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

Abstract

A method is proposed for cleaning a reaction vessel unit equipped with a reaction vessel, such as a discharge device (30) for centrifuging a microtiter plate, a corresponding centrifuge, and the discharge device (30). The discharge device (30) has a discharge plate (31) that can be positioned on the opposite side of the reaction vessel opening in the centrifuge. During centrifugation, the liquid released from the reaction vessel by centrifugal acceleration is collected and discharged by the discharge plate (31). Fins (40) positioned substantially parallel to the rotor's axis of rotation and lateral to the direction of movement of the discharge plate (31) are located on the side of the discharge plate (31) facing the reaction vessel opening. The discharge device (30) keeps the liquid released from the reaction vessel during centrifugation away from other parts of the apparatus. The fins (40) ensure that the released liquid is optimally discharged. Corrosion and / or chemical interactions by the released liquid are prevented, and aerosol formation is also significantly reduced. Cross-contamination of the reaction vessel unit during centrifugation, as well as wetting of the reaction vessel unit, is significantly prevented. Furthermore, the effort required for cleaning is significantly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A reaction vessel unit having several reaction vessels, such as a microtiter plate (MTP, well plate or multi-well plate) with multiple wells, can be cleaned by centrifugation. The MTP is attached to a rotor in a rotor chamber of a centrifuge such that the openings of the reaction vessels face away from the axis of rotation of the rotor and are centrifuged at a speed of up to several thousand rpm (revolutions per minute).

[0003] In this context, cleaning means that the liquid contained in the reaction vessel is removed (evacuated). The reaction vessel is cleaned by filling and removing the liquid. However, reagents can also be added, and then the reagents must be removed from the reaction vessel after a reaction (e.g., chemical, biological, or biophysical) has occurred. The solid phase in the reaction vessel unit can even be the inner wall of the reaction vessel, cells attached thereto, cells or cell structures located therein, particles retained therein, or magnetic particles located therein. The following aspects regarding contamination apply to all forms.

[0004] During centrifugation, the contents released from the reaction vessel are collected by the wall of the rotor chamber. Substances remaining on the walls and surfaces of the rotor chamber partially flow out and collect in the lower region of the rotor chamber, but may also drip from above and enter, for example, the MTPs located in the rotor chamber. When multiple microtiter plates are successively cleaned in a centrifuge, there is also a risk of cross-contamination due to the centrifugate from one MTP dripping onto another MTP.

[0005] The rotation of the rotor creates air vortices in any centrifuge. When liquid contents are released from the reaction vessel during rotation, these air vortices form aerosols. These can float in the air and travel anywhere. They are a significant source of cross-contamination. Therefore, in genomic applications (typically amplification-based, such as PCR), aerosols are a driving force for contamination.

[0006] It has also been shown that microtiter plates cleaned in a centrifuge may still have a wet surface even after the wells have been completely emptied. This can make further use more difficult, for example, if the microtiter plate is subsequently sealed with a film. Foil is typically adhered to cover the openings of the wells. This may be done, for example, for sterile intermediate storage of the microtiter plate before further use, or after filling with a test solution to isolate the test regime. However, a wet surface makes it difficult to adhere the foil to the microtiter plate.

[0007] From DE 10 2017 113 583 A1, a centrifuge is known in which the housing below the rotor has a discharge channel, and the inner surface of the housing adjacent to the channel forms a funnel that opens into the channel. This makes it easier to recover and discharge the centrifugated liquid accumulated in the rotor chamber.

[0008] From DE 10 2021 124 023 A1, it is known that cleaning fluid is supplied to the rotor chamber of a centrifuge so that the cleaning fluid is distributed into the rotor chamber by the rotation of the rotor. Therefore, the residue from centrifugation can be removed from the walls and surfaces of the rotor chamber by periodic and frequent rinsing with the cleaning agent.

[0009] DE 10 2022 102 701.5 and DE 10 2022 102 705.8, which have not yet been published, describe discharge devices for the controlled discharge of liquid from reaction vessels by centrifuge.

