Means for holding a centrifuge bowl for a centrifuge

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a centrifuge comprising: a centrifuge bowl having an axis of rotation (X), and a rotary plate (3) coaxial with the centrifuge bowl, the rotary plate (3) being intended to receive and rotate the centrifuge bowl, wherein a first annular groove (31) is formed in a first inner annular face (32) of a radially outer annular wall (33) of the rotary plate (3) surrounding the centrifuge bowl, the first annular groove (31) being intended to receive at least one elastically deformable annular element (50) extending radially inwards beyond the first annular groove (31), the annular element (50) being intended to bear against an annular portion (21) of the centrifuge bowl.

Description

Description Title: Means of securing a centrifuge bowl for a centrifuge technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of centrifuges, specifically for the centrifugation of biological products, particularly blood. More precisely, this document concerns means of maintaining a spinning bowl in rotation for a centrifuge. Previous technique

[0002] It is known to construct a centrifuge for separating the components of a biological product, such as blood. A conventional centrifuge typically includes a centrifuge bowl designed to receive a biological product and to be rotated around a central axis. The rotation of the bowl allows for the separation of the biological product into its constituent parts. To this end, means for driving and holding the bowl are provided. Furthermore, the bowl is mounted to rotate on a fixed element configured to supply the bowl with the biological product and to collect the separated components from the bowl.

[0003] Since the bowl will come into contact with a biological product, it is typically single-use for hygiene reasons. Therefore, the means for rotating and holding the bowl are configured to allow for the insertion and removal of the single-use bowl.

[0004] For example, a centrifuge may include a rotating platform driven by a drive shaft, configured to hold the bottom end of the bowl, commonly referred to as the bowl base, and to rotate the bowl base. It is therefore important to ensure adequate support of the bowl by the rotating platform to prevent it from dislodging during rotation.

[0005] Several conventional solutions exist for securing the bowl using a turntable. For example, the turntable can be equipped with a number of claws distributed around its perimeter and configured to hold the bottom of the bowl. In another example, the bowl can be positioned on the turntable, and a ring is screwed onto the turntable to secure a portion of the bowl's base between the turntable and the ring.

[0006] However, these support methods can be cumbersome and difficult to implement, especially when they involve a large number of components requiring precise positioning to minimize the risk of imbalance. Furthermore, positioning and removing the bowl from the turntable may require specialized tools and be time-consuming.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a centrifuge that ensures a bowl remains rotating on a turntable, and that facilitates the placement and removal of the bowl from the turntable.

[0008] This document aims to provide a simple, reliable and economical solution to this need. Summary

[0009] A centrifuge is proposed comprising a spinning bowl with a rotation axis and a rotating platform coaxial with the spinning bowl. The rotating platform is designed to receive and drive the spinning bowl in rotation. A first annular groove is formed on a first internal annular face of a radially external annular wall of the rotating platform surrounding the spinning bowl. This first annular groove is designed to receive at least one elastically deformable annular element extending radially inward beyond the first annular groove. The annular element is designed to bear against an annular portion of the spinning bowl.

[0010] In particular, in the configuration in which the centrifugation bowl is mounted on the rotating platform, the first annular groove receives said at least one annular element.

[0011] In this document, the terms "longitudinal," "radial," and "circumferential" are defined with respect to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge. The terms "inside" and "outside," as well as "internal" and "external," are then defined in the radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation. The terms "top" and "bottom" are defined with respect to the axis of rotation, with the bottom-to-top direction corresponding to the direction from the rotating platform to the centrifuge bowl. Furthermore, the term "annular" refers to an annular shape along the axis of rotation.

[0012] The term annular means that the element to which this term is attached extends annularily around an axis, over 360° or over an annular segment with an angle less than 360°.

[0013] The centrifuge described in this disclosure advantageously provides both support and centering of the centrifuge bowl by the rotating platform. This design eliminates the need for additional bowl centering means. Furthermore, such a centrifuge allows for simplified and rapid placement of the centrifuge bowl on the rotating platform, without requiring the assembly of multiple separate components. In addition, this disclosure offers the significant advantage of simplifying the manufacture and maintenance of the centrifuge, particularly due to the reduced number of components required for assembly compared to a conventional centrifuge when setting up the bowl support and centering mechanisms. This leads to a reduction in associated manufacturing costs.

[0014] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other.

