Laboratory centrifuge container lid and laboratory centrifuge container assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) with a laboratory centrifuge container lid (18). The laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) has a lid body (1) and a coupling ring (8) made of an elastomeric material, in particular silicone. The coupling ring (8) is secured to the lid body (1) on one side by a lid snap connection (19) and to a laboratory centrifuge container (21) on the other side by means of a container snap connection (29). The elasticity of the elastomeric material of the coupling ring (8) is used to achieve the securing effect.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a centrifuge, in particular a laboratory centrifuge using a swing-out rotor. A laboratory centrifuge container assembly is pivotably mounted on arms on the swing-out rotor such that, as the rotational speed increases, a longitudinal axis of the laboratory centrifuge container assembly changes from an orientation parallel to the rotor axis due to gravity. As the rotational speed increases, the longitudinal axis rotates on a conical surface around the rotor axis. The conical angle of the conical surface increases with increasing rotational speed and, in the theoretical limiting case, the conical angle is 90°, so that the longitudinal axis of the laboratory centrifuge container assembly rotates in a plane whose surface normal corresponds to the rotor axis. Products to be centrifuged are accommodated in a laboratory centrifuge container assembly of this design, which is a swing-out container.This can be achieved, for example, by arranging several closed vessels in the interior of the laboratory centrifuge container assembly, whereby the position of the vessels can be predetermined and secured by an insert with receiving openings for the vessels. In laboratory centrifuges of this type, gravitational fields of, for example, more than 2,000 xg (in particular, more than 4,000 xg or more than 6,000 xg) can be generated to achieve the desired sedimentation of the products. Examples of applications for the laboratory centrifuge container assembly and the laboratory centrifuges are medicine and research.

[0002] The present invention relates to a laboratory centrifuge container assembly as well as a laboratory centrifuge container lid. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Laboratory centrifuge container assemblies typically feature a laboratory centrifuge container in which the vessels (possibly with an insert) are arranged. The laboratory centrifuge container can then be closed using a laboratory centrifuge container lid. To ensure a reliable connection between the laboratory centrifuge container lid and the laboratory centrifuge container during operation (even at the high speeds and accelerations involved), the connection is secured using screw caps or a pivoting bracket, which ensures a positive locking of the laboratory centrifuge container lid to the laboratory centrifuge container. Examples of such solutions known from the prior art can be found in particular in the documents EP 2 788 122 B1, DE 10 2015 015 420 A1, DE 10 2008 031 502 B4, DE 10 2004 036 966 A1, DE 84 15 715 U1 and DE 101 28 539 A1. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of proposing a laboratory centrifuge container lid and a laboratory centrifuge container assembly, which represent an alternative embodiment for ensuring and securing the connection between the laboratory centrifuge container lid and the laboratory centrifuge container. In particular, this alternative embodiment is intended to be the installation space requirements and / or the materials used and / or the mass of the components, the guarantee of operational safety and / or cleaning and / or the guarantee of certification of the safety function and / or the manufacturing costs and / or the effort for assembling and disassembling the cover be improved. SOLUTION

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent patent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent patent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention proposes a laboratory centrifuge container lid which serves to close a laboratory centrifuge container (often also referred to as a "cup" in which products to be centrifuged are arranged, in particular in vessels with an insert, and which is centrifuged with a laboratory centrifuge).

[0007] The invention proposes that the laboratory centrifuge container lid be secured to the laboratory centrifuge container via a container locking connection. For this purpose, the laboratory centrifuge container lid has a container locking connection element, which, when the laboratory centrifuge container is closed by the laboratory centrifuge container lid, is locked to a container locking connection element of the laboratory centrifuge container.

[0008] While the use of a container locking connection for securing the laboratory centrifuge container lid to the laboratory centrifuge container may, under certain circumstances, raise concerns among experts, as such a locking connection could be considered insufficient to ensure operational safety, the invention proposes the distribution of the functions for securing the laboratory centrifuge container lid to the laboratory centrifuge container as follows: First, the laboratory centrifuge container lid has a guide surface. This guide surface can be inserted into a guide surface of the laboratory centrifuge container in such a way that, after insertion, the laboratory centrifuge container lid retains a degree of freedom relative to the laboratory centrifuge container along a longitudinal axis.

[0009] The interacting guide surfaces can be designed as desired. For example, the guide surfaces can be formed by a projection received in a recess or a guide pin received in a bore. Preferably, the guide surfaces are formed by a cylindrical inner or outer surface of an edge of the laboratory centrifuge container lid facing the laboratory centrifuge container and a correspondingly designed cylindrical outer or inner surface of the edge of the laboratory centrifuge container facing the laboratory centrifuge container lid.

[0010] Preferably, the contact of the guide surfaces with one another results in a relative fixation of the laboratory centrifuge container lid and the laboratory centrifuge container against relative displacements oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, as well as against relative rotation about a rotation axis oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis. It is possible that a degree of freedom for relative rotation of the laboratory centrifuge container lid relative to the laboratory centrifuge container about the longitudinal axis still remains, or (particularly if the guide surfaces are not rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis) such a degree of rotational freedom about the longitudinal axis is blocked. Given the contact of the guide surfaces, either only a single degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis remains, or in addition to this degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis, only one further degree of rotational freedom for relative rotation about the longitudinal axis.