[0010] For hygienic reasons, relatively frequent cleaning cycles are required, which leads to idle time and high operating costs. However, this procedure is unavoidable, especially in diagnostic applications. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The object of the present invention is to improve the cleaning of the reaction vessel unit by centrifugal separation in a centrifuge, and in particular to provide an apparatus and method that minimizes contamination inside the centrifuge and optimizes the discharge of liquid from the reaction vessel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claim are characterized in the dependent claims. All terms of the claims are incorporated herein by reference.

[0013] Unless otherwise disclosed, the use of the singular form does not exclude the plural form, and the same applies in reverse.

[0014] To solve the problem, a discharge device for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit is proposed. The reaction vessel unit has multiple reaction vessels, each having an opening located in a common opening plane. Typically, the reaction vessel unit is a microtiter plate. The discharge device has a discharge plate, which is positioned on the opposite side of the reaction vessel opening in a centrifuge having a rotor with a rotating axis, or is configured to be positioned thereon, and rotates with the reaction vessel unit during centrifugation, so that the liquid ejected from the reaction vessel by centrifugal acceleration is collected and discharged by the discharge plate. On the side of the discharge plate facing the reaction vessel opening, there is at least one fin positioned substantially parallel to the rotor's axis of rotation and lateral to the direction of movement of the discharge plate.

[0015] The fins, due to their inertia, prevent the entire volume of liquid released from the reaction vessel from flowing toward the outer edge of the discharge plate in the opposite direction of rotation. Droplets that strike the discharge plate in the direction of rotation in front of the fins flow along the discharge plate in the opposite direction of rotation until they are stopped by the fins, and from there are discharged along the fins in a controlled manner.

[0016] In this specification, the expression "direction of movement of the discharge plate" is understood to mean the tangential direction to the radius at which the discharge plate is separated from the axis of rotation. Therefore, the direction of rotation during centrifugal separation traces a circular orbit concentric with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0017] A discharge device equipped with a discharge plate keeps the liquid discharged from the reaction vessel during centrifugation away from other elements of the device, such as the centrifuge housing, rotor, and especially the rotor's axis of rotation. At least one fin ensures that the discharged liquid is discharged in an optimal manner. This achieves a wide range of advantages. Since essentially only the inside of the discharge device comes into contact with the liquid, corrosion and / or other chemical interactions by the discharged liquid are prevented.

[0018] Because the volume containing the liquid rotates with the rotor, no turbulence in the air is generated. This significantly reduces the risk of aerosol formation.

[0019] Cross-contamination of the reaction vessel unit during centrifugation, as well as wetting of the reaction vessel unit, is largely prevented. In addition, since the discharged liquid is recovered by the discharge device, the frequency of cleaning the centrifuge rotor chamber is much reduced, significantly lowering the cleaning effort. This means that only this discharge device needs to be cleaned or replaced. A suitable cleaning method for this is described below.

[0020] The discharge of liquid released during centrifugation is further optimized in the above discharge device when the discharge surface of the discharge plate facing the reaction vessel unit is inclined with respect to the rotor's rotation axis such that the distance between the discharge surface and the rotor's rotation axis increases in the direction toward the centrifuge's discharge opening. This generates a centrifugal force component toward the discharge opening during centrifugation, guiding the liquid toward the discharge opening during centrifugation. At high rotational speeds where the liquid is pressed against the discharge plate at several Gs, the liquid is removed from the discharge plate with little to no residue. This minimizes the need to clean the discharge device.

[0021] Preferably, at least one fin is positioned with its longitudinal direction oriented at an angle to the rotor's axis of rotation so that the liquid exiting the reaction vessel during rotor acceleration is guided by the fin toward the discharge opening. The fin extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and is gradually offset backward relative to the discharge opening in relation to the direction of movement of the discharge device. Thus, the fin extends substantially like a screw thread around the axis of rotation.

[0022] Due to the inertia of the liquid, during rotor acceleration, and therefore during discharge device acceleration, the liquid is guided along the fins towards the discharge opening. Experiments have shown that the majority of the liquid is discharged from the reaction vessel and pushed out of the discharge device during the acceleration process.

[0023] The angle formed by the fin with the rotation axis is preferably at least 3°, particularly at least 5°, and can also be at least 10°.

[0024] The angle formed by the fin with the rotation axis is preferably 45° or less, particularly 30° or less or 20° or less.

