Insert, centrifuge and analytical instrument

Abstract

The invention relates to an insert (1) adapted to be removably inserted into an annular segment-shaped gap (51) of a centrifuge (50) wherein the annular segment-shaped gap (51) is formed between a rotor member (52) and a stator member (53) of the centrifuge (50) wherein the insert (1) is adapted to collect a fluid centrifugally ejected from the rotor member (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an insert which is suitable for being removably inserted into a gap in the shape of a ring segment of a centrifuge. Furthermore, the invention relates to a centrifuge having such an insert and an analytical instrument having such a centrifuge. Background Art

[0002] Typically, centrifuges are used to process samples, particularly in laboratory environments, wherein any excess or spilled sample or other material that accidentally contacts a rotor component of the centrifuge while the centrifuge is in operation may be ejected radially from the rotor component and thereby contaminate a stator component of the centrifuge.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an insert which is suitable for removable insertion into a gap in the shape of a ring segment of a centrifuge, in particular a laboratory centrifuge; to provide a centrifuge having such an insert; and to provide an analytical instrument comprising such a centrifuge so as to be able to improve cleanability and / or simplify decontamination. Summary of the invention

[0004] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] The insert according to the present invention is suitable for being removably inserted into the gap of the annular segment shape of the centrifuge. Preferably, the centrifuge can be used in a laboratory environment. The centrifuge has a rotor component and a stator component. Between the rotor component and the stator component, a gap in the shape of an annular segment is formed. Specifically, the gap in the shape of an annular segment surrounds the rotor component and is surrounded by the stator component. The gap in the shape of an annular segment can be radially arranged to be farther away from the rotation axis of the rotor component than the outer circumference of the rotor component. The stator component can be radially arranged to be farther away from the rotation axis than the gap in the shape of an annular segment. In this article, "annular segment" can be a closed annular segment extending 360° around the circumferential direction or an open annular segment extending less than 360° around its circumferential direction. The insert according to the present invention is suitable for collecting fluids ejected centrifugally from the rotor component, particularly overflowing samples or excessive samples. Preferably, the fluid is a liquid or has a liquid. It goes without saying that, additionally or alternatively, the insert can be suitable for collecting solids ejected centrifugally from the rotor component, such as particles or sediments suspended in a liquid or produced by drying such a suspension. Thus, the insert may at least partially protect the stator component from any matter ejected centrifugally from the rotor component, in particular when the rotor component rotates about the axis of rotation. Since the insert is adapted to be removably inserted into the annular segment-shaped gap, the insert may be removed from the annular segment-shaped gap after collecting the fluid and / or solid ejected centrifugally from the rotor component. Thus, by removing the insert from the annular segment-shaped gap, the fluid and / or solid collected by the insert may be removed from the centrifuge, in particular without requiring any further cleaning and / or decontamination of the stator component and / or the annular segment-shaped gap.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insert has the shape of an annular segment. The insert may have the shape of a closed annular ring and may be adapted to be removably inserted into the gap of the annular segment shape along the installation direction, in particular the installation direction is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the shape of the annular segment has a first end and a second end. In other words, the insert may have the shape of an open annular segment. Specifically, the first end and the second end are arranged relative to each other along the circumferential direction of the insert. The first end and the second end may be arranged facing each other in the circumferential direction. In the case where the first end and the second end face each other in the circumferential direction, the insert of the annular segment shape may extend greater than 180° and less than 360° in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the insert of the annular segment shape extends 200° to 300° in the circumferential direction, most preferably 220° to 280°. The insert with the shape of an open annular segment may be particularly easily installed in the gap of the annular segment shape of the centrifuge. Specifically, the insert of the open annular shape may be removably inserted into the gap of the annular segment shape tangentially and / or circumferentially.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the insert comprises at least two annular segments, in particular open or partial annular segments. Each of the annular segments partially extends in the circumferential direction of the insert. Preferably, all annular segments of the insert have the same curvature. All annular segments of the insert may comprise a polymer body of substantially similar or identical shape. Wherein, the annular segments are detachably connected to each other. Therefore, the insert can be partially inserted into the gap of the annular segment shape and removed from the gap of the annular segment shape. In other words: the annular segments of the insert can be arranged individually one by one in the gap of the annular segment shape and / or connected to each other so that the insert is inserted into the gap of the annular segment shape.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the invention, the annular segments of the insert have complementary connecting profiles for detachably connecting the annular segments to each other. The connecting profiles may be tongue-and-groove type. The complementary profiles may form a labyrinth seal of the insert. The labyrinth seal may prevent the fluid collected by the insert from flowing radially through the seams between the connecting profiles or from moving outwards, in particular onto the stator components.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, the annular segments are detachably connected to each other by magnetic interaction. In this case, two circumferentially adjacent annular segments can each have a magnetic element. At least one of the magnetic elements can be a permanent magnet. The other of the magnetic elements can be a ferromagnetic element and / or be made of a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element can be embedded in the material of the annular segment, in particular in a polymer material. The connection by magnetic interaction enables the insert to be partially mounted with a relatively low mounting force.

