Device for holding centrifugal drum in centrifuge

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a centrifuge comprising: a centrifugal drum having an axis of rotation (X); the rotating disc (3) is coaxial with the centrifugal rotating drum and is used for receiving and rotating the centrifugal rotating drum; wherein a first annular groove (31) is formed on a first inner annular surface (32) of a radially outer annular wall (33) of the rotating disk (3), which first inner annular surface surrounds the centrifugal drum, for receiving at least one elastically deformable annular element (50) projecting radially inwardly beyond the first annular groove (31), the annular element (50) is used for abutting against an annular portion (21) of the centrifugal drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of centrifuges, and more particularly to the centrifugation of biological products, especially blood. More specifically, this document relates to a device for maintaining the rotation of a centrifuge drum. Background Technology

[0002] Centrifuges for separating components of biological products (e.g., blood) are known. Conventional centrifuges typically include a centrifugal drum for receiving the biological product and being driven to rotate about an axis of rotation. The rotation of the drum separates the biological product into different components. For this purpose, a device is provided for driving and maintaining the rotation of the drum. Furthermore, the drum is rotatably mounted to a stationary element, which is used to supply the biological product to the drum and collect the separated components from the drum.

[0003] Because the rotating drum comes into contact with biological products, it is typically disposable for hygiene reasons. Therefore, the device used to drive and maintain the rotation of the drum is configured to allow for the insertion and removal of the disposable drum.

[0004] For example, a centrifuge may include a rotating disc driven by a drive shaft and configured to hold and rotate the lower end of the drum (often referred to as the drum bottom). In this case, it is important to ensure that the drum is adequately held by the rotating disc to prevent it from falling off during rotation.

[0005] Several conventional methods exist for holding a rotating drum using a rotating disk. For example, the rotating disk can be equipped with several jaws distributed around its perimeter to hold the bottom of the drum. Another example is placing the drum on the rotating disk and then screwing a ring-shaped component onto the disk to clamp a portion of the drum's bottom between the rotating disk and the ring-shaped component.

[0006] However, these retaining devices are complex in structure and difficult to implement, especially when involving a large number of components that require precise positioning to limit the risk of imbalance. Furthermore, placing or removing the drum from the rotating disc may require specialized tools and is time-consuming.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a centrifuge that can both ensure that the drum is kept rotating on the rotating disc and facilitate the placement and removal of the drum on the rotating disc.

[0008] This document aims to provide a simple, reliable, and economical solution to meet the above requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0009] A centrifuge is proposed, comprising: a centrifugal drum having a rotation axis, and a rotating disk coaxial with the centrifugal drum for receiving and rotating the centrifugal drum. A first annular groove is formed on a first inner annular surface of the radially outer annular wall of the rotating disk, the first inner annular surface surrounding the centrifugal drum. The first annular groove is used to receive at least one annular element that is elastically deformable and extends radially inward beyond the first annular groove. The annular element is used to abut against an annular portion of the centrifugal drum.

[0010] In particular, in a configuration where the centrifugal drum is mounted on a rotating disk, the first annular groove receives the at least one annular element.

[0011] In this document, the terms "longitudinal," "radial," and "circumferential" are defined relative to the centrifuge's axis of rotation; the terms "inner," "outer," "internal," and "external" are defined according to the radial direction relative to the axis of rotation; the terms "upper" and "lower" are also defined relative to the axis of rotation, with the direction from bottom to top corresponding to the direction from the rotating disk toward the centrifuge drum. The term "annular" refers to the annular shape surrounding this axis.

[0012] In addition, the term "ring" refers to an element that extends in a ring around an axis, which can extend 360° or a ring segment with an angle less than 360°.

[0013] The centrifuge according to this disclosure advantageously achieves both holding and centering of the centrifuge drum simultaneously via a rotating disc. This centrifuge advantageously eliminates the need for additional drum centering devices. Furthermore, the centrifuge allows for simplified and rapid placement of the drum on the rotating disc, i.e., without the need to assemble multiple different components. In addition, this disclosure offers significant advantages in simplifying the manufacture and maintenance of the centrifuge, particularly by requiring fewer components to be assembled when installing the device for fixing and centering the drum compared to conventional centrifuges. This reduces associated manufacturing costs.

