Centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a centrifuge.

[0002] Centrifuges into which sample carriers can be inserted are known from the prior art. The sample carriers have at least one container that serves to hold a liquid sample. The centrifuge has a rotor with a holding section that holds the sample carrier. The rotor is arranged in a rotor chamber of the centrifuge and rotates therein. As a result of the rotation of the rotor, a portion of the liquid sample is ejected from the sample carrier due to the centrifugal force acting on the liquid sample. Thus, a desired biological particle remains in the container and can then be further processed. In particular, liquid can be introduced into the container using a dispensing device, which can then be ejected from the container again.A rotor housing enclosing the rotor chamber has an outlet through which the ejected liquid and / or particles are removed from the rotor chamber. The centrifuge can be used, for example, to remove liquid and / or biological particles from the container, leaving only the desired cells and / or magnetic beads containing DNA or proteins in the container. Such a centrifuge is known, for example, from WO 2015 0188 78 A1.

[0003] However, it may happen that at least a portion of the ejected sample cannot be completely removed from the rotor chamber. Since the portion of the liquid sample not removed from the centrifuge may contain microorganisms or DNA, for example, there is a risk that liquid samples that are subsequently washed may be contaminated by the portion of the liquid sample in the rotor chamber that was not removed.

[0004] CN 106 890 732 A discloses a centrifuge comprising a rotor with multiple receiving sections for each receiving a container. The rotor is arranged in a cavity provided within the centrifuge. The centrifuge comprises a radiation source.

[0005] WO 2021 / 061406 A1 discloses a centrifuge comprising a drive unit onto which a container is placed. The centrifuge also comprises a radiation source that emits rays with a wavelength of 100 to 450 nanometers.

[0006] CN 111 495 615 A ​​discloses a centrifuge having a rotor arranged in a cavity of the centrifuge.

[0007] WO 2019 / 165478 A1 discloses a rotor system comprising a rotor. The system has an electromagnetic radiation source arranged at a first position of the rotor.

[0008] WO 2018 / 234420 A1 discloses a centrifuge for cleaning a reaction vessel unit comprising a rotor and a rotor chamber in which the rotor is rotatably mounted. The rotor chamber is delimited by a housing that has a discharge channel for the rotor.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a centrifuge in which the risk of contamination is low.

[0010] The object is achieved by a centrifuge for rotating a sample carrier which has at least one container for receiving a liquid sample, with a rotatable rotor which has at least one receiving section for receiving the sample carrier, and a rotor chamber in which the rotor is arranged, wherein the centrifuge has at least one radiation source for emitting radiation into the rotor chamber with a wavelength of at most 350 nm (nanometers), wherein the rotor chamber is delimited by a rotor housing, characterized in that the radiation source has a radiator which is thermally conductively connected to the rotor housing by means of a heat transfer section.

[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide a method by means of which the risk of contamination is reduced.

[0012] The object is achieved by a method for operating a centrifuge according to the invention, wherein, in particular in a washing operation, a sample carrier having at least one container for receiving a liquid sample is rotated by means of a rotor in a rotor chamber, characterized in that, in particular in a decontamination operation, radiation with a wavelength of at most 350 nm (nanometers) is emitted into the rotor chamber.

[0013] The advantage of the invention is that it has been recognized that the risk of contamination is reduced if the rotor chamber is irradiated with radiation with a wavelength of 350 nm or less. Such radiation has a sufficiently high energy to kill the biological particles present in the liquid sample that were ejected from the sample carrier during the washing process and not removed from the rotor chamber.

[0014] Biological particles, in particular microorganisms, can be killed or inactivated particularly preferably when the wavelength is at most 315 nm, preferably 280 nm. A lower limit of the radiation range can be at least 100 nm, in particular 200 nm. In such a case, the emitted radiation can have a wavelength in a range from 100 nm to 350 nm. It is particularly advantageous if the emitted radiation has a wavelength of 254 nm or lies in a range between 260 nm and 265 nm.

[0015] The sample carrier has one or more containers and serves to hold a liquid sample. In particular, the liquid sample can be arranged in the container or containers. The sample carrier can be a microtiter plate. Microtiter plates can be designed with a different number of containers. Microtiter plates with 6 to 3456 containers are known, although microtiter plates with 96, 384, or 1536 containers are usually used. The sample carrier can have a receiving device into which the microtiter plate is inserted. The receiving section of the rotor can be designed such that a normal to a container opening is perpendicular to a rotor shaft. This means that a longitudinal axis of the container of the sample carrier extends in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction of extension of the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft.As a result, a plane comprising a surface of the receiving section on which the sample carrier is placed runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

[0016] The liquid sample may comprise a liquid and biological particles. The biological particles may be microorganisms such as bacteria, archaeans, yeasts, fungi, and viruses, or cells, DNA, RNA, or proteins. The liquid sample may comprise a single or multiple biological particles.

[0017] A radiation source is defined as any device capable of generating radiation with a wavelength of 350 nm or less. This also includes devices capable of generating radiation with wavelengths that cover only a portion of the aforementioned range. This means that the radiation source does not have to cover the entire radiation range, namely 100 nm to 350 nm.

[0018] The centrifuge can be operated in a washing mode. Washing mode refers to centrifuge operation in which the rotor rotates at a speed sufficiently high that, in particular, a portion of the liquid sample is ejected from the container(s) due to the centrifugal forces acting on it. However, it can be ensured that certain biological particles are retained in the container against the centrifugal force. Thus, after the washing operation is completed, the desired biological particle remains in the container.

[0019] The retention of biological particles can be achieved through cell adhesion, magnetic forces, covalent chemical bonds, or similar means. For example, a washing process is possible in which the container base is coated with a specific coating to which the biological particles adhere. Furthermore, a washing process using magnetic beads is possible. In this washing process, biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins are first bound to magnetic beads, which are then held to the container base by a magnet positioned below the container in the centrifuge. It is also possible for cells to be bound to magnetic beads.

