Flow-through centrifuge and method for creating an operational state of a flow-through centrifuge - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flow-through centrifuge 1, which is used, for example, in biotechnology, in particular as a blood centrifuge 2. The drive and / or transmission device 19 of the flow-through centrifuge 1 comprises a planetary gear transmission 62. In the planetary gear transmission 62, at least one planetary belt wheel 34; 36 is rotatably journaled on a rotating planet carrier 18. The torque of the planetary belt wheel 34; 36 is transmitted via a belt 33; 37. The planet carrier 18 and the planetary belt wheel 34; 36 are driven at different rotational speeds. According to the invention, the planet carrier 18 is held by a belt tensioning unit 17, which rotates together with the planet carrier 18. To adjust the belt tension of the belt 33; 37, the distance of the planet carrier 18 from the rotor axis 4 can be changed via the belt tensioning unit 17.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow-through centrifuge in which at least one medium is fed into and / or discharged from a centrifuge chamber at least temporarily during rotation of the centrifuge chamber, in particular the medium to be centrifuged, a wash liquid, a medium extracted and modified from the centrifuged medium, and / or a sediment in the centrifuge chamber. [Background technology]

[0002] To mention just a few non-limiting examples, the flow-through centrifuge can be a blood centrifuge, in which the medium to be centrifuged is blood and the extracted and denatured medium or sediment is blood cells or blood particles, or The flow-through centrifuge can also be a medium from which cells, microcarriers or other particles contained in the medium are to be extracted. It is possible that the medium to be centrifuged is not a pure liquid, but rather that this medium is a solution or suspension containing particles such as cells, cell debris or cell debris.

[0003] Flow-through centrifuges are used, for example, for the production of biopharmaceutical products in biopharmaceutical companies or in bioprocessing applications. The flow-through centrifuge is then used, for example, for the purification and / or clarification of cells or microcarriers, whereby the cells purified in this way can also be used for cell therapy. Another field of use for the flow-through centrifuge is, for example, the production of vaccines.

[0004] Flow-through centrifuges of the type described at the outset are sold, for example, by Sartorius AG, Otto-Brenner-Strasse 20, 37079 Goettingen, Germany, and associated companies under the trademark "Ksep" (registered trademark). Internet site regarding these flow-through centrifuges (Non-Patent Document 1) www.sartorius.com / en / products / process-filtration / cell-harvesting / ksep-systems (Accessed on July 6, 2022) explains the functional principle of a flow-through centrifuge, which may also be used for the present invention, based on the linked video as follows:

[0005] The rotor of the flow-through centrifuge has four centrifugation chambers, which may be formed as blood bags held in the rotor body and are evenly distributed around the circumference, and are arranged at the same radial distance from the rotor axis of the rotor. The first connecting conduit is located radially inward and opens into the centrifuge chamber, whereas the second connecting conduit is located radially outward and opens into the centrifuge chamber. In a first working phase, a first medium, for example formed as blood, is fed to the centrifugation chamber via a second connecting conduit while this centrifugation chamber rotates together with the rotor. In the centrifugation chamber, as a result of centrifugation, particles contained in the blood (e.g., blood cells) are deposited in a radially outward position, whereas The residual medium (i.e. the medium supplied in a radially outer position, reduced by the particles that have been pushed radially outward) is discharged from the centrifugation chamber in a radially inner position via the first connecting conduit. During this first operating phase, the first connecting conduit is therefore the discharge conduit, whereas the second connecting conduit is the supply conduit. As this operation continues, the proportion of particles in the centrifuge chamber and their concentration increases until the centrifuge chamber is very substantially and eventually completely filled with particles. In a subsequent optional second operating phase, washing of the particles in the centrifuge chamber is carried out. For this purpose, a washing or buffer solution is introduced into the centrifuge chamber via the second connecting conduit. The washing or buffer solution penetrates the centrifuge chamber and is discharged radially inward via the first connecting conduit. Also in this operating phase, the centrifugation chamber rotates together with the rotor and therefore, as a result of the centrifugal force acting, the particles are prevented from leaving the centrifugation chamber via the first connecting conduit together with the wash or buffer solution. Similarly, during the second operating phase, the first connecting conduit is utilized as an outlet conduit for wash or buffer solution, whereas the second connecting conduit is utilized as a supply conduit for wash or buffer solution. In the subsequent third operating phase, the rotor continues to rotate the centrifugation chamber, in which the through-flow direction through the centrifugation chamber is reversed and particles are removed from the centrifugation chamber via the second connecting conduit, while a wash or buffer solution can be replenished into the centrifugation chamber 5 via the first connecting conduit. This third working phase ends when all particles have been removed from the centrifuge chamber. The above can be followed by successive further cycles with the three working phases described.

[0006] A flow-through centrifuge of the type mentioned at the outset is described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,629,499, from which a media network can be seen, which is connected to connecting conduits and ensures different operating phases. For details of this media network, the associated pump assemblies, process control units, additional filter assemblies, containers for different media, and for the process flow, see, for example, US Pat. No. 5,629,49 ... and US Pat. No. 5,629,499.

[0007] US Pat. No. 5,629,499 describes that fluid connections in flow-through centrifuges to connecting conduits that rotate with the rotor using rotary through-guides are problematic because they are prone to leaks and entail the risk of unwanted contamination of the medium. On the other hand, according to US Pat. Nos. 5,629,299, 5,729,633 and 5,829,549, it is explained that connecting strands can be used in which connecting conduits are integrated, one end region of the connecting strand being arranged fixedly in the housing, while the other end region of the connecting strand is fixed to the rotor and rotates together with the rotor.