[0010] When detachably connected to each other, there may be radial and / or axial and / or circumferential play between the ring segments.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the insert has a groove portion, which forms a reservoir for the fluid ejected centrifugally. Wherein, the groove portion extends at least partially along the circumferential direction of the insert. The groove portion can extend at least partially or completely along the circumferential extension of the insert. The groove portion allows particularly reliable collection and / or storage and / or guidance of the fluid ejected from the rotor member. Preferably, when the insert is inserted into the radial gap, the groove portion and / or the reservoir formed by the groove portion are opened against the direction of gravity. The reservoir formed by the groove portion can be suitable for storing the fluid collected by the insert. The groove portion and / or the reservoir formed by the groove portion can form a fluid channel for guiding or guiding the collected fluid to the first end and / or the second end of the insert. At the first end and / or the second end, the reservoir can be opened. Alternatively, at the first end and / or the second end, the reservoir can be closed by the dam portion of the insert.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the insert has a groove for collecting the ejected fluid, in particular a liquid. The groove may be suitable for capturing the fluid, in particular radially. Wherein, the groove extends at least partially in the circumferential direction of the insert. The groove may extend at least partially or completely along the circumferential extension of the insert. The groove may extend parallel to the groove portion. In particular, when the fluid is in dynamic contact with the insert, the groove may be used to avoid overflow of the collected fluid in the axial direction. The groove and / or the groove portion may have a liquid absorbent and / or a liquid binder, for example a porous element like a sponge or paper or anything similar.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the groove has a central area extending in the axial direction of the insert. When the insert is inserted into the gap in the shape of an annular segment, the axial direction of the insert may be parallel to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge and / or gravity. The groove has two shoulder areas facing each other in the axial direction. The shoulder areas, in particular relatively, merge into the central area in particular in the axial direction. The central area can be arranged axially between the two shoulder areas. The shoulder area can prevent the fluid that radially impacts the central area from splashing in the axial direction.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the insert has two end faces arranged opposite to each other in the axial direction of the insert. At least one of the end faces has a plurality of spacer sections. Each spacer section protrudes in the axial direction. The spacer sections are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In particular, the spacer sections are arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction, in particular at least in a specific annular segment of the insert. The spacer sections allow the insert to be positioned particularly precisely in the gap in the shape of the annular segment, in particular in the axial direction.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the insert has an engagement portion for detachably engaging with the stator component. The engagement portion can be arranged at the radially outer portion of the insert. When the insert is inserted into the gap of the ring segment shape, the radially outer portion can radially face the stator component. The engagement portion can form a hook, such as a spring hook, for holding the insert at the stator component. The engagement portion can protrude radially. The engagement portion can be configured to accurately define the distance and / or positioning of the insert relative to the stator component. Therefore, the engagement portion can be used as a spacing aid and / or a positioning aid, in particular to respectively realize the spacing function and / or the positioning function. Specifically, the engagement portion is respectively arranged at the first end and the second end of the insert having an open ring segment shape. Therefore, there can be an engagement portion at each of the first end and the second end. The engagement portion can be configured to mechanically interact with the stator component so that the insert is fastened to the stator component, in particular in the circumferential direction and / or in the axial direction.