[0015] The centrifuge bowl is preferably a single-use bowl. In other words, the turntable can be configured to accommodate a succession of centrifuge bowls.

[0016] The centrifugation bowl may comprise an annular body of revolution with a substantially frustoconical shape and a lower end, designated the bowl bottom. The rotating platform may then receive and retain said bowl bottom.

[0017] The bowl base includes, in particular, a radial base wall and an annular rim extending longitudinally upwards from the radial base wall. The annular rim is of preferably inclined relative to the axis of rotation at an angle between 0° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°.

[0018] The annular rim of the bowl base can project beyond an external annular face of the annular body of the centrifuge bowl. This projection can advantageously serve as a support for holding the centrifuge bowl in the rotating platform.

[0019] The annular portion of the centrifuge bowl can be formed, in particular, by an upper end of the annular rim of the bowl base projecting beyond the outer annular face of the annular body of the centrifuge bowl. The substantially frustoconical shape of the annular rim advantageously allows for the uniform pushing of at least one annular element into the first annular groove, thus facilitating the insertion of the centrifuge bowl into the rotating platform.

[0020] The turntable can advantageously be made as a single unit, or at least be fully assembled before the centrifuge bowl is inserted into it. In other words, it is not necessary to assemble parts of the turntable together simultaneously or after the centrifuge bowl is inserted. This feature eliminates the need for assembly and disassembly steps when inserting and removing the centrifuge bowl. Thus, the insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl are simplified.

[0021] The turntable may include a radial bottom wall, the radially external annular wall of the turntable extending longitudinally upwards from a circumferential end of the radial bottom wall.

[0022] The rotating platform may advantageously include a support face configured to be opposite the centrifuge bowl, and in particular the radial bottom wall of the bowl. This support face is specifically located on the radial bottom wall of the rotating platform. This support face advantageously allows for precise control of the centrifuge bowl's position relative to the rotating platform along the axis of rotation.

[0023] The annular portion of the centrifuge bowl may preferably have a shape complementary to the shape of at least one annular element. This configuration allows for better force transfer between at least one annular element and the annular portion of the centrifuge bowl.

[0024] Said at least one annular element and the first annular groove are advantageously dimensioned so that the pressure exerted by said at least one annular element on the centrifuge bowl ensures that the centrifuge bowl remains rotating, while also allowing the centrifuge bowl to be inserted into the turntable and removed from the turntable, particularly for manual insertion and removal by a user. Furthermore, said at least one annular element and the first annular groove may also be dimensioned to ensure the long-term durability of the bowl retention means. in particular to allow a high number of insertions and removals of centrifugation bowls compared to the rotating platform.

[0025] Said at least one annular element can advantageously extend over 360°.

[0026] Said at least one annular element may alternatively extend over an annular segment with an angle less than 360°. Said at least one annular element may consist of a plurality of annular elements distributed around the axis of rotation.

[0027] Said at least one annular element may advantageously have a toroidal shape.

[0028] Advantageously, each of said at least one annular element may consist of an annular helical spring.

[0029] The use of a helical spring offers a significant advantage in ensuring dynamic centering of the centrifuge bowl during operation. Indeed, when the rotating centrifuge bowl tends to shift radially outward and push against the helical spring in a specific area, the annular helical spring can repel the centrifuge bowl inward at that point. The helical spring also facilitates the insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl compared to the rotating platform.

[0030] The annular helical spring can advantageously be used as a compression spring. The annular compression spring offers the advantage of being able to deform elastically radially, and consequently contribute to the dynamic centering of the centrifugation bowl during operation.

[0031] Preferably, the compression spring should advantageously have a linear compression curve. This characteristic allows for a constant radial force on the spring's circularity. This improves the dynamic centering of the centrifugal bowl during operation.

[0032] The annular helical spring can advantageously be mechanically pre-stressed, particularly radially, when mounted inside the first annular groove. This pre-stressed state advantageously ensures that the spring remains in the first annular groove through radial expansion, even when the centrifuge bowl is not inserted into the rotating plate. Furthermore, this pre-stressed state improves the spring's ability to hold the centrifuge bowl in place when the bowl is rotating.

[0033] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifuge bowl can be dimensioned to allow manual insertion of the centrifuge bowl into the turntable along the axis of rotation of the centrifuge bowl. Manual insertion means that an operator can insert the centrifuge bowl without the need for additional tools. This facilitates the insertion of the centrifuge bowl.