[0008] The twisting of the connecting strands causes the rotor to rotate and the end regions of the connecting strands to rotate relative to each other. The result To avoid this resulting in ever-increasing size, the connecting strand is additionally guided in a guide tube. The guide tube comprises subsections having a rounded U-shape with slightly flared lateral legs of different lengths, the opening of the U then being oriented in the direction of the rotor axis of the rotor. The connecting strands pass from the housing-mounted end region outwardly under a curve into one lateral leg of the U. Within the U-shaped section, the connecting strands are guided around the rotor by guide tubes. The free end region of the other lateral leg of the U-shape of the guide tube is bent back so that it is arranged coaxially with the rotor axis of the rotor and directly adjacent to the entrance of the connecting strand into the rotor, the guide tube then being driven at half the rotational speed of the rotor. US Pat. No. 5,629,999 directs reference to US Pat. No. 5,629,999 for a description of the avoidance of increased twisting of the connecting strands by the use of rotating guide tubes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3 936 601 A1 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2 310 486 B1 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 2 485 846 B1 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 4,216,770 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 4,419,089 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 4,389,206 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 5,665,048 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 3,586,413 [Non-patent literature]

[0010] [Non-Patent Document 1] www.sartorius.com / en / products / process-filtration / cell-harvesting / ksep-systems (Accessed: July 6, 2022) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The problem underlying the present invention is that the drive and / or transmission device is, in particular: - assembly and / or - operational reliability, and / or - Guarantee of given operating conditions, The present invention proposes a flow-through centrifuge that is an improvement over the conventional centrifuge. Furthermore, the problem underlying the present invention is to propose a method in which the bringing into operation of a flow-through centrifuge is facilitated and / or improved in terms of operational reliability and / or guarantee of predetermined operating conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The problem according to the invention is solved by the features of claim 1. Further advantageous configurations according to the invention can be seen from the dependent claims. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention relates to a flow-through centrifuge, the flow-through centrifuge comprising: Equipped with a drive and / or transmission device. With this drive and / or transmission device, it is ensured that on the one hand the rotor is driven at a first rotational speed, whereas the compensating rotor, planet carrier and / or guide tube are driven at a second rotational speed, which second rotational speed is twice as large as the first rotational speed, and at which the rotor is driven.

[0014] In the drive and / or transmission devices, planetary gear transmissions are used in which at least one planetary belt wheel is rotatably journalled on a planet carrier, and torque is transmitted to or from the planetary belt wheel via a belt, in particular a toothed belt. The use of toothed belts for torque transmission in planetary gear transmissions is advantageous over the configuration of this transmission according to US Pat. No. 5,623,499, in which the gears in the transmission mesh directly with one another, since the use of belts can lead to an improved smooth running of the rotor, which in turn is advantageous for avoiding undesired mixing of the media to be centrifuged, and / or the use of belts allows for an increased possibility for the constructional space configuration. Additionally, the use of a belt drive may eliminate the need for lubrication with oil and may reduce wear, abrasion, and debris, thereby at least reducing unwanted contamination. In some circumstances, in the flow-through centrifuge according to the invention, it may be used for transmission by means of a belt, in which the driving belt wheel and the driven belt wheel have the same direction of rotation, whereas in the gears that mesh directly with each other, a change of direction of rotation occurs and therefore a third gear is required to maintain the direction of rotation.

[0015] Within the scope of the present invention, the planet carrier and the planet belt wheel rotate at different speeds, with the planet carrier preferably rotating about the rotor axis at a second speed, whereas The planetary belt wheel preferably rotates at a first rotation speed about the rotation axis predetermined by the planet carrier or about the planet axis of the protrusion or of the protrusion itself at a second rotation speed.

[0016] In principle, it is possible for the belt to be elastic enough that it can be forced through the planetary belt wheel (and the associated drive or driven or sun belt wheel), however, this is subject to a strong pre-determined dependence on the assembly force, the elasticity of the belt, the pressing force of the belt against the planetary belt wheel and the oversized guide discs on the sides of the planetary belt wheel. On the other hand, it is possible for the belt to have a certain excess length and for the required belt tension to be pre-applied via an elastically loaded belt tensioning wheel. The research underlying the present invention, however, has shown that the use of an elastically loaded belt tensioning wheel of this type is disadvantageous because in a flow-through centrifuge, the spring-loaded belt tensioning wheel has to rotate at a second speed, which induces centrifugal-dependent deflections of the belt tensioning wheel, which are speed-dependent and change the belt tension in an undesirable way.

[0017] Based inter alia on these realizations, the invention proposes that in the flow-through centrifuge according to the invention, the planet carriers are held via a belt tensioning unit. The belt tensioning unit is then configured in such a way that the distance of the planet carrier from the rotor axis can be changed using the belt tensioning unit, whereby it is possible for the belt tensioning unit to hold the planet carrier on the compensator body of the compensator rotor in such a way that the distance of the planet carrier from the rotor axis can be changed.

[0018] The use of a belt tensioning unit according to the invention makes it possible, for example, first of all to place the belt on the planetary belt wheel for a first distance of the planet carrier and thus the planetary belt wheel from the rotor axis, which is then selected to be so small that this placement is possible with little force. After this installation of the belt, the spacing of the planet carrier and therefore the planet belt wheel from the rotor axis can then be changed to a larger second spacing, thereby bringing about the required belt tension, which can be done either with measurement of the belt tension throughout this spacing change or with repeated changes of the spacing with repeated measurements of the belt tension. This is followed by a fixation of the belt tensioning unit, so that the distance of the planet carrier from the rotor axis can no longer be changed, the fixation being carried out in such a way that no change in the distance occurs as a result of the centrifugal forces occurring in the operating state of the flow-through centrifuge.