[0020] Another known washing technique involves binding proteins to the bottom of the container, which has previously been treated with a specific reagent. In another washing technique, cells, especially suspension cells, are first vigorously centrifuged to form a pellet at the bottom. The pellet then remains in the container while a portion of the liquid sample is ejected.

[0021] Decontamination operation is understood to mean an operation in which radiation is emitted to kill or decompose the biological particles present in the rotor chamber.

[0022] In decontamination operations, it is exploited that by irradiating DNA and RNA with radiation of a specific wavelength, they can no longer replicate or decay over time. When cells are exposed to radiation of a specific wavelength, a structural change in the DNA is often observed, which is due to the formation of thymidine dimers. Two adjacent thymidines on a DNA strand are covalently bonded via a cyclobutane ring. The mechanism is a photoinduced cycloaddition. By absorbing a quantum of light, a thymidine molecule is excited, and this can then interact with a thymidine in its ground state. In both molecules, the double bond between the C5 and C6 atoms of the thymine is broken. At the same time, single bonds form between the C5 and C6 atoms of both molecules.The consequence of such a thymidine dimer formation is a change in the spatial shape of the DNA. Proteins that interact with the DNA cannot pass through the resulting dimer. Therefore, transcription and replication cease at these sites.

[0023] As a result, a centrifuge is provided that can be operated either in a washing mode or a decontamination mode. Furthermore, a method for operating a centrifuge is provided.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the rotor housing can have a shell. The shell can delimit the rotor space in the radial and / or tangential direction. The shell can be constructed in multiple parts. Thus, the shell can have an upper shell and a lower shell, which can be releasably connected to one another. The upper shell is arranged on the lower shell. The upper and lower shells can be constructed in such a way that they delimit the rotor space, in particular in the radial, axial, and tangential directions. As a result, a compact rotor housing can be provided.

[0025] A particularly compact rotor housing is achieved when the rotor housing, in particular the upper shell, has a cylindrical inner housing surface. The rotor housing can have the cylindrical inner housing surface in a normal plane that is normal to a rotor shaft described in more detail below and includes part of the upper and / or lower shell. The inner housing surface is understood to be the surface of the rotor housing that directly delimits the rotor space. The cylindrical inner housing surface can be achieved by a corresponding design of the upper shell and / or lower shell. The cylindrical inner housing surface enables the rotor space in which the rotor rotates to be designed as compactly as possible, i.e. the distance between the rotor and the rotor housing is small, in particular in the radial direction.

[0026] The terms "radial," "tangential," and "axial" are each understood to refer to a direction relative to a central axis of the rotor housing. The central axis can be coaxial or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the centrifuge and / or a central axis of the rotor shaft. The central axis of the rotor shaft corresponds to the rotational axis of the rotor shaft and thus of the rotor.

[0027] The rotor housing can be designed in such a way that it prevents radiation from escaping from the rotor chamber. To prevent radiation from escaping, the rotor housing can have a front wall and a rear wall. The front and rear walls delimit the rotor chamber, in particular in the axial direction. The rotor chamber is thus delimited by the upper shell, the lower shell, and the front and rear walls. The front wall corresponds to the wall that is closer to a centrifuge receptacle than the rear wall. The previously described design of the rotor housing makes it easy to prevent radiation from escaping from the rotor chamber and striking liquid samples located outside the rotor chamber. It also prevents someone, for example, from using the centrifuge from coming into contact with the high-energy radiation.

[0028] In a special embodiment, the centrifuge can have the rotor shaft that drives the rotor. The rotor shaft can be connected to a motor at the end facing away from the rotor. The rotor shaft can be rotatably mounted in the front and rear sections. The rotor shaft can run through the rear wall and penetrate into an electronics compartment of the centrifuge in which the motor is located. The rear wall thus separates the rotor compartment of the centrifuge from the electronics compartment; in particular, the rear wall prevents ejected liquid sample from entering the electronics compartment. This is advantageous because, in addition to the motor, other electrical or electronic devices, such as a control device, can be arranged in the electronics compartment, thus preventing liquid sample from entering the electronics compartment.

[0029] A central axis of the rotor shaft can run parallel to a base of the centrifuge. In particular, a central axis of the rotor shaft can run coaxially or parallel to the central axis of the rotor housing. The base can be formed by an underside of the lower bowl or an underside of feet of the centrifuge. Furthermore, the central axis of the rotor shaft can run parallel to a direction of insertion or removal of the sample carrier into the rotor. The removal direction can be opposite to the direction of insertion. The direction of insertion is understood to be the direction along which the sample carrier is moved in order to move the sample carrier from a centrifuge receptacle into the receptacle section.

[0030] The front wall can have a passage through which the sample carrier can be introduced into the rotor, in particular a receiving section. The sample carrier can thus be easily introduced into the rotor. Furthermore, the sample carrier can be removed from the rotor through the same passage. The centrifuge can have a displacement device by means of which the sample carrier is introduced into the rotor or removed from the rotor. As a result, in particular after the sample carrier has been introduced into a centrifuge receptacle, the sample carrier can be automatically introduced into the rotor by means of the displacement device. Furthermore, the sample carrier can be automatically removed from the rotor into the centrifuge receptacle by means of the displacement device.

[0031] The displacement device can be releasably connected to the sample carrier for displacement. In particular, the displacement device can be magnetically connected to the sample carrier. To connect the sample carrier arranged in the centrifuge holder, the displacement device extends through the rotor, in particular the holder section. The displacement device pulls the sample carrier into the holder section of the rotor. In addition, the displacement device pushes the sample carrier back into the centrifuge holder after the washing operation is completed. The displacement device is not arranged in the rotor chamber during the washing operation and the decontamination operation.

