Centrifuge

Abstract

A centrifuge (1), which is designed as a separator and is provided for separating, in a centrifugal field, a product to be processed P into a solid phase S and at least one liquid phase L, wherein the centrifuge (1) in particular is designed for use under shock-like load on a ship and has at least the following: a) a centrifuge drum (11) with a vertical axis of rotation D, in which a disc stack (114) is arranged, b) a drive spindle (31) for the centrifuge drum (11), which is mounted by means of a neck bearing (32) and a foot bearing (33) in a rotatable manner in and / or on a machine frame (2), c) a drive motor (35) which is designed to drive the drive spindle (31), d) wherein the neck bearing (32) is axially displaceable and is radially supported, e) wherein centrally below the foot bearing (33) of the axially deflectable drive spindle (31) a spring (334) is arranged which supports the unit consisting of rotating centrifuge drum (11), the drive spindle (31), the neck bearing (32) and the foot bearing (33), in a sprung manner and deflectable in an axially limited manner, with respect to an abutment which in particular is the machine frame (2), f) wherein the axially limited deflectability of the working spindle (31) is achieved in that the foot bearing (33) is mounted, by way of its outer ring (332), in a sleeve (333) which is arranged on the spring (334).

Description

[0001] centrifuge

[0002] The present invention relates to a centrifuge according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Centrifuges – especially separators – are used for various tasks on seagoing vessels. For example, in ship propulsion systems with heavy fuel diesel engines, heavy fuel oil processing is often carried out using separators. Such separators must be able to withstand high shock loads (up to 100 g), which can occur particularly on naval vessels. To meet such requirements, the state of the art has traditionally been to mount the separator machine frames on shock absorbers, which are designed to absorb the resulting shock energy.

[0004] Such shock absorbers are typically designed to offer a "long" spring travel and high damping. The disadvantage is that this can lead to undesirable rocking movements of the separator or system in rough seas.

[0005] A centrifuge with spring-loaded machine feet is known from DE 10 2014 116 404 A1.

[0006] DE 10 2012 110 846 A1 also discloses a centrifuge designed, among other things, for use on ships. The drive spindle is rotatably mounted in a drive housing by means of a neck bearing and a foot bearing. The neck bearing is radially supported in a bearing housing, which is attached to the drive housing, via at least one elastic element. The foot bearing, as an axial fixed bearing, is arranged in the drive housing via an articulated element via its outer ring, articulated, cardanically tiltable, and / or is itself designed as a spherical bearing, so that the drive spindle can follow the precessional movements of the centrifuge drum during operation.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 2 324 488 A discloses a centrifugal machine with a vertical rotor, wherein the vertical rotor is sprung by at least three elastic radial elements, at least three elastic axial elements and an elastic coupling in such a way that vibrations of the rotor can be cushioned relative to the rigidly mounted frame. This entails a great deal of effort. However, radial or axial deflections of the rotor from its center position are virtually unlimited. In this document, the cause of the vibrations or shock loads to be dampened lie in the centrifuge itself and are caused, for example, by imbalances in the drum or fluid vibrations. The damping of vibrations or shock loads that act externally on the centrifuge is not the task of the technical teaching described here.

[0008] Based on the prior art, the object of the invention is to achieve, by simple means, a reduction of the negative effects of a shock-like load acting externally on a centrifuge.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter according to claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, a centrifuge is created which is designed as a separator and is intended to separate a product to be processed into a solid phase and at least one liquid phase in a centrifugal field, wherein the centrifuge is designed in particular for use under shock load on a ship and has at least the following:

[0011] - a centrifugal drum with a vertical axis of rotation in which a plate pack is arranged,

[0012] - a drive spindle of the centrifugal drum, which is rotatably mounted in and / or on a machine frame with a neck bearing and a foot bearing,

[0013] - a drive motor designed to drive the drive spindle,

[0014] - the neck bearing is axially displaceable and radially supported,

[0015] - wherein a spring is arranged centrally under the base bearing of the drive spindle, which spring supports the unit consisting of the rotating centrifugal drum, the drive spindle, the neck bearing and the base bearing in an axially limited manner in a resilient manner against an abutment, which is in particular the machine frame, and

[0016] - that the limited axial deflection of the work spindle is achieved by mounting the foot bearing with its outer ring in a sleeve which is arranged on the spring.

