DISCHARGE DEVICE FOR REACTION CONTAINER UNIT, CENTRIFUGE, AND METHOD FOR CLEANING REACTION CONTAINER UNIT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a discharge device (30) for a reaction vessel unit (21) having a plurality of reaction vessels (37), each of which has an opening (38) located in a common opening plane (39), the discharge device (30) having a discharge plate (31) which is positionable or designed to be positioned opposite the openings (38) of the reaction vessels (37) in a centrifuge (1) and which is positionable or designed to be positioned opposite the openings (38) of the reaction vessels (37) during centrifugation by the centrifuge, so that it rotates together with the reaction vessel unit (21) during centrifugation, and liquid leaking from the reaction vessels (37) is collected and discharged by the discharge plate (31) due to centrifugal acceleration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharge device for a reaction vessel unit, a centrifuge, and a method for cleaning a reaction vessel unit. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that a reaction vessel unit, which includes several reaction vessels, such as a microtiter plate (MTP) with wells, is purified by centrifugation: the MTP is picked up onto a rotor in the rotor chamber of a centrifuge with the openings of the reaction vessels facing away from the axis of rotation of the rotor, and centrifuged at speeds of up to several thousand rpm.

[0003] During centrifugation, the contents of the centrifuged reaction vessels are collected by the walls of the rotor chamber. Some of the material remaining on the walls and surfaces of the rotor chamber flows out and collects in the lower area, but they can also drip from above into the MTP in the rotor chamber. If several MTPs are washed one after the other in the centrifuge, there is also a risk of cross-contamination if the centrifuged liquid from one MTP drips into another MTP.

[0004] The rotation of the rotor creates air vortices in all centrifuges. These air vortices form aerosols when liquid contents are expelled from the reaction vessel during the spinning. These are also a source of cross-contamination. Thus, in genomic applications (typically amplification-based, e.g., PCR), aerosols are a driving force for contamination.

[0005] It has also been shown that the MTPs washed by centrifuge may still have wet surfaces even after the wells are completely emptied. This may make further use more difficult, for example, if the MTP is subsequently sealed with a film. The film is typically applied to cover the opening of the well. This may be for the sterile intermediate storage of the MTP before further use or after filling with test liquid to isolate the test regimen. However, the wet surface makes it difficult to cover the MTP with a film.

[0006] US Patent No. 5,393,633 discloses a centrifuge in which the housing below the rotor has a drain channel and the inner surface of the housing adjacent the channel forms a funnel that opens into the channel, allowing centrate produced in the rotor chamber to be more easily collected and drained.

[0007] From the patent application DE 10 200 03 133 A1, not published at the time of the present application, it is known to supply a cleaning liquid to the rotor chamber so that the cleaning liquid is distributed in the rotor chamber by rotating the rotor, and thus residues of the centrifuged liquid can be removed from the walls and surfaces of the rotor chamber by regular and frequent rinsing with a cleaning agent.

[0008] Patent Document 3 discloses a centrifuge for cleaning a reaction vessel unit, in which a gap is provided between the inner surface and the rotor, and the rotation of the rotor generates wind to send the fluid discharged onto the inner surface to a drain, the outlet of which is connected to a suction pump for extracting the fluid.

[0009] For hygiene reasons, relatively frequent cleaning cycles are required, which results in idle times and high operating costs, a procedure that is unavoidable, especially for diagnostic applications. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] DE 102017113583 [Patent Document 2] DE 102021124023 [Patent Document 3] German Utility Model No. 202014010544 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2017 / 125598 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] One object of the present invention is to reduce or ensure that the risk of contamination of the reaction vessel unit in the centrifuge is prevented.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to minimize or reliably prevent wetting of the reaction vessel units in the centrifuge.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to minimize the residence time of aerosols in the centrifuge or to prevent their generation.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to minimize the interior surfaces of the housing that can come into contact with the discharged liquid.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to minimize the volume of space through which liquid particles can penetrate.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to reduce or eliminate the effort required to clean the rotor chamber of a centrifuge for an MTP.

[0017] Further objectives of the present invention are to keep the ejected fluid away from all elements of the device, such as the housing, the rotor, the rotor shaft, etc., so as to prevent these parts from being corroded or exposed to other chemical interactions with the ejected fluid, to minimize the costs incurred by surface treatment of the elements of the device for chemical protection, and to accelerate and simplify the manufacturing process.

[0018] One or more of the problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further embodiments are set forth in the respective dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] According to a first aspect of the invention, a discharge device for a reaction vessel unit having a plurality of reaction vessels, each having an opening in a common opening plane, is proposed, the discharge device having a discharge plate which is positionable or designed to be positioned opposite the openings of the reaction vessels in the centrifuge and designed to rotate together with the reaction vessel unit during centrifugation, and liquid leaking from the reaction vessels is collected and discharged by the discharge plate due to centrifugal acceleration.

[0020] For the purposes of the present invention, a discharge plate is a structure having a surface opposite the opening plane of the reaction vessel. The liquid released from the reaction vessel by centrifugal acceleration is collected on the surface and can flow along it under the effect of centrifugal acceleration. In the simplest case, the discharge plate can be flat or essentially flat, arranged parallel to the opening plane and open at the edge, in particular at the flank. The collection surface is preferably non-rotatably connected to the unit comprising the rotor and the reaction vessel unit and therefore rotates at the same rotational speed as the rotor. The collection surface can also rotate at a different rotational speed than the rotor. Since the flank edge of the discharge plate is radially furthest from the axis of rotation, the collected liquid is driven by centrifugal acceleration from the center of the discharge plate to the flank edge and from there is propelled into the rotor chamber.