[0025] In the above-described discharge device, the discharge of the liquid discharged during centrifugation can be further improved when the inclination of the fin with respect to the rotation axis of the rotor is greater in the region adjacent to the discharge opening than in the region further away from the discharge opening. As a result, the liquid can flow more easily to the discharge opening without backflow.

[0026] The above-described embodiment of at least one fin in the described discharge device can preferably be achieved by the fin being curved or having one or more bending portions along the longitudinal direction of the fin.

[0027] In a preferred modification of the discharge device already described, a plurality of fins are provided. In particular, these are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Thereby, the discharge of the liquid discharged from the reaction vessel can be further improved, especially when there are a plurality of discharge openings. At least 3, or at least 4, or even at least 5 fins can be provided.

[0028] Preferably, the discharge plate is curved so as to form a segment of a body that is substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to the rotation axis. In particular, thus, the discharge plate may have the shape of a part of the surface of a substantially conical shape. Thereby, the internal volume of the discharge device in which liquid may be generated can be maintained particularly small.

[0029] The discharge device can be configured to include a plurality of fins. In this way, the liquid discharged from the reaction vessel is divided into a plurality of liquid volumes, and each of them is discharged along one of the fins.

[0030] The multiple fins are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the distance between adjacent fins may increase as the distance from the axis of rotation increases.

[0031] To discharge liquid along the fins, it is sufficient that the distance of the discharge plate from the axis of rotation increases in the direction toward the discharge opening (inclined arrangement of the surface of the discharge plate facing the rotor), or that the fins are positioned at a certain angle to the axis of rotation. Preferably, both inclined arrangements are provided in the discharge device. This makes it possible to discharge liquid with two effects.

[0032] All embodiments can minimize the residence time of the discharged liquid in the recovery chamber above the reaction vessel, and thus dramatically reduce the risk of aerosol contamination.

[0033] In an advantageous modification of the described discharge device for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit, the discharge plate may be attached to the centrifuge rotor or reaction vessel unit by a removable coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism being configured particularly as a quick-release fastener, and particularly preferably as a linearly couplingable quick-release fastener. Embodiments of the quick-release fastener as a bayonet fastener are particularly preferred. Thus, the discharge device can be attached to the centrifuge rotor or reaction vessel unit in a particularly easy and time-saving manner. Attaching the discharge device to the reaction vessel unit instead of the rotor can further reduce the risk of contamination of the centrifuge rotor.

[0034] The problem is further solved by a centrifuge equipped with a rotor rotatably mounted around a rotating shaft and a discharge device capable of guiding the liquid to the discharge port of the centrifuge, as already described. The discharge device is detachably connected to the rotor or a reaction vessel unit installed within the rotor so as to rotate with the rotor. A discharge chute extends away from the discharge port. A rinsing device is provided for rinsing the discharge chute with a cleaning solution. This ensures that all potentially contaminated parts of the centrifuge can be effectively cleaned without requiring a great deal of additional effort.

[0035] The individual method steps are described in more detail below. In preferred modifications of the present invention, the steps are performed in the order shown. However, the steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown, and the described method may also include further steps not mentioned.

[0036] To address the problem, a method for cleaning the discharge device in a centrifuge is also proposed. The discharge device has a discharge plate configured to be positioned in the centrifuge on the opposite side of the reaction vessel opening of the reaction vessel unit, and to rotate with the reaction vessel unit during centrifugation, so that the liquid coming out of the reaction vessel due to centrifugal acceleration is collected and discharged by the discharge plate. This method includes the following steps. 1. A step of inserting a reaction vessel unit into the rotor of a centrifuge, wherein at least one reaction vessel of the reaction vessel unit is filled with a washing solution. 2. Rotating the rotor to a position where the discharge plate is positioned below the rotor, so that the cleaning fluid flows out of at least one reaction vessel and is collected by the discharge plate. 3. A step of allowing the cleaning solution to act on the discharge plate for a predetermined period of time. 4. A step of removing the cleaning fluid from the discharge plate by rotating the rotor. In this way, the discharge device can be cleaned in a reproducible manner with minimal effort.

[0037] This discharge system is an improvement over the discharge systems described in DE 10 2022 102 701.5 and DE 10 2022 102 705.8. Therefore, these documents should be referenced throughout.

