FLOW-THROUGH CENTRIFUGE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a flow-through centrifuge in which at least one medium (in particular a fluid, a liquid, a suspension, etc.) is at least temporarily supplied to a centrifugation chamber and / or a medium is removed from the centrifugation chamber while the centrifugation chamber rotates. The medium can be arranged in a container in the centrifugation chamber. The at least one medium is, in particular, the medium to be centrifuged, a rinsing liquid, a washing or buffer solution, a modified medium extracted from the centrifuged medium, and / or a sediment in the centrifugation chamber.

[0002] To name just a few non-limiting examples, the flow centrifuge may be a blood centrifuge, where the medium to be centrifuged is blood and the extracted modified medium or sediment is blood bodies or particles, or a flow centrifuge intended to extract cells, microcarriers, or other particles contained in the medium from a medium. It is also possible that the centrifuged medium is not a pure liquid, but rather a solution or suspension containing particles such as cells, cell debris, or parts of cells, etc.

[0003] The flow-through centrifuge is used, for example, for the production of biopharmaceutical products in biopharmaceutical companies or in bioprocessing applications. The flow-through centrifuge can be used, for example, to extract and / or purify cells or microcarriers, whereby the cells obtained in this way can also be used for cell therapy. Another application of the flow-through centrifuge is, for example, the production of vaccines. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Generic flow centrifuges are marketed, for example, by Sartorius AG, Otto-Brenner-Straße 20, 37079 Göttingen, Germany, and affiliated companies under the brand name "Ksep" (registered trademark). On the website dedicated to these flow centrifuges, www.sartorius.com / en / products / process-filtration / cell-harvesting / ksep-systems (date of access: July 6, 2022), the functional principle of a flow centrifuge, such as can also be used for the present invention, is described as follows based on a linked video: A rotor of the flow centrifuge has four centrifugation chambers, which can be designed as blood bags held on a rotor body and are evenly distributed around the circumference. The centrifugation chambers are arranged at equal radial distances from the rotor's rotational axis.A first connecting line opens radially inward into a centrifugation chamber, while a second connecting line opens radially outward into the centrifugation chamber. In a first operating phase, a first medium, for example blood, is fed to the centrifugation chamber via the second connecting line while the centrifugation chamber rotates with the rotor. As a result of centrifugation, particles contained in the blood (e.g. blood cells) are deposited radially outward in the centrifugation chamber, while the remaining medium (i.e. the medium fed in radially outward less the particles pushed radially outward) is discharged radially inward from the centrifugation chamber via the first connecting line. In this first operating phase, the first connecting line is therefore a discharge line, while the second connecting line is a supply line.As this operation continues, the proportion of particles and their concentration in the centrifugation chamber increases until it is largely and finally completely filled with particles. In a subsequent optional second operating phase, the particles in the centrifugation chamber are washed. For this purpose, a washing or buffer solution is fed into the centrifugation chamber via the second connecting line. The washing or buffer solution rinses the centrifugation chamber and is discharged radially inward via the first connecting line. During this operating phase, the centrifugation chamber rotates with the rotor so that the centrifugation force prevents the particles from escaping from the centrifugation chamber with the washing or buffer solution via the first connecting line.During the second operating phase, the first connecting line also serves as the discharge line for the washing or buffer solution, while the first connecting line serves as the supply line for the washing or buffer solution. In a subsequent third operating phase, the centrifugation chamber continues to rotate with the rotor. In the third operating phase, the flow direction through the centrifugation chamber is reversed and the particles are removed from the centrifugation chamber via the second connecting line, while washing or buffer solution can be added to the centrifugation chamber via the first connecting line. The third operating phase ends when all particles have been removed from the centrifugation chamber. This can be followed by successive cycles with the three operating phases described.

[0005] EP 3 936 601 A1 describes the design of a medium network, which is connected to the connecting lines and ensures the various operating phases. Regarding this medium network, the included pump arrangement, the process control unit, an additional filter arrangement, storage containers for the various media, and the process sequence, reference is also made to EP 3 936 601 A1, EP 2 310 486 B1, and EP 2 485 846 B1.

