driver head 20 .

[0061] 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 60 is properly positioned within the corresponding torque slot 58 in the hub 20 of the rotor 12 to transmit 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 74 is biased to the first retracted position by each resilient element 92 , the locking slide 74 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 .

[0062] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , and as briefly described above, each locking slider 74 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 F exerted by each locking slider 74 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 74 is shown in a retracted position when the rotor 12 is stationary, wherein the curved outer surface 100 of each locking slide 74 moves away from the inner sidewall 48 of the hub 22 of the rotor 12 .

[0063] Figure 5Each locking slider 74 is shown in an extended position, and also shown pivoting movement of each locking slider 74 relative to the hub 22, as shown by directional arrow A5, when the rotor 12 rotates at a certain speed (as shown by directional arrow A6). During the rotation of the rotor 12 by the driver head 20, the centrifugal force component F of each locking slider 74 overcomes the opposing biasing force applied by the resilient element 92 to pivot each locking slider 74 in a radially outward direction (i.e., to rotate the locking slider 74 about the pivot axis A4) and engage with the frustoconical section 52 of the inner sidewall 48 of the rotor hub 22. As the rotational speed of the driver head 20 increases, and therefore the rotational speed of the rotor 12 increases, the centrifugal force component F acting on each locking slider 74 also increases, thereby increasing the contact force between each locking slider 74 and the rotor hub 22. To this end, the deceleration of the rotor 12 reduces the second contact force between each locking slider 74 and the hub 22.

[0064] The force F exerted by each locking slider 74 on the hub 22 causes a static friction coefficient F between each locking slider 74 and the inner sidewall 48 of the rotor hub 22 to be 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 100, 48 and the contact force F. That is, F sf =μ*F. Generally, when the contact force F increases with the increase of the speed of the rotor 12, the static friction coefficient F sf (Radial and axial holding forces) are also increased. The angled engagement (i.e., tapered locking angle θ1) between the tapered section 52 of the side wall 48 of the hub 22 and each locking slider 74, also referred to as reverse tapered engagement, causes greater axial holding force than, for example, non-angled engagement or non-tapered engagement. In any case, since the hub 22 of the rotor 12 and each locking slider 74 can be formed of steel (e.g., 316L stainless steel), the friction coefficient μ between the surface of each locking slider 74 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 each locking slider 74 (especially the curved outer surface 100 and the first circular surface 110 of each locking slider 74) and the side wall 48 of the rotor hub 22 can be changed to improve the friction coefficient μ therebetween. For example, the surfaces 100, 110, 48 can be machined and treated with different Ra (average roughness) (e.g., 15 Ra) so that the friction coefficient μ therebetween is, for example, in the range of between 0.3 and 0.8.

[0065] In view of the above, the weight of each locking slider 74 is an important design requirement for the operation of the drive head 20. In this regard, especially at lower rotation speeds of the rotor 12, the weight of each locking slider 74 should be as heavy as possible to increase F sf To this end, the three locking sliders 74 design provides a self-centering effect of the driver head hub 20 as well as a large size and mass of each locking slider 74. Therefore, although it is possible to have fewer or more locking sliders 74, such as two or four, each design sacrifices the self-centering effect (e.g., two locking sliders 74) or requires a smaller size and therefore smaller mass of each locking slider 74 (e.g., four locking sliders 74).

[0066] Testing was run on a prototype of the centrifuge 10 assembly described above, and another advantage was observed in the connection between the drive head 20 and the rotor 12 during operation of the centrifuge 10. In this regard, the centrifuge 10 was observed to be exceptionally quiet during operation, with a decibel (dB) output of 57.6 dB measured at a rotation speed of 16,500 rpm.

[0067] Now refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7 - Figure 8 , 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 60 is received within the corresponding torque slot 58 and is configured to engage the side wall 126 of each corresponding torque slot 58 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 60 and the torque slot 58 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 7 - Figure 8 As shown, the torque grooves 58 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 58 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 58, fewer or more torque grooves 58 may be provided.

