CENTRIFUGE ROTOR, ROTOR COVER AND ROTOR BASE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a centrifuge rotor with a rotor housing having a rotor cover and a rotor lower part according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Centrifuges, especially laboratory centrifuges, are used to separate the components of samples centrifuged within them by utilizing inertia. To achieve high separation rates, increasingly higher rotational speeds are employed. Laboratory centrifuges are centrifuges whose rotors operate at preferably at least 3,000, preferably at least 10,000, and particularly at least 15,000 revolutions per minute and are usually placed on tables. To accommodate this, they have a form factor of less than 1 m x 1 m x 1 m, thus limiting their installation space. Preferably, the instrument depth is limited to a maximum of 70 cm.

[0003] The samples to be centrifuged are stored in sample containers, and these containers are rotated by a centrifuge rotor. Fixed-angle rotors and swing-out rotors are commonly used, depending on the application. The sample containers can either hold the samples directly or contain their own sample containers, allowing multiple samples to be centrifuged simultaneously in a single container.

[0004] In most cases, samples are centrifuged at specific temperatures. For example, samples containing proteins and similar organic substances must not be overheated, so the standard upper temperature limit for such samples is around 40°C. Conversely, certain samples are typically cooled to around +4°C (water's temperature anomaly begins at 3.98°C).

[0005] In addition to predetermined maximum temperatures of, for example, approximately +40°C and standard test temperatures such as 4°C, further standard test temperatures are also provided, such as 11°C, to check at this temperature whether the centrifuge's refrigeration system operates correctly below room temperature. On the other hand, for occupational safety reasons, it is necessary to prevent contact with components that have a temperature of 60°C or higher. Comparative values ​​are given in DIN EN 61010-1:2011-07, Table 19.

[0006] Both active and passive systems can be used for temperature control. Active cooling systems have a refrigerant circuit that regulates the temperature of the centrifuge vessel (centrifuge boiler), thereby indirectly cooling the centrifuge rotor and the sample containers held within it.

[0007] Passive systems are based on exhaust air-assisted cooling or ventilation. This air is directed past the centrifuge rotor and thus also past the sample containers held within it, thereby temperature control. The air is drawn into the centrifuge container from above, with the rotation of the centrifuge rotor itself creating the intake.

[0008] There are various types of centrifuge rotors, such as swing-out rotors and fixed-angle rotors. These centrifuge rotors typically have in common a rotor housing with a rotor base that can accommodate one or more receptacles for sample containers or sample carriers, which in turn can hold further sample containers. The rotor base also usually has a hub that can be coupled to a drive shaft powered by a centrifuge motor.

[0009] To ensure that the samples are protected within the centrifuge rotor and that there is no risk of contamination or leakage, the rotor base is usually sealed with a rotor cover, typically featuring a fluid-tight seal between the base and cover. In this context, reference is made to WO 2018 234 334 A1, which describes a particularly effective fluid-tight seal.

[0010] Various systems exist for sealing the connection between the rotor base and the rotor cover. For example, the rotor cover can be screwed onto the rotor base. This provides a very secure seal, and if a suitable handle is provided, the centrifuge rotor can be carried by the rotor cover. However, opening and closing this centrifuge rotor with the screw-on closure requires two hands and is therefore very time-consuming and cumbersome.

[0011] To facilitate handling and, in particular, to enable one-handed operation, various locking systems have already been proposed, for example in WO 2019 121 581 A1 and WO 2019 121 214 A1. However, these systems have disadvantages.

[0012] With the system described in WO 2019 121 581 A1, carrying the centrifuge rotor by the rotor cover is not safely possible with heavy rotors, or a very strong spring would have to be used for safe carrying even with heavy rotors, which would make handling during opening and closing more difficult. While the rotor can also be carried by the rotor housing with this system, the resulting handle size is relatively small, thus limiting ergonomics.

[0013] While the system described in WO 2019 121 214 A1 allows for easy carrying by the rotor cover, it features levers that must be operated manually, preventing "blind" opening. Furthermore, gaps exist between the levers and the cover, somewhat compromising ergonomics. Other centrifuge rotors are also described, for example, in documents DE 7 320 116 U and DE 9 301 663 U1.

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a centrifuge rotor that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages described above. In particular, the centrifuge rotor should allow for one-handed operation. Excellent ergonomics for opening and closing the centrifuge rotor, as well as for carrying it, would be desirable. Advantageously, the locking mechanism should be very easy, intuitive (i.e., operable by feel), and comfortable to operate.

