Automatic balancing centrifuge and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic balancing centrifuge and a control method thereof and, more specifically, to an automatic balancing centrifuge including a plurality of balancing weights installed on the upper portion or the lower portion of a rotary arm to move in the circumferential direction. Conventionally, a balancing weight, a motor, and the like were embedded in a rotary arm, which inevitably limited the number of buckets, and there were many difficulties in adjusting the balancing weight, the motor, and the like toward the center due to the centrifugal force since the balancing weight, the motor, and the like receive centrifugal force. To this end, the present invention provides a plurality of balancing weights as a means of compensating for unbalance, that can move independently in the circumferential direction, and are installed on the upper portion or the lower portion of the rotary arm so as to be moved freely away from the centrifugal force and can perform the compensation, and at least three buckets can be used.

Description

Automatic balancing centrifuge and control method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic balancing centrifuge and a control method thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic balancing centrifuge and a control method thereof that detects imbalance of the centrifuge through vibrations occurring in a dynamic state and automatically corrects the imbalance accordingly.

[0002] A centrifuge is a basic equipment widely used in the medical and chemical fields. It is a device that separates the components by attaching a bucket containing a sample to a rotor and then rotating it at high speed to apply high centrifugal acceleration to the sample, so that high-density sample components settle in the outer layer in the radial direction and low-density sample components settle in the inner layer in the radial direction.

[0003] When operating such a centrifuge, a difference in weight occurs between buckets due to the difference in the number of samples contained in each bucket or the weight of the entire sample, and an imbalance in the centrifugal force applied due to this difference in weight between buckets occurs.

[0004] In the case of conventional centrifuges that do not include an automatic balancing function, there is a problem that a lot of effort and time is required because the user must manually measure the weight of each sample before centrifugation to maintain balance and then load samples of the same weight symmetrically onto the rotor.

[0005] In addition, the weight between the unbalanced buckets may cause the center of gravity of the rotor and the mounted motor rotation axis to misalign, which may cause vibration during centrifuge operation and lead to accidents.

[0006] Taking this into consideration, the applicant has proposed and patented a number of automatic balancing centrifuges.

[0007] For example, current automatic balancing centrifuges incorporate a means to compensate for centrifugal force imbalance within each rotating arm. While this solves the problem of imbalance compensation, the increased volume of the compensation means increases the thickness of the rotating arm, resulting in a reduced processing capacity compared to a non-automatic balancing rotor of the same diameter.

[0008] In addition, since the number of rotating arms is limited and the counterweight moves in the radial direction, there was a limitation that it was difficult to adjust the counterweight subjected to centrifugal force even if readjustment was required after the centrifuge was operated. That is, since the direction in which the counterweight moves is parallel to the direction of the centrifugal force, work against the centrifugal force is required to move the counterweight in the direction opposite to the centrifugal force, and since the centrifugal force applied during operation is several to several thousand times the force of gravity, the centrifugal force is very strong, and there was a limitation in moving the counterweight in the direction opposite to the centrifugal force.

[0009] With this recognition, the present invention was conceived and is described in detail below.

[0010] Meanwhile, the present invention was supported by the following national research and development project, and the private information is as follows.

[0011]

[0012] Project ID: 1711179419, RS-2022-00141589 Ministry: Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Research Project Name: Inter-ministerial Full-cycle Medical Device Research and Development Project Research Project Name: Development of a Future-Leading Integrated Platform for Automated Diagnostic Testing Research Management Specialist Organization Inter-ministerial Full-cycle Medical Device Research and Development Project Contribution Ratio: 100% Host Research Organization: Hanlab Co., Ltd. Research Period: April 1, 2022 - December 31, 2025

[0013]

[0014] As described above, the first object of the present invention is to provide a centrifuge that corrects and eliminates load imbalance during centrifugal operation.

[0015] A second object is to provide a centrifuge that is not limited by the number of rotating arms and can have at least three buckets.

[0016] A third object is to provide a centrifuge that automatically adjusts a counterweight subjected to centrifugal force so that readjustment is not required after centrifugal operation.

[0017] In addition, a fourth object is to provide a method for controlling such a centrifuge.

[0018] However, it is not limited to the above contents, and can be taken as a task according to the entire contents of the present invention.

[0019] As a means for solving the above-described problem, an automatic balancing centrifuge including a plurality of balancing weights installed on the upper or lower part of a rotating arm and moving in a circumferential direction can be used as a means.