[0016] In particular, the insert may have a gripping portion. The gripping portion may facilitate operation of the insert, in particular manual operation. The gripping portion may include a recess. In particular, the gripping portion is arranged at a first end and at a second end of the insert having the shape of an open ring segment, respectively.

[0017] The centrifuge according to the present invention is suitable for processing samples using a sample processing device. The sample can be a blood sample, in particular a human blood sample. Such a sample processing device can be configured to store samples to be processed by the centrifuge. For example, such a sample processing device can be a sleeve, a tube, a hole, a box, etc. The centrifuge includes a rotor component for carrying such a processing device. In addition, the centrifuge has a stator component, and the rotor component can rotate relative to the stator component when the sample received by the sample processing device is centrifuged. Specifically, the rotor component can rotate relative to the stator component around the rotation axis of the centrifuge. Wherein, a gap in the shape of an annular segment of the centrifuge is formed between the rotor component and the stator component. Specifically, a gap in the shape of an annular segment is radially formed between the rotor component and the stator component. The centrifuge also includes an insert according to the present invention as described above. Wherein, the insert is removably inserted into the gap in the shape of an annular segment. The above-mentioned advantages of the insert according to the present invention are transferred to the centrifuge according to the present invention having such an insert.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the centrifuge has a housing that at least partially covers the gap in the shape of an annular segment. Wherein, the housing includes an opening for accessing the rotor member and the insert. The opening allows access to at least a portion of the rotor member and the gap in the shape of an annular segment. The opening may extend in the circumferential direction of the insert, in particular along the missing portion or open portion of the insert. The centrifuge may include a lid for closing the opening of the housing. The centrifuge may be a single or independent device, for example for placement on top of a table. Alternatively, the centrifuge may be a module for a subordinate system or device.

[0019] The insert may be adapted to be magnetically fastened to the stator component. Thus, the insert may have a plurality of ferromagnetic elements and the stator component may have a plurality of corresponding permanent magnetic elements, or vice versa. Each ferromagnetic element may comprise a ferromagnetic material, in particular contain iron or be iron. Each ferromagnetic element may be plate-like in shape. Each permanent magnetic element may comprise one or more (e.g. two) permanent magnets. The permanent magnetic elements and / or the ferromagnetic elements may be shaped to complement corresponding receiving parts of the insert and / or the stator component. The permanent magnetic elements and / or the ferromagnetic elements may be adapted to be clamped into corresponding receiving parts.

[0020] The stator component may include a Hall sensor, and the insert may include (particularly additional) permanent magnetic elements for triggering the Hall sensor, thereby allowing verification of the correct placement of the insert. The permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor may be received in a blind hole of the insert. The blind hole may extend axially. The permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor may be fixed in the blind hole with glue, particularly UV hardening glue. Alternatively, the permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor may be pressed into fit or formed fit into the blind hole. Another option is to thermally deform the blind hole opening after inserting the permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor. In a further embodiment, the insert may include a cap for closing the blind hole after the permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor is received by the blind hole. The cap may secure the permanent magnetic element in the blind hole. When the insert is placed in a gap of annular shape, the Hall sensor may be arranged at a distance from the blind hole, particularly axially.

[0021] The stator component and the insert may have complementary stop portions. The stop portions may assist in the correct placement of the insert relative to the stator component. Specifically, the stop portions may be arranged at a first end and a second end of the insert having the shape of an open ring segment, respectively. The stop portion of the insert may be formed by and / or at a joining portion of the insert. The stop portion may define the circumferential positioning of the ring segment and the clearance at the labyrinth seal to allow the circumferential positioning of the ring segment to be defined. The stop portion may ensure that the labyrinth seal is closed, but the ring segments do not contact each other at their front surfaces facing each other, in particular so that the front surfaces do not abut each other.

