Insert, centrifuge, and analytical instrument

Abstract

To provide an insert of a centrifuge, that collects any excess or spillage of samples or other substances unintendedly contacting the rotor member of the centrifuge as to enable improved cleanability of the centrifuge and / or to simplify decontamination of the centrifuge.SOLUTION: There is provided an insert in which a ring segment shaped gap 51 of a centrifuge 50 is formed between the rotor member 52 and the stator member 53 of the centrifuge 50, and which is configured to: collect fluid centrifugally ejected from the rotor member 52; and be inserted into the ring segment shaped gap 51 removably from the centrifuge 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insert configured to be removably inserted into a gap in the shape of a ring segment of a centrifuge. Further, the present invention relates to a centrifuge having such an insert, and an analytical instrument having such a centrifuge.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, centrifuges are used, especially in a laboratory environment, to process samples. In such a centrifuge, any excess sample or other substance or its effluent that inadvertently contacts the rotor member of the centrifuge is radially discharged from the rotor member when the centrifuge is operated, and thus may contaminate the stator member of the centrifuge.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide an insert configured to be removably inserted into a gap in the shape of a ring segment of a centrifuge in a laboratory, to provide a centrifuge having such an insert, and to provide an analytical instrument equipped with such a centrifuge, so as to improve cleanability and / or simplify decontamination.

[0004] This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] The insert according to the present invention is configured to be removably inserted into a ring segment-shaped gap of a centrifuge. Preferably, the centrifuge can be used in a laboratory environment. The centrifuge has a rotor member and a stator member. A ring segment-shaped gap is formed between the rotor member and the stator member. In particular, the ring segment-shaped gap surrounds the rotor member and is surrounded by the stator member. The ring segment-shaped gap can be arranged radially farther from the rotation axis of the rotor member than from the outer circumference of the rotor member. The stator member can be arranged radially farther from the rotation axis than from the ring segment-shaped gap. In this context, a "ring segment" can be a closed ring segment extending 360° around its circumferential direction, or an open ring segment extending less than 360° around its circumferential direction. The insert according to the present invention is configured to collect a fluid, in particular an effluent of a sample or an excess sample, released from the rotor member by centrifugal force. Preferably, the fluid is a liquid or has a liquid. Of course, the insert can, in addition to or instead of this, collect solids, such as particles or sediments suspended in a liquid, or solids resulting from the drying of such suspensions released from the rotor member by centrifugal force. Thus, the insert can at least partially shield the stator member from any substance released from the rotor member by centrifugal force, especially when the rotor member is rotated around the rotation axis. Since the insert is configured to be removably inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap, after collection of the fluid and / or solid released from the rotor member by centrifugal force, the insert can be removed from the ring segment-shaped gap. Thus, by removing the insert from the ring segment-shaped gap, the fluid and / or solid collected by the insert can be removed from the centrifuge without further requiring cleaning and / or decontamination of the stator member and / or the ring segment-shaped gap in particular.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insert has the shape of a ring segment. The insert may have the shape of a closed ring and may be removably inserted into a gap in the shape of a ring segment along the mounting direction, which preferably extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the shape of the ring segment has a first end and a second end. In other words, the insert can have the shape of an open ring segment. In particular, the first end and the second end are arranged opposite to each other along the circumferential direction of the insert. The first and second ends may be arranged facing each other along the circumferential direction. When the first end and the second end face each other along the circumferential direction, the insert in the shape of a ring segment can extend along the circumferential direction by more than 180° and less than 360°. Preferably, the insert in the shape of a ring segment extends along the circumferential direction by 200° to 300°, most preferably 220° to 280°. An insert having the shape of an open ring segment can be particularly easily mounted in a gap in the shape of a ring segment of a centrifuge. In particular, the open-ring-shaped insert can be removably inserted into the ring-segment-shaped gap in the tangential direction and / or in the circumferential direction.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the insert comprises at least two ring segments, in particular open or partial ring segments. Each of the ring segments extends partially along the circumferential direction of the insert. Preferably, all the ring segments of the insert have equal radians. All the ring segments of the insert may comprise polymer bodies of substantially similar or equal shape. In this case, the ring segments are detachably connected to each other. Thus, the insert can be inserted into the ring-segment-shaped gap and removed part by part from the ring-segment-shaped gap. In other words: the ring segments of the insert can be successively separately arranged and / or interconnected in the ring-segment-shaped gap in order to insert the insert into the ring-segment-shaped gap.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the ring segments of the insert have complementary connection contours for detachably connecting the ring segments to each other. The connection contour can be of a tongue-and-groove type. The complementary contours can form a labyrinth seal of the insert. The labyrinth seal can prevent the fluid collected by the insert from flowing radially or moving outward through the joint between the connection contours, particularly onto the stator member.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the ring segments are detachably connected to each other by magnetic interaction. In this case, two circumferentially adjacent ring segments may each have a magnetic element. At least one of the magnetic elements can be a permanent magnet. The other one of the magnetic elements can be a ferromagnetic element and / or can be formed from a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic elements can be embedded in the material of the ring segments, particularly in a polymer material. The connection by magnetic interaction allows the insert to be mounted piece by piece with a fairly low mounting force.