[0015] This problem is solved with the centrifuge rotor according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description together with the figures. The inventor recognized that this problem can be solved in a surprisingly simple manner if the first locking elements are held in a cage and, in the closed state, are locked in a second locking element designed as a recess by a locking means, and if, in the open state, the first locking element is not locked in the recess. This allows the locking between the rotor cover and the rotor base to be very secure in the closed state and, at the same time, very easy to engage and disengage via the locking means.

[0016] Within the scope of the present invention, a distinction is made between the "closed state", in which the rotor cover is placed on the rotor base and locked, and the "not closed state", in which the rotor cover is not placed on the rotor base or in which the rotor cover is placed on the rotor base but not locked.

[0017] The centrifuge rotor according to the invention comprises a rotation axis and a rotor housing, which has a rotor lower part and a rotor cover, wherein the rotor lower part can be closed with the rotor cover, wherein the rotor cover can be attached to the rotor lower part in a closing direction and can be removed in a loosening direction, wherein in the closed state of the rotor housing there is a closure between the rotor cover and the rotor lower part, wherein a first closure element is arranged on one of the elements rotor lower part and rotor cover and a second closure element is arranged on the other of the elements rotor lower part and rotor cover, wherein the first closure element is in engagement with the second closure element in the closed state of the rotor housing, wherein an actuating means is located on one of the elements rotor lower part and rotor cover, the actuating of which effects an actuating direction.The device, characterized in that the first locking element can be disengaged from the second locking element so that the rotor cover can be removed from the rotor base, is characterized in that the second locking element is a recess and the first locking element is held in a cage and means for locking the first locking element in the recess are provided, which are designed such that the first locking element is locked in the recess in the closed state and can be removed from the recess in the open state.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first locking element is a rotating body, preferably a ball or roller. This results in a particularly simple design for the centrifuge rotor, and the locking mechanism can be easily manufactured and released due to the rotating body's rolling motion.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second locking element is provided with a release chamfer. This makes unlocking particularly easy. In another advantageous embodiment, the second locking element is designed as a groove, preferably with a closed path along one circumferential direction. This allows the centrifuge rotor to be closed very flexibly, with the rotor cover being able to be placed on the rotor base in any azimuthal orientation.

[0020] In a further advantageous design, the actuation direction is provided for in parallel with the closing direction. This allows the actuating element to be integrated into the rotor cover or rotor base particularly easily and ergonomically.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuating element is designed as a push button, preferably pre-tensioned against the actuation direction by a first spring element, wherein the first spring element is located, in particular, between the locking means and the cage. This allows the actuating element to be integrated into the rotor cover or the rotor base in a particularly simple and ergonomic manner. If the integration is located in the rotor cover, the actuating element can be designed very easily in such a way that access to or a view through the actuating element to the drive shaft is still possible; for this purpose, the actuating element could then have a central opening.

[0022] The rotor cover is designed to have a handle. This makes handling the rotor cover and / or centrifuge rotor particularly easy. If the handle is movably mounted on the rotor cover, preferably movable with respect to the axis of rotation, and if a second spring element is arranged between the rotor cover and the handle, biasing the handle in the opposite direction of actuation, then a particularly effective seal of the centrifuge rotor can be achieved because the spring element presses the rotor cover onto the rotor base. Furthermore, the spring element can provide a release mechanism for the rotor cover in the unlocked state, allowing it to be easily removed from the rotor base.

[0023] It is also provided that the actuating element is located on the rotor cover, on the handle, and that the actuating element is movably positioned within the handle. This allows for a particularly ergonomic integration of the actuating element.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuating device is provided with an opening. This allows the locking mechanism between the centrifuge rotor and the motor shaft to be locked and unlocked by actuating suitable means through this opening, in order to place the centrifuge rotor in or remove it from a laboratory centrifuge. Furthermore, the opening allows the status of this locking mechanism to be observed and verified.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second spring element is designed to enclose the cage. This results in a particularly compact opening and closing mechanism, and the cage simultaneously ensures the function of the second spring element by keeping it in its path.

[0026] In an advantageous further development, the handle is firmly connected to the cage. This results in a particularly compact opening and closing mechanism, and in the closed position, the rotor cover is pressed very securely onto the rotor base by means of the first spring element, provided the handle is designed to be movable relative to the rotor cover with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuating means is operatively connected to the locking means, preferably permanently connected to the locking means. This results in a particularly compact centrifuge rotor that is also safe to operate.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the locking device is provided with a locking surface that preferably rests against the cage. This also makes the centrifuge rotor particularly compact and, at the same time, safe to operate.