[0014] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other.

[0015] The centrifuge drum is preferably a disposable drum. In other words, the rotating disc is configured to receive multiple centrifuge drums sequentially.

[0016] The centrifugal drum may include a generally frustoconical annular body and a lower end (referred to as the drum bottom). A rotating disk can then be used to receive and hold this drum bottom.

[0017] The bottom of the rotating drum specifically includes a bottom radial wall and an annular flange extending longitudinally upward from the bottom radial wall. The annular flange is preferably inclined at an angle between 0° and 60° with respect to the axis of rotation, more preferably between 40° and 50°.

[0018] The annular flange at the bottom of the rotating drum can form a protrusion relative to the outer annular surface of the centrifugal drum's annular body. This protrusion can advantageously serve as a support to hold the centrifugal drum within the rotating disk.

[0019] The annular portion of the centrifugal drum can be formed, in particular, by the upper end of an annular flange at the bottom of the drum, which protrudes from the outer annular surface of the annular body of the centrifugal drum. The generally frustoconical shape of the annular flange advantageously allows the at least one annular element to be uniformly pushed into the first annular groove, thereby facilitating the insertion of the centrifugal drum into the rotating disk.

[0020] The rotating disc can advantageously be manufactured as a single piece, or fully assembled before the centrifugal drum is inserted into it. In other words, there is no need to assemble the rotating disc components during or after insertion of the centrifugal drum. This feature avoids the assembly and disassembly steps of the rotating disc when inserting and removing the centrifugal drum, simplifying the insertion and removal process.

[0021] The rotating disk may include a bottom radial wall, and a radially outer annular wall of the rotating disk extends longitudinally upward from the periphery of the bottom radial wall.

[0022] The rotating disk may also advantageously include a support surface configured to face the centrifugal drum, particularly the bottom radial wall of the drum. This support surface is formed, in particular, on the bottom radial wall of the rotating disk. This support surface advantageously allows control of the position of the centrifugal drum relative to the rotating disk along the axis of rotation.

[0023] The annular portion of the centrifugal drum preferably has a shape complementary to the shape of the at least one annular element. This configuration allows for better force transmission between the at least one annular element and the annular portion of the centrifugal drum.

[0024] The at least one annular element and the first annular groove are advantageously sized such that the pressure exerted by the at least one annular element on the centrifugal drum ensures both the drum's retention during rotation and allows the drum to be inserted into and removed from the rotating disk, particularly for manual insertion and removal by the user. Furthermore, the dimensions of the at least one annular element and the first annular groove advantageously ensure that the drum holding device remains in place for extended periods, and particularly allow for a large number of insertions and removals of the drum on the rotating disk.

[0025] The at least one annular element can advantageously extend 360°.

[0026] The at least one annular element may also be selected as an annular segment with an extension angle of less than 360°. The at least one annular element may be composed of multiple annular elements distributed around the axis of rotation.

[0027] The at least one ring element may advantageously have a ring shape.

[0028] Advantageously, each of the at least one annular element may consist of an annular helical spring.

[0029] Using helical springs advantageously ensures the dynamic centering of the centrifugal drum during operation. When the rotating centrifugal drum tends to move radially outward in a certain area and push the helical spring outward, the helical spring can push the centrifugal drum back inward in that area. Helical springs also have the advantage of facilitating the insertion and removal of the drum relative to the rotating disk.

[0030] Annular helical springs can advantageously be compression springs. The advantage of annular compression springs is that they can deform radially elastically, thus aiding in the dynamic centering of the centrifugal drum during operation.

[0031] Preferably, the compression spring can advantageously have a linear compression curve. This feature allows for a constant radial force along the spring circumference. This improves the dynamic centering of the centrifugal drum during operation.

[0032] The annular helical spring can advantageously be mechanically preloaded, particularly radially preloaded, when installed within the first annular groove. This preload advantageously ensures that the spring remains within the first annular groove through radial expansion even when the centrifugal drum is not inserted into the rotating disk. Furthermore, this preloaded state enhances the spring's ability to hold the centrifugal drum in place while it rotates.

