Modular centrifuge with temperature control means

Abstract

The present invention relates to a centrifuge (150) with combustible temperature control medium, which overcomes the disadvantages of previous centrifuges with combustible temperature control medium. Above all, the centrifuge (150) is relatively compact and simple in design and is particularly reliable even in the event of a crash, since there is a spatial separation of the combustible temperature control media from the crash region. In addition, it is possible to modularly (152, 154) construct the centrifuge (150) such that the centrifuge can be quickly converted from one application to another as required, without having to keep a separate centrifuge available for each application.

Description

[0001] MODULAR CENTRIFUGE WITH TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER

[0002] The present invention relates to a centrifuge with a flammable temperature control medium according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Centrifuges, especially laboratory centrifuges, are used to separate the components of samples centrifuged within them by utilizing inertia. To achieve high separation rates, increasingly higher rotational speeds are employed. Laboratory centrifuges are centrifuges whose rotors operate at preferably at least 3,000, preferably at least 10,000, and particularly at least 15,000 revolutions per minute and are usually placed on tables. To allow them to be placed on a worktable, they have a form factor of less than 1 m x lm x lm, thus limiting their installation space. Preferably, the depth of the instrument is limited to a maximum of 70 cm.

[0004] Such centrifuges are used in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, biology, and chemistry.

[0005] The samples to be centrifuged are stored in sample containers, and these sample containers are rotated by means of a centrifuge rotor.

[0006] There are various types of centrifuge rotors, such as swing-out rotors and fixed-angle rotors, which are used depending on the application. These centrifuge rotors typically have in common that they feature a rotor housing with a rotor base in which one or more receptacles for sample containers or sample carriers can be arranged, in which further sample containers can be placed. The rotor base also usually has a hub that can be coupled to a drive shaft driven by a centrifuge motor.

[0007] The sample containers can either hold the samples directly or contain their own sample containers, allowing multiple samples to be centrifuged simultaneously in a single container. Typically, samples are centrifuged at specific temperatures. For example, samples containing proteins and similar organic substances must not be overheated, so the standard temperature limit for such samples is around 40°C. Conversely, certain samples are typically cooled to around +4°C (water's temperature anomaly begins at 3.98°C).

[0008] In addition to predetermined maximum temperatures of, for example, approximately +40°C and standard test temperatures such as 4°C, further standard test temperatures are also provided, such as 11°C, to check at this temperature whether the centrifuge's refrigeration system operates correctly below room temperature. On the other hand, for occupational safety reasons, it is necessary to prevent contact with components that have a temperature of 60°C or higher. Comparative values ​​are given in DIN EN 61010-1:2011-07, Table 19.

[0009] Both active and passive systems can be used for temperature control.

[0010] Passive systems are based on exhaust air-assisted cooling or ventilation. This air is passed directly over the centrifuge rotor and thus also over the sample containers held within it, thereby temperature control. The air is drawn into the centrifuge vessel through openings and then exhausted through further openings at another point within the vessel. This intake and exhaust process is driven automatically by the rotation of the centrifuge rotor.

[0011] Active cooling systems have a refrigerant circuit that regulates the temperature of the centrifuge vessel (also called "centrifuge tank" or "spin-off tank"), thereby indirectly cooling the centrifuge rotor and the sample containers held within it. For this purpose, the refrigerant circuit includes a section of pipe that runs adjacent to the centrifuge vessel and around it in one or more coils.

[0012] Many different media are used as cooling or temperature control media. Since, in principle, not only cooling (i.e., heat reduction) but also targeted heat increases may be desired during centrifugation, the present invention refers to temperature control and temperature control media. Besides the temperature control media commonly used in centrifuges, such as chlorodifluoromethane, tetrafluoroethane, pentafluoroethane, or difluoromethane, as well as carbon dioxide and many others, there are also flammable temperature control agents such as butane or propane (R290), or various synthetic mixtures.

[0013] Although these flammable temperature control fluids possess excellent heat transfer properties, they are generally not used for safety reasons. In the event of a centrifuge rotor crash, the fluid can escape and ignite. During such a crash, fragments of the rotor can be propelled at high speed and therefore with very high energy within the centrifuge, potentially destroying the evaporator and the lines carrying the temperature control fluid. Within the explosion limits, the escaping flammable fluid is easily ignited by the energy released during the crash and by electrical or electronic components inside or near the centrifuge, which can result in extensive damage, including personal injury.

[0014] To prevent a centrifuge rotor crash from causing damage outside the centrifuge, stiffening and reinforcing agents inside the centrifuge have been proposed. However, this would not prevent the leakage of temperature control fluid because the fluid lines, which form the evaporator, run around the centrifuge vessel, specifically between the centrifuge rotor and the fluid, relative to these reinforcing agents.