[0029] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the locking device is provided to have a locking chamfer that is inclined opposite to the direction of actuation. This ensures a particularly secure locking of the first locking element.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the locking device is designed to be at least partially hollow and cylindrical. This results in a particularly secure locking mechanism, independent of the orientation of the rotor cover relative to the rotor base.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the cage has a wall in which the first locking element is held. The first locking element has a larger dimension than the wall thickness, so that it projects beyond the wall. The receptacle for the first locking element is preferably designed such that the first locking element cannot be removed from the wall in one direction, and the receptacle is particularly conical, at least in part. This results in a particularly secure locking of the first locking element in the cage.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, the cage is designed to be at least partially hollow cylindrical. This results in a particularly secure locking mechanism, independent of the orientation of the rotor cover relative to the rotor base.

[0033] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a locking aid is provided which has a surface that prevents the first locking element from protruding towards the cage in the direction of the second locking element when not locked. This facilitates the placement of the rotor cover onto the rotor base and simultaneously improves the locking process.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the locking device is designed in sections as a hollow cylinder that can be immersed in the cage. Preferably, the locking device has a continuous opening. This allows the locking mechanism between the centrifuge rotor and the motor shaft to remain visible and actuated.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking aid is pre-tensioned in the direction of actuation by means of a third spring element, wherein, in particular, a pressure plate for the third spring element is provided, which preferably bears against the handle. This allows the first locking element to be securely held in the cage as long as the rotor cover is not yet securely placed on the rotor base. The pressure plate decouples the locking mechanism from the locking aid, enabling the locking aid to operate independently of the locking mechanism.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the actuating element is provided with a visual indicator for the open and closed states. Preferably, the actuating element protrudes less from the handle in the open state than in the closed state. The visual indicator is particularly designed as a ring that is concealed by the handle in the open state and not concealed by the handle in the closed state. This allows the user to reliably determine the state of the centrifuge rotor, significantly increasing safety during operation.

[0037] In a further advantageous development, the first sealing element is formed on the rotor cover. This allows for a particularly compact centrifuge rotor design.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second locking element is arranged on the rotor hub, preferably on an outer circumference of the rotor hub with respect to an axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor. Even then, the centrifuge rotor can be designed to be particularly compact.

[0039] The features and further advantages of the present invention will become clear below with reference to the description of two preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures. These figures show, purely schematically: Fig. 1 a laboratory centrifuge in a perspective view in which the centrifuge rotor according to the invention can be used, Fig. 2 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention according to a first preferred embodiment in a first perspective view, Fig. 3 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention according to a first preferred embodiment in a second perspective view, Fig. 4 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention after Fig. 2 in a sectional view in a first operating state, Fig. 5 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention. Fig. 2 in a sectional view in a second operating state, Fig. 6 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention. Fig. 2 in a sectional view in a third operating state, Fig. 7 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention. Fig. 2in a sectional view in a fourth operating state, Fig. 8 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention according to a second preferred embodiment in a first perspective view, Fig. 9 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention Fig. 8 in a second perspective view, Fig. 10, the centrifuge rotor according to the invention. Fig. 8 in a sectional view in a first operating state, Fig. 11 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention Fig. 8 in a sectional view in a second operating state, Fig. 12 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention Fig. 8 in a sectional view in a third operating state, Fig. 13 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention Fig. 8 in a sectional view in a fourth operating state, Fig. 14 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention Fig. 8 in a sectional view in a fifth operating state and Fig. 15 the centrifuge rotor according to the invention Fig. 8in a sectional view in a sixth operating state.

[0040] In Fig. 1 A centrifuge 10 is shown. It can be seen that the centrifuge is a laboratory centrifuge 10, which has a centrifuge housing 12 with a centrifuge lid 14, side walls 16, a rear wall 18, a front 20 and a base 22. A control unit 24 is integrated into the front 20 in the usual manner.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be seen that the laboratory centrifuge 10 has a centrifuge motor (not shown) which drives a centrifuge rotor 26, which can be removed from a centrifuge container 28, when appropriately controlled. The centrifuge rotor 26 is a fixed-angle rotor 26 in which receiving containers (not shown) for sample vessels (not shown) can be arranged in the usual manner, and samples taken from the sample vessels can then be centrifuged with the laboratory centrifuge 10.

[0042] The Figures 2 to 7 The figures show the centrifuge rotor 100 according to the invention in a first preferred embodiment in various views.