[0034] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifuge bowl can be dimensioned to prevent the centrifuge bowl from withdrawing from the turntable along the direction of the centrifuge bowl's axis of rotation. This feature prevents the centrifuge bowl from being ejected from the turntable during rotation.

[0035] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifuge bowl can be dimensioned to allow manual removal of the centrifuge bowl from the turntable by tilting the bowl along an axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation. This tilting movement can be applied upwards, away from the bottom of the bowl. Manual removal means that an operator can remove the centrifuge bowl without the need for additional tools. This facilitates the removal of the centrifuge bowl.

[0036] The annular helical spring can advantageously be made of a non-corrosive material, particularly stainless steel. This material is especially well-suited for use in centrifuges designed to separate components of biological products such as blood. Indeed, this material helps to limit or even eliminate corrosion and contamination. Furthermore, it is easier to clean.

[0037] The annular helical spring can advantageously extend over 360°.

[0038] An annular helical spring can, in particular, form a continuous toroidal spring. A continuous toroidal spring is defined as one in which the coils of the annular helical spring extend continuously along its entire length. Specifically, the annular helical spring can be made from an initial longitudinal helical spring that is bent into an annular shape to form the annular helical spring. If necessary, the longitudinal ends of this initial longitudinal helical spring can be joined together to form the continuous toroidal spring. Such a continuous toroidal spring advantageously exhibits improved mechanical behavior by implementing axisymmetry of the radial forces due to its toroidal shape.Moreover, such a continuous toroidal spring advantageously allows the spring to be pre-stressed along the circumferential direction of the annular helical spring and thus improves its retention in the first annular groove.

[0039] The annular helical spring can extend over an annular segment with an angle less than 360° so as to form an annular spring segment.

[0040] The centrifuge may include a plurality of annular spring segments. In particular, the centrifuge may include at least three annular spring segments, notably distributed evenly around the circumference of the rotating platform. The centrifuge may, for example, include a number of annular spring segments that is a multiple of three. This arrangement ensures the centering of the centrifuge bowl relative to the rotating platform.

[0041] The annular helical spring can advantageously have a stiffness between 105,000 N / m and 128,500 N / m. This characteristic offers the advantage of allowing easy insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl while ensuring that the centrifuge bowl remains in the rotating plate when the latter is rotating.

[0042] The annular helical spring can have a large ring diameter, ranging from 104% to 106% of the diameter of the annular portion of the centrifuge bowl against which the annular element is designed to bear. This feature offers the advantage of allowing easy insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl while also ensuring that the centrifuge bowl remains securely in the rotating platform during rotation.

[0043] The annular helical spring can have a small ring diameter between 99% and 101% of the diameter of the annular portion of the centrifuge bowl against which the annular element is intended to bear. This feature offers the advantage of allowing easy insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl from the turntable while also ensuring that the centrifuge bowl remains securely in place during rotation.

[0044] The first annular groove may advantageously have a longitudinal dimension along the axis of rotation between 100% and 120%, preferably between 105% and 110%, of the diameter of the annular element's cross-section. In other words, the diameter of the annular element's cross-section is greater than this longitudinal dimension, allowing the annular element to be compressed within the first annular groove along the axis of rotation. This characteristic advantageously ensures that the annular element remains securely in the first annular groove. If the annular element has a circular cross-section when empty, its cross-section will be oval once inserted into the first annular groove.

[0045] The first annular groove may have a radial dimension between 60% and 90%, preferably between 70% and 80%, of the diameter of the cross-section of the annular element.

[0046] Alternatively, a radial distance between a radially internal end of the annular element and a radially internal end of the first annular groove may advantageously be between 10% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 30%, of the radial dimension of the first annular groove.

[0047] The annular helical spring may advantageously have a cross-section of substantially oval shape, having a major diameter and a minor diameter between 2.8194 mm and 3.0988 mm and a coil diameter between 0.3429 mm and 0.3556 mm.

[0048] The annular helical spring can preferably have a constant pitch.

[0049] Alternatively, the annular helical spring can have a variable pitch.

[0050] In another respect, this disclosure relates to a method for assembling the centrifuge as previously described, the method comprising: - provide the turntable; - mount said at least one annular element in the first annular groove of the rotating plate.