[0006] EP 2 485 846 B1 describes that in flow-through centrifuges, fluidic connections to connecting lines rotating with the rotor by means of rotary unions are problematic because the rotary unions are susceptible to leaks and carry the risk of undesired contamination of the media. On the other hand, it is explained that according to US 4,216,770, US 4,419,089, US 4,389,206 and US 5,665,048, connecting strands are used into which the connecting lines can be integrated. One end region of the connecting strand is fixed to the housing, while the other end region of the connecting strand is attached to the rotor and rotated with the rotor. To prevent the twisting of the connecting strand from becoming increasingly greater as a result of the rotation of the rotor and the relative rotation of the end regions of the connecting strand, the connecting strand is additionally guided in a guide device designed as a guide tube.The guide tube has a section in the shape of a rounded U with slightly spread-out side legs of different lengths. The opening of the U points in the direction of the rotor's axis of rotation. The connecting strand enters one side leg of the U, starting from the end region fixed to the housing and curving outwards. In the U-shaped section, the connecting strand is guided around the rotor by the guide tube. The free end region of the other side leg of the U of the guide tube is curved back so that it is arranged coaxially to the rotor's axis of rotation and immediately adjacent to the entry of the connecting strand into the rotor. The guide tube is then driven at half the rotor speed. EP 2 485 846 B1 refers to US Pat. No. 3,586,413 for an explanation of how increasing twisting of the connecting strand can be avoided by using the rotating guide tube.

[0007] WO 80 / 02653 A1 discloses a blood pump by means of which blood can be withdrawn from a patient, the blood is separated into red blood cells and blood plasma, and then the red blood cells are returned to the patient while the blood plasma is collected. The separation takes place using a centrifugation process due to the different densities. WO 80 / 02653 A1 describes that the supply of blood via a rotary coupling to a rotating separation chamber is problematic because undesirable heat is generated in the area of ​​the rotary coupling, which impairs the blood and its components or requires additional cooling. Furthermore, it is considered problematic that the blood cells can be damaged as a result of shear forces in the area of ​​the contact surfaces between the coupling parts of the rotary coupling.The blood pump proposed in WO 80 / 02653 A1 has a conduit through which several conduits extend. Blood supply conduits extend from a first end of the conduit through the conduit to separation chambers arranged in the other end region of the conduit, and blood discharge conduits extend in the opposite direction from the separation chambers to the first end of the conduit. The first end of the conduit extends vertically and is rigidly held to a machine frame element. Blood flows from the patient to the first end region, and after separation, the blood cells flow from the first end region back to the patient. A carousel is rotatable about an axis of rotation that extends vertically and coaxially to the first end region of the conduit. The conduit is firmly clamped in the carousel adjacent to the first end region and coaxially to the axis of rotation.From this fixed clamping, the cable harness extends radially outwards along a quarter-circle arc through the carousel such that the second end region of the cable harness with the separation chambers formed therein is oriented horizontally and has the greatest distance from the axis of rotation. The second end region is clamped in the carousel in such a way that the orientation of the second end region is predetermined. The cable harness runs freely between the clampings in the two end regions. The rotation of the cable harness about the axis of rotation is accompanied by a rotary movement of the cable harness in the second end region about the horizontal clamping axis in order to enable a compensating movement. A cooling liquid can be arranged in one line of the cable harness, by means of which cooling liquid can be absorbed, which arises from shear stress on the cable harness as a result of the latter bending with rotation.

[0008] The documents DE 26 12 988 A1, DE 35 04 205 A1 and US 3,129,174 A describe flow centrifuges with a rotor with a centrifugation chamber and a connecting strand guided in a guide device, wherein in order to avoid twisting of the connecting strand, the guide device is rotated at half the rotor speed of the rotor. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is based on the object of improving a flow centrifuge with regard to ensuring predetermined operating conditions. SOLUTION

[0010] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent patent claim. Further preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent patent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention relates to a flow-through centrifuge according to claim 1. The flow-through centrifuge has a rotor that has (at least) one centrifugation chamber. The medium to be centrifuged can be arranged directly in the centrifugation chamber or in a suitable container, and this chamber can be flushed with additional media such as a washing or buffer solution. In the flow-through centrifuge, the rotor is rotated about the rotor axis at a rotor speed. The flow-through centrifuge has a connecting line. The connecting line has a connecting line via which a medium can be supplied to the centrifugation chamber (in particular to a container arranged in the centrifugation chamber) during operation of the flow-through centrifuge with a rotating rotor. Furthermore, the connecting line has a connecting line via which a medium can be discharged from the centrifugation chamber (in particular to a container arranged in the centrifugation chamber).Depending on the current operating phase, the flow directions through the connecting lines can be reversed. One end of the connecting line is fixed to the housing, while the other end of the connecting line rotates with the rotor. To prevent twisting of the connecting line, the connecting line is guided in a guide device, in particular a guide tube. The guide device rotates around the rotor axis at half the rotor speed. In this respect, the flow-through centrifuge can, for example, be designed like the prior art flow-through centrifuges mentioned above.

[0012] In a flow-through centrifuge, the centrifugation of the medium in the centrifugation chamber and the inlet and outlet of the media should take place under defined operating conditions as far as possible, which includes maintaining the temperature of the medium to be centrifuged within a predetermined temperature range. For this reason, rotor chamber temperature control circuits are used in flow-through centrifuges. The rotor chamber temperature control circuit typically has a rotor chamber temperature control loop integrated into the wall of a bowl of the flow-through centrifuge, which exchanges heat with the rotor chamber in which the rotor rotates. A temperature sensor, which may also be integrated into the bowl of the rotor chamber, measures the temperature in the rotor chamber.Based on the signal from the temperature sensor, the temperature control performance of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit can then be controlled in such a way that the temperature in the rotor chamber is kept as constant as possible, which, according to the state of the art, assumes that the medium to be centrifuged also has a constant temperature.