[0015] A centrifuge is already known from EP 3 727 701 Al in which flammable temperature control media can be used without posing a safety risk in the event of a centrifuge rotor crash. This is achieved by having a second media line containing a protective gas that is released in the event of a crash and prevents ignition of the flammable temperature control medium.

[0016] EP 3 807 011 A1 discloses a monitoring system for the centrifuge to detect critical pressure changes in the evaporator. Upon detection of such a change, various measures are initiated to prevent ignition of the flammable temperature control medium. WO 2916 / 012596 A1 discloses a separation of the temperature control medium circuit into a primary circuit containing the flammable temperature control medium and a secondary circuit containing a non-flammable temperature control medium. A safety vessel is arranged around the centrifuge vessel, and an additional safety wall is provided to dampen or contain any high-energy fragments and debris that may be generated in the event of a collision. The secondary circuit has a section of pipe that runs around the centrifuge vessel, and the primary circuit exists only on the side of the safety wall opposite the safety vessel.

[0017] All these designs have in common that they are very complex to construct and therefore expensive. Furthermore, due to the technical effort involved, they can also be prone to errors.

[0018] Based on this prior art, the object of the present invention is to create an improved centrifuge with a flammable temperature control medium. In particular, the centrifuge should have a less complex design while still providing sufficient protection against ignition of the flammable temperature control medium. This protection should preferably be effective in the event of a crash, when the unit is stationary, and / or during operation.

[0019] This problem is solved with the centrifuge according to the invention as claimed in claim 1. Advantageous further developments are given in the dependent claims and in the following description together with the figures.

[0020] The inventors recognized that this problem could be solved surprisingly easily if the centrifuge was equipped, or could be equipped, with an active temperature control medium whose evaporator was not directly connected to the centrifuge container, thus making it independent of the container. In this case, the evaporator's temperature control medium line was not located in the immediate deformation zone or crash area, making the centrifuge safer in the event of a crash.

[0021] The centrifuge according to the invention, comprising a centrifuge container for receiving a centrifuge rotor, a centrifuge motor for driving the centrifuge rotor, and a housing in which the centrifuge container and the centrifuge rotor are received, wherein the housing comprises a housing base, a housing wall, and an openable lid, is characterized in that

[0022] Temperature control means are arranged in the housing and comprise a temperature control medium guided in a temperature control medium line, wherein the temperature control means comprise a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser, wherein the evaporator is designed spaced apart from the centrifuge vessel, or is characterized in that the centrifuge is modularly constructed with a basic module and a removable module which can be replaced by another removable module, wherein the one module and the other module are different modules belonging to the group comprising:

[0023] - a first module that does not contain any temperature control agents,

[0024] - a second module that at least partially incorporates an element of passive temperature control (for example, only a section of an airflow duct)

[0025] - a third module which at least partially includes the evaporator of an active temperature control system, wherein the evaporator is designed to be spaced apart from the centrifuge container.

[0026] The first module could, for example, be a module that closes off an airflow guide of the centrifuge container.

[0027] The second module can, for example, be a module that continues the airflow guidance of the centrifuge container and connects it to the environment of the centrifuge, so that at least passive temperature control is enabled by the rotating centrifuge rotor.

[0028] The first module could, for example, be a module that enables active temperature control.

[0029] In an advantageous further development, the third module is designed to include at least one element from the group comprising: temperature control medium, temperature control medium line, compressor, and condenser, at least partially. This means the third module incorporates essential components of active temperature control. As a result, the centrifuge can preferably be manufactured in a particularly compact form without this module or adapted for different applications. "At least partially" in this context means that part of the corresponding element is included in the third module, and the other part...

[0030] In an advantageous advanced training course, one module or the other module is provided for as the third module. This results in a centrifuge with active temperature control, which greatly expands the centrifuge's range of applications.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the evaporator is spaced apart from the centrifuge vessel, with the distance preferably being at least 5 cm, in particular at least 10 cm, and preferably at least 15 cm. This distance, which is preferably a radial distance with respect to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor, increases safety in the event of a crash.

[0032] In a further advantageous design, the evaporator is provided with a finned heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, a spiral heat exchanger and / or a coil heat exchanger. This makes the evaporator particularly efficient.

[0033] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the evaporator can be oriented vertically, horizontally, or at an angle. In a vertical orientation, the evaporator can easily be positioned to the side of the centrifuge vessel. If the evaporator is oriented horizontally, it can be easily positioned above or below the centrifuge vessel. With an angled arrangement, deflections and changes in the cross-sectional area of ​​the air duct can be minimized, thereby improving the efficiency of active temperature control.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the evaporator extends at least partially, preferably completely, around the centrifuge vessel. This allows for a particularly compact centrifuge design.

