Centrifuge and method for operating the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a centrifuge (10) comprising a housing (14), a rotor for receiving sample containers, a drive for driving the rotor, a rotor chamber in the housing (14), the rotor chamber being divided into several sections by safety containers (18) and in which the rotor is mounted, a control unit (38) for controlling the drive for centrifuging samples in the sample containers of the rotor, a lid (12) for closing the rotor chamber for the centrifugation operation, an operating unit (16) with a display (26) for displaying different parameters for the centrifugation operation, and at least one input means (22, 24, 26) for inputting the parameters for the centrifugation operation and / or for selecting parameters and / or programs for the centrifugation operation stored in the operating unit (16). The selected parameters and / or programs can be transmitted from the operating unit (16) to the control unit (38). According to the invention, the control unit 38 is connected to send a signal to at least one lid switch 36. The lid switch 36 is activated when the lid 12 is closed and in its closed position. When the lid switch 36 is activated, the control unit 38 activates the rotor drive for the centrifuge operation based on the parameters last entered in the operating unit 16 and / or the program last selected, and if certain further basic parameters are met.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) The present invention relates to a centrifuge of the kind specified in the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for operating this centrifuge as set forth in claim 20. [Background technology]

[0002] Centrifuges of this type, particularly laboratory centrifuges capable of separating substances or mixtures of substances, preferably at speeds up to 17,000 rpm and capable of processing samples of up to 1,000 ml per rotor, have been known for some time and are used in the medical-pharmaceutical field to process mixtures of substances or extract plasma by centrifugation. Centrifugation can be performed for a specific process duration, at a specific speed, and according to a specific temperature profile. Conventional centrifuges essentially consist of a housing closed with a lid, in which a replaceable rotor is placed in a safety container. The safety container and the closed lid define a rotor chamber, and the rotor is placed on a drive shaft. The drive shaft is connected to an electric motor. The rotor has openings at its periphery for inserting and removing sample containers. The sample container contains the substance mixture or blood sample to be processed, i.e., the sample in general. The rotor is connected to an electric motor. The rotor and the electric motor are located within the housing.

[0003] Depending on the rotor used and the sample container inserted therein, different maximum speeds exist, not only for safety reasons but also for the desired process results, and these must be monitored during centrifuge operation. Depending on the sample being processed, additional requirements, such as processing time and processing temperature, must be monitored. Processing time, processing temperature, and processing speed vary depending on the rotor, sample container, and sample being centrifuged. Therefore, these data are entered and stored, for example, via the laboratory centrifuge's control device. The range of data / parameters to be entered or the absolute range of programs to be started or stopped depend on this, resulting in a complex setup procedure that requires appropriate configuration of the control unit's operating unit. For this reason, the operating unit is characterized by numerous switch means. It is equipped with a display for displaying various parameters related to the centrifuge's operation. The operating unit also has input means for entering centrifuge operating parameters and / or selecting centrifuge operating parameters stored in the control unit. During centrifugation, data, parameters, and programs are transferred to the centrifuge control unit, which controls the operation of the centrifuge.

[0004] Such a laboratory centrifuge is disclosed in EP 0 994 753 and is provided with rotary push buttons as input means for inputting parameters for operating the centrifuge.

[0005] A typical centrifuge is disclosed in DE 102008010640 A1.

[0006] DE 3818407 A1 also discloses a centrifuge with a lid that is monitored by a sensor, but this document does not go beyond the scope of what is disclosed in DE 102008010640 A1.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0039114 discloses a centrifuge that is started by entering a passcode. The lid is monitored by a sensor so that the centrifuge is activated only when the lid is closed.

[0008] However, these prior art centrifuges suffer from the drawback that the labor required to start up the centrifuge is very time consuming.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improvement to a centrifuge of the type set forth in claim 1 in order to simplify and in particular accelerate the handling of the centrifuge.

[0010] This object is achieved by combining the features of claim 1 and the features of its preamble part. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention is based on the realization of a lid-controlled switching operation to accelerate the start of centrifuge operation, even if no new parameters have been selected or entered. If no new parameters are selected or entered, the centrifuge will always operate according to the last entered parameters or the last selected program, provided other predetermined conditions are met.