[0013] The considerations underlying the invention initially addressed the causes of temperature changes in a flow-through centrifuge. One cause of heating of the interior of the rotor chamber is that the air in the rotor chamber is accelerated and swirled as a result of the rotor's rotational movement, which can lead to heating of the air. Furthermore, heat can be introduced into the rotor chamber, for example, by a centrifuge drive or as a result of friction, for example, in the bearings of a rotor shaft. This heating can be counteracted using the known rotor chamber temperature control circuit.

[0014] Based on the considerations underlying the invention, it has been identified that the connecting strand is deformed as a result of its boundary conditions, namely the fixed connection of one end region to the housing, the rotation of the other end region with the rotor, and the guidance of the connecting strand by means of the guide device, which is rotated about the rotor axis at half the rotor speed. This leads in particular to flexion in the connecting strand, which leads to heating of the connecting strand. Furthermore, the friction between the connecting strand and the guide device can lead to heating of the connecting strand.

[0015] Conventional flow-through centrifuges do not account for the different heat input possibilities, so the different heat input possibilities are only averaged and taken into account jointly via the rotor chamber temperature control circuit. Even if, in an ideal case, the known control or regulation of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit leads to a predetermined temperature of the temperature sensor in the vessel wall, local temperature deviations can still occur. An undesirably high temperature usually occurs in the area of ​​the connecting line due to the resulting flexion and friction. If the media then flows through the connecting lines in the connecting line, undesirable heating of the media occurs.

[0016] Based on this finding, the invention proposes that, in the flow-through centrifuge according to the invention, a temperature control supply line and a temperature control discharge line extend through the connecting line. A connecting line temperature control fluid flows through the temperature control supply line and the temperature control discharge line in opposite flow directions. The temperature control supply line and the temperature control discharge line are thus, in particular, part of a connecting line temperature control circuit, via which cooling can be specifically induced in the area of ​​the connecting line, which ideally compensates for the heat generated in the area of ​​the connecting line as a result of flexion and friction. Thus, according to the invention, a temperature increase can be counteracted directly at the point of occurrence.This means that in the flow centrifuge, namely in the area of ​​the connecting line, the operating conditions, in this case the temperature, can be maintained exactly or within predetermined temperature ranges.

[0017] According to the invention, the flow-through centrifuge has at least one electronic control unit. In the case of multiple electronic control units, the control units can be interconnected or networked. The electronic control unit has control logic by means of which the connecting line temperature control performance of the connecting line temperature control circuit is controlled or regulated.

[0018] The temperature control supply line, the temperature control discharge line, and the connecting lines (as well as any other components of the connecting line) can be distributed arbitrarily across the cross-section of the connecting line, for example, side by side or one above the other. According to one proposal of the invention, the temperature control supply line, the temperature control discharge line, and the connecting lines are distributed in a cross-section of the connecting line in the circumferential direction around a longitudinal axis of the connecting line, wherein they preferably each directly adjoin an adjacent line when viewed in the circumferential direction.

[0019] The order in which the aforementioned lines are arranged in the circumferential direction is fundamentally arbitrary. According to one proposal of the invention, the temperature control supply line, the temperature control discharge line, and the connecting lines are arranged in a cross-section of the connecting line in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis of the connecting line in such a way that at least one connecting line is arranged between the temperature control supply line and the temperature control discharge line in both circumferential directions around the longitudinal axis. This means that the at least one connecting line is arranged in a "sandwich-like" manner between the temperature control supply line and the temperature control discharge line, so that the at least one connecting line is in heat exchange with both the temperature control supply line and the temperature control discharge line. This enables particularly good heat transfer between the temperature control lines and the connecting lines.

[0020] Preferably, in the flow-through centrifuge according to the invention, the temperature control supply line and the temperature control discharge line are connected to one another via a reversing connection. The reversing connection can be designed as a U-shaped connecting piece. In this case, one leg of the U can be connected to an end region of the temperature control supply line, while the other leg of the U can be connected to the end region of the temperature control discharge line. These connections can be made, for example, by inserting the respective leg into the temperature control line and securing it in the temperature control line (for example, by a positive and / or frictional fit or by clamping; in some cases also with the interposition of a seal or sealing means). It is also possible for the temperature control line and the leg of the connecting piece to be plastically pressed together.The reverse connection is preferably located at the end of the connecting section and the temperature control lines that are rotated with the rotor. The reverse connection ensures counterflow through the temperature control lines.