[0035] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a partition wall is arranged between the evaporator and the centrifuge vessel. This further increases safety in the event of a crash. Preferably, the partition wall is designed as a safety vessel surrounding the centrifuge vessel. This significantly increases safety in the event of a crash.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that thermal insulation be arranged between the partition and the centrifuge container. This improves temperature control. Furthermore, the thermal insulation, acting as an impact zone, also increases safety in the event of a crash.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, it is preferably provided that the partition wall has a distance of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, and particularly at least 3 cm from the centrifuge container. This distance is preferably a radial distance with respect to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor. This also further increases safety in the event of a crash. Furthermore, the area between the partition wall and the centrifuge container can be used for airflow and / or thermal insulation.

[0038] In a further advantageous design, the evaporator is configured to be at least partially in contact with the partition wall. This allows the partition wall to function as part of the evaporator, thereby enabling a more compact centrifuge.

[0039] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an airflow guide is provided for temperature control of the centrifuge vessel, preferably incorporating a fan. This airflow guide allows for the integration of both passive and active temperature control systems. The fan enables temperature control even when the centrifuge rotor is stationary. This allows, for example, pre-temperature control or temperature maintenance after a centrifugation run using passive temperature control. This is not possible with a conventional centrifuge using passive temperature control, as the forced convection required for temperature control through airflow is absent when the centrifuge rotor is stationary. The fan now generates the necessary airflow, allowing, for example, the centrifuge rotor to be cooled to a desired temperature.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment, the airflow guidance system is designed to direct an airflow between the evaporator and the centrifuge container, preferably between the evaporator and the interior of the centrifuge container. This results in quasi-active temperature control of the centrifuge container, namely active temperature control using passive temperature control methods, thereby ensuring a particularly high level of safety in the event of a crash.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the airflow guidance system can be designed to direct an airflow between the centrifuge's surroundings and the centrifuge container, preferably between the centrifuge's surroundings and the interior of the centrifuge container. This ensures passive temperature control.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, one or more guide ribs are arranged in the air guide. This advantageously laminates the airflow.

[0043] In a further advantageous design, the air duct runs through the lid, with a separable, sealed interface in the air duct. This allows for a particularly compact centrifuge design.

[0044] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the centrifuge vessel is provided with at least two openings through which an airflow from the evaporator can be transported through the vessel, preferably also having at least two openings in the partition wall, through which an airflow from the evaporator and / or the environment can be transported. This simplifies the airflow path.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment, the module is provided with means for closing these openings or means for connecting an airflow guide within the module to these openings. Preferably, the closing means and / or the connecting means and / or the openings include sealing means. This allows for a self-contained airflow guide and thus particularly efficient temperature control. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the two openings is arranged on a circumferential surface of the centrifuge vessel and / or the partition, preferably in a tangential arrangement. This generates a particularly effective airflow, which can be further enhanced by the rotation of the centrifuge rotor.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the two openings is arranged on a top or bottom surface of the centrifuge vessel and / or on a top or bottom surface of the partition, preferably in an axial arrangement. This also generates a particularly effective airflow.

[0047] In a further advantageous design, the centrifuge is configured such that an airflow enters the centrifuge container from the top surface and / or exits the centrifuge container through the bottom surface. This allows for a particularly compact centrifuge design, which can be further enhanced by the rotation of the centrifuge rotor.

[0048] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the two openings each have a cross-sectional area that differs from each other only in the range of 20%, preferably only in the range of 10%, and in particular only in the range of 5%. This generates a particularly effective airflow.

[0049] In a further advantageous embodiment, an inlet opening into the centrifuge container is arranged closer to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor than to the circumferential wall of the centrifuge container, and / or an outlet opening from the centrifuge container is arranged closer to the circumferential wall of the centrifuge container than to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor. This also generates a particularly effective airflow, which is further enhanced by the rotation of the centrifuge rotor.

[0050] In a further advantageous embodiment, a condensate collection point is provided outside the centrifuge vessel, preferably positioned lower than the evaporator. This condensate collection point is equipped with means for condensate extraction. This effectively prevents damage to the centrifuge, particularly to its electronics. In another advantageous embodiment, the evaporator is surrounded by an enclosure, preferably designed to form a closed air duct together with the centrifuge vessel. A fan is arranged within this enclosure to assist airflow, preferably positioned upstream or downstream of the evaporator. This allows for a particularly compact centrifuge design. Furthermore, the evaporator can be conveniently integrated into a separate module.Furthermore, a quasi-active temperature control can be achieved using the fan if the centrifuge rotor is not rotating or if its rotational speed is too low for sufficient air circulation. If the fan is positioned downstream of the evaporator, it experiences a directed airflow without swirl, allowing for optimal air movement. This is especially true if the evaporator is inclined, particularly at a diagonal angle.

[0051] If the evaporator is preferably designed to be at least partially in contact with the casing, the casing can act as part of the evaporator, which allows the centrifuge to be kept more compact.