[0012] According to the present invention, the control unit is therefore connected, particularly via a signal line, to send a signal to at least one lid switch. The lid switch can be activated when the lid is in its closed position. When the lid switch is activated, the control unit activates the rotor for centrifuge operation based on the parameters last entered in the control unit and / or the program last selected in the operating unit, as long as other predetermined conditions are met. This simplifies handling of the centrifuge, particularly its start-up. This is particularly useful for repeated centrifuge operations with the same parameters and / or the same program. At the same time, it also ensures the safety of the centrifuge's operation. For example, by using critical rotor types and sizes, i.e., rotors with high kinetic energy, unintentional start-up can be avoided. This also applies to bucketed rotors, where individual buckets may be missing during rotor start-up, resulting in a significant imbalance in the centrifuge. Once the lid is closed and basic parameters are met, the centrifuge starts automatically. No further action is required; the basic parameters are simply queried by the control unit.

[0013] The basic parameters are preferably a predetermined rotor type and / or a predetermined rotor size installed in the centrifuge. Alternatively or additionally, the basic parameters may refer to a last entered predetermined speed and / or a last selected program.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one safety switch is provided which interacts with the control unit. This safety switch can also be designed in the form of a programmable controller. This safety switch prevents the rotor from being started if a component of the centrifuge fails. This is a simple way to ensure that the centrifuge cannot be started if there is a potential risk in the presence of a defective or malfunctioning component as a result of its own operation.

[0015] The safety switch can be connected to a sensor for detecting a fault in a component of the centrifuge and to a control unit, with which the safety switch interacts for activating and deactivating the drive. The interaction between the corresponding sensor and the control unit makes it possible to detect a faulty component while, on the other hand, preventing the drive from being activated if necessary.

[0016] To enable a compact design and easy manufacture, the operating unit, display and input devices are integrated into one electronic assembly, which is provided with at least one interface, e.g., a wired or wireless interface, which can be used to easily output relevant operating data or to perform software updates.

[0017] Preferably, the control unit is connected to send signals to at least one imbalance sensor, a sensor for detecting the rotor speed, a temperature sensor, in particular a plurality of temperature sensors arranged at different positions of the centrifuge, and a rotor type identification sensor, and evaluates these signals to control the rotor. It can also record the centrifugation operations required for a particular sample and centrifuge operation.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, two lid switches are provided which are connected to the control unit via a signal line, and the control unit activates the rotor drive only if all the lid switches are activated, which prevents false activation if the lid is not properly closed.

[0019] The lid can be designed to be foldable about a pivot axis.

[0020] In order to enable the lid switches to be easily activated, the lid for activating the associated lid switch or the lid switches themselves have actuation means assigned to the lid switch or to each of the lid switches, in particular the actuation means being arranged on a side remote from the pivot axis.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid is provided with a blocking mechanism that blocks the lid from being opened after it has been closed, which prevents the lid from being opened unintentionally in any case, thereby interrupting the centrifugation process.

[0022] Furthermore, advantageously, the blocking mechanism includes a locking element that can be moved between a blocking position and an open position, which blocks the lid during operation of the centrifuge, thus holding the lid in its closed position and making it impossible to open it.

[0023] A servo motor is capable of moving the locking element between the blocking position and the releasing position, and the blocking mechanism is thus triggered to operate automatically.

[0024] A position sensor is provided which is connected to the control device to enable detection of the position of the locking element, and the drive of the rotor is only activated by the control device when the locking element is in its blocking position.

[0025] Preferably, the display is designed as an input device in the form of a touch display.

[0026] To set all parameters and programs for operating the centrifuge, the input means can be designed as part of the operating unit and comprise at least one pulse generator with rotation direction detection and independent switches.

[0027] In particular, this may include at least one rotary push button used as input means.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, a number of individual buttons may be provided as input means.