[0043] It can be seen that the centrifuge rotor 100, which is designed as a fixed-angle rotor with receptacles 101 for sample vessels to be centrifuged containing (not shown) components, basically has a rotor housing 102 comprising a rotor lower part 104 and a rotor cover 106. A locking housing 110 is located on the upper surface 108 of the rotor cover 106, in which an actuating device 112 with a knob 112a is arranged. The actuating device 112 has a central opening 114 through which the locking mechanism (not shown) between the centrifuge rotor 100 and the motor shaft (not shown) can be locked and unlocked by actuating it with a suitable means 115 in order to place the centrifuge rotor 100 in or remove it from the laboratory centrifuge 10.

[0044] The locking housing 110 is composed of two parts: a handle element 116 and a cage element 118 for the first locking elements, which are designed as balls 120. The handle element 116 and the cage element 118 are firmly connected to each other via the positive-locking clamping connection 122.

[0045] The locking housing 110 is movably inserted in an opening 124 of the rotor cover 106 along the axis of rotation R and is prevented by the retaining ring 126 from being pulled out of the rotor cover 106 in the opposite direction of actuation B (i.e. the release direction L).

[0046] The opening 124 is surrounded by a projection 128 of the rotor cover 106, on which a spring element 130 in the form of a crest to crest special spring is supported, the spring element acting against a sliding bushing 132, which is arranged between the handle element 116 and the vertically extending section 133 of the rotor cover 106, thus preloading the handle element 116 in the release direction L.

[0047] The cage element 118 comprises the actual cage 134 for the balls 120 and a mounting connection 136. The cage 134 has numerous inwardly tapering openings 140, which, on the inner circumferential surface 142 of the cage 134 facing the axis of rotation R, have a diameter such that the balls 120 cannot fall inward through the cage 134. The wall thickness of the cage 134 is dimensioned such that the balls 120 have a larger diameter, so that they always protrude beyond the cage 134, optionally inward (see figure 1). Fig. 4 and 7 ) or outside (cf. Fig. 5 and 6 ).

[0048] Between cage 134 and mounting connection 136 there is a web 144, through which a groove 146 is defined in which a spring element 148 in the form of a coil spring is supported.

[0049] The actuating device 112 has a flat surface 150 from which the button 112a projects upwards (in the release direction L). A hollow cylindrical locking device 152 is attached to the flat surface 150 downwards (in the actuation direction B).

[0050] The spring element 148 surrounds the locking means 152 and acts against the underside of the planar surface 150, thereby biasing the actuating means 112 against the actuating direction 112, i.e. against the handle element 116.

[0051] The locking means 152 has a contact surface 154 and a locking aid 156, wherein the contact surface 154 is designed to slide against the outside of the cage 134, and the locking aid 156 is designed as a chamfer which is inclined relative to the axis of rotation R, widening outwards in the release direction L.

[0052] The rotor lower part 104 has a hub 158 around which the base 160 of a sleeve 162 is fixedly arranged. This sleeve 162 is hollow and cylindrical and has an inwardly projecting projection 164 and a circumferential groove 166, which forms the second locking element and extends continuously along the circumference of the sleeve. The circumferential groove 166 is dimensioned such that the balls 120 can be held securely in it.

[0053] The projection 164 holds back the locking means 115, which is designed as a nut and serves to fasten the centrifuge rotor 100 to a motor shaft (not shown).

[0054] The cage 134 is dimensioned with respect to its inner diameter so that the cage 134 can slide on the outer diameter of the sleeve 162.

[0055] The operating principle of the centrifuge rotor 100 with regard to the opening and closing of the rotor cover 106 is as follows: Fig. 4shows the first operating state of the centrifuge rotor 100 according to the invention, which is also in Fig. 2 shown, in which the rotor cover 106 does not close the rotor lower part 104, but is only loosely placed on the sleeve 162 of the rotor lower part 104.

[0056] It can be seen that the cage 134 has just come into contact with the sleeve 162. The spring element 148 pre-tensions the actuating element 112 in the release direction L, so that the contact surface 154 of the locking element 152 rests against the cage 134 and the balls 120 protrude inwards through the openings 140. Due to the conical shape of the openings 140, the balls 120 cannot fall inwards.

[0057] By applying pressure to the actuating device 112 (cf. Fig. 5The actuating means 112 is displaced downwards in the actuation direction B against the spring force of the spring element 148, thereby releasing the openings 140 on the contact surface 154 and allowing the balls 120 to move outwards at the respective chamfers 156, i.e., radially in the direction of rotation R. As a result, the balls 120 no longer protrude inwards from the cage wall.