[0021] According to one proposal of the invention, the connecting line comprises a flexible pipe or flexible hose. In this case, the temperature control supply line, the temperature control discharge line, and the connecting lines extend through the flexible pipe or flexible hose. The pipe or hose can ensure a smooth outer surface in order to keep turbulence in the rotor chamber to a minimum. Non-smooth outer geometries of the pipe or hose are also possible, in which case, for example, a flexible corrugated pipe can also be used. The flexible pipe or flexible hose keeps the temperature control lines and the connecting lines in a compact state and also ensures protection of the temperature control lines and the connecting lines. It is also possible for the hose or pipe to be used for thermal encapsulation of the connecting line.

[0022] It is possible for the temperature control supply line and the temperature control discharge line to extend from the housing only over a portion of the longitudinal extent of the connecting strand, wherein this longitudinal extent preferably corresponds to the region of the connecting strand in which the previously explained flexion and / or friction occurs. In this case, it is possible for the reversing connection to be arranged at the end of the extension of the temperature control lines, which results in the reversing connection or the U-shaped connecting piece being arranged inside the connecting strand, in particular inside the flexible pipe or flexible hose. For another proposal, the reversing connection is arranged in the outlet region of the temperature control supply line and the temperature control discharge line from the flexible pipe or hose, so that the temperature control lines extend over the entire length of the connecting strand.The arrangement of the reversing connection in the outlet area then uses a larger installation space available outside the pipe or hose.

[0023] In a further proposal of the invention, the reversing connection is U-shaped. In this case, the U-shaped reversing connection can at least partially enclose at least one connecting line. It is possible for the connecting line to be angled outwards at the outlet from the pipe or hose. In this case, the outlet area and the angled portion can be arranged at least partially inside the U of the U-shaped reversing connection, thus enabling additional guidance and / or protection as well as a position specification for at least one connecting line. On the other hand, the partial enclosing of the connecting line by the reversing connection leads to a particularly compact design.

[0024] It is also possible for at least one electrical line to extend through the connecting line in the flow-through centrifuge according to the invention. In this case, any heating of the connecting line and thus of the media in the connecting lines due to heating of the electrical line can be avoided by regulating the connecting line temperature control circuit. To name just a few non-limiting examples, the electrical line can be any measuring line, an electrical supply line for a sensor arranged in the rotor or attached to the rotor, an electrical control line for a valve of the rotor, and the like.

[0025] In the flow-through centrifuge according to the invention, control or regulation in the connecting line temperature control circuit can be carried out in any manner and taking into account any signals from temperature sensors, flow sensors and / or taking into account any operating parameters of the flow-through centrifuge (rotational speed, external temperature, internal temperature, design and / or configuration of the rotor; centrifugation program and parameters, etc.). For one proposal of the invention, control or regulation of the temperature of the connecting line temperature control fluid and / or the flow (in particular the mass flow and / or volume flow) of the connecting line temperature control fluid takes place taking into account a temperature of the medium that is located in at least one connecting line and / or is conveyed through it. Preferably, the control or regulation takes into account a temperature difference in the connecting lines.For example, if the temperature is measured at the outlet of a connecting line from which the medium is discharged from the centrifugation chamber, and the temperature is measured at the inlet of the other connecting line that supplies the medium to the centrifugation chamber, the temperature difference provides information about the heat transferred to the medium between the two measuring points. As the heat increases, greater cooling capacity is required, which can be provided by controlling or regulating the temperature and / or flow of the connecting line's temperature control fluid. For example, control or regulation can be carried out with the goal of ensuring that the temperature difference is zero or below a threshold value.At least one sensor for detecting the temperature or both sensors for detecting the temperature difference can also be arranged in the housing in the associated end area of ​​the connecting cable(s) and thus in a fixed location.

[0026] In addition to a connecting line temperature control circuit, the flow-through centrifuge preferably also includes a rotor chamber temperature control circuit. The rotor chamber temperature control circuit is preferably arranged in a stationary manner, in particular with a cooling loop integrated into the wall of the vessel. It is possible for the connecting line temperature control circuit and the rotor chamber temperature control circuit to be fluidically independent of one another, in which case the circuits can then be coordinated via at least one control unit. However, it is also entirely possible for a fluidic connection to be present in the connecting line temperature control circuit and the rotor chamber temperature control circuit, or for common elements to be used. For example, the same temperature control fluid can be used.Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible that the same pressure source, in particular a pump or a pressure vessel, is used to provide the flow of the temperature control fluid through the two temperature control circuits.

[0027] The invention also proposes the provision of an electronic control unit having control logic that controls or regulates the rotor chamber temperature control performance of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit. This electronic control unit can be designed separately from the control unit of the connecting line temperature control circuit, or they can be combined into an overall control unit.