[0017] In this way, the shock is very well absorbed by the drive spindle, along with the drum and the bearings - in principle the rotor - due to their axial displacement in combination with their suspension.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the neck bearing can be designed as a floating bearing, which is axially displaceable via its inner ring and can be radially resiliently supported in a housing via its outer ring. This allows vibrations acting radially on the rotating system of the centrifuge to be damped simply and advantageously in this area as well, both in terms of design and manufacturing technology.

[0019] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve can also have a radially outwardly projecting collar (like a flange) on its upper axial side, which limits any downward axial movement of the sleeve. This design simply limits the axial travel of the sleeve.

[0020] Furthermore, according to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum possible travel of the sleeve during a downward movement is dimensioned such that the spring is not compressed to a block. This allows the spring to achieve a long service life.

[0021] It is also advantageous if, according to one design, the spring is designed as a helical spring or has one or more disc springs. This creates a spring that is compact and simple to construct, yet still operates reliably.

[0022] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring can be supported on a disk having a centering projection for the spring, and the disk can be axially attached to a lower side of a bearing cup, the bearing cup being inserted into a tubular projection inserted into a lower opening of a machine frame of the centrifuge. This creates an easy-to-assemble abutment for the spring with a simple design and simple manufacturing technology.

[0023] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve can be designed such that, when the sleeve travels downwards to its maximum, the centering shoulder of the spring on the disc dips into the sleeve. This clearly limits the maximum possible axial downward travel of the drive spindle, namely only by the collar on the sleeve.

[0024] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective machine base is preferably designed as a rubber-metal part, so that a spring element of the machine base is preferably made of elastomer. This creates a low-wear, space-saving spring element with additional damping properties.

[0025] Thus, the rotating system—that is, the centrifuge drum, the drive spindle, and the bearings—forms a first sprung mass, which is inserted into a second sprung mass—namely, the entire centrifuge. This eliminates the need for the machine feet, which are designed as flexible dampers, to provide suspension for the entire vibrating system. This also allows the spring travel of the machine feet beneath the machine frame to be significantly reduced, significantly reducing unwanted rocking movements of the separator, caused, for example, by rough seas.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the base bearing is articulated and cardanically tiltable relative to the machine frame by means of a ball joint. This allows the drive spindle, through a simple design measure, to follow precessional movements of the centrifuge drum in addition to cushioning and damping axial and radial accelerations.

[0027] Another advantage is that several travel limiting elements are mounted in an interior of the hood below and above the centrifuge drum, each circumferentially distributed around the centrifuge drum. This design simply limits both the axial and radial deflection of the rotating system as a result of a shock acting on the centrifuge. The travel limiting elements effectively prevent damage to the drive spindle bearings, which allow movement of the drive spindle in both axial and radial directions.

[0028] Furthermore, according to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective travel limiting element can be designed as a ring or a ring segment. This creates a travel limiting element that is easy to manufacture.

[0029] Likewise, according to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the respective travel limiting element is preferably made of a non-ferrous metal, particularly preferably bronze. In the event of a large axial or radial deflection of the centrifuge drum due to shock energy introduced into the centrifuge via the machine foundation, the rotating centrifuge drum strikes these travel limiting elements, which are softer than the centrifuge drum, with part of the energy being absorbed by the machine structure, in particular by the hood and the machine frame. According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an elastic housing, in which the neck bearing is inserted, has a shoulder with which the elastic housing is inserted into a bearing support through which the drive spindle passes, wherein the elastic housing is designed as a rubber-metal part.The elastic housing ensures radial mobility of the drive spindle.

[0030] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a bearing support into which the elastic housing is inserted, the elastic housing, and the neck bearing form a preassembled and replaceable unit. This creates a preassembled module that can be easily and quickly installed into the machine frame of the centrifuge.