[0032] The centrifuge may have a flap for closing the passage of the front wall. The passage may be closed, particularly completely, by the flap when the centrifuge is in washing mode. Furthermore, the flap may close the passage, particularly completely, when the centrifuge is in decontamination mode. During decontamination mode, the radiation source emits radiation to kill the biological particles, particularly microorganisms, that remain in the rotor chamber.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the rotor housing can accommodate the at least one radiation source and / or be connected to the at least one radiation source, in particular fixedly. A fixed connection is understood to be a connection in which the two interconnected components cannot move relative to one another. For this purpose, the at least one radiation source can be arranged on or in the rotor housing. In particular, the rotor housing can have a recess in which the at least one radiation source is arranged and / or into which the radiation source extends at least partially. It is advantageous if the front wall and / or the rear wall have a recess in which at least one radiation source is arranged and / or into which the radiation source extends at least partially.The shell, in particular the upper and / or lower shell, can have a recess in which at least one radiation source is at least partially arranged.

[0034] The centrifuge may have a cover that fluidically separates the radiation source from the rotor chamber. This prevents the radiation source from coming into contact with the ejected liquid sample. The cover may be configured to transmit radiation from the radiation source. Thus, the cover may be made of glass, preferably a glass with high transmission in the wavelength range of the radiation source, such as quartz glass. The cover may be arranged flush with the inner surface of the rotor housing so that it does not protrude from the rotor housing.

[0035] The centrifuge may have at least one electrical line for electrically connecting the radiation source to a power source, wherein the electrical line extends at least partially through the front wall and / or rear wall. For this purpose, the front and / or rear wall has corresponding bores. The electrical line may additionally extend through the lower and / or upper shell. The power source may be located in the electronics compartment of the centrifuge.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the radiation source can be aligned such that the radiation hits the rotor and / or the inner surface of the rotor housing, particularly directly. This offers the advantage that rotor areas and / or inner surface areas of the rotor housing where the liquid sample is known to deposit can be specifically irradiated.

[0037] In an embodiment in which the centrifuge has multiple radiation sources, at least one first radiation source or multiple first radiation sources can be arranged on or in the front wall and at least one second radiation source or multiple second radiation sources can be arranged on or in the rear wall. Thus, two to four first radiation sources can be provided on or in the front wall and two to four second radiation sources can be provided on or in the rear wall. The number of radiation sources mounted on the front wall can differ from the number of radiation sources mounted on the rear wall.

[0038] The radiation sources can be arranged such that they are not mirror-symmetrical to each other with respect to the normal plane of the rotor shaft. This easily ensures that all areas of the rotor and / or the inner surface of the rotor housing can be exposed to radiation.

[0039] The centrifuge can have at least two radiation sources. It has been recognized that at least two, in particular exactly two, radiation sources are advantageous because, when using a single radiation source, many shadow areas exist in the rotor housing. The provision of at least one additional radiation source can reduce the shadow areas. The radiation sources can be arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to a mirror plane containing a central axis of the rotor shaft. The mirror plane can extend along a gravitational direction. Such an arrangement offers the advantage that essentially the entire interior of the rotor housing can be exposed to radiation in a short time. This offers the advantage of ensuring that ejected biological particles can be quickly killed and / or inactivated.A short decontamination cycle is desirable so that the centrifuge can be used promptly for washing. In decontamination cycles, biological particles, such as microorganisms, are irradiated with a minimum radiation dose to kill or inactivate a certain minimum proportion of the population. The dose can be increased over the duration of the irradiation. To reduce the minimum irradiation time, it is advantageous to avoid shadows and areas of low intensity. This can significantly shorten the decontamination cycle.

[0040] The at least two radiation sources can be connected to the shell, in particular the upper shell. In particular, the at least two radiation sources can be arranged on or in the, in particular upper, shell. The shell, in particular the upper and / or lower shell, can have at least two openings. Each of the openings serves to accommodate at least part of a radiation source and / or enables the rotor space to be irradiated by the radiation source. The radiation sources can be arranged such that the emitted radiation runs in the direction of the central axis of the rotor housing. In particular, the radiation sources can be aligned such that the emitted radiation or a large part of the emitted radiation first strikes the rotor and / or the rotor shaft.The radiation source has an aperture angle such that the rotor is completely or essentially completely irradiated in the axial direction and / or radial direction relative to the central axis. Since the rotor has apertures, a portion of the radiation can pass through the rotor and irradiate the housing's inner surface behind it. Since the rotor and the housing's inner surface are made of a highly reflective material and the surface is highly scattering, the direct radiation is reflected and / or scattered by the aforementioned surfaces. Rotation of the rotor can distribute the radiation within the rotor chamber.

[0041] The radiation sources can be arranged in a region of the shell, wherein the region of the shell is arranged such that a plane which runs perpendicular to the direction of gravity and comprises part of the region of the shell contains the central axis of the rotor shaft or is arranged offset from the central axis of the rotor shaft. The plane can be arranged offset from the central axis in the direction of gravity. A distance between the plane and the central axis in the direction of gravity can be in a range between 0-50%, in particular between 1-25%, preferably 1-15%, of the radial distance between the central axis and the rotor housing. Such positioning of the radiation sources has the advantage of preventing the radiation sources from being arranged in a region of the rotor housing in which the ejected liquid sample is located.In particular, this type of radiation source placement prevents liquid sample from reaching the cover and thus preventing deposits from forming on the cover, which could impair the efficiency of the decontamination process. The arrangement of the radiation sources described above also offers the advantage that the cover is almost vertical in this area, further reducing the risk of deposits.

[0042] When using two radiation sources, they can be offset from each other in the tangential direction within a range of 160° to 200°, particularly 180°. Thus, better irradiation of the rotor chamber is achieved when the radiation sources are arranged as far apart as possible. In contrast, when using three radiation sources, the radiation sources can be offset from each other within a range of 100° to 140°, particularly 120°.

