Centrifuge and method for operating this centrifuge
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023764299
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-08-31
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing centrifuges require a time-consuming process for starting operations due to complex parameter settings and a need for manual entry of data, which complicates handling and increases the risk of unintentional false starts, especially with critical rotor types or sizes.
A lid-controlled switching process that automatically activates the centrifuge when the lid is closed, using a cover switch connected to the control unit, which operates based on the last entered parameters or selected program if certain conditions are met, along with safety switches to prevent startup in case of component failure, and a blocking mechanism to ensure the lid remains closed during operation.
Simplifies the handling and startup of the centrifuge, reduces the risk of unintentional starts, and ensures operational safety by automatically initiating operations with consistent parameters and programs, while preventing false starts and component malfunctions.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Centrifuge and method of operating this centrifuge
[0002] The invention relates to a centrifuge according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for operating this centrifuge according to claim 20.
[0003] Such centrifuges, particularly laboratory centrifuges, for separating substances or mixtures of substances, preferably at speeds up to 17,000 rpm, and especially for samples of up to 1,000 ml per rotor, have been known for some time and are used, among other things, in the medical and pharmaceutical fields for treating mixtures of substances or for obtaining blood plasma by centrifugation. Centrifugation can be carried out according to a specific process duration, a specific speed, and a specific temperature profile. The known centrifuges essentially consist of a housing that can be closed by a lid, within which a replaceable rotor is arranged in a safety vessel. The safety vessel and the closed lid define a rotor chamber in which the rotor is arranged on a drive shaft. The drive shaft is coupled to an electric motor.The rotor's peripheral area is provided with receptacles for inserting and removing sample containers. The sample containers contain the substance mixtures or blood samples to be treated, i.e., the samples in general. The rotor is connected to an electric motor. The rotor and the electric motor are located in the housing.
[0004] Depending on the rotor used and the sample containers used in it, there are different maximum speeds for safety reasons, but also to achieve the desired process result, and compliance with these maximum speeds must be monitored during operation of the centrifuge. Depending on the samples to be treated, there are further requirements, for example with regard to the process duration and process temperature, which also require monitoring. The process duration, process temperature and process speed depend on the rotor used, the sample containers used and the samples to be centrifuged. Accordingly, this data is entered and saved, for example, via a control unit on the laboratory centrifuge. This results in the absolute volume of the data / parameters to be entered orThe activation or deactivation of the programs results in complex setting procedures that require a correspondingly configured control panel of the control unit. The control panel is therefore characterized by a large number of switches. A display is provided for showing various parameters for centrifuge operation. The control panel has input means for entering the parameters for centrifuge operation and / or for selecting parameters for centrifuge operation stored in the control unit. The data, parameters, and programs are transmitted to a control unit of the centrifuge for centrifugation, which controls centrifuge operation.
[0005] Such a laboratory centrifuge is known from EP 0 994 753 B1, in which a push and turn button is provided as an input means for entering the parameters for the operation of the centrifuge.
[0006] A generic centrifuge is known from DE 10 2008 010 640 A1.
[0007] DE 38 18 407 A1 also discloses a centrifuge with a sensor-monitored lid. However, this document does not go beyond the disclosure of DE 10 2008 010 640 A1.
[0008] US 2021 / 0039114 A1 describes a centrifuge that is started via a passcode. The lid is monitored by sensors, so that it can only be started when the lid is closed.
[0009] However, the disadvantage of the known centrifuges is that the effort required to start the centrifuge is very time-consuming.
[0010] The invention is therefore based on the object of developing a centrifuge according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that the handling of the centrifuge is simplified and, in particular, accelerated.
[0011] This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1 in conjunction with its preamble. The invention is based on the finding that a lid-controlled switching process can accelerate the start of centrifuge operation, even if no new parameters have been selected or entered. If no new parameters have been selected or entered, the centrifuge always operates according to the last entered parameters or according to a last selected program, provided certain additional conditions are met.