[0051] In another respect, this disclosure relates to a centrifugation process employing the centrifuge as previously described, the process comprising: - insert the centrifuge bowl into the tray along the axis of rotation of the centrifuge bowl so that said at least one annular element rests against the annular portion of the centrifuge bowl; - remove the centrifuge bowl from the rotating platform by tilting the centrifuge bowl along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge bowl.

[0052] Therefore, the turntable and the aforementioned annular element are advantageously assembled before the centrifuge bowl is inserted into the turntable. In other words, it is not necessary to perform assembly steps between parts of the turntable simultaneously with or after the centrifuge bowl is inserted into the turntable. This feature eliminates the need for assembly and disassembly steps of the turntable when inserting and removing the centrifuge bowl. Thus, the steps for inserting and removing the centrifuge bowl are simplified. Brief description of the drawings

[0053] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which:

[0054] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a view of an example centrifuge according to this disclosure.

[0055] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates respectively a partial cross-sectional view (Figure 2A) of the centrifuge example according to this disclosure, and an enlarged view (Figure 2B) of the area framed in Figure 2A.

[0056] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a partial view of a rotating platform of the centrifuge example according to this disclosure. Description of the implementation methods

[0057] Reference is now made to Figure 1, which schematically represents a view of an example of centrifuge 1 according to this document. Centrifuge 1 is specifically designed for separating components of a biological product, for example, blood.

[0058] The centrifuge 1 comprises a centrifuge bowl 2 and a rotating platform 3 designed to receive the centrifuge bowl 2, thereby rotating the centrifuge bowl 2 around the axis of rotation X. The rotating platform 3 is driven by a drive shaft (not shown in the figures). The centrifuge bowl 2 is preferably a single-use bowl. In other words, the rotating platform 3 can be configured to receive a succession of centrifuge bowls. The centrifuge bowl 2 can, in particular, be produced by a blow molding process.

[0059] In particular, in the configuration in which the centrifugation bowl is mounted on the rotating platform, the first annular groove receives said at least one annular element.

[0060] In this document, the terms "longitudinal", "radial", and "circumferential" are defined with respect to the axis of rotation X of the centrifuge 1. The terms "inside" and "outside", as well as "internal" and "external", are then defined in the radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation X. The terms "top" and "bottom" are defined with respect to the axis of rotation X, the bottom-to-top direction corresponding to the direction from the rotating platform 3 towards the centrifugation bowl 2. Furthermore, the term "annular" refers to an annular shape along the axis of rotation X.

[0061] The term annular means that the element to which this term is attached extends annularily around an axis, over 360° or over an annular segment with an angle less than 360°.

[0062] The centrifugation bowl 2 is specifically configured to receive the biological product and separate it into its components by rotation. In particular, the centrifugation bowl 2 is mounted for rotation on a fixed element 4 configured to supply the centrifugation bowl 2 with the biological product and to collect the separated components from the centrifugation bowl 2.

[0063] Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view of the centrifuge and an enlarged view of the boxed area in Figure 2A. The centrifuge bowl 2 includes, in particular, an annular body 22 of revolution of substantially frustoconical shape and a lower end, designated the bottom of the bowl 23. The lower end is understood to be an end of the centrifugation bowl 2 along the axis of rotation X that is on the side of the rotating platform 3. The rotating platform 3 can then receive and maintain said bowl base 23.

[0064] The bowl base 23 includes, in particular, a radial base wall 24 and an annular rim 25 extending longitudinally upwards from the radial base wall 24. The annular rim 25 is preferably inclined with respect to the axis of rotation X at an angle between 0° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°. In other words, the annular rim 25 has, in particular, a substantially frustoconical shape. The annular rim 25 of the bowl base 23 may project from an external annular face of the annular body 22 of the centrifugation bowl 2. This projection can advantageously serve as a support for holding the centrifugation bowl 2 in the rotating platform 3, as detailed later in this document.

[0065] The turntable can advantageously be made as a single unit, or at least be fully assembled before the centrifuge bowl is inserted into it. In other words, it is not necessary to assemble parts of the turntable together simultaneously or after the centrifuge bowl is inserted. This feature eliminates the need for assembly and disassembly steps when inserting and removing the centrifuge bowl. Thus, the insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl are simplified.