[0043] In this case, radiation emitted by at least one first radiation source can have a different wavelength than radiation emitted by at least one second radiation source. This ensures that different biological particles are killed or inactivated particularly efficiently. This results from the fact that the wavelength at which a biological particle can be killed or inactivated particularly efficiently can depend on the type of biological particle.

[0044] As described above, the rotor has a receiving section into which the sample carrier, which is not part of the centrifuge, can be inserted. When the sample carrier is inserted, the rotor can be connected to the sample carrier in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, the receiving section can have a base wall, in particular a rectangular one, and two rails, in particular U-shaped ones.

[0045] The rotor can also have an additional receiving section for receiving an additional sample carrier. The additional receiving section can be located diametrically opposite the receiving section with respect to the rotor shaft. Thus, the rotor can accommodate multiple sample carriers. To receive the sample carrier, the rotor is rotated into a receiving position, where the sample carrier can be inserted into the respective receiving section of the rotor. The additional receiving section can be configured identically to the receiving section.

[0046] The centrifuge may have a reflective body. According to one embodiment, the reflective body may be inserted into the receiving section of the rotor during decontamination operation. The reflective body may be arranged in the receiving section instead of the sample carrier. The reflective body may have at least one surface for reflecting radiation. The surface may have a high reflectance in the wavelength range of the radiation source. In particular, the surface may have a higher reflectance than the rotor and / or the inner surface of the housing. The reflective body may be removed from the rotor after the decontamination process.

[0047] The surface of the reflection body and / or the rotor can have a reflection surface that is oriented such that it reflects radiation emitted by the radiation source into a predetermined rotor housing region. Likewise, at least a portion of the housing inner surface can be oriented such that it reflects the radiation emitted by the radiation source into a predetermined rotor housing region and / or a predetermined rotor region. The housing inner surface, in particular the aforementioned portion of the housing inner surface, can be coated with a material that has a high reflectance in the wavelength range of the radiation source. In particular, the material can have a higher reflectance than the uncoated rotor housing region. Furthermore, the type of coating can also influence the radiation direction in which reflected radiation is directed.

[0048] In this context, a predetermined rotor housing area and / or rotor area is understood to be an area of ​​the rotor housing or a rotor area that would not be exposed to radiation during decontamination operation without the provision of the reflective body and / or the reflective surface of the rotor and / or the part of the housing's inner surface. This ensures that areas of the rotor and / or rotor housing that were previously inaccessible to radiation can be exposed to radiation.

[0049] In another embodiment, a reflection body can be connected to the rotor in a rotationally fixed manner. In this embodiment, the reflection body is not mounted in the receiving section of the rotor, but is connected to the rotor in a rotationally fixed manner, regardless of whether the centrifuge is operated in washing mode or decontamination mode. The reflection body can be mounted on a rotor side that is offset in a tangential direction to the receiving section, in particular to a base wall. In particular, the rotor side can be offset by 90° to the receiving section. This means that an angle between a plane containing the rotor side and another plane containing the receiving section is 90°.

[0050] The reflection body can have a reflection surface. The reflection surface can extend in the axial direction of the central axis of the rotor shaft. Furthermore, the reflection surface can run transversely to the central axis of the rotor shaft. This means that a radial distance from one end of the reflection surface to the central axis is smaller than a radial distance from the other end of the reflection surface to the central axis. Providing an inclined reflection surface offers the advantage that the inclination can be selected such that areas of the rotor housing are provided with radiation that would otherwise only receive low radiation. "Low radiation" is understood to mean that the radiation intensity of the radiation supplied to the respective area is lower than the average radiation intensity and / or lower than the radiation supplied to the remaining area of ​​the rotor space.By providing the reflective body, the minimum radiation intensity can be increased, thus allowing more radiation to reach hard-to-reach areas. This shortens the duration of a cleaning step.

[0051] The centrifuge can have at least two reflection bodies. The reflection bodies can be arranged on opposite sides of the rotor. The two reflection bodies can each have a reflection surface. The reflection surfaces can have the same inclination. Alternatively, the reflection surfaces can differ from one another in their inclination and / or direction of inclination. In particular, one reflection body can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to one side of the rotor, and another reflection body can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to another side of the rotor. The two rotor sides can be opposite one another with respect to the center axis of the rotor shaft. Such a design reflects the emitted radiation particularly well.

[0052] In addition to the reflection body, which is non-rotatably connected to the rotor, a reflection body can be inserted into the receiving section. This design reflects the radiation particularly well into the interior of the rotor housing.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the at least one radiation source can be connected to the rotor in a rotationally fixed manner. Thus, the radiation source rotates together with the rotor. This offers the advantage that a large area of ​​the rotor housing can be irradiated. The radiation source arranged on or in the rotor can be aligned such that the radiation is emitted radially outward from the rotor. Outward means that the radiation is directed from the rotor toward the rotor housing.

[0054] The receiving section and / or the further receiving section can accommodate at least one radiation source. In particular, at least one radiation source can be arranged on or in the receiving section. Furthermore, at least one radiation source can be arranged on or in the further receiving section. In this case, an embodiment is advantageous in which the at least one radiation source is arranged on or in the base wall and / or on or in at least one of the two rails. The radiation source can be arranged in a recess in the base wall and / or in a recess in the rail. A cover can be provided which fluidically separates the radiation source from the rotor chamber so that the radiation source does not come into contact with the ejected liquid sample.

[0055] The centrifuge may include an electrical line for connecting the radiation source to a power source. The electrical line may extend at least partially through the rotor shaft. A loop ring may be used to electrically connect the electrical power source to the rotating rotor shaft.

[0056] In a particular embodiment, the centrifuge can have multiple radiation sources. The radiation sources can be arranged at a distance from one another in the axial direction, in particular along the receiving section and / or the additional receiving section. Furthermore, radiation sources can be arranged at a distance from one another in the tangential direction, in particular along the receiving section and / or the additional receiving section. The multiple radiation sources can extend parallel to a central axis of the rotor shaft.