[0012] According to the invention, the control unit is therefore connected to at least one lid switch for signaling purposes, in particular via signal lines. The lid switch can be activated when the lid is closed. When the lid switch is activated, the control unit activates the rotor drive for centrifuge operation according to the parameters last entered into the control unit and / or a program last selected using the control unit, provided certain additional conditions are met. This simplifies handling, in particular starting operation, of the centrifuge. This is particularly effective during repeated centrifugation operations with constant parameters and / or constant programs. At the same time, the operational reliability of the centrifuge is ensured.For example, unintentional false starts can be avoided with critical rotor types or sizes, i.e., rotors with high kinetic energy. This also applies to rotors with hangers, where individual hangers can be missing during rotor start-up, creating a significant imbalance in the centrifuge. Thus, if the lid is closed and the conditions are met, the centrifuge starts automatically. No further action is required. The conditions are simply queried by the control unit.
[0013] Preferably, the framework conditions refer to specific rotor types and / or specific rotor sizes installed in the centrifuges. Alternatively or additionally, the framework conditions can refer to specific speeds that were last entered and / or to specific programs that were last selected.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one safety switch interacting with the control unit is provided. This safety switch can also be designed in the form of a programmed controller. The safety switch prevents the rotor drive from being activated in the event of a component failure of the centrifuge. This simply ensures that the centrifuge cannot be started in the event of a potential hazard due to defective components during operation or in the event of component malfunction. The safety switch can be connected to sensors for detecting a component failure of the centrifuge and to the control unit, whereby the safety switch interacts with the control unit to activate and deactivate the drive. The interaction of corresponding sensors and the control unit both detects a component failure and prevents activation of the drive if necessary.
[0015] To enable a compact design and simple manufacturing, the control unit, display, and input devices are combined in a single electronic module. This electronic module can be equipped with at least one interface, either wired or wireless. This interface can then be used to easily output relevant operating data or upload software updates.
[0016] Preferably, the control unit is signal-connected to at least one imbalance sensor, one sensor for detecting the rotor speed, one temperature sensor (in particular temperature sensors arranged differently within the centrifuge), and one rotor type recognition sensor, and evaluates their signals accordingly for rotor control. This also allows the centrifugation process to be documented, which is necessary for certain samples and centrifugation processes.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, two lid switches are provided, which are connected to the control unit via signal lines. The control unit only activates the rotor drive when all lid switches are activated. This prevents a false start due to an improperly closed lid.
[0018] The lid can be designed to be foldable around a pivot axis.
[0019] To ensure easy activation of the lid switch, the lid or lid switches have an actuating means associated with the lid switch or each lid switch for activating the associated lid switch. In particular, the actuating means is arranged on the side remote from the pivot axis.
[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid has a locking mechanism that prevents the lid from opening after it has been closed. This prevents any accidental opening of the lid and interruption of the centrifugation process.
[0021] It is also advantageous if the locking mechanism includes a locking element that can be moved between a locked position and a released position. The locking element locks the lid during centrifuge operation. The locking element thus holds the lid in the closed position. Opening is then no longer possible.
[0022] A servomotor can move the locking element between the blocking and release positions. This allows the locking mechanism to be triggered and operated automatically.
[0023] To detect the position of the locking element, a position sensor is provided, which is connected to the control device. The control device only activates the rotor drive when the locking element is in the blocking position.
[0024] Preferably, the display is designed as an input means in the form of a touch display.
[0025] In order to set all parameters and programs of the centrifuge operation, the input means can be designed as part of the operating unit, which has at least one pulse generator with rotation direction detection and a switch independent of each other.
[0026] In particular, this can involve at least one rotary push button as an input device.
[0027] In addition or alternatively, individual keys can be provided as input means.
[0028] The operating unit, in particular, has a memory for various programs and / or parameters for transfer to the control unit for controlling and regulating the centrifuge's operation. This allows for easy selection from the parameters and programs stored in the operating unit without having to re-enter them each time. The data in the form of the parameters and / or programs are preferably transmitted via a data bus to the control unit, which then regulates or controls the centrifugation operation based on the transmitted data.