[0010] When detachably connected to each other, there may be a radial and / or axial and / or circumferential play between the ring segments.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the insert has a gutter portion that forms a reservoir for the fluid released by centrifugal force. In this case, the gutter portion extends at least partially along the circumferential direction of the insert. The gutter portion can extend at least partially or completely along the circumferential extension of the insert. The gutter portion enables particularly reliable collection and / or storage and / or guidance of the fluid released from the rotor member. Preferably, the gutter portion and / or the reservoir formed by the gutter portion is opened in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity when the insert is inserted into the radial gap. The reservoir formed by the gutter portion may be adapted to store the fluid collected by the insert. The gutter portion and / or the reservoir formed by the gutter portion may form a fluid channel for guiding or guiding the collected fluid toward the first end and / or the second end of the insert. At the first end and / or the second end, the reservoir may be opened. Alternatively, the reservoir may be closed by a dam portion of the insert at the first end and / or the second end.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the insert has a groove for collecting the released fluid, particularly a liquid. The groove can be configured to capture the fluid particularly in the radial direction. In this case, the groove extends at least partially along the circumferential direction of the insert. The groove can extend at least partially or completely along the circumferential extension of the insert. The groove may extend parallel to the gutter portion. In particular, the groove can help prevent the collected fluid from flowing out axially when the fluid comes into dynamic contact with the insert. The groove and / or the gutter portion may have a liquid absorber and / or a liquid binder, such as a porous element like a sponge or paper, or the like.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the groove has a central region extending along the axial direction of the insert. The axial direction of the insert may be parallel to the rotation axis of the centrifuge and / or gravity when the insert is inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap. The groove has two shoulder regions facing each other along the axial direction. The shoulder regions are particularly opposed and particularly merge into the central region along the axial direction. The central region may be axially arranged between both shoulder regions. The shoulder regions can prevent the fluid colliding radially with the central region from scattering along the axial direction.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the insert has two end faces arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction of the insert. Here, at least one of the end faces has a plurality of spacer portions. Each spacer portion projects along the axial direction. The spacer portions are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. In particular, the spacer portions are arranged equidistantly along the circumferential direction, particularly within at least a specific ring segment of the insert. The spacer portions are particularly configured to be able to position the insert particularly accurately within the ring segment-shaped gap along the axial direction.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the insert has an engaging portion that detachably engages with the stator member. The engaging portion can be arranged on the radially outer portion of the insert. The radially outer portion can be radially opposed to the stator member when the insert is inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap. The engaging portion can form a hook, such as a snap hook, for holding the insert to the stator member. The engaging portion can project radially. The engaging portion may be configured to accurately define the distance and / or position of the insert relative to the stator member. Thus, the engaging portion may function as a spacing aid and / or a positioning aid, and in particular, may perform a spacing function and / or a positioning function respectively. In particular, the engaging portions are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end of the insert having an open ring segment shape. Thus, one engaging portion may be present at each of the first and second ends. The engaging portion may be configured to mechanically interact with the stator member, particularly to fix the insert to the stator member along the circumferential direction and / or the axial direction.

[0016] In particular, the insert may have a grip portion. The grip portion may be beneficial for handling the insert, particularly for manual handling. The grip portion may comprise a recess. In particular, the grip portions are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end of the insert having an open ring segment shape.