[0019] The invention includes embodiments in which only one belt is provided, which is then held to one assigned planet carrier via one belt tensioning unit.It is also possible that two planet belt wheels, each with its own assigned belt, are used, in which case each planet belt wheel can be held to one assigned planet carrier via one assigned belt tensioning unit. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the flow-through centrifuge has two planetary belt wheels which are non-rotatably connected to one another, for example via planetary shafts, and which thus form a type of double or stepped planet, preferably with the same diameter. The planetary belt wheels rigidly coupled to one another in this manner are then rotatably journalled on a common planet carrier, in which case a common belt tensioning unit can be used to jointly change the spacing of both planetary belt wheels.

[0020] A further proposal of the present invention is a more specific configuration of the flow-through centrifuge, the transmission and / or the planetary gear transmission. In this proposal, a rotor with a centrifugation chamber is rotated about the rotor axis at a first rotation speed for centrifugation, to which a medium is supplied during centrifugation, as also explained in the introduction, and / or from which a medium is discharged during centrifugation, and the flow-through centrifuge has a connecting strand, which has at least one supply conduit and at least one discharge conduit for the medium. One end region of the connecting strand is held in the housing of the flow-through centrifuge and is therefore fixed in position, in which end region the connecting strand can be loaded with a medium, for example via a pump, or the medium can be discharged in this end region. In the other end region, the connecting strand is held by the rotor, and thus this end region is used for medium connection with the centrifugation chamber of the rotor. Both end regions are rotated relative to each other at a first rotation speed. Both end regions are arranged coaxially with respect to the rotor axis of the rotor, with the connecting strand bent so that both end regions point in the same direction, i.e., toward the inlet into the rotor. According to the invention, the flow-through centrifuge has a connecting strand guide, which, as explained in the prior art cited at the beginning, is in particular configured as a guide tube through which the connecting strands extend, and which is rotated around the rotor axis at a second rotation speed. The connecting strand guide is used to guide the connecting strand from a first side past the rotor in a radially outer position (in longitudinal cross section), with the connecting strand opening into the rotor on a second side. To ensure that no twisting of the connecting strand occurs, the drive and / or transmission is configured so that the first rotational speed of the rotor is twice as large as the second rotational speed of the connecting strand guide.

[0021] In this case, the planetary gear transmission mechanism comprises a first sun belt wheel and a second sun belt wheel, which are arranged coaxially with respect to the rotor axis and rotate about the rotor axis, and the first planetary belt wheel and the second planetary belt wheel are non-rotatably connected to each other. The first sun belt wheel is in driving connection with the first planetary belt wheel via a first belt, and correspondingly the second planetary belt wheel is in driving connection with the second sun belt wheel via a second belt. The first sun belt wheel is driven at a first rotational speed, and the planet carrier (which is advantageously held on the compensator body of the compensator rotor) is driven at a second rotational speed. The second sun belt wheel (directly) drives the rotor. In this case, the planet carrier is swiveled together with the connecting strand guide, and Advantageously, the planet carrier, the connecting strand guide and the basic body or drum body together form a compensation body, which, after the fixing of the belt tensioning unit, is a rigid structural unit and forms the compensation rotor.

[0022] To allow for a change in the distance from the rotor axis, the belt tensioning unit can have suitable adjustment and / or guiding devices, for example, a sliding block guide in which the position and distance of the planet carriers can be changed along a suitable cam-shaped path, as long as the sliding block guide has at least one radial component. In one proposal, the flow-through centrifuge according to the invention has at least one linear guide, via which the planet carrier is guided relative to the connecting strand guide, wherein the linear guide can be oriented radially to the rotor axis or inclined at an acute angle to the rotor axis, so that only one component of the linear guide is oriented radially to the rotor axis.

[0023] For the technical design of the linear guide, all possibilities known from the prior art for linear guides exist, with a particularly simple solution being that, for providing the guiding action, the linear guide has a guide rod guided in a guide recess. For example, the guide rod can have a circular cross section, while the guide cutout can be a circular guide eye, which is provided by a guide hole. In a linear guide, a pair of guide rod and guide cutout can be used, in which case both guide rods and guide cutouts are aligned parallel to one another and provide a radial guide direction.

[0024] To mention just one non-limiting example, it is possible for the compensation body to carry a guide rod, for which the planet carrier forms the guide recess.

[0025] It is possible for the belt tensioning unit to be positioned in the guide direction without activating the lock, so that the desired spacing is manually adjusted and then the belt tensioning unit, and thus the spacing from the rotor axis, is fixed. Improved adjustment of the desired spacing and thus the belt tension (within predetermined tolerances, if applicable) can be achieved using an adjusting device. Depending on the respective operation of the adjusting device, a change in the spacing of the planet carrier from the rotor axis is then achieved.

[0026] A particularly simple configuration of this type of adjusting device has an adjusting screw, the screw-in angle of which predetermines the spacing of the planet carrier from the rotor axis, which converts the adjustment angle initiated by the operator into an axial adjustment movement of the planet carrier, which allows for fine, translated adjustment. In some circumstances, the adjustment screw can be manipulated by a rotary torque wrench to a predetermined torque that correlates with the desired belt tension.

[0027] The fixing of the adjusting device can be carried out in principle in any suitable manner, however, as a proposal of the invention, an additional or dedicated fixing is provided in that the adjusted position of the adjusting screw of the adjusting device can be fixed via a locking nut.