[0011] According to the invention, the laboratory centrifuge container lid is further equipped with a stop and / or sealing surface. Due to the centrifugal force during operation, the stop and / or sealing surface is pressed against a stop and / or sealing surface of the laboratory centrifuge container in a first direction of the longitudinal axis. Thus, only one degree of freedom remains for securing the laboratory centrifuge container lid to the laboratory centrifuge container, with the opposite second direction along the longitudinal axis (and a possible degree of rotational freedom around the longitudinal axis).

[0012] The remaining degree of freedom with the second direction of the longitudinal axis is then secured by the container locking connection provided with the container locking connection element of the laboratory centrifuge container lid.

[0013] The inventive design is therefore based on the separation of the securing functions such that the container locking connection element serves only to prevent the laboratory centrifuge container lid from being lifted off the laboratory centrifuge container in a direction opposite to the acting centrifugal force. However, the securing force required for this is very low, so that, surprisingly, a container locking connection could be used for this securing function within the scope of the invention. In contrast, the other securing measures, namely the abutting guide surfaces and the stop and / or sealing surfaces pressed against each other by the centrifugal force, can be designed in any desired manner according to the requirements of the securing effect.

[0014] Within the scope of the invention, it is possible for the laboratory centrifuge container lid to be formed in one piece, whereby the guide surface, the stop and / or sealing surface, and the container locking connection element can then be provided by a single body. In this case, the required elasticity for establishing and releasing the container locking connection must be provided either by a reduced cross-section of the body of the laboratory centrifuge container lid or by an elastic region or an elastic component of the laboratory centrifuge container.

[0015] According to a further proposal of the invention, the laboratory centrifuge container lid comprises a lid body and a coupling ring. It is possible for the lid body and the coupling ring, which are made of different materials in particular, to be molded together. Preferably, the laboratory centrifuge container lid is formed in (at least) two parts, whereby the lid body and the coupling ring can then also be formed as separate components that can be detachably connected to one another or glued together.

[0016] The coupling ring is detachably connected to the lid body via a lid connection. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling ring can be detachably connected to the laboratory centrifuge container via a container connection.

[0017] The invention proposes that the coupling ring comprise an elastomer material. The coupling ring can consist exclusively of the elastomer material or partially of it. For example, it is possible for the coupling ring to be made of a composite material with the elastomer material, or for an elastic stiffening element such as a stiffening ring to be embedded in the elastomer material of the coupling ring. The coupling ring provides elasticity that is ensured exclusively by the elastomer of the material or partially by this elastomer material. The elasticity of the coupling ring serves to secure the lid-to-container connection and / or the container connection.

[0018] Within the scope of the invention, there are numerous possibilities for the design of the lid connection and / or the container connection. It is possible for such a connection to be designed as a friction connection, in which the contact force of the friction connection (i.e., the normal force generating the friction force) is provided by the elasticity of the coupling ring. When the laboratory centrifuge container lid is mounted on the laboratory centrifuge container, an elastic deformation of the coupling ring occurs. The elastic restoring force of the coupling ring then brings about the frictional connection. In another proposal, the elastomer material can directly form the friction surface of the friction connection of the coupling ring, so that the friction coefficient of the elastomer material can advantageously be used for the securing friction connection.

[0019] In another variant of the invention, the lid connection is a lid-snap connection. Alternatively or cumulatively, the container connection can be a container-snap connection. By using such a snap connection, depending on the design of the snap-in surfaces and contours, and the effective snap-in elasticities, the securing force can be influenced, with which the assembled position between the lid body and the coupling ring, on the one hand, and the assembled position of the coupling ring (and thus the lid body) on the laboratory centrifuge container is secured.

[0020] In principle, any material or materials can be used for the lid body. The lid body is preferably made of metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum) or plastic.

[0021] There are also a wide variety of options for the elastomer material used to form the coupling ring. Examples of suitable elastomers include vulcanizates of natural rubber or silicone rubber, polyurethanes, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, fluoroelastomers, and materials known collectively by the abbreviations NBR, HNBR, EPDM, APTK, MVQ, VMQ, MFQ, FVMQ, FPM, FKM, ACM, FFKM, FFPM, CR, CSM, AU, EU, IIR, NR, and SBR. Silicone is the preferred elastomer material.

[0022] For a structural design of the laboratory centrifuge container lid, the lid body has a radially outwardly extending collar, which is preferably designed to run circumferentially around the longitudinal axis. In this case, the coupling ring can have a recess that is open radially inward, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and which is also preferably designed to run circumferentially. The collar can then be arranged in the recess of the coupling ring to form the lid connection. If the boundary of the recess of the coupling ring is pressed against the collar of the lid body due to the elasticity of the elastomer material, this connection is secured by friction. The formation of a lid snap-in connection between the collar and the recess is also possible.

[0023] The collar can be forced into the recess of the coupling ring by elastically expanding the coupling ring so that it can be slipped over the collar. Due to its elasticity, the coupling ring changes its diameter again so that the collar is positioned in the recess. Disassembly then involves applying forces to further increase the diameter of the coupling ring in order to remove the collar from the recess of the coupling ring.