[0033] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifugal drum are sized to allow manual insertion of the centrifugal drum into the rotating disk along its axis of rotation. Manual insertion means that the operator can insert the drum without the aid of additional tools. This makes the centrifugal drum easier to insert.

[0034] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifugal drum are sized to prevent the centrifugal drum from being removed from the rotating disk along the axis of rotation of the centrifugal drum. This feature prevents the centrifugal drum from being thrown out of the rotating disk during rotation.

[0035] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifugal drum are sized to allow manual removal of the centrifugal drum from the rotating disk by tilting it about an axis perpendicular to its rotation axis. This tilting action can be applied toward the top of the centrifugal drum (i.e., away from the bottom). Manual removal means that the operator can remove the centrifugal drum without the aid of additional tools. This makes removing the centrifugal drum much easier.

[0036] Annular helical springs can be advantageously made of stainless steel, especially stainless steel. This material is particularly suitable for centrifuges used to separate components of biological products such as blood. This material limits or even eliminates corrosion or contamination. Furthermore, this material is easy to clean.

[0037] A ring-shaped helical spring can advantageously extend 360°.

[0038] In particular, continuous annular helical springs can be formed. A continuous annular helical spring is defined as one in which the coils of the spring extend continuously along its entire length. Specifically, an annular helical spring can be made by bending an initial longitudinal helical spring into a ring. If necessary, the longitudinal ends of the initial longitudinal helical spring can be fixed together to form a continuous annular helical spring. This continuous annular helical spring advantageously possesses improved mechanical properties due to the axial symmetry of the radial force resulting from its annular shape. Furthermore, this continuous annular helical spring advantageously allows the spring to be preloaded circumferentially within the annular helical spring, thereby improving its retention in the first annular groove.

[0039] A ring-shaped helical spring can also be extended into a ring segment with an angle of less than 360° to form a ring spring segment.

[0040] Centrifuges may include multiple annular spring segments. In particular, centrifuges may include at least three annular spring segments, which are evenly distributed around the periphery of the rotating disc. For example, centrifuges may include annular spring segments in multiples of three. This arrangement ensures the centering function of the centrifuge drum relative to the rotating disc.

[0041] The annular helical spring can advantageously have a stiffness between 105,000 N / m and 128,500 N / m. This feature facilitates both the insertion and removal of the drum and the retention of the drum in place while the rotating disk is rotating.

[0042] The annular helical spring can in particular have a large ring diameter, which is between 104% and 106% of the diameter of the annular portion of the centrifugal drum, on which the annular element is intended to rest. The advantage of this feature is that it facilitates both the insertion and removal of the drum and the retention of the drum in place while the rotating disc is rotating.

[0043] The annular helical spring can have a small ring diameter, which is between 99% and 101% of the diameter of the annular portion of the centrifugal drum, on which the annular element is intended to rest. This feature has the advantage of facilitating both the insertion and removal of the centrifugal drum from the rotating disc and holding the centrifugal drum in place while the disc rotates.

[0044] The first annular groove can advantageously have a longitudinal dimension along the axis of rotation that is between 100% and 120% of the diameter of the annular element's cross-section, preferably between 105% and 110%. In other words, the diameter of the annular element's cross-section is larger than this longitudinal dimension so as to compress the annular element within the first annular groove along the axis of rotation. This feature advantageously ensures that the annular element remains within the first annular groove. If the annular element has a circular cross-section when unloaded, its cross-section will become elliptical after insertion into the first annular groove.

[0045] The first annular groove may have a radial dimension between 60% and 90%, preferably between 70% and 80%, of the diameter of the annular element's cross-section.

[0046] Alternatively, the radial distance between the inner radial end of the annular element and the inner radial end of the first annular groove is advantageously between 10% and 40% of the radial dimension of the first annular groove, preferably between 20% and 30%.

[0047] The annular helical spring can advantageously have a basic elliptical cross-section with a major and minor diameter between 2.8194 mm and 3.0988 mm, and a wire diameter between 0.3429 mm and 0.3556 mm.

[0048] The annular helical spring may preferably have a constant pitch.

[0049] Annular helical springs can also have variable pitch.

[0050] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a method of installing a centrifuge as described above, the method comprising:

[0051] -Spinning disc is available;

[0052] - The at least one annular element is installed in the first annular groove of the rotating disk.