[0058] By applying further pressure, particularly to the handle element 116, the rotor cover 106 is now placed onto the rotor base 104, with the cage 134 sliding on the sleeve 162. To facilitate this placement, the cage 134 has a chamfer 170 that tapers in the release direction L, thus successively reducing the inner diameter of the cage 134.

[0059] This contact is stopped by the rotor cover 106 and rotor base 104 meeting in the area of ​​the seal 172, with the special spring 130 providing a certain degree of flexibility to compensate for tolerances. As a result, the balls 120 are positioned exactly at the level of the circumferential groove 166 (see figure). Fig. 6 ).

[0060] If no pressure is (or is no longer) exerted on the actuating element 112, it is moved upwards by the spring element 148 in the release direction L against the handle element 116, causing the chamfers 156 to slide along the respective balls 120 and thereby displacing the balls 120 inwards in the direction of the axis of rotation R, until the contact surface 154 rests against the balls 120, the balls 120 engage in the circumferential groove 166 in a fitting manner and the balls 120 are locked in this position in the openings 140 (cf. Fig. 7 ).

[0061] This creates a fixed connection between the sleeve 162 and the cage 134, and thus also between the rotor base 104 and the breechblock housing 110, as is also the case in Fig. 3 As shown. Since the closure housing 110 is movably held on the rotor cover 106 along the axis of rotation R, the rotor cover 106 itself can be moved relative to the closure housing 110 and thus relative to the rotor lower part 104; however, the spring element 130 presses it onto the sealing medium 174, thereby compensating for tolerances and ensuring a reliable seal between the rotor cover 106 and the rotor lower part 104 at all times.

[0062] Between rotor cover 106 and rotor lower part 104 there is also the sliding bushing 132, which ensures a smooth axial stroke by minimizing the friction between closure housing 110 and rotor cover 106, whereby the sliding bushing 132 can slide along the vertical section 133 of the rotor cover 106.

[0063] To open the centrifuge rotor 100, only the following would need to be done in the Fig. 7 In the operating state shown, the button 112a of the actuating means is pressed down in the actuation direction B, causing the contact surface 154 of the locking means 152 to slide downwards on the cage element 134 until the chamfer 156 allows the balls 120 to be displaced radially outwards with respect to the axis of rotation R. This causes the balls 120 to be pressed outwards by the chamfer 176 on the circumferential groove 166 (this is supported by the spring force of the spring element 130), and the cage 134 can slide upwards on the sleeve 162 in the release direction L, whereby the Fig. 5 and then, after removing the pressure on the actuating means 122 of the in Fig. 4 The operating state shown will be achieved.

[0064] Since the handle element 116 is attached to the collar 178 (cf. Fig. 5) easily grasped and the button 112a of the actuating device 112 can be pressed with one finger, making true one-handed operation possible both when closing and when opening the centrifuge rotor 100.

[0065] Furthermore, the closed centrifuge rotor 100 can also be safely carried with one hand by the locking housing 110. This locking mechanism is also very secure during operation of the laboratory centrifuge 10 because the balls 120 are always held in the circumferential groove 166.

[0066] The Figures 8 to 15 The figures show the centrifuge rotor 200 according to the invention in a second preferred embodiment in various views.

[0067] It can be seen that the closure between the rotor lower part 202 and the rotor cover 204 of the rotor housing 206 is effected by the same basic principles, again involving a locking housing 208 movably arranged in the rotor cover 204, which has a handle element 210 and a cage element 212. Furthermore, the actuating means 214 with the button 214a, to which the locking means 216 is integrally connected, is also present.

[0068] Unlike the centrifuge rotor 100 according to the Figs. 2 to 7 Inside the actuating element 214, there is a spacer 218 against which a spring element 220 in the form of a coil spring is supported opposite to the actuating direction B' (i.e., in the release direction L'). This coil spring 220 is supported inwards by the tube section 221 of the spacer 218.

[0069] Additionally, a locking aid 222, shaped like a pot, is provided. The collar 224 of the locking aid 222 can rest on the upper edge 226 of the cage 228, while the hollow cylindrical part 230 of the locking aid 222 slides against the inner circumferential surface 232 of the cage 228 and can cover the openings 234 of the cage 228, so that the balls 236 cannot project inwards beyond the inner circumferential surface 232 in the direction of the axis of rotation R'. Furthermore, the locking aid 222 has a central opening 238 through which a user can see and operate the connecting element 240 between the centrifuge rotor 200 and the motor shaft (not shown).