[0020] In addition, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be used as a means, characterized in that the rotor is stopped to correct the load imbalance when the vibration value is greater than a certain value, and the rotor is maintained in an operating state when the vibration value is less than a certain value.

[0021] Alternatively, the automatic balancing centrifuge may be used as a means, characterized in that the plurality of counterweights are installed on a guide rail in a circumferential direction and move independently on the guide rail.

[0022] Alternatively, the plurality of counterweights may be an automatic counterweight centrifuge comprising a motor, a first gear, a second gear, a pinion shaft, and a pinion, wherein the pinion is rotated by engaging with a rack installed in the circumferential direction.

[0023] Alternatively, the plurality of counterweights may be an automatic counterweight centrifuge, characterized in that the automatic counterweight centrifuge comprises a rail fixing member that engages with the guide rail and fixes the plurality of counterweights on the guide rail.

[0024] Alternatively, the rail fixing member may be an automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that it includes a wheel and a wheel axle, wherein the wheel is rotated by frictional force with the guide rail by engaging the shape of the guide rail.

[0025] Alternatively, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be used as a means, characterized in that the rail fixing member transmits the load of the plurality of balancing weights while contacting the guide rail.

[0026] Alternatively, the plurality of counterweights may be an automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that an internal space is formed, the internal space includes a motor, a first connecting member, a pinion, and a circular rack joined to a guide rail, the motor is installed on the upper portion of the first connecting member, the first connecting member has an L-shape, a lower portion of a vertical configuration is a first contact point that contacts a bottom plate of the internal space, and a second contact point that contacts the pinion and the circular rack below the horizontal configuration of the first connecting member, so that a load is transmitted.

[0027] Alternatively, the automatic balancing centrifuge may be a means, characterized in that the plurality of counterweights are each installed on a disc having a different radius equal to the number of the plurality of counterweights, and each disc rotates independently.

[0028] Alternatively, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be used as a means to correct the imbalance by the sum of the first moments by multiple counterweights at the first point in time.

[0029] Alternatively, when a second moment sum is required for imbalance correction at a second point in time, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be used as a means, characterized in that each of the plurality of balancing weights is moved to an arbitrary position to form the second moment sum.

[0030] Meanwhile, a method for controlling an automatic balancing centrifuge may be provided, comprising: a step of correcting an unbalanced state by a first moment sum formed at a first point in time by a plurality of balancing weights installed at the upper or lower portion of a rotating arm and moving in a circumferential direction; and a step of moving the plurality of balancing weights to an arbitrary position to form a second moment sum for correcting an unbalanced state at a second point in time.

[0031] Alternatively, a method for controlling an automatic balancing centrifuge may be provided, characterized in that it comprises a step of stopping the rotor to correct the load imbalance when the vibration value is greater than a certain value and maintaining the rotor in an operating state when the vibration value is less than a certain value.

[0032] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” and the attached “Drawings.”

[0033] The advantages and / or features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the various embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and each embodiment disclosed in this specification is provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by the scope of each claim of the claims.

[0035] According to the present invention, a centrifuge can be provided that corrects and eliminates load imbalance during centrifugal operation.

[0036] A centrifuge can be provided that is not limited by the number of rotating arms and can have at least three buckets.

[0037] A centrifuge can be provided that automatically adjusts a counterweight that receives centrifugal force after the centrifuge is operated, thereby eliminating the need to go through the process of stopping the centrifuge during adjustment.

[0038] In addition, when the centrifuge is in operation, the direction of the centrifugal force (opposite to the center of the circle) and the direction in which the counterweight can move are perpendicular to each other, so the work for the centrifugal force is "0", and a centrifuge with a lower operating load than existing technology can be provided, and the transport of the counterweight becomes easier.

[0039] Additionally, a method for controlling such a centrifuge can be provided.

[0040] However, this is not limited to this, and all effects that can be achieved by the technical gist throughout the description of the present invention can be regarded as effects of the invention.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional automatic balancing centrifuge rotor.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a circular guide rail and a plurality of counterweights as an example according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view along AA in Figure 2.

[0044] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view along BB in Figure 2.

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the circular rack and pinion and wheel of the balance weight of Figure 2 as viewed from below.

[0046] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another example according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another example according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 is a usage state diagram according to an example of the present invention.

