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, in which a swing-out rotor is used. A laboratory centrifuge container assembly is pivotably mounted on arms attached to the swing-out rotor such that, due to gravity, the longitudinal axis of the laboratory centrifuge container assembly changes from an orientation parallel to the rotor axis as the rotational speed increases, such that the longitudinal axis rotates around the rotor axis on a conical surface. The cone angle of the conical surface increases with increasing rotational speed and, in the theoretical limiting case, reaches 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 contained 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 within the interior of the laboratory centrifuge chamber, with the position of the vessels being predetermined and secured by an insert with openings for the vessels. In laboratory centrifuges of this type, gravitational fields of, for example, more than 2,000 xg (especially more than 4,000 xg or more than 6,000 xg) can be generated to produce the desired sedimentation of the products. Exemplary application areas for the laboratory centrifuge chamber and the laboratory centrifuges themselves include medicine and research.

[0002] The present invention relates to a laboratory centrifuge container assembly as well as a laboratory centrifuge container lid. STAND THE TECHNOLOGY

[0003] Laboratory centrifuge vessel assemblies typically consist of a laboratory centrifuge vessel in which the vessels (possibly with an insert) are arranged. The laboratory centrifuge vessel can then be closed using a laboratory centrifuge vessel lid. To ensure a reliable connection between the laboratory centrifuge vessel lid and the laboratory centrifuge vessel, even during operation (including at high speeds and accelerations), the connection is secured by screw caps or a pivoting latch that provides a positive locking mechanism between the laboratory centrifuge vessel lid and the laboratory centrifuge vessel. Examples of such solutions known from the prior art can be found in particular in the publications EP 2 788 122 B1, DE 102015015420 A1, DE 10 2008 031 502 B4, DE 10 2004 036 966 A1, DE 84 15 715 U1 and DE 101 28 539 A1.

[0004] EP 0 025 945 B1 proposes a centrifuge bowl for a centrifuge with a swing-out rotor, made of a plastic material, in particular polyamide with a glass fiber content of 35%, wherein a U-shaped metal part, in particular made of a high-strength light metal or stainless steel, is embedded in the plastic material. The metal part serves to force-fit the centrifuge bowl to a suspension pin of the swing-out rotor of the centrifuge. The upper opening of the centrifuge bowl can be closed by means of a cover made of polycarbonate plastic. The cover has tabs on opposite sides. Each tab has a plate-shaped outer part and an enlarged plate-shaped inner part, which are integrally joined to form a step.The tabs can be inserted into corresponding recesses in the upper rim of the centrifuge bowl, with the step formed by the outer and inner parts sealingly abutting a corresponding step in the centrifuge bowl. Furthermore, the cover has a circumferential rim that seals against contact surfaces of the centrifuge bowl. The outer surfaces of the tabs feature serrations to facilitate removal of the cover from the centrifuge bowl. A snap-fit ​​connection for the detachable attachment of the cover to the centrifuge bowl is also proposed. For this purpose, the tabs can have an outwardly oriented lug that engages in an internal snap-fit ​​recess in the centrifuge bowl.The locking connection thus formed can be released by the user deforming the tabs in the area of ​​the ribbing inwards so that the noses of the tabs come out of engagement with the locking recesses of the centrifuge cup.

[0005] US 2008 / 0045395 A1 discloses a centrifuge vessel that can be statically sealed by means of a multi-part lid assembly. For sealing purposes, the lid assembly has a flange and a base, between which a flexible ring and an O-ring are arranged. A lid screw of the lid assembly, which can be screwed to the base through the flange, the flexible ring, and the O-ring, compresses the flexible ring and the O-ring between the flange and the base, thereby axially compressing the O-ring. This axial compression of the O-ring leads to radial expansion of the O-ring and thus to a sealing contact of the O-ring against an inner surface of the centrifuge vessel.The rotational positions of the lid screw relative to the flange, corresponding to a sealing position and a non-sealing position, are defined by radially elastically supported locking lugs of the lid screw engaging in a locking recess of the flange in these rotational positions. Furthermore, the flange has radial projections on its outer surface, which, when the lid assembly is inserted into the centrifuge vessel, are engaged by a circumferential clearance between radially inwardly oriented projections of the centrifuge vessel, thus defining a limited relative degree of rotational freedom of the flange with respect to the centrifuge vessel.In this way, for a rotational movement of the lid screw, a joint rotation of the lid screw with the flange relative to the centrifuge container can initially take place in a first rotational angle range, while as a result of the flange projections contacting the centrifuge container projections, no relative rotation between the flange and the centrifuge container is possible in a second rotational angle range, but rather a relative rotation of the lid screw relative to the flange takes place, thus transferring the lid screw from one rotational angle position to the other rotational angle position and thus a movement between the unsealed position of the lid assembly and the sealed position of the lid screw (and vice versa).