[0021] The ends of the rotor which face each other in the axial direction of the rotation axis, and therefore the ends of the reaction vessel units and discharge devices arranged thereon, are referred to in the context of this application as end faces, and the ends of the rotor which face each other transversely to the rotation axis, and the ends of the reaction vessel units and discharge devices arranged thereon, are referred to in the context of this application as flank sides.

[0022] In a variant, the discharge plate may be curved, twisted or inclined, as long as the collected liquid is directed away from the area opposite the plane of the opening of the reaction vessel. The liquid discharged by the discharge plate can be collected on the wall of the rotor chamber. Since the discharge plate is arranged opposite the opening of the reaction vessel, the discharge plate can also block the liquid dripping from the wall, especially the upper wall, of the rotor chamber, and prevent the reaction vessel unit from being contaminated by the liquid. Even if several reaction vessel units are washed one after the other, cross-contamination can be effectively and easily prevented. The discharge device can be reused after cleaning. The discharge device can be made of, for example, plastic or metal. Chemicals that decompose or inactivate organic molecules can be used for cleaning, for example, if the material of the discharge device can withstand the chemicals. An autoclave can also be used for cleaning, if the material of the discharge device can withstand the temperatures used.

[0023] The discharge plate can be arranged at an angle to the opening plane so that the collected liquid is discharged axially to the rotation axis of the centrifuge rotor along the inclined discharge plate by centrifugal acceleration in the centrifuge. Axial refers to the rotation axis of the centrifuge rotor. In the sense of the present invention, inclination means that the height or distance of the discharge plate changes relative to the opening plane of the reaction vessel. The inclination can be continuous or discontinuous (twisted), constant (straight) or variable along its length (curved). The inclination can run from one end of the discharger or reaction vessel unit to the other end (one side) or from the center to both ends (both sides). Since the opening plane of the reaction vessel is usually parallel to the rotation axis when the reaction vessel unit is housed in the centrifuge, the inclination also runs at an angle to the rotation axis. When the discharge plate is inclined axially to the opening plane or the rotation axis, the collected liquid is forced by centrifugal acceleration along the inclination to one end face of the rotor or rotor chamber, where it can be collected or discharged. The walls of the rotor chamber surrounding the rotor are hard to wet, further reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

[0024] If the space above the reaction vessel unit in the discharge device is completely closed or only up to the discharge opening, the rotor chamber does not come into contact with the liquid and contamination is eliminated in this respect.

[0025] It should be noted that the axial discharge does not exclude a superimposed movement of liquid transverse to the axis of rotation. In other words, the total discharge movement of the liquid in the discharge plate is a combination of axial and transverse discharge. It can therefore be advantageous if the flank of the discharge device extending transverse to the axis of rotation is drawn downwards from the discharge plate to form an obstacle to the movement of liquid transverse to the axis of rotation. In this way, the recovery of the recovered liquid at the axial end can be made advantageous by the liquid discharged transverse to the axis also being discharged axially at the downward drawn flank. This can further improve the concentration of the liquid at one end face.

[0026] In particular, the flanks and end faces of the ejector can be designed to be flush with the edges of the reaction receptacle unit. In other words, when the reaction receptacle unit with the ejector is placed on the rotor of a centrifuge, the ejector thus formed can be used to create a closed collection chamber isolated from the rotor chamber. Since the rotor chamber is not wetted or only slightly wetted, the effort required to clean the rotor chamber of the centrifuge for the reaction receptacle unit can be reduced or minimized. Since the ejector also rotates, the air in the rotor chamber does not or only slightly swirls, so wetting of the surfaces of the reaction receptacle unit during centrifugation can be avoided. With little or no vortex formation, aerosol formation in the collection chamber is consequently reduced or completely avoided.

[0027] At least one drain opening can be formed in the end face from which the drain plate rises. The drain opening is preferably flush or essentially flush with the inside of the drain plate. The collected and drained liquid can be pushed outwards and collected at the front side or further drained. Since the outer (flank) end is located radially outwards of the centre of the end face during centrifugation, the liquid preferably collects there and can best be drained from there. It is therefore advantageous to provide two drain openings at the outer (flank) end of the end face. The drain openings can be in the end face, i.e. axially, or in the flank, i.e. transversely to the axis. An opening in the upper part is also conceivable in principle, but in that case it is necessary to provide means to prevent dripping from above and to avoid contamination.

[0028] The discharge opening can have a spout protruding beyond the end face. Such a spout moves on a circular path during centrifugation. The collected and discharged material can be propelled outward and discharged through the spout into an annular collection channel through which the spout passes. Contamination of the rotor chamber can be more effectively avoided, further reducing the cleaning effort. As explained above, it is advantageous if two discharge openings are provided, each having such a spout.

[0029] In an embodiment, the discharge device can be arranged loosely, preferably in a form-fitting manner, on the reaction vessel unit. In this case, the discharge device can be provided separately from the centrifuge. The reaction vessel unit can be prepared for centrifugation outside the centrifuge using the discharge device.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the discharge device can be removably connected to the reaction receptacle unit. Here again, the discharge device can be provided separately from the centrifuge. The reaction receptacle unit can be prepared in a loss-free manner for centrifugation by the discharge device. The connection can be, for example, a clip connection, a plug connection, a snap connection or a sliding connection.