[0029] The parameters can be parameters from the following group: Target speed of the rotor during centrifuge operation,
[0030] T-time for centrifuge operation at a set speed,
[0031] Target temperature in the rotor chamber of cooled centrifuges during
[0032] Centrifuge operation, time course of the start-up ramp at the start of centrifuge operation and the
[0033] Braking ramp at the end of centrifuge operation,
[0034] Radius of the rotor inserted in the rotor chamber,
[0035] Start time, namely the point in time when the time for centrifuge operation begins to run, i.e. either when the rotor starts to rotate or when the target speed of the rotor is reached.
[0036] The rotary pushbutton is designed to generate impulses by means of a rotary movement with direction detection around its axis of rotation and as a switching movement for the vertical displacement movement in the direction of this axis, whereby the display shows the aforementioned parameters and programs after activation by the rotary pushbutton.
[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for operating a centrifuge as just described, in which the centrifuge operation starts as soon as the lid is closed.
[0038] In particular, centrifuge operation only starts when the lid is locked. In this case, two conditions are required: the lid must be closed and the lid must be locked.
[0039] To increase the safety of the centrifuge, the centrifuge is prevented from starting operation as soon as a monitored component fails.
[0040] Preferably, centrifuge operation is always started based on either the last entered parameters or a last selected program.
[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, centrifuge operation can be activated by closing the lid only under certain conditions, for example, for predetermined rotor types or sizes, for predetermined speeds, and / or predetermined programs. This primarily serves to increase the operational reliability of the centrifuge. For example, unintentional false starts can be avoided with critical rotor types or sizes, i.e., rotors with high kinetic energy. This also applies to rotors with hangers, where individual hangers can be missing during rotor start-up, creating a significant imbalance in the centrifuge.
[0042] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the embodiments shown in the drawings.
[0043] In the description, claims, and drawings, the terms and associated reference symbols used in the list of reference symbols below are used. In the drawings, the following definitions apply:
[0044] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the centrifuge according to the invention with the lid open, viewed obliquely from above;
[0045] Fig. 2a is a sectional view along the median plane of Fig. 1;
[0046] Fig. 2b is a sectional view along the line BB of Fig. 2a;
[0047] Fig. 2c is a sectional view along the line GG of Fig. 2a;
[0048] Fig. 3 is a front view of the centrifuge of Fig. 1;
[0049] Fig. 4a is a sectional view along the median plane of Fig. 1, but with the lid closed;
[0050] Fig. 4b is a sectional view along the line BB of Fig. 4a, and
[0051] Fig. 4c is a sectional view along the line GG of Fig. 4a.
[0052] Figures 1 to 3 show a centrifuge 10 according to the invention with the lid 12 open, and Figures 4a to 4c show the centrifuge 10 with the lid 12 closed in different views. The centrifuge 10 has a housing 14 connected to an operating unit 16 on the front. Arranged within the housing 14 is a safety vessel 18 that defines a rotor chamber of the centrifuge 10. Within the safety vessel 18, a rotor (not shown in detail here) is connected to a drive shaft 20. The drive shaft 20 drives the rotor, which can be connected to the drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The rotor chamber can be closed with the lid 12 for operation of the centrifuge.
[0053] The lid 12 is pivotally connected to the housing 14 on the side of the housing 14 remote from the control unit 16 and is mounted in the upper region of the housing 12 via two hinge joints not shown in detail here. To load and unload the rotor with sample containers, but also to replace the rotor, for example, with a different type of rotor for different applications, the lid 12 is opened, giving the user free access to the rotor chamber, which is partially delimited by the safety vessel 18, containing the rotor and the sample containers stored in the rotor. The sample containers contain the material to be centrifuged.
[0054] The front of the control unit 16 is angled and extends to an upper edge of the housing 14 at an angle of approximately 70° relative to a plane parallel to the base of the centrifuge 10. Input means in the form of several buttons 22 and a rotary pushbutton 24 are provided on the front of the control unit 16. A touch display 26 is also provided, which also serves as an input means. The input means are used to enter the parameters for operating the centrifuge and / or to select the parameters and operating programs stored in a memory for operating the centrifuge. The touch display 26 shows, among other things, the selected parameters / operating programs and / or the parameters / operating programs to be selected. The control unit 16, the input means, and the touch display 26 are combined to form an electronic assembly.This electronic module is equipped with a wired or wireless interface to input or output data to this electronic module.