[0038] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments related to the drawings. Each feature can be implemented individually or in combination with others simultaneously. The possibilities for solving the problem are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Exemplary embodiments are schematically shown in the drawings. The same reference numerals in the individual drawings indicate the same or functionally identical elements, or elements that correspond to each other with respect to their function. All graphical representations should be understood as schematic. For clarity, aspect ratios may be altered. Unless otherwise indicated, descriptions of direction and position refer to the ordinary use of the subject matter of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a front cross-sectional view showing the inside of the rotor box of a centrifuge equipped with a reaction vessel unit and discharge device. [Figure 2] This shows a three-dimensional perspective view of the discharge device as seen from the side facing the reaction vessel unit. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional perspective view of the discharge device, seen from the side away from the reaction vessel unit. [Figure 4] This shows a plan view of the discharge device side facing the reaction vessel unit. [Figure 5] This shows a plan view of the reaction vessel unit as seen from the side of the discharge device, which faces away from the reaction vessel unit. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the discharge device, cut along lines AA, BB, and CC. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] The centrifuge 1 has a drive box (details not shown) and a rotor box 3 mounted on legs 4 (Figure 1). The drive box typically houses a drive unit such as an electric motor. The drive box has a cover 5, which is attached to the support structure of the rotor box 3 by screws. The support structure can be formed by the end walls, base 27, and rear wall 28 of the rotor box 3. The cover 5 may have two side walls 13 and a top wall 14, which are constructed as separate elements or, for example, as a continuous bent sheet metal structure (see Figure 1). The side walls 13 and top wall 14 of the cover 5, as well as the end walls, base 27, and rear wall 28 of the rotor box 3, define or enclose the interior of the rotor box 3, also called the rotor chamber 29. The end walls typically have a loading window, through which the interior of the rotor box 3 is accessible for loading a reaction vessel unit 21 (Figure 1) into the centrifuge, as is essentially known. The end wall may also have an axial opening for housing the rotor shaft of the centrifuge 1 for rotation around the rotating axis. The axial opening may also be configured as a bearing seat for bearings to support the rotor shaft, but the rotor shaft may also move freely within the axial opening.

[0041] The rotor shaft supports a rotor 20 that is connected to the rotor shaft in a manner that allows it to rotate inside the rotor box 3 (Figure 1). For this purpose, the rotor shaft is connected to the output shaft of the drive unit of the centrifuge 1. Alternatively, the rotor shaft may be an integral part of the output shaft of the drive unit. The rotor 20 is configured to accommodate at least one reaction vessel unit 21. In this exemplary embodiment, the rotor 20 can accommodate two reaction vessel units 21, but only one of these is shown in Figure 1.

[0042] The rotor 20 is configured as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped and has a frame 22 that is connected to or connectable to the rotor shaft in a manner that allows for rotational coupling. On each of the two radially opposite sides of the frame, a receptacle 23 for a reaction vessel unit 21 is configured. In variations of the embodiment, only a single receptacle 23 or more than two receptacles 23 may be provided. The receptacle 23 is preferably defined by two rail-shaped clamps 24 that protrude from the frame 22. A support surface 25 for the reaction vessel unit 21 is configured on the frame 22 itself, while each opposing surface 26 is configured on the clamps 24, which are parallel to the support surface 25 and spaced away from the support surface 25 to accommodate the height of the reaction vessel unit 21.

[0043] Instead of a reaction vessel unit, a weight plate forming a corresponding counterweight for the reaction vessel unit can be provided in the receiving area.

[0044] The reaction vessel unit 21 can be positioned relative to or removed from the rotor 20 in an essentially known manner via a loading window in the end wall, when the rotor 20 is positioned so that the receptacle is directly opposite the loading window. The loading process can be performed automatically by a loading device of the type known, for example, from WO 2017 / 125598 A1. For this purpose, the loading device has an automatically operable displacement rod (not shown) for positioning the reaction vessel unit.