[0028] There are many possibilities for designing the rotor chamber temperature control circuit within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, a temperature sensor is provided that detects the temperature of a rotor chamber (directly or indirectly). For example, the temperature sensor can be integrated into a wall of the vessel, a lid, or similar of the flow-through centrifuge, or it can protrude into the rotor chamber or be adjacent to the rotor chamber. It is also possible for the temperature sensor to be arranged on the rotor and rotate with it. Preferably, the temperature sensor is arranged in a flow-calmed area of ​​the interior of the rotor chamber. The control logic regulates the rotor chamber temperature control circuit taking into account a temperature signal from the temperature sensor, preferably controlling the temperature to a setpoint. Any control strategy can be used here.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control logics for controlling or regulating the rotor chamber temperature control output of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit, on the one hand, and the control logics for controlling or regulating the connecting branch temperature control output of the connecting branch temperature control circuit, on the other hand, are not independent of one another, but rather are coordinated with one another. This can mean, for example, that an increase in the rotor chamber temperature control output is automatically coupled by the control logic with an increase in the connecting branch temperature control output. However, it is also possible for the control logics to ensure that the sum of the rotor chamber temperature control output, on the one hand, and the connecting branch temperature control output, on the other hand, remains constant, does not fall below and / or exceed a threshold value, or corresponds to a characteristic map or curve dependent on the operating parameters.

[0030] For a special design of the control logic, this takes into account the heat capacity of the media flowing through the connecting lines when controlling or regulating the connecting line's temperature control performance. For example, if the supply and / or discharge of the medium to be centrifuged and / or a residual medium through the connecting lines is switched to a supply of a rinsing or buffer solution, the medium on the one hand and the rinsing or buffer solution on the other hand can have different heat capacities. Under the simplifying assumption, purely for illustrative purposes, that the same amount of heat is absorbed by the media over time, the heat absorption in the medium with the higher heat capacity leads to a smaller temperature change than in the medium with the lower heat capacity.Therefore, for control based on the temperature difference, a different temperature difference amplification factor must be considered to determine the signal for controlling or regulating the connecting line's temperature control output. The same applies to the flow of the media flowing through the connecting lines: If control is based on the temperature difference in the connecting lines, a smaller heat change can be observed for a higher flow than for a lower flow, assuming the same heat input. Under certain circumstances, the rotor speed can also be taken into account in the control or regulating the connecting line's temperature control output, since the flexing work in the connecting line depends on the rotor speed.

[0031] A further aspect of the invention addresses the fact that different heat inputs occur at different locations in the connecting strand: Thus, heat is preferentially generated in the areas where the flexing occurs, while non-deformed or flexed sections of the connecting strand are not heated or are heated to a lesser extent. The invention takes this observation into account by designing the connecting strand temperature control circuit in such a way that different cooling power is delivered in different sections of the connecting strand. The following are merely a few non-limiting examples: For a first variant, this can be achieved by varying the cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature control supply line and / or the temperature control discharge line along its length, resulting in different flow conditions and thus different cooling capacities depending on the cross-sectional area. Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible for the cross-sectional geometry of the temperature control supply line and / or the temperature control discharge line to vary. For example, it is possible for the cross-sectional geometry in one section to be such that a large surface area is created, thus ensuring good heat transfer, while in another section the cross-sectional geometry is selected such that a smaller surface area results, resulting in impaired heat transfer.In this context, it is also possible to branch the temperature control supply line and / or the temperature control discharge line in areas where increased cooling capacity is desired. As a further alternative or cumulative proposal, the heat transfer coefficient of a wall or casing of the temperature control supply line and / or the temperature control discharge line can be reduced or increased in the different sections according to the desired cooling capacity. This can be achieved by using different wall and / or casing materials and / or different wall thicknesses of the walls and / or casings in the sub-sections. It is also possible to use throttles or other fluidic components that influence the flow conditions in sub-sections.

[0032] Advantageous further developments of the invention emerge from the patent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0033] The advantages of features and combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can be used alternatively or cumulatively without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention.

[0034] The reference signs contained in the patent claims do not represent a limitation of the scope of the subject-matter protected by the patent claims. They serve only the purpose of making the patent claims easier to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0035] In the following, the invention is further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. 1shows a highly schematic spatial representation of a flow centrifuge in a semi-longitudinal section. Fig. 2 shows a detail II of the flow centrifuge according to Fig. 1 . Figs. 3 and 4 show different designs of a cross-section of a connecting line of a flow centrifuge according to Fig. 1 and 2 . Fig. 5 shows a block diagram for a control or regulation of a flow centrifuge. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the figures, components or features that correspond or are similar are sometimes identified by the same reference numerals, whereby these components or features can then be distinguished from one another by the additional letters a, b, ... In this case, reference can be made to these components or features with or without the additional letters, which can then refer to one of the components or features, several components or features, or all of them.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a highly schematic three-dimensional representation of a half-longitudinal section of a flow-through centrifuge 1. The flow-through centrifuge 1 has a housing 2 and in particular a bowl 3 with a wall 4. The wall 4 of the bowl 3 defines a rotor chamber 5 in which a rotor 6 is rotated at a rotor speed about a rotor axis 7. In the schematic representation according to Fig. 1Only containers 8a, 8b (here two containers 8a, 8b, although any other number of containers 8 may be present) are shown arranged in the centrifugation chamber of the rotor 6. These containers may, for example, be blood bags 9 or any other containers. The containers 8 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction around the rotor axis 7 and are at the same distance from the rotor axis 7.

