Discharge device for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit, centrifuge, and method for cleaning a discharge device

Abstract

A discharge device (30) for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit comprising reaction vessels, for example a microtiter plate, is proposed, as is a corresponding centrifuge and a method for cleaning the discharge device (30). The discharge device (30) has a discharge plate (31), which can be arranged in a centrifuge opposite the openings of the reaction vessels. During the centrifuging, liquid exiting the reaction vessels owing to the centrifugal acceleration is collected by the discharge plate (31) and discharged. Fins (40) which are arranged approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and transverse to the movement direction of the discharge plate (31) are present on that side of the discharge plate (31) which faces towards the openings of the reaction vessels. The discharge device (30) keeps liquid that is ejected from the reaction vessels during the centrifuging away from the rest of the device. The fins (40) ensure that ejected liquid is optimally discharged. Corrosion and / or chemical interactions with the ejected liquid are prevented, and the formation of aerosols is also greatly reduced. Cross-contamination of reaction vessel units during the centrifuging is largely prevented, as is the wetting of the reaction vessel unit. Furthermore, the cleaning effort is considerably reduced.

Description

[0001] Drainage device for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit, centrifuge and method for

[0002] Cleaning a discharge device

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention encompasses a drainage and collection device for a reaction vessel unit, a centrifuge and a method for cleaning a drainage device.

[0005] Reaction vessel units containing multiple reaction vessels, such as microtiter plates (MTPs, or multi-well plates) with a plurality of wells, can be cleaned by centrifugation. The MTPs are attached to a rotor in a centrifuge's rotor chamber with the openings of the reaction vessels facing away from the rotor's axis of rotation, and are centrifuged at a speed of up to several thousand revolutions per minute.

[0006] In this context, cleaning means evacuating the liquid contained in the reaction vessels. The reaction vessels are cleaned by filling and evacuating liquids. However, reagents can also be added, which then need to be evacuated from the reaction vessels after a reaction (e.g., chemical, biological, or biophysical) has taken place. The solid phase in a reaction vessel unit can be the inner wall of the reaction vessels, cells adhering to them, cells or cellular structures contained therein, particles held therein, or even magnetic particles contained therein. The contamination aspects mentioned below apply to all formats.

[0007] During centrifugation, the ejected contents of the reaction tubes are collected by a wall of the rotor chamber. Substances remaining on the walls and surfaces of the rotor chamber partially flow off and collect in the lower area of ​​the rotor chamber, but can also drip from above and, for example, enter an MTP located in the rotor chamber. If several microtiter plates are cleaned consecutively in the centrifuge, there is a risk of cross-contamination, as centrifugate from one MTP drips into another MTP.

[0008] The rotation of the rotor creates air vortexes in every centrifuge. If liquid contents are ejected from the reaction vessels during rotation, these air vortexes create aerosols. These aerosols can float in the air and thus reach any location. They are a significant cause of cross-contamination. In genomic applications (typically amplification-based, such as PCR), aerosols are therefore a driving force for contamination.

[0009] It has also been shown that microtiter plates cleaned in a centrifuge can still have wet surfaces even when the wells are completely emptied. This can complicate further use, for example, if the microtiter plates are subsequently sealed with a film. The film is typically applied to cover the openings of the wells. This can be done, for example, for sterile interim storage of the microtiter plates before further use or after filling with a test liquid to isolate the test regime. However, the wetted surface makes it difficult to seal the microtiter plates with a film.

[0010] State of the art

[0011] Publication DE 10 2017 113 583 A1 discloses a centrifuge in which the housing has a drainage channel below the rotor, and the inner surfaces of the housing adjacent to the channel form a funnel that opens into the channel. This allows the centrifugate accumulating in the rotor chamber to be collected and more effectively removed.

[0012] From publication DE 10 2021 124 023 A1, it is known to supply a cleaning solution to the rotor chamber of a centrifuge in such a way that the cleaning solution is distributed throughout the rotor chamber by rotating the rotor. Residues of the centrifugate can thus be removed from the walls and surfaces of the rotor chamber by regular, frequent rinsing with cleaning agents.

[0013] The not yet published German patent applications DE 10 2022 102 701 .5 and DE 10 2022 102 705.8 disclose drainage devices for the controlled drainage of liquids from reaction vessels by means of a centrifuge.