[0031] Furthermore, according to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing support and the bearing cup can be designed as a one-piece bearing housing, so that the drive spindle with the neck bearing and the elastic housing, as well as the foot bearing, the sleeve, the spring, the ball joint, and the disc, can be inserted into the machine frame as a pre-assembled unit. This creates a pre-assembled module that can be easily and quickly installed into the machine frame of the centrifuge.

[0032] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the remaining subclaims.

[0033] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0034] It shows:

[0035] Figure 1: a schematic front view in section of a centrifuge according to the invention;

[0036] Figure 2: an enlarged detail of a foot bearing of the centrifuge from Fig.

[0037] 1.

[0038] The following description of the figures describes an exemplary embodiment. Individual features of this exemplary embodiment can also be combined with exemplary embodiments not shown and are also suitable as advantageous refinements of the subject matter described in one or more of the main and subclaims. The terms used below, such as "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "horizontal," "vertical," "radial," "axial," "inside," or "outside," refer to the illustration in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a centrifuge 1, which is preferably designed as a self-emptying separator. Further elements of the centrifuge 1 are shown here: a machine frame 2, a drive unit 3, and a machine foundation 4 on which the machine frame 2 is mounted. The machine foundation 4 is preferably part of a ship's structure or is attached to such a structure.

[0040] The centrifuge 1 has a rotatable centrifuge drum 11. The centrifuge drum 11 can have a vertical axis of rotation D. The centrifuge drum 11 is shown schematically here and can also be designed with a single and / or double cone (bottom and / or top, and especially inside; not shown in every variant here).

[0041] The centrifugal drum 11 can be designed for batch operation, as shown. However, it can also be designed for continuous operation, i.e. for continuous, non-batch centrifugal processing of a flowable suspension. The centrifuge can - as shown here - be designed as a clarification separator, which is intended to clarify a product P to be processed (a flowable suspension) in the centrifugal field or to separate this into a solid phase S and a single liquid phase L. Alternatively or additionally, the centrifuge can also be designed as a separation separator, which is intended to separate a product P to be processed in the centrifugal field into two liquid phases L1, L2 and / or into a solid phase S.

[0042] The centrifugal drum 11 can have an upper drum section and a lower drum section (not shown here). These drum sections can be connected to each other in various ways, for example with a locking ring (also not shown here).

[0043] A distributor 111 is formed in the centrifuge drum 11 for supplying product from a product inlet pipe 112 into a separation chamber 113. In the distributor 111, the product P is transferred into the rotating system. The product inlet pipe 112 is guided into the centrifuge 1 from above through a hood 12, which is stationary during operation of the centrifuge 1, or from the end of the centrifuge drum 11 opposite a drive spindle 31. The hood 12 surrounds the centrifuge drum 11. It can be arranged on the machine frame 2 and supported thereon. The hood 12 is divided here, for example, into an upper conical hood section 121 and a lower cylindrical hood section 122, which can be designed as a solids catcher.

[0044] The actual centrifugal separation of the product P into different phases takes place in the separation chamber 113. The separation chamber 113 preferably has a separation means such as a disk stack 114 of separation disks. It also has a solids collection chamber 115 radially outwardly, in which the solid phase S separated from the suspension or the flowable product P collects during the separation and / or clarification process.

[0045] Furthermore, the centrifuge 1 here has a single liquid discharge 13, through which a liquid phase L can be discharged from the centrifuge drum 11. The liquid discharge 13 is designed here as a so-called paring disc, which operates as a centripetal pump. The liquid discharge 13 can also be implemented in other ways. Furthermore, multiple liquid phases can also be discharged, for which purpose the centrifuge drum 11 must be provided with a corresponding additional discharge system (e.g., with an additional paring disc and a separating plate for supplying an additional liquid phase to this paring disc, neither of which is shown).

[0046] To discharge the solid phase S from the solid collection chamber 115 of the centrifugal drum 11, an emptying system can be provided (not shown here), which can be fluid-operated.