[0006] EP 3 311 924 A1 discloses a centrifuge container for a swing-out rotor, the lid of which has pivot bearings on both sides on which tabs are mounted. The tabs can be pivoted downwards from the lid and engage with locking hooks on the rim of the centrifuge container to create a snap-fit ​​connection. A seal is arranged between the lid and the centrifuge container, which ensures a seal when the lid is engaged with the centrifuge container. TASK OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective 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 advantageous with regard to the space requirements and / or the materials used and / or the mass of the components, the guarantee of operational safety and / or the 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. It should be improved. SOLUTION

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention proposes a laboratory centrifuge container lid, which serves to close a laboratory centrifuge container (often also referred to as a "beaker", in which products to be centrifuged, in particular in vessels with an insert, are arranged and which is centrifuged with a laboratory centrifuge).

[0010] The invention proposes that the laboratory centrifuge container lid is 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, locks into a container locking connection element of the laboratory centrifuge container.

[0011] While the use of a locking mechanism for securing the laboratory centrifuge container lid to the laboratory centrifuge container may, in principle, raise concerns among experts, as such a locking mechanism could be considered insufficient to guarantee operational safety, the invention proposes the following division of functions for securing the laboratory centrifuge container lid to the laboratory centrifuge container: 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, one degree of freedom of the laboratory centrifuge container lid remains relative to the laboratory centrifuge container along a longitudinal axis.

[0012] The interacting guide surfaces can be configured in any desired way. For example, the guide surfaces can be formed by a projection received in a recess or by 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 shaped cylindrical outer or inner surface of the edge of the laboratory centrifuge container facing the laboratory centrifuge container lid.

[0013] Preferably, the contact between the guide surfaces 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 an axis of rotation oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis. It is possible that one degree of freedom remains for a relative rotation of the laboratory centrifuge container lid relative to the laboratory centrifuge container about the longitudinal axis, or (particularly if the guide surfaces are not rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis) that such a rotational degree of freedom about the longitudinal axis is blocked. Given the contact of the guide surfaces, either only a single degree of freedom remains along the longitudinal axis, or, in addition to this degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis, only one further rotational degree of freedom remains for a relative rotation about the longitudinal axis.

[0014] According to the invention, the laboratory centrifuge container lid is further equipped with a stop and / or sealing surface. During operation, the stop and / or sealing surface is pressed against a stop and / or sealing surface of the laboratory centrifuge container by the centrifugal force in a first direction along 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 any rotational freedom about the longitudinal axis).

[0015] 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 element of the laboratory centrifuge container lid.

[0016] 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 lifting off the laboratory centrifuge container in a direction opposite to the acting centrifugal force. The securing force required for this is very low, so that, surprisingly, a container locking connection could be used for this purpose 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 together by the centrifugal force, can be designed as desired according to the requirements for the securing effect.

[0017] According to claim 1, the laboratory centrifuge container lid comprises a lid body and a coupling ring. It is possible that the lid body and the coupling ring, which are preferably made of different materials, are injection-molded together. Preferably, the laboratory centrifuge container lid is formed in (at least) two parts, in which case the lid body and the coupling ring can also be designed as separate components that can be detachably connected to one another or bonded together.

[0018] The coupling ring is detachably connected to the lid body via a lid connection. Alternatively or cumulatively, the coupling ring is detachably connected to the laboratory centrifuge container via a container connection, wherein, according to claim 1, the container connection is a snap-fit ​​container connection.

[0019] The invention proposes that the coupling ring comprises an elastomeric material. The coupling ring can consist entirely of the elastomeric material or partially of it. For example, the coupling ring can be made of a composite material containing the elastomeric material, or an elastic stiffening element, such as a stiffening ring, can be embedded in the elastomeric material of the coupling ring. The coupling ring provides elasticity that is ensured either exclusively or partially by the elastomeric material. The elasticity of the coupling ring serves to secure the connection between the lid and / or the container.