[0028] In the operating state of the flow-through centrifuge, depending on the circumstances, not only the belt tension but also the rotation speed-dependent centrifugal forces act on the planet carrier and thus on the belt tensioning unit, which tend to move the planet carrier and the structural elements held on it, in particular the planet belt wheels, outward away from the rotor axis. In this case, it can be advantageous if a stop is provided (in addition to other holding and / or fixing measures depending on the circumstances) which predetermines the maximum distance of the planet carrier from the rotor axis. If the stopper is adjustable, in a first assembly step the belt tension can be pre-tensioned (for example by operating an adjustment device), with the stopper being moved outward so far for this adjustment that it is no longer in interaction with the planet carrier. Then, however, when the belt tension is adjusted (and, under certain circumstances, the belt tensioning unit is also fixed in another way), the stop is moved radially inward in the direction of the rotor axis to such an extent that it abuts (directly or indirectly) the planet carrier so that it becomes active and blocks radially outward movement of the planet carrier. In this position, the stop can then be fixed, which can be done by a locking member, a retaining pin, a clamping screw, or a fixing agent such as LOCTITE®. If centrifugal forces then act on the planet carrier and the structural members held on it in the operating state of the laboratory centrifuge, these centrifugal forces can be (additionally) supported at the stops.

[0029] The use of the degree of freedom for adjusting the distance of the planet carrier from the rotor axis leads to the creation of a variable imbalance of the compensating mass depending on the respective adjusted distance. body However, it is possible for the compensation unit to be provided in the compensation unit itself. At least one of the compensation masses from the rotor axis. body and / or this compensation mass body The mass of the belt tensioning unit depends in this case on the operating position of the belt tensioning unit, in particular on the distance of the planet carrier from the rotor axis. If, in the manner described above, the desired belt tension has been produced by operating the belt tensioning unit and if this belt tensioning unit has been fixed, then in the next assembly step, balancing of the compensation body can be carried out, in which case this imbalance as a result of the operating position of the belt tensioning unit is compensated for by the at least one compensation mass. body will be compensated by

[0030] Yet another solution to the problem underlying the present invention embodies a method, by means of which the bringing into operation of a flow-through centrifuge, as previously described, can be carried out. In this case, the spacing of the planet carriers from the rotor axis is changed via the belt tensioning unit, in particular via an adjusting device of this belt tensioning unit, until a predetermined belt tension in the belt is produced, which can be done, for example, by gradually moving the planet carriers in the radial direction and subsequently measuring the belt tension, or the belt tension is measured already during the spacing change or during operation of the adjusting device.

[0031] In principle, all measuring devices known for this purpose can be used to measure the belt tension. In one possible embodiment, a measuring device is used in the method according to the invention, in which the belt is subjected to vibration, for example by impact, and the belt tension is calculated based on the frequency of the temporary vibration of the belt.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the method, at least one compensation mass is inserted for balancing purposes after changing the distance of the planet carrier from the rotor axis for adjusting the predetermined belt tension. body and / or the offset of the compensation mass from the rotor axis. body To select or change the interval, This occurs depending on the operating position of the belt tensioning unit and, therefore, depending on the resulting radial position of the planet carrier.

[0033] Advantageous further configurations of the invention result from the claims, the description and the drawings.

[0034] The advantages of features and combinations of features described in the specification are merely exemplary and may be alternatively or cumulatively effective without necessarily being achieved by embodiments according to the present invention.

[0035] With respect to the disclosure of the application and claims as filed, but not the scope of protection, the following applies: Further features can be seen from the drawings, particularly the illustrated geometric shapes and relative dimensions of the structural members to one another, as well as the relative placement and operative connection of these structural members. Combinations of features of different embodiments of the invention or features of different claims are likewise possible and are presented in this regard, differently from the selected dependencies of these claims, this also relates to such features being shown in separate drawings or described in the description of these drawings. These features may be combined with features of different claims. Likewise, features recited in the claims may be omitted for further embodiments of the invention, but this does not apply to the independent claims of the granted patent.

[0036] Features recited in the claims and the specification should be understood as if there were exactly this number, or more than the recited number, without the need for the express use of the adverb "at least" with respect to the number of these features. Thus, for example, where a reference is made to one element, this should be understood as meaning that there is exactly one element, two elements, or a plurality of elements. Features recited within the claims may be supplemented by further features or may be the only features possessed by the subject matter of the respective claim.

[0037] The reference signs appearing in the claims do not embody any limitation on the scope of the subject matter protected by these claims, but are used solely for the purpose of making these claims easier to understand.

[0038] In the following, the invention will be further explained and described on the basis of an advantageous embodiment illustrated in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a flow-through centrifuge taken along the rotor axis. [Figure 2] 2 is a three-dimensional partial cross-sectional view of the flow-through centrifuge according to FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flow-through centrifuge according to FIGS. 1 and 2 along the axis of rotation and through the planet carrier with the assigned belt tensioning unit. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 shows a planet carrier as a subassembly with planet belt wheels journalled on the planet carrier and non-rotatably connected to one another. [Figure 5] 5 shows a view of the planet carrier with planet belt wheels non-rotatably connected to one another according to FIG. 4 in the cross section VV. [Figure 6] 1 to 5, a diagram of the coupling of a planet carrier 18 with a compensation body 16 via a belt tensioning unit 17 in a flow-through centrifuge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] In the drawings and the description, structural elements which correspond or are similar in terms of geometric shape and / or function are in part identified with the same reference signs, whereby these structural elements may in that case be distinguished from one another by the complementary letters a, b. These structural elements are then partially cited without the additional letter, whereby one or both of these structural elements should then be mentioned.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a flow-through centrifuge 1 which is configured, for example, as a blood centrifuge 2 .

[0042] The flow-through centrifuge 1 comprises a rotor 3, which is rotated about a rotor axis 4 at a first rotational speed n1. The rotor 3 comprises a number of centrifugation chambers 5 evenly distributed around the circumference and spaced at equal intervals from the rotor axis 4 .