[0053] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a centrifugation method using a centrifuge as described above, the method comprising:

[0054] - Insert the centrifugal drum into the disc along the rotation axis of the centrifugal drum, such that the at least one annular element abuts against the annular portion of the centrifugal drum;

[0055] -The centrifugal drum is removed from the rotating disk by tilting it about an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the centrifugal drum.

[0056] Therefore, the rotating disk and the at least one annular element are advantageously installed before the centrifugal drum is inserted into the rotating disk. In other words, there is no need to assemble the rotating disk components simultaneously with or after the centrifugal drum is inserted into the rotating disk. This feature avoids the assembly and disassembly steps of the rotating disk during the insertion and removal of the centrifugal drum. Thus, the steps for inserting and removing the centrifugal drum are simplified. Attached Figure Description

[0057] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings will make more features, details, and advantages apparent, including:

[0058] [ Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a view of an example centrifuge of this disclosure.

[0059] [ Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the centrifuge disclosed herein is schematically shown. Figure 2 A) and Figure 2 Enlarged view of the area selected in section A ( Figure 2 B).

[0060] [ Figure 3 A partial view of the rotating disc of an example centrifuge of this disclosure is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0061] For reference Figure 1 The illustration shows an example of centrifuge 1 in this document. Centrifuge 1 is used in particular for separating components of biological products (e.g., blood).

[0062] Centrifuge 1 includes a centrifugal drum 2 and a rotating disk 3, the rotating disk 3 being used to receive the centrifugal drum 2 for rotating the centrifugal drum 2 about a rotation axis X. The rotating disk 3 is particularly driven to rotate by a drive shaft (not shown in the figure). The centrifugal drum 2 is preferably a disposable drum. In other words, the rotating disk 3 can be configured to receive multiple centrifugal drums sequentially. The centrifugal drum 2 can be obtained, in particular, by a blow molding process.

[0063] In particular, in a configuration where the centrifugal drum is mounted on a rotating disk, the first annular groove receives the at least one annular element.

[0064] In this document, the terms "longitudinal," "radial," and "circumferential" are defined relative to the rotation axis X of centrifuge 1. The terms "inner," "outer," "internal," and "external" are defined according to the radial direction relative to the rotation axis X. The terms "upper" and "lower" are also defined relative to the rotation axis X, with the direction from bottom to top corresponding to the direction from the rotating disk 3 toward the centrifugal drum 2. Furthermore, the term "annular" refers to an annular shape surrounding the rotation axis X.

[0065] The term "ring" refers to an element that extends in a ring around an axis, which can extend 360° or a ring segment with an angle less than 360°.

[0066] The centrifuge drum 2 is specifically configured to receive biological products and separate them into components by rotation. In particular, the centrifuge drum 2 is rotatably mounted to a fixing element 4, which is used to supply biological products to the centrifuge drum 2 and collect the separated components from the centrifuge drum 2.

[0067] Figure 2 A and 2B schematically show partial sectional views of the centrifuge and... Figure 2 An enlarged view of the area selected in section A. The centrifugal drum 2 specifically includes a generally frustoconical annular body 22 and a lower end (referred to as the drum bottom 23). The lower end refers to the end of the centrifugal drum 2 located on the side of the rotating disk 3 along the axis of rotation X. The rotating disk 3 can then receive and hold the drum bottom 23.

[0068] The bottom 23 of the rotating drum specifically includes a bottom radial wall 24 and an annular flange 25 extending longitudinally upward from the bottom radial wall 24. The annular flange 25 is preferably inclined at 0° to 60°, more preferably 40° to 50°, relative to the axis of rotation X. In other words, the annular flange 25 is generally frustoconical. The annular flange 25 of the bottom 23 of the rotating drum may form a protrusion relative to the outer annular surface of the annular body 22 of the centrifugal rotating drum 2. This protrusion can advantageously serve as a support for holding the centrifugal rotating drum 2 in the rotating disk 3, as detailed below.

[0069] The rotating disc can advantageously be manufactured as a single piece, or at least fully assembled before the centrifuge drum is inserted into it. In other words, there is no need to assemble the disc components simultaneously with or after the centrifuge drum is inserted into the rotating disc. This feature avoids the assembly and disassembly steps of the rotating disc during the insertion and removal of the centrifuge drum. This simplifies the insertion and removal of the centrifuge drum.