[0052] In an advantageous further development, it is provided that one module and / or the other module encompasses a wall section of the housing. This allows the centrifuge to be quickly reconfigured with the modules while still maintaining a compact design.

[0053] In an advantageous advanced training program, one or both modules are designed to be pluggable and / or screwable. This also allows the centrifuge to be quickly reconfigured with the modules.

[0054] The claims submitted now, as well as those submitted later, do not prejudice the obtaining of further protection.

[0055] Should closer examination, particularly of the relevant prior art, reveal that one or more features are advantageous but not essential for the objective of the invention, a formulation is naturally being sought that no longer includes such a feature, especially in the main claim. Such a sub-combination is therefore also covered by the disclosure of this application.

[0056] The cross-references cited in the dependent claims indicate the further development of the subject matter of the main claim by the features of the respective dependent claim. However, these are not to be understood as a waiver of the right to obtain independent, substantive protection for the features of the cross-referenced dependent claims.

[0057] It should also be noted that the embodiments and variants of the invention described in the various embodiments and shown in the figures can be combined with one another in any way. Individual or multiple features are interchangeable. These combinations of features are also disclosed.

[0058] Features disclosed only in the description, or individual features from claims comprising multiple features, may at any time be incorporated into the independent claim(s) as being essential to the invention for the purpose of distinguishing it from the prior art, even if such features were mentioned in connection with other features or achieve particularly favorable results in connection with other features.

[0059] Thus, all features described in the general description of the invention, the description of the exemplary embodiments, the subsequent claims, and the figures can be essential to the invention, both individually and in any combination. These features or combinations of features can each constitute an independent invention, the right to claim which is expressly reserved. Individual features from the description of an exemplary embodiment need not necessarily be combined with one, several, or all other features specified in the description of that exemplary embodiment; any sub-combination is expressly disclosed. Furthermore, material features of a device can be reformulated to also be used as process features, and vice versa.Such a reformulation is therefore automatically disclosed. The features and further advantages of the present invention will become clear below with reference to the description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures. These show purely schematic representations:

[0060] Fig. 1 shows the centrifuge according to the invention in a first preferred embodiment in a perspective view,

[0061] Fig. 2 shows the centrifuge according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 in an open perspective view,

[0062] Fig. 3 shows the centrifuge according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 in an open top view.

[0063] Fig. 4 shows the centrifuge according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 in a partial sectional view.

[0064] Fig. 5 shows a state-of-the-art centrifuge in a partial sectional view.

[0065] Fig. 6 shows the centrifuge according to the invention in a second preferred embodiment in an open perspective view,

[0066] Fig. 7 shows a first module of the centrifuge according to the invention according to Fig. 6, Fig. 8 shows a second module of the centrifuge according to the invention according to Fig. 6, Fig. 9 shows a third module of the centrifuge according to the invention according to Fig. 6, Fig. 10 shows the centrifuge according to the invention in a third preferred embodiment in an open perspective view.

[0067] Fig. 11 shows the centrifuge according to the invention in a fourth preferred embodiment in an open view,

[0068] Fig. 12 shows the centrifuge according to the invention as shown in Fig. 11 in a partial view and

[0069] Fig. 13a, b, c, d shows the centrifuge according to the invention in a fifth preferred embodiment in partial views.

[0070] Figures 1 to 4 show the centrifuge 10 according to the invention, which is designed as a laboratory centrifuge, in different views according to a first preferred embodiment.

[0071] It can be seen that the centrifuge 10 has a housing 12 with a base plate 14, side walls 16, a cover 17, a control panel 18, and a lid 20 that can be opened and closed. Inside the centrifuge 10 is a centrifuge container 22 in which a centrifuge rotor 24 is mounted on the shaft 26 of a centrifuge motor 28. For better damping and decoupling, a rubber sleeve 30 is arranged between the centrifuge motor 28 and the centrifuge container.

[0072] The centrifuge vessel 22 is surrounded by a safety vessel 32. Thermal insulation 34 is inserted in the space between the safety vessel 32 and the centrifuge vessel 22, the space having a radial distance a of 2 to 3 cm with respect to the axis of rotation D of the centrifuge rotor 24.

[0073] The centrifuge 10 is equipped with an active temperature control system 36, which comprises a compressor 38, a condenser 40, an injection valve 41, a fan 42, an evaporator 44, and a temperature control fluid line 45 that connects the compressor 38, condenser 40, and evaporator 44 in the usual manner and in which a flammable temperature control fluid, such as propane (R290), is carried. (For clarity, the temperature control fluid line 45 has been omitted in Fig. 2.) Regarding the design of the active temperature control system 36, reference is made to DE 10 2012 002 593 A1 and EP 2 335 830 A1, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference.