[0020] Within the scope of the invention, there are numerous possibilities for the design of the lid connection and / or the container connection, wherein, according to claim 1, the container connection is a snap-fit ​​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 to the laboratory centrifuge container, the coupling ring is elastically deformed. The elastic restoring force of the coupling ring then creates the friction-fit connection. In a further proposal, the elastomer material can directly form the friction surface of the coupling ring's friction connection, so that the coefficient of friction of the elastomer material can advantageously be used for the securing friction connection.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the lid connection is a lid snap-fit ​​connection. Alternatively or cumulatively, the container connection can be a container snap-fit ​​connection, as is the case for the container lid according to claim 1. By using such a snap-fit ​​connection, the locking force can be influenced, depending on the design of the locking surfaces and contours and the effective locking elasticity. This locking force secures 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 other, on the other, on the laboratory centrifuge container.

[0022] In principle, any material or materials can be used for the lid body. Preferably, the lid body is made of metal (for example, steel, stainless steel, aluminum) or plastic.

[0023] There are also numerous options for the elastomer material used to form the coupling ring. Examples of usable elastomers include vulcanizates of natural rubber or silicone rubber, polyurethanes, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, fluoroelastomers, and materials collectively known 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.

[0024] For a design of the laboratory centrifuge container lid, the lid body has a radially outward-extending collar, preferably extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis. In this case, the coupling ring can have a radially inward-opening recess, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which is also preferably circumferential. The collar can then be positioned in the recess of the coupling ring to form the lid connection. When the edge of the coupling ring's recess is pressed against the collar of the lid body due to the elasticity of the elastomer material, this connection is secured by friction. Alternatively, a snap-fit ​​connection between the collar and the recess can be formed.

[0025] The collar can be inserted 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 ring then expands its diameter again, positioning the collar within the recess. Disassembly is achieved by applying force to expand the diameter of the coupling ring once more, thus removing the collar from the recess.

[0026] 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 inclined relative to the transverse plane.

[0027] In 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 each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In the latched position, the axial undercuts of the collar and the recess engage with each other, thus locking the cover in the latched position.

[0028] The invention offers numerous possibilities for shaping the undercuts of the collar and the recess. In one embodiment, the collar features a thickening, which, for example, can be located radially on the outside of the collar and may have a circular cross-section. In this case, the recess can have an extension whose cross-section preferably corresponds to the shape of the thickening (with some clearance, a transition fit, or a preload). In the locked position of the lid's snap-fit ​​connection, the thickening of the collar is then positioned within the extension of the recess.

[0029] 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 with different radii or distances from the longitudinal axis. The radial undercut can then interact with a corresponding radial undercut of the laboratory centrifuge container, thereby forming a container-lock connection that secures the mounting position of the coupling ring and thus also of the lid body on the laboratory centrifuge container.

[0030] The coupling ring sleeve section can enclose the laboratory centrifuge vessel circumferentially, in which case the radial undercut can be provided circumferentially on the inner surface or only in partial circumferential sections. Alternatively, instead of such a coupling ring sleeve section, coupling ring locking arms can be distributed around the circumference in discrete sections, each forming radial undercuts in the region of its inner surface.

[0031] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the lid body has a cylindrical guide surface designed as an outer surface. This cylindrical guide surface of the lid body is designed to fit a cylindrical guide surface of the laboratory centrifuge container, which is an inner surface. When the lid body is inserted into the laboratory centrifuge container, the cylindrical guide surface of the lid body engages with the guide surface of the laboratory centrifuge container. With this insertion, all degrees of freedom between the lid body and the laboratory centrifuge container are eliminated (except for any assembly play), except for one degree of displacement in the direction of the longitudinal axis or the guide surfaces and one degree of rotation about the longitudinal axis.In this case, the container locking connection can then eliminate the aforementioned remaining degree of displacement freedom, whereby the degree of freedom can be restored by disengaging the container locking connection.

[0032] 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 in such a way that the guide surface of the lid body in the assembled position is arranged further in the laboratory centrifuge container than the coupling ring extends radially outside of it.