[0045] The reaction vessel unit 21 is a body comprising a plurality of individual reaction vessels 37 arranged adjacent to each other within the reaction vessel unit 21, each having an opening 38 on one side (Figure 1). The openings 38 are located on a common opening plane 39 and face radially outward for cleaning purposes. The clamp 24 of the receptacle 23 is configured to grip the reaction vessel unit 21 only at its ends so that the openings 38 of the individual reaction vessels 37 of the reaction vessel unit 21 remain exposed. When the rotor 20 rotates around the axis of rotation at an appropriate rotational speed, the liquid contained in the reaction vessels 37 of the reaction vessel unit 21 is discharged radially outward. The rotational speed for this purpose is several hundred to several thousand rpm.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a discharge device 30 is provided that is positioned radially outward of the reaction vessel unit 21 (Figure 1). The discharge device 30 has a discharge plate 31 positioned opposite the opening 38 of the reaction vessel 37. The discharge plate 31 extends beyond the dimensions of the rotor 20 in both the width direction w and the axial direction (direction of the axis of rotation). In a modified example, it may be sufficient for the discharge plate 31 to cover at least the reaction vessel unit 21 or at least all of the opening 38 of the reaction vessel 37 of the reaction vessel unit 21. When the rotor 20 rotates at a speed suitable for centrifugal separation, the liquid from the reaction vessel 37 is propelled through the opening 38 by the effect of centrifugal force and collected by the discharge plate 31.

[0047] In the case of a nearly flat discharge plate, the radius (distance) r0 of the discharge plate 31 from the axis of rotation is minimized in the region of the central plane 36 that passes perpendicularly through the opening plane 39 of the reaction vessel unit 21 and extends along the axis of rotation (Figure 1), while the radius (distance) r increases toward the edge 32 of the discharge device in the width direction w. Therefore, the centrifugal acceleration also increases toward the edge 32 of the discharge device 30, and as a result, the recovered liquid is guided toward the edge 32 in the width direction w along the surface of the discharge plate 31.

[0048] However, preferably, the discharge plate 31 is curved concavely such that its discharge surface faces the rotor or reaction vessel unit, thereby forming a kind of channel extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. In particular, the discharge surface is configured to be substantially concentric with respect to the axis of rotation. As a result, there is little to no effect from centrifugal force that changes in the direction of rotation. However, due to its inertia, the liquid is guided along the discharge surface in the direction opposite to the direction of movement.

[0049] The discharge device 30 also has at least one fin 40, preferably several fins, on the discharge surface facing the opening 38 of the reaction vessel 37, the fins being arranged substantially parallel to the rotor's axis of rotation and laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the discharge plate (not shown in Figure 1 for simplicity). In this exemplary embodiment, the surface of the fin 40 is arranged perpendicular to a plane extending between the edges of the discharge device 30, which is mounted laterally on the reaction vessel unit or attached to the rotor. However, the surface of the fin 40 may be oriented differently, for example, radially with respect to the center point of the curved discharge surface or radially with respect to the rotor's axis of rotation. Through such an arrangement in which the fins are arranged laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the discharge plate, in the rotating discharge device 30, droplets are carried by the fins and discharged by centrifugal force, and the droplets are discharged along the fin 40 and the discharge surface.

[0050] The discharge device 30 may be integrated with the rotor 20, attached to it, or configured to be attachable to it. In particular, the discharge device 30 may be removable from the rotor 20 so that it can be cleaned separately. The discharge device 30 may also be attached independently of the rotor 20 to the rotor shaft or the reaction vessel unit 21 (details not shown).

[0051] A more detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the discharge device 30 can be seen in Figures 2-6c.

[0052] As described above, the discharge device 30 is configured to perform rotational motion together with the rotor in the centrifuge. Therefore, the discharge device 30 has elements that can be attached to the rotor directly or indirectly. Indirect attachment to the rotor is achieved, for example, by attaching the discharge device to the reaction vessel unit 21. The attachment must, of course, be stable enough to ensure that the discharge device 30 is securely attached to the rotor despite the considerable centrifugal force generated during centrifugation (e.g., up to about 500 G). Therefore, such a discharge device 30 always has a specific shape and / or fastening means that enables such a stable and clear (unambiguous) attachment to the rotor. As a result, when the discharge device 30 is used for its intended purpose, it is always positioned in a specific and clear location with respect to the rotor and its axis of rotation. In the following description, the elements of the discharge device 30 are described in relation to the axis of rotation of the rotor and in relation to the direction of movement of the rotor or the discharge device. In this description, without explicit mention each time, the discharge device 30 is attached to the rotor in a clear location when in use. Those skilled in the art can recognize from the embodiment of the discharge device how the corresponding elements are positioned relative to the rotor's axis of rotation, even when the discharge device is removed from the rotor.