[0055] On the inside of the cover 12, on its side remote from the hinge joints, there are two locking means 28, each in the form of an annular receptacle for a locking member 30. The locking means 28 are arranged at a distance from one another. Each locking means 28 of the cover 12 is assigned a locking member 30 in the housing 14. The locking members 30 are coupled to one another and can be moved between an open position and a closed position. So that the locking means 28 can be pivoted towards the locking members 30 together with the cover 12 when moving from an open position to a closed position, a locking recess 32 assigned to each locking means 28 is provided in a top wall 14a of the housing 14. The locking recess 32 is adapted to the outer contour of the assigned locking means 28.
[0056] The upper wall 14a has a circular central recess 14b, which corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the safety vessel 18.
[0057] The locking members 30 are movable between the open position and the closed position via a drive motor 34. In the closed position of the lid 12, the locking member 30 engages in the associated annular receptacle of the locking means 28. For this purpose, the lid 12 is pivoted downward. The lid 12 is in the closed position and is blocked by the locking members 30 engaging in the locking means 28. The centrifuge 10 is thus closed.
[0058] To ensure that the locking member 30 is automatically moved from the open position to the closed position when the lid 12 is in the closed position, lid switches 36 are provided. The lid switches 36 are connected to a control unit 38 (see Fig. 2a) via signal lines not shown in detail here. The lid switch 36 is switched by the associated locking means 28. Once the lid 12 is closed, the locking means 28 actuates the lid switches 36 and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 38.
[0059] In addition, a first and second position switch 40a, 40b is provided for each locking member 30, which detects the position of the locking member 30. The locking members 30 are coupled to one another via a connecting element 42, which is driven by the drive motor 34. A first trigger projection 44 is provided on the connecting element 42, which is assigned to the first position switch 40a. Furthermore, a second trigger projection 46 is provided on the connecting element 42 or the locking member 30, which is assigned to the second position switch 40b. The trigger projections 44, 46 and the first and second position switches 40a, 40b can be seen in Figures 2b, 2c, 4b, and 4c, respectively.
[0060] Each position switch 40a, 40b is connected to the control unit 38 via corresponding signal lines, not shown in detail here. If the locking members 30 are in the closed position, the position switch 40b is actuated, and a corresponding signal is sent to the control unit 38. If the locking members 30 are in the open position, the position switch 40a is actuated, and a corresponding signal is sent to the control unit 38.
[0061] If the locking members 30 are moved into the closed position, the second trigger projection 46 on the connecting element 42 actuates the position switch 40b and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 38, see Fig. 4b and Fig. 4c. If the locking members 30 are moved into the open position, the first trigger projection 44 actuates the position switch 40a, see Fig. 2b and 2a.
[0062] The control unit 38 automatically activates the operation of the centrifuge when
[0063] 1 . the lid 12 is closed and thus the lid switches have been activated and have sent a corresponding signal to the control unit 38; and at the same time
[0064] 2. when the locking members 30 are in their closed position, i.e. engage the locking means 28 of the cover 12; and at the same time
[0065] 3. the other framework conditions are met.
[0066] By closing the lid 12, the operation of the centrifuge 10 can be automatically activated, for example, if the correct rotor for the previous program is inserted. In this case, the operation of the centrifuge 10 is activated according to the parameters / programs last entered or selected in the control unit 16 and / or according to the last entered / selected program when the lid 12 is closed.
[0067] The conditions for automatically starting the centrifuge 10 upon closing the lid 12 must be met. For example, the centrifuge 10 has sensors for detecting component failures. These sensors are connected to the control unit 38. If such a sensor reports a component failure, the centrifuge 10 is prevented from starting. Error or warning messages are then displayed to the user on the touch display 26.
[0068] Furthermore, for safety reasons, the control unit 38 can also be signal-connected to an imbalance sensor, a sensor for detecting the rotor speed, a temperature sensor, in particular temperature sensors arranged differently within the centrifuge, and a rotor type recognition sensor. The control unit 38 can evaluate the signals for controlling the rotor. The values of these sensors can be compared with the predefined conditions under which the centrifuge 10 starts when the lid is closed. If these conditions are met, the centrifuge 10 starts automatically when the lid 12 is closed.