[0024] The collar and the recess preferably extend in a plane whose surface normal corresponds to the longitudinal axis. However, it is also possible for the collar and / or the recess to be oriented at an angle relative to the transverse plane.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collar and the recess each have an undercut. This undercut is an axial undercut, meaning that the undercut is formed by sections that are offset from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In the locked position, the axial undercuts of the collar and the recess engage with one another, whereby the lid-locking connection assumes the locked position.

[0026] There are a variety of possibilities for shaping the undercuts of the collar and the recess within the scope of the invention. According to one proposal of the invention, the collar has a thickened portion, which can be provided, for example, radially outwardly on the collar and can have, for example, a circular cross-section. In this case, the recess can have an extension whose cross-section preferably corresponds (with a certain amount of play, a transition fit, or preload) to the shape of the thickened portion. In the locked position of the lid-locking connection, the thickened portion of the collar is then arranged in the extension of the recess.

[0027] The invention also proposes an embodiment of the laboratory centrifuge container lid in which the coupling ring has a coupling ring sleeve section. In the area of ​​its inner surface, the coupling ring sleeve section forms an undercut. This is a radial undercut, meaning that the undercut has sections that have different radii or distances from the longitudinal axis. The radial undercut can then interact with a corresponding radial undercut of the laboratory centrifuge container, thus forming a container locking connection that secures the mounting position of the coupling ring and thus also of the lid body on the laboratory centrifuge container.

[0028] The coupling ring sleeve section can enclose the laboratory centrifuge container in the circumferential direction, whereby the radial undercut can then be provided circumferentially on the inner surface or only in partial circumferential sections. As an alternative to such a coupling ring sleeve section, coupling ring locking arms can also be provided distributed around the circumference in discrete circumferential sections, each of which then forms radial undercuts in the region of its inner surface.

[0029] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the lid body has a cylindrical guide surface configured as an outer surface. The cylindrical guide surface of the lid body is then configured to match a cylindrical guide surface of the laboratory centrifuge container, which is an inner surface. Upon insertion of the lid body into the laboratory centrifuge container, the cylindrical guide surface of the lid body engages the guide surface of the laboratory centrifuge container. With this insertion, all degrees of freedom between the lid body and the laboratory centrifuge container (apart from any assembly play) can be eliminated, except for one degree of freedom of displacement in the direction of the longitudinal axis or the guide surfaces, and one possible degree of freedom of rotation about the longitudinal axis.In this case, the container locking connection can eliminate the remaining degree of freedom of movement, whereby the degree of freedom can be restored by unlocking the container locking connection.

[0030] Preferably, the guide surface, which may also be formed by a guide sleeve of the lid body, extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis beyond the coupling ring such that the guide surface of the lid body, in the mounted position, is arranged further into the laboratory centrifuge container than the coupling ring extends radially outwardly therefrom.

[0031] In principle, the coupling ring can have any desired (constant or variable in the circumferential direction) semi-longitudinal section. For one proposed embodiment of the invention, the coupling ring is roughly F-shaped in a semi-longitudinal section. The different sections of the F-shaped semi-longitudinal section fulfill different functions: The lower end of the vertical leg of the F forms the radial undercut in the area of ​​the inner side facing the laboratory centrifuge container, which ensures the container locking connection. Meanwhile, between the two horizontal legs of the F, which are also oriented radially inward toward the longitudinal axis, the recess in which the collar of the lid body is received is formed. If the collar and / or the recess have an undercut, the horizontal legs of the F can be contoured accordingly to form the undercuts.

[0032] According to a further proposal of the invention, the lid connection and / or the container connection are not secured exclusively by the elasticity of the elastomer material of the coupling ring. Rather, an additional securing element is used to secure the lid connection or the container connection. For example, the securing element can block an elastic degree of freedom of the lid connection or the container connection that is required to release the said connection. If the connection is based on an axial undercut of the coupling ring or another component, deformation of the coupling ring or the other component in the axial direction can be hindered or prevented by the securing element. If, on the other hand, the connection is based on a radial undercut of the coupling ring or other component, the securing element can block a radial degree of freedom of the elastomer material.To give merely one non-limiting example, the securing element can be designed as a securing ring, which can, for example, be sleeve-shaped. If the coupling ring has a locking lug that can be elastically deformed radially outward to release the container-locking connection, the securing ring can surround the coupling ring for the established container-locking connection in such a way that the elastic deformation of the locking lug and any associated elastic locking arm of the coupling ring is hindered or blocked by the securing ring. For example, such a securing ring can have an L-shaped semi-longitudinal section, wherein the leg oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis then surrounds the coupling ring in the area of ​​the locking lug and the locking arm in the secured position with a small amount of play, without play, or with an elastic preload.In contrast, the other leg, oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, can rest on the top of the coupling ring of the laboratory centrifuge container in the locking position, in the direction of assembly of the lid body. To release the locking ring, first slide the locking ring away from the coupling ring, releasing the locking lug and the locking arm. The container locking connection can then be released by elastically springing the locking lug back.

[0033] A further solution to the problem underlying the invention is a laboratory centrifuge container assembly which, on the one hand, has a laboratory centrifuge container lid as previously explained and a laboratory centrifuge container.

[0034] In the laboratory centrifuge container assembly according to the invention, the laboratory centrifuge container lid and the laboratory centrifuge container each have a guide surface which, in the assembled state, abut one another and via which a guide is provided in such a way that a degree of freedom remains for a relative movement of the laboratory centrifuge container with respect to the laboratory centrifuge container lid along the longitudinal axis.