[0033] In principle, the coupling ring can have any (circumferentially constant or variable) semi-longitudinal section. In one embodiment of the invention, the coupling ring is formed in a semi-longitudinal section that is approximately F-shaped. 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 on the inner side facing the laboratory centrifuge vessel, which ensures the snap-fit ​​connection between the vessel and the F. Conversely, the recess between the two horizontal legs of the F, which are also oriented radially inwards along the longitudinal axis, accommodates the collar of the lid body. If the collar and / or the recess has an undercut, the horizontal legs of the F can be contoured accordingly to form the undercuts.

[0034] In a further aspect of the invention, the securing of the lid connection and / or the container connection is not achieved solely through the elasticity of the elastomer material of the coupling ring. Instead, an additional locking element is used to secure the lid connection or the container connection. For example, the locking element can block one elastic degree of freedom of the lid connection or container connection that is required to release the connection. If the connection is based on an axial undercut of the coupling ring or another component, the locking element can prevent or hinder axial deformation of the coupling ring or other component. Conversely, if the connection is based on a radial undercut of the coupling ring or other component, the locking element can block one radial degree of freedom of the elastomer material.To give just one example that does not limit the invention, the locking element can be designed as a locking ring, which may, for example, be sleeve-shaped. If the coupling ring has a locking lug that can be elastically deformed radially outwards to release the container-locking connection, the locking ring can surround the coupling ring 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 locking ring. For example, such a locking 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 with a small amount of play, without play, or with an elastic preload when in the locked position.In contrast, the other leg, oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, can rest against the laboratory centrifuge container on the top of the coupling ring in the mounting direction of the lid body when in the locked position. To release the locking ring, the locking ring must first be slid away from the coupling ring, thereby releasing the locking lug and the locking arm. The container-locking connection can then be released by the elastic rebound of the locking lug.

[0035] Another solution to the problem underlying the invention is a laboratory centrifuge container assembly which has, on the one hand, a laboratory centrifuge container lid, as previously explained, and, on the other hand, a laboratory centrifuge container.

[0036] 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, rest against each other and via which guidance is provided in such a way that one 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.

[0037] Furthermore, in the laboratory centrifuge vessel assembly, the laboratory centrifuge vessel lid and the laboratory centrifuge vessel each have at least one stop and / or sealing surface. When assembled and during operation of the laboratory centrifuge, the stop and / or sealing surface of the laboratory centrifuge vessel lid is pressed against the stop and / or sealing surface of the laboratory centrifuge vessel in a first direction along the longitudinal axis due to centrifugal force. This leaves only one degree of freedom in the second direction along the longitudinal axis (and any rotational freedom about the longitudinal axis). In the second direction along the longitudinal axis, the laboratory centrifuge vessel lid is then secured by a vessel connection, which can be a friction connection or a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0038] The laboratory centrifuge vessel assembly according to the invention comprises a lid body and a coupling ring. The coupling ring is detachably connected to the lid body via a lid connection and / or detachably connected to the laboratory centrifuge vessel via a vessel connection. The coupling ring is made of an elastomeric material whose elasticity secures the lid connection and / or the vessel connection.

[0039] Preferably, the laboratory centrifuge container lid is designed as previously described. In this case, the laboratory centrifuge container lid comprises, in particular, a lid body and a coupling ring made of an elastomeric material, wherein the elasticity of the elastomeric material of the coupling ring can secure the lid connection and / or the container connection. The elasticity of the elastomeric material can determine or contribute to the frictional force for a friction-fit connection and / or the locking force for a latched connection.

[0040] According to a laboratory centrifuge vessel 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 vessel. As a result of the guide surfaces being in contact, the lid body retains (except for any assembly play) one degree of freedom in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the laboratory centrifuge vessel. This means that forces acting during centrifugation can be reliably supported by the guide surfaces. The coupling ring must then ensure that no undesired relative movement occurs between the lid body and the laboratory centrifuge vessel in the direction of this degree of freedom.This already reduces the requirements for the strength of the coupling ring and, potentially, also the magnitude of the securing force to be ensured by the detent or friction connection. Furthermore, during centrifugation, the centrifugal force exerted on the lid body by the oscillation of the laboratory centrifuge container exerts a component that presses the lid body onto the laboratory centrifuge container. This allows the forces resulting from centrifugation to be absorbed directly between the lid body and the laboratory centrifuge container, meaning that no such securing forces need to be ensured by the coupling ring. Rather, the primary purpose of the coupling ring's container connection is to prevent the lid body from moving away from the laboratory centrifuge container.This safety feature can be important, for example, when the laboratory centrifuge vessel assembly is to be certified. This certification involves filling the laboratory centrifuge vessel with a target volume or mass, then turning it upside down. For certification, the coupling ring and the vessel connection must be designed in such a way that, despite the force of gravity acting on the lid and the filling process, the lid remains reliably and securely connected to the laboratory centrifuge vessel, and, in particular, no leakage occurs.