[0014] For hygiene reasons, comparatively frequent cleaning cycles are required, resulting in downtime and high operating costs. However, this approach will be unavoidable, especially for diagnostic applications.

[0015] Task The object of the invention is to provide devices and a method which improve the cleaning of a reaction vessel unit by centrifuging in a centrifuge, in particular minimise the contamination of the interior of the centrifuge and optimise the drainage of liquids escaping from the reaction vessels.

[0016] Solution

[0017] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the subject matter of the independent claims are characterized in the subclaims. The wording of all claims is hereby incorporated by reference into this description.

[0018] The use of the singular shall not exclude the plural, and this shall also apply in the reverse sense unless otherwise disclosed.

[0019] To achieve this objective, a drainage device for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit is proposed. The reaction vessel unit comprises a plurality of reaction vessels, each of which has an opening located in a common opening plane. Typically, the reaction vessel unit is a microtiter plate. The drainage device comprises a drainage plate configured such that, in a centrifuge having a rotor with a rotational axis, it can be arranged or is arranged opposite the openings of the reaction vessels. During centrifugation, the drainage device rotates with the reaction vessel unit, and liquid emerging from the reaction vessels is collected and drained away by the drainage plate due to centrifugal acceleration.On the side of the discharge plate facing the openings of the reaction vessels, there is at least one lamella which is arranged approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and transverse to the direction of movement of the discharge plate.

[0020] Due to its inertia, the lamella prevents all of the liquid ejected from the reaction vessels from flowing to the outer edge of the deflector plate, which is opposite to the direction of rotation. The liquid droplets that hit the deflector plate in front of the lamella during ejection flow along the deflector plate and counter to the direction of rotation until they are stopped by the lamella, from where they are guided away in a controlled manner along the lamella.

[0021] The term “direction of movement of the deflector plate” is understood here as the direction tangential to the radius by which the deflector plate is spaced from the axis of rotation. The direction of rotation during centrifugation thus describes a circular path concentric with the axis of rotation. The deflector device with the deflector plate keeps liquid ejected from the reaction vessels during centrifugation away from the other elements of the device, such as the centrifuge housing, the rotor and, in particular, the axis of rotation of the rotor. The at least one lamella ensures that ejected liquid is drained away in an optimal manner. This achieves a whole series of advantages: Corrosion and / or other chemical interactions with the ejected liquid are prevented, since essentially only the inside of the deflector device comes into contact with the liquid.

[0022] Because the volume containing the liquid rotates along with the rotor, no air turbulence is created. This greatly reduces the risk of aerosol formation.

[0023] Cross-contamination of reaction vessel units during centrifugation is largely prevented, as is wetting of the reaction vessel unit. Furthermore, cleaning effort is significantly reduced because the centrifuge's rotor chamber needs to be cleaned much less frequently, as the ejected liquid is collected by the discharge device. Thus, only this discharge device needs to be cleaned or replaced. A suitable cleaning procedure for this is described below.

[0024] The drainage of liquid ejected during centrifugation is further optimized if, in the drainage device described above, a drainage surface of the drainage plate facing the reaction vessel unit is inclined relative to the rotor's rotational axis in such a way that the distance of the drainage surface from the rotor's rotational axis increases in the direction of a discharge opening of the centrifuge. This generates a component of the centrifugal force directed toward the discharge opening during centrifugation, which drives the liquid toward the discharge opening during centrifugation. At high rotational speeds, at which the liquid is pressed against the drainage plate with several Gs, the liquid is removed from the drainage plate completely or almost completely. This can minimize the need for cleaning the drainage device.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one lamella is arranged with its longitudinal extension obliquely to the rotational axis of the rotor such that, when the rotor accelerates, liquid escaping from the reaction vessels is guided by the lamella toward the discharge opening. The position of the lamella runs approximately parallel to the rotational axis and is increasingly offset from the discharge opening with respect to the direction of movement of the discharge device. The lamellae thus extend approximately like a screw thread around the rotational axis.

[0026] Due to the inertia of the liquid, it is driven along the lamella toward the discharge opening when the rotor accelerates, and thus when the discharge device accelerates. Tests have shown that the majority of the liquid is ejected from the reaction vessels and driven out of the discharge device during the acceleration process.

[0027] The angle that the slats enclose with the axis of rotation is preferably at least 3°, in particular at least 5° and can also be at least 10°.