[0035] Furthermore, in the laboratory centrifuge container assembly, the laboratory centrifuge container lid and the laboratory centrifuge container each have at least one stop and / or sealing surface. In the assembled state and during operation of the laboratory centrifuge, the stop and / or sealing surface of the laboratory centrifuge container lid is pressed against the stop and / or sealing surface of the laboratory centrifuge container in a first direction of the longitudinal axis due to centrifugal force. Only one degree of freedom then remains in the direction of the second direction of the longitudinal axis (and a possible degree of rotational freedom around the longitudinal axis). In the second direction of the longitudinal axis, the laboratory centrifuge container lid is then secured via a container connection, which can be a container friction connection or a container locking connection.

[0036] Preferably, the laboratory centrifuge container lid is designed as previously explained. In particular, the laboratory centrifuge container lid comprises a lid body and a coupling ring made of an elastomer material. In this case, the elasticity of the elastomer material of the coupling ring can secure the lid connection and / or the container connection. The elasticity of the elastomer material can determine or contribute to the frictional force for a frictional locking and / or the locking force for a locked locking.

[0037] According to a laboratory centrifuge container assembly according to the invention, the lid body has a guide surface. In the assembled position, this guide surface of the lid body, which is provided in particular by a lid body guide sleeve, rests against a guide surface of the laboratory centrifuge container. As a result of the abutting guide surfaces, one degree of freedom of the lid body remains in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the laboratory centrifuge container (except for any assembly play). This means that forces acting during centrifugation can be reliably supported via the guide surfaces. The coupling ring must then ensure that no undesirable relative movement occurs between the lid body and the laboratory centrifuge container in the direction of the degree of freedom.This already reduces the strength requirements of the coupling ring and, under certain circumstances, also the level of securing force that must be ensured by the locking mechanism or friction connection. In addition, during centrifugation, the centrifugal force exerted on the lid body as a result of the swinging of the laboratory centrifuge container exerts a component that presses the lid body against the laboratory centrifuge container. This allows the forces acting as a result of centrifugation to be absorbed directly between the lid body and the laboratory centrifuge container, while no such securing forces need to be ensured by the coupling ring. Rather, the container connection of the coupling ring primarily serves to secure the movement of the lid body away from the laboratory centrifuge container.This safety feature can be important, for example, if a laboratory centrifuge container assembly is to be certified. This involves filling the laboratory centrifuge container with a specified volume or mass and then turning the laboratory centrifuge container upside down. For certification, the coupling ring and the container connection must be designed in such a way that, despite the gravity of the lid body and the filling, the lid body is reliably and tightly connected to the laboratory centrifuge container, and, in particular, that no leakage occurs.

[0038] Within the scope of the invention, it is possible for the laboratory centrifuge container to have a preferably radially outwardly oriented collar. The collar forms a radial undercut. This radial undercut of the laboratory centrifuge container's collar then forms the container locking connection with a radial undercut of the coupling ring.

[0039] In a special proposal, the laboratory centrifuge container in the laboratory centrifuge container assembly has a receptacle for a sealing element. In this case, the lid body has a lid body guide sleeve. This lid body guide sleeve preferably forms the guide surface, located radially outward, with which the lid body rests against the guide surface of the laboratory centrifuge container and is guided in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The end face of the lid body guide sleeve, which in this case forms a stop and / or sealing surface of the laboratory centrifuge lid unit, is pressed against the sealing element in the locked position of the container locking connection, which in this case forms a stop and / or sealing surface of the laboratory centrifuge container.The lid body guide sleeve is thus designed to be multifunctional in that, on the one hand, it secures the position of the lid body relative to the laboratory centrifuge container (except for the remaining degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis and any further degree of freedom of rotation around the longitudinal axis) and, on the other hand, it ensures sealing by means of the sealing element.

[0040] Preferably, the relative position of the radial undercut of the collar of the laboratory centrifuge container, the front side of the lid body guide sleeve and the radial undercut of the coupling ring is selected such that, in the mounted position, a preload of the front side of the lid body guide sleeve with the sealing element is ensured.

[0041] Advantageous further developments of the invention emerge from the patent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0042] The advantages of features and combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can be effective alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention.

[0043] With regard to the disclosure content – ​​not the scope of protection – of the original application documents and the patent, the following applies: Further features can be found in the drawings – in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to one another, as well as their relative arrangement and operative connection. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or features of different patent claims is also possible, deviating from the chosen references of the patent claims, and is hereby encouraged. This also applies to features that are illustrated in separate drawings or mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different patent claims.Likewise, features listed in the patent claims may be omitted for further embodiments of the invention, but this does not apply to the independent patent claims of the granted patent.

[0044] The number of features mentioned in the claims and the description is to be understood as meaning that exactly this number or a greater number than the stated number is present, without the need for the explicit use of the adverb "at least." Thus, for example, if reference is made to one element, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one element, two elements, or more elements are present. The features mentioned in the claims may be supplemented by further features or may be the only features present in the subject matter of the respective claim.