[0049] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the terms or words used in this specification should not be interpreted as being unconditionally limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and that the inventor of the present invention may appropriately define and use the concepts of various terms in order to explain his or her invention in the best possible manner, and further, that these terms or words should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0050] That is, it should be noted that the terms used in this specification are only used to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to specifically limit the contents of the present invention, and that these terms are defined in consideration of various possibilities of the present invention.

[0051] Additionally, it should be noted that in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, and similarly, even if expressed in plural, may include a singular meaning.

[0052] Throughout this specification, whenever a component is described as "including" another component, it may mean that the component may further include any other component, rather than excluding any other component, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0053] Furthermore, when it is described that a component is "located within, connected to, or installed within" another component, it should be understood that the component may be installed in direct connection with or in contact with the other component, may be installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, and if it is installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, there may be a third component or means for fixing or connecting the component to the other component, and the description of this third component or means may be omitted.

[0054] On the other hand, if a component is described as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that no third component or means exists.

[0055] Likewise, other expressions that describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between", or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", should be interpreted as having the same meaning.

[0056] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms “one side,” “the other side,” “one side,” “the other side,” “first,” “second,” etc. in this specification, if used, are used to clearly distinguish one component from another component, and that the meaning of the component is not limited by such terms.

[0057] In addition, terms related to position, such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., in this specification, if used, should be understood to indicate relative positions of the corresponding components in the corresponding drawings, and unless absolute positions are specified for these positions, these position-related terms should not be understood to refer to absolute positions.

[0058] In addition, in this specification, when specifying the drawing numbers for each component of each drawing, the same component has the same drawing number even if the component is shown in a different drawing, that is, the same reference number indicates the same component throughout the specification.

[0059] In the drawings attached to this specification, the size, position, connection relationship, etc. of each component constituting the present invention may be described with some exaggeration, reduction, or omission in order to sufficiently clearly convey the idea of ​​the present invention or for convenience of explanation, and therefore the proportions or scales may not be strict.

[0060] In addition, in the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of a configuration that is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, for example, a known technology including a prior art, may be omitted.

[0061] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional automatic balancing centrifuge rotor.

[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates a circular guide rail and a plurality of counterweights as an example according to the present invention.

[0063] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view along AA in Figure 2.

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view along BB in Figure 2.

[0065] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the circular rack and pinion and wheel of the balance weight of Figure 2 as viewed from below.

[0066] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another example according to the present invention.

[0067] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another example according to the present invention.

[0068] Figure 8 is a usage state diagram according to an example of the present invention.

[0069] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0070]

[0071] Referring to Fig. 1, a conventional automatic balancing centrifuge will be described. In a centrifuge including an imbalance compensation means, the compensation means are configured to reciprocate in a radial direction with respect to each other, but are unbalanced through the sum of moments in three directions.

[0072] Specifically, the moment sum that must compensate for the imbalance is obtained by using three counterweights placed at 120-degree intervals, and the moment sum is implemented by moving the positions of the three counterweights respectively.

[0073] In this case, the intended purpose of compensating for imbalance was achieved, but the volume of the compensating device inevitably resulted in a thicker rotating arm and a limitation on the number of buckets that could be installed. Furthermore, because the counterweight was formed radially, centrifugal force generated by rotation made it difficult to move the counterweight toward the center.

[0074] In order to solve these problems, as an example according to the present invention, referring to FIG. 2, an automatic balancing centrifuge including a plurality of balancing weights (10) installed at the upper or lower portion of a rotating arm and moving in a circumferential direction can be described as one embodiment.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 1, imbalance compensation is performed using a balance weight that reciprocates in the radial direction as confirmed in a conventional automatic balancing centrifuge, whereas in the present invention, imbalance compensation is performed using a plurality of balance weights (10) that move in the circumferential direction as shown in Fig. 2.

[0076] At this time, the sum of the moments changes depending on the angles of the multiple counterweights (10) with respect to the center as they move in the circumferential direction, thereby performing imbalance compensation.

[0077] In addition, the plurality of counterweights (10) are installed at the upper or lower portion of the rotating arm and are moved in the circumferential direction, thereby solving the problem of limiting the movement of counterweights due to centrifugal force resulting from the operation of the centrifuge.