[0066] With reference to Figures 2A, 2B, and 3, the turntable 3 includes a radially external annular wall 33, specifically configured to surround the bowl bottom 23. More precisely, the turntable 3 includes a radial bottom wall 35, the radially external annular wall 33 of the turntable 3 extending longitudinally upwards from a circumferential end of the radial bottom wall 35. The radial bottom wall 35 of the turntable 3 may have a frustoconical shape and extend upwards from the inside outwards.

[0067] Furthermore, the turntable 3 may include a central annular portion 34 intended to be fixed to the drive shaft, the radial bottom wall 35 then extending radially between the central annular portion 34 and the radially external annular wall 33 of the turntable 3.

[0068] Furthermore, a first annular groove 31 is provided on a first internal annular face 32 of the radially external annular wall 33 of the rotating platform 3. Said first internal annular face 32 is in particular opposite the annular rim 25 of the centrifugation bowl 2.

[0069] The first annular groove 31 is intended to receive at least one elastically deformable annular element 50 extending radially inwards beyond the first annular groove 31. Said at least one annular element 50 is intended to bear against an annular portion 21 of the centrifugation bowl 2.

[0070] The centrifugation bowl 2 is advantageously configured to be inserted from above into the rotating platform 3 until the annular portion 21 of the centrifugation bowl 2 passes below said at least one annular element 50. Said at least one annular element 50 is in particular configured to apply a force against the annular portion 21 downwards and inwards, thus ensuring the retention of the centrifugation bowl 22.

[0071] The implementation of said at least one elastically deformable annular element 50 extending beyond the first annular groove 31 thus makes it possible to maintain the centrifugation bowl 2 in the rotating plate 3. In addition, said at least one annular element 50 makes it possible to ensure the centering of the centrifugation bowl 2 when the latter is in rotation.

[0072] Therefore, the centrifuge described in this disclosure advantageously provides both support and centering of the centrifuge bowl by the rotating platform. The centrifuge advantageously eliminates the need for additional bowl centering means. Furthermore, such a centrifuge allows for simplified and rapid placement of the centrifuge bowl on the rotating platform, i.e., without requiring the assembly of several different components. In addition, this disclosure offers the considerable advantage of simplifying the manufacture and maintenance of the centrifuge, particularly due to the reduction in the number of components to be assembled compared to a conventional centrifuge for the placement of the bowl support and centering means. This leads to a reduction in associated manufacturing costs.

[0073] Furthermore, the rotating platform 3 may advantageously include a support face 38 configured to be opposite the centrifugation bowl 2, and in particular the radial bottom wall 24 of the bowl 23. This support face 38 advantageously allows control of the position of the centrifugation bowl 2 relative to the rotating platform 3 along the axis of rotation X. Thus, the support face 38 contributes to preventing the centrifugation bowl 2 from moving in translation when it is inserted into the rotating platform 3. The support face 38 is notably provided on the radial bottom wall 35 of the rotating platform 3.

[0074] When the centrifugation bowl 2 is inserted into the rotating platform 3, the annular rim 25 is then longitudinally interposed between the bearing face 38 of the rotating platform 3 and said at least one annular element 50.

[0075] The support face 38 can in particular extend along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation from the radially external annular wall 33 of the rotating platform 3 and radially inwards from the wall 33. This makes it possible to offer a sufficient support surface for the bottom of the bowl.

[0076] Furthermore, the rotating platform 3 may include a radially internal annular wall 36 extending longitudinally upwards from the radial bottom wall 35 of the rotating platform 3. The radially internal annular wall 36 of the rotating platform is configured to surround a central annular portion 26 of the bowl bottom 23, which protrudes downwards along the axis of rotation X relative to the radial bottom wall 24 of the bowl bottom 23. This interaction between the radially internal annular wall 36 of the rotating platform 3 and the central annular portion 26 of the bowl bottom 23 improves the centering of the centrifugation bowl 2 within the rotating platform 3.

[0077] More specifically, the radially internal annular wall 36 of the rotating platform 3 includes a second internal annular face 37 intended to come against an external annular face of the central annular portion of the bowl bottom 23. A second annular groove 39 can be provided on said second internal annular face 37, said second annular groove 39 housing an annular seal 40 of the O-ring type.