[0074] It can be seen that the evaporator 44, which is designed as a plate heat exchanger, is not in contact with the centrifuge vessel 22, but is radially spaced from it with respect to the axis of rotation D, with the radial distance being a minimum of 7 cm.

[0075] In contrast, in conventionally designed centrifuges 100 with active temperature control, the evaporators 102 are arranged as spiral lines directly adjacent to the centrifuge vessel 104 and routed around it. A safety vessel 106 may also be present, and the space between the centrifuge vessel 104 and the safety vessel 106 may be provided with thermal insulation 108 (see Fig. 5). In this prior art design, the active temperature control of the samples arranged in the centrifuge rotor 110 is achieved by cooling the centrifuge vessel 104 through the adjacent evaporator 102, thereby cooling the interior 112 of the centrifuge vessel 104 and, above it, the centrifuge rotor 110.

[0076] In the first preferred embodiment, a casing 46 extends around the outside of the evaporator 44 and is directly sealed against the safety vessel 32. The casing 46 is sealed by the base plate 14, which slopes upwards in the area 48 towards the safety vessel 32 and the two openings 50, 52 arranged therein, and by the cover 17.

[0077] These openings 50, 52 correspond to perforations 54, 56 in the thermal insulation and openings 58, 60 in the centrifuge container 22.

[0078] Through these openings 50, 52, 58, 60 and perforations 54, 56, an air guide chamber 62 in the casing 46 is connected to the interior 64 of the centrifuge vessel 22. The air guide chamber 62, together with the openings 50, 52, 58, 60 and perforations 54, 56, as well as the interior 64 of the centrifuge vessel 22, forms an airflow guide 66, which, due to the base plate 14 and the cover 17 with the lid 20, is completely enclosed when the lid 20 is closed. Seals are provided between the individual parts (not shown).

[0079] Reference numeral 68 schematically indicates the electronic and control elements of the centrifuge.

[0080] During operation, when the lid 20 is closed and a centrifuge rotor 24 containing samples to be centrifuged is located in the centrifuge 10, the centrifuge rotor 24 rotates in a direction of rotation R. This causes the air in the airflow guide 66 to be entrained in the direction of flow L (LI, L2, L3, L4).

[0081] The evaporator 44 is supplied with the temperature control medium of the active temperature control system 36. The heated air LI exiting the interior 64 of the centrifuge vessel 22 transfers its heat to the evaporator 44, causing the temperature control medium to evaporate. As it passes over the plates of the evaporator 44 L2, the air cools down. This cooled air then re-enters the centrifuge vessel 22 L3 and is passed through the interior 64 of the centrifuge vessel 22 L4, absorbing heat from the centrifuge rotor 24 and thus cooling it.

[0082] Any condensate that may form cannot enter the centrifuge vessel 22 via the rising sections 48, but instead collects below the evaporator 44, where a depression is located with a condensate drain opening (not shown). This effectively protects the centrifuge 10, and in particular the electronics housed within it, from moisture.

[0083] This creates a spatial separation between the active temperature control 36 with the flammable temperature control medium and the centrifuge container 22. Between the evaporator 44 and the centrifuge rotor 24 are the centrifuge container 22, the thermal insulation 34, and the safety vessel 32, which, in the event of a crash, reduce the force of the fragments to such an extent that neither the evaporator 44 nor the temperature control medium line located within it can be destroyed.

[0084] This centrifuge 10 is therefore equipped with active temperature control 36 using a flammable temperature control medium and yet exhibits a high level of safety even in the event of a crash.

[0085] The centrifuge 10 can also be manufactured more cost-effectively because the complex manufacturing of the evaporator 102 connected to the centrifuge container 104 is eliminated.

[0086] Figures 6 to 8 show a second preferred embodiment of the centrifuge 150 according to the invention.

[0087] It can be seen that this centrifuge 150 differs from the centrifuge 10 only in that the centrifuge 150 is made up of two modules 152, 154 which have been plugged together and screwed at the separation 156 (not shown).

[0088] The basic module 152 comprises all parts essential for centrifugation, including its control system, such as the centrifuge motor 158, the centrifuge rotor 160, the centrifuge tank 162, and the safety vessel 164, as well as the cover 165a and the centrifuge lid 165b. The module 154 for active temperature control comprises all parts essential for active temperature control, namely the compressor 166, the condenser 168, the fan 170, the evaporator 172, and the temperature control media line (not shown), as well as the evaporator 172 casing 174.

[0089] Separation 156 also contains couplings (not shown) for the power supply and control of the components of module 152.

[0090] The casing 174 here has, in addition to the rising section 176, a circumferential part 178 that connects to the safety vessel 164. This circumferential part 178 has two openings 180, 182, which correspond to corresponding openings 184, 186 in the safety vessel 164, penetrations 188, 190 in the thermal insulation 192 and openings 194, 196 in the centrifuge tank 162.