[0057] The radiation source can be a point-shaped radiation source. Alternatively, the radiation source can be linear. Furthermore, multiple point-shaped radiation sources can be arranged along a line, in particular a straight or curved line. As a result, the radiation source(s) can be arranged or configured such that the largest possible area, in particular the entire area, of the rotor and / or the rotor housing is exposed to radiation.

[0058] The radiation source can be a UV-C radiation source. A UV-C radiation source offers the advantage of being particularly effective at killing and / or decomposing biological particles. A UV-C radiation source can emit radiation in the wavelength range between 200 nm and 280 nm.

[0059] The inner surface of the rotor housing and / or a rotor surface and / or a rotor shaft surface can be coated. In particular, the surfaces of the rotor housing, the rotor shaft and / or the rotor shaft that may come into contact with a liquid sample can be coated. It is advantageous if the aforementioned surfaces are anodized. An anodized surface has the advantage that it scatters the emitted radiation more strongly than a non-anodized surface, particularly an aluminum surface. A further advantage is that an anodized surface is more chemically resistant than uncoated or non-anodized materials, such as aluminum.

[0060] In a special embodiment, the emitter for emitting radiation can be an LED emitter. The emitter is thermally connected to the rotor housing via the heat transfer section. This thermally conductive connection offers the advantage that the heat generated can be dissipated from the emitter to the rotor housing. A heat transfer section is understood to be a section that consists of solid and / or liquid components and / or contains no gas components. This ensures effective heat dissipation from the emitter to the rotor housing.

[0061] The radiator can be attached to a metallic conductive element of the heat transfer section. The heat transfer section can comprise a conductive paste, by means of which the metallic conductive element is thermally connected to the rotor housing. This means that the provision of the heat transfer section enables heat conduction from the radiator to the rotor housing to occur through non-gaseous components, thereby improving heat dissipation.

[0062] The radiation source may also include a printed circuit board (PCB). A printed circuit board (PCB) is often referred to as a printed circuit board (PCB) and is used to support electronic components. The metallic conductive element may be directly connected to the circuit board. "Directly" means that no other components are arranged between the metallic conductive element and the circuit board. The metallic conductive element may be a coating applied to the circuit board, particularly a copper layer, and thus be integrally connected to the circuit board. Alternatively, the metallic conductive element and the circuit board may be designed as separate components. In this case, the two components may be mechanically connected to each other. The circuit board may be electrically connected to the radiator.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, the centrifuge's control device can cause the radiation source to emit no radiation during a washing operation. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can cause the radiation source to emit radiation when the rotor is not carrying a sample carrier. In this case, radiation is only emitted when no sample carrier is located in the receiving section of the rotor. The control system described above has the advantage of ensuring that no biological particles remaining in the sample carrier are killed.

[0064] The control device can cause the radiation to be emitted before or after a washing operation. Alternatively or additionally, the radiation can be emitted at predetermined times and / or for a predetermined duration. Thus, the decontamination operation can be carried out overnight to obtain a decontaminated centrifuge at the start of each working day. Furthermore, the control device can cause the radiation source to be switched off as soon as the flap no longer covers the passage, in particular completely.

[0065] Furthermore, the control device can cause the rotor to be moved, in particular rotated, into a predetermined position during decontamination operation, which differs from a position in which the sample carrier can be inserted into or ejected from the rotor. This offers the advantage that the rotor can be rotated into a position in which the rotor minimally shades the rotor housing. In this embodiment, the rotor is not rotated during decontamination operation.

[0066] The control device can also cause the rotor to rotate during decontamination operation. The control device can cause the rotor to rotate for the entire duration of the decontamination operation. The rotor rotation ensures that radiation reaches areas of the rotor housing that were originally shaded by the rotor. The rotor rotation thus ensures that more radiation is supplied to areas of the rotor housing that were, for example, shaded by the rotor. The rotor is used as a scatterer / reflector that scatters / reflects the radiation into the rotation space. During washing operation, the rotor speed can be higher than in decontamination operation, where radiation is emitted. Rotating the rotor at a lower speed has the advantage that the radiation can be reflected by the rotor into a large part of the rotor housing.

[0067] The figures schematically illustrate the subject matter of the invention, with identical or equivalent elements generally being provided with the same reference numerals. Herein: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a part of a centrifuge according to the invention Fig. 2 a perspective view of a part of the Figure 1 shown centrifuge without rear wall and upper bowl, Fig. 3a a plan view of the front wall, Fig. 3b a sectional view from above in a plane having radiation sources arranged in the front and rear wall, Fig. 4a-f sectional views of a rotor of the centrifuge in different embodiments, Fig. 5 a perspective view of a part of a centrifuge according to the invention with a different arrangement of the radiation sources, Fig. 6 a sectional view of a part of the in Fig. 5 shown centrifuge from the front, Fig. 7 a perspective view of an upper bowl of the Fig. 5Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of a radiation source; Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a rotor; Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of part of the centrifuge with the electronics compartment; Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the centrifuge.

[0068] One in Figure 1 Centrifuge 1 shown is used to rotate a Figure 11 shown sample carrier 2. The centrifuge 1 has a rotor 5 having a receiving section 7 for receiving the sample carrier 2. Furthermore, the centrifuge 1 has a rotor chamber 4 in which the rotor 5 is arranged, and a plurality of radiation sources, namely a first radiation source 6 and a second radiation source 22, for emitting radiation into the rotor chamber 4.

[0069] The radiation sources 6, 22 are designed to emit radiation with a wavelength of at most 350 nm (nanometers). In particular, the radiation sources 6, 22 can be designed to emit radiation with a wavelength in the range between 100 nm, in particular 200 nm, to 350 nm, in particular 315 nm, preferably 280 nm. Radiation sources 6, 22 that emit radiation with a wavelength of 254 nm or in a range between 260 nm and 265 nm are particularly advantageous. The first radiation sources 6 and the second radiation sources 22 can emit radiation with different wavelengths. The radiation sources 6, 22 can each be a UV-C radiation source.