[0031] In another embodiment, the ejector can be removably connected to the rotor of the centrifuge. In this way, the rotor can be prepared to receive reaction vessel units. The ejector can be removed for cleaning and then ready for use again. Advantageously, the rotor can also be cleaned with the ejector removed.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the ejector can be integrated with the rotor of the centrifuge, in which case the rotor is ready to receive the reaction vessel unit without further preparation, simplifying the work process in the laboratory. Cleaning of the ejector and / or the rotor chamber can be done together or separately by rinsing inside or outside the centrifuge.

[0033] The ejector can also be designed in several parts to facilitate removal and cleaning.

[0034] In yet a further embodiment, the ejector can be connected or connectable to the rotor shaft of the centrifuge. The connection can be, for example, mounted or flanged (on the rotor shaft) in the centrifuge, by a cage or a fork-shaped body or a holding bracket that houses the ejector, or the ejector itself has a bracket that can be mounted on the rotor shaft so that it cannot rotate. Here again, the rotor is ready to receive the reaction receptacle unit without further preparation, and there is no need to handle the reaction receptacle unit or the cover on the rotor. The rotor and the ejector can be washed separately. This can simplify the work process in the laboratory. The washing can be done by rinsing in the centrifuge or outside (after disassembly from the rotor shaft).

[0035] A further aspect of the invention relates to a centrifuge for washing reaction receptacle units, the centrifuge comprising a drive and a rotor connectable to the drive, the rotor being designed to accommodate a reaction receptacle unit having an ejection device as described above, the centrifuge having the same advantages as the ejection device.

[0036] A recovery device may be provided, which is arranged in the rotor chamber of the centrifuge in which the rotor rotates and is designed to recover the liquid discharged by the discharge device. The recovery device may be designed according to the type of liquid discharged by the discharge device. In particular, the recovery device may be designed to recover liquid leaking from the discharge opening or spout of the discharge device during centrifugation.

[0037] For example, the collection device can have an annular channel that opens into the rotor chamber and is concentric with the axis of rotation, located opposite the discharge opening of the eductor. The channel can receive the collected and discharged material from the eductor without contaminating the rotor chamber. In particular, the channel can have an annular opening that can accommodate the spout of the eductor through which the liquid leaks during centrifugation. Even without a spout, the discharged material can enter the channel simply due to the velocity and proper positioning of the liquid.

[0038] The channel of the collector may be located axially opposite the discharge opening of the ejector. In this way, the channel may accommodate a spout that extends axially from the ejector and rotates in a circular manner as the rotor rotates. Liquid may be collected more cleanly and safely. Because the channel receives the spout axially outside the end wall of the ejector, liquid may pass from the channel over the spout but not over the outer surface of the ejector.

[0039] The channel may have an annular opening formed axially towards the rotor chamber, the annular opening having a radially inner and / or radially outer undercut, which means that liquid may be collected more safely and may flow freely and unhindered downwards within the channel, where it may be collected and, if required, drained or removed.

[0040] The liquid can be directly drained from the recovery device to the outside using a drain device formed at the lower end of the recovery device.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for cleaning a reaction vessel unit with a plurality of reaction vessels, the reaction vessels each having an opening in a common opening plane, the reaction vessel units being received on a rotor of a centrifuge with their openings facing outward from the rotation axis of the rotor, the rotor on which the reaction vessel units are arranged being rotated in the centrifuge to centrifuge the liquid contained in the reaction vessels. In an ejector with a discharge plate arranged diametrically opposite the opening plane of the reaction vessels and rotating together with the reaction vessel units, the released liquid is collected and discharged along the discharge plate. In this process, the ejector and / or the centrifuge are preferably designed according to the description of the above aspect of the invention. This method has essentially the same advantages and effects as the above-mentioned ejector and / or centrifuge. The reaction vessel units can be mounted on the rotor in a manner known per se by positive locking elements, such as rail-like clamps, into which the reaction vessel units are pressed. For this purpose, the end walls of the rotor chamber can have loading windows through which the reaction vessel units can be pressed into the rotor chamber and pulled out of the rotor chamber. The use of the ejector and the implementation of the method depend on the type of design and arrangement of the ejector and may include loosely or fixedly attaching the ejector to the reaction vessel unit before or after the reaction vessel unit is placed on the rotor, detachably or non-detachably attaching the ejector to the rotor before or after (only in the case of detachable attachment) the reaction vessel unit is placed on the rotor, attaching the ejector to the rotor shaft separately or together with the rotor. For example, the ejector may be permanently attached to the rotor of the centrifuge. In this case, the reaction vessel unit is simply placed in the centrifuge on the rotor under the ejector's discharge plate. In other cases, the ejector may be assembled outside the centrifuge and form an assembly with the reaction vessel unit that is loaded and unloaded from the centrifuge together.

[0042] The discharger can be cleaned after one or more centrifugation processes. The cleaning can be carried out by autoclaving and / or by chemical means and / or by irradiation. Cleaning of the discharger is simpler and cheaper than cleaning the entire centrifuge or the entire rotor chamber with the rotor. Because the discharger is provided, the cleaning intervals of the centrifuge itself or of the rotor chamber can be extended, especially if the discharger forms a closed collection chamber in which no or only little liquid enters the rotor chamber itself. A collection device provided in the rotor chamber of the centrifuge for collecting the liquid discharged from the discharger can be cleaned together with the discharger or separately from the discharger, by the same or different methods. In a particularly simple manner, the discharger can be cleaned by centrifuging the reaction vessel unit filled with a cleaning liquid, and the collection device can also be cleaned via the cleaning liquid emerging from the discharger.