[0043] The flow-through centrifuge 1 has a connecting strand 6, which is only shown diagrammatically in dashed lines in Figure 1. This connecting strand 6 has at least one supply conduit 7 and at least one discharge conduit 8, via which an exchange of media with the centrifugation chamber 5 is possible, as explained at the beginning.

[0044] In one end region 9, the connecting strand 6 is non-rotatably connected to the stationary housing 10 of the flow-through centrifuge 1. In the other end region 11, the connecting strand 6 is non-rotatably connected to the rotor 3. In the operating state of the flow-through centrifuge 1, the end region 11 of the connecting strand 6 is accordingly rotated at a first rotation speed n1 relative to the end region 9 of the connecting strand 6. The end regions 9, 11 are arranged coaxially with respect to the rotor axis 4 and point in the same direction.

[0045] The connecting strand guide 12 is here configured as a guide tube 13. The connecting strand 6 extends through the connecting strand guide 12. By means of the connecting strand guide 12, the connecting strand 6 is guided around the rotor 3 from a first side, which corresponds to the side on which the end region 9 of the connecting strand 6 is fixed in the housing 10, to a second side, which corresponds to the left side in FIG. 1, of the rotor 3, radially outward from the rotor 3. The connecting strand guide 12 rotates at a second speed n2, which is half the first speed n1 in order to avoid increased twisting of the connecting strand 6 due to the rotation of the rotor 3, as explained at the outset and as described in the prior art cited at the outset. 1, the shaping configuration of the connecting strand guide 12 is only indicated in principle and in practice can differ from the geometrical shape shown. The end region 14 of the connecting strand guide 12 adjacent to the rotor 3 terminates directly adjacent to the entry position of the connecting strand 6 into the rotor 3, with the necessary relative movement possible.

[0046] The connecting strand guide 12, in particular the guide tube 13, is a component of a compensating rotor 15, which can also be configured as a compensating drum. The compensating rotor 15 is a component in which, in the operating state of the flow-through centrifuge 1, the connecting strand guide 12 is firmly assembled with a compensating body 16 to which a planet carrier 18 is fixed via a belt tensioning unit 17 in a manner that will be described in detail below. All compensating rotors 15 rotate at a second rotational speed n2.

[0047] By means of the drive and / or transmission 19, the drive of the rotor 3 with a first rotational speed n1 and the drive of the compensating rotor 15 with a second rotational speed n2 are ensured. Without this necessarily being the case, this is ensured in the illustrated embodiment by a common drive motor 20, which drives the rotor 3 on the one hand and the compensating rotor 15 on the other hand with its drive shaft via two parallel drive branches with different transmission ratios.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission 21, which is interposed between the drive motor 20 and the rotor 3 as well as the compensating rotor 15 and which has both drive branches, is configured without intermeshing gears. Instead, only belt drives are used here, which are preferably configured as toothed belt drives.

[0049] First of all, the drive is described in terms of a second drive path in which the compensation rotor 15 is driven with a second rotational speed n2. In the second drive branch, the drive shaft of the drive motor 20 drives a drive belt wheel 22, which in turn drives an entry belt wheel 24 via a belt 23. The entry belt wheel 24 has a diameter twice as large as that of the drive belt wheel 22. If the drive motor 20 is driven with a first rotational speed n1, then the result is that the inlet belt wheel 24 rotates with half the second rotational speed n2. The inlet belt wheel 24 is rigidly connected to an inlet shaft 25, which extends into the interior of the compensating rotor 15. In its interior end region, the inlet shaft 25 has a flange 26, in the region of which it is rigidly connected to the compensating body 16 of the compensating rotor 15.

[0050] In the second drive path, the drive motion of the drive motor 20 is transmitted via the drive shaft of the drive motor 20, the drive belt wheel 22, the belt 23, the inlet belt wheel 24, the inlet shaft 25, the flange 26, and the compensating body 16 of the compensating rotor 15, so that the compensating rotor 15 rotates at a second rotational speed n2.

[0051] The compensation body 16 advantageously comprises a carrier body 27 which is roughly shaped like a circular plate and has a recess 48 in its outer peripheral region for accommodating the belt tensioning unit 17 and the planet carrier 18, and which is held on the flange 26.

[0052] In the first drive path, the drive shaft of the drive motor 20 drives a drive belt wheel 28, the diameter of which is twice the diameter of the drive belt wheel 22. The drive belt wheel 28 drives an inlet belt wheel 30 via a belt 29. The diameter of the entry belt wheel 30 advantageously corresponds to the diameter of the entry belt wheel 24, which in turn is twice as large as the diameter of the drive belt wheel 22. The rotational movement of the entry belt wheel 30 is now rigidly transmitted via a hollow shaft 31 to the sun belt wheel 32. The inlet shaft 25 is then guided through the inlet belt wheel 30, the hollow shaft 31 and the sun belt wheel 32 so that the required relative movement is possible.

[0053] The rotational movement of the sun belt wheel 32 is transmitted via a belt 33 to a planetary belt wheel 34. The planetary belt wheel 34 is rigidly connected to a planetary shaft 35, which is in turn rigidly connected to a planetary belt wheel 36. The planetary belt wheels 34, 36 have the same diameter. The planetary belt wheel 36 drives a sun belt wheel 38 via a belt 37. The sun belt wheel 38 is advantageously replaceable, but in the operating state of the flow-through centrifuge 1 is firmly connected to the rotor 3, which in the illustrated embodiment is achieved by an intermediate arrangement of a hollow shaft 39.

[0054] The connecting strand guide 12 and the connecting strand 6 arranged in this connecting strand guide 12 are guided through the perforations of the sun belt wheel 38 and the hollow shaft 39 so as to allow relative movement.