[0078] In addition, in the past, there was a limitation in the difficulty in configuring the maximum moment sum because three counterweights were formed at a 120-degree angle, but in the present invention, moment sums can be configured at various angles by moving in the circumferential direction, and furthermore, even when counterweights of the same weight are used, the maximum moment sum can be configured to be larger. Since the moment sum directly represents the amount of correction, it becomes possible to perform correction for a larger imbalance.

[0079] In addition, since the plurality of counterweights (10) are installed on the upper or lower portion of the rotary arm, while the buckets were limited in the past due to the volume of the plurality of counterweights installed on the rotary arm, at least three or more buckets can be installed in the present invention.

[0080] Meanwhile, according to the present invention, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be provided, as an embodiment, characterized in that when the centrifuge rotates at a certain rotation speed or higher, the rotor is stopped or decelerated to a speed lower than a certain rotation speed to correct the load imbalance, and when the centrifuge rotates at a speed lower than a certain rotation speed, the rotor is maintained in an operating state.

[0081] In the past, after the centrifuge was in operation, there was a limitation that it was difficult to adjust the counterweight subjected to centrifugal force even if readjustment was necessary when an imbalance in the load occurred. As described above, in the case of conventional automatic balancing centrifuges, the counterweight was located inside the rotating arm, so when it was subjected to centrifugal force, the centrifuge had no choice but to stop operation, readjust, and then restart operation if readjustment was necessary.

[0082] However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since it is relatively easy to adjust the load imbalance by adjusting the balance weight (10) during the operation of the centrifuge, the number of times the centrifuge is stopped for readjustment is reduced and faster work efficiency can be achieved.

[0083] Alternatively, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be provided, as an embodiment, wherein the plurality of balancing weights (10) are installed on a guide rail (20) in a circumferential direction and move independently on the guide rail (20).

[0084] The above guide rail (20) may be formed as a circular rail, and the plurality of counterweights (10) may be installed on the guide rail (20) and may move along the guide rail (20). At this time, the plurality of counterweights (10) may be positioned at various angles so as to be able to move independently of each other, thereby forming a more diverse range of angles and forming a moment sum for imbalance compensation.

[0085] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 3, each of the plurality of counterweights (10) includes a motor (110), a first gear (120), a second gear (130), a pinion shaft (140), and a pinion (150). In addition, an automatic counterweight centrifuge may be provided, as an embodiment, characterized in that the pinion (150) rotates while engaging with a rack (210) installed in the circumferential direction.

[0086] Regarding the internal configuration of each of the plurality of balance weights (10), a motor (110) can be accommodated inside as a power source that enables the balance weights (10) to move on the guide rail (20).

[0087] The above first gear (120) is connected to the shaft (motor shaft) of the motor (110), and is a gear that meshes with the second gear (130), and is used to transmit power generated from the motor (110).

[0088] The second gear (130) is connected to the pinion shaft (140) and is meshed with the first gear (120) to transmit the power of the motor (110). The first gear (120) and the second gear (130) can be meshed in various forms, but here, they can be in the form of vertically meshed bevel gears.

[0089] The above pinion shaft (140) is a shaft that connects the pinion (150) and the second gear (130), and can transmit power transmitted from the motor (110), the first gear (120), and the second gear (130) to the pinion (150).

[0090] The above pinion (150) rotates by power transmitted from the motor (110) and engages with the rack (210) installed in the circumferential direction. At this time, since the rack (210) is fixed, the counterweight (10) moves along the rack (210) as the pinion (150) rotates.

[0091] The above rack (210) is arranged to contact the inner or outer side of the guide rail (20), and teeth are formed on the other side of the guide rail (20) so that the pinion (150) engages with the teeth.

[0092] Additionally, the plurality of balance weights (10) may be additionally formed with a cover that protects the internal components or an internal structure so that the internal components can be firmly fixed.

[0093] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 4, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be provided, as an embodiment, characterized in that the plurality of balance weights (10) include a rail fixing part (30) that is engaged with the guide rail (20) to fix the plurality of balance weights (10) on the guide rail (20).

[0094] The above rail fixing member (30) is configured to move along the guide rail (20) while maintaining balance without leaving the guide rail (20) separately from the movement of the plurality of balance weights (10).