[0041] Within the scope of the invention, it is possible that the laboratory centrifuge container has a collar, preferably oriented radially outwards. This collar forms a radial undercut. This radial undercut of the collar of the laboratory centrifuge container then forms the container-to-container snap-fit ​​connection with a radial undercut of the coupling ring.

[0042] In a particular design, the laboratory centrifuge container assembly features 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 radially outer guide surface, with which the lid body rests against the guide surface of the laboratory centrifuge container and is guided along its 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. The sealing element 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 it secures the position of the lid body relative to the laboratory centrifuge container on the one hand (except for the remaining degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis and any further degree of rotational freedom around the longitudinal axis) and on the other hand ensures sealing by means of the sealing element.

[0043] Preferably, the relative position of the radial undercut of the collar of the laboratory centrifuge container, the end face of the lid body guide sleeve and the radial undercut of the coupling ring is selected such that in the assembled position a preload of the end face of the lid body guide sleeve with the sealing element is ensured.

[0044] Advantageous further developments of the invention result from the patent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0045] The advantages of features and combinations of features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can have an effect alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention.

[0046] Regarding the disclosure content—not the scope of protection—of the original application documents and the patent, the following applies: Further features can be derived from the drawings—in particular, the geometries depicted and the relative dimensions of several components to one another, as well as their relative arrangement and functional connection. The combination of features from different embodiments of the invention or from features of different claims is also possible, deviating from the chosen cross-references of the 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 from different 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.

[0047] The features mentioned in the claims and the description are to be understood, with regard to their number, as meaning that exactly that 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 an element is mentioned, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one element, two elements, or more elements are present. The features listed in the claims may be supplemented by further features or may be the only features that the subject matter of the respective claim possesses.

[0048] The reference numerals contained in the patent claims do not constitute a limitation of the scope of the subject matter protected by the patent claims. They merely serve the purpose of making the patent claims easier to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0049] The invention will now be 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 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, uncropped representation. Fig. 7 shows a laboratory centrifuge vessel assembly with a laboratory centrifuge vessel lid according to Figures 3 , 5 and 6 and a laboratory centrifuge container in a longitudinal section, with the laboratory centrifuge container lid removed 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 Detail IX of the laboratory centrifuge vessel assembly according to Fig. 8 . Fig. 10 shows the laboratory centrifuge vessel assembly in a disassembled state according to Fig. 7 in a front view. Fig. 11 shows the laboratory centrifuge container assembly in its assembled state in a spatial, partially cutaway view. Fig. 12 shows the laboratory centrifuge container group in its assembled state in a spatial, uncut view. Fig. 13 shows a detail of a laboratory centrifuge container group accordingly Fig. 9 where, in addition, a locking element designed as a retaining ring is present, which is in a locking position. Fig. 14 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a laboratory centrifuge container assembly in a spatial, partially cutaway view. Fig. 15 shows a detail of the laboratory centrifuge vessel assembly according to Fig. 14 in the area of ​​a container connection. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0050] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a lid body 1. The lid body 1 has a dome-shaped lid section 2, which covers or closes an opening of the laboratory centrifuge vessel. The lid body 1 also has a collar 3 and a lid body guide sleeve 4. The collar 3 is arranged along 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 as an annular disk. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 3 has a thickening 6 that extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 5. The thickening 6 has a circular cross-section. Between the thickening 6 of the collar 3 and a connecting web of the collar 3 with a reduced extension along 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.

[0051] The lid body 1 is preferably made of a hard plastic or metal.

[0052] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows 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 is achieved by means of a locking lug 11 and a locking groove 12, both of which are formed circumferentially. The two horizontal legs 13, 14 of the F extend radially inwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. A circumferential recess 15 is formed between the horizontal legs 13, 14, which here has a circular cross-section open radially inwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. The recess 15 therefore has axial undercuts 16a, 16b, which occur in the transition region from the circular cross-section of the recess 15 to the opening of the circular cross-section to the inside.The shape of the recess 15 of the coupling ring 8 corresponds in semi-longitudinal section to the shape of the collar 3, wherein the shape of the circular thickening 6 corresponds to the circular cross-section of the recess 15.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a laboratory centrifuge container lid 18, in which the lid body 1 is mounted with the coupling ring 8.