[0055] The planet shaft 35 is rotatably journalled on the planet carrier 18 via a bearing arrangement 40 . The planet carrier 18 is held firmly to the compensating body 16 or to the belt tensioning unit 17 in the operating state of the flow-through centrifuge 1 by means of the belt tensioning unit 17. As a result, the planet shaft 35 rotates together with the compensating rotor 15 about the rotor axis 4 at the second rotational speed.

[0056] The inlet belt wheel 24, the inlet belt wheel 30, the hollow shaft 31, the sun belt wheel 32, the sun belt wheel 38, and the hollow shaft 39 are arranged coaxially with respect to the rotor axis 4, and rotate around this rotor axis 4.

[0057] In the first drive path, power transmission accordingly runs from the drive shaft of the drive motor 20 via the drive belt wheel 28, the belt 29, the inlet belt wheel 30, the sun belt wheel 32, the belt 33, the planet shaft 35, the planet belt wheel 36, the belt 37 and the sun belt wheel 38 to the rotor 3. In Figure 1, this power transmission is illustrated by arrows for the first drive path.

[0058] The first drive path and the second drive path are connected to each other via a planetary gear transmission mechanism 62 .

[0059] The rotation axes 41 of the planet shafts 35 and the planet belt wheels 34 , 36 are spaced 42 from the rotor axis 4 .

[0060] The belt tensioning unit 17, the planet carrier 18, the bearing device 40 and the planetary belt wheels 34, 36 with the planet shafts 35 are in the 12 o'clock position in FIG. 1, whereas they are shown in the 6 o'clock position in FIGS. 2 and 3 and in the 3 o'clock position in FIG. 6, which results from the rotation of the compensating rotor 15 at a second speed about the rotor axis 4 in different operating positions.

[0061] 2 and 3, only a portion of the flow-through centrifuge 1 is shown, in particular without the rotor 3 and the drive-side belt wheels 22, 28.

[0062] In the following, the function of the belt tensioning unit 17 and the guarantee of the required belt tension of the belts 33, 37 will be explained further.

[0063] The configuration of the belt tensioning unit 17 and its functional connection with the compensation body 16 or the carrier body 27 on the one hand and with the planet carrier 18 on the other hand can be seen in particular in Figures 3, 4 and 6.

[0064] The planet carrier 18 has a bearing sleeve 43 in which the planet shaft 35 with the planet belt wheels 34, 36 is rotatably journalled by means of a bearing device 40, here for example by means of two ball bearings. The planet carrier 18 is provided with a projection or protrusion 44 extending transversely to the axis of rotation 41. In the region of the end opposite the axis of rotation 41, this projection 44 is provided with guide recesses 45a, 45b, which are here formed as guide bores 46a, 46b. Between the guide recesses 45a, 45b and the bearing sleeve 43, the projection 44 is provided with threaded bores 47a, 47b. The guide bores 46 and the threaded bores 47 are aligned parallel to one another and have longitudinal axes that extend radially relative to the rotor axis 4 through the rotation axis 41.

[0065] The compensator body 16 has a recess 48 in which the belt tensioning unit 17, the planet carrier 18, the bearing device 40 and the planet shaft 35 with the planet belt wheels 34, 36 are mounted, with guide rods 49a, 49b running through the recess 48 and through guide recesses 45a, 45b in the planet carrier 18. In this way, a linear guide 50 is formed, by means of which the planet carrier 18 is guided radially relative to the rotor axis 4 through the axis of rotation 41 . Movement along linear guide 50 induces a change in spacing 42 .

[0066] For the illustrated embodiment, the guide rods 49a, 49b each include a cylindrical portion 51a, 51b and a threaded portion 52a, 52b. The threaded portion 52 is arranged radially outward in the end region of the guide rod 49 and is screwed to the compensating body 16. In contrast, the end region of the cylindrical portion 51 is received in a blind centering bore of the compensating body 16. Between the threaded portion 52 and the aforementioned end region of the cylindrical portion 51, the planet carrier 18 is guided by means of this cylindrical portion 51, thereby forming a linear guide 50.

[0067] To form the adjusting device 53, the adjusting screws 54a, 54b are guided without thread engagement through the bores in the compensating body 16 with the head 55 of the adjusting screw 54 positioned outside until they come into abutment against the compensating body 16. The threaded sections 56a, 56b projecting into the recess 48 are screwed into the assigned threaded bores 47a, 47b of the planet carrier 18, respectively. The spacing 42 can be varied steplessly by changing the screw-in angle of the adjusting screw 54, with the change in the rotation angle of the adjusting screw 54 being caused to change the spacing 42 depending on the respective thread pitch of the threaded sections 56a, 56b. When the desired position of the planet carrier 18, and therefore the belt tension of the belts 33, 37, has been achieved, the position of the planet carrier 18 can be fixed by tightening the locking nuts 57a, 57b.

[0068] Alternatively, a stop 58 can be provided for additional support of the radially outward centrifugal forces acting on the planet carrier 18, the distance of which from the rotor axis 4 can be adjusted corresponding to the position adjustment of the planet carrier 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 58 is formed by a stop screw 59 with a large-area stop disk 60 on its end side. The threaded portion 61 of the stop screw 59 is then screwed into a threaded bore in the compensator body 16. By changing the angle of screwing of the stop screw 59 into the compensator body 16, the distance of the stop disk 60 from the rotor axis 4 (and thus the distance of the planet carrier 18 from the rotor axis 4 against which the stop 58 is operative) can be adjusted. Advantageously, additional fixing of the threading angle of the stop screw 59 is achieved, in particular by the use of LOCTITE®.