[0069] The rotary pushbutton 24 is designed for pulse generation through a rotary movement with direction detection around its rotational axis and as a switching movement for the vertical displacement movement in the direction of this axis. The touch display 26 displays the aforementioned parameters and programs. Furthermore, the rotary pushbutton 24 designed in this way allows for faster parameter value changes than the touch display 26 by means of software that enables dynamic adjustment, such that faster rotation of the rotary pushbutton 24 results in larger parameter changes, and slower rotation results in smaller parameter changes. For example, the type of parameter can be changed by pressing the rotary pushbutton 24.
[0070] Instead of a touch display 26, only one display can be provided.
[0071] The parameters are then entered and selected using the setting buttons 22 and the rotary pushbutton 24. The setting buttons 22 can be configured as favorite buttons, which are associated with specific program modes. The setting buttons 22 can be assigned dual functions. With four setting buttons 22, for example, the user has eight favorite positions, each of which can be assigned a program for operating the centrifuge 10.
[0072] The control unit 16 has a memory and a microcontroller for storing various programs and / or parameters for controlling the operation of the centrifuge.
[0073] The parameters can be parameters from the following group:
[0074] • Target speed of the rotor during centrifuge operation;
[0075] T-time for centrifuge operation at a set speed;
[0076] Target temperature in the rotor chamber of cooled centrifuges 10 during centrifuge operation; • Time profile of an inlet ramp at the start of centrifuge operation and an outlet ramp at the end of centrifuge operation;
[0077] • Radius of the rotor installed in the rotor chamber;
[0078] • Start time, namely the time when the centrifuge operation time begins, i.e. either when the rotor starts to rotate or when the target speed of the rotor is reached.
[0079] According to the centrifuge according to the invention, centrifuge operation starts as soon as the lid is closed, and in particular, the lid is locked. Furthermore, centrifuge operation will be prevented from starting if the basic conditions are not met, for example, if a monitored component fails or the rotor type or size in the centrifuge does not match the previously used parameters.
[0080] Centrifuge operation is started based either on the most recently entered parameters and / or a most recently selected program, as well as the general conditions for the particular operation of the rotor used. These conditions depend on the rotor type and size. The speed and the assigned program are usually also related to this.
[0081] This makes it easy to handle the centrifuge more quickly, which saves a considerable amount of time and therefore costs.
[0082] In addition, the control unit 16 can be designed as a modular unit that can be detached from the housing 14, in order to easily provide the customer with various configuration levels, such as a touch display or a standard display. Reference symbols list
[0083] 10 Centrifuge
[0084] 12 lids
[0085] 14 housings
[0086] 14a upper wall
[0087] 14b circular recess in the upper wall 14a
[0088] 16 Control unit
[0089] 18 safety boilers
[0090] 20 drive axle
[0091] 22 Key - Input device
[0092] 24 rotary push-button input devices
[0093] 26 Touch display - input devices
[0094] 28 blocking agents
[0095] 30 locking link
[0096] 32 locking recess
[0097] 34 Drive motor for the locking element 30
[0098] 36 lid switches
[0099] 38 Control unit
[0100] 40a Position switch - left
[0101] 40b Position switch - right
[0102] 42 connecting element
[0103] 44 first trigger projection
[0104] 46 second trigger projection
Claims
Patent claims Centrifuge (10) with a housing (14), a rotor for receiving sample containers, a drive for driving the rotor, a rotor chamber within the housing (14), which is partially delimited by a safety vessel (18) and in which the rotor is mounted, a control unit (38) for controlling the drive for carrying out a centrifuge operation for samples in a sample container of the rotor, a lid (12) for closing the rotor chamber for centrifuge operation, an operating unit (16) which is provided with a display (26) for displaying different parameters for centrifuge operation and at least one input means (22, 24, 26) for entering the parameters for centrifuge operation and / or for selecting parameters and / or programs for centrifuge operation stored in the operating unit (16),wherein the selected parameters and / or programs are transmittable from the operating unit (16) to the control unit (38), the control unit (38) is signal-connected to at least one lid switch (36), the lid switch (36) is activated by closing the lid (12) in the closed state of the lid (12), characterized in that upon activation of the lid switch (36), the control unit (38) activates the drive of the rotor for centrifuge operation according to the parameters last entered into the operating unit (16) and / or according to the last selected program when certain further boundary conditions are met. Centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that the boundary conditions relate to certain rotor types and / or certain rotor sizes that are incorporated into the centrifuge. Centrifuge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the boundary conditions relate to certain rotational speeds,that were last entered, and / or on, refer to specific programs that were last selected. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one safety switch is provided which interacts with the control unit (38), also in the form of a programmed control, and which prevents activation of the rotor drive in the event of component failure of the centrifuge (10). Centrifuge according to claim 4, characterized in that the safety switch is connected to sensors for detecting component failure of the centrifuge (10) and to the control unit (38), wherein the safety switch interacts with the control unit (38) to activate and deactivate the rotor drive.Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (16), the display (26) and the input means (22, 24, 26) are combined in an electronic assembly which is provided with an interface, namely a wired or wireless interface. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (38) is connected in terms of signals to at least one unbalance sensor, a sensor for detecting the rotor speed, a temperature sensor, in particular temperature sensors arranged differently in the centrifuge, and a rotor type recognition sensor, and evaluates their signals for controlling the rotor.Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two lid switches (36) are provided which are connected to the control unit (38) via signal lines, wherein the control unit (38) only activates the drive of the rotor when all of the lid switches (36) are activated. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (12) is designed to be foldable about a pivot axis. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 7, characterized in that the lid (12) for activating the lid switch (36) or the lid switches (36) has a control associated with the or each lid switch (36). Actuating means (28) for activating the associated cover switch (36), which is arranged in particular on the side remote from the pivot axis.
11. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (12) has a blocking mechanism which blocks opening of the lid (12) after closing.
12. Centrifuge according to claim 11, characterized in that the blocking mechanism comprises a locking member (30) which can be moved between a blocking position and a release position.
13. Centrifuge according to claim 12, characterized in that a servo motor (34) moves the locking member (30) between the blocking position and the release position.
14. Centrifuge according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a position sensor (40a, 40b) is provided which detects the position of the locking member (30) and is connected to the control device (38), wherein activation of the rotor by the control device (38) only takes place when the locking member (30) is in the blocking position.
15. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display also forms an input means and is designed as a touch display (26) for this purpose.
16. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for setting all parameters and programs of the centrifuge operation, the input means (22, 24, 26) is provided as part of the operating unit (16), which is configured for at least two independent movements.
17. Centrifuge according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one rotary push button is provided as input means (24).
18. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that individual keys (22) are provided as input means.
19. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (16) has a memory for various programs and / or parameters for controlling the operation of the centrifuge and a microcontroller.
20. Centrifuge according to claim 19, characterized in that the parameters are parameters from the following group: Target speed of the rotor during centrifuge operation, T-time for centrifuge operation at a set speed, Target temperature in the rotor chamber of cooled centrifuges (10) during centrifuge operation, time course of an inlet ramp at the start of centrifuge operation and an outlet ramp at the end of centrifuge operation, Radius of the rotor inserted in the rotor chamber, Start time, namely the point in time when the time for centrifuge operation begins to run, i.e. either when the rotor starts to rotate or when the target speed of the rotor is reached. 21 . Centrifuge according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the rotary pushbutton (24) is designed for switching movements as a rotary movement about its axis of rotation and as a vertical displacement movement in the direction of this axis, wherein the display (sixth 20) depicts the said parameters and programs.
22. Method for operating a centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge operation starts as soon as the lid (12) is closed.
23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the centrifuge operation starts as soon as the lid (12) is locked.
24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the start of centrifuge operation is prevented as soon as a monitored component fails.
25. Method according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the centrifuge operation is controlled either on the basis of the last entered parameters and / or a last selected program is started. Method according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that centrifuge operation is activated only for certain rotor types by closing the lid (12). Method according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that centrifuge operation is activated only for certain speeds by closing the lid (12). Method according to one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that centrifuge operation is activated for predetermined programs by closing the lid (12).