[0095] Specifically, the rail fixing member (30) includes a wheel (310) and a wheel axle (320). The wheel (310) is characterized in that it rotates by frictional force with the guide rail (20) by engaging with the shape of the guide rail (20), and can be an automatic balancing centrifuge as an embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, inside the plurality of balance weights (10), there is a wheel (310) that engages with the guide rail (20), and a wheel axle (320) connected to the wheel (310), and the wheel axle (320) is connected to the plurality of balance weights (10).

[0097] In particular, the guide rail (20) may be positioned between the pinion shaft (140) and the wheel shaft (320) so that the pinion shaft (140) and the wheel shaft (320) are symmetrical with respect to the guide rail (20).

[0098] That is, the shape of the wheel (310) surrounding the outer side of the wheel axle (320) and the shape of the wheel (310) surrounding the outer side of the pinion axle (140) (the outer surface configuration of the pinion axle shown in FIG. 4, referring to a configuration having the same shape as the wheel, identification number not given) are configured to engage with the guide rail (20), fit around the guide rail (20) and hold the guide rail (20) on both sides.

[0099] At this time, the guide rail (20) is placed on the upper part of the circular rack (210), and the upper surface of the guide rail (20) is formed with a top protrusion that is larger than the center area of ​​the guide rail (20), and the wheel (310) is formed to correspond to the protrusion so that the center is narrow and the upper and lower surfaces are thick, so that the top protrusion of the guide rail (20) can be combined in a structure that engages the center of the wheel (310).

[0100] Through this combination, the plurality of balance weights (10) are prevented from being displaced in an upward or downward direction, and since the guide rails (20) are held on both sides, they can be prevented from being displaced in either horizontal direction.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be provided, as an embodiment, characterized in that the rail fixing member (30) contacts the guide rail (20) and transmits the load of the plurality of counterweights (10). That is, when the rail fixing member (30) and the guide rail (20) physically contact each other, the guide rail (20) supports them. In this process, the load is transmitted.

[0102] According to the present invention, since the plurality of balance weights (10) ultimately compensate for the imbalance of the load that occurs when the centrifuge is operated, a configuration in which the plurality of balance weights (10) transmit the load to the centrifuge is required.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the guide rail (20) comes into contact with the ray fixing part, the load of the plurality of counterweights (10) is transmitted to the guide rail (20).

[0104] Specifically, the plurality of counterweights (10) are placed on the upper surface of the guide rail (20). In addition, the guide rail (20), the pinion shaft (140), and the wheel shaft (320) are interlocked with each other so that their shapes correspond to each other.

[0105] Through these contact points, the load of the plurality of balance weights (10) is transmitted to the guide rail (20), and the load of the centrifuge that has become unbalanced due to the transmitted load is compensated for.

[0106] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6, according to another embodiment of the present invention, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be provided, characterized in that a circular guide and a space formed inside the circular guide, wherein a plurality of counterweights (10) are positioned in the internal space, the internal space includes a motor (110), a first connecting member (identification number not assigned), a pinion (150), and a circular rack (210) joined to a guide rail (20), the motor (110) is installed on the upper portion of the first connecting member, the first connecting member is bent at a 90-degree angle, and a load is transmitted to a first contact point that is in contact with a bottom plate of the internal space at a lower portion of a vertical configuration, and a second contact point that is in contact with the pinion (150) and the circular rack (210) below a horizontal configuration of the first connecting member.

[0107] As described above, the plurality of counterweights (10) move along the circular rack (210) according to the engagement of the pinion (150) and the circular rack (210). However, instead of the plurality of counterweights (10) being configured separately, a tunnel-like space is formed inside a single circular guide, and the motor (110) moves inside the space to transmit a load, thereby serving as a means for compensating for imbalance.

[0108] This has the advantage of being able to reduce the volume and increase the number of buckets because, unlike the previous embodiment, multiple counterweights (10) are not formed and the motor (110) is formed inside a single circular guide.

[0109] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 7, according to another embodiment of the present invention, an automatic balancing centrifuge may be provided, characterized in that the plurality of counterweights (10) are each installed on discs having different radii, the number of which is the same as the number of counterweights (10), and each disc rotates independently. In this case, since the radii of each disc are different, a moment sum can be formed in a combination different from the moment sum obtained by the same radius, and even if they move at the same angle, there is an advantage in that they can be placed on the same line because the radii are different.

[0110] At this time, multiple balance weights (10) are fixed to each disk, and each disk rotates coaxially with the rotor, so that the load of each of the multiple balance weights (10) is transmitted coaxially.