[0028] The angle formed by the slats with the axis of rotation is preferably not greater than 45° and in particular not greater than 30° or not greater than 20°.

[0029] The drainage of liquid ejected during centrifugation can be further improved if, in the above-described drainage device, the slat's inclination relative to the rotor's rotational axis is greater in an area adjacent to the discharge opening than in an area farther away from it. This allows the liquid to flow more easily and without backflow to the discharge opening.

[0030] The said configuration of the at least one lamella in the described discharge device can preferably be achieved in that the lamella is bent along its longitudinal extent or has one or more kinks.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the previously described discharge device, a plurality of lamellae are provided. These are arranged, in particular, approximately parallel to one another. This can further improve the discharge of the liquid ejected from the reaction vessels, particularly if multiple discharge openings are present. At least three, at least four, or even at least five lamellae can be provided.

[0032] Preferably, the deflection plate is curved such that it forms a segment of a body that is approximately rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation. In particular, the deflection plate can thus have approximately the shape of the surface of a cone segment. This allows the internal volume of the deflection device, in which liquid can occur, to be kept particularly small.

[0033] The drainage device can be designed with multiple lamellae. This divides the liquid ejected from the reaction vessels into several volumes, each of which is drained along one of the lamellae.

[0034] The plurality of lamellae are preferably arranged approximately parallel to one another, whereby the distance between adjacent lamellae can increase with increasing distance from the rotational axis. To divert fluid along the lamellae, it is sufficient for either the deflection plate to have an increasing distance from the rotational axis toward the discharge opening (inclined position of the surface of the deflection plate facing the rotor) or the lamella(s) to be arranged at an angle to the rotational axis. Both inclinations are preferably implemented on the deflection device. This allows the fluid to be diverted with two effects.

[0035] All designs result in the residence time of the ejected liquid in the collection chamber above the reaction vessels being minimal, thus drastically reducing the risk of contamination by aerosols.

[0036] In an advantageous development of the described diverting device for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit, the diverting plate can be fastened to the centrifuge rotor or to the reaction vessel unit using a detachable coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism is designed in particular as a quick-release fastener, particularly preferably as a linearly coupled quick-release fastener. A bayonet-type design of the quick-release fastener is particularly preferred. This allows the diverting device to be attached to the centrifuge rotor or to the reaction vessel unit in a particularly simple and time-saving manner. Attaching the diverting device to the reaction vessel unit instead of to the rotor can further reduce the risk of contamination of the centrifuge rotor.

[0037] The object is further achieved by a centrifuge with a rotor mounted for rotation about a rotational axis and with a discharge device, as already described, with which a liquid can be directed to a discharge opening of the centrifuge. The discharge device is detachably connected to the rotor or to a reaction vessel unit incorporated in the rotor in such a way that it rotates together with the rotor. A discharge chute leads away from the discharge opening. A rinsing device is provided for rinsing the discharge chute with a cleaning liquid. This ensures that all potentially contaminated parts of the centrifuge can be effectively cleaned without major additional effort.

[0038] Individual method steps are described in more detail below. In a preferred variant of the invention, the steps are carried out in the order specified. However, the steps do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order specified, and the method to be described may also include additional, unmentioned steps.

[0039] To achieve this objective, a method for cleaning a discharge device in a centrifuge is also proposed. The discharge device comprises a discharge plate configured such that it is arranged opposite the openings of the reaction vessels of a reaction vessel unit in the centrifuge. During centrifugation, the discharge plate rotates with the reaction vessel unit, and liquid escaping from the reaction vessels is collected and discharged by the discharge plate due to centrifugal acceleration. The method comprises the following steps:

[0040] 1. Inserting a reaction vessel unit into the rotor of the centrifuge, wherein at least one reaction vessel of the reaction vessel unit is filled with a cleaning liquid.

[0041] 2. Rotating the rotor into a position in which the diverter plate is arranged below the rotor so that the cleaning liquid flows out of the at least one reaction vessel and is collected by the diverter plate.

[0042] 3. The cleaning fluid is applied to the discharge plate for a predetermined period of time.

[0043] 4. Remove the cleaning fluid from the discharge plate by turning the rotor.

[0044] In this way, the discharge device can be cleaned in a reproducible manner with little effort.

[0045] The present discharge device represents a further development of the discharge devices described in the German patent applications DE 10 2022 102 701 .5 and DE 10 2022 102 705.8. Reference is therefore made to these documents in their entirety.