[0029] In particular, the control unit has a memory for various programs and / or parameters that are transferred to the control unit for controlling and regulating the operation of the centrifuge. This simplifies the selection of parameters and programs already stored in the control unit without having to re-enter them each time. Preferably, data in the form of parameters and / or programs are then transferred via a data bus to the control unit, which regulates or controls the centrifugation operation based on the transferred data. These parameters are a group consisting of the target speed of the rotor during the centrifuge operation, the T-time of the centrifuge operation at the target speed, the target temperature in the rotor chamber of the centrifuge cooled during the centrifuge operation, the time lapse of an acceleration ramp at the beginning of the centrifuge operation and a deceleration ramp at the end of the centrifuge operation, the radius of the rotor inserted into the rotor chamber, and the start time, i.e., the time point for starting the centrifuge operation, i.e., when the rotor starts to rotate or when the rotor reaches the target speed.

[0030] The rotary push button is designed to generate pulses by rotational movement with direction detection around its rotation axis and switching movement to vertical displacement along the direction of this axis, and the display shows the parameters and programs controlled by the rotary push button, which will be described later.

[0031] In a further aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for operating a centrifuge of the above kind, in which operation of the centrifuge begins as soon as the lid is closed.

[0032] In particular, operation of the centrifuge begins only after the lid has been locked, so in this case two conditions are required: the lid must be closed and the lid must be locked.

[0033] To improve the safety of the centrifuge, operation of the centrifuge will not commence if one monitored component fails.

[0034] Preferably, the centrifuge operation always begins based on the last entered parameters or the last selected program.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, operation of the centrifuge can be initiated upon closing the lid according to certain basic parameters, such as a predetermined rotor type or rotor size, a predetermined speed, and / or a predetermined program.

[0036] This primarily benefits operational safety with regard to centrifuges, for example, by using critical rotor types and rotor sizes, i.e. rotors with high kinetic energy, unintentional false starts can be avoided. This also applies to rotors with buckets, where individual buckets may be missing when the rotor is started, causing a large imbalance in the centrifuge.

[0037] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which refers to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Throughout this specification, claims and drawings, the terms and associated symbols are used as set forth in the symbol legends below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view, seen from an upper angle, of a centrifuge according to the present invention with its lid open; FIG. [Figure 2a]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the center plane in FIG. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2a. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 2a. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the centrifuge of FIG. 1. [Figure 4a] 2 is a cross-sectional view along the central plane in FIG. 1 with the lid closed. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4a. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 4a. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 show different views of the centrifuge 10 according to the present invention with its lid 12 open, and Figures 4a to 4c show different views of the centrifuge 10 with its lid 12 closed.

[0040] The centrifuge 10 has a housing 14 to the front of which an operating unit 16 is connected. A safety container 18 is located within the housing 14, defining the rotor chamber of the centrifuge 10. The rotor, not shown in detail here, is connected to a drive shaft 20 within the safety container 18. The drive shaft 20 drives the rotor, which is adapted for non-rotating connection with the drive shaft. A lid 12 can be used to close the rotor chamber for operation of the centrifuge.

[0041] Via two hinge joints, not shown in detail here, the lid 12 is pivotally connected and attached to the housing 14 on the side of the housing 14 remote from the operating unit 16 in the upper region of the housing 14. To load and unload sample containers into the rotor and, for example, to exchange different types of rotor for different applications, the lid 12 is opened, thus giving the user free access to the rotor chamber, which is divided into several areas by safety containers 18 and comprises the rotor and the sample containers held by the rotor. Each sample container contains a substance to be centrifuged.

[0042] The front face of the operation unit 16 is inclined and extends to the top end of the housing 14 at an angle of approximately 70 degrees relative to a plane parallel to the base of the centrifuge 10. The front face of the operation unit 16 is provided with input means consisting of various buttons 22 and a rotary push button 24. Additionally, a touch display 26 is provided, which also functions as input means. The input means is used to input parameters for operating the centrifuge and / or to select parameters and operating programs stored in memory for operating the centrifuge. The touch display 26 displays the selected and / or selected parameters / operating programs. The operation unit 16, combined with the input means and the touch display 26, forms an electronic assembly. This electronic assembly is equipped with a wired or wireless interface used to input data to or read data from the electronic assembly.