[0038] The flow centrifuge 1 has a rotor chamber temperature control circuit 10, of which Fig. 1 only one rotor chamber temperature control loop 11 is shown. The rotor chamber temperature control loop 11 is integrated into the wall 4 of the vessel 3 and winds with several turns around the rotor axis 7 and the rotor chamber 5.

[0039] In Fig. 1Furthermore, a connecting line 12 can be seen. The connecting line 12 has a flexible hose or a flexible pipe 13. Extending through the hose or pipe 13 are a temperature control supply line 14, a temperature control discharge line 15 (which are also referred to collectively as "temperature control line"), and two connecting lines 16, 17, through which flow occurs in different directions during the different operating phases of the centrifugation process. In one end region 18, the connecting line 12 is attached to the housing 2 or a wall 4 of the vessel 3, while in another end region 19, the connecting line 12 is attached to the rotor 6 and rotated with it. The guide device, in particular a guide tube, rotating at half the rotor speed, is shown in the schematic Fig. 1 not shown (see the state of the art mentioned at the beginning).

[0040] Fig. 2shows a detail II according to Fig. 1. In this detail, the end region 19 of the connecting strand 12 can be seen, as well as the outlet of the temperature control lines 14, 15 from the hose or pipe 13 and their connection to the containers 8a, 8b. As an optional special feature, it can be seen here that the containers 8a, 8b are each connected to individual connecting lines 17a, 17b, through which the medium flows in the same direction, while the containers 8a, 8b are connected to a common connecting line 16 for the flow of the medium in the other direction. If the flow through the connecting lines 17a, 17b can be controlled or regulated individually or differently via a valve or switching device, a specific and different application of the medium to the containers 8a, 8b can be controlled.For example, the filling of only a single container 8a, 8b can take place or the removal of centrifuged sediments from the containers 8a, 8b can be started and / or finished at different times.

[0041] At the outlet from the pipe or hose 13, the connecting line 16 is connected via a branch 20 to two connecting lines 21a, 21b, which in turn are each connected to an associated container 8a, 8b. The connecting lines 17a, 17b are directly connected to the associated container 8a, 8b via associated connecting lines 22a, 22b. In the area of ​​the transition from the connecting lines 16, 17 to the connecting lines 21, 22, there are bends of 90° each, so that the connecting lines 21, 22 extend in a plane extending transversely to the rotor axis 7.

[0042] The temperature control lines 14, 15 are connected to one another directly adjacent to the end of the pipe or hose 13 via a reversing connection 23, which is designed here as a U-shaped connector 24. The bends and transition areas between the connecting lines 16, 17 and the connecting lines 21, 22 extend through the interior of the U-shaped connector 24. This results in the reversing connection 23 at least partially enclosing at least one connecting line 16, 17. The U-shaped connector 24 can also ensure the positional fixation of the bends and the connecting lines 21, 22.

[0043] Fig. 3shows a cross-section of the connecting strand 12. Here, it can be seen that the temperature control lines 14, 15 and the connecting lines 16, 17a, 17b are arranged distributed on a circular arc in the circumferential direction and lie directly against one another in the circumferential direction and radially outwardly against the inner surface of the pipe or hose 13. In this case, the sequence in the circumferential direction is preferably selected such that at least one connecting line 16, 17 is arranged between the temperature control lines 14, 15 in both circumferential directions. Thus, the connecting line 16 is arranged between the temperature control lines 14, 15 in one circumferential direction, while the two connecting lines 17a, 17b are arranged between the temperature control lines 14, 15 in the other circumferential direction.

[0044] It is also possible that according to Fig. 4Only four lines are arranged in the cross-section, namely the temperature control lines 14, 15 and the connecting lines 16, 17. In this case, the connecting lines 16, 17 can each have a branch to the different containers 8a, 8b. It is understood that, by using a different branch design and / or a different number of lines, more than two containers 8 can be present in the rotor 6 and can be supplied with the different media.