[0091] The casing 174, in conjunction with the centrifuge container 162, the cover 165a, the centrifuge lid 165b and the base plate 221, forms a self-contained air guidance space 197 or a corresponding airflow guide.

[0092] The openings 184, 186 and also partially the penetrations 188, 190 are somewhat wider than the openings 194, 196. This allows the wedge-shaped inserts 198, 200 to reach these openings 184, 186 and penetrations 188, 190 for the sealed system without reducing the cross-section in relation to the openings 194, 196.

[0093] As an alternative to module 154, there is also module 202 (see Fig. 9), with which the basic module 152 can be converted to the third preferred embodiment of the centrifuge 204 according to the invention (see Fig. 10).

[0094] It can be seen that this module 202 is very short and essentially consists only of a rear wall 206 to which two molded parts 208, 210 are attached. These molded parts 208, 210 are shaped in such a way that they can fit snugly around the safety vessel 164. The molded parts 208, 210 are hollow inside, so that they form parts of the airflow guide 211, which, on the one hand, establishes a sealed connection with the lower connections 212, 214 to the corresponding connections 216, 218 of the base module 152, and, on the other hand, establishes a sealed connection with the upper connections 218, 220 to the corresponding openings 184, 186 of the safety vessel 164 of the base module 152. The connections 216, 218 extend through the base plate 221 of the base module 152, so that air can pass through the base plate 221.

[0095] The rear wall 206 is screwed to the base module 152 at the separation 156 (not shown), so that the centrifuge 204 is formed.

[0096] The wedge-shaped projections 218a, 220a of the connections 218, 220 of the molded parts 208, 210 are designed to seal the openings 184, 186, so that the interior 222 of the centrifuge container 162 is connected to the environment 223 of the centrifuge 204 via the molded parts 208, 210 and the connections 216, 218 when the lid (not shown) of the centrifuge 204 is closed.

[0097] This centrifuge 204 provides purely passive temperature control, and the centrifuge itself is very compact.

[0098] If a fan were arranged in the airflow guide 211, for example in one of the molded parts 208, 210 (not shown), then passive temperature control could also be made possible, for example, when the centrifuge rotor 160 is at a standstill.

[0099] If the wedge-shaped connections 218a, 220a of the molded parts 208, 210 were designed to close the openings 184, 186, the perforations 188, 190, and the openings 194, 196, i.e., if there were no open connections 218, 220, but rather these were closed, then the interior 222 of the centrifuge vessel 162 would be completely closed when the lid (not shown) of the centrifuge 204 is closed, so that no air from the outside 223 could enter or escape from the interior 222. With such a module (not shown), which does not include any temperature control means, a very compact centrifuge would also be formed, which, however, would not have any temperature control whatsoever, i.e., it would not allow for either active or passive temperature control.

[0100] Figures 11 and 12 show a fourth preferred embodiment of the centrifuge 250 according to the invention, showing only the interior of the centrifuge 250.

[0101] It can be seen that this design differs from that shown in Figs. 1 to 4 in that the airflow guidance 252 is designed differently.

[0102] More precisely, numerous inlet openings 254 are arranged near the axis of rotation 256 in the base 258 of the centrifuge container 260, which are fed via a ring receptacle 262, which is connected via a connecting piece 264 to an air duct (not shown).

[0103] The inflow and outflow are promoted by the fact that the inflow occurs at points of low air pressure (near the axis of rotation) and the outflow at points of high air pressure (near the circumference of the centrifuge container 260).

[0104] This eliminates the need for a separate fan in the airflow guide 252. However, a fan is still preferably used here as well, to enable temperature control, for example, even when the centrifuge rotor is stationary.

[0105] Figures 13a) to 13d) show a fifth preferred embodiment of the centrifuge 300 according to the invention, showing only a view of the centrifuge container 302 with the airflow guide 304.

[0106] The airflow guide 304 has a horizontal section 306, an ascending section 308 and another horizontal section 310, wherein the evaporator 312 is arranged in the ascending section 308, which can be designed as a finned heat exchanger (not shown) and is connected to the other components of an active temperature control system, such as compressor, condenser, fan and temperature control media line (not shown).

[0107] Due to the rising orientation of the evaporator 312, any condensate that forms can flow downwards to the lowest point 314 and be discharged there through a suitable opening (not shown).

[0108] In the area below the lid 316 (the actual lid is not shown for clarity, only the position where it would be located) of the centrifuge 300 is the air outlet, through which air near the axis of rotation of the centrifuge container 302 can flow into the interior of the centrifuge container 302.

[0109] In the base 318 of the centrifuge container 302, close to its circumference, there are one or more outflow openings 320.

[0110] The inflow and outflow is promoted by the fact that the inflow at the lid 316 occurs at points of low air pressure (near the axis of rotation) and the outflow at points 320 of high air pressure (near the circumference of the centrifuge container 302 in the base 318 of the centrifuge container 302).