[0069] According to Fig. 6, two adjusting devices 53a, 53b are used, each with one adjusting screw 54a, 54b. To allow for uniform tightening without tilting, the adjusting screws 54a, 54b are advantageously tightened in small increments, respectively. The tightening of the adjusting screws 54a, 54b can be carried out using a rotary torque wrench.

[0070] The sun belt wheels 32, 38, the planet belt wheels 34, 36, the associated planet shaft 35, the planet carrier 18 bearing these planet belt wheels 34, 36, and the compensating rotor 15 form a planetary gear transmission 62, through which both drive paths extend. Both elements of the planetary gear transmission 62, driven at different speeds, On the one hand, the compensating rotor 15 with the planet carrier 18 held in the compensating body 16 is the key element, and on the other hand, the sun belt wheel 32 arranged on the inlet side is the key element, On the other hand, the driven part of the planetary gear transmission mechanism 62 is formed by the sun belt wheel 38 on the output side.

[0071] Within the application text in question, the focus is on the diameter of the belt wheel to ensure the required transmission ratio. More precisely, for a transmission ratio (here 1:1, 2:1 or 1:2), the focus should be on the corresponding ratio of the teeth of the belt wheel, which may induce small deviations in the diameter ratio. The present application relates to the invention described in the claims, but may also include the following as other aspects. 1. A flow-through centrifuge (1) comprising a drive and / or transmission (19) having a planetary gear transmission (62), In the planetary gear transmission (62), at least one planetary belt wheel (34; 36) is rotatably journalled on a rotating planet carrier (18), the torque of the planetary belt wheels (34; 36) is transmitted via belts (33; 37), and the planet carrier (18) and the planetary belt wheels (34; 36) are driven at different rotational speeds; In the flow-through centrifuge (1), The planet carrier (18) is held via a belt tensioning unit (17) that rotates together with the planet carrier (18), Via the belt tensioning unit (17), the distance of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4) is variable. A flow-through centrifuge (1). 2. Two planetary belt wheels (34, 36) are rotatably journalled on the planet carrier (18) and are non-rotatably connected to each other; and the spacing between both planetary belt wheels (34, 36) is variable via the belt tensioning unit (17); The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to item 1 above. 3. a) A rotor (3) is provided, the rotor is rotated about the rotor axis (4) at a first rotational speed for centrifugation, and a medium is supplied to and / or discharged from the rotor during the centrifugation; b) equipped with a connecting strand (6), the connecting strand is held in one end region (9) by the stationary housing (10) of the flow-through centrifuge (1) and in the other end region (11) by the rotor (3), so that both end regions (9, 11) are rotated relative to each other at the first rotational speed, Both end regions (9, 11) are arranged coaxially with respect to the rotor axis (4) of the rotor (3) and the connecting strand (6) is used for feeding and / or discharging a medium to and / or from the rotor (3), c) comprising a connecting strand guide (12), The connecting strand (6) extends through the connecting strand guide, the connecting strand guide is rotatable about the rotor axis (4) at a second rotational speed; and The connecting strand (6) is guided by the connecting strand guide so that it passes beside the rotor (3) while being positioned radially outward, d) the drive and / or transmission device (19) is configured such that the first rotational speed of the rotor (3) is twice as large as the second rotational speed of the connecting strand guide (12), e) the planetary gear transmission mechanism (62) ea) a first sun belt wheel (32) and a second sun belt wheel (38), and eb) a first planetary belt wheel (34) and a second planetary belt wheel (36); It has the first planetary belt wheel and the second planetary belt wheel are non-rotatably coupled to each other, a first said sun belt wheel (32) in driving connection with a first said planetary belt wheel (34) via a first belt (33); and a second said planetary belt wheel (36) in driving connection with a second said sun belt wheel (38) via a second belt (37); f) the first said sun belt wheel (32) is driven with said first rotational speed and said planet carrier (18) is driven with a second rotational speed; The second sun belt wheel (38) drives the rotor (3), and The planet carrier (18) is pivoted together with the connecting strand guide (12). 3. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to item 2 above. 4. The belt tensioning unit (17) has at least one linear guide portion (50), Via this linear guide, the planet carrier (18) is guided relative to the connecting strand guide (12) and / or relative to the compensating body (16) of the compensating rotor (15). The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of the above items 1 to 3. 5. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to item 4, characterized in that the linear guide portion (50) has a guide rod (49) guided within a guide notch (45). 6. The belt tensioning unit (17) has an adjusting device (53), Via the adjusting device, the distance (42) of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4) can be changed. 7. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of the above items 1 to 5. 8. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to the above item 6, characterized in that the adjusting device (53) has an adjusting screw (54). 8. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the adjusted position of the adjusting device (53) can be fixed via a locking nut (57). 9. A stopper (58) is provided, and this stopper 9. A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a maximum spacing (42) of the planet carriers (18) from the rotor axis (4) is predefined. 10. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the stopper (58) is adjustable. 11. A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one compensation mass is provided on the compensation body (16), the spacing and / or mass of which from the rotor axis (4) depends on the operating position of the belt tensioning unit (17). 12. A method for bringing a flow-through centrifuge (1) into an operational state according to any one of the above items 1 to 11, comprising: until a predetermined belt tension is generated in the belt (33; 37), the spacing (42) of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4) is changed via the belt tensioning unit (17); A method characterized by: 13. After changing the spacing (42) of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4), balancing is carried out; the distance (42) from the rotor axis (4) and / or the mass of at least one compensation mass installed for balancing purposes depends on the operating position of the belt tensioning unit (17), 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Flow-through centrifuge 2. Blood Centrifuge 3 rotors 4 Rotor axis 5. Centrifugation chamber 6 connecting strands 7 Supply conduit 8 Discharge conduit 9 End area 10. Housing 11 End area 12 Connecting strand guide 13 Guide tube body 14 End area 15 Compensating rotor 16. Coverage 17 Belt tensioning unit 18 Planet carrier 19 Drive and / or transmission devices 20 Drive motor 21 Transmission Mechanism 22 Drive side belt wheel 23 Belt 24 Inlet belt wheel 25 Inlet shaft 26 flange 27 Carrier body 28 Drive side belt wheel 29 Belt 30 Inlet belt wheel 31 Hollow shaft 32 Solar Belt Wheel 33 Belt 34 Planetary belt wheel 35 Planetary shaft 36 Planetary belt wheel 37 Belt 38 Solar Belt Wheel 39 Hollow shaft 40 Bearing device 41 Rotation axis 42 interval 43 Bearing sleeve 44 Protrusion, protrusion 45 Guide notch 46 Guide Drilling 47 Threaded Drilling 48 Recess 49 Guide Rod 50 Straight guide section 51 Cylindrical part 52 Threaded part 53 Adjustment device 54 Adjustment screw 55 Head 56 Threaded part 57 Anti-rotation nut 58 Stopper 59 Stopper screw 60 Stopper disc 61 Threaded part 62 Planetary gear transmission mechanism