[0045] Fig. 5shows a schematic of a control device of a flow-through centrifuge 1: The rotor chamber temperature control circuit 10 has a supply unit 25 in which the rotor chamber temperature control fluid is provided in a controlled or regulated manner with the required flow and the required temperature. The rotor chamber temperature control fluid is then fed in a closed circuit to the rotor chamber temperature control loop 11, which can be integrated into a wall 4 of the rotor chamber 5. A temperature sensor 26 detects the temperature in the rotor chamber 5, wherein the temperature sensor 26 is preferably integrated into the wall 4 of the rotor chamber 5 or held thereon. The measurement signal of the temperature sensor 26 is fed to an electronic control unit 28 via a sensor signal connection 27.The control unit 28 has control logic which generates a control or regulating signal in a control line 29 for controlling the supply unit 25 to ensure the regulated flow with the regulated temperature of the rotor chamber tempering fluid.

[0046] A centrifugation media circuit 30 has a supply unit 31, which ensures the various operating phases mentioned above in the centrifugation media circuit 30 and provides the media, in particular the medium to be centrifuged and a rinsing or buffer solution, with the required flows and flow directions in the various operating phases. A temperature sensor 32, 33 is arranged in the end region 18 of the connecting lines 16, 17 of the centrifugation media circuit 30, which detects the temperature of the media supplied to the centrifugation chamber or the containers 8 as well as the temperature of the media discharged. The temperature signals from the temperature sensors 32, 33 are transmitted to the control unit 28 via sensor signal connections 34, 35.The control unit 28 has control logic that determines a temperature difference from the temperature signals of the temperature sensors 32, 33, which, as explained below, is used for the control or regulation of the connecting line temperature control circuit 36. Via a control line 37, the control unit 28 controls or regulates the supply unit 31 to ensure the required flows and the various operating phases.

[0047] In the connecting line temperature control circuit 36, the connecting line temperature control fluid is provided by a supply unit 38. The control unit 28 controls the supply unit 38 via a control line 39 such that the connecting line temperature control fluid circulating in the temperature control lines 14, 15 provides the desired cooling capacity. Preferably, the control unit 28 controls the supply unit 38 based on the temperature difference between the temperature signals from the temperature sensors 32, 33.

[0048] It should be emphasized that Fig. 5 is only a very schematic representation, with individual ones shown separately in Fig. 5shown components can actually be combined into one component. This is already evident from the fact that the connecting strand temperature control circuit 36 ​​with the temperature control lines 14, 15 are shown separately from the rotor chamber 5, although the temperature control lines 14, 15 extend into the rotor chamber 5. It is possible that the two temperature control circuits 10, 36 are deviating from Fig. 5 are not formed separately, but rather a fluidic coupling of the two circuits 10, 36 is present. Thus, a single common supply unit can provide the same temperature control fluid for the rotor chamber temperature control circuit 10 and the connecting strand temperature control circuit 36, with the flows and temperatures in the two circuits 10, 36 then being ensured via suitable throttle devices, valves, or other fluidic components.

[0049] Deviating from the above description and the figures, control in the connecting line temperature control circuit 36 ​​can also be carried out on the basis of a temperature sensor which is integrated into the connecting line 12.

[0050] The sensor signal connections 27, 34, and 35 described above can be wired or wireless. It is also possible for the sensor signals to be provided via a bus system. The same applies to the control lines 29, 37, and 39.

[0051] In Fig. 5 Only one control unit 28 is shown, which ensures the control or regulation of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit 10, the centrifugation media circuit 30, and the connecting line temperature control circuit 36. It is possible that these tasks are performed by several control units, which can then also be connected or networked with each other.

[0052] The heat generated by the flexion work, and thus the cooling power to be provided by the connecting strand temperature control circuit, can, for example, be a maximum of 50 watts to 200 watts, in particular 0 watts to 150 watts. If the medium to be centrifuged is blood, a temperature threshold that should not be exceeded can be, for example, 37 °C.

[0053] If the medium to be centrifuged is conveyed through the connecting lines during one operating phase and a rinsing fluid is conveyed through the connecting lines during another operating phase, different control or regulation can be implemented for the different operating phases. In particular, the processing of a temperature difference measured in the connecting lines can be carried out differently or with different amplification factors. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0054] 1 Flow-through centrifuge 2 Housing 3 Vessel 4 Wall 5 Rotor chamber 6 Rotor 7 Rotor axis 8 Container 9 Blood bag 10 Rotor chamber temperature control circuit 11 Rotor chamber temperature control loop 12 Connecting line 13 Hose, pipe 14 Temperature control supply line 15 Temperature control discharge line 16 Connecting line 17 Connecting line 18 End section 19 End section 20 Branch 21 Connecting line 22 Connecting line 23 Reverse connection 24 Connecting piece 25 Supply unit 26 Temperature sensor 27 Sensor signal connection 28 Control unit 29 Control line 30 Centrifugation media circuit 31 Supply unit 32 Temperature sensor 33 Temperature sensor 34 Sensor signal connection 35 Sensor signal connection 36Connecting line temperature control circuit 37Control line 38Provision unit 39Control line