[0022] The analytical instrument according to the invention can be a subordinate system or device. The analytical instrument comprises a centrifuge according to the invention as described above. The analytical instrument can be a laboratory instrument or a diagnostic instrument. The centrifuge can be a module of the analytical instrument. The aforementioned advantages of the centrifuge according to the invention are transferred to the analytical instrument according to the invention comprising such a centrifuge. The analytical instrument has a measuring unit for analyzing a sample centrifuged by the centrifuge. In particular, the measuring unit is suitable for optically analyzing a sample centrifuged by the centrifuge.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring unit of the analytical instrument and the centrifuge of the analytical instrument are placed in a common housing. The common housing can define a measuring chamber in which the sample can be processed by the centrifuge and analyzed by the measuring unit. The common housing can be the housing of the centrifuge. The common housing can protect and / or shield the measuring chamber from environmental influences that can cause the sample to be processed to be contaminated.

[0024] Further advantages and features of the invention are derived from the claims and from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention depicted in the drawings, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0025] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above as well as the features described below can be used not only in the respectively stated combination but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 An embodiment of an analytical instrument according to the invention is schematically depicted in a perspective view, which has an embodiment of a centrifuge according to the invention, the latter having an embodiment of an insert according to the invention,

[0027] Figure 2 A close-up perspective diagram showing Figure 1 The centrifuge,

[0028] Figure 3 Schematically depicted in perspective Figure 1 Inserts,

[0029] Figure 4 The perspective diagram schematically depicts the Figure 3 Details of the inserts,

[0030] Figure 5 The perspective diagram schematically shows the Figure 3 and Figure 4 The connecting profile of the annular segments of the insert,

[0031] Figure 6 A further embodiment of a centrifuge according to the invention is schematically shown in a perspective view, the latter having a further embodiment of an insert according to the invention,

[0032] Figure 7 Another perspective diagram schematically shows Figure 6 The centrifuge,

[0033] Figure 8 Another perspective diagram schematically shows Figure 6 Details of the centrifuge,

[0034] Fig. 9 Schematically shows Figure 6 A centrifuge insert for Figure 6 The centrifuge is combined with a permanent magnet,

[0035] Fig.10 The perspective exploded diagram schematically shows Fig. 9 The annular segment of the insert,

[0036] Fig.11 Another perspective diagram schematically shows Fig. 9 Inserts,

[0037] Fig.12Schematic representation in wireframe perspective Fig.10 The ring segment, and

[0038] Fig.13 The top view schematically shows Figure 6 Centrifuge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The centrifuge 50 is suitable for processing a sample S using a sample processing device 55. Such a sample may be a blood sample, for example a human blood sample. For example, the centrifuge 50 is a module of an advanced analytical instrument 100. Therein, the analytical instrument 100 comprises a measuring unit 101 for analyzing, in particular optically, the sample S centrifuged by the centrifuge 50. Although according to Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the centrifuge 50 is modularly included in the analytical instrument 100, but in other embodiments, the centrifuge 50 can be a stand-alone device. Such a stand-alone device centrifuge 50 can be placed on top of a laboratory table, or have its own stand or frame to stand on the laboratory floor.

[0040] The centrifuge 50, both the centrifuge 50 module in the figure and the stand-alone centrifuge 50 of the alternative embodiment, comprises a rotor member 52. The rotor member 52 is adapted to carry a sample processing device 55. Such a sample processing device 55 may be a sleeve, a tube, a hole or a box. The sample processing device 55 may contain a portion of a sample S. The centrifuge 50 has a stator member 53. When the sample S received by the sample processing device 55 is centrifuged, the rotor member 52 may rotate relative to the stator member 53. The centrifuge 50 may have a drive device that may drive the rotor member 52 to centrifuge the sample S. A gap 51 in the shape of an annular segment of the centrifuge 50 is formed between the rotor member 52 and the stator member 53. For example, the gap 51 in the shape of an annular segment is radially arranged between the rotor member 52 and the stator member 53. The term "radial" may relate to an axial direction A extending parallel to the axis of rotation, about which the rotor member 52 may rotate relative to the stator member 53. The centrifuge 50 also comprises an insert 1. Therein, the insert 1 is removably inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap 51 of the centrifuge 50. Thus, the ring segment-shaped gap 51 can be at least partially filled by the insert 1.