[0043] Two locking means 28, each configured as an annular mount for a locking element 30, are provided on the interior of the lid 12, facing away from the hinge joint. The locking means 28 are spaced apart from one another. Within the housing 14, each locking means 28 of the lid 12 is assigned a locking element 30. The locking elements 30 are connected to one another and are movable between their open and closed positions. The upper wall 14a of the housing 14 is provided with a locking recess 32 associated with each locking means 28, so that the locking means 28 can rotate relative to the locking elements 30 together with the lid 12 when moving from the open to the closed position. The locking recess 32 is adapted to the external contour of the associated locking means 28.

[0044] The top wall 14a is provided with a circular central recess 14b that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the safety container 18.

[0045] The locking element 30 is movable between an open position and a closed position by means of a drive motor 34. When the lid 12 is in the closed position, the locking element 30 engages in a corresponding annular receiver of the locking means 28. This causes the lid 12 to pivot downwards. The lid 12 is in the closed position and is blocked by the locking element 30 engaging the locking means 28. In this way, the centrifuge 10 is closed.

[0046] A lid switch 36 is provided so that the locking element 30 automatically moves from the open position to the closed position when the lid 12 is in the closed position. Referring to Figure 2a, the lid switch 36 is connected to a control unit 38 via signal lines not shown in detail here. The lid switch 36 is operated by an associated locking means 28. When the lid 12 is closed, the locking means 28 activates the lid switch 36 and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 38.

[0047] Furthermore, a first position switch 40a and a second position switch 40b are provided for each locking element 30 to detect the position of the locking element 30. The locking elements 30 are connected to one another via a connecting element 42 driven by the drive motor 34. The connecting element 42 is provided with a first trigger protrusion 44 corresponding to the first position switch 40a. Furthermore, the connecting element 42 or the locking element 30 is provided with a second trigger protrusion 46 corresponding to the second position switch 40b. The trigger protrusions 44, 46, and the first and second position switches 40a, 40b are shown in Figures 2b, 2c, 4b, and 4c, respectively.

[0048] Each position switch 40a, 40b is connected to the control unit 38 via a corresponding signal line (not shown in detail here). When the locking element 30 is in the closed position, the position switch 40b is activated and a corresponding signal is sent to the control unit 38. When the locking element 30 is in the open position, the position switch 40a is activated and a corresponding signal is sent to the control unit 38.

[0049] 4b and 4c, when the locking element 30 is moved to the closed position, the second trigger protrusion 46 of the connecting element 42 activates the position switch 40b and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 38. Referring to Figures 2b and 2a, when the locking element 30 is moved to the open position, the first trigger protrusion 44 activates the position switch 40a. The control unit 38 automatically initiates operation of the centrifuge in the following cases: 1. The lid 12 is closed, and the lid switch 36 is activated and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 38; 2. The locking elements 30 are in the closed position, i.e. they engage with the locking means 28 of the lid 12, and at the same time 3. The locking elements 30 are in the closed position, i.e. they engage with the locking means 28 of the lid 12, and at the same time 4. Other basic parameters are met.

[0050] Closing the lid 12 automatically starts the operation of the centrifuge 10, for example if a rotor suitable for the previous program is inserted. In this case, operation of the centrifuge 10 starts according to the parameters / program last entered or selected on the operating unit 16 and / or the program last entered / selected by closing the lid 12.

[0051] In this case, basic parameters must be met for the centrifuge 10 to start automatically upon closure of the lid 12. For example, the centrifuge 10 is equipped with sensors to detect failures of components of the centrifuge 10. These sensors are connected to the control unit 38. If these sensors report a component failure, the centrifuge 10 will not start. An error or warning message will be displayed on the touch display 26.

[0052] Furthermore, for safety reasons, the control unit 38 may be connected to send signals to imbalance sensors, rotor speed detection sensors, temperature sensors, particularly temperature sensors located at various positions within the centrifuge, and rotor type identification sensors, and the control unit 38 can evaluate these signals to control the rotor. The values ​​of these sensors can be compared with predefined basic parameters, which are the basis for starting the centrifuge 10 when the lid 12 is closed. If these parameters meet the basic parameters, the centrifuge 10 will start automatically when the lid 12 is closed.