[0111] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state of use of a centrifuge equipped with four buckets and having two counterweights (10) placed on a guide rail (20) at opposite points according to one embodiment of the invention, and positioned on the upper part of a rotary arm, specifically showing how one embodiment of the present invention can be used.

[0112]

[0113] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it may be an automatic balancing centrifuge that corrects imbalance by a first moment sum by a plurality of balancing weights (10) at a first point in time. Alternatively, when a second moment sum for imbalance correction is required at a second point in time, it may be an automatic balancing centrifuge characterized in that each of the plurality of balancing weights (10) is moved to an arbitrary position to form the second moment sum.

[0114] When an imbalance does not occur during the operation of a centrifuge, multiple counterweights (10) are positioned at positions to maintain balance. However, in a centrifuge that rotates at high speed, when an imbalance in the load occurs, a moment sum to compensate for this imbalance is calculated, and to form it, multiple counterweights (10) move to different positions. That is, the imbalance that has already occurred is compensated for by the first moment sum by the multiple counterweights (10) at the first point in time. However, even if the imbalance is compensated for at the first point in time, the imbalance may occur again at the second point in time. In this case, the first moment sum at the first point in time cannot resolve the imbalance at the second point in time, and therefore, each of the multiple counterweights (10) moves to an arbitrary position to form a second moment sum to compensate for the imbalance at the second point in time.

[0115] In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since a plurality of balance weights (10) move in the circumferential direction, the position and direction of each of the plurality of balance weights (10) can be determined through synthesis and decomposition of the moment sum.

[0116] For example, for the convenience of the present invention, the number of counterweights (10) is assumed to be two and described, but this is only an example and there may be three or four, etc., and at least two or more are sufficient.

[0117] For example, if two counterweights (10) having the same mass m are positioned opposite each other within a circle with a radius r, the sum of the moments by each counterweight becomes 0. This is because they are positioned opposite each other at 180 degrees.

[0118] However, if the two counterweights (10) are positioned at a certain angle other than 180 degrees, i.e. the first counterweight At an angle, the second counterweight Let us assume that it is located on a circle with a radius r at an angle. Then, the moment (M1) of the first counterweight and the moment (M2) of the second counterweight are calculated as follows, and their combined effect can also be obtained.

[0119]

[0120] At this time, the distance from the center of rotation to the center of gravity of the sample If so, the mass of the two counterweights is is the same as and has a radius of The maximum compensable weight when sharing an in-rail is as follows:

[0121]

[0122] However, due to the actual volume of the counterweights, their positions cannot overlap. Therefore, when the angle created by the volume of each counterweight is ψ, the weight of the counterweights required to obtain the maximum compensation is as follows.

[0123]

[0124] Next, since the balance weight is transferred in the circumferential direction on a rail of radius r, the unbalance vector generated by this transfer It becomes as follows.

[0125]

[0126] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, January 2024]

[0127] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, January 2024]

[0128] At this time, the required correction vector is the sum of moments at the new position and the sum of moments due to the existing position Expressed in terms of difference, it is as follows.

[0129] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, January 2024]

[0130] composite vector When needed, to synthesize it, decompose it as shown in the figure on the left, and the required angle is as follows.

[0131] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, January 2024]

[0132] Also, the angle at which it must be moved from its original position is as follows:

[0133] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, January 2024]

[0134] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, January 2024]

[0135] If we break this down, it becomes as follows.

[0136] [Correction pursuant to Rule 91, January 2024]

[0137] Accordingly, it is possible to obtain the angles that the plurality of counterweights (10) must have to form the calculated required moment. That is, it is possible to obtain the positions at the first point in time (the point in time of the original position) and the second point in time (the point in time of the new position).

[0138]

[0139] On the other hand, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling an automatic balancing centrifuge is disclosed, including a step of correcting an unbalanced state by a first moment sum formed at a first point in time by a plurality of balancing weights (10) installed at the upper or lower portion of a rotary arm and moving in a circumferential direction; and a step of moving the plurality of balancing weights (10) to an arbitrary position to form a second moment sum for correcting the unbalanced state at a second point in time; and a specific method thereof is as described above, so it will be omitted here.

[0140] On the other hand, a method for controlling an automatic balancing centrifuge is disclosed, characterized in that it includes a step of stopping the rotor or slowing it down to a rotation speed lower than a certain speed to correct the load imbalance when the vibration value is higher than a certain value, and maintaining the operating state of the rotor when the vibration value is lower than a certain value.