[0041] exist Figure 1In the example of the present invention, the housing 56 of the centrifuge 50 forms a common housing 56 of the analytical instrument 100. The measuring unit 101 of the analytical instrument 100 and the centrifuge 50 are placed in the common housing 56. The housing 56 partially covers the gap 51 in the shape of a ring segment. The housing 56 includes an opening for accessing the rotor member 52 and the insert 1. A part of the gap 51 in the shape of a ring segment can be accessed through the opening. The opening can have a sickle-shaped periphery. The opening can have a size that allows the sample processing device 55 to pass through so that it can be placed at the rotor member 52 or removed from the rotor member 52.

[0042] The insert 1 is adapted to be removably inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap 51. Therein, the insert 1 is adapted to collect matter, in particular fluids and / or solids, ejected centrifugally from the rotor component 52. For example, when the rotor component 52 rotates relative to the stator component 53, the insert 1 may allow the collection of matter centrifugally ejected from the rotor component 52.

[0043] from Figure 3 As can be best seen in the figure, the insert 1 can have the shape of an open ring segment 5, which has a first end 6 and a second end 7. Therein, the first end 6 and the second end 7 are arranged relative to each other in a circumferential direction C of the insert 1. The circumferential direction C can extend around the axis of rotation of the centrifuge 50, in particular in a plane oriented perpendicular to the axial direction A. When the insert 1 is inserted into the gap 51 in the shape of the ring segment, the circumferential direction C can extend in a horizontal plane. The axis of rotation can be parallel to gravity. When the insert 1 is inserted into the gap 51 in the shape of the ring segment, the axial direction A can be parallel to gravity. The axial direction A can be directional or pointed towards gravity.

[0044] For example, the insert 1 has at least two annular segments 8, 8A, 8B. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the insert 1 has exactly two annular segments 8, 8A, 8B. Each of the annular segments 8, 8A, 8B partially extends along the circumferential direction C of the insert 1. In this case, all the annular segments 8, 8A, 8B may have an equal arc L. According to Figure 3 , both ring segments 8A, 8B have an arc L between π / 2 and 2π / 3. The ring segments 8, 8A, 8B are detachably connected to each other.

[0045] For example, the ring segments 8, 8A, 8B each have a complementary connecting profile 9. The complementary connecting profile 9 can be a tongue-and-groove type complementary connecting profile. Figures 3 to 5 As can be seen in the figure, the ring segment 8B has a groove-shaped connecting profile 9, while the connecting profile 9 of the circumferentially adjacent ring segment 8A has a tongue-shaped connecting profile. The complementary connecting profiles 9 are suitable for detachably connecting the ring segments 8, 8A, 8B to each other. The complementary profiles 9, in particular in their connected state, can form a labyrinth seal 10 of the insert 1.

[0046] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the insert 1 has a groove portion 11. The groove portion 11 forms a reservoir 12 for the ejected fluid, in particular for the fluid ejected radially from the rotor member 52 due to centrifugation. The groove portion 11 extends at least partially in the circumferential direction C of the insert 1. The groove portion 11 can be opened in the axial direction A. When the insert 1 is inserted into the gap 51 in the shape of an annular segment, the groove portion 11 can be opened against gravity, in particular upward. The insert 1 has a groove 13 for collecting the ejected fluid. Among them, the groove 13 extends at least partially in the circumferential direction C of the insert 1. The groove 13 can be radially concave. For example, the groove 13 has a central area 14 extending in the axial direction A of the insert 1. The groove 13 can have two shoulder areas 15, which face each other in the axial direction and merge into the central area 14 oppositely. The groove portion 11 can be arranged at one of the shoulder areas 15. One of the two shoulder regions 15, in particular the shoulder region 15 arranged opposite the groove portion 11, may be chamfered. The chamfered shoulder region 15 may be conical. In a cross section perpendicular to the circumferential direction C and / or along the axial direction A, the chamfered shoulder region 15 may be inclined at an obtuse angle, for example between 110° and 160°, relative to the central region 14. The obtuse angle may open toward the axis of rotation, in particular inwardly.