[0078] In addition, the annular portion 21 of the centrifugation bowl 2 can notably be formed by an upper end of the annular rim 25 of the bottom of the bowl 23 being projecting out of relation to the external annular face of the annular body 22 of the centrifugation bowl 2. When the centrifugation bowl 2 is inserted, an external annular face of the annular rim 25 of the bottom of the bowl 23 then slides against said at least one annular element 50 until said at least one annular element 50 passes over the annular rim 25 of the bottom of the bowl 23 and comes to rest against the annular portion 21 of the centrifugation bowl 2, thus allowing the bowl to be held and centered. The substantially frustoconical shape of the annular rim 25 advantageously allows the said at least one annular element 50 to be pushed uniformly into the first annular groove 31, and thus facilitates the insertion of the centrifugation bowl 25 into the rotating plate 3.

[0079] The annular portion 21 of the centrifugation bowl 2 may preferably have a shape complementary to the shape of said at least one annular element 50. This configuration allows for a better transfer of forces between said at least one annular element 50 and the annular portion of the centrifugation bowl 2.

[0080] In particular, said at least one annular element 50 and the first annular groove 31 are dimensioned such that the pressure exerted by said at least one annular element 50 on the centrifuge bowl 2 ensures that the centrifuge bowl remains rotating, while allowing the centrifuge bowl 2 to be inserted into the turntable 3 and removed from the turntable 3, particularly for manual insertion and removal by a user. The force required for inserting and removing the bowl must advantageously be minimized. Furthermore, the dimensioning of the annular element and the first annular groove 31 advantageously ensures the long-term stability of the bowl retention means, particularly to allow a high number of insertions and removals of centrifugation bowls compared to the rotating platform.

[0081] Said at least one annular element 50 may extend over 360°. In particular, said at least one annular element 50 may comprise a single annular element extending over 360°.

[0082] Alternatively, said at least one annular element 50 may extend over an annular segment with an angle of less than 360°. Said at least one annular element 50 may consist of a plurality of annular elements 50 distributed around the axis of rotation X.

[0083] The annular element 50 preferably has a toroidal shape, in particular with a cross-section of substantially oval, or even circular shape.

[0084] In the following description, the case of a single annular element extending over 360° and having a toroidal shape will be described in more detail.

[0085] The annular element 50 preferably consists of an annular helical spring. In other words, the helical spring is a toroidal spring. The annular helical spring may be made of a metallic material such as steel, preferably stainless steel. However, other materials may be considered where appropriate. The annular helical spring preferably has a constant pitch. However, the annular helical spring may have a variable pitch where appropriate.

[0086] The use of a helical spring provides a significant advantage in ensuring dynamic centering of the centrifuge bowl during operation. Indeed, when the rotating centrifuge bowl tends to shift radially outward and push against the helical spring in a specific area, the annular helical spring can repel the centrifuge bowl inward at that point. The helical spring also facilitates the insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl relative to the rotating platform.

[0087] The annular helical spring can advantageously be used as a compression spring. The annular compression spring offers the advantage of being able to deform elastically radially, and consequently contribute to the dynamic centering of the centrifugation bowl during operation.

[0088] Preferably, the compression spring should advantageously have a linear compression curve. This characteristic allows for a constant radial force on the spring's circularity. This improves the dynamic centering of the centrifugal bowl during operation.

[0089] The helical spring can be configured to allow radial compression, thus permitting the insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl 2. The radial compression mounting of the helical spring in the first annular groove helps to limit the The helical spring moves during the insertion of the centrifuge bowl. When the centrifuge bowl is rotating, the centrifugal force has little effect on holding the helical spring in the groove. Therefore, the force exerted by the helical spring to hold the centrifuge bowl is essentially constant throughout its use.

[0090] The annular helical spring can advantageously be mechanically pre-stressed, particularly radially, when mounted inside the first annular groove. This pre-stressed state advantageously ensures that the spring remains in the first annular groove through radial expansion, even when the centrifuge bowl is not inserted into the rotating plate. Furthermore, this pre-stressed state improves the spring's ability to hold the centrifuge bowl in place when the bowl is rotating.

[0091] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifuge bowl can be dimensioned to allow manual insertion of the centrifuge bowl into the turntable along the axis of rotation of the centrifuge bowl. Manual insertion means that an operator can insert the centrifuge bowl without the need for additional tools. This facilitates the insertion of the centrifuge bowl.