[0017] The centrifuge according to the present invention is configured to process a sample using a sample processing device. The sample can be a blood sample, particularly a human blood sample. Such a sample processing device can be configured to store the sample to be processed by the centrifuge. For example, such a sample processing device can be a cartridge, a tube, a well, a cassette, etc. The centrifuge includes a rotor member for supporting such a processing device. Further, the centrifuge has a stator member, and the rotor member can be rotated relative to the stator member when centrifuging the sample received by the sample processing device. In particular, the rotor member can be rotated relative to the stator member around the rotation axis of the centrifuge. In this case, a ring segment-shaped gap of the centrifuge is formed between the rotor member and the stator member. In particular, the ring segment-shaped gap is formed radially between the rotor member and the stator member. The centrifuge further includes the insert according to the present invention described above. In this case, the insert is removably inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap. The above-mentioned advantages of the insert according to the present invention are transferred to the centrifuge according to the present invention having such an insert.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the centrifuge has a housing that at least partially covers the ring segment-shaped gap. In this case, the housing includes an opening for access to the rotor member and the insert. The opening can enable access to at least a part of the rotor member and the ring segment-shaped gap. The opening may extend along the circumferential direction of the insert, particularly along the missing part or the open part of the insert. The centrifuge may include a lid for closing the opening of the housing. The centrifuge may be a single or stand-alone device for placement on, for example, a table. Alternatively, the centrifuge may be a module for a lower system or device.

[0019] The insert may be configured to be magnetically fixed to the stator member. Thus, the insert may have several ferromagnetic elements, and the stator member may in particular have the same number of permanent magnetic elements, or vice versa. Each ferromagnetic element may comprise a ferromagnetic material, in particular a ferromagnetic material containing or being iron. Each ferromagnetic element may be plate-shaped. Each permanent magnetic element may comprise one or more, for example two, permanent magnets. The permanent magnetic elements and / or ferromagnetic elements may be complementarily shaped with respect to the respective receiving portions of the insert and / or the stator member. The permanent magnetic elements and / or ferromagnetic elements may be adapted to be snap-fitted into the respective receiving portions.

[0020] The stator member may comprise a Hall sensor, and the insert may in particular comprise a further permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor, thus enabling verification of the correct positioning of the insert. The permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor may be received in a blind hole of the insert. The blind hole may extend axially. The permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor may be fixed in the blind hole with an adhesive, in particular a UV-curing adhesive. Alternatively, the permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor may be a force fit or a form fit into the blind hole. A further option is to thermally deform the opening of the blind hole after inserting the permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor. In a further embodiment, the insert may comprise a cap for closing the blind hole after the permanent magnetic element for triggering the Hall sensor has been received by the blind hole. The cap may fix the permanent magnetic element inside the blind hole. If the insert is arranged in an annular gap, the Hall sensor may in particular be arranged axially at a distance from the blind hole.

[0021] The stator member and the insert may have complementary stopper portions. The stopper portions can assist in the accurate placement of the insert relative to the stator member. In particular, the stopper portions may be disposed at a first end and a second end of the insert having an open ring segment shape, respectively. The stopper portions of the insert may be formed by and / or at the engaging portion of the insert. The stopper portions may define the circumferential position of the ring segment and the play in the labyrinth seal, enabling a predetermined circumferential positioning of the ring segment. The stopper portions may ensure that the labyrinth seal is closed while the ring segments do not contact each other at their facing front surfaces, especially such that the front surfaces do not abut each other.

[0022] The analytical instrument according to the present invention can be a subordinate system or device. The analytical instrument includes the centrifuge according to the present invention described above. The analytical instrument can be a laboratory instrument or a diagnostic instrument. The centrifuge can be a module of the analytical instrument. The aforementioned advantages of the centrifuge according to the present invention transfer to the analytical instrument according to the present invention equipped with such a centrifuge. The analytical instrument has a measurement unit for analyzing a sample centrifuged by the centrifuge. In particular, the measurement unit is adapted to optically analyze a sample centrifuged by the centrifuge.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the measurement unit of the analytical instrument and the centrifuge of the analytical instrument are disposed within a common housing. The common housing can define a measurement chamber in which a sample can be processed by the centrifuge and analyzed by the measurement unit. The common housing can be the housing of the centrifuge. The common housing can protect and / or shield the measurement chamber from environmental influences that may lead to contamination of the sample to be processed.

[0024] Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention as shown in the claims and the drawings. In this case, the same reference signs relate to components that are equivalent or similar or functionally equivalent.

[0025] It should be understood that the foregoing features and the features described below are not only each usable in the described combinations, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0027] The centrifuge 50 is adapted to process a sample S using a sample processing device 55. Such a sample may be a blood sample, for example, a human blood sample. The centrifuge 50 is, for example, a module of the upper analytical instrument 100. In this case, the analytical instrument 100 includes a measurement unit 101 for optically analyzing, in particular, the sample S centrifuged by the centrifuge 50. On the other hand, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, in 1, the centrifuge 50 is modularly configured by the analytical instrument 100, and the centrifuge 50 may be a stand-alone device in other embodiments. Such a stand-alone device centrifuge 50 can be placed on the inspection table or can have its own rack or frame for standing on the floor of the inspection room.