[0053] The rotary push button 24 is designed to generate pulses by a rotational movement with direction detection around its rotation axis and a switching movement to a vertical displacement along the direction of this axis. The touch display 26 displays the above-mentioned parameters and programs. Furthermore, the rotary push button 24 designed in this way can change parameter values ​​faster than the touch display 26 by means of software that allows for dynamic settings, in such a way that turning the rotary push button 24 faster results in larger parameter change steps and turning it slower results in smaller parameter change steps. For example, pressing the rotary push button 24 can change the type of parameter.

[0054] Instead of the touch display 26, it may have only a display.

[0055] The parameters are then entered and selected using the setting button 22 and the rotary push button 24. The setting button 22 can be configured as a favorite button to access a specific program mode. The setting button 22 can be assigned two functions. For example, if four setting buttons 22 are used, the user can register eight favorite options and assign a program to each option to operate the centrifuge 10.

[0056] The operating unit 16 has a memory and a microcontroller for storing various programs and / or parameters for controlling the operation of the centrifuge, which may be a group of parameters formed by the target speed of the rotor during the centrifuge operation, the T-time of the centrifuge operation at the target speed, the target temperature in the rotor chamber of the cooled centrifuge 10 during the centrifuge operation, the time lapse of the acceleration ramp at the beginning of the centrifuge operation and the deceleration ramp at the end of the centrifuge operation, the radius of the rotor inserted into the rotor chamber, and the start time, i.e. the point in time for the centrifuge operation to start, i.e. when the rotor starts to rotate or when the rotor reaches the target speed.

[0057] In the centrifuge according to the invention, the centrifuge operation starts as soon as the lid is closed, in particular as soon as the lid is locked. Furthermore, the centrifuge operation will not start if basic parameters are not met, for example, if a failure occurs in one of the monitored components or if the type or size of the rotor in the centrifuge does not match the previously used parameters.

[0058] The centrifuge operation starts based on the last entered parameters and / or the last selected program and the basic parameters for the respective operation of the rotor used. These basic parameters vary depending on the type and size of the rotor used. This usually also includes the speed and the assigned program.

[0059] This makes the centrifuge faster and easier to handle, resulting in significant time and cost savings.

[0060] Furthermore, the operating unit 16 can be designed as a modular unit that is detachable from the housing 14 to easily provide customers with various configuration options, such as a touch display or a regular display. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10. Centrifuge 12 Lid 14 Housing 14a Upper wall 14b Circular recess in upper wall 14a 16 Operation Unit 18 Safety container 20 Drive shaft 22 Buttons, input means 24 Rotary push button, input means 26 Touch display, input means 28 Locking means 30 Rock Elements 32 Lock recess 34 Drive motor for locking element 30 36 Lid switch 38 Control Unit 40a Left Position Switch 40b Right position switch 42 Connected Elements 44 First trigger protrusion 46 Second trigger protrusion

Claims

1. a housing (14); a rotor for receiving a sample container; a drive unit that drives the rotor; a rotor chamber in the housing (14), the rotor chamber being divided into several regions by a safety container (18), and the rotor being mounted therein; a control unit (38) for controlling the drive for centrifuging the samples in the sample containers of the rotor; a lid (12) for closing the rotor chamber for operation of the centrifuge; an operating unit (16) with a display (26) for displaying different parameters for the centrifuge operation; at least one input means (22, 24, 26) for inputting the parameters for the centrifuge operation and / or for selecting parameters and / or programs for the centrifuge operation stored in the operating unit (16), The selected parameters and / or the program can be transmitted from the operating unit (16) to the control unit (38), The control unit (38) is coupled to send a signal to at least one lid switch (36), and when the lid (12) is closed, the lid switch (36) is activated; 1. A centrifuge (10) characterized in that, when the lid (12) is in its closed state and the lid switch (36) is activated, the control unit (38) activates the drive of the rotor for the centrifuge operation based on the parameters last entered in the operating unit (16) and / or the program last selected, and when certain further basic parameters are met.

2. 2. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the basic parameters relate to a certain type and / or a certain size of the rotor installed in the centrifuge.

3. 3. A centrifuge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the basic parameters refer to the last entered constant speed and / or the last selected constant program.