[0092] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifuge bowl can be dimensioned to prevent the centrifuge bowl from withdrawing from the turntable along the direction of the centrifuge bowl's axis of rotation. This feature prevents the centrifuge bowl from being ejected from the turntable during rotation.

[0093] The annular helical spring, the first annular groove, and the centrifuge bowl can be dimensioned to allow manual removal of the centrifuge bowl from the turntable by tilting the bowl along an axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation. This tilting movement can be applied upwards, away from the bottom of the bowl. Manual removal means that an operator can remove the centrifuge bowl without the need for additional tools. This facilitates the removal of the centrifuge bowl.

[0094] The annular helical spring can advantageously be made of a non-corrosive material, particularly stainless steel. This material is especially well-suited for use in centrifuges designed to separate components of biological products such as blood. Indeed, this material helps to limit or even eliminate corrosion and contamination. Furthermore, it is easier to clean.

[0095] The annular helical spring can advantageously extend over 360°.

[0096] The annular helical spring can, in particular, form a continuous toroidal spring. A continuous toroidal spring is defined as one in which the coils of the annular helical spring extend continuously along its entire length. Specifically, the annular helical spring can be made from an initial longitudinal helical spring that is then bent into an annular shape to form the annular helical spring. If applicable, the The longitudinal ends of the initial longitudinal helical spring can be fixed together to form a continuous toroidal spring. Such a continuous toroidal spring advantageously exhibits improved mechanical behavior by implementing axisymmetry of the radial forces due to its toroidal shape. Furthermore, this type of continuous toroidal spring advantageously allows for pre-stressing the spring along the circumferential direction of the annular helical spring, thereby improving its retention in the first annular groove.

[0097] The annular helical spring can extend over an annular segment with an angle less than 360° so as to form an annular spring segment.

[0098] The centrifuge may include a plurality of annular spring segments. In particular, the centrifuge may include at least three annular spring segments, notably distributed evenly around the circumference of the rotating platform. The centrifuge may, for example, include a number of annular spring segments that is a multiple of three. This arrangement ensures the centering of the centrifuge bowl relative to the rotating platform.

[0099] The annular helical spring can advantageously have a stiffness between 105,000 N / m and 128,500 N / m. This characteristic offers the advantage of allowing easy insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl while ensuring that the centrifuge bowl remains in the rotating plate when the latter is rotating.

[0100] The annular helical spring can have a large ring diameter, ranging from 104% to 106% of the diameter of the annular portion of the centrifuge bowl against which the annular element is designed to bear. This feature offers the advantage of allowing easy insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl while also ensuring that the centrifuge bowl remains securely in the rotating platform during rotation.

[0101] The annular helical spring can have a small ring diameter between 99% and 101% of the diameter of the annular portion of the centrifuge bowl against which the annular element is intended to bear. This feature offers the advantage of allowing easy insertion and removal of the centrifuge bowl from the turntable while also ensuring that the centrifuge bowl remains securely in place during rotation.

[0102] The first annular groove 31 can advantageously have a suitable circularity tolerance to ensure precise positioning of the annular element 50 and thus better centering of the centrifugation bowl 2 relative to the rotating plate 3. Thus, even if the centrifugation bowl 2 has circularity defects, the control of the circularity of the centrifugation bowl 2 combined with the use of the helical spring makes it possible to compensate for these potential circularity defects of the bowl and thus to have good centering and support of the bowl in rotation.

[0103] The first annular groove 31 may advantageously have a longitudinal dimension D1 along the axis of rotation X between 100% and 120%, preferably between 105% and 110%, of a diameter equal to the cross-sectional diameter of the annular element 50. In other words, the The diameter of the cross-section of the annular element 50 is greater than the longitudinal dimension D1 so as to allow compression of the annular element in the first annular groove 31 along the axis of rotation X. This characteristic advantageously ensures that the annular element 50 is held in the first annular groove 31. If the annular element 50 has a circular cross-section when empty, the cross-section of the annular element 50 will be oval once inserted into the first annular groove 31.

[0104] The first annular groove 31 may have a radial dimension D3 between 60% and 90%, preferably between 70% and 80%, of the diameter of the cross-section of the annular element 50.

[0105] Alternatively, a radial distance D4 between a radially internal end of the annular element 50 and a radially internal end of the first annular groove 31 is advantageously between 10% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 30%, of the radial dimension D3 of the first annular groove 31.