[0053] In this embodiment of the discharge device 30, the discharge plate 31 is configured as the inner surface (=discharge surface) of the discharge device 30 and is curved to form a part of an object that is substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis of rotation (see perspective views in Figures 2 and 3). The resulting shape is essentially a part of a cone. On the inner discharge surface of the discharge device 30 are fins 40 (four in the illustrated embodiment) which, when the discharge device is installed, are positioned substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and lateral to the direction of movement of the discharge plate.

[0054] However, Figures 2 and 4 clearly show that the fins 40 are not precisely parallel to the rotor's axis of rotation, but rather positioned at a slight angle to it. This greatly contributes to the efficient discharge of the recovered liquid during acceleration of the rotor and recovery device. Figures 2 and 4 also show that the inclination of the fins 40 with respect to the rotor's axis of rotation is greater in the region adjacent to the discharge opening, i.e., at the forefront of Figure 2 and the lower side of Figure 4, and in the region further from the discharge opening. This is achieved by the bend 43 in the shown embodiment.

[0055] The discharge device 30 has a discharge channel 45, which is connected to a discharge plate 31 on the side where fins 40 for discharging liquid terminate. On this side, a recovery chamber 50 defined radially by the discharge plate 31 is defined by an end wall 46, to which the corresponding ends of the fins 40 abut. The end wall 46 has a discharge opening 44, which in this exemplary embodiment is formed from two separate discharge openings 44 (Figure 6A), each being arc-shaped, for manufacturing reasons. Instead of two discharge openings 44, one or more discharge openings may be provided. The discharge opening 44 aligns with the discharge surface of the discharge plate 31 adjacent to the end wall 46 at its radially outer edge. As a result, the liquid guided along the fins 40 can pass through the discharge opening 44 without obstruction.

[0056] A hollow body 47 is positioned on the end wall 46 on the side facing away from the discharge plate 31 or away from the fins 40, and the hollow body 47 defines an arc-shaped discharge channel 45. The discharge channel 45 extends radially outward from the discharge plate 31 and has an output opening 48 at its radially outward edge facing the discharge plate 31. During operation, the output opening 48 opens into a discharge chute formed on the centrifuge housing, which collects the liquid pushed out from the recovery chamber 50 along the fins 40 through the discharge channel 45 and discharges it downward into a recovery container.

[0057] In this exemplary embodiment, both discharge surfaces of the discharge plate 1 are configured to be inclined with respect to the rotor's axis of rotation during operation, the maximum distance between the discharge surface and the axis of rotation is adjacent to the discharge channel 45, and the fins 40 are positioned at a certain angle with respect to the axis of rotation in a plan view (e.g., Figure 4). As a result, the liquid discharged from the reaction vessel is acted upon by both the inclined position of the discharge surface due to centrifugal force and the inclined position of the fins due to the liquid's inertia, and these forces guide the liquid toward the discharge channel 45. In principle, it is sufficient if the discharge surface is inclined or the fins are inclined with respect to the axis of rotation. When both the discharge surface of the discharge plate 31 and the fins 40 are positioned at a certain angle, two effects act on the liquid to push it out of the recovery chamber. This achieves the maximum discharge effect on the liquid.

[0058] The discharge device 30 may be configured to include a recovery pocket 49 in the rear region in the rotational direction 41, which allows for the recovery of liquid not captured by one of the fins 40 and guided from there to a discharge opening 44 in the discharge channel 45.

[0059] Preferably, the edges of the discharge device 30 are configured such that both the front and rear ends of the discharge device 30 in the direction of movement 41 are coplanar with the corresponding reaction vessel unit 21 or rotor 20. As a result, the recovery chamber 50 formed in the region between the rotor and the discharge device 30 is closed in the direction of movement 41, thereby preventing the generation of airflow through the recovery chamber 50 due to the rotation of the rotor and discharge device.