[0047] For example, the insert 1 has two end faces 16 arranged opposite to each other in the axial direction A of the insert 1. When the insert 1 is inserted into the gap 51 in the shape of an annular segment, one of the end faces 16 may be the top end face 16, and the other of the two end faces 16 may be the bottom end face 16 of the insert 1. Therein, at least one of the end faces 16, in particular the bottom end face 16, has a plurality of spacer portions 17. The spacer portions 17 protrude in the axial direction A. The spacer portions 17 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction C. At present, each annular segment 8, 8A, 8B has a plurality of spacer portions 17. The spacer portions 17 of each of the annular segments 8, 8A, 8B are arranged equidistantly.

[0048] According to the drawings, the insert 1 has a radially outer portion 3. The insert 1 may have an annular body 2. The stator component 53 may have an inner circumference 54. The annular body 2 may contact the inner circumference 54. When the insert 1 is received by the gap 51 in the shape of an annular segment, the radially outer portion 3 faces the stator component 53. The radially outer portion 3 may be arranged radially opposite to the radially inner portion 4 of the insert 1. The insert 1 has an engagement portion 18. The engagement portion 18 may be present at the radially outer portion 3. The engagement portion 18 may form a hook 19. The engagement portion 18 is suitable for detachably engaging with the stator component 53. Specifically, the engagement portion 18 may form a spacing aid and / or a positioning aid for the insert 1 so as to enable a particularly repeatable positioning of the insert 1 relative to the stator component 53. The engagement portion 18 may be arranged at the first end 6 and the second end 7 of the insert 1, respectively. The first end 6 and / or the second end 7—and the engagement section 18 arranged thereat—are accessible through an opening in the housing 56 , in particular when the lid of the centrifuge 50 or of the analytical device 100 is open.

[0049] A radial and / or axial and / or circumferential play 24 may exist between the annular segments 8 , 8A, 8B detachably connected to each other. In particular, the overlap formed at the labyrinth seal 10 may be affected by said radial and / or axial and / or circumferential play 24 .

[0050] The insert 1, in particular at least one ring segment 8A, 8B of the insert 1, may have a gripping portion 23. The gripping portion 23 may facilitate handling, in particular manual handling, of the insert 1 and / or the respective ring segment 8, 8A, 8B. The gripping portion 23 may include a recess.

[0051] The insert 1 may be adapted to be magnetically fastened to the stator component 53. Thus, the insert 1 may have a plurality of ferromagnetic elements 21, and the stator component 53 may have a plurality of corresponding permanent magnetic elements 20, or vice versa. Each ferromagnetic element 21 may comprise a ferromagnetic material, in particular contain iron or be iron. Each ferromagnetic element 21 may be plate-like in shape. Each permanent magnetic element 20 may comprise one or more (e.g. two) permanent magnets. The permanent magnetic elements 20 and / or the ferromagnetic elements 21 may be shaped to complement the corresponding receiving portions 28 of the insert 1 and / or the stator component 53. The permanent magnetic elements 20 and / or the ferromagnetic elements 21 may be adapted to be clamped into the corresponding receiving portions 28.

[0052] from Figure 2 and Figure 7 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the stator component 53 may include a collar portion 29 for radially supporting the insert 1. The collar portion 29 may be or include an aluminum die-cast component. The permanent magnet element 20 may be attached to or placed in a plastic component 30 of the stator component 53, which is located radially behind the collar portion 29, particularly relative to the rotor component 52.

[0053] The stator component 53 may include a Hall sensor 25, and the insert 1 may include a further permanent magnetic element 120 for triggering the Hall sensor 25, thereby allowing detection of the correct placement of the insert 1. The further permanent magnetic element 120 for triggering the Hall sensor 25 may be received in a blind hole 26 of the insert 1. The blind hole 26 may extend in the axial direction A and / or be open. The insert 1 may include a cap 27 for closing the blind hole 26, in particular after the further permanent magnetic element 120 for triggering the Hall sensor 25 is received by the blind hole 26. The cap 27 may secure the further permanent magnetic element 120 in the blind hole 26. When the insert 1 is placed in the annular-shaped gap 51, the Hall sensor 25 may be arranged at a distance from the blind hole 26, in particular axially. The Hall sensor 25 is arranged so that the magnetic field of the further permanent magnetic element 120 can freely enter the Hall sensor 25.