[0046] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The possibilities for solving the problem are not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are illustrated schematically in the figures. The same reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally identical elements, or elements that correspond to one another in terms of their functions. All drawings are to be understood as schematic. Proportions may be distorted for clarity. Directional and positional designations refer, unless otherwise stated, to the usual use of the subject matter of the invention. In detail:

[0047] Fig. 1 shows the interior of a rotor box of a centrifuge with a reaction vessel unit and with a discharge device in a frontal sectional view;

[0048] Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional oblique view of a discharge device from the side facing the reaction vessel unit;

[0049] Fig. 3 is a three-dimensional oblique view of the discharge device of Fig. 2 from the side facing away from the reaction vessel unit;

[0050] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the side of the discharge device facing the reaction vessel unit;

[0051] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the reaction vessel unit from the side of the discharge device facing away from the reaction vessel unit; and

[0052] Fig. 6a to 6c are sectional views through the discharge device from Fig. 5 along the lines AA, BB and CC. A centrifuge 1 has a drive box (not shown in detail) and a rotor box 3 which rest on feet 4 (Fig. 1). The drive box typically houses a drive unit, such as an electric motor. The drive box has a hood 5 which is fastened by means of screws to a support structure of the rotor box 3. The support structure can be formed by an end wall as well as a base 27 and a rear wall 28 of the rotor box 3. The hood 5 can have two side walls 13 and an upper wall 14 which are designed as individual elements or, for example, as a continuous angled sheet metal structure (cf. Fig. 1). The side walls 13 and the upper wall 14 of the hood 5 as well as the end wall, a base 27 and a rear wall 28 of the rotor box 3 define orencompass an interior space of the rotor box 3, which is also referred to as a rotor chamber 29. The end wall typically has a loading window through which an interior space of the rotor box 3 is accessible in order to load the centrifuge with a reaction vessel unit 21 (Fig. 1), as is known per se. The end wall can also have an axle opening which accommodates a rotor shaft of the centrifuge 1 for rotation about a rotation axis. The axle opening can also be designed as a bearing seat for a bearing for supporting the rotor shaft, but the rotor shaft can also run freely in the axle opening.

[0053] The rotor shaft supports a rotor 20, which is rotationally fixedly connected to the rotor shaft for rotating within an interior of the rotor box 3 (Fig. 1). For this purpose, the rotor shaft is connected to an output shaft of the drive unit of the centrifuge 1. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the rotor shaft to be an integral part of the output shaft of the drive unit. The rotor 20 is designed to accommodate at least one reaction vessel unit 21. In the present embodiment, the rotor 20 can accommodate two reaction vessel units 21, of which only one is shown in Figure 1.

[0054] The rotor 20 has a frame 22 which is approximately cuboid-shaped and is or can be connected to the rotor shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. On two radially opposite sides of the frame, a receiving space 23 for a reaction vessel unit 21 is formed. In variant designs, only a single receiving space 23 or more than two receiving spaces 23 can be provided. The receiving space 23 is preferably delimited by two rail-like clamps 24 which protrude from the frame 22. A support surface 25 for the reaction vessel unit 21 is formed on the frame 22 itself, while respective counter surfaces 26 are formed on the clamps 24, which are formed parallel to the support surface 25 and are spaced from it in a fit according to a height of the reaction vessel unit 21.

[0055] Instead of a reaction vessel unit, a weight plate can also be arranged in a receiving area, which forms a corresponding counterweight to the reaction vessel unit. The reaction vessel unit 21 can be placed on the rotor 20 in a conventional manner via the loading window in the end wall or removed from it when the rotor 20 is in a position in which the receiving location is exactly opposite the loading window. The loading process can be carried out automatically, for example, by means of a loading device such as that known from WO 2017 / 125598 A1. For this purpose, the loading device has an automatically actuated displacement rod (not shown) for positioning a reaction vessel unit.