[0028] The centrifuge 50 (both the centrifuge 50 module of the figure and the stand-alone centrifuge 50 of another embodiment) includes a rotor member 52. The rotor member 52 is adapted to support a sample processing device 55. Such a sample processing device 55 can be a cartridge, tube, well, or cassette. The sample processing device 55 can accommodate a portion of the sample S. The centrifuge 50 has a stator member 53. The rotor member 52 can be rotated relative to the stator member 53 when the sample S received by the sample processing device 55 is centrifuged. The centrifuge 50 can have a drive device that can drive the rotor member 52 to centrifuge the sample S. A ring segment-shaped gap 51 of the centrifuge 50 is formed between the rotor member 52 and the stator member 53. For example, the ring segment-shaped gap 51 is arranged radially between the rotor member 52 and the stator member 53. The term "radial direction" can be related to the axial direction A extending parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotor member 52 can be rotated relative to the stator member 53 around the rotation axis. The centrifuge 50 further includes an insert 1. In this case, the insert 1 is removably inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap 51 of the centrifuge 50. Accordingly, the ring segment-shaped gap 51 can be at least partially filled by the insert 1.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 1, the housing 56 of the centrifuge 50 forms a common housing 56 of the analytical instrument 100. The measurement unit 101 of the analytical instrument 100 and the centrifuge 50 are arranged within the common housing 56. The housing 56 partially covers the ring segment-shaped gap 51. The housing 56 includes an opening for access to the rotor member 52 and the insert 1. A part of the ring segment-shaped gap 51 can be accessed through the opening. The opening can have a sickle-shaped outer periphery. The opening can be sized to allow the sample processing device 55 to pass through for placement on or removal from the rotor member 52.

[0030] Insert 1 is removably insertable into the ring segment-shaped gap 51. In this case, insert 1 is adapted to collect substances, in particular fluids and / or solids, released by centrifugal force from the rotor member 52. For example, insert 1 can enable the collection of substances scattered by centrifugal force from the rotor member 52 when the rotor member 52 is rotated relative to the stator member 53.

[0031] As can be best seen from FIG. 3, insert 1 can have the shape of an open ring segment 5 having a first end 6 and a second end 7. In this case, the first end 6 and the second end 7 are arranged opposite to each other along the circumferential direction C of insert 1. The circumferential direction C can extend around the axis of rotation of the centrifuge 50, in particular in a plane oriented perpendicular to the axial direction A. The circumferential direction C may extend in a horizontal plane when insert 1 is inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap 51. The axis of rotation can be parallel to gravity. The axial direction A can be parallel to gravity when insert 1 is inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap 51. The axial direction A can be oriented or directed against gravity.

[0032] For example, insert 1 has at least two ring segments 8, 8A, 8B. In the illustrated embodiment, insert 1 has exactly two ring segments 8, 8A, 8B. Each of the ring segments 8, 8A, 8B extends partially along the circumferential direction C of insert 1. In this case, all the ring segments 8, 8A, 8B can have an equal radian L. According to FIG. 3, both ring segments 8A, 8B have a radian L between π / 2 and 2π / 3. The ring segments 8, 8A, 8B are detachably connected to each other.

[0033] For example, the ring segments 8, 8A, 8B each have complementary connection profiles 9. The complementary connection profiles 9 may be of the tongue-and-groove type. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 to 5, the ring segment 8B has a connection profile 9 in the shape of a groove, and the connection profile 9 of the ring segment 8A adjacent in the circumferential direction has the shape of a tongue. The complementary connection profiles 9 are adapted to detachably connect the ring segments 8, 8A, 8B to each other. The complementary profiles 9 can form the labyrinth seal 10 of the insert 1, especially in their connected state.