[0054] As in Detail IV in Fig. 4 As can be seen, the collar 3 with the thickening 6 is arranged in the recess 15, and the axial undercuts 16, 17 engage with each other, thus creating a lid snap-fit ​​connection 19. The lid snap-fit ​​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.

[0055] In a modified embodiment, instead of the lid snap-fit ​​connection 19, only a lid friction connection can be used, in which there are no axial undercuts 16, 17 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 embodiments mentioned, the coupling ring 8 can be additionally bonded to the lid body 1 if the coupling ring 8 is not to be detachable from the lid body 1.

[0056] Fig. 5 and 6 show spatial views of the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18.

[0057] Fig. 7Figure 1 shows 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 a cylindrical guide surface 22, designed as an inner surface, in the area of ​​its opening. Furthermore, the laboratory centrifuge container 21 has a radial undercut 23 in the area of ​​its outer surface. 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, for example, be designed 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.

[0058] Fig. 8 and 9 The laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 is shown in the assembled position.

[0059] As the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 is approached towards the laboratory centrifuge container 21 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, the lid body 1, together with the lid body guide sleeve 4, enters the laboratory centrifuge container 21, thereby contacting and guiding the guide surfaces 7, 22. Due to the guidance provided by the guide surfaces 7, 22, only one degree of freedom remains in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, and, in the embodiment shown here, one degree of rotational freedom about the longitudinal axis 5. As the lid body guide sleeve 4 increasingly enters the container, an end face 28 of the lid body guide sleeve 4 comes into contact with the sealing element 27, thus clamping the sealing element between the end face 28 and the receptacle 26, ensuring a seal. 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, as a result of their arrangement and contact with each other, ensure a seal of the interior of the laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20.

[0060] 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 under 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 together.The contouring of the undercuts 10, 23 of the container locking connection 29 and the elasticities responsible for the locking action are dimensioned such that the locking force and thus the force with which the stop and / or sealing surfaces 36, 37 are pressed against each other are large enough to ensure the desired locking force and the desired contact pressure of the stop and / or sealing surfaces 36, 37 against each other.

[0061] However, it is also possible that no radial undercuts 10, 23 are present, thus providing a friction-fit container connection by means of which 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 friction force.

[0062] Fig. 10shows the laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 when the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 is removed from the laboratory centrifuge container 21, while Fig. 11 and 12 The laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 is shown when the laboratory centrifuge container lid is mounted on the laboratory centrifuge container 21.

[0063] In Fig. 12 Figure 30 shows a recording of the laboratory centrifuge container 21 in which a pivot bolt of the rotor of the laboratory centrifuge can be received to allow the laboratory centrifuge container assembly 20 to swing out during centrifugation.

[0064] To form 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 illustrated embodiment is formed by the annular cross-section, the diameter of which is larger than the constriction arranged on the inlet side between the two horizontal legs 13, 14.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The longitudinal axis 5 has a first direction 34, which is oriented from the lid body 1 towards 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.

[0067] The radial undercuts 10, 23 preferably engage with the lid body 1 via inclined surfaces when removal forces are applied in the second direction 35. These inclined surfaces can correspond to the lateral surface of a truncated cone for circumferential undercuts 10, 23 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. This 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 under elastic expansion of the vertical leg 9 until the undercuts 10, 23 disengage from each other.Accordingly, the laboratory centrifuge container 21 and the vertical leg 9 of the coupling ring 8 can have inclined surfaces which, when the lid body 1 with the coupling ring 8 is pushed onto the laboratory centrifuge container 21, cause the vertical leg 9 to expand radially.

[0068] The locking force produced by the cover locking connection 19 in this way depends on the extent of the 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 actuated cross-sections of the coupling ring 8.

[0069] 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 to a corresponding container locking connection element of the laboratory centrifuge container 21 by locking the lid locking connection 19.