[0141] As described above, the imbalance caused by high-speed rotation during centrifuge operation is an unavoidable factor. However, when imbalance occurs, the rotor is allowed to continue operating while maintaining its operating state if the vibration level is below the specified value. However, if the vibration level exceeds the specified value, the rotor is stopped or decelerated below a certain rotational speed, and the load imbalance is artificially compensated. In this case, the imbalance is detected using the influence coefficient method.

[0142] A centrifuge according to the present invention may be broadly configured to include a key input unit for inputting or setting various items necessary for the operation of the centrifuge, a vibration detection unit for detecting vibration in the dynamic state of the centrifuge, i.e., in the rotational state, a motor and a motor drive unit for rotating a rotor, a rotational speed detection unit for detecting the rotational speed of the rotor, an alarm unit for alerting when malfunction or excessive vibration of the centrifuge occurs, a display unit for displaying various items occurring during the operation of the centrifuge, an imbalance correction unit for correcting the load imbalance of the centrifuge, and a microcontroller unit for comprehensively controlling the overall operation of the centrifuge.

[0143] In the above-described configuration, the centrifugal motor may be implemented as, for example, a brushless DC motor. The vibration detection unit may be implemented as, for example, an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, or a displacement sensor. Finally, the microcontroller unit may include a microprocessor and an auxiliary memory, in which a program, a function for converting a travel distance, a proportional constant, and the maximum value and various allowable values ​​described below are stored.

[0144] Meanwhile, a method for controlling a centrifuge according to the present invention is described. As a preliminary step, the vibration proportional constant is obtained at regular measurement rotation speed intervals and stored in a database. The maximum value (exceeding the compensation range or abnormal vibration) and the tolerance corresponding to the compensation resolution at each measurement rotation speed must be set in advance. During this process, the unmeasured rotation speed range can be obtained using linear interpolation.

[0145] Specifically, a driving method using imbalance detection, etc. according to the present invention will be described.

[0146] First, the motor is operated to accelerate the rotor to a predetermined rotational speed for the first measurement, for example, 500 rpm. Next, the magnitude, i.e., amplitude and phase, of the vibration detected by the vibration detection unit under the rotational speed for the first measurement is measured, and it is determined whether the measured amplitude is greater than a predetermined maximum value, i.e., a predetermined maximum amplitude value that may cause a strain on the device or exceed the compensation limit.

[0147] At this time, if the measured amplitude exceeds the preset maximum amplitude, it corresponds to a case where excessive vibration has occurred or the compensation limit has been exceeded, and thus imbalance correction is performed. In this process, since the rotor does not need to be stopped compared to the conventional technology (this means lowering the rotation speed below a certain level rather than stopping the rotor), the time associated with stopping the rotor is saved, and imbalance correction is performed more quickly.

[0148] Meanwhile, if the measured amplitude is smaller than the preset maximum amplitude, it is determined whether the measured amplitude is greater than or equal to the allowable value at the rotational speed, and this allowable value can be set larger as the rotational speed decreases. If the measured amplitude is greater than or equal to the allowable value at the rotational speed, it is determined that imbalance correction is necessary, and thus the imbalance is corrected without having to stop the rotor (this does not mean stopping the rotor, but rather lowering it to a certain rotational speed or less).

[0149] Meanwhile, if the measured amplitude is smaller than the allowable value of the rotation speed, it is determined whether there is a need to measure the vibration amount at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed for the next measurement, that is, the rotation speed for the first measurement.

[0150] The reason for this is to perform appropriate compensation considering that the imbalance of most rotating bodies can change due to their structure or other various causes, or around the critical speed (critical speed).

[0151] Therefore, if there is no critical speed at which the imbalance of the rotating body changes up to the centrifugal separation operation speed, there is no need to perform the next measurement and the imbalance correction accordingly.

[0152] Furthermore, the maximum rotational speed for measurement will be determined to be lower than the centrifugal operating speed. If no further vibration measurement is required, the rotor will be accelerated to the centrifugal operating speed to perform centrifugation, assuming the imbalance has been corrected in the current state.

[0153] On the other hand, if there is a demand for vibration measurement in the next round, the rotation speed for measurement in the next round is accelerated to, for example, 1,000 rpm, and the amplitude and phase are measured based on the vibration amount detected by the vibration detection unit under this speed.