[0070] The first radiation sources 6 can be arranged in the front wall 12. In particular, the front wall 12 can have recesses, in each of which a first radiation source 6 is arranged. The centrifuge 1 can have a cover 21 that separates the first radiation source 6 from the rotor chamber 4, in particular fluidically. The cover 21 is also arranged in the recess. The second radiation sources 22 can be arranged in the rear wall 13. In particular, the rear wall 13 can have recesses, in each of which a second radiation source 22 is arranged. The centrifuge 1 can have a cover 21 that separates the second radiation source 22 from the rotor chamber 4, in particular fluidically.

[0071] The rotor chamber 4 is defined by a rotor housing 8 of the centrifuge 1. The rotor housing 8 has an upper shell 9 and a lower shell 10. Both shells 9, 10 are detachably connected to one another. Furthermore, the rotor housing 8 has a front wall 12 and a rear wall 13. Only a portion of the front wall 12 and a portion of the rear wall 13 define the rotor chamber 4.

[0072] The radiation sources 6, 22 are aligned such that they emit radiation into the rotor chamber 4. The radiation sources 6, 22 are aligned such that the emitted radiation is reflected by the rotor 5 and / or a housing inner surface 11. The housing inner surface 11 is formed by the surfaces of the upper shell 9, the lower shell 10, the front wall 12, and the rear wall 13 facing the rotor chamber 4. The housing inner surface 11 is cylindrical in a normal plane N, which is perpendicular to a central axis M and encompasses part of the upper shell 9 and the lower shell 10.

[0073] The centrifuge 1 has a centrifuge receptacle 26 onto which a user of the centrifuge 1 places the sample carrier 2. A displacement device (not shown in the figures) then moves the sample carrier 2 into the receptacle section 7 of the rotor 5 along an insertion direction E or moves the sample carrier 2 from the receptacle section 7 into the centrifuge receptacle 26 along an ejection direction that is opposite to the insertion direction E. The centrifuge receptacle 26 protrudes from the front wall 12, in particular in the axial direction. The displacement device is driven by a displacement motor (not shown) which is arranged in the Figure 5shown electronics compartment. The displacement device can comprise a wound belt driven by the displacement motor. For coupling with the sample carrier 2 arranged in the centrifuge holder 26, the displacement device moves through the rotor chamber 4 and is connected to the sample carrier 2, in particular magnetically.

[0074] The front wall 12 has a passage 16 through which the sample carrier 2 can be inserted into the receiving section 7 of the rotor 5. The sample carrier 2 is removed from the receiving section 7 through the passage 16. The passage 16 is arranged radially offset with respect to a central axis M of the rotor housing 8. In particular, the passage 16 is designed such that it is arranged completely offset from the central axis M, i.e., the central axis M does not run through the passage 16.

[0075] The rotor 5 is connected to a rotor shaft 14 in a rotationally fixed manner. The rotor shaft 14 is rotatably mounted in the front wall 12 and the rear wall 13 and extends through the rear wall 13. The rotor shaft 14 is connected to a motor (not shown in the figures) for driving purposes. The motor is located in a Figure 5 shown electronics compartment 17.

[0076] At the Figure 1 In the position shown, the rotor 5 is rotated such that a sample carrier 2 can be inserted into the receiving section 7. The rotor 5 has a further receiving section 25, which is diametrically opposite the receiving section with respect to the central axis M. The further receiving section 25 is identical to the receiving section 7. In this respect, the rotor 5 can accommodate two sample carriers 2.

[0077] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of part of the Figure 1Centrifuge 1 shown without a rear wall and upper bowl. The lower bowl 10 has a semi-cylindrical inner housing surface 11 in the normal plane N. After the upper bowl 9 has been placed on top, the inner housing surface 11 is cylindrical in the normal plane N.

[0078] The receiving section 7 has a base wall 23 and two U-shaped rails 24. After the sample carrier 2 is inserted into the receiving section 7, the sample carrier 2 rests on the base wall 23. The U-shaped rails 24 prevent the sample carrier 2 from moving in the radial direction.

[0079] Fig. 3a shows a plan view of the front wall 12. The front wall 12 has four first radiation sources 6. The first radiation sources 6 are arranged at a distance from one another in the tangential direction relative to the central axis M. In addition, the front wall 12 has the passage 16, which can be closed by means of a flap 19.

[0080] Figure 3b shows a sectional view from above in a plane, in particular a horizontal plane, which has radiation sources 6, 22 arranged in the front wall 12 and rear wall 13. In the Figure 3b the rotor 5 is not shown, but only the rotor chamber 4 is visible. Even if this Figure 3b is not visible, the rear wall 13 has four second radiation sources 22. The second radiation sources 22 are arranged spaced apart from one another in the tangential direction with respect to the central axis M. The first and second radiation sources 6, 22 are arranged such that they are spaced apart with respect to a Figure 1shown normal plane N are not arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another. This means that the radiation sources are arranged offset from one another, so that a large part of the inner surface 11 of the rotor housing 8 can be irradiated. In alternative embodiments not shown, the radiation sources can be arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to the normal plane N.

[0081] The Fig. 4a-f show sectional views of a rotor 5 of the centrifuge 1 in different embodiments. In the Figure 4a In the illustrated embodiment of the rotor 5, two first radiation sources 6 are arranged in the base wall 23 of the rotor 5. The radiation sources 6 are each arranged at one end of the rotor 5. Furthermore, the radiation sources 6 are arranged at a distance from one another in the axial direction.

[0082] At the Fig. 4bIn the illustrated embodiment of the rotor 5, two first radiation sources 6 are arranged in at least one of the two rails 24. The radiation sources 6 are each arranged at one end of the rotor 5. Furthermore, the radiation sources 6 are arranged spaced apart from one another in the axial direction.

