JPS5939193B2 - Magnetic drive centrifugal separator - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a centrifugal separator used for the separation of particles from suspensions, for example for the separation of solid substances from biological fluids as a pretreatment for microscopy.

More specifically, this invention drives a rotating body for centrifugal separation by magnetic force, and in a conventional centrifuge for the same purpose well known in the art, the shaft for the rotating body is assembled to a fixed base. Regarding a centrifugal separator that does not use

Laboratories, especially those with medical facilities such as universities, hospitals, clinics, etc., require centrifuges to separate solid materials from biological culture media for microscopy.

Such a centrifuge can be used for various purposes, is small, lightweight, portable, relatively easy to maintain, and preferably explosion-proof.

The centrifugal separator of the present invention also has the above advantages,
Furthermore, since the centrifugal rotating body does not require a shaft for driving and supporting, the structure is simple.

The present invention aims to provide an improved centrifugal separator that is equipped with a centrifugal rotating body having an upper opening and a closed bottom, is driven by magnetic force, and is easy to separate from the drive unit. .

The magnetic member is disposed within the centrifugal rotor, and a slot for inserting a sample tube is formed on the outer periphery of the upper opening of the centrifugal rotor.

The slot holds the sample tube, and if necessary, when the cap is fitted into the upper opening, the sample tube can be stably extended radially.

The bottom of the centrifugal rotor has a support pivot for supporting the centrifugal rotor on the base, and the magnetic field between the rotating magnet in the base and the magnetic member placed inside the centrifugal rotor is centered around this support pivot. The centrifugal rotating body rotates freely on the base by mutually interlocking operation.

This eliminates the need for one drive and support shaft, which is required in conventional centrifuges.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Referring first to FIG. 1, the centrifugal separator of the present invention comprises a centrifuge 2 having a centrifugal rotor 4 with an upper opening 6 closed by a removable cap 8.

A removable sample tube 10 or vial extends radially from the centrifugal rotor 4 .

The closed bottom 12 of the centrifugal rotor 4 has on its outer surface a support pivot 14 and a stabilizing mechanism, shown here for convenience of explanation as a plurality of projections 16 projecting from the bottom.

The centrifuge 2 is supported by a central support pivot 14 in contact with the upper surface of the top plate of the base 18.

The base 18 is, for example, a TLI model 126 manufactured by Technilab Instruments, Inc. of Pequanotk, New Chassis.
This laboratory version is commercially available under the trade name ``1'' and can be used with a conventional magnetic stirrer. have horizontally.

In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the power source (not shown) may be electricity, air, or water, as long as this serves the purpose.

The centrifuge 2 includes a magnetic member as shown below.

Since this magnetic member 25 is influenced and driven by the magnetic field of the magnet rotated at high speed within the base 18, the centrifuge rotates at high speed around its axis, so that the substance in the sample tube 10 can be sufficiently centrifuged. Force is applied.

The centrifugal rotor 4 is shown in detail in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 7,
Cap 8 is also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The cross section of the centrifuge 2 is shown in detail in FIG. 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7, the centrifugal rotating body 4 is a cup-shaped member, and is molded into a desired shape from a relatively elastic thermosetting resin such as polypropylene or other plastic material.

The centrifugal rotor 4 has a flange 22 around the upper opening 6.

The bottom portion 12 has a support pivot 14 at the center of its outer bottom surface 12A.
It has protrusions 16 which protrude and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

In order to stabilize the rotation of the centrifuge 2 until it reaches high speed rotation, each protrusion 16 has the same height and is slightly lower than the support pivot 14, thereby minimizing the tilt of the centrifuge 2.

Regarding this stabilizing mechanism, it should be noted that although four protrusions 16 are shown in the figure, there may be more or fewer protrusions than this, and as will become clear in the following explanation, the number of protrusions 16 may be more or less than four, and as will become clear in the following explanation, the number of protrusions 16 may be greater or less than four, and as will become clear in the following explanation, the number of protrusions 16 may be greater or less. If so, the outer bottom surface 12A of the bottom portion 12 is used as a stabilizing member.
A ring may be provided.

Additionally, the bottom 12 has a lug 24 on its inner surface 12B that removably supports a magnetic member 25.