[0111] Furthermore, a separate fan 322 can be provided to support the airflow in the airflow guide 304. This fan 322 is arranged downstream of the evaporator 312 in the flow direction S, thus advantageously guiding the airflow to the evaporator 312 without swirl and thereby optimizing the airflow.

[0112] The horizontal section 310 is integrated into the lid 316 of the centrifuge 300. Therefore, an openable interface 324 exists in the airflow guide 302, which is provided with corresponding seals (not shown), so that the airflow guide 304 is self-contained when the lid 316 is closed.

[0113] It has become clear from the foregoing description that the present invention provides a centrifuge 10, 150, 204, 250, 300 that eliminates the disadvantages of previous centrifuges with flammable temperature control media. In particular, the centrifuge 10, 150, 204, 250, 300 is relatively compact and simple in design, and it is also particularly safe in the event of a crash, since there is a spatial separation between the flammable temperature control media and the crash area. Furthermore, the centrifuge 150, 204 can be built modularly, so that it can be quickly converted from one application to another as needed, without having to keep a separate centrifuge for each application. Reference numeral list

[0114] 10 Centrifuge according to the invention in a first preferred embodiment 12 Housing

[0115] 14 Base plate

[0116] 16 side walls

[0117] 17 Cover

[0118] 18 Control panel

[0119] 20 lids

[0120] 22 centrifuge containers

[0121] 24 centrifuge rotor

[0122] 26 wave

[0123] 28 centrifuge motor

[0124] 30 rubber cuffs

[0125] 32 safety boilers

[0126] 34 Thermal insulation

[0127] 36 active temperature control

[0128] 38 Compressor, compressor

[0129] 40 liquefiers

[0130] 41 Injector

[0131] 42 fans

[0132] 44 evaporators

[0133] 45 Temperature control media line

[0134] 46 Envelope

[0135] 48 Area of ​​the base plate

[0136] 50, 52 openings in the safety vessel 32

[0137] 54, 56 Breakdowns in the thermal insulation 34

[0138] 58, 60 openings in the centrifuge container 22.

[0139] 62 Air distribution room

[0140] 64 Interior of the centrifugal container 22

[0141] 66 Airflow guidance

[0142] 68 elements of the electronics and control of the centrifuge 10

[0143] 100 state-of-the-art centrifuges

[0144] 102 Evaporator 104 Centrifuge container

[0145] 106 safety boilers

[0146] 108 Thermal insulation

[0147] 110 centrifuge rotor

[0148] 112 Interior of the centrifuge container 104

[0149] 150 second preferred embodiment of the centrifuge according to the invention 152 basic module

[0150] 154 Module for active temperature control

[0151] 156 Separation of the modules

[0152] 158 Centrifuge motor

[0153] 160 centrifuge rotor

[0154] 162 centrifuge containers

[0155] 164 safety boilers

[0156] 165a Cover

[0157] 165b Centrifuge lid

[0158] 166 Compressor

[0159] 168 liquefiers

[0160] 170 fans

[0161] 172 evaporators

[0162] 174 Evaporator casing 172

[0163] 176 ascending section

[0164] 178 Circular section

[0165] 180, 182 openings in the circumferential part 178

[0166] 184, 186 openings in the safety vessel

[0167] 188, 190 Breakdowns in the thermal insulation 192

[0168] 192 Thermal insulation

[0169] 194, 196 openings in the centrifuge container 162

[0170] 197 Air distribution chamber, airflow guidance

[0171] 198, 200 wedge-shaped inserts

[0172] 202 Module, wall termination module

[0173] 204 third preferred embodiment of the centrifuge according to the invention 206 back wall

[0174] 208, 210 Molded parts

[0175] 211 Airflow guidance, air guidance space 212, 214 lower connections of the molded parts 208, 210

[0176] 216 protrusions

[0177] 218, 220 upper connections of the molded parts 208, 210

[0178] 218a, 220a Wedge-shaped projections of the terminals 218, 220

[0179] 221 Base plate

[0180] 222 Interior

[0181] 223 Centrifuge environment 204

[0182] 250 fourth preferred embodiment of the centrifuge according to the invention 252 airflow guidance, air guidance chamber

[0183] 254 inlet openings

[0184] 256 Rotation axis

[0185] 258 floor

[0186] 260 centrifuge containers

[0187] 262 ring mount

[0188] 264 Connector

[0189] 300 Fifth preferred embodiment of the centrifuge according to the invention 302 Centrifuge container

[0190] 304 Airflow guidance, air guidance space

[0191] 306 horizontal section

[0192] 308 ascending section

[0193] 310 horizontal section

[0194] 312 evaporators

[0195] 314 lowest point of the airflow guidance 304

[0196] 316 lids

[0197] 318 Bottom of the centrifuge container 302

[0198] 320 Outlet opening

[0199] 322 fans

[0200] 324 openable interface

[0201] A radial distance

[0202] D Axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor 24

[0203] L Flow direction (LI, L2, L3, L4)