[0068] Now refer to Figure 7 - Figure 8, the driver head 20a is completely seated within the rotor hub 22 such that the first drive pin 60 is positioned within the first torque slot 58, the second drive pin 60 is positioned within the second torque slot 58, and the third drive pin 60 is positioned within the third torque slot 58. In particular, the first drive pin 60 is in abutment or near abutment with the rightmost arcuate portion 128 of the sidewall 126 of the first torque slot 58 (i.e., the rightmost portion of the torque slot sidewall 126 measured in a radial direction around the axial center of the rotor hub 22), and the second drive pin 60 is positioned in abutment or near abutment with the leftmost arcuate portion 130 of the sidewall 126 of the second torque slot 58 (i.e., the leftmost portion of the torque slot sidewall 126 measured in a radial direction around the axial center of the rotor hub 22). The third drive pin 60 is centrally positioned within the third torque slot 58. As shown, the first drive pin 60 and the second drive pin 60 do not abut the arcuate portion 128 of the side wall 126 of the first torque slot 58 and the arcuate portion 130 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 60 is in abutting relationship with the corresponding arcuate portion 128, 130 of the torque slot side wall 126. This configuration allows a small gap to be formed between the unengaged drive pin 60 and the corresponding side wall 126, as described in further detail below.

[0069] Figure 7 The rotor 12 is shown being accelerated to a particular rotational speed by the driver head 20, as indicated by directional arrow A7. As shown, during acceleration, the first drive pin 60 is in abutment with the rightmost arcuate portion 128 of the side wall 126 of the first torque slot 58 to transfer torque from the driver head 20 to the rotor 12, as indicated by directional arrow A8. To this end, the engagement between the first drive pin 60 and the first torque slot 58 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 60 is spaced apart from the leftmost arcuate portion 130 of the side wall 126 of the second torque slot 58, so that a gap 132 is formed therebetween.

[0070] Figure 8 The rotor 12 is shown during deceleration or braking, as indicated by directional arrow A9. In this regard, the rotor 12 is less than Figure 7, the first drive pin 60 is spaced apart from the rightmost arcuate portion 128 of the side wall 126 of the first torque slot 58 so as to form a gap 134 therebetween. The size of the gap 134 may be similar to that described above with respect to the centrifuge rotor 12. Figure 7 Gap 132 is described.

[0071] Now refer to Fig.10 - Fig.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 14a 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.10 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.

[0072] Reference Fig.10 , the exemplary centrifuge rotor 12a is similar in many respects to the above reference Figure 1 - Figure 7The rotor 12 described in the embodiment of the present invention is similar to the rotor 12 described in the embodiment of the present invention, 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 12a to be coupled 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 inner side wall 48a includes a truncated cone portion 50a, which is configured to receive one or more locking slides 74 of the driver head hub 22a during the rotation of the centrifuge rotor 12a by the centrifuge driver 14a. The truncated cone portion 50a is defined by a tapered section 52a extending from a lip 56a to a shoulder 54a of the side wall 48a. To this end, the tapered section 52a extends at an angle between 5° and 30° relative to the vertical direction (e.g., the rotation axis A1). The base surface 46a of the hub 22a includes a plurality of blind holes 140 formed therein, each of which is configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 60a therein to transmit the rotational motion of the centrifuge driver 14a to the centrifuge rotor 12a, as described in further detail below.