Claims

1. Flow-through centrifuge (1) comprising a) a rotor (6) with a centrifugation chamber, the rotor (6) being rotatable about a rotor axis (7) with a rotor speed, and b) a connecting strand (12) comprising a connection conduit (16; 17) via which a medium can be supplied to the centrifugation chamber during operation of the flow-through centrifuge when the rotor rotates, and comprising a connection conduit (17; 16) via which a medium can be discharged from the centrifugation chamber, c) one end region (18) of the connecting strand (12) being arranged with a fixation to the housing and the other end region (19) of the connecting strand (12) being rotated together with the rotor (6) and d) wherein for avoiding a twisting of the connecting strand (12) the connecting strand (12) is guided by a guiding device which is rotated about the rotor axis (7) at half the rotor speed, wherein e) a temperature control supply conduit (14) and a temperature control discharge conduit (15) extend though the connecting strand (12), a connecting strand temperature control fluid streaming through the temperature control supply conduit (14) and the temperature control discharge conduit (16) in opposite streaming directions, and f) at least one electronic control unit (28) is provided which comprises control logic which controls (open-loop control or closed-loop control) the connecting strand temperature control power of a connecting strand temperature control circuit (36).

2. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of claim 1, characterized in that the temperature control supply conduit (14), the temperature control discharge conduit (15) and the connection conduits (16, 17) are arranged in a cross-section of the connecting strand (12) at locations distributed in a circumferential direction around a longitudinal axis of the connecting strand (12).

3. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of claim 2, characterized in that the temperature control supply conduit (14), the temperature control discharge conduit (15) and the connection conduits (16, 17) are arranged in a cross-section of the connecting strand (12) at locations distributed in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis of the connecting strand (12) in such a way that in both circumferential directions around the longitudinal axis at least one connection conduit (16, 17) is arranged in each case between the temperature control supply conduit (14) and the temperature control discharge conduit (15).

4. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature control supply conduit (14) and the temperature control discharge conduit (15) are connected to each other by a reversing connection (23).

5. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting strand (12) comprises a flexible tube or a flexible hose (13) through which the temperature control supply conduit (14), the temperature control discharge conduit (15) and the connection conduits (16, 17) at least partially extend.

6. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of claim 5 when referring back to claim 4, characterized in that the reversing connection (23) is arranged in an exit area of the temperature control supply conduit (14) and the temperature control discharge conduit (15) from the flexible tube or hose (13).

7. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of claim 6, characterized in that the reversing connection (23) is U-shaped and at least partially encloses at least one connection conduit (16, 17).

8. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one electric line extends through the connecting strand (12).

9. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) the temperature of the connecting strand temperature control fluid and / or b) the flow of the connecting strand temperature control fluid is controlled (open-loop control or closed-loop control) under consideration of a temperature of the medium in one connection conduit (16; 17), in particular under consideration of a difference of the temperatures in the connection conduits (16, 17).

10. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) is provided.

11. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of claim 10 characterized in that at least one electronic control unit (28) is provided which comprises control logic which controls (open-loop control or closed-loop control) the rotor chamber temperature control power of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10).

12. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of claim 11, characterized in that a temperature sensor (26) is provided which senses the temperature of a rotor chamber (5) and the control logic controls (open-loop control or closed-loop control) the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) under consideration of a temperature signal of the temperature sensor (26).

13. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of claim 11 or 12 when referring back to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control logics for a) the control (open-loop control or close-loop control) of the rotor chamber temperature control power of the rotor chamber temperature control circuit (10) and b) the control (open-loop control or closed-loop control) of the connecting strand temperature control power of the connecting strand temperature control circuit (36) are coordinated with each other.

14. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of one of claims 1 to 9 or one of claims 10 to 13 when referring back to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control logic considers a) a heat capacity of the media streaming through the connection conduits (16, 17) and / or b) a heat capacity of the connecting strand temperature control fluid and / or c) the flow of the media streaming through the connection conduits (16, 17) and / or d) the rotor speed for the control (open-loop control or closed-loop control) of the connecting strand temperature control power.

15. Flow-through centrifuge (1) of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) a cross-sectional area of the temperature control supply conduit (14) and / or the temperature control discharge conduit (15) and / or b) a cross-sectional geometry of the temperature control supply conduit (14) and / or the temperature control discharge conduit (15) and / or c) a heat transfer coefficient of a wall or sheet of the temperature control supply conduit (14) and / or the temperature control discharge conduit (15) is / are different for the temperature control supply conduit (14) and the temperature control discharge conduit (15) or is / are not constant over the longitudinal extension of the temperature control supply conduit (14) and / or the temperature control discharge conduit (15).