[0056] The reaction vessel unit 21 is a body with a plurality of individual reaction vessels 37, which are arranged next to one another in the reaction vessel unit 21 and each have an opening 38 on one side (Fig. 1). The openings 38 lie in a common opening plane 39 and point radially outwards for cleaning purposes. The clamps 24 of the receiving locations 23 are designed such that they only grip the reaction vessel unit 21 at the edge, so that the openings 38 of the individual reaction vessels 37 of the reaction vessel unit 21 are exposed. When the rotor 20 rotates at a suitable rotational speed about the rotation axis, liquids contained in the reaction vessels 37 of the reaction vessel unit 21 are spun radially outwards. The rotational speed for this is several hundred to several thousand rpm.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a diverting device 30 is provided, which is arranged radially outside the reaction vessel unit 21 (Fig. 1). The diverting device 30 has a diverting plate 31, which is arranged opposite the openings 38 of the reaction vessels 37. The diverting plate 31 extends both in the width direction w and in the axial direction (direction of the rotation axis) beyond the dimensions of the rotor 20. In modifications, it may be sufficient if the diverting plate 31 covers at least the reaction vessel unit 21 or at least all openings 38 of the reaction vessels 37 of the reaction vessel unit 21. When the rotor 20 rotates at a rotational speed suitable for centrifugation, liquid from the reaction vessels 37 is propelled through the openings 38 by the effect of centrifugal force and intercepted by the diverting plate 31.

[0058] With an approximately flat deflection plate, a radial distance ro of the deflection plate 31 from the rotation axis is smallest in the region of a center plane 36, which runs perpendicularly through the opening plane 39 of the reaction vessel unit 21 and along the rotation axis (Figure 1), while the radial distance r increases in the width direction w toward the edge 32 of the deflection device. Accordingly, a centrifugal acceleration also increases toward the edge 32 of the deflection device 30, so that the collected liquid is driven along a surface of the deflection plate 31 in the width direction w toward the edge 32.

[0059] Preferably, however, the deflection plate 31 is concavely curved with its deflection surface facing the rotor or reaction vessel unit, forming a kind of groove that runs approximately parallel to the axis of rotation. In particular, the deflection surface is designed approximately concentrically to the axis of rotation. This results in little or no effect due to centrifugal forces varying in the direction of rotation. However, due to its inertia, the liquid is propelled along the deflection surface in the opposite direction to the direction of movement.

[0060] The diverting device 30 also has at least one lamella 40, preferably several of them, on the diverting surface facing the openings 38 of the reaction vessels 37, wherein the lamella is arranged approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and transversely to the direction of movement of the diverting plate (not shown in Fig. 1 for the sake of simplicity). In the present exemplary embodiment, the surfaces of the lamellae 40 are arranged perpendicular to a plane extending between the edges of the diverting device 30, with which the diverting device rests laterally on the reaction vessel unit or is fastened to the rotor. However, the surfaces of the lamellae 40 can also be oriented differently, for example radially to the center of the curved diverting surface or radially to the axis of rotation of the rotor.By means of such an arrangement, in which the lamellae are arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the discharge plate, liquid drops are carried along by the lamellae in a rotating discharge device 30 and discharged due to the centrifugal force, wherein the liquid drops are discharged along the lamellae 40 and the discharge surface.

[0061] The discharge device 30 can be formed integrally with the rotor 20 or can be attached or attachable to it. The discharge device 30 can, in particular, be removable from the rotor 20 so that it can be cleaned separately. The discharge device 30 can also be attached independently of the rotor 20 to the rotor shaft or to the reaction vessel unit 21 (not shown in detail).

[0062] A more detailed representation of a preferred embodiment of the diverter device 30 can be seen in Figures 2 to 6c.

[0063] The diverting device 30 is, as explained above, designed to perform a rotary movement in a centrifuge together with a rotor. This diverting device 30 thus has elements with which the diverting device 30 can be fastened directly or indirectly to the rotor. Indirect fastening to the rotor is achieved, for example, by fastening the diverting device to the reaction vessel unit 21. The fastening must, of course, be designed to be sufficiently stable that the diverting device 30 is securely fastened to the rotor despite the considerable centrifugal forces (e.g., up to approximately 500 G) that occur during centrifugation. Therefore, such a diverting device 30 always has a certain shape and / or fastening means that allow such stable and unambiguous fastening to the rotor.As a result, when the deflection device 30 is used for its intended purpose, it is always arranged in a specific and unambiguous position relative to the rotor and its axis of rotation. In the following description, elements of the deflection device 30 are explained in relation to the axis of rotation of the rotor as well as in relation to the direction of movement of the rotor or the deflection device. In this explanation, it applies, without explicit reference being made each time, that the deflection device 30 is fastened to the rotor in a unique position during use. A person skilled in the art can recognize, based on the design of the deflection device, how the corresponding elements are arranged relative to the rotor's axis of rotation, even if the deflection device is detached from the rotor.