[0060] Therefore, the air atmosphere within the recovery chamber 50 rotates together with the rotor and discharge device 30. As a result, turbulence that would cause aerosols is not generated. Preferably, to prevent or minimize exchange between the atmosphere and the rest of the rotor chamber, the recovery chamber is also airtightly sealed at both ends by corresponding end walls.

[0061] The cross-section in Figure 6c intersects with the fin 40 in the region of the bent portion 43.

[0062] The discharge device 30 can be detachably connected to the rotor 20 of the centrifuge 1 or the reaction vessel unit 21, and a coupling mechanism 42 is provided for this purpose. In the shown embodiment, the coupling mechanism 42 is realized by integrally forming perforated bands at the front and rear ends of the discharge device 30 in the direction of movement (see Figures 2-4). Thus, the discharge device can be detachably connected to the respective opposing parts on the rotor 20 or the reaction vessel unit 21 by plug-in elements or screws, etc. (not shown). However, for good handling, the coupling mechanism is preferably designed as a linearly coupling quick-release fastener or a bayonet fastener.

[0063] The coupling mechanism 42 can also be configured to form flaps that project outward at the leading and trailing ends of the discharge device 30 in the rotational direction, and the flaps are dimensioned to fit in such a way that they securely engage with the receptacle 23 of the rotor 20 together with the reaction vessel unit 21. When using the rotor illustrated in Figure 1, these flaps are configured to fit together with the reaction vessel unit 21 within the receptacle 23 in the region between the bearing surface 25 and the opposing surface 26, so that both the discharge device 30 and the reaction vessel unit 21 are surrounded radially outward by the opposing surface 26, thereby fixing the radial position of the reaction vessel unit 21 and the discharge device 30.

[0064] The discharge device may also be an integral part of the rotor.

[0065] The discharge device is preferably made of plastic. It may be intended for single use or multiple uses.

[0066] Preferably, the discharge device, particularly its discharge surface and fins, is coated with a layer that promotes liquid discharge, especially a hydrophobic layer.

[0067] During operation, the discharge chute of the centrifugal separator, through which the output opening 48 of the discharge channel 45 of the discharge device 30 is supplied, is configured in the form of a nearly concentric ring around the rotating shaft, particularly around the region through which the rotor and discharge device pass during one revolution, and has an outlet in the lower region to guide the liquid into the containment container.

[0068] A rinsing device may be provided on the discharge chute so that it can be rinsed with a cleaning solution. This rinsing device has one or more nozzles for dispensing the cleaning solution. The nozzles may be equipped with atomizers so that the cleaning solution is distributed into the discharge chute. This cleaning method is preferably performed when the centrifuge is not operating, i.e., when the reaction vessel unit has not been cleaned by the centrifuge.

[0069] This discharge device, or a centrifuge having such a discharge device, can be used to clean the reaction vessel by removing the liquid contained in the reaction vessel, or to clean objects or substances contained in the reaction vessel, such as beads. The reaction vessels are cleaned by filling them with liquid and then removing the liquid by centrifugation. However, reagents can also be added in the same manner, and then, after the reaction (e.g., chemical, biological, or biophysical) has occurred, the reagents must be removed from the reaction vessel. The solid phase in the reaction vessel unit may be the inner wall of the reaction vessel, cells attached thereto, cells located therein, cellular structures located therein, particles contained therein, or magnetic particles located therein.

[0070] As described above, the discharge device 30 has elements that allow it to be attached to the rotor directly or indirectly. The attachment must, of course, be stable enough to ensure that the discharge device 30 remains securely attached to the rotor despite the considerable centrifugal forces generated during centrifugation (e.g., up to about 500 G). The discharge device preferably has fastening means for fastening it directly, and in particular, detachably, to the rotor. In this case, the discharge device can be configured to define a receptacle for housing a particular reaction vessel unit. Such embodiments have the advantage that different types of reaction vessel units can be centrifuged using the same centrifuge or the same rotor by swapping out discharge devices configured to house different types of reaction vessel units. This increases the flexibility of the centrifuge. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. Centrifugal separator 3. Rotor Box 4 legs 5 Cover 13 Side wall 14 Upper wall 20 rotors 21 Reaction Vessel Unit 22 frames 23 Receptacles 24 Clamps 25 Support surface 26 Opposing side 27 Base 28 Back wall 29 Rotor Chamber 30 Ejector 31 Discharge Plate 32 Edge 33 Frank 36 Center plane 37 Reaction vessel 38 Opening 39 Aperture plane 40 fins 41 42 Coupling mechanism 43 Bent section 44 Discharge opening 45 Emission Channels 46 End wall 47 Hollow body 48 Output aperture 49 Recovery pockets 50 Recovery Chamber r radius r0 minimum radius w (width direction)