[0070] refer to Figure 2 A, 2B, and 3, the rotating disk 3 includes a radially outer annular wall 33, which is particularly configured to surround the bottom 23 of the rotating cylinder. More specifically, the rotating disk 3 includes a bottom radial wall 35, the radially outer annular wall 33 of which extends longitudinally upward from the periphery of the bottom radial wall 35. The bottom radial wall 35 of the rotating disk 3 may be frustoconical and extend upward from the inside out.

[0071] In addition, the rotating disk 3 may include a central annular portion 34 for fixing to the drive shaft, and a bottom radial wall 35 that then extends radially between the central annular portion 34 and the radially outer annular wall 33 of the rotating disk 3.

[0072] Furthermore, a first annular groove 31 is formed on the first inner annular surface 32 of the radially outer annular wall 33 of the rotating disk 3. The first inner annular surface 32 faces, in particular, the annular flange 25 of the centrifugal drum 2.

[0073] The first annular groove 31 is used to receive at least one annular element 50 that is elastically deformable and extends radially inward beyond the first annular groove 31. The at least one annular element 50 is used to abut against the annular portion 21 of the centrifugal drum 2.

[0074] The centrifugal drum 2 is advantageously configured to be inserted into the rotating disk 3 from above until the annular portion 21 of the centrifugal drum 2 passes below the at least one annular element 50. The at least one annular element 50 is specifically configured to apply downward and inward forces to the annular portion 21, thereby ensuring that the centrifugal drum 22 is held in place.

[0075] By using the at least one annular element 50 that is elastically deformable and extends beyond the first annular groove 31, the centrifugal drum 2 can be held within the rotating disk 3. Furthermore, the at least one annular element 50 ensures that the centrifugal drum 2 is centered during rotation.

[0076] Therefore, the centrifuge of this disclosure advantageously achieves both holding and centering of the centrifuge drum simultaneously via a rotating disc. This centrifuge eliminates the need for an additional drum centering device. Furthermore, this centrifuge allows for simplified and rapid placement of the drum on the rotating disc, eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate components. In addition, this disclosure offers significant advantages in simplifying the manufacture and maintenance of the centrifuge, particularly by requiring fewer components to be assembled when installing the device for fixing and centering the drum compared to conventional centrifuges. Consequently, the associated manufacturing costs are also reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, the rotating disk 3 may advantageously include a support surface 38, which is configured to face the centrifugal drum 2, and in particular the bottom radial wall 24 of the drum bottom 23. This support surface 38 advantageously allows control of the position of the centrifugal drum 2 relative to the rotating disk 3 along the axis of rotation X. Therefore, the support surface 38 helps to limit the translation of the centrifugal drum 2 when it is inserted into the rotating disk 3. The support surface 38 is formed, in particular, on the bottom radial wall 35 of the rotating disk 3.

[0078] When the centrifugal drum 2 is inserted into the rotating disk 3, the annular flange 25 is then clamped longitudinally between the support surface 38 of the rotating disk 3 and the at least one annular element 50.

[0079] The support surface 38 can extend radially into the wall 33 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, starting from the radially outer annular wall 33 of the rotating disk 3. This provides sufficient support surface for the bottom of the rotating cylinder.

[0080] Furthermore, the rotating disk 3 may include a radially inner annular wall 36 extending longitudinally upward from the bottom radial wall 35 of the rotating disk 3. The radially inner annular wall 36 of the rotating disk is configured to surround a central annular portion 26 of the bottom of the rotating drum 23, which protrudes downward relative to the bottom radial wall 24 of the bottom of the rotating drum 23 along the axis of rotation X. The engagement between the radially inner annular wall 36 of the rotating disk 3 and the central annular portion 26 of the bottom of the rotating drum 23 improves the centering of the centrifugal drum 2 within the rotating disk 3.

[0081] More specifically, the radially inner annular wall 36 of the rotating disk 3 includes a second inner annular surface 37 for contacting the outer annular surface of the central annular portion of the bottom of the drum 23. A second annular groove 39 may be formed on the second inner annular surface 37, the second annular groove 39 accommodating an O-ring type annular seal 40.