[0054] exist Figure 8 In the example, the blind hole 26 is relative to Figure 8 The projection direction is covered by the sheet metal part of the stator component 53. Therefore, the position of the blind hole 26 behind the sheet metal part is indicated by the dashed arrow line. The position of the Hall sensor 25 is highly schematically indicated by the dashed rectangle. It should be appreciated that the Hall sensor 25 can be arranged above or at least partially in the hole 31, which is present at the aforementioned sheet metal part.

[0055] The stator component 53 and the insert 1 may have complementary stop portions 22. The stop portions 22 may assist in the correct placement of the insert 1 relative to the stator component 53.

Claims

1. An insert (1) adapted to be removably inserted into a ring segment-shaped gap (51) of a centrifuge (50), wherein the ring segment-shaped gap (51) is formed between a rotor component (52) and a stator component (53) of the centrifuge (50), - wherein the insert (1) is adapted to collect fluid ejected centrifugally from the rotor member (52).

2. Insert (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the insert (1) has the shape of a ring segment (5) having a first end (6) and a second end (7), The first end (6) and the second end (7) are arranged opposite each other, in particular facing each other, in a circumferential direction (C) of the insert (1).

3. Insert (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (1) has at least two annular segments (8, 8A, 8B), each of which extends partially in the circumferential direction (C) of the insert (1), wherein in particular all the annular segments (8, 8A, 8B) have an equal arc (L), - wherein said ring segments (8, 8A, 8B) are detachably connected to each other.

4. Insert (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that - The annular segments (8, 8A, 8B) have complementary connecting profiles (9), in particular tongue-and-groove type, for detachably connecting the annular segments (8, 8A, 8B) to one another, wherein in particular the complementary connecting profiles (9) form a labyrinth seal (10) of the insert (1).

5. Insert (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that - The ring segments (8, 8A, 8B) are detachably connectable to each other by magnetic interaction.

6. Insert (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the insert (1) has a groove portion (11) forming a reservoir (12) for the fluid to be ejected, - wherein the groove portion (11) extends at least partially in a circumferential direction (C) of the insert (1).

7. Insert (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the insert (1) has a groove (13) for collecting the sprayed fluid, - wherein the groove (13) extends at least partially in the circumferential direction (C) of the insert (1).

8. Insert (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that - the groove (13) has a central area (14) extending in the axial direction (A) of the insert (1), - wherein the groove (13) has two shoulder regions (15) facing each other in the axial direction (A) and merging into the central region (14).

9. Insert (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (1) has two end faces (16) arranged opposite one another in the axial direction (A) of the insert (1), - at least one of the end faces (16) has a plurality of spacer portions (17) which protrude in the axial direction (A) and are spaced apart from one another, in particular equidistantly spaced apart, in the circumferential direction (C).

10. Insert (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (1) has, in particular at its radially outer portion (3), an engagement portion (18), in particular forming a hook (19), for detachably engaging with the stator component (53), - wherein in particular the engagement portion (18) is arranged at the first end (6) and at the second end (7) of the insert (1), respectively.

11. A centrifuge (50) for processing a sample (S) using a sample processing device (55), the centrifuge (50) comprising - a rotor member (52) for carrying a sample processing device (55), - a stator member (53), the rotor member (52) being rotatable relative to the stator member when a sample (S) received by the sample processing device (55) is centrifuged, wherein a gap (51) in the shape of a ring segment is formed between the rotor member (52) and the stator member (53), and - Insert (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (1) is removably insertable into the ring-segment-shaped gap (51).

12. The centrifuge (50) according to claim 11, characterized in that - the centrifuge (50) comprises a housing (56) which at least partially covers the ring segment-shaped gap (51), - wherein the housing (56) comprises openings for accessing the rotor member (52) and the insert (1).

13. An analytical instrument (100), wherein the analytical instrument (100) comprises - a centrifuge (50) according to claim 11 or 12, and A measuring unit (101) for analyzing, in particular optically, a sample (S) centrifuged by the centrifuge (50).

14. The analytical instrument (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The measuring unit (101) and the centrifuge (50) are accommodated in a common housing (56).

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