[0043] The centrifuge rotor chamber can be cleaned after a specified number of centrifugation processes. The cleaning can be done by rinsing with a rinsing solution or by separately cleaning the disassembled parts of the centrifuge adjacent to the rotor chamber. Examples of suitable cleaning methods are autoclaving, chemical agents (biocides) or irradiation. Because an ejector is provided, the specified number of centrifugation processes followed by cleaning can be higher, which means that the cleaning intervals of the centrifuge or the rotor chamber can be extended. The recovery device provided in the rotor chamber to recover the liquid discharged from the ejector can be cleaned separately in the same operation or using a different process. Here too, the rotor chamber can be cleaned by centrifuging the reaction vessel unit filled with a cleaning liquid. This process is particularly easy to perform if the ejector is open at the flank, since the cleaning liquid can easily enter the rotor chamber. If the ejector is closed, the ejector can be removed from the rotor before the cleaning cycle with the cleaning liquid so that the cleaning liquid can reach the inner wall of the rotor chamber. If the rotor has two receiving positions for the reaction receptacle units, but only one of the receiving positions is equipped with an evacuation device forming a closed collection chamber, the reaction receptacle units can be placed in the receiving position with the evacuation device for washing the reaction receptacle units, while the reaction receptacle units with the washing liquid are placed in the receiving position without the evacuation device for washing the rotor chamber. To wash the collection device in the rotor chamber, the washing liquid can be omitted if the rotor or the evacuation device are aerodynamically designed such that the collection device (e.g. the above-mentioned channel) is washed (blow away) by the air flow generated during rotation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] [Figure 1A] The centrifuge from the outside is shown in side view. [Figure 1B]The centrifuge of FIG. 1A is shown in a front view in the direction of arrow "B" of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1B shows the inside of the rotor box of the centrifuge of FIGS. 1A and 1B with a reaction vessel unit without an ejector in end view with the end wall removed. [Diagram 3] The interior of the rotor box of FIG. 2, having a reactor unit and an ejector according to the present invention, is shown in an end cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section indicated by line "III" in FIG. 1A. [Figure 4A] The centrifuge with the hood removed is shown in side view as shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 4B] The centrifuge of FIG. 4A is shown in a front view in the direction of arrow "B" of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] The centrifuge of FIG. 4A is shown with the hood removed, with the rotor box and elements therein cut along plane "C" in FIG. 4B. [Figure 4D] The rotor box of the centrifuge of FIG. 4A is shown in an enlarged view corresponding to section "D" of FIG. 4C. [Figure 4E] The rotor box of FIG. 4A is shown in side view cut along plane "E" of FIG. 4B. [Figure 4F] The centrifuge of FIG. 4A is shown in a front view in the direction of arrow "F" of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4G] The centrifuge of FIG. 4A is shown in a front view in the direction of arrow "G" of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4H] The centrifuge of FIG. 4A is shown in a front view in the direction of arrow "H" of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 4B shows a perspective view of the rotor box of the centrifuge of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5B] The rotor box of FIG. 5A is shown in perspective view cut along plane "E" of FIG. 4B. [Figure 6A] 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly including a rotor shaft, a rotor, an ejector and a collector in a centrifuge housing a reaction vessel unit; [Figure 6B] 6B shows the assembly of FIG. 6A in another perspective view. [Figure 6C] The assembly of FIG. 6A is shown cut along plane "C" of FIG. 4B. [Figure 7A] 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly including a rotor shaft, a rotor and an ejector in a centrifuge in which a reaction vessel unit is housed. [Figure 7B] The assembly of FIG. 7A is shown cut along plane "C" of FIG. 4B. [Figure 8] 1 shows variants (a) to (g) of the profile of a discharge plate with a reaction vessel unit on a rotor in a cross section transverse or perpendicular to the axis of rotation. [Figure 9] 1 shows variations in the contour of a discharge plate with a reaction vessel unit on a rotor in an axial cross section along the rotation axis (a) to (h).

[0046] All graphic representations should be understood to be approximate. Size ratios may be distorted for clarity. Unless otherwise indicated, orientation and position designations refer to normal use of the subject matter of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The centrifuge 1 comprises a drive box 2 and a rotor box 3 resting on a foot 4 (FIGS. 1A, 1B). The drive box 2 houses a drive unit such as an electric motor (details not shown). The drive box 2 comprises a hood 5 which is attached to a support structure of the rotor box 3 by screws 6. The support structure may be formed by end walls 7 and by a base 27 and a rear wall 28 of the rotor box 3 (see, for example, FIG. 5A with threaded holes 53 for mounting the hood 5). The hood 5 may have two side walls 13 and a top wall 14, which are formed as individual elements or as a continuous beveled sheet metal structure (see FIG. 2). The side walls 13 and top wall 14 of the hood 5 and the end walls 7, the base 27 and the rear wall 28 of the rotor box 3 define or enclose an interior of the rotor box 3, also called the rotor chamber 29. The end wall 7 has a loading window 8 (see FIG. 1B), through which the interior of the rotor box 3 is accessible for loading the centrifuge with reaction vessel units 21 (FIG. 2), in a manner known per se. The end wall 7 may also have an axial opening 9 (FIG. 1B) which accommodates a rotor shaft 10 of the centrifuge 1 for rotation about a rotation axis 11. The axial opening 9 may also be designed as a bearing seat for a bearing 12 for mounting the rotor shaft, but the rotor shaft may also run freely in the axial opening 9.