[0070] As described, a seal can be ensured by means of a sealing element 27, which is axially and / or radially clamped 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, a seal can be achieved by elastic compression of the coupling ring 8 against the lid body 1 and / or the laboratory centrifuge container 21. To name just a few examples not limiting the invention, 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, by elastically clamping the collar 3 (possibly with the thickening 6) in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 between the horizontal legs 13, 14 of the coupling ring 8, by elastically clamping the lower side of the horizontal leg 13 to the upper end face of the laboratory centrifuge container 21 and / or by radially clamping the lower end region of the vertical leg 9 of the coupling ring 8 to 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.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18, with the coupling ring 8 mounted on the lid body 1 (i.e., the lid snap-fit ​​connection 19), was placed onto the laboratory centrifuge container 21, thereby creating the container snap-fit ​​connection 29. However, the invention also includes embodiments in which the coupling ring 8 is first connected to the laboratory centrifuge container 21 via a container snap-fit ​​connection 29, and then the lid body 1 is brought close to the laboratory centrifuge container assembly thus formed. An undercut in the lid body 1 can then interact with an undercut in the coupling ring 8, thereby creating the lid snap-fit ​​connection. In this case, the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 can also be mounted only after 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 with the laboratory centrifuge container 21 is made via a container snap connection formed with axial undercuts, while the lid snap connection is then based on a locking of radial undercuts.

[0072] Fig. 13 shows a detail of a laboratory centrifuge vessel assembly 20 according to Fig. 9 For those in Fig. 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18 has an additional locking element 39, which here is designed as a locking ring 40. In the illustrated semi-longitudinal section, the locking ring 40 has two legs 41, 42 arranged at right angles. Fig. 13Figure 3 shows the secured position of the locking element 39. In this secured position, into which the locking ring 40 can be manually moved, the locking ring 40 is pressed against the coupling ring 8 by its own weight and / or any centrifugal force acting upon it, with leg 41. 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, thus preventing the container locking connection 29 from being released. Rather, releasing the container locking connection 29 requires that the locking ring 40 be manually pushed upwards so that leg 42 no longer extends radially outwards from the locking lug 11, thereby allowing the locking lug 11 to spring back.In 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, although this is not necessarily the case.

[0073] For those in the Figs. 1 to 13 In the illustrated embodiments, the coupling ring 8 together with the lid body 1 can form the laboratory centrifuge container lid 18, which is then mounted or dismounted with the laboratory centrifuge container 21.

[0074] Fig. 14 and 15Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the laboratory centrifuge container 21 and the coupling ring 8 form a unit to 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 be bonded or otherwise connected to it. The lid body 1 is unchanged in this case compared to the preceding embodiments, so reference is made to the corresponding description. In this case, however, the interaction of the collar 3 and the thickening 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 ramp 43 on its upper surface.When the lid body 1 is brought close to the laboratory centrifuge vessel 21 with the coupling ring 8 in the assembly direction, the collar 3 with its thickening 6 slides along the insertion ramp 43, causing a radial expansion of the coupling ring 8 until the thickening 6 can engage in the recess 15 of the coupling ring 8. In this case, the recess 15 can also be formed without an undercut, although this is also quite possible. To disassemble the lid body 1, a radial expansion of the coupling ring 8 must occur accordingly, for which it is also possible that, deviating from the one in . Fig. 14 and 15 In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 15 is limited by a disassembly ramp.

[0075] In this description, some components and design features that are identical, similar, or serve a comparable function are identified with the same reference numbers, distinguished by the supplementary letter a, b. These components or design features may be referenced with or without the additional letter, thus referring to one, several, or all of them. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0076] 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 Detent lug 12 Detent groove 13 Horizontal leg 14 Horizontal leg 15 Recess 16 Axial undercut 17 Axial undercut 18 Laboratory centrifuge container lid 19 Lid detent connection 20 Laboratory centrifuge container assembly 21 Laboratory centrifuge container 22 Guide surface 23 Radial undercut 24 Detent lug 25 Detent groove 26 Receptacle 27 Sealing element 28 End face 29 Container detent connection 30 Receptacle 31 Extension 32 Coupling ring sleeve section 33 Collar 34 First Direction 35 Second direction 36 Stop and / or sealing surface 37 Stop and / or sealing surface 38 Container locking element 39 Locking element 40 Locking ring 41 Leg 42 Leg 43 Lead-in chamfer