[0082] Furthermore, the annular portion 21 of the centrifugal drum 2 can be formed, in particular, by the upper end of the annular flange 25 of the drum bottom 23, which protrudes from the outer annular surface of the annular body 22 of the centrifugal drum 2. When the centrifugal drum 2 is inserted, the outer annular surface of the annular flange 25 of the drum bottom 23 then slides against the at least one annular element 50 until the at least one annular element 50 passes over the annular flange 25 of the drum bottom 23 and abuts against the annular portion 21 of the centrifugal drum 2, thereby holding and centering the drum. The generally frustoconical shape of the annular flange 25 advantageously allows the at least one annular element 50 to be pushed uniformly into the first annular groove 31, thereby facilitating the insertion of the centrifugal drum 25 into the rotating disk 3.

[0083] The annular portion 21 of the centrifugal drum 2 may preferably have a shape complementary to that of the at least one annular element 50. This configuration allows for better force transmission between the annular element 50 and the annular portion of the centrifugal drum 2.

[0084] In particular, the at least one annular element 50 and the first annular groove 31 are sized such that the pressure exerted by the at least one annular element 50 on the centrifugal drum 2 ensures both retention of the centrifugal drum during rotation and allows the centrifugal drum 2 to be inserted into and removed from the rotating disk 3, especially for manual insertion and removal by the user. The force required for insertion and removal of the drum is advantageously minimized. Furthermore, the dimensions of the annular element and the first annular groove 31 advantageously ensure that the drum holding device remains in place for a long period of time, and especially allow for a large number of insertions and removals of the centrifugal drum on the rotating disk.

[0085] The at least one annular element 50 may extend 360°. In particular, the at least one annular element 50 may include a single annular element extending 360°.

[0086] Alternatively, the at least one annular element 50 may extend into an annular segment with an angle less than 360°. The at least one annular element 50 may consist of a plurality of annular elements 50 distributed around the axis of rotation X.

[0087] The annular element 50 preferably has an annular shape, especially a basically elliptical or even circular cross-section.

[0088] The following description will describe in more detail a single ring element that extends 360° and has a ring shape.

[0089] The annular element 50 is preferably composed of an annular helical spring. In other words, a helical spring corresponds to an annular spring. The annular helical spring can be made of a metallic material such as steel, preferably stainless steel. However, other materials may also be considered where appropriate. The annular helical spring preferably has a constant pitch. However, it may also have a variable pitch where appropriate.

[0090] Using helical springs advantageously ensures the dynamic centering of the centrifugal drum during operation. When the rotating centrifugal drum moves radially outward in a certain area and pushes the helical spring outward, the helical spring can push the centrifugal drum back inward in that area. Helical springs also have the advantage of facilitating the insertion and removal of the drum from the rotating disk.

[0091] Annular helical springs can advantageously be compression springs. The advantage of a compression spring with an annular shape is that it can deform radially elastically, thus aiding in the dynamic centering of the centrifugal drum during operation.

[0092] Preferably, the compression spring can advantageously have a linear compression curve. This feature allows for a constant radial force along the spring circumference. This improves the dynamic centering of the centrifugal drum during operation.

[0093] The helical spring can be configured to allow radial compression to permit the insertion and removal of the centrifugal drum 2. The radial compression mounting of the helical spring within the first annular groove limits its radial displacement during insertion into the centrifugal drum. As the centrifugal drum rotates, the centrifugal force has minimal effect on the retention of the helical spring within the groove. Therefore, the force exerted by the helical spring to retain the centrifugal drum remains substantially constant throughout its use.

[0094] The annular helical spring can advantageously be mechanically preloaded, particularly radially preloaded, when installed within the first annular groove. This preload advantageously ensures that the spring remains within the first annular groove through radial expansion, even when not inserted into the centrifugal drum. Furthermore, this preload enhances the spring's ability to hold the centrifugal drum in place during rotation.

[0095] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifugal drum are sized to allow manual insertion of the centrifugal drum into the rotating disk along its axis of rotation. Manual insertion means that the operator can insert the drum without the aid of additional tools. This simplifies the insertion process.