[0048] The rotor shaft 10 carries a rotor 20, which is rotatably and fixedly connected to the rotor shaft 10 for rotation inside the rotor box 3 (FIG. 2). For this purpose, the rotor shaft 10 is connected to the output shaft of the drive unit of the centrifuge 1. Alternatively, it is also envisaged that the rotor shaft 10 is 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, and in the present embodiment the rotor 20 can accommodate two reaction vessel units 21, only one of which is shown in the figures. The rotor 20 has a frame 22, which is of approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and is rotatably and fixedly connected to the rotor shaft 10 or can be fixedly connected thereto. On each of the axially opposite sides of the frame 22, a receiving position 23 for the reaction vessel unit 21 is formed. In an embodiment, only a single receiving position 23 or more than three receiving positions 23 can also be provided. The receiving positions 23 are delimited by two rail-like clamps 24 protruding from the frame 22. The support surface 25 of the reaction receptacle unit 21 is formed on the frame 22 itself, and each opposing surface 26 is formed on a clamp 24 which is formed parallel to the support surface 25 and spaced from the latter so as to fit the height of the reaction receptacle unit 21. The reaction receptacle unit 21 can be placed on or removed from the rotor 20 in a manner known per se through the loading window 8 in the end wall 7 when the rotor 20 is in a position with the receiving position 23 exactly opposite the loading window 8. The loading process can be carried out automatically by a loading device, as known from DE 199 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55. For this purpose, the loading device has an automatically operable displacement rod (not shown) for positioning the reaction receptacle unit.

[0049] The reaction vessel unit 21 is a body with a number of individual reaction vessels 37, which are arranged next to each other in the reaction vessel unit 21 and each have an opening 38 on one side (FIG. 3). The openings 38 are in a common opening plane 39 and point radially outward for cleaning purposes. The clamps 24 in the receiving positions 23 are designed to grip the reaction vessel unit 21 only at the edges, so that the openings 38 of the individual reaction vessels 37 of the reaction vessel unit 21 are exposed. When the rotor 20 rotates around the rotation axis 11 at a suitable rotation speed, the liquid contained in the reaction vessels 37 of the reaction vessel unit 21 can be discharged radially outward. The liquid discharged from the reaction vessel unit 21 is collected by the walls of the rotor chamber 29, in particular the inner side of the side wall 13 and the top wall 14 of the hood 5 as well as the upper width of the base 27, from where it flows downwards and can, if necessary, be collected and discharged, as known per se. The rotation speed for this is several hundreds to several thousand rpm.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a discharge device 30 is provided, which is arranged radially outside the reaction receptacle unit 21 (FIG. 3). The discharge device 30 has a discharge plate 31 arranged opposite the openings 38 of the reaction receptacles 37. The discharge plate 31 extends beyond the dimensions of the rotor 20 both in the width direction w and in the axial direction (direction of the rotation axis 11). In a variant, it may be sufficient if the discharge plate 31 covers at least all the openings 38 of at least the reaction receptacle unit 21 or the reaction receptacles 37 of the reaction receptacle unit 21. When the rotor 20 rotates at a rotation speed suitable for centrifugation, liquid from the reaction receptacles 37 is ejected from the openings 38 under the action of centrifugal force and is intercepted by the discharge plate 31. In the region of the central plane 36, which extends perpendicularly along the rotation axis 11 through the opening plane 39 of the reaction receptacle unit 21, the radial distance r0 of the discharge plate 31 to the rotation axis 11 is minimal, while the radial distance r increases in the width direction r towards the edge 32 of the discharge device. Thus, the centrifugal acceleration also increases towards the edge 32 of the ejector 30, and the collected liquid is driven in the width direction w along the surface of the ejector plate 31 towards the edge 32. The flank 33 of the ejector 30 adjacent to the edge 32 of the ejector plate 31 can be opened, so that the liquid driven outwardly is driven further beyond the edge 32 by the centrifugal acceleration and is discharged into the rotor chamber 29. If the rotor 20 remains in a position allowing the reaction receptacle unit 21 to be removed via the loading window 8 in the end wall 7, the ejector 32 prevents the liquid dripping from the top wall 14 from returning into the reaction receptacle 37, allowing the reaction receptacle unit 21 to be cleanly removed. In this way, cross-contamination processes can be effectively prevented when centrifuging several reaction receptacle units 21 with different fillings.

[0051] If the edge 32 of the discharge plate 31 is arranged laterally offset from the reaction vessel unit 21 and is also pulled downwards, i.e. towards the rotor, a drip edge can also be formed from which liquid can drip next to the rotor 20 when the rotor 20 is stationary.

[0052] The edge 32 of the drain plate 31 can also be lowered to retain any liquid drained from the reaction receptacle units 21 during rotation and only drip down the sides of the rotor 20 when the rotor comes to a stop. This also significantly reduces wetting of the inner walls of the rotor chamber 29.

[0053] The ejector 30 may be integral with the rotor 20 or may be attachable to the rotor 20. In particular, the ejector 30 may be removable from the rotor 20 so as to allow it to be cleaned separately. The ejector 30 may also be attached to the rotor shaft 10 independently of the rotor 20 (not shown in detail).