[0064] In this embodiment of the deflection device 30, the deflection plate 31 is designed as the inner surface (= deflection surface) of the deflection device 30 and is curved such that it forms a segment of a body that is approximately rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation (see oblique views in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). The resulting shape is essentially a cone segment. On the inner deflection surface of the deflection device 30, lamellae 40 are provided (four in the illustrated embodiment), which, when the deflection device is mounted, are arranged approximately parallel to the rotor's axis of rotation and transverse to the direction of movement of the deflection plate.

[0065] However, in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 it can be clearly seen that the slats 40 are not arranged exactly parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, but somewhat obliquely to it. This contributes significantly to better drainage of the collected liquid when the rotor or the collecting device is accelerated. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 it can also be seen that the inclination of the slats 40 with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor is greater in an area adjacent to the discharge opening, i.e. in the foreground in Fig. 2, and at the bottom in Fig. 4, than in an area further away from the discharge opening. In the embodiment shown, this is achieved by a kink 43.

[0066] The drainage device 30 has a drainage channel 45, which adjoins the drainage plate 31 on the side where the webs 40 for draining the liquid end. On this side, the collecting chamber 50, which is radially delimited by the drainage plate 31, is delimited by an end wall 46, against which the corresponding ends of the lamellae 40 rest. This end wall 46 has the drainage opening 44, which in the present embodiment is formed from two separate drainage openings 44 (Figure 6A), each having an arcuate shape, for manufacturing reasons. Instead of the two drainage openings 44, one or more drainage openings can be provided. The discharge openings 44 are aligned with their radially outer edge with the discharge surface of the discharge plate 31 adjacent to the end wall 46. As a result, liquid which is driven along the lamellae 40 can pass unhindered through the discharge openings 44.

[0067] A hollow body 47 is placed on the end wall 46 on the side facing away from the discharge plate 31 or the slats 40, which hollow body defines an arcuate discharge channel 45. The discharge channel 45 extends radially outside the discharge plate 31 and has, at its radially outer edge, a discharge opening 48 facing the discharge plate 31. During operation, the discharge opening 48 opens into a discharge channel formed on the centrifuge housing, which receives the liquid that is driven out of the collecting chamber 50 along the slats 40 through the discharge channel 45 and discharges it downward into a receiving vessel.

[0068] In the present exemplary embodiment, both the discharge surface of the discharge plate 1 is designed such that it is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor during operation, with the maximum distance of the discharge surface from the axis of rotation being adjacent to the discharge channel 45, and the lamellae 40 are arranged obliquely relative to the axis of rotation in plan view (for example, Figure 4), so that the liquid which is ejected from the reaction vessels is subjected to forces both due to the inclined position of the discharge surface caused by centrifugal forces and due to the inclined position of the lamellae caused by the inertia of the liquid, which drive the liquid to the discharge channel 45. In principle, it is sufficient if either the discharge surface is arranged obliquely or the lamellae are inclined relative to the axis of rotation.If both the deflection surface of the deflection plate 31 and the lamellae 40 are arranged at an angle, two effects act on the liquid to drive it out of the collection chamber. This achieves a maximum expulsion effect on the liquid.

[0069] The discharge device 30 can be formed with a collecting pocket 49 at the rear in the direction of rotation 41, with which liquid is collected that is not captured by one of the lamellae 40 and from there is guided to the discharge openings 44 in the discharge channel 45.

[0070] Preferably, the edges of the discharge device 30 are designed such that both the front and rear edges in the direction of movement 41 of the discharge device 30 are flush with the corresponding reaction vessel unit 21 or the rotor 20. As a result, the collecting chamber 50, which is formed in the region between the rotor and the discharge device 30, is closed in the direction of movement 41, so that no air flow through the collecting chamber 50 occurs due to the rotation of the rotor and the discharge device.

[0071] The air atmosphere in the collection chamber 50 thus rotates together with the rotor and the discharge device 30. This eliminates turbulence, which could cause aerosols. Preferably, the collection chamber is also hermetically sealed at both ends by corresponding end walls to prevent or minimize any exchange of atmosphere with the rest of the rotor chamber.