[0045] 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 solely to make the patent claims easier to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0046] In the following, the invention is further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. 1 shows a lid body in a longitudinal section. Fig. 2 shows a coupling ring in a longitudinal section. Fig. 3 shows a laboratory centrifuge container lid with a lid body according to Fig. 1 and a coupling ring according to Fig. 2 in a mounted position in a longitudinal section. Fig. 4 shows a detail IV of the laboratory centrifuge container lid according to Fig. 3 . Fig. 5 shows the laboratory centrifuge container lid according to Fig. 3 in a spatial partial section. Fig. 6shows the laboratory centrifuge container lid according to Figures 3 and 5 in a spatial, uncut representation. Fig. 7 shows a laboratory centrifuge container assembly with a laboratory centrifuge container lid according to Figures 3 , 5 and 6 and a laboratory centrifuge container in a longitudinal section, wherein the laboratory centrifuge container lid is disassembled from the laboratory centrifuge container. Fig. 8 shows the laboratory centrifuge container assembly according to Fig. 7 in a longitudinal section, where the laboratory centrifuge container lid is mounted and secured to the laboratory centrifuge container. Fig. 9 shows a detail IX of the laboratory centrifuge container assembly according to Fig. 8 . Fig. 10 shows the laboratory centrifuge container assembly in disassembled condition according to Fig. 7 in a front view. Fig. 11 shows the laboratory centrifuge container assembly in assembled state in a spatial partially sectioned view. Fig. 12 shows the laboratory centrifuge container group in assembled state in a spatial, non-sectional view. Fig. 13 shows a detail of a laboratory centrifuge container group according to Fig. 9 In addition, there is a securing element designed as a securing ring, which is in a securing position. Fig. 14 shows a three-dimensional, partially sectioned view of another embodiment of a laboratory centrifuge container assembly. Fig. 15 shows a detail of the laboratory centrifuge container assembly according to Fig. 14 in the area of ​​a container connection. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0047] Fig. 1shows a lid body 1. The lid body 1 has a dome-shaped lid section 2, with which an opening of the laboratory centrifuge container is covered or closed. The lid body 1 further has a collar 3 and a lid body guide sleeve 4. The collar 3 is arranged in the direction of a longitudinal axis 5 between the lid section 2 and the lid body guide sleeve 4. The collar 3 extends radially outwards and is designed here as a circular disk. For the illustrated embodiment, the collar 3 has a thickened portion 6 which is designed to run circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 5. The thickened portion 6 has a circular cross-section. Between the thickened portion 6 of the collar 3 and a connecting web of the collar 3 with a reduced extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, the collar forms an axial undercut 17a, 17b on each axial side.The lid body guide sleeve 4 forms a guide surface 7 in the area of ​​its outer surface.

[0048] The lid body 1 is preferably made of a hard plastic or metal.

[0049] Fig. 2shows a coupling ring 8. The coupling ring 8 is F-shaped in a semi-longitudinal section. The lower end region of the vertical leg 9 of the F forms a radial undercut 10, which can be achieved by means of a locking lug 11 and a locking groove 12, which here are each formed circumferentially. The two horizontal legs 13, 14 of the F extend radially inward in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. Between the horizontal legs 13, 14, a circumferential recess 15 is formed, which here has a circular cross-section open radially inward in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. The recess 15 therefore has axial undercuts 16a, 16b, which arise in the transition region from the circular cross-section of the recess 15 to the opening of the circular cross-section.The shape of the recess 15 of the coupling ring 8 corresponds in the semi-longitudinal section to the shape of the collar 3, whereby the shape of the circular thickening 6 corresponds to the circular cross-section of the recess 15.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows a laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 in which the lid body 1 is mounted with the coupling ring 8.

[0051] As in the detail IV in Fig. 4 As can be seen, the collar 3 with the thickened portion 6 is arranged in the recess 15 and the axial undercuts 16, 17 engage with each other, creating a lid-locking connection 19. The lid-locking connection 19 secures the coupling ring 8 to the lid body 1. For assembly and disassembly, the coupling ring 8 must be elastically expanded until a horizontal leg 13, 14 can pass through the collar and the collar 3 can enter the recess 15.

[0052] For a modified embodiment, instead of the lid snap-in connection 19, only a lid friction connection can be used, in which no axial undercuts 16, 17 are present and thus the collar forms flat contact surfaces with the coupling ring 8, here in the area of ​​the horizontal legs 13, 14. For both of the above-mentioned embodiments, an additional adhesive bonding of the coupling ring 8 to the lid body 1 can be carried out if the coupling ring 8 is not to be detachable from the lid body 1.

[0053] Fig. 5 and 6 show spatial views of the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18.

[0054] Fig. 7shows a laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 in which the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 has been removed from a laboratory centrifuge container 21. The laboratory centrifuge container 21 has, in the region of its opening, a cylindrical guide surface 22 formed as an inner surface. Furthermore, the laboratory centrifuge container 21 has, in the region of its outer surface, a radial undercut 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial undercut 23 is formed by a circumferential locking lug 24 and locking groove 25, which in turn are formed by a circumferential collar 33 of the laboratory centrifuge container 21. In the inner end region of the guide surface 22, the laboratory centrifuge container 21 has a receptacle 26 for a sealing element 27, which can be designed, for example, as an O-ring.In the simplest case shown here, the receptacle 26 is designed as a shoulder on which the sealing element 27 is supported axially and / or radially outwards.