[0047] A drive spindle 31 for rotating the centrifugal drum 1 is rotatably mounted in the machine frame 2 in an upper neck bearing 32 and a lower foot bearing 33. The drive spindle 31 carries the centrifugal drum 11, which here is mounted or molded onto a free end of the drive spindle 31. The drive spindle 31 passes through the hood 12. The drive spindle 31 is rotated here by means of a belt transmission 34 and a drive motor 35. The drive motor 35 is fastened to the machine frame 2. Alternatively, other drive variants are also conceivable, such as a direct drive of the centrifugal drum 11 by the drive motor 35. However, the drive shown is preferred here.

[0048] The belt transmission 34 is preferably designed as a belt transmission and thus has a first pulley 341, which is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on a drive shaft 351 of the drive motor 35. The belt transmission also has a second pulley 342, which is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on the drive spindle 31 in the axial direction between the neck bearing 32 and the hood 12.

[0049] The neck bearing 32 is preferably designed as a rolling bearing, particularly preferably - as shown here - as a cylindrical roller bearing, which can have an inner ring 321 and an outer ring 322. If necessary, the neck bearing 32 can also be arranged in pairs if the forces to be absorbed require this. The neck bearing 32 is placed here with its inner ring 321 on a cylindrical shoulder 311 of the drive spindle 31. The neck bearing 32 can be inserted into an elastic housing 323 and guided vertically displaceably in the housing 323 and supported radially resiliently. The neck bearing 32 can be designed as a floating bearing, so that the inner ring 321 of the neck bearing 32, which is firmly connected to the drive spindle 31, can move axially relative to the outer ring 322. The neck bearing 32 can also be designed differently, for example as a magnetic bearing.

[0050] The elastic housing 323 has a shoulder 324, with which the elastic housing 323 is inserted into a bearing support 36, through which the drive spindle 31 extends. The neck bearing 32 is thus axially supported on the bearing support 36 via the elastic housing 323. Preferably, the elastic housing 323 is fixed to the bearing support, for example, pressed in, and thus axially secured against co-rotation. The bearing support 36 with the elastic housing 323 and the neck bearing 32 is inserted into the machine frame 2.

[0051] The elastic housing 323 can be designed as a rubber-metal part and thus be constructed in a simple manner, for example, from two metallic sleeves or discs connected to each other by a ring made of elastomer material. More than two metallic sleeves or discs can also be provided. The elastic housing 323 can also be designed differently; for example, coil springs or springs of other types are also possible as spring elements.

[0052] Preferably and advantageously, the bearing support 36, the elastic housing 323 and the neck bearing 32 form a pre-assembled and replaceable unit.

[0053] The foot bearing 33 - see also Fig. 2 - is also preferably designed as a rolling bearing and can - as shown here - be designed as a deep groove ball bearing or as a cylindrical roller bearing, which has an inner ring 331 and an outer ring 332. If necessary, the foot bearing 33 can also be arranged in pairs if the forces to be absorbed require this. The foot bearing 33 is here mounted with its inner ring 331 on a cylindrical shoulder 312 of the drive spindle.

[0054] 31. The foot bearing 33 can also be designed differently, for example as a magnetic bearing.

[0055] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show that the rotating system, i.e. the unit comprising the rotating centrifugal drum 11, the drive spindle 31, the neck bearing 32 and the foot bearing 33, is supported axially resiliently relative to the machine frame 2 by a spring 334 arranged centrally below the foot bearing 33 of the axially movable drive spindle 31. The axial mobility of the work spindle 31 is achieved in that the foot bearing 33 is mounted with its outer ring 332 in a sleeve 333 which is arranged on the spring 334. In the sense of the invention, the sleeve 333 is understood to be a tubular, elongated, solid casing.

[0056] The spring 334 can be designed as a helical spring or—as shown here—comprising one or more disc springs or another suitable elastic element. The spring 334 is supported here on a disc 335, which can have a centering projection 3351 for the spring 334. The outer ring 332 of the foot bearing 33 is thus radially supported in the sleeve 333.