[0070] The spring element 220 is supported inside the hollow cylindrical part 230 of the locking aid 222 against the base 242 of the locking aid 222, thereby pre-tensioning the locking aid 222 in the actuation direction B'.

[0071] The spacer 218 has a plate part 244 and three feet 246 which engage through corresponding openings 248 in the actuating means 214 and can be supported on the inner cover surface 250 of the handle element 210.

[0072] In this way, a minimum distance, defined by the feet 246, always exists between the plate part 244 and the inner cover surface 250, so that the actuating element 214 can move along the axis of rotation R' independently of the spacer 218, if necessary, over this height. This decouples the locking element 216 and the locking aid 222, allowing the latter to function independently of the position of the locking element 216.

[0073] The functionality of this centrifuge rotor 200 will now be explained in more detail: Fig. 10Figure 1 shows an initial operating state in which the rotor cover 204 is centered relative to the rotor base 202 and placed onto the rotor base 202. The spiral spring 220 pre-tensions the locking aid 222 in the direction of movement B', so that the hollow cylindrical part 230 of the locking aid 222 slides against the inner circumferential surface 232 of the cage 228 and covers the openings 234 of the cage 228, thus preventing the balls 236 from protruding inwards.

[0074] Instead, the balls 236 are pushed outwards so that they rest against the chamfer 252 of the locking element 216. This blocks the locking element 216 against the cage 228, thereby locking the actuating element 214 against the locking housing 208.

[0075] By applying pressure to the handle element 210, the rotor cover 204 is lowered and the cage 228 slides on the sleeve 254 until the locking aid 222 comes into contact with the sleeve 254, as shown in the Fig. 11 The second operating state shown can be seen.

[0076] By applying further pressure to the handle element 210, the locking aid 222 is now pressed upwards through the sleeve 254 in the release direction L' towards the spacer 218 against the force of the spiral spring 220, as shown in the Fig. 12 The third operating state shown can be seen.

[0077] Since both the sleeve 254 and the locking aid 22 slide against the inner circumferential surface 232 of the cage 228, and there is no gap between the locking aid 222 and the sleeve 254, but only a small, production-related indentation 256 compared to the diameters of the balls 236, the balls 236 can slide from the locking aid 222 onto the sleeve 254 without significant resistance. The balls 236 are thus "transferred" from the locking aid 222 to the sleeve 254.

[0078] In this third operating state, the rotor cover 204 rests completely on the rotor base 202 and the seal 258 is closed.

[0079] When further pressure is applied to the handle element 210, the relative position of rotor cover 204 to rotor lower part 202 remains unchanged, and only the locking housing 208 is lowered relative to the rotor cover 204, as shown in the Fig. 13 The fourth operating state shown can be recognized.

[0080] The spring element 260 is tensioned and the retaining ring 262 moves away from the projection 264 of the rotor cover 204 in the direction of actuation B'. This allows the cage 228 to slide further onto the sleeve 254 and the balls 236 to engage in the circumferential groove 266 of the sleeve 254.

[0081] In this state, the locking aid 222 is pressed in between sleeve 254 and spacer 218 to within small tolerances, so that no further lowering of the handle element 210 and thus of the cage 228 relative to the sleeve 254 is possible.

[0082] This releases the chamfer 252 from the balls 236, or the chamfer 252, through the force of the spring 268, presses the balls 236 into the circumferential groove 266 (see the fifth operating state in Fig. 14), which allows the locking means 216 and with it the actuating means 214 to move upwards in the release direction L' unless the user of the actuating means 214 blocks it by applying pressure to the button 214a.

[0083] This allows the actuating means 214 to overcome the clear height between plate part 244 and inner cover surface 250, whereby the locking means 216 covers the openings 234 and thus blocks the balls 236 in the circumferential groove 266.

[0084] This upward movement of the actuating means 214 in the release direction L' occurs abruptly, resulting in a clearly audible acoustic noise when the actuating means 214 strikes the inner cover surface 250, which indicates to the user that the centrifuge rotor 200 is securely closed.

[0085] Furthermore, the upward movement causes the button 214a to emerge from the handle element 210 in the release direction L' and the indicator 270 (for example in the form of a specially colored groove or ring, cf. Fig. 9 The indicator light is visible, which also shows the user that the centrifuge rotor 200 is securely closed. The user can now freely handle the centrifuge rotor.

[0086] To open the closure and remove the rotor cover 204, the user simply needs to press button 214a in the direction of actuation B'. This moves the locking element 216 in the direction of actuation B' relative to the cage 228 and releases the balls 236.