[0055] Fig. 8 and 9 show the laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 in the assembled position.

[0056] If the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 is brought closer to the laboratory centrifuge container 21 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, the lid body 1 with the lid body guide sleeve 4 enters the laboratory centrifuge container 21, whereby the guide surfaces 7, 22 are supported and guided. As a result of the guidance by the guide surface 7, 22, only one degree of freedom remains in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 and, for the embodiment shown here, one degree of freedom of rotation about the longitudinal axis 5. As the lid body guide sleeve 4 advances further, an end face 28 of the lid body guide sleeve 4 comes into contact with the sealing element 27, whereby the sealing element is clamped between the end face 28 and the receptacle 26, thus ensuring a sealing effect. The end face 28 forms a stop and / or sealing surface 36 of the lid body 1, while the sealing element 27 forms a stop and / or sealing surface 37 of the laboratory centrifuge container 21.The stop and / or sealing surfaces 36, 37 serve to support the lid body 1 on the laboratory centrifuge container 21 in the direction of the centrifugal force acting on the lid body 1 and, due to their contact and pressing against one another, ensure a sealing of the interior of the laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20.

[0057] Simultaneously with the movement, the locking lug 11 of the coupling ring 8 slides along the locking lug 24 of the laboratory centrifuge container 21, with elastic expansion of the vertical leg 9, until the locking lug 11 of the coupling ring 8 engages or snaps into the locking groove 25 of the laboratory centrifuge container 21 and, correspondingly, the locking lug 24 of the laboratory centrifuge container engages or snaps into the locking groove 12 of the coupling ring 8. In this way, a container locking connection 29 is created. The locking force provided by the container locking connection 29 corresponds to the force with which the stop and / or sealing surfaces 36, 37 are pressed against one another.The contouring of the undercuts 10, 23 of the container locking connection 29 and the elasticities responsible for the locking are dimensioned such that the locking force and thus the force with which the stop and / or sealing surfaces 36, 37 are pressed against one another are large enough to ensure the desired securing force and the desired pressing of the stop and / or sealing surfaces 36, 37 against one another.

[0058] However, it is also possible that no radial undercuts 10, 23 are present, thus providing a frictional container connection by means of which a relative movement along the remaining degree of freedom in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 is eliminated, provided that the acting forces are not greater than the frictional force.

[0059] Fig. 10shows the laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 when the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 is disassembled from the laboratory centrifuge container 21, while Fig. 11 and 12 show the laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 when the laboratory centrifuge container lid is mounted on the laboratory centrifuge container 21.

[0060] In Fig. 12 a receptacle 30 of the laboratory centrifuge container 21 is shown, in which a pivot pin of the rotor of the laboratory centrifuge can be received in order to enable the swinging of the laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 during centrifugation.

[0061] To form the at least one axial undercut 16, the recess 15 of the coupling ring 8 has an extension 31, which is designed for the Fig. 2The embodiment shown is formed by the circular cross-section, the diameter of which is larger than the constriction arranged on the inlet side between the two horizontal legs 13, 14.

[0062] The vertical leg 9 of the coupling ring 8 forms an elastic coupling ring sleeve section 32, on the inside of which the locking lug 11, the locking groove 12 and thus the radial undercut 10 are formed.

[0063] The longitudinal axis 5 has a first direction 34, which is oriented from the lid body 1 toward the (bottom of the) laboratory centrifuge container 21 and in which a centrifugal force acts on the lid body 1. The opposite direction of the longitudinal axis 5 is also referred to in the present application as the second direction 35.

[0064] When removal forces are applied to the lid body 1 in the second direction 35, the radial undercuts 10, 23 are preferably operatively connected via inclined surfaces, which for circumferential undercuts 10, 23 can correspond to the outer surface of a truncated cone and are inclined relative to the transverse plane with respect to the longitudinal axis 5. When removal forces are applied to the lid body 1, these inclined surfaces convert the removal forces into a radially outward-acting radial force component, which leads to an elastic deformation of the coupling ring 8, particularly in the region of the vertical leg 9, such that the inclined surfaces can slide along one another with elastic expansion of the vertical leg 9 until the undercuts 10, 23 disengage from one another.Accordingly, the laboratory centrifuge container 21 and the vertical leg 9 of the coupling ring 8 can have inclined surfaces which cause the radial widening of the vertical leg 9 when the lid body 1 with the coupling ring 8 is pushed onto the laboratory centrifuge container 21.

[0065] The securing force thus produced by the lid locking connection 19 depends on the extent of engagement of the undercuts 10, 23 with each other (i.e. the radial offset), the angle of the inclined surfaces, the coefficient of friction in the area of ​​contact of the inclined surfaces and the elasticity as well as the elastically loaded cross-sections of the coupling ring 8.

[0066] The vertical leg 9 of the coupling ring 8 with the locking lug 11, the locking groove 12 and the radial undercut 10 forms a container locking connection element 38, which is locked by the locking of the lid locking connection 19 with a corresponding container locking connection element of the laboratory centrifuge container 21.