[0083] At the Fig. 4c In the embodiment of the rotor 5 shown, a first radiation source 6 is arranged in at least one of the two rails 24. The first radiation source 6 has a larger radiation angle than the radiation sources in the Fig. 4a and 4b shown versions.

[0084] The Fig. 4d The design of the rotor 5 shown differs from that shown in Fig. 4a illustrated embodiment in that there are three first radiation sources 6. The third radiation source 6 is also arranged in the base wall 23.

[0085] The Fig. 4eThe embodiment of the rotor 5 shown has a linear radiation source 6 which extends in the axial direction along the entire length of the base wall 23.

[0086] The Fig. 4f The design of the rotor 5 shown differs from that shown in Figure 4b The embodiment shown is characterized in that additional radiation sources 22 are provided. The second radiation sources 22 are arranged in the additional receiving section 25. In particular, the second radiation sources 22 are arranged in at least one of the rails 24 of the additional receiving section 25. The second radiation sources 22 are each arranged at one end of the rotor 5. Furthermore, the second radiation sources 22 are arranged at a distance from one another in the axial direction.

[0087] The Fig. 4a to 4f The rotors 5 shown can be used in the Figures 1 , 2 , 5 , 11 and 12 shown centrifuge 1.

[0088] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a part of a further centrifuge 1 according to the invention. The centrifuge 1 differs from the centrifuges 1 described above in the arrangement of the radiation sources 6, 22. Thus, in the centrifuge 1 shown in Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, a first radiation source 6 is attached to the upper shell 9. A second radiation source 22, not shown, is also attached to the upper shell 9. The structure of the first and second radiation sources 6, 22 is shown in Figure 8 shown. The first and second radiation sources 6, 22 are identical.

[0089] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the Fig. 5 shown part of the centrifuge 1 from the front and Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the upper shell 9 of the Fig. 5The centrifuge 1 has two radiation sources 6, 22. Both radiation sources 6, 22 are attached to the upper bowl 9. As can be seen from Figure 8 As can be seen better, the two radiation sources 6, 22 are arranged on the upper shell 9 and / or are partially arranged in an opening 32 in the upper shell 9. The two radiation sources are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to a mirror plane S. The mirror plane S has the central axis M of the rotor housing 8 and also extends in the direction of gravity. The two radiation sources 6, 22 are aligned such that the emitted radiation runs in the direction of the central axis M of the rotor housing 8. In other words, the emitted radiation hits the rotor 5 (not shown) before it is reflected by an inner surface 11 of the housing.

[0090] In addition, Figure 6It can be seen that the two radiation sources 6, 22 are arranged in a region of the upper shell 6 such that a plane P exists whose radial distance from the central axis M, i.e. in the direction of gravity, is less than 50% of the radial distance between the central axis M and the rotor housing 8. The radial distance between the central axis M and the rotor housing 8 is understood to be the distance in the direction of gravity. The plane P runs perpendicular to the direction of gravity and contains a portion of the two radiation sources 6, 22. Figure 6 Both the radial distance between the central axis M and the plane P and the radial distance between the central axis M and the rotor housing 8 are symbolized as a double arrow. The two radiation sources 6, 22 are arranged offset from each other in the tangential direction in a range between 160° and 200°, preferably 180°.

[0091] Fig. 8shows an enlarged view of a radiation source 6, 22. The radiation source 6, 22 has a radiator 31, such as an LED, by means of which radiation is emitted into the rotor chamber 4. The radiation source 6, 22 is arranged on the upper shell 9, with the radiator 31 extending partially into an opening 32 of the upper shell 9.

[0092] The radiation source 6, 22 has a heat transfer section 39, by means of which the radiator 31 is thermally connected to the upper shell 9. The heat transfer section 39 has a metallic conducting element 33, with the radiator 31 being arranged on the metallic conducting element 33. Furthermore, the radiation source 6, 22 has a circuit board 35. The metallic conducting element 33 is integrally connected to the circuit board 35. Furthermore, the metallic conducting element 33 is directly connected to the upper shell 9 by means of conductive pastes 34. As a result, heat conduction from the radiator 31 to the upper shell 9 occurs only via non-gaseous sections of the heat transfer section 39.

[0093] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a rotor 5. The rotor 5 differs from the rotor shown in Figures 1 to 8illustrated embodiments, in that the rotor 5 has two reflection bodies 36. Both reflection bodies 36 are each arranged on a rotor side 38. The rotor side 38 is offset in the tangential direction from the receiving section 7 for receiving the sample carrier 2. In particular, the rotor side 38 runs perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the base wall 23 of the rotor 5.

[0094] The two reflection bodies 36 are arranged on opposite rotor sides 38. The two rotor sides 38 are located opposite each other, in particular radially, with respect to the center axis of the rotor shaft 14. Both reflection bodies 36 each have a reflection surface 37, such as a mirror, by means of which the radiation is reflected. The reflection surface 37 has a higher reflectance than the other components of the rotor 5 and / or rotor shaft 14. The reflection surface 37 runs transversely to one of the center axes of the rotor shaft 14.

[0095] Fig. 10shows a perspective view of a portion of the centrifuge 1 with electronics compartment 17. The electronics compartment 17 is separated from the rotor compartment 4 and a front compartment 27 of the centrifuge 1 by the rear wall 13. A control device 18 for controlling a washing operation and / or a decontamination operation is arranged in the electronics compartment 17. Furthermore, the displacement device for inserting or removing the sample carrier 2 into or from the rotor 5 and the displacement motor are arranged in the electronics compartment 17. The rotor housing 8 is arranged in the front compartment 27. Furthermore, the centrifuge 1 can have a dispensing device 30 arranged on the front wall 12.