4. 4. The centrifuge according to claim 1, further comprising at least one safety switch, also in the form of a programmed controller, interacting with the control unit (38) to prevent the start-up of the drive of the rotor in the event of a malfunction of a component of the centrifuge (10).

5. the safety switch is connected to a sensor for detecting a failure of the component of the centrifuge and to the control unit (38); 5. The centrifuge according to claim 4, characterized in that the safety switch cooperates with the control unit (38) for starting and stopping the drive of the rotor.

6. 6. A centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating unit (16), the display (26) and the input means (22, 24, 26) are integrated in an electronic assembly with an interface, for example a wired or wireless interface.

7. 7. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (38) is connected to send signals to at least one imbalance sensor, which is a sensor for detecting the speed of the rotor, to a temperature sensor, in particular to a plurality of temperature sensors arranged at different positions of the centrifuge, and to a rotor type identification sensor, and evaluates these signals in order to control the rotor.

8. Two said lid switches (36) are provided which are connected to said control unit (38) via signal lines; 8. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (38) activates the drive of the rotor only if all the lid switches (36) are activated.

9. 9. Centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lid (12) is designed to be foldable about a pivot axis.

10. To activate one or more of the lid switches (36), the lid (12) has an actuation means (28) assigned to one or each of the lid switches (36) for activating a corresponding one of the lid switches (36), 10. A centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in particular claim 7, characterized in that the actuating means (28) are arranged in particular remote from the pivot axis.

11. 11. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the lid (12) has a blocking mechanism that blocks the lid (12) so as to prevent the lid (12) from being opened after the lid (12) is closed.

12. 12. The centrifuge of claim 11, wherein the blocking mechanism includes a locking element (30) that can be moved between a blocking position and a release position.

13. 13. The centrifuge of claim 12, wherein a servo motor (34) moves the locking element (30) between the blocking position and the releasing position.

14. 14. The centrifuge of claim 12 or 13, wherein a position sensor (40a, 40b) is provided to detect the position of the locking element (30) and connected to the control device (38), and the control device (38) activates the rotor only when the locking element (30) is in the blocking position.

15. 15. Centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the display also forms input means and is designed for this purpose as a touch display (26).

16. 16. A centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the input means (22, 24, 26) are provided as part of the operating unit (16) adapted for at least two independent movements in order to set all parameters and programs for the operation of the centrifuge.

17. 17. A centrifuge according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one rotary push button is provided as one input means (24).

18. 18. A centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a plurality of individual keys (22) are provided as said input means.

19. 19. Centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the operating unit (16) comprises a microcontroller and a memory for various programs and / or parameters for controlling the operation of the centrifuge.

20. 20. The centrifuge according to claim 19, characterized in that these parameters are parameters from the group formed by the target speed of the rotor during the centrifuge run, the T-time of the centrifuge run at the target speed, the target temperature in the rotor chamber of the centrifuge (10) cooled during the centrifuge run, the time lapse of an acceleration ramp at the beginning of the centrifuge run and a deceleration ramp at the end of the centrifuge run, the radius of the rotor inserted into the rotor chamber, and the start time, i.e. the point in time for the centrifuge run to start, i.e. when the rotor starts to rotate or when the rotor reaches the target speed.

21. 21. The centrifuge according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the rotary push button (24) is adapted for a rotational movement about its own axis of rotation and for a switching movement for a vertical displacement along the direction of this axis, and the display (26) displays the parameters and the program.

22. 22. A method for operating a centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the operation of the centrifuge starts when the lid (12) is closed.

23. 23. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that the operation of the centrifuge begins when the lid (12) is locked.

24. 24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the operation of the centrifuge is not started if one monitored component fails.

25. 25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the operation of the centrifuge is started based on the last entered parameters and / or the last selected program.

26. 26. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the operation of the centrifuge is only activated with a specific rotor type when the lid (12) is closed.

27. 27. Method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the operation of the centrifuge is only activated at a specific speed when the lid (12) is closed.

28. 28. Method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that the operation of the centrifuge for a predetermined program is activated upon closing of the lid (12).

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