[0054] In a further embodiment example, the discharge plate 31 of the discharge device 30 is designed to rise from the front end face 41 of the discharge device 30 to the opposite rear end face 42 (Figures 4A to 7B). This embodiment example is a preferred variant of the embodiment example of Figure 3 and uses its features, unless otherwise stated below. Here, the front end 41 is located on the end wall 7 side of the rotor box 3 as viewed in the axial direction, and the rear end 42 of the discharge device 30 is located on the rear wall 28 side of the rotor box 3 as viewed in the axial direction. In other words, the discharge plate 31 has an inclination designed to rise towards the rear end face 42 of the discharge device 30 and thus towards the rear wall 28 of the rotor box 3 with respect to the rotation axis 11 of the rotor 20. The inner side of the discharge plate 31 forms a discharge angle α with the rotation axis 11 of the rotor 20 or with the opening plane 39 of the reaction vessel unit 21 held in the rotor 20 (Figures 4A, 4C). Thus, during a centrifugation process at a certain rotation speed, the liquid captured on the drain plate 31 is driven along the incline (arrow direction a in FIG. 4C ) to the rear end 42 of the drain device 30. Two drain openings 43 are formed in the rear end face 42, each of which is connected to a spout 44 protruding axially from the rear end face 42.

[0055] The recovery device 40 is provided on the rear wall 28 of the rotor box 3 adjacent to the drive box 2. The recovery device 40 can be integrally formed with the rear wall 28 or can be manufactured separately and connected to the rear wall 28. (It should be noted that the recovery device is also shown diagrammatically in Figures 2 and 3, but is not functionally required there). In this embodiment, the recovery device 40 is a ring- or disk-shaped structure arranged inside the rear wall 28. However, the invention is not limited to this shape and the recovery device 40 can in principle have any shape suitable for recovering and discharging liquid.

[0056] On the side facing the rotor 20, i.e. on the inside, an annular channel 45 is formed in the collection device 40. The channel 45 has an annular opening 46 oriented axially towards the rotor chamber 29. Behind the annular opening 46, the channel 45 widens radially inwards and radially outwards, forming with the annular opening 46 an inner undercut 47 and an outer undercut 48. At the lowest point, the collection device 40 has a drain device 49 connected to the channel 45. Two spouts 44 of the discharge device 30 project into the channel 45 through the annular opening 46. The liquid collected on the discharge plate 31 by the discharge device 30 is collected under the effect of centrifugal acceleration at the end of the rear end 42 of the discharge device 31 on the widthwise outer (flank) side. From there, it enters the spout 44 through the drain opening 43 and is discharged from there into the channel 45. In the channel 45, the liquid flows downwards and can be removed from the rotor chamber 29 through the drain pipe 49.

[0057] Since all the liquid discharged from the reaction vessel unit 21 is collected in the channel 45, the inside of the rotor box 3 (rotor chamber 29) is hardly wetted by the liquid. Only the mist generated by the turbulent flow can enter the rotor chamber 29 from the channel 45 and wet its walls.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the ejector 31 is designed to be flush with the reactor vessel unit 21 and / or the lateral edge of the rotor with the flank 33 or sidewall, resulting in a substantially enclosed space. As a result, the atmosphere within the ejector 31 is entrained as the rotor rotates and does not swirl or swirl very little. This prevents the formation of aerosols that are distributed into the rotor chamber 29.

[0059] Only when the generation of such contaminating mist cannot be prevented, the inside of the rotor box 3 needs to be cleaned from time to time. In principle, the cleaning intervals can be significantly extended compared to a centrifugation process without the discharge device 30 and the collection device 40. The discharge plate 31 reliably prevents contamination of the reaction vessel unit 21 with liquid dripping from the upper wall 14 of the hood 5. Since the discharge device 30 is also closed at the flank 33, a closed space is formed between the reaction vessel unit 21 and the discharge device 30, so that the liquid mist that may spread in the rotor chamber 29 does not settle on the surface of the reaction vessel unit 21, and turbulence due to rotation in the space between the reaction vessel unit 21 and the discharge plate 31 can be effectively prevented. Therefore, the reaction vessel unit 21 can be reliably and completely cleaned by centrifugation with the discharge device 30 of this embodiment example, and can be protected from contamination due to wetting or falling droplets caused by centrifugation.

[0060] The invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. It is understood that a wide variety of modifications are possible within the scope of protection of the invention. The shape of the discharge plate 31 depends on the desired effect. Figure 8 shows several variants 8(a) to 8(g) of the profile of the discharge plate 31 with the reactor receptacle units 21, in a cross section perpendicular or radial to the axis of rotation 11 (radial cross section). Figure 9 shows several variants 9(a) to 9(h) of the profile of the discharge plate 31 with the reactor receptacle units 21, in an axial cross section along the axis of rotation 11. It is understood that in each case further variants are conceivable. The cross-sectional shapes of Figures 8 and 9 can be combined as required. They can be designed with open or closed flanks.