[0073] Each blind hole 140 is configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 60a therein, and in the illustrated embodiment, the hub 22a includes three blind holes 140 and drive pin 60a combinations. The blind holes 140 and drive pin 60a combinations are spaced 120° (e.g., 120°) from each other about the axial center of the hub 22 coaxial with the rotation axis A1. Fig.11 and Fig.12 ). However, the hub 22a may include fewer or more blind holes 140 and drive pin 60a combinations spaced in different configurations around the axial center of the hub 22a. For example, the hub 22a may include two blind holes 140 and drive pin 60a combinations spaced 180° from each other around the axial center of the hub 22a. In any case, the engagement between each drive pin 60a and the blind hole 140 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 140 and the drive pin 60a, such as Fig.10 However, it should be understood that the drive pin 60a 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 60a can be integrally formed as a single piece.

[0074] Reference Fig.10, the driver head 20a is mounted to the distal end 62 of the spindle 16 by fasteners 64, and includes a driver head hub 66a, a crown 142 and a retaining plate 68 coupled together in a coaxial arrangement. When the driver head 20a is fully seated within the rotor hub 22a, as shown Fig.10 As shown, the drive pin 60a is received in a corresponding torque groove 144 formed in the crown 142, thereby engaging the side wall 146 of each corresponding torque groove 144 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 142, the driver head hub 66a and the retaining plate 68 each include a central hole 148, 76a, 78, respectively. The central holes 148, 76a formed in the crown 142 and the driver head hub 66a, respectively, are configured to receive the fastener 64 therethrough for attaching the driver head 20a to the distal end 62 of the spindle 16, as shown.

[0075] Similar to the above reference Figure 1 - Fig. 9 The driver head hub 66, the driver head hub 66a includes a plurality of radially movable locking sliders 74, which are configured to apply a radially outwardly directed force F 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 74 is movably retained in a corresponding recess 70a formed in the outer side wall 72a of the driver head hub 66a. The elastic element 92 is located between each locking slider 74 and the retaining plate 68, and each locking slider 74 is pivotally movable in the corresponding recess 70a around the pivot axis A4, so that a portion of the locking slider 74 rotates around the pivot axis A4 in a radially inward direction and a radially outward direction relative to the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge driver 14a. To this end, each locking slider 74 is movable in a radially outward direction, as indicated by directional arrow A2, to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the inner side wall 48a of the hub 22a of the centrifuge rotor 12a, which force increases as the rotation speed of the drive head 20a increases, to prevent the axial movement of the centrifuge rotor 12a along the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge drive 14a and the rotational movement of the centrifuge rotor 12a relative to the drive head 20a, as described above with respect to Figure 1 - Fig. 9 described.

[0076] Continue to refer to Fig.10, the crown 142 is configured to be attached to the driver head hub 66a and includes a recess 150 formed in the base 152 of the crown 142, which is configured to receive the boss 82a of the driver head hub 66a therein for coupling the crown 142 to the driver head hub 66a. In this regard, the boss 82a of the driver head hub 66a is configured to be completely received within the recess 150 of the crown 142, thereby placing the base 152 of the crown 142 in engagement with the top surface 76a of the driver head hub 66a. In this regard, each locking slide 74 is positioned within each recess 70a between the base 152 of the crown 142 and the retaining plate 68.

[0077] The cooperation between the recess 150 of the crown 142 and the boss 82a of the driver head hub 66a can be, for example, an interference fit. The crown 142 also includes a plurality of torque grooves 144 formed in the top surface 154 of the crown 142, each torque groove 144 being configured to receive a corresponding drive pin 60a therein, to transfer the rotational motion of the centrifuge driver 14a to the centrifuge rotor 12a, as described in further detail below. The center hole 148 formed in the crown 142 extends in an axial direction between the top surface 154 of the crown 142 and the recess 150, and can include a countersunk hole formed in the top surface 154, which is configured to receive the head of the fastener 64 therein, as shown.