[0057] The sleeve 333, in turn, is axially displaceably inserted into a bore of an inner sleeve 336 of a ball joint 337. The ball joint 337 is constructed from the convex, spherical ring-like inner sleeve 336 and a concave outer sleeve 338 that forms a positive fit with the convex inner sleeve 336. Such ball joints 337 are also known as ball and socket bearings. The outer sleeve 338 of the ball joint 337 is inserted into a bearing cup 339 and can be secured in the axial direction by a housing shoulder of the bearing cup 339 and by another securing element.

[0058] The sleeve 333 has a flange-like collar 3331 projecting radially outward on its upper axial side, which limits any downward axial movement of the sleeve 333, since the collar 3331 strikes an axial upper side of the inner sleeve 336 of the ball joint 337 after a correspondingly long downward movement of the sleeve 333. The maximum possible travel is dimensioned such that the spring 334 is not compressed "to a block." The sleeve 333 is also designed such that the centering projection 3351 of the spring 334 on the disk 335 engages the sleeve 333.

[0059] The ball joint 337 allows the base bearing 33 to be pivoted relative to the machine frame 2—a cardanic tilt. The center of the ball of the ball joint 337 lies essentially at the center of the base bearing 33—when there is no axial deflection during operation of the centrifuge 1. The disc 335 is axially attached to a lower side of the bearing cup 339. It is also conceivable for the base bearing 33 itself to be designed like a spherical bearing.

[0060] The bearing cup 339 is inserted into a tubular extension 21, which is inserted into a lower opening of the machine frame 2. The bearing support 36 is mounted axially on the upper side of the tubular extension 21. Alternatively, the bearing support 36 and the bearing cup 339 can also be designed as a one-piece bearing housing, so that the drive spindle 31 with the neck bearing 32 and the elastic housing 323, as well as the foot bearing 33, the sleeve 333, the spring 334, the ball joint 337, and the disc 335, can be inserted into the machine frame 2 as a preassembled unit.

[0061] The axial mobility of the drive spindle 31 is achieved by the sliding sleeve 333 in the lower foot bearing 33 and the upper neck bearing 32 provided as a loose bearing.

[0062] The elastic housing 323, into which the neck bearing 32 is inserted, enables radial mobility of the drive spindle 31. The elastic elements are arranged between the machine frame 2 and the outer ring 322 of the neck bearing 32. The pivot point or pendulum base point is located in the foot bearing 33.

[0063] The machine frame 2, in turn, is connected to the machine foundation 4 via a plurality of machine feet 22 or is placed on it. The machine feet 22 are preferably designed as flexible dampers or shock absorbers, wherein at least one spring element 221 of the machine foot 22 can be provided, which can preferably be made of elastomer.

[0064] Here, the respective machine base 22 is preferably designed as a rubber-metal part. The machine base 22 can be round in cross-section. Each machine base 22 has a first plate 222 on its upper side and a second plate 223 on its lower side. The two plates 222, 223 are preferably made of metal, particularly preferably steel. A ring 224 can be arranged between the two plates 222, 223.

[0065] The ring 224 here dips radially into the spring element 221 with an inner side, while an outer side of the ring 224 is located outside the spring element 221. On the outer side of the ring 224, bores are arranged circumferentially distributed, via which the respective machine foot 22 can be fastened, preferably screwed, to the machine foundation 4. The respective machine foot 22 can further have a central sleeve 225. A screw 226 passes through the sleeve 225, with which the respective machine foot 22 is fastened to a support 23 of the machine frame 2. The two plates 222, 223, the ring 224 and the sleeve 225 are preferably vulcanized together with the spring element 221.

[0066] In this way, a shock-like acceleration introduced via the machine foundation 4 can be partially absorbed by machine feet 22 and thus passed on in a dampened manner to the rotating system of the centrifuge 1 - i.e. bearings 32, 33, drive spindle 31 and centrifuge drum 11.

[0067] As described above, the rotating system of centrifuge 1 is elastically mounted in the axial and radial directions. This effectively dampens any shock-like acceleration indirectly introduced into the rotating system by the machine foundation 4.