[0061] The discharge plate 31 may be flat (FIG. 8(a)) in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation (FIG. 8), have one central kink 80 along the axis of rotation (FIG. 8(b), (e)), have two lateral kinks along the axis of rotation (FIG. 8(d, g)), or be curved (c, f) when viewed from the outside, either concavely (FIG. 8(b), (c), (d)) or convexly (FIG. 8(e), (f), (g)). As explained in relation to FIG. 2, the centrifugal acceleration in a cross section transverse to the axis of rotation 11 always acts in the direction of the larger radius r, so that liquid collected inside the discharge plate 31 is driven towards the flank edge 32 even if the discharge plate is flat (FIG. 8(a)). This effect can be enhanced by a concave design, where the edge 32 is pulled (upwards) away from the axis of rotation (Figures 8(b), (c), (d)), but weakened by a convex design, where the edge 32 is pulled (downwards) towards the axis of rotation (Figures 8(b), (c), (d)). In the case of a convex shape with a central kink 80 (Figure 8(e)), the drainage plate initially slopes more steeply than the circumference 82 around the axis of rotation. Liquid can therefore pool around the central kink 80 up to the reversal point 83, where the drainage plate 31 slopes flatter than the circumference 82. To avoid this, a shape with two lateral kinks 81 located beyond the reversal point 83 is preferred as it ensures that liquid is drained outwards from the central region (Figure 8(g)). For the same reason, it is advantageous if the radius of curvature of the discharge plate 31 (Figure 8(f)) is greater than the radial distance of the discharge plate 31 at the point closest to the axis, i.e. in the region of the central surface 36, when the cross section of the discharge plate 31 is convexly curved.

[0062] In an axial cross section along the axis of rotation (Figure 9), the discharge plate 31 can be flat, i.e. at the same distance from the axis of rotation 11 (Figure 9(a)), inclined on one side, i.e. rising from the first end face 41 towards the second end face 42 (Figures 9(b)-(d)), inclined on both sides, i.e. rising towards both end faces 41, 42 (Figures 9(e)-(g)), or descending (Figure 9(h)), the inclination can be straight (Figures 9(b), (e), (h)) or curved (Figures 9(c), (d), (f), (g)), and when viewed from the outside, concave (Figures 9(d), (e), (f)) or convex (Figures 9(c), (g)), where the inclined shape on both sides can have a kink 91 between the end faces 41, 42. Due to the axial inclination rising towards one or both end faces 41, 42, the liquid is redirected by centrifugal acceleration along the inner or underside of the discharge plate 31 towards the respective end face 41, 42 where the inclination rises. The flow velocity can be slowed down by the convex shape towards the respective end face and accelerated by the concave shape. In the case of an axially inclined shape, it makes sense that the flanks are closed or at least drawn down far enough to create an obstacle to the flow across the axis of rotation, so that the liquid is redirected only to the end face where the inclination rises, where it can be collected without wetting the rotor chamber. If the inclination is on one side, less structural effort is required to collect the liquid, since only one side needs to be provided with a collection device for the discharged liquid. This is preferably provided on the rear wall of the rotor chamber, since it can reliably drain the liquid from the front side where the reaction vessel units are loaded. When discharging very large volumes of liquid, a double-sided inclination can be advantageous, since the liquid can be collected more quickly. The double-sided contour of the discharge plate 31, which rises from the end faces 41, 42 towards the cross section 90, allows the liquid to be concentrated at the two flank edges with kinks 91. In this case, the liquid can be discharged laterally through the respective discharge openings. If necessary, a channel-like annular collector can be provided in the rotor chamber in the region of the cross section 90, which collects the discharged liquid therein and discharges it downwards.

[0063] Other variants are also conceivable. For example, the discharge device 30 can have a trough shape without further discharge openings. In this variant, it is advantageous for the discharge device 30 to be attached to the reaction receptacle unit 21 outside the centrifuge 1, which is thus loaded into the centrifuge. In this case, the method should be modified in such a way that the rotor remains in the lower position at the end of the centrifugation process, so that the discharge device 30 comes to rest below the reaction receptacle unit 21, and the discharge device 30 and the reaction receptacle unit 21 with the liquid collected therein are discharged through a discharge window (not shown in detail) in the end wall 7 and separated from the discharge device 30, which is then freed from the liquid, washed and ready for a further centrifugation process. In such a variant, the rotor chamber remains free of centrifuged liquid, even if no recovery device is installed therein. There is no need to provide the rotor with a discharge device, which can further facilitate the cleaning of the rotor chamber and the discharge device.

[0064] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to a combination of cross-sectional shape 8(a) with an axial cross-sectional shape 9(a) having an open flank, and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-7B corresponds to a combination of cross-sectional shape 8(a) with an axial cross-sectional shape 9(b) having a closed flank.

[0065] With the inventive ejection device, the inventive centrifuge and the associated method, depending on the design of the ejection device, cross-contamination between reaction vessel units can be prevented, wetting of the reaction vessel units by aerosols in the rotor chamber can be reduced or completely avoided, and contamination of the rotor chamber by the ejected liquid can also be significantly reduced or completely avoided. The latter can considerably simplify the cleaning of the rotor chamber. If necessary, a closed rotor chamber can be dispensed with, if the liquid is completely absorbed in the channels 45 of the recovery device 40 and prevented from leaking into the rotor chamber. In other words, the end walls 7 and the hood 5 of the rotor box 3, and possibly also the base 27 (provided that the hood 5 is not required for stability reasons), can be omitted. This can considerably simplify the loading and unloading process of the rotor 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Centrifuge 2 Drive box 3 Rotor Box 4 Foot 5. Food 6 Screws 7 End Wall 8 Loading Window 9 axis opening 10 rotor shaft 11 Rotation axis 12 Bearings 13 Side wall 14 Upper Wall 20 Rotors 21 Reaction vessel unit 22 Frames 23 Receptor Position 24 Clamp 25 Support surface 26 Opposite Surface 27 Base 28 Back wall 29 Rotor Chamber 30 Ejection device (Ableitvorrichtung) 31 Discharge plate 32 Edge 33 Frank 35 Edge 36 Center plane 37 Reaction vessel 38 Opening 39 Opening plane 40 Recovery Device 41 Front (first) end face 42 Rear (second) end face 43 Discharge opening (Ausleitoeffnung) 44 Spout 45 Channels 46 Annular opening 47 Inner Undercut 48 Outer Undercut 49 Drain pipe (Ablaufrohr) 50 Plates 51 Frames 60 Assembly 70 Assembly 80 Central kink 81 Side kink 82 Circumference 83 Reversal Point 84 Surface Normals 90 Central section 91 Kink a Discharge direction (Ableitrichtung) r radius r0 minimum radius w Width direction α Discharge angle (Ableitwinkel) This list is an integral part of the specification.