Claims

1. A flow-through centrifuge (1) comprising a drive or transmission (19) having a planetary gear transmission (62), In the planetary gear transmission (62), at least one planetary belt wheel (34; 36) is rotatably journalled on a rotating planet carrier (18), the torque of the planetary belt wheels (34; 36) is transmitted via belts (33; 37), and the planet carrier (18) and the planetary belt wheels (34; 36) are driven at different rotational speeds; In the flow-through centrifuge (1), The planet carrier (18) is held via a belt tensioning unit (17) that rotates together with the planet carrier (18), Via the belt tensioning unit (17), the distance of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4) can be changed. A flow-through centrifuge (1) characterized in that:

2. Two planetary belt wheels (34, 36) are rotatably journalled on the planet carrier (18) and are non-rotatably connected to one another; and via the belt tensioning unit (17), the spacing between both planetary belt wheels (34, 36) is variable; Flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 1 .

3. a) a rotor (3), the rotor is rotated about the rotor axis (4) at a first rotational speed for centrifugation, and the rotor is supplied with a medium during the centrifugation and / or the rotor is discharged with a medium during the centrifugation, b) comprising a connecting strand (6), the connecting strand is held in one end region (9) by the stationary housing (10) of the flow-through centrifuge (1) and in the other end region (11) by the rotor (3), so that both end regions (9, 11) are rotated relative to one another at the first rotational speed, Both end regions (9, 11) are arranged coaxially with respect to the rotor axis (4) of the rotor (3) and the connecting strand (6) is used for feeding a medium to the rotor (3) and / or for discharging a medium from the rotor (3), c) comprising a connecting strand guide (12), The connecting strand (6) extends through the connecting strand guide, the connecting strand guide is swivelable about the rotor axis (4) at a second rotational speed; and The connecting strand (6) is guided by the connecting strand guide so that it passes beside the rotor (3) in a radially outer position, d) the drive and / or transmission device (19) is configured such that the first rotational speed of the rotor (3) is twice as large as the second rotational speed of the connecting strand guide (12), e) the planetary gear transmission mechanism (62) ea) a first sun belt wheel (32) and a second sun belt wheel (38), and eb) a first planetary belt wheel (34) and a second planetary belt wheel (36); It has The first planetary belt wheel and the second planetary belt wheel are non-rotatably coupled to each other, a first said sun belt wheel (32) being in driving connection with a first said planetary belt wheel (34) via a first belt (33); and a second said planetary belt wheel (36) in driving connection with a second said sun belt wheel (38) via a second belt (37); f) the first of said sun belt wheels (32) is driven with said first rotational speed and said planet carrier (18) is driven with a second rotational speed; The second sun belt wheel (38) drives the rotor (3), and The planet carrier (18) is pivoted together with the connecting strand guide (12), Flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that

4. The belt tensioning unit (17) has at least one linear guide (50), Via this linear guide, the planet carrier (18) is guided relative to the connecting strand guide (12) and / or relative to the compensating body (16) of the compensating rotor (15). Flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 3.

5. 5. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the linear guide (50) comprises a guide rod (49) guided in a guide recess (45).

6. The belt tensioning unit (17) has an adjusting device (53), Via the adjusting device, the distance (42) of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4) can be changed. Flow-through centrifuge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the adjusting device (53) comprises an adjusting screw (54).

8. 8. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the adjusted position of the adjustment device (53) can be fixed via a locking nut (57).

9. A stopper (58) is provided, which 7. A flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it predefines a maximum spacing (42) of the planet carriers (18) from the rotor axis (4).

10. 10. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the stopper (58) is adjustable.

11. 6. The flow-through centrifuge (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one compensation mass is provided on the compensation body (16), the distance of the compensation mass from the rotor axis (4) and / or the mass of the compensation mass being dependent on the operating position of the belt tensioning unit (17), i.e. the distance of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4).

12. A method for bringing a flow-through centrifuge (1) into an operational state according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: until a predetermined belt tension in the belt (33; 37) is generated, Via the belt tensioning unit (17), the spacing (42) of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4) is changed. A method characterized by:

13. After changing the spacing (42) of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4) for adjusting the predetermined belt tension, The selection of the mass of at least one compensation mass installed for balancing purposes and / or the selection or change of the distance of said compensation mass from the rotor axis (4) may be depending on the operating position of the belt tensioning unit, i.e. the distance of the planet carrier (18) from the rotor axis (4), 13. The method of claim 12.

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