[0154] Next, it is determined whether the amplitude measured in this way is greater than the corresponding tolerance for the rotational speed. If the amplitude is greater than the corresponding tolerance for the rotational speed, it is determined that unbalance correction is necessary, and thus the unbalance is corrected without stopping the rotor (this does not mean stopping the rotor, but lowering it below a certain rotational speed). On the other hand, if the judgment result shows that the amplitude is less than the corresponding tolerance for the rotational speed, it is determined that unbalance correction is not possible, and thus it is determined whether or not there is a request for the next vibration measurement.

[0155]

[0156] Above, although some examples have been given and various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, the description of the various embodiments described in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” section is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will readily understand that they can carry out various modifications of the present invention or carry out equivalent implementations of the present invention based on the above description.

[0157] In addition, since the present invention can be implemented in various other forms, the present invention is not limited by the above description, and the above description is provided only to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by each claim of the claims.

[0158] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0159] Description of the symbol

[0160] Multiple counterweights: 10

[0161] Guide rails: 20

[0162] Rail fixing: 30

[0163] Motor: 110

[0164] 1st gear: 120

[0165] 2nd gear: 130

[0166] Pinion shaft: 140

[0167] Pinion: 150

[0168] Rack: 210

[0169] Wheels: 310

[0170] Wheel axle: 320

Claims

1. An automatic balancing centrifuge comprising a plurality of balancing weights installed at the upper or lower portion of a rotating arm and moving in a circumferential direction.

2. In paragraph 1, If the vibration value is higher than a certain value, the rotor is stopped or decelerated below a certain rotation speed to correct the load imbalance, and if the vibration value is lower than a certain value, the rotor is maintained in operation. An automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that the plurality of balancing weights are automatically moved in the circumferential direction to correct the imbalance of the load in a state below an arbitrary vibration value.

3. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of counterweights are, An automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that it is installed on a guide rail in a circumferential direction and moves independently on the guide rail.

4. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of counterweights are, Includes a motor, a first gear, a second gear, a pinion shaft and a pinion, An automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that the pinion rotates while engaging with a rack installed in the circumferential direction.

5. In paragraph 3, The above plurality of counterweights are, An automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that it includes a rail fixing part that is interlocked with the guide rail and fixes the plurality of balancing weights on the guide rail.

6. In paragraph 5, The above rail fixing part, wheels; and axles; including; An automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that the wheel is rotated by friction with the guide rail by being engaged with the shape of the guide rail.

7. In paragraph 5, An automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that the rail fixing part transmits the load of the plurality of balancing weights while in contact with the guide rail.

8. In paragraph 1, A circular guide, and a space formed inside the circular guide, wherein a plurality of counterweights are positioned in the internal space. The above internal space includes a motor, a first connecting member, a pinion, and a circular rack joined to a guide rail. A motor is installed on the upper part of the first connecting member, An automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that the first connecting member is bent at a 90-degree angle, and the lower part of the vertical configuration is configured to transmit a load to the first contact point that contacts the bottom plate of the internal space, and the second contact point that contacts the pinion and the circular rack below the horizontal configuration of the first connecting member.

9. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of counterweights are each installed on a disc having a number of different radii equal to the number of counterweights. Each of the above discs is characterized in that it rotates independently. Automatic balancing centrifuge.

10. In paragraph 1, An automatic balancing centrifuge that corrects imbalance by the sum of the first moments by multiple counterweights at the first point in time.

11. In paragraph 10, An automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized in that when a second moment sum is required for imbalance correction at a second point in time, each of the plurality of balancing weights is moved to an arbitrary position to form a second moment sum.

12. A plurality of counterweights are installed on the upper or lower side of the rotating arm and move in the circumferential direction. A step of correcting an unbalanced state by a first moment sum formed at a first point in time by a plurality of counterweights; and A method for controlling an automatic balancing centrifuge, comprising: a step of moving the plurality of balancing weights to an arbitrary position to form a second moment sum for correcting an unbalanced state at a second point in time.

13. In paragraph 12, A method for controlling an automatic balancing centrifuge, characterized by comprising the steps of: stopping the rotor to correct load imbalance when the vibration value is greater than a certain value; and maintaining the rotor in an operating state when the vibration value is less than a certain value.

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