[0096] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifugal drum are sized to prevent the centrifugal drum from being removed from the rotating disk along the axis of rotation of the centrifugal drum. This feature prevents the centrifugal drum from being thrown out of the rotating disk during rotation.

[0097] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifugal drum are sized to allow manual removal of the centrifugal drum from the rotating disk by tilting it about an axis perpendicular to its rotation axis. This tilting action can be applied toward the top of the centrifugal drum (i.e., away from the bottom). Manual removal means that the operator can remove the drum without the aid of additional tools. This simplifies the removal process.

[0098] Annular helical springs can advantageously be made of stainless steel, especially stainless steel. This material is particularly suitable for centrifuges used to separate components of biological products such as blood. This material limits or even eliminates corrosion or contamination. Furthermore, this material is easier to clean.

[0099] A ring-shaped helical spring can advantageously extend 360°.

[0100] In particular, continuous circular helical springs can be formed. A continuous circular helical spring is defined as one in which the coils of the circular helical spring extend continuously along its entire length. In particular, a circular helical spring can be made by bending an initial longitudinal helical spring into a ring. If necessary, the longitudinal ends of the initial longitudinal helical spring can be fixed together to form a continuous circular helical spring. This continuous circular helical spring advantageously has improved mechanical properties due to the axial symmetry of the radial force resulting from the circular shape. Furthermore, this continuous circular helical spring advantageously allows the spring to be preloaded circumferentially within the circular helical spring, thereby improving its retention in the first annular groove.

[0101] A ring-shaped helical spring can also be extended into a ring segment with an angle of less than 360° to form a ring spring segment.

[0102] Centrifuges may include multiple annular spring segments. In particular, centrifuges may include at least three annular spring segments, which are evenly distributed around the periphery of the rotating disc. For example, centrifuges may include annular spring segments in multiples of three. This arrangement ensures the centering function of the centrifuge drum relative to the rotating disc.

[0103] The annular helical spring can advantageously have a stiffness between 105,000 N / m and 128,500 N / m. This feature facilitates both the insertion and removal of the centrifugal drum and the retention of the centrifugal drum in place while the rotating disc is rotating.

[0104] The large ring diameter of the annular helical spring can be specifically set to between 104% and 106% of the diameter of the annular portion of the centrifugal drum, which is the part where the annular element is intended to abut. This feature provides the advantage of facilitating the insertion and removal of the centrifugal drum while also ensuring the centrifugal drum is securely held in place during the rotation of the rotating plate.

[0105] The diameter of the small ring of the annular helical spring can be set between 99% and 101% of the diameter of the annular portion of the centrifugal drum, which is the part where the annular element is intended to abut. This feature provides the advantage of facilitating both the insertion and removal of the centrifugal drum from the rotating plate and maintaining it in place while the centrifugal drum rotates.

[0106] The first annular groove 31 can advantageously have a suitable roundness tolerance to ensure the precise positioning of the annular element 50, thereby improving the centering of the centrifugal drum 2 relative to the rotating disk 3. Therefore, even if the centrifugal drum 2 has roundness defects, the roundness control of the centrifugal drum 2, combined with the use of a helical spring, can compensate for any possible roundness defects in the drum, thereby achieving centering and good retention of the drum during rotation.

[0107] The longitudinal dimension D1 of the first annular groove 31 along the axis of rotation X can advantageously be between 100% and 120% of the cross-sectional diameter of the annular element 50, preferably between 105% and 110%. In other words, the cross-sectional diameter of the annular element 50 is larger than the longitudinal dimension D1, so as to compress the annular element within the first annular groove 31 along the axis of rotation X. This feature advantageously ensures that the annular element 50 remains within the first annular groove 31. If the annular element 50 has a circular cross-section when unloaded, its cross-section will become elliptical after insertion into the first annular groove 31.

[0108] The radial dimension D3 of the first annular groove 31 can be between 60% and 90% of the cross-sectional diameter of the annular element 50, preferably between 70% and 80%.

[0109] Alternatively, the radial distance D4 between the radial inner end of the annular element 50 and the radial inner end of the first annular groove 31 is advantageously between 10% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 30%, of the radial dimension D3 of the first annular groove 31.