[0034] According to the illustrated embodiment, the insert 1 has a trough portion 11. The trough portion 11 forms a reservoir 12 for the fluid discharged, especially the fluid discharged radially from the rotor member 52 due to centrifugation. The trough portion 11 extends at least partially along the circumferential direction C of the insert 1. The trough portion 11 can be open along the axial direction A. When the insert 1 is inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap 51, the trough portion 11 can be open upward, especially in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. The insert 1 has a groove 13 for collecting the discharged fluid. In this case, the groove 13 extends at least partially along the circumferential direction C of the insert 1. The groove 13 can be recessed radially. For example, the groove 13 has a central region 14 extending along the axial direction A of the insert 1. The groove 13 can have two shoulder regions 15 that face each other along the axial direction and merge on the opposite side of the central region 14. The trough portion 11 can be arranged in one of the shoulder regions 15. One of the two shoulder regions 15, especially the shoulder region 15 arranged on the opposite side of the trough portion 11, can be chamfered. The chamfered shoulder region 15 can be conical. In a cross-section perpendicular to the circumferential direction C and / or along the axial direction A, the chamfered shoulder region 15 can be inclined with respect to the central region 14 by an obtuse angle of, for example, 110° to 160°. The obtuse angle can be open toward the axis of rotation, especially inward.

[0035] For example, insert 1 has two end faces 16 arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction A of insert 1. When insert 1 is inserted into the ring segment-shaped gap 51, one of the end faces 16 can become the upper end face 16, and the other of the two end faces 16 can become the lower end face 16 of insert 1. In this case, at least one of the end faces 16, particularly the lower end face 16, has a plurality of spacer portions 17. The spacer portions 17 project along the axial direction A. The spacer portions 17 are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction C. Here, each ring segment 8, 8A, 8B has several spacer portions 17. The spacer portions 17 of each ring segment 8, 8A, 8B are arranged at equal distances.

[0036] According to the figure, insert 1 has a radially outer portion 3. Insert 1 can have an annular body 2. The stator member 53 may have an inner circumference 54. The annular body 2 can be in contact with the inner circumference 54. The radially outer portion 3 faces the stator member 53 when insert 1 is received in the ring segment-shaped gap 51. The radially outer portion 3 may be arranged on the radially opposite side of the radially inner portion 4 of insert 1. Insert 1 has an engaging portion 18. The engaging portion 18 can be present in the radially outer portion 3. The engaging portion 18 can form a hook 19. The engaging portion 18 is adapted to engage detachably with the stator member 53. In particular, the engaging portion 18 can form a spacing aid and / or a positioning aid for insert 1 in order to enable particularly reproducible positioning of insert 1 with respect to the stator member 53. The engaging portion 18 can be arranged at the first end 6 and the second end 7 of insert 1 respectively. The first end 6 and / or the second end 7, and the engaging portion 18 arranged thereon can be accessible through the opening of the housing 56, particularly when the lid of the centrifuge 50 or the analytical instrument 100 is open.

[0037] A play 24 in the radial direction and / or axial direction and / or circumferential direction may exist between the ring segments 8, 8A, 8B that are detachably connected to each other. In particular, the overlap formed in the labyrinth seal 10 may be exposed to the play 24 in the radial direction and / or axial direction and / or circumferential direction.

[0038] The insert 1, in particular at least one of the ring segments 8A, 8B of the insert 1, may have a grip portion 23. The grip portion 23 may be beneficial for the handling of the insert 1 and / or each ring segment 8, 8A, 8B, in particular for manual handling. The grip portion 23 may comprise a recess.

[0039] The insert 1 may be configured to be magnetically fixed to the stator member 53. Thus, the insert 1 may have several ferromagnetic elements 21, and the stator member 53 may in particular have a corresponding number of permanent magnetic elements 20, or vice versa. Each ferromagnetic element 21 may comprise a ferromagnetic material, in particular a ferromagnetic material containing or being iron. The ferromagnetic element 21 may have a plate-like shape. Each permanent magnetic element 20 may comprise one or more, for example two, permanent magnets. The permanent magnetic element 20 and / or the ferromagnetic element 21 may have a shape complementary to the respective receiving portion 28 of the insert 1 and / or the stator member 53. The permanent magnetic element 20 and / or the ferromagnetic element 21 may be configured to be clipped to the respective receiving portion 28.

[0040] As can be best seen from FIGS. 2 and 7, the stator member 53 may comprise a collar portion 29 for radially supporting the insert 1. The collar portion 29 may be an aluminum die-cast part or may comprise an aluminum die-cast part. The permanent magnetic element 20 may in particular be attached to or arranged in the plastic part 30 of the stator member 53 behind the collar portion 29 in the radial direction with respect to the rotor member 52.