[0078] Reference Fig.11 - Fig.12, the driver head 20a is fully seated within the rotor hub 22a such that the first drive pin 60a is positioned within the first torque slot 144, the second drive pin 60a is positioned within the second torque slot 144, and the third drive pin 60a is positioned within the third torque slot 144. In particular, the first drive pin 60a is in abutment or near abutment with the rightmost arcuate portion 158 of the sidewall 146 of the first torque slot 144 (i.e., the rightmost portion of the torque slot sidewall 146 measured in a radial direction around the axial center of the rotor hub 22a), and the second drive pin 60a is positioned in abutment or near abutment with the leftmost arcuate portion 160 of the sidewall 146 of the second torque slot 144 (i.e., the leftmost portion of the torque slot sidewall 146 measured in a radial direction around the axial center of the rotor hub 22a). The third drive pin 60a is centrally positioned within the third torque slot 144. As shown, the first drive pin 60a and the second drive pin 60a do not abut the arcuate portion 158 of the side wall 146 of the first torque groove 144 and the arcuate portion 160 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 60a is in abutting relationship with the corresponding arcuate portion 158, 160 of the torque groove side wall 146. This configuration allows a small gap to be formed between the unengaged drive pin 60a and the corresponding side wall 126, as described in further detail below.

[0079] Fig.11 Shown is a rotor 12a accelerated to a specific speed by a driver head 20a, as shown by directional arrow A11. As shown, during acceleration, the first drive pin 60a is in abutment with the rightmost arcuate portion 158 of the side wall 146 of the first torque slot 144 to transfer torque from the driver head 20a to the rotor 12a, as shown by directional arrow A12. To this end, the engagement between the first drive pin 60a and the first torque slot 144 prevents the driver head 20a from rotating relative to the centrifuge rotor 12a during the centrifuge rotor 12a is accelerated by the centrifuge driver 14a. Also during the acceleration of the rotor 12a, the second drive pin 60a is spaced apart from the leftmost arcuate portion 160 of the side wall 146 of the second torque slot 144 so that a gap 162 is formed therebetween.

[0080] Fig.12 The rotor 12a is shown during deceleration or braking, as indicated by directional arrow A13. In this regard, the rotor 12a is moving at a speed less than Fig.1114a. As shown, during deceleration, the second drive pin 60a is in abutment with the leftmost arcuate portion 160 of the side wall 146 of the second torque slot 144 to transfer torque from the driver head 20a to the rotor 12a, as shown by the directional arrow A14. To this end, the engagement between the second drive pin 60a and the second torque slot 144 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. Also during deceleration of the rotor 12a, the first drive pin 60a is spaced apart from the rightmost arcuate portion 158 of the side wall 146 of the first torque slot 144 so that a gap 164 is formed therebetween. The size of the gap 164 may be similar to that described above with respect to Fig.11 Gap 162 is described.

[0081] 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) are shown according to another embodiment of the present invention, the spindle being of different dimensions than the spindle 16 of the above-described centrifuge 10, 10a. In this regard, the distal end 224 of the spindle 222 is smaller in diameter than the distal end 62 of the above-described spindle 16, and thus cannot be properly fitted within the recess 86 formed in the base 88 of the driver head hub 66. 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 62 of the above-described spindle 16. As described in further detail below, the adapter 220 is fitted to the distal end 224 of the spindle 222, and a portion of the adapter 220 is received within the recess 86 of the driver head hub 66, so that the driver head 20 can be operably coupled to the spindle 222.

[0082] 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 A15 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] As shown, the first protrusion 232 of the adapter 220 is substantially truncated cone-shaped and is sized to be received within the recess 86 of the driver head hub 66 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 86. The fit between the first protrusion 232 of the adapter 220 and the recess 86 of the driver head hub 66 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 224 of the spindle 222 using a fastener 238. To this end, the fastener 238, which may be a bolt or a screw, for example, is received through the aligned holes 76, 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 projecting upwardly from a top surface of the drive 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 drive to the centrifuge rotor; and a plurality of recesses formed in an outer sidewall of the driver head hub and spaced circumferentially about the driver head hub; a retaining plate attached to a base of the driver head hub, the retaining plate including a central aperture configured to receive a distal end of the spindle therethrough; a locking slide movably held by the retaining plate within each of the plurality of recesses so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 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 and operatively engaged with each respective locking slide and the retaining plate 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 a conical section of 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: 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.