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 by a laboratory centrifuge, a) having a guiding surface (7) which is insertable into a guiding surface (22) of the laboratory centrifuge container (21) such that one degree of freedom of the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) along a longitudinal axis (5) remains relative to the laboratory centrifuge container (21), b) having an abutment and / or sealing surface (36), wherein the abutment and / or sealing surface (36) is arranged and configured such that, when the laboratory centrifuge container (21) is closed by the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) and centrifugation occurs, the abutment and / or sealing surface (36) of the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) is pressed, as a result of centrifugal force (21), in a first directional sense (34) of the longitudinal axis (5) against an abutment and / or sealing surface (37) of the laboratory centrifuge container (21), and c) having a container latching connection element (38) which, when the laboratory centrifuge container (21) is closed by the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18), forms part of a container latching connection (29) that secures the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) against relative movement with respect to the laboratory centrifuge container (21) in a second directional sense (35) of the longitudinal axis (5), characterized in that d) the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) comprises a lid body (1) and a coupling ring (8), e) wherein the coupling ring (8) ea) is releasably connected to the lid body (1) via a lid connection, and / or eb) is releasably connectable to the laboratory centrifuge container (21) via the container latching connection (29), and f) the coupling ring (8) comprises an elastomer material whose elasticity secures the lid connection and / or the container connection.

2. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 1, wherein the lid connection is a lid latching connection (19) and / or the container connection is a container latching connection (29).

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

4. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a) the lid body (1) has a flange (3) extending radially outward, and b) the coupling ring (8) has a recess (15) open radially inward, c) wherein the flange (3) of the lid body (1) is arranged in the recess (15) of the coupling ring (8).

5. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 4 in direct or indirect dependency on claim 2, wherein the flange (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 latched position of the lid latching connection (19), wherein, in particular, the flange (3) of the lid body (1) has a thickening (6) and the recess (15) of the coupling ring (8) has an enlargement (31), and in the latched position of the lid latching connection (19) the thickening (6) of the flange (3) is arranged in the enlargement (31) of the recess (15).

6. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 5 in dependency on claim 3, wherein the coupling ring (8) comprises a coupling ring sleeve section (32) or a coupling ring latching arm formed as the container latching connection element (38), which has a radial undercut (10) in the region of its inner surface.

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

8. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 7 in dependency on claim 4, wherein a) the coupling ring (8) is F-shaped in a half-longitudinal section, b) the lower end region of the vertical leg (9) of the F forms a radial undercut (10) of the container latching connection (29), and c) the recess (15), in which the flange (3) of the lid body (1) is received, is formed between the two horizontal legs (13, 14) of the F.

9. Laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a securing element, in particular a securing ring, is provided which secures the lid connection or the container connection.

10. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) comprising a laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) and a laboratory centrifuge container (21), wherein a) the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) has a guiding surface (7) which bears against a guiding surface (22) of the laboratory centrifuge container (21), whereby one degree of freedom of the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) along the longitudinal axis (5) remains relative to the laboratory centrifuge container (21), b) the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) and the laboratory centrifuge container (21) have abutment and / or sealing surfaces (36, 37), wherein the abutment and / or sealing surface (36) of the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) is pressed, as a result of centrifugal force (21), in a first directional sense (34) of the longitudinal axis (5) against the abutment and / or sealing surface (37) of the laboratory centrifuge container (21), and c) 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 latching connection (29), characterized by d) a lid body (1) and a coupling ring (8), e) wherein the coupling ring (8) ea) is releasably connected to the lid body (1) by a lid connection, and / or eb) is releasably connectable or connected to the laboratory centrifuge container (21) by the container connection, and f) the coupling ring (8) comprises an elastomer material whose elasticity secures the lid connection and / or the container connection.

11. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) according to claim 10, wherein the laboratory centrifuge container lid (18) is configured according to any one of claims 2 to 9 and / or the elasticity of the elastomer material secures the container connection.

12. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) according to claim 10 or 11, 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.

13. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the laboratory centrifuge container (21) has a collar (33) forming a radial undercut (23) which, together with a radial undercut (10) of the coupling ring (8), establishes the container latching connection (29).

14. Laboratory centrifuge container assembly (20) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the laboratory centrifuge container (21) has an accommodation (26) for a sealing element (27), and the lid body (1) has a lid body guiding sleeve (4) whose front face (28), in the latched position of the container latching connection (29), presses the abutment and / or sealing surface (36) against the abutment and / or sealing surface (37) formed by the sealing element (27).

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