[0096] The rotor housing 8, the rotor 5 and the radiation sources 6, 22 can be designed analogously to the Figures 1-9 be designed or arranged as described above.

[0097] Fig. 11shows a perspective view of the centrifuge 1. The centrifuge 1 has a centrifuge housing 28 that encloses the front chamber 27 and the electronics chamber 17. The rotor housing 8 is also arranged in a space enclosed by the centrifuge housing 28. In addition, the centrifuge 1 has feet 29 for placing the centrifuge 1 on a floor or work table or the like. The sample carrier 2 is designed as a microtiter plate that is arranged in the centrifuge receptacle 26. The microtiter plate has a plurality of containers 3.

[0098] The centrifuge 1 can be used analogously to a centrifuge Figures 1 to 10 be designed as described.

Claims

1. A centrifuge (1) for rotating a sample carrier (2) having at least one container (3) for receiving a liquid sample, having a rotatable rotor (5) having at least one receiving section (7) for receiving the sample carrier (2), and a rotor chamber (4), in which the rotor (5) is arranged, wherein the centrifuge (1) has at least one radiation source (6, 22) for emitting radiation into the rotor chamber (4) with a wavelength of at most 350 nm, wherein the rotor chamber (4) is delimited by a rotor housing (8), characterized in that the radiation source (6, 22) has an emitter (31) which is connected to the rotor housing (8) in a thermally conductive manner by means of a heat transfer section (39).

2. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a. the at least one radiation source (6, 22) is arranged on or in the rotor housing (8) and / or in that b. a front wall (12) and / or a rear wall (13) of the rotor housing (8) has a recess in which at least one radiation source (6, 22) is arranged and / or in that c. an upper and / or a lower shell (9, 10) of the rotor housing (8) has a recess in which at least one radiation source (6, 22) is arranged.

3. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a. the centrifuge (1) has a cover (21) which fluidically separates the radiation source (6, 22) from the rotor chamber (4) and / or is designed in such a way that it transmits radiation from the radiation source (6, 22) and / or in that b. the centrifuge (1) has at least one electrical line for the electrical connection of the radiation source (6, 22) to an energy source, wherein the electrical line runs at least partially through the front wall (12) and / or rear wall (13) and / or in that c. the radiation source (6, 22) is oriented in such a way that the radiation is incident on the rotor (5) and / or an inner housing surface (11).

4. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a plurality of radiation sources (6, 22) are present, wherein radiation emitted by at least one first radiation source (6) has a different wavelength than radiation emitted by at least one second radiation source (22).

5. The centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two radiation sources are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to a mirror plane (S) which contains a center axis of the rotor shaft (14).

6. The centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the centrifuge (1) has at least one reflection body which is introduced into the receiving section (7) of the rotor (4), wherein the reflection body has at least one surface for reflecting radiation.

7. The centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a. the rotor (4) has a reflection surface which is oriented in such a way that it reflects the radiation emitted by the radiation source (6, 22) into a predetermined housing region and / or in that b. a part of the inner housing surface (11) is oriented in such a way that it reflects the radiation emitted by the radiation source (6, 22) into a predetermined rotor housing region and / or a predetermined rotor region.

8. The centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the centrifuge (1) has at least one reflection body (36), wherein a. the reflection body (36) is connected to the rotor (5) in a non-rotatable manner and / or in that b. the reflection body (36) is attached to a rotor side (38) which is arranged offset in the tangential direction with respect to the receiving section (7) and / or in that c. the reflection body (36) has a reflection surface (37) which extends axially and / or runs transversely to the center axis of the rotor shaft (14) and / or in that d. the centrifuge (1) has at least two reflection bodies (36) which are arranged on opposite rotor sides (38).

9. The centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one radiation source (6, 22) is connected to the rotor (5) in a non-rotatable manner.

10. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that a. the radiation source (6, 22) is oriented such that the radiation from the rotor (5) is emitted radially outwards and / or in that b. the centrifuge (1) has an electrical line for the connection of the radiation source (6, 22) to an energy source, wherein the electrical line runs at least partially through the rotor shaft (14).

11. The centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a. the emitter (31) is attached to a metallic conducting element (33) of the heat transfer section (39) and / or in that b. the heat transfer section (39) has a conductive paste (34), by means of which a metallic conducting element (33) of the heat transfer section (39) is connected to the rotor housing (8) in a thermally conductive manner and / or in that c. the radiation source (6, 22) has a printed circuit board (35) which is directly connected to the metallic conducting element (33).

12. The centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the centrifuge (1) has a control device (18), which effects the following: a. during a washing operation, the radiation source (6, 22) does not emit any radiation and / or b. the radiation source (6, 22) emits radiation when no sample carrier (2) is arranged in the rotor (5) and / or c. the rotor (5) is brought into a predetermined position in a decontamination operation, which differs from a position in which the sample carrier (2) can be inserted into the rotor (5) or ejected from the rotor (5) and / or d. the rotor (5) is rotated during the decontamination operation.

13. A method for operating a centrifuge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein a sample carrier (2), which has at least one container (3) for receiving a liquid sample (5), is rotated by means of a rotor (5) in a rotor chamber (4), characterized in that radiation with a wavelength of at most 350 nm is emitted into the rotor chamber (4).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that a. the radiation is emitted temporally before or after a washing operation and / or in that b. the radiation is emitted when the rotor (5) does not receive a sample carrier (2) and / or in that c. the radiation is emitted at predetermined times and / or for a predetermined period of time.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a. the rotor (5) is rotated during the decontamination operation and / or in that b. a rotor speed during the washing operation is greater than during a decontamination operation in which radiation is emitted and / or in that c. the rotor (5) is rotated in a decontamination operation, into a position which differs from a position in which the sample carrier (2) is introduced into the rotor (5) or removed from the rotor (5) and / or in that d. the radiation source (6, 22) is switched off as soon as the flap (19) does not cover the passage (16).