[0072] The sectional plane of Fig. 6c intersects a lamella 40 in the region of the bend 43. The diverter device 30 can be detachably connected to the rotor 20 of the centrifuge 1 or to the reaction vessel unit 21, for which purpose a coupling mechanism 42 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling mechanism 42 is implemented by integrally molding a perforated strip onto the front and rear edges of the diverter device 30 in the direction of movement (cf. Figs. 2-4). Using plug-in elements, screws, or the like, the diverter device can thus be detachably connected to the respective counterpart on the rotor 20 or on the reaction vessel unit 21 (not shown). However, for better handling, a design of the coupling mechanism as a linearly coupled quick-release fastener or as a bayonet lock is preferred.

[0073] The coupling mechanism 42 can also be designed such that it forms an outwardly projecting web on the front and rear edges of the diverter device 30 in the direction of rotation, which web is dimensioned such that it fits positively into the receiving space 23 of the rotor 20 together with the reaction vessel unit 21. When using the rotor shown in Figure 1, for example, these webs are designed such that they fit together with the reaction vessel unit 21 into the receiving space 23 in the area between the support surface 25 and the counter surfaces 26, so that both the diverter device 30 and the reaction vessel unit 21 are encompassed radially on the outside by the counter surface 26 and fix the reaction vessel unit 21 and the diverter device 30 in the radial direction.

[0074] The deflection device can also be an integral part of the rotor.

[0075] The diverter device is preferably made of plastic. It can be designed for single or multiple use.

[0076] Preferably, the drainage device, in particular its drainage surface and the lamellae, is coated with a layer, in particular a hydrophobic layer, which supports the drainage of the liquids.

[0077] The discharge trough of the centrifuge, into which the discharge channel 45 of the discharge device 30 opens with its discharge opening 48 during operation, is designed approximately in a ring shape concentrically around the axis of rotation and in particular around the area which the rotor and the discharge device sweep during one revolution, and has an outlet at the lower area to direct the liquid into a receiving container.

[0078] The discharge trough can be equipped with a flushing device so that the discharge trough can be flushed with cleaning fluid. This flushing device has one or more nozzles for dispensing the cleaning fluid. The nozzles can be equipped with an atomizer so that the cleaning fluid is distributed in the discharge trough. This cleaning process is preferably carried out when the centrifuge is not in operation, i.e., when no reaction vessel unit is being cleaned with the centrifuge.

[0079] This drainage device or a centrifuge with such a drainage device can be used to clean reaction vessels or to clean bodies or substances contained in the reaction vessels, such as beads, by removing liquid contained in the reaction vessels. The reaction vessels are cleaned by filling them with liquids and removing them by centrifuging them out. In the same way, reagents can also be added which then have to be removed from the reaction vessels after a reaction (e.g. chemical, biological or biophysical) has taken place. The solid phase in a reaction vessel unit can be the inner wall of the reaction vessels, cells adhering to them, cells or cellular structures contained therein, particles held therein, or even magnetic particles contained therein.

[0080] As explained above, this diverting device 30 has elements with which the diverting device 30 can be fastened directly or indirectly to the rotor. The fastening must of course be designed so stable that the diverting device 30 remains securely on the rotor despite the considerable centrifugal forces (e.g., up to approximately 500 G) that occur during centrifugation. The diverting device preferably has fastening means for attaching it directly and, in particular, detachably to the rotor. The diverting device can be designed such that it delimits a receiving space for receiving a specific reaction vessel unit. Such a configuration has the advantage that by exchanging the diverting device, which can be used to accommodate a different type of reaction vessel unit, different types of reaction vessel units can be centrifuged with the same centrifuge or the same rotor.This increases the flexibility of the centrifuge.

[0081] Reference symbol

[0082] 1

[0083] Centrifuge 33 Flank 3 Rotor box 36 Center plane

[0084] 4 feet 25 37 reaction vessel

[0085] 5 Hood 38 Opening

[0086] 13 Side wall 39 Opening level

[0087] 14 upper wall 40 lamella 20 rotor 41

[0088] 21 Reaction vessel unit 30 42 Coupling mechanism

[0089] 22 frame 43 bend

[0090] 23 Pick-up location 44 Discharge opening

[0091] 24 Clamp 45 Drainage channel 25 Support surface 46 End wall

[0092] 26 Counter surface 35 47 Hollow body

[0093] 27 Base 48 Dispensing opening

[0094] 28 Back panel 49 Collection bag

[0095] 29 Rotor chamber 50 Collecting chamber 30 Discharge device r Radius

[0096] 31 discharge plate 40 ro smallest radius

[0097] 32 edge w width direction cited patent literature

[0098] DE 102017 113 583 A1

[0099] DE 102021 124 023 A1

[0100] WO 2017 / 125598 A1 DE 10 2022 102 701 .5 (republished)