[0087] The force of the springs 260 and 220 simultaneously displaces the cage 228 in the release direction L', thereby pressing the balls 236 outwards through the upper chamfer 272 at the circumferential groove 266 until they abut the chamfer 252. This causes the Fig. 15The sixth operating state shown is reached and the rotor cover 204 can be removed from the rotor base 202. The indicator 270 is now located inside the locking housing 208 (see figure). Fig. 8 ), which makes it clear to the user that the centrifuge rotor 200 is no longer tightly sealed and must be handled with care.

[0088] The force of the spring 220 pushes the locking aid 222 downwards in the actuation direction B' and thus rests against the sleeve 254, whereby, during the further movement of the actuating means 214 in the release direction L', the balls 236 are again transferred from the sleeve 254 to the locking aid 222.

[0089] Overall, true one-handed operation is therefore possible with this centrifuge rotor 200 according to the invention. Furthermore, the locking of the centrifuge rotor 200 to a motor shaft (not shown) can again be effected through the central opening 274 in the knob 214a by actuating the connecting means 240.

[0090] As has become clear from the foregoing description, the present invention provides a centrifuge rotor 100, 200 with which one-handed operation of the centrifuge rotor is possible both when opening and closing the rotor cover and when handling and transporting the centrifuge rotor. This results in very good ergonomics when opening and closing the centrifuge rotor and also during its transport. Furthermore, the closure is very easy, intuitive, i.e., can be operated blindly, and is comfortable to use, and its status is easily visually verifiable. In addition, the closure is also very secure during operation of a laboratory centrifuge. Reference symbol list

[0091] 10 Laboratory centrifuge 12 Centrifuge housing 14 Centrifuge lid 16 Side walls 18 Rear wall 20 Front 22 Bottom 24 Operating unit 26 Centrifuge rotor, fixed-angle rotor 28 Centrifuge container 100 Centrifuge rotor according to a first preferred embodiment 101 Receptacles for sample containers to be centrifuged 102 Rotor housing 104 Rotor base 106 Rotor lid 108 Top of rotor lid 106 110 Closure housing 112 Actuating means 112a Button 114 Central opening 115 Means for locking the centrifuge rotor 100 to the motor shaft, nut 116 Handle element 118 Cage element 120 Balls, first locking elements 122 Positive locking clamping connection between handle element 116 and cage element 118 124 Rotor cover opening 106 126 Retaining ring 128 Rotor cover projection 106 130 Spring element,crest to crest special spring 132 sliding and buffer element 133 vertically extending section of the rotor cover 106 134 cage for balls 120 136 mounting connection 140 openings 142 inner circumferential surface of the cage 134 144 web 146 groove 148 spring element, coil spring 150 flat surface 152 hollow cylindrical locking means 154 contact surface 156 locking aid, chamfer 158 hub 160 base 162 sleeve 164 projection 166 circumferential groove, second locking element 170 chamfer 172 seal 174 sealing means 176 chamfer 178 collar 200 second preferred embodiment of the centrifuge rotor according to the invention 202 rotor lower part 204 rotor cover 206 Rotor housing 208 Locking housing 210 Handle element 212 Cage element 214 Actuating means 214a Button 216 Locking means 218 Spacer 220 Spring element, coil spring 221 Tube section of the spacer 218 222 Locking aid 224 Collar 226 Upper edge 228 Cage 230 Hollow cylindrical part 232 Inner circumferential surface of the cage 228 234 Openings 236 Balls,first locking elements 238 central opening 240 connecting element 242 base of locking aid 222 244 plate part 246 feet 248 openings 250 inner cover surface of handle element 210 252 chamfer of locking element 216 254 sleeve 256 recess 258 seal 260 spring element 262 retaining ring 264 projection of rotor cover 266 circumferential groove, second locking element 268 spring 270 indicator 272 upper chamfer on the circumferential groove 266 274 central opening in knob 214a B actuation direction B' actuation direction L release direction L' release direction