[0110] The distance between the support surface 38 and the first annular groove 31 along the rotation axis X is D2.

[0111] For example, for a helical spring with an elliptical cross-section, its large and small diameters can be between 2.8194 mm and 3.0988 mm, and the wire diameter can be between 0.3429 mm and 0.3556 mm.

[0112] The helical spring can have standard characteristics. This is beneficial for the manufacture and maintenance of centrifuge 1. The size and characteristics of the helical spring are specifically selected to allow optimal contact between the centrifuge drum and the helical spring, while allowing the drum to be inserted, held in place, and removed.

[0113] To reiterate, dimensions D1, D2, D3, and D4, the diameter of the first annular groove, and the dimensions of the annular element have all been adjusted to enable the insertion, holding, and removal of the centrifugal drum.

[0114] Specifically, these dimensions are specially designed so that the insertion and removal of the centrifuge drum can be reliably fixed in place by the rotating plate without any additional assembly operations, such as tightening screws.

[0115] As an example, for a helical spring, the coil thickness can be 0.355 mm, the coil diameter is 3.1 mm, and the diameter is 126.7 mm. For the dimensions of this helical spring, dimension D1 can be between 3.1 mm and 3.105 mm, distance D2 is equal to 4.1 mm with a tolerance of ±0.05 mm, dimension D3 can be between 2.3 mm and 2.375 mm, and distance D4 can be between 0.648 mm and 0.799 mm.

[0116] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a method of installing a centrifuge as described above, the method comprising:

[0117] -Spinning disc is available;

[0118] - The at least one annular element is installed in the first annular groove of the rotating disk.

[0119] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a centrifugation method using a centrifuge as described above, the method comprising:

[0120] - Insert the centrifugal drum into the disc along the rotation axis of the centrifugal drum, such that the at least one annular element abuts against the annular portion of the centrifugal drum;

[0121] -The centrifugal drum is removed from the rotating disk by tilting it about an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the centrifugal drum.

[0122] Therefore, the rotating disk and the at least one annular element are advantageously installed before the centrifugal drum is inserted into the rotating disk. In other words, there is no need to assemble the rotating disk components simultaneously with or after the insertion of the centrifugal drum. This feature avoids the assembly and disassembly steps of the rotating disk during the insertion and removal of the centrifugal drum. Thus, the process of inserting and removing the centrifugal drum is simplified.

Claims

1. A centrifuge (1) comprising: - a centrifuge bowl (2) having an axis of rotation (X); - a rotating disc (3) coaxial with the centrifuge bowl (2), said rotating disc (3) being intended to receive and rotate the centrifuge bowl (2); wherein a first annular groove (31) is formed on a first inner annular face (32) of a radially outer annular wall (33) of said rotating disc (3), said first inner annular face encircling said centrifuge bowl (2); said first annular groove (31) being intended to receive at least one annular element (50) elastically deformable and radially overhanging said first annular groove (31); said annular element (50) being intended to abut against an annular portion (21) of said centrifuge bowl (2); each of said at least one annular element (50) consisting of an annular helical spring.

2. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said annular portion (21) of said centrifuge bowl (2) having a shape complementary to that of said annular element (50).

3. The centrifuge (1) according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said rotating disc (3) comprising a bottom radial wall (35), said radially outer annular wall (33) of said rotating disc (3) extending longitudinally upward from a periphery of said bottom radial wall (35), said rotating disc (3) further comprising a support face (38) formed on said bottom radial wall (35) and configured to face said centrifuge bowl (2).

4. The centrifuge (1) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least one annular element (50) extending 360°.

5. The centrifuge (1) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least one annular element (50) extending an annular segment less than 360°.

6. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least one annular element (50) consisting of a plurality of annular elements (50) distributed around the axis of rotation (X).

7. The centrifuge (1) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one annular element (50) having an annular shape.

8. The centrifuge (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said annular helical spring having a substantially elliptical cross-section with a major diameter and a minor diameter comprised between 2.8194 mm and 3.0988 mm and a wire diameter comprised between 0.3429 mm and 0.3556 mm.

9. The centrifuge (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said annular helical spring having a constant pitch.

10. The centrifuge (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said annular helical spring having a variable pitch.

Images