[0106] The bearing face 38 is notably positioned at a distance D2 along the axis of rotation X of the first annular groove 31.

[0107] For example, the cross-section of the annular helical spring, when oval in shape, may have a major diameter and a minor diameter between 2.8194 mm and 3.0988 mm, and a coil diameter between 0.3429 mm and 0.3556 mm.

[0108] The helical spring can have standard characteristics. This facilitates the manufacture and maintenance of the centrifuge. The dimensions and characteristics of the helical spring are specifically chosen to allow optimal contact between the centrifuge bowl and the helical spring, while also allowing the bowl to be inserted, held, and removed.

[0109] As a reminder, the dimensions D1, D2, D3 and D4, the diameter of the first annular groove and the dimensions of the annular element are specifically adapted to allow the insertion, holding and removal of the centrifugation bowl.

[0110] In particular, these dimensions are specifically adapted so that the steps of inserting and removing the centrifuge bowl do not require an additional assembly step, for example screwing to ensure that the centrifuge bowl is held by the rotating platform.

[0111] For example, a helical spring can have a coil thickness of 0.355 mm, a coil diameter of 3.1 mm, and a diameter of 126.7 mm. For these helical spring dimensions, dimension D1 can be between 3.1 mm and 3.105 mm, distance D2 can be equal to 4.1 mm with a tolerance of + / - 0.05 mm, dimension D3 can be between 2.3 mm and 2.375 mm, and distance D4 can be between 0.648 mm and 0.799 mm.

[0112] In another respect, this disclosure relates to a method for assembling the centrifuge as previously described, the method comprising: - provide the turntable; - mount said at least one annular element in the first annular groove of the rotating plate.

[0113] In another respect, this disclosure relates to a centrifugation process employing the centrifuge as previously described, the process comprising: - insert the centrifuge bowl into the tray along the axis of rotation of the centrifuge bowl so that said at least one annular element rests against the annular portion of the centrifuge bowl; - remove the centrifuge bowl from the rotating platform by tilting the centrifuge bowl along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge bowl.

[0114] Therefore, the turntable and the aforementioned annular element are advantageously assembled before the centrifuge bowl is inserted into the turntable. In other words, it is not necessary to perform assembly steps between parts of the turntable simultaneously with or after the centrifuge bowl is inserted into the turntable. This feature eliminates the need for assembly and disassembly steps of the turntable when inserting and removing the centrifuge bowl. Thus, the steps for inserting and removing the centrifuge bowl are simplified.

Claims

Claims

1. Centrifuge (1) comprising: - a centrifugation bowl (2) with an axis of rotation (X), - a turntable (3) coaxial with the centrifugation bowl (2), the turntable (3) being intended to receive and rotate the centrifugation bowl (2), in which a first annular groove (31) is arranged on a first inner annular face (32) of a radially outer annular wall (33) of the turntable (3) surrounding the centrifugation bowl (2), the first annular groove (31) being intended to receive at least one elastically deformable annular element (50) extending radially inward beyond the first annular groove (31), the annular element (50) being intended to bear against an annular portion (21) of the centrifugation bowl (2), each of said at least one annular element (50) consists of an annular helical spring.

2. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the annular portion (21) of the centrifugation bowl (2) has a shape complementary to the shape of the annular element (50).

3. Centrifuge (1) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the rotating plate (3) comprises a radial bottom wall (35), the radially outer annular wall (33) of the rotating plate (3) extending longitudinally upwards from a circumferential end of said radial bottom wall (35), the rotating plate (3) further comprising a bearing face (38) arranged on said radial bottom wall (35) and configured to face the centrifugation bowl (2).

4. Centrifuge (1) according to claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one annular element (50) extends over 360°.

5. Centrifuge (1) according to claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one annular element (50) extends over an annular segment of angle less than 360°.

6. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 5, wherein said at least one annular element (50) consists of a plurality of annular elements (50) distributed around the axis of rotation (X).

7. Centrifuge (1) according to claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one annular element (50) has a toroidal shape.

8. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the annular helical spring has a cross-section of substantially oval shape, having a large diameter and a small diameter of between 2.8194 mm and 3.0988 mm, a coil diameter of between 0.3429 mm and 0.3556 mm.

9. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the annular helical spring has a constant pitch.

10. Centrifuge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the annular helical spring has a variable pitch.

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