[0041] The stator member 53 may include a Hall sensor 25, and the insert 1 may include a further permanent magnetic element 120 for triggering the Hall sensor 25, thus enabling detection of the correct placement of the insert 1. The further permanent magnetic element 120 for triggering the Hall sensor 25 may be received in the blind hole 26 of the insert 1. The blind hole 26 may extend and / or open along the axial direction A. The insert 1 may include a cap 27 for closing the blind hole 26, particularly after the further permanent magnetic element 120 for triggering the Hall sensor 25 has been received by the blind hole 26. The cap 27 may fix the further permanent magnetic element 120 inside the blind hole 26. When the insert 1 is disposed within the ring-shaped gap 51, the Hall sensor 25 may be disposed at a distance, particularly in the axial direction, from the blind hole 26. The Hall sensor 25 is disposed such that the magnetic field of the further permanent magnetic element 120 has free access to the Hall sensor 25.

[0042] In the example of FIG. 8, the blind hole 26 is covered by the sheet metal part of the stator member 53 with respect to the projection direction of the drawing of FIG. 8. Thus, the position of the blind hole 26 behind the sheet metal part is indicated by the dashed arrow line. The position of the Hall sensor 25 is very schematically indicated by the dashed rectangle. It should be understood that the Hall sensor 25 may be disposed at least partially above or within the hole 31 present in the aforementioned sheet metal part.

[0043] The stator member 53 and the insert 1 may have complementary stopper portions 22. The stopper portions 22 can assist in the accurate placement of the insert 1 with respect to the stator member 53.

Claims

1. An insert (1) configured to be removably inserted into a ring segment shaped gap (51) of a centrifuge (50), comprising: The ring segment shaped gap (51) is formed between a rotor member (52) and a stator member (53) of the centrifuge (50), The insert (1) is configured to collect fluid centrifugally expelled from the rotor member (52).

2. The insert (1) has the shape of a ring segment (5) having a first end (6) and a second end (7); The insert (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first end (6) and the second end (7) are arranged opposite to each other, in particular opposite, along the circumferential direction (C) of the insert (1).

3. said insert (1) has at least two ring segments (8, 8A, 8B), each of which extends partially along a circumferential direction (C) of said insert (1), in particular all ring segments (8, 8A, 8B) having equal radians (L); 3. Insert (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ring segments (8, 8A, 8B) are detachably connected to one another.

4. The insert (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the ring segments (8, 8A, 8B) have complementary connection contours (9), in particular of the tongue-and-groove type, for detachably connecting the ring segments (8, 8A, 8B) to one another, in particular the complementary connection contours (9) forming a labyrinth seal (10) of the insert (1).

5. 5. Insert (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the ring segments (8, 8A, 8B) are detachably connectable to one another by magnetic interaction.

6. The insert (1) has a trough (11) forming a reservoir (12) for the fluid to be discharged, The insert (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (11) extends at least partially along the circumferential direction (C) of the insert (1).

7. The insert (1) has a groove (13) for collecting the released fluid, 7. Insert (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (13) extends at least partially along the circumferential direction (C) of the insert (1).

8. The groove (13) has a central region (14) extending along the axial direction (A) of the insert (1), 8. The insert (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the groove (13) has two shoulder regions (15) facing each other along the axial direction (A) and merging into the central region (14).

9. The insert (1) has two end faces (16) arranged opposite each other along an axial direction (A) of the insert (1), An insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the end faces (16) has a plurality of spacer portions (17) projecting along the axial direction (A) and spaced apart from one another, in particular equidistantly, along the circumferential direction (C).

10. said insert (1) has, in particular on its radially outer part (3), an engagement part (18), in particular forming a hook (19), for detachable engagement with said stator member (53); An insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in particular the engagement portions (18) are arranged at the first end (6) and at the second end (7) of the insert (1), respectively.

11. A centrifuge (50) for processing a sample (S) using a sample processing device (55), comprising: a rotor member (52) for supporting a sample processing device (55); a stator member (53) capable of rotating the rotor member (52) relative to the stator member (53) when centrifuging a sample (S) received by the sample processing device (55), wherein a ring segment-shaped gap (51) is formed between the rotor member (52) and the stator member (53); An insert (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is removably inserted into the ring segment shaped gap (51); A centrifuge (50) comprising:

12. The centrifuge (50) comprises a housing (56) at least partially covering the ring segment shaped gap (51), 12. The centrifuge (50) of claim 11, wherein the housing (56) includes openings for accessing the rotor member (52) and the insert (1).

13. An analytical instrument (100), comprising: A centrifuge (50) according to claim 11 or 12, a measuring unit (101) for analyzing, in particular optically, the sample (S) centrifuged by said centrifuge (50); An analytical instrument (100) comprising:

14. 14. Analytical instrument (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the measuring unit (101) and the centrifuge (50) are arranged in a common housing (56).

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