[0101] DE 10 2022 102 705.8 (republished)

Claims

Claims 1 . Discharge device (30) for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit (21) which has a plurality of reaction vessels (37); 1.1 wherein the reaction vessels (37) each have an opening (38) lying in a common opening plane (39); 1 .2 wherein the discharge device (30) has a discharge plate (31) which is designed such that 1 .2.1 that it can be arranged or is arranged in a centrifuge (1) with a rotor (20) with a rotation axis opposite the openings of the reaction vessels (37); and 1 .2.2 that it rotates with the reaction vessel unit (21) during centrifugation and liquid emerging from the reaction vessels (37) is collected and drained away by the discharge plate (31); 1 .3 wherein at least one lamella (40) is present on the discharge surface of the discharge plate (31) facing the openings of the reaction vessels (37), which lamella is arranged approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor (20) and transversely to the direction of movement of the discharge plate (31).

2. Discharge device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that 2.1 that the discharge surface of the discharge plate (31) facing the reaction vessel unit (21) is inclined relative to the rotational axis of the rotor (20) in such a way that the distance of the discharge surface from the rotational axis of the rotor (21) increases in the direction of a discharge opening of the centrifuge (1) or the discharge device (30); and / or 2.2 that the at least one lamella (40) is arranged with its longitudinal extent obliquely to the axis of rotation of the rotor (20) in such a way that, when the rotor (20) is accelerated, liquid emerging from the reaction vessels (37) is guided by the lamella (40) in the direction of the discharge opening.

3. Discharge device (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that the inclination of the lamella (40) relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor (20) is greater in a region adjacent to the discharge opening than in a region further away from the discharge opening.

4. Discharge device (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that the lamella (40) is bent along its longitudinal extent or has one or more kinks.

5. Discharge device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that 5.1 that several slats (40) are provided; 5.2 wherein the slats (40) are arranged in particular approximately parallel to one another.

6. Discharge device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the discharge plate (31) is curved such that it forms a segment of a body which is approximately rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation.

7. Discharge device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the discharge plate (31) can be fastened to the rotor (20) of the centrifuge (1) or to the reaction vessel unit (21) by means of a detachable coupling mechanism (42).

8. Discharge device (30) according to claim 7, characterized in that the coupling mechanism (42) is designed as a quick-release fastener, in particular as a linearly coupled quick-release fastener.

9. Centrifuge (1) with a rotor (20) which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis; and 8.1 with a discharge device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 7, with which a liquid can be guided to a discharge opening of the centrifuge (1) or the discharge device (30); 8.1 .1 wherein the discharge device (30) is detachably connected to the rotor (20) or to a reaction vessel unit (21) incorporated in the rotor (20) in such a way that it rotates together with the rotor (20); 8.2 wherein a discharge channel (41) leads away from the discharge opening; 8.3 wherein a flushing device is provided for flushing the discharge channel (41) with a cleaning liquid.

10. A method for cleaning a discharge device (30) in a centrifuge (1), wherein the discharge device (30) has a discharge plate (31) which is designed such that that it is arranged in the centrifuge (1) opposite the openings (38) of the reaction vessels (37) of a reaction vessel unit (21), and that it rotates with the reaction vessel unit (21) during centrifugation and that liquid emerging from the reaction vessels (37) is collected and drained off by the discharge plate (31) due to the centrifugal acceleration, with the following steps 9.1 Inserting a reaction vessel unit (21) into the rotor (20) of the centrifuge (1), wherein at least one reaction vessel (37) of the reaction vessel unit (21) is filled with a cleaning liquid, 9.2 Rotating the rotor (20) so that the cleaning liquid flows out of the at least one reaction vessel (37) and is collected by the discharge plate (31), 9.3 The cleaning fluid acts on the discharge plate (31) for a predetermined period of time, 9.4 Removing the cleaning liquid from the discharge plate (31) by rotating the rotor (20), characterized in that a discharge device according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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