[0204] R Direction of rotation of the centrifuge rotor 24

[0205] S Flow direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Centrifuge comprising a centrifuge container for receiving a centrifuge rotor, a centrifuge motor for driving the centrifuge rotor and a housing in which the centrifuge container and the centrifuge rotor are received, wherein the housing comprises a housing base, a housing wall and an openable lid, characterized in that that temperature control means are arranged in the housing and comprise a temperature control medium which is guided in a temperature control medium line, wherein the temperature control means comprise a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser, wherein the evaporator is designed to be spaced apart from the centrifuge vessel, or that the centrifuge is modularly constructed with a basic module and a removable module which can be replaced by another removable module, wherein the one module and the other module are different modules belonging to the group, comprising: - a first module that does not contain any temperature control agents, - a second module that at least partially incorporates an element of passive temperature control (for example, only a section of an airflow duct) - a third module which at least partially includes the evaporator of an active temperature control system, wherein the evaporator is designed to be spaced apart from the centrifuge container.

2. Centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that, that the third module includes at least one element from the group comprising: temperature control medium, temperature control medium line, compressor and condenser, at least partially, and / or that one module or the other module is the third module.

3. Centrifuge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the evaporator is spaced apart from the centrifuge vessel, wherein the distance is preferably at least 5 cm, in particular at least 10 cm, preferably at least 15 cm.

4. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the evaporator has a finned heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, a spiral heat exchanger and / or a coil heat exchanger and / or that the evaporator is oriented vertically, horizontally or inclined and / or that the evaporator extends at least partially, preferably completely, around the centrifuge container.

5. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a partition wall is arranged between the evaporator and the centrifuge vessel, wherein the evaporator is preferably formed at least partially in contact with the partition wall and / or in particular it is intended that - the partition wall is designed as a safety vessel surrounding the centrifuge container and / or - thermal insulation is arranged between the partition wall and the centrifuge container and / or - the partition wall has a distance of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, in particular at least 3 cm from the centrifuge container.

6. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an airflow guide is provided for temperature control of the centrifuge container, wherein a fan is preferably arranged in the airflow guide.

7. Centrifuge according to claim 6, characterized in that that the airflow guidance is arranged to direct an airflow between the evaporator and the centrifuge vessel, preferably between the evaporator and the interior of the centrifuge vessel, and / or that the airflow guidance is arranged to direct an airflow between an environment of the centrifuge and the centrifuge container, preferably between the environment of the centrifuge and the interior of the centrifuge container.

8. Centrifuge according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that that one or more guide ribs are arranged in the airflow guide and / or that the airflow guide runs through the cover, wherein there is a separable interface in the airflow guide which is designed to be sealed.

9. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifuge container has at least two openings through which an airflow can be transported through the centrifuge container, wherein preferably at least two openings also have in the partition wall according to claim 5, wherein an airflow coming from the evaporator and / or the environment of the centrifuge can be transported through the openings.

10. Centrifuge according to claim 9, characterized in that the module has means for closing these openings or means for connecting an airflow guide in the module to these openings, wherein it is preferably provided that the means for closing and / or the means for connecting and / or the openings have sealing means for sealing.

11. Centrifuge according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, that at least one of the two openings is arranged on a circumferential surface of the centrifuge container and / or the partition, the arrangement preferably being tangential, and / or that at least one of the two openings is arranged on a top or bottom surface of the centrifuge container and / or on a top or bottom surface of the partition, the arrangement preferably being axial, and / or that the centrifuge is designed in such a way that an airflow flows from the top surface into the centrifuge container and / or flows out of the centrifuge container through the bottom surface.

12. Centrifuge according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the two openings each have a cross-sectional area which differs from each other only in the range of 20%, preferably only in the range of 10%, in particular only in the range of 5%.

13. Centrifuge according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that an inlet opening into the centrifuge container is arranged closer to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor than to the circumferential wall of the centrifuge container and / or an outlet- The flow opening from the centrifuge container is located closer to the circumferential wall of the centrifuge container than to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor.

14. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a condensate collection point is located outside the centrifuge container, which is preferably arranged lower than the evaporator, wherein the condensate collection point is in particular provided with means for condensate extraction.

15. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaporator is surrounded by a casing which is preferably designed to form a self-contained air guide chamber together with the centrifuge container, in which in particular a fan is arranged to support the air guide, wherein the fan is preferably arranged in the direction of airflow in front of or behind the evaporator.

16. Centrifuge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one module and / or the other module comprises a wall section of the housing and / or that one module and / or the other module is designed to be pluggable and / or screwed on.

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