[0068] Both the axial and radial deflection of the rotating system as a result of a shock acting on the centrifuge 1 is limited within the centrifuge 1. For this purpose, according to an optional development and also a further variant, several travel limiting elements 123, which are preferably made of a non-ferrous metal, such as bronze, can be mounted in an interior space 124 of the hood 12 below and above the centrifuge drum 11, each circumferentially distributed around the centrifuge drum 11. The respective travel limiting element 123 can be designed as a ring or as a ring segment. The respective travel limiting element 123 can also be made of a material other than non-ferrous metal, for example, from plastic.

[0069] In the event of a large axial or radial deflection of the centrifuge drum 11 due to shock energy introduced into the centrifuge 1 via the machine foundation 4, the rotating centrifuge drum 11 can strike these travel limiting elements 123, which are softer than the centrifuge drum 11, with part of the energy then being absorbed by the machine structure, in particular by the hood 12 and the machine frame 2. The travel limiting elements 123 can often prevent damage to the bearing of the drive spindle 31, which allows movement of the drive spindle 31 in the axial and radial directions. Thus, on the one hand, the rotating centrifugal drum 11 together with the drive spindle 31 and the bearings 32, 33 are resiliently supported in the machine frame 2, and on the other hand, the machine frame 2 is resiliently supported on the machine foundation 4, wherein the machine foundation 4 is preferably part of a ship structure.

[0070] The shock is thus absorbed both within the centrifuge by the spring-loaded drive spindle 31 and in the machine feet 22 beneath the machine frame 4. Thus, the rotating system—that is, the centrifuge drum 11, the drive spindle 31, and the bearings 32, 33—forms a first spring-loaded mass, which is inserted into a second spring-loaded mass—namely, the entire centrifuge 1. As a result, the machine feet 22, which are designed as flexible dampers, no longer have to provide suspension for the entire vibratory system. Likewise, the spring travel of the machine feet 22 beneath the machine frame 4 can be significantly reduced, thus significantly reducing undesirable rocking movements of the separator, caused, for example, by rough seas.

[0071] In order to further optimize the damping properties of the entire oscillatory system, a spring-loaded decoupling of the drive motor 35 from the machine frame 2 would also be conceivable, which would lead to a further damping possibility and thus to a distribution of the shock energy acting on the centrifuge 1.