[0067] As described, a seal can be ensured by means of a sealing element 27, which is clamped axially and / or radially between the receptacle 26 of the laboratory centrifuge container 21 and the end face 28 of the lid body guide sleeve 4. Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible for a seal to be created as a result of elastic pressure of the coupling ring 8 against the lid body 1 and / or the laboratory centrifuge container 21. To name just a few non-limiting examples, such a sealing effect can be generated in the area of ​​the radially inner end faces of the horizontal legs 13, 14 of the coupling ring 8, when these are pressed against the cylindrical outer surface of the lid body 1, in that the collar 3 (if necessary with the thickening 6) is elastically braced in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 between the horizontal legs 13, 14 of the coupling ring 8, in that the lower side of the horizontal leg 13 is elastically pressed against the upper end face of the laboratory centrifuge container 21 and / or in that a radial pressing of the lower end region of the vertical leg 9 of the coupling ring 8 against the outer surface of the upper end region of the laboratory centrifuge container 21, in particular in the area of ​​the collar 33 and the radial undercuts 10, 23.

[0068] For the illustrated embodiment, the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18, with the coupling ring 8 mounted on the lid body 1, thus creating the lid-locking connection 19, was placed onto the laboratory centrifuge container 21, thereby creating the container-locking connection 29. However, the invention also encompasses embodiments in which the coupling ring 8 is first connected to the laboratory centrifuge container 21 via a container-locking connection 29, and then the lid body 1 is brought closer to a laboratory centrifuge container unit formed in this way. An undercut in the lid body 1 can then interact with an undercut in the coupling ring 8, thereby creating the lid-locking connection. In this case, the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 can also be mounted only once the complete laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 has been assembled.In this case, it is also possible that the connection of the coupling ring 8 to the laboratory centrifuge container 21 is made via a container locking connection formed with axial undercuts, while the lid locking connection is then based on a locking of radial undercuts.

[0069] Fig. 13 shows a detail of a laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 according to Fig. 9 . For those in Fig. 13 In the illustrated embodiment, however, the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 has an additional securing element 39, which here is designed as a retaining ring 40. In the illustrated semi-longitudinal section, the retaining ring 40 has two legs 41, 42 arranged at right angles. Fig. 13shows the secured position of the securing element 39. In this secured position, into which the securing ring 40 can be manually transferred, the securing ring 40 is pressed against the coupling ring 8 by its own weight and / or any centrifugal force with the leg 41. The leg 42 surrounds the outer surface of the coupling ring 8 and thus also the container locking connection 29 and in particular the locking lug 11 of the coupling ring 8. In this secured position, the locking lug 11 cannot spring out radially outwards, which means that a release of the container locking connection 29 is not possible. Rather, the release of the container locking connection 2 requires that the securing ring 40 is manually pushed upwards so that the leg 42 does not extend radially outwards from the locking lug 11 and thus the springing up of the locking lug 11 is released.For the illustrated embodiment, the retaining ring 40 forms an additional locking connection with the coupling ring 8 in the lower end region of the leg 42, without this being necessarily the case.

[0070] For those in the Figs 1 to 13 In the embodiments shown, the coupling ring 8 together with the lid body 1 can form the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18, which is then assembled or disassembled with the laboratory centrifuge container 21.

[0071] Fig. 14 and 15show an embodiment in which the laboratory centrifuge container 21 and the coupling ring 8 form a unit with which the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18, formed exclusively by the lid body 1, is then mounted. In this case, the coupling ring 8 can, for example, be pressed into a cylindrical guide or receiving surface of the laboratory centrifuge container 21 or glued to it or connected in some other way. The lid body 1 is designed unchanged from the previous embodiments in this case, so reference is made to the relevant description. In this case, however, the interaction of the collar 3 and the thickened portion 6 with the recess 15 of the coupling ring 8 forms the container locking connection 29. For this purpose, the coupling ring 8 has an insertion bevel 43 on its upper side.If the lid body 1 is brought closer to the laboratory centrifuge container 21 with the coupling ring 8 in the assembly direction, the collar 3 with its thickened portion 6 slides along the insertion bevel 43, whereby a radial widening of the coupling ring 8 occurs until the thickened portion 6 can lock into the recess 15 of the coupling ring 8. In this case, the recess 15 can also be designed without an undercut, although this is also entirely possible. For disassembly of the lid body 1, a radial widening of the coupling ring 8 must accordingly occur, for which purpose it is also possible that, deviating from the method shown in . Fig. 14 and 15 illustrated embodiment, the recess 15 is limited by a disassembly slope

[0072] In this description, some components and design features that are identical, similar, or serve a comparable function are identified by the same reference numbers, which are then marked with the additional letters a, b for differentiation. Reference can then be made to these components or design features with or without the use of the additional letter, which can then refer to one, several, or all of these components or design features. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0073] 1 Lid body 2 Lid section 3 Collar 4 Lid body guide sleeve 5 Longitudinal axis 6 Thickening 7 Guide surface 8 Coupling ring 9 Vertical leg 10 Radial undercut 11 Locking lug 12 Locking groove 13 Horizontal leg 14 Horizontal leg 15 Recess 16 Axial undercut 17 Axial undercut 18 Laboratory centrifuge container lid 19 Lid locking connection 20 Laboratory centrifuge container assembly 21 Laboratory centrifuge container 22 Guide surface 23 Radial undercut 24 Locking lug 25 Locking groove 26 Receptacle 27 Sealing element 28 Front side 29 Container locking connection 30 Receptacle 31 Extension 32 Coupling ring sleeve section 33 Collar 34First direction 35Second direction 36Stop and / or sealing surface 37Stop and / or sealing surface 38Container snap-in connection element 39Securing element 40Securing ring 41Leg 42Leg 43Insertion bevel