3. The drive head according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each locking slide includes a rounded surface extending between the curved outer surface and a top surface of each locking slide, the rounded surface being configured to engage a shoulder formed in the inner sidewall of the hub of the centrifuge.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. The driver head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pivot axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive.

7. The driver head according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each locking slide includes a first pin protruding from a first side of the locking slide and a second pin protruding from a second side of the locking slide, wherein the first pin and the second pin define the pivot axis of the locking slide.

8. The driver head according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of recesses includes a first side wall having a first slot configured to movably receive the first pin of the locking slide therein, and a second side wall having a second slot configured to movably receive the second pin of the locking slide therein.

9. The driver head according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking slide includes a pad protruding from a rear side of the locking slide, the pad being configured to abut the driver head hub when the locking slide is in the retracted position and to be spaced apart from the driver head hub when the locking slide is in the extended position.

10. The driver head according to claim 1, characterized in that The resilient element extends between a blind hole formed in a base portion of the locking slide and a blind hole formed in the retaining plate.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. The centrifuge according to claim 12, characterized in that The hub of the centrifuge rotor includes an inner sidewall having a tapered section defining a shoulder, wherein each locking slide is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the tapered section and shoulder of the inner sidewall of the hub during rotation of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive.

14. The centrifuge according to claim 12, characterized in that Each torque slot is an arc-shaped blind hole.

15. The centrifuge according to claim 16, 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 12, 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 driver 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 driver head to the spindle, the driver head hub including a plurality of recesses formed in an outer sidewall of the driver head hub and spaced circumferentially about the driver head hub; a retaining plate attached to a base of the driver head hub, the retaining plate including a central aperture configured to receive a distal end of the spindle therethrough; a locking slide movably held by the retaining plate within each of the plurality of recesses so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 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 and operatively engaged with each respective locking slide and the retaining plate 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 a conical section of 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 drive head hub, the crown including a central hole configured to receive the fastener therethrough and a plurality of torque slots formed in a top surface of the crown, the central hole 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.

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 rounded surface extending between the curved outer surface and a top surface of each locking slide, the rounded surface being configured to engage a shoulder formed in the inner sidewall of the hub of the centrifuge.

22. The driver head according to claim 18, wherein: 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.

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 pivot axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the centrifuge drive.

25. The driver head according to claim 18, characterized in that Each locking slide includes a first pin protruding from a first side of the locking slide and a second pin protruding from a second side of the locking slide, wherein the first pin and the second pin define the pivot axis of the locking slide.

26. The driver head according to claim 25, characterized in that Each of the plurality of recesses includes a first side wall having a first slot configured to movably receive the first pin of the locking slide therein, and a second side wall having a second slot configured to movably receive the second pin of the locking slide therein.

27. The driver head according to claim 22, characterized in that The locking slide includes a pad protruding from a rear side of the locking slide, the pad being configured to abut the driver head hub when the locking slide is in the retracted position and to be spaced apart from the driver head hub when the locking slide is in the extended position.

28. The driver head according to claim 18, characterized in that The resilient element extends between a blind hole formed in a base portion of the locking slide and a blind hole formed in the retaining plate.

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 the rotational axis 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 The hub of the centrifuge rotor includes an inner sidewall having a tapered section defining a shoulder, wherein each locking slide is configured to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the tapered section and shoulder of the inner sidewall of the hub during rotation of the centrifuge rotor by the centrifuge drive.

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

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

33. The driver head 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.

34. The driver head according to claim 33, 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.

35. 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 the 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.

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

37. The adapter according to claim 35, characterized in that The first protrusion is truncated cone in shape.

38. The adapter according to claim 35, characterized in that The mounting hole is truncated cone in shape.

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