[0072] List of reference symbols

[0073] 1 centrifuge

[0074] 11 Centrifugal drum

[0075] 111 distributors

[0076] 112 Product inlet pipe

[0077] 113 Separation room

[0078] 114 plate package

[0079] 115 Solids collection room

[0080] 12 hood

[0081] 13 Liquid discharge

[0082] 121 upper hood part

[0083] 122 lower hood part

[0084] 123 Path limiter element

[0085] 124 Interior

[0086] 2 machine frame

[0087] 21 Approach

[0088] 22 Machine base

[0089] 221 spring elements

[0090] 222 plate

[0091] 223 plate

[0092] 224 rings

[0093] 225 case

[0094] 226 screw

[0095] 23 Support

[0096] 3 Drive unit

[0097] 31 Drive spindle

[0098] 311 paragraph

[0099] 312 paragraph

[0100] 32 neck bearings

[0101] 321 inner ring

[0102] 322 outer ring

[0103] 323 housing

[0104] 324 approach

[0105] 33 Foot bearings

[0106] 331 inner ring

[0107] 332 outer ring

[0108] 333 sleeve

[0109] 3331 Collar 334 Spring

[0110] 335 disc

[0111] 3351 Centering shoulder

[0112] 336 inner sleeve

[0113] 337 ball joint

[0114] 338 outer sleeve

[0115] 339 storage pot

[0116] 34 Belt transmission

[0117] 341 pulley

[0118] 342 pulley

[0119] 35 drive motor

[0120] 351 drive shaft

[0121] 36 bearing support

[0122] 4 Machine foundation

[0123] D axis of rotation

[0124] P Product

[0125] L Liquid phase

[0126] 5 Solid phase

Claims

Claims 1 . Centrifuge (1) which is designed as a separator and is intended to separate a product P to be processed into a solid phase S and at least one liquid phase L in a centrifugal field, wherein the centrifuge (1) is designed for use on a ship and has at least the following: a) a centrifugal drum (11) with a vertical axis of rotation D, in which a plate pack (114) is arranged, b) a drive spindle (31) of the centrifugal drum (11), which is rotatably mounted in and / or on a machine frame (2) by means of a neck bearing (32) and a foot bearing (33), c) a drive motor (35) which is designed to drive the drive spindle (31), d) wherein the neck bearing (32) is axially displaceable and is radially supported, e) wherein a spring is arranged centrally below the foot bearing (33) of the axially deflectable drive spindle (31). (334) is arranged, which comprises the unit of rotating centrifugal drum (11), the drive spindle (31),the neck bearing (32) and the foot bearing (33) are resiliently supported in an axially limited deflectable manner against an abutment, which is in particular the machine frame (2), f) wherein the axially limited deflectability of the work spindle (31) is realized in that the foot bearing (33) is mounted with its outer ring (332) in a sleeve (333) which is arranged on the spring (334).

2. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the neck bearing (32) is guided axially displaceably via its inner ring (321) and is radially resiliently supported via its outer ring (322).

3. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foot bearing (33) is supported radially in the sleeve (333) by an outer ring (322).

4. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve (333) is inserted axially displaceably into a bore of an inner sleeve (336) of a ball joint (337).

5. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve (333) has on its upper axial side a radially outwardly projecting collar (3331), by which an axial movement of the sleeve (333) downwards is limited.

6. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum possible path of the sleeve (333) during a downward movement is dimensioned such that the spring (334) is not compressed to a block.

7. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (324) is designed as a helical spring or has one or more disc springs.

8. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (334) is supported on a disc (335) which has a centering projection (3351) for the spring (334).

9. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve (333) is designed such that when the sleeve (333) travels downwards to its maximum possible extent, the centrifuge shoulder (3351) of the spring (334) on the disc (335) dips into the sleeve (333).

10. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disc (335) is axially attached to a lower side of a bearing cup (339), wherein the bearing cup (339) is arranged in a tubular extension (21 ) which is inserted into a lower opening of a machine frame (2) of the centrifuge (1 ).

11. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive motor (35) is coupled to the drive spindle (31) via a belt drive.

12. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machine frame (2) is connected to a machine foundation (4) via several machine feet (22), wherein the machine feet (22) are designed as flexible dampers or shock absorbers.

13. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the respective machine base (22) is preferably designed as a rubber-metal part, so that a spring element (221) of the machine base (22) is preferably made of elastomer.

14. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foot bearing (33) can be tilted in an articulated-cardanic manner relative to the machine frame (2) by means of a ball joint (337).

15. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer sleeve (338) of the ball joint (337) is inserted into the bearing pot (339).

16. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge (1) has a hood (12) which is stationary during operation of the centrifuge (1), which surrounds the centrifuge drum (11) and which is arranged on the machine frame (2) and supported on the latter.

17. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of path limiting elements (123) are mounted in an interior space (124) of the hood (12) below and above the centrifugal drum (11), each circumferentially distributed around the centrifugal drum (11).

18. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the respective path limiting element (123) is designed as a ring or as a ring segment.

19. Centrifuge (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the respective path limiting element (123) is preferably made of a non-ferrous metal, particularly preferably of bronze.

20. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic housing (323) has a shoulder (324) with which the elastic housing (323) is inserted into a bearing support (36) through which the drive spindle (31) passes.

21. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing support (36) with the elastic housing (323) and the neck bearing (32) is inserted into the machine frame (2).

22. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic housing (323) is designed as a rubber-metal part 23. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing support (36), the elastic housing (323), and the neck bearing (32) form a pre-assembled and replaceable unit.

24. Centrifuge (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the bearing support (36) and the bearing cup (339) are designed as a one-piece bearing housing, so that the drive spindle (31) with the neck bearing (32) and the elastic housing (323), as well as the foot bearing (33), the sleeve (333), the spring (334), the ball joint (337), and the disc (335) can be inserted into the machine frame (2) as a pre-assembled unit.

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