Claims

1. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) for closing a laboratory centrifuge container (21) in which products to be centrifuged are arranged and which is centrifuged with a laboratory centrifuge, a) with a guide surface (7) which can be inserted into a guide surface (22) of the laboratory centrifuge container (21) in such a way that one degree of freedom of the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) remains along a longitudinal axis (5) relative to the laboratory centrifuge container (21), b) with a stop and / or sealing surface (36), wherein the stop and / or sealing surface (36) is arranged and designed such that when the laboratory centrifuge container (21) is closed by the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) and centrifugation takes place,the stop and / or sealing surface (36) of the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) is pressed against a stop and / or sealing surface (37) of the laboratory centrifuge container (21) as a result of the centrifugal force (21) in a first direction (34) of the longitudinal axis (5), and c) with a container locking connection element (38), which, when the laboratory centrifuge container (21) is closed by the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18), is part of a container locking connection (29) that secures the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) against relative movement with respect to the laboratory centrifuge container (21) in a second direction (35) of the longitudinal axis (5).

2. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) for closing a laboratory centrifuge container (21) in which product to be centrifuged is arranged and which is centrifuged with a laboratory centrifuge, in particular laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 1, with a) a lid body (1) and b) a coupling ring (8), c) wherein the coupling ring (8) ca) is detachably connected to the lid body (1) via a lid connection and / or cb) is or can be detachably connected to the laboratory centrifuge container (21) via a container connection, and d) the coupling ring (8) comprises an elastomer material whose elasticity secures the lid connection and / or the container connection.

3. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 2, where the lid connection is a lid snap-in connection (19) and / or the container connection is a container snap-in connection (29).

4. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 2 or 3, where the lid body (1) is made of metal or plastic and / or the elastomer material is silicone.

5. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to one of claims 2 to 4, where a) the cover body (1) has a radially outwardly extending collar (3) and b) the coupling ring (8) has a radially inwardly open recess (15), c) wherein the collar (3) of the cover body (1) is arranged in the recess (15) of the coupling ring (8).

6. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 5 in direct or indirect reference to claim 3, wherethe collar (3) of the lid body (1) and the recess (15) of the coupling ring (8) each have an axial undercut (16, 17) which engage with one another in the locked position of the lid-locking connection (19), wherein in particular the collar (3) of the lid body (1) has a thickened portion (6) and the recess (15) of the coupling ring (8) has an extension (31), wherein in the locked position of the lid-locking connection (19) the thickened portion (6) of the collar (3) is arranged in the extension (31) of the recess (15).

7. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 6 in relation to claim 3, where the coupling ring (8) has a coupling ring sleeve section (32) or a coupling ring locking arm designed as a container locking connection element (38), which has a radial undercut (10) in the region of its inner surface.

8. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to one of the preceding claims, where the cover body (1) has a cylindrical guide surface (7), wherein the guide surface (7) preferably extends along the longitudinal axis (5) beyond the coupling ring (8).

9. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 5 or any one of claims 6 to 8 when dependent on claim 5, where a) the coupling ring (8) is F-shaped in a semi-longitudinal section, b) the lower end region of the vertical leg (9) of the F forms a radial undercut (10) of the container locking connection (29) and c) the recess (15) is formed between the two horizontal legs (13, 14) of the F, in which the collar (3) of the lid body (1) is received.

10. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherea securing element, in particular a securing ring, is present which secures the lid connection or the container connection.

11. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) with a laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) and a laboratory centrifuge container (21), wherea) the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) has a guide surface (7) which rests against a guide surface (22) of the laboratory centrifuge container (21), whereby a degree of freedom of the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) remains along the longitudinal axis (5) relative to the laboratory centrifuge container (21), b) the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) and the laboratory centrifuge container (21) have stop and / or sealing surfaces (36, 37), wherein the stop and / or sealing surface (36) of the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) is pressed against the stop and / or sealing surface (37) of the laboratory centrifuge container (21) as a result of the centrifugal force (21) in a first direction (34) of the longitudinal axis (5), and c) the The laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) is secured against relative movement with respect to the laboratory centrifuge container (21) in a second directional sense (35) of the longitudinal axis (5) via a container connection, in particular a container locking connection (29).

12. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) according to claim 11, where the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) is designed according to one of claims 2 to 10 and / or the elasticity of the elastomer material secures the container connection.

13. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the remaining degree of freedom of the lid body (1) relative to the laboratory centrifuge container (21) along the longitudinal axis (5) is eliminated by means of the coupling ring (8) and the container connection.

14. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) according to one of claims 11 to 13, where the laboratory centrifuge container (21) has a collar (33) which forms a radial undercut (23) which, together with a radial undercut (10) of the coupling ring (8), forms the container locking connection (29).

15. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherethe laboratory centrifuge container (21) has a receptacle (26) for a sealing element (27) and the lid body (1) has a lid body guide sleeve (4), the end face (28) of which the stop and / or sealing surface (36) is pressed against the stop and / or sealing surface (37) formed by the sealing element (27) in the locked position of the container locking connection (29).

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