Claims

1. A discharge device (30) for a reaction vessel unit (21) having a plurality of reaction vessels (37), each of the reaction vessels (37) having an opening (38) in a common opening plane (39), the discharge device (30) having a discharge plate (31) that is positionable or designed to be positioned opposite the openings (38) of the reaction vessels (37) in the centrifuge (1) and designed to rotate together with the reaction vessel unit (21) during centrifugation, the discharge device (30) wherein liquid exiting the reaction vessels (37) is collected and discharged by the discharge plate (31) due to centrifugal acceleration.

2. 2. The discharge device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the discharge plate (31) can be arranged or is arranged obliquely with respect to the opening plane (39), so that the recovered liquid is discharged along the obliquely arranged discharge plate (31) in the axial direction of the rotation axis (11) of the rotor (20) of the centrifuge (1) due to centrifugal acceleration in the centrifuge (1).

3. The ejection device (30) of claim 2, wherein a flank (33) of the ejection device (30) extending laterally along the axis of rotation (11) is pulled downwardly from the ejection plate (31) to form an obstacle to movement of the liquid laterally relative to the axis of rotation (11).

4. 4. The discharge device (30) according to claim 3, wherein the flanks (33) and end faces (41, 42) of the discharge device (30) are designed to be flush with the edge (35) of the reaction vessel unit (21).

5. A discharge device (30) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one discharge opening (43) is formed in the upstanding end face (42) of the discharge plate (31), said opening preferably being flush or substantially flush with the interior of the discharge plate (31).

6. 6. The discharge device (30) of claim 5, wherein the discharge opening (43) has a spout (44) projecting beyond the end face (42).

7. The discharge device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the discharge device (30) can be arranged loosely, preferably snugly, on the reaction vessel unit (21).

8. The discharge device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the discharge device (30) is detachably connectable to the reaction vessel unit (21).

9. The ejection device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection device (30) is detachably connectable to a rotor (20) of a centrifuge (1).

10. The ejection device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection device (30) is formed integrally with the rotor (20) of the centrifuge (1).

11. The ejection device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection device (30) is connected or connectable to a rotor shaft (10) of a centrifuge (1).

12. A centrifuge (1) having a drive and a rotor (20) which is connectable or connectable to said drive for cleaning a reaction receptacle unit (21), said rotor (20) being designed to accommodate a reaction receptacle unit (21) having a discharge device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 13. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 12, further comprising a recovery device arranged in a rotor chamber of the centrifuge (1), in which the rotor (20) rotates, and designed to recover the liquid discharged by the discharge device (30).

14. 14. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 13, wherein the recovery device has an annular channel (45) opening towards the rotor chamber, concentric with the rotation axis (11) and located opposite the discharge opening (43) of the discharge device (30).

15. 15. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 14, wherein the channel (45) is axially opposite the discharge opening (43) of the discharge device (30).

16. 16. The centrifuge (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the channel (45) has an annular opening (46) formed axially towards the rotor chamber, the annular opening (46) having a radially inner and / or a radially outer undercut (47, 48).

17. The centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein a drain device (49) is formed at the lower end of the collection device (40).

18. 1. A method for cleaning a reaction vessel unit (21) having a plurality of reaction vessels (37), each of which has an opening (38) located in a common opening plane (39), The reaction vessel unit (21) is received on the rotor (20) of the centrifuge (1) with its opening (38) facing outward from the rotation axis (11) of the rotor (20); The rotor (20) in which the reaction vessel unit (21) is arranged is rotated in the centrifuge (1) to centrifuge the liquid contained in the reaction vessel (37); The centrifuged liquid is collected by a discharge device (30) having a discharge plate (31) arranged radially opposite the opening plane (39) of the reaction vessel (37) and rotating together with the reaction vessel unit (21), and is discharged along the discharge plate (31); Method, characterized in that the ejection device (30) is preferably designed according to one of the claims 1 to 11 and / or the centrifuge (1) is preferably designed according to one of the claims 12 to 17.

19. 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the discharge device (30) is cleaned after one or more centrifugation operations, said cleaning being preferably carried out by rinsing with a rinsing solution contained in the reaction vessel unit (21) or by autoclaving and / or by chemical means and / or by irradiation.

20. 20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the rotor chamber (29) of the centrifuge (1) is cleaned after a predefined number of centrifugation operations, said cleaning being preferably carried out by rinsing with a rinsing solution contained in a reaction receptacle unit (21) or by separately cleaning disassembled parts of the centrifuge (1) which define the rotor chamber (29), preferably by autoclaving and / or by chemical means and / or by irradiation.

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