[0072] Cited patent documents DE 10 2017 113 583 A1 DE 10 2021 124 023 A1 WO 2017 / 125598 A1 DE 10 2022 102 701.5 (To be released later) DE 10 2022 102 705.8 (To be released later)

Claims

1. A discharge device (30) for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit (21) having a plurality of reaction vessels (37), 1.1 Each of the plurality of reaction vessels (37) has an opening (38) located on a common opening plane (39), 1.2 The discharge device (30) has a discharge plate (31), The discharge plate (31) is 1.2.1 In a centrifuge (1) having a rotor (20) having a rotating shaft, a plurality of reaction vessels (37) can be positioned on the opposite side of the opening, or are configured to be positioned there. 1.2.2 The system is configured to rotate together with the reaction vessel unit (21) during centrifugation, and to collect and discharge the liquids coming out of the plurality of reaction vessels (37) by the discharge plate (31), 1.3 Discharge device (30), wherein the discharge surface of the discharge plate (31) facing the openings of the plurality of reaction vessels (37) is provided with at least one fin (40) arranged substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rotor (20) and laterally to the direction of movement of the discharge plate (31).

2. 2.1 The discharge surface of the discharge plate (31) facing the reaction vessel unit (21) is inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the rotor (20) and / or so that the distance of the discharge surface from the rotation axis of the rotor (21) increases in the direction toward the discharge opening of the centrifuge (1) or the discharge device (30). 2.2 The discharge device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one fin (40) is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is at an angle with respect to the rotation axis of the rotor (20) so that when the rotor (20) is accelerated, the liquid discharged from the plurality of reaction vessels (37) is guided by the fin (40) toward the discharge opening.

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

4. The discharge device (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fin (40) is curved or has one or more bent portions along its longitudinal direction.

5. 5.1 Multiple fins (40) are provided, 5.2 The discharge device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fins (40) are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

6. The discharge device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the discharge plate (31) is curved to form a part of an object that is substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis of rotation.

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

8. The discharge device (30) according to claim 7, characterized in that the coupling mechanism (42) is configured as a quick-release fastener, and in particular as a quick-release fastener that can be coupled linearly.

9. A centrifugal separator (1) comprising a rotor (20) that is rotatably mounted around a rotating shaft, 8.1 The discharge device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided, which is capable of guiding the liquid to the discharge opening of the centrifuge (1) or the discharge device (30), 8.1.1 The discharge device (30) is detachably connected to the rotor (20) or to a reaction vessel unit (21) inserted into the rotor (20) so as to rotate together with the rotor (20). 8.2 A discharge chute (41) extends from the discharge opening, 8.3 A centrifugal separator (1) is provided with a rinsing device for rinsing the discharge chute (41) with a cleaning solution.

10. A method for cleaning the discharge device (30) in a centrifugal separator (1), The discharge device (30) has a discharge plate (31), which is positioned on the opposite side of the opening (38) of the reaction vessel (37) of the reaction vessel unit (21) in the centrifuge (1), and rotates together with the reaction vessel unit (21) during centrifugation, and is configured so that the liquid coming out of the plurality of reaction vessels (37) due to centrifugal acceleration is collected and discharged by the discharge plate (31). The aforementioned method, 9.1 A step of introducing a reaction vessel unit (21) into the rotor (20) of the centrifuge (1), wherein at least one reaction vessel (37) of the reaction vessel unit (21) is filled with a washing solution, 9.2 The step of rotating the rotor (20) so that the washing liquid flows out from the at least one reaction vessel (37) and is collected by the discharge plate (31), 9.3 A step of applying the cleaning solution on the discharge plate (31) for a predetermined time, 9.4 The step of removing the cleaning liquid from the discharge plate (31) by rotating the rotor (20), Includes, A method characterized by using a discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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