Claims

1. Centrifuge rotor (100; 200) having an axis of rotation (R; R') and a rotor housing (102; 206) comprising a rotor lower section (104; 202) and a rotor cover (106; 204), wherein the rotor lower section (104; 202) can be sealed to the rotor cover (106; 204), wherein the rotor cover (106; 204) can be slipped onto the rotor lower section (104; 202) in a closing direction (B; B') and removed in an unlocking direction (L; L'), wherein, when the rotor housing (102; 206), a seal exists between the rotor cover (106; 204) and the rotor lower section (104; 202), wherein a first sealing element (120; 236) is arranged, and a second locking element is arranged on the other of the elements-the rotor lower section (104; 202) and the rotor cover (106; 204)-wherein the first locking element (120; 236) engages with the second locking element (166; 266) when the rotor housing (102; 206) is in the closed state, wherein an actuating means (112; 214) is provided on one of the rotor lower section (104; 202) and the rotor cover (106; 204), the actuation of which in an actuation direction (B; B') causes the first locking element (120; 236) to disengage from the second locking element (166; 266), so that the rotor cover (106; 204) can be removed from the rotor base (104; 202), wherein the second locking element has a recess (166; 266), and the first locking element (120; 236) is held in a cage (118; 212), and means (152; 216) for locking the first locking element (120; 236) in the recess (166; 266) that are configured such that the first locking element (120; 236) is locked in the recess (166; 266) when closed and can be removed from the recess (166; 266) when not closed, characterized in that a handle (116, 178; 210) is provided on the rotor cover (106; 204), wherein the actuating means (112; 214) is arranged on the handle (116, 178; 210) and extends movably within the handle (116, 178; 210).

2. A centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to claim 1, <b>characterized that the first locking element is a rotational body, preferably a sphere (120; 236) or a cylinder, and / or that the second locking element (166; 266) has an unlocking chamfer (272), and / or that the second locking element is designed as a groove (166; 266) that preferably extends continuously along a circumferential direction, and / or that the actuation direction (B; B') runs parallel to the closing direction (L; L').

3. A centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating means is configured as a pushbutton (112a; 214a) that is preferably biased against the actuation direction (B; B') by a first spring element (148; 268), wherein the first spring element (148; 268) is, in particular, located between locking means (152; 216) and the cage (118; 212).

4. A centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (116, 178; 210) is movably mounted on the rotor cover (106; 204), wherein, in particular, a second spring element (130; 260) is arranged between the rotor cover (106; 204) and the handle (116, 178; 210), which second spring element preloads the handle (116, 178; 210) against the direction of actuation (B; B').

5. A centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, <b>characterized in that the second spring element (130; 260) according to claim 4 surrounds the cage (118; 212), and / or that the handle (116, 178; 210) according to claim 4 is fixedly connected to the cage (118; 212).

6. A centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating means (112; 214) is operatively connected to the locking means (152; 216), preferably being fixedly connected to the locking means (152; 216).

7. A centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means (152; 216) comprises a locking surface (154) that preferably abuts the cage (118; 212), and / or that the locking means (152; 216) comprises a locking chamfer (156; 252) that is oriented at an angle opposite to the direction of actuation (B; B'), and / or that the locking means (152; 216) is at least partially hollow-cylindrical in shape.

8. A centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cage (118; 212) has a wall in which the first locking element (120; 236) is held, wherein the first locking element (120; 236) has a larger dimension than the thickness of the wall, such that the first locking element (120; 236) protrudes from the wall, wherein the receptacle (140; 234) for the first locking element (120; 236) is preferably designed such that the first locking element (120; 236) cannot be removed from the wall in one direction, wherein the receptacle (140; 234) is, in particular, conical at least in some regions, and / or that the cage (118; 212) is hollow-cylindrical in shape, at least in some regions.

9. A centrifuge rotor (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking aid (222) is provided, which has a surface (230) that prevents the first locking element (236) from protruding relative to the cage (212) in the direction of the second locking element (266) when unlocked, wherein it is preferably provided that the locking aid (222) is formed in some areas as a hollow cylinder designed to be insertable into the cage (212), wherein, preferably, the locking aid (222) includes a through-hole (238), and / or that the closure aid (222) is preloaded in the direction of actuation (B; B') by means of a third spring element (220), wherein, in particular, a pressure plate (244) for the third spring element (220) is provided, which is preferably supported on the handle (210) according to claim 4 and, in particular, is spaced apart (218) from the handle (210).

10. Centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating means comprises a visual indicator for the unclosed and closed states, wherein the actuating means preferably protrudes less far from the handle of claim 4 in the unclosed state than in the closed state, and wherein the visual indicator is specifically designed as a ring that is concealed by the handle in the unclosed state and is not concealed by the handle in the closed state.

11. A centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking element is formed on the rotor lid.

12. A centrifuge rotor (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, <b>characterized in that the second closure element (166; 266) is arranged on the rotor hub (158), wherein the second closure element (166; 266) is preferably arranged at an outer circumference of the rotor hub (158) with respect to an axis of rotation (R; R') of the centrifuge rotor (100; 200).