An example of magnetic member 25 is a laboratory Teflon-coated magnet, such as that sold by Bell Art Products, Inc., Pequanouk, New Chassis, under the trademark Spin Bar.

The magnetic member 25 is fitted into two pairs of lugs 24 that are fixed symmetrically with respect to the center of the inner surface 12B of the bottom portion 12 of the centrifugal rotating body 4 in order to be positioned through the center thereof, and can be removed and replaced as necessary.

The open flange 22 of the centrifugal rotor 4 is provided with a plurality of slots 26 at equal intervals around the periphery thereof.

To explain in detail below, there are six illustrated slots 26 for inserting sample tubes.

Referring to FIG. 7, the slot 26 is sized to allow the sample tube 10 to be inserted with a gap.

As shown, the sample tube 10 has a locking end 10A sealed with a sealing member, and the locking end 10A has a larger diameter than the slot 26.

When the centrifuge 2 is stopped, the sample tube 10 is aligned with the axis X of the centrifugal rotating body 4.
- Slightly lower than the vertical position relative to X.

When a sufficient centrifugal force is generated by rotation, the sample tube 10 is displaced in the direction of the arrow and assumes a position approximately perpendicular to the axis of the centrifugal rotor 4 (see FIG. 1).

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cap 8, as described with respect to the centrifugal rotor 4, is typically molded from a resilient material and has a hollow portion 28 defined by a peripheral wall 30.

The mouth edge 32 has a hooked flange 34 having a larger diameter than the peripheral wall 30, and the hooked flange 34 and the outer peripheral surface 30A of the peripheral wall 30
An annular gap 36 is formed between the two.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sample tube 10 is inserted into the slot 26, the cap 8 is fitted into the centrifugal rotating body 4, and the hooked flange 34 is engaged with the opening flange 22 of the centrifugal rotating body 4 to hold it. .

Since the flange-shaped locking end 10A of the sample tube 10 is inserted into the gap 36, the sample tube 10 can be loosely supported on the centrifugal rotating body 4.

When the centrifuge 2 is not rotating, the locking end 10A is attached to the peripheral wall 3.
0 and the inner peripheral surface of the centrifugal rotating body 4.

Next, when the centrifuge 2 is rotated at high speed, centrifugal force is generated, so the locking end 10A comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the centrifugal rotating body 4.
The sample tube 10 is in a vertical or horizontal position with respect to the axis X--X.

In this invention, it is desirable that both the centrifugal rotor 4 and the cap 8 are made of elastic material, but in reality, one of these members (preferably the cap) is made of an elastic material and the other member (preferably the centrifugal rotor) is made of an elastic material. may be a relatively hard non-magnetic material, as long as it can perform the above-mentioned fitting operation between the cap 8 and the centrifugal rotating body 4 to achieve the above-mentioned desired purpose.

As described with reference to the drawings, in operation of the present invention, the sample tube 10 is filled with sample solution and closed at the locking end 'IOA.

The sample tube 10 is inserted into the slot 26 of the centrifuge 4 and the cap 8 is fitted into the upper opening 6 of the centrifuge 4 by engaging the flanges 22, 34 to hold the sample tube 10 in the centrifuge 2.

In this case, it will be understood that an empty sample tube 10 containing no sample solution must also be inserted for balance.

If necessary, the empty sample tube 10 may be further filled with water.

When the centrifuge 2 with the sample tube 10 inserted is placed on the base 18,
The centrifugal rotor 4 is mounted on one side of the support pivot 14 and the stabilizing mechanism shown by the protrusion 16 and is slightly tilted, and each sample tube 10 is in a vertical position with respect to the axis X--X as shown in FIG. It is slightly lowered to the base 18 side.

Next, when the rotational speed of the magnet rotated within the base 18 increases, the centrifuge 2
rotates at high speed and centrifugal force is generated.

At the same time, the centrifuge 2 stands upright from its tilted position and the support pivot 1
4 and rotates stably around the axis X-X.

By rotation, the sample tube 10 changes its position in the direction of the arrow (Fig. 1.8) and assumes a position perpendicular to the axis X-X, and the sample tube 10
Centrifugal action is applied to the sample solution inside.

After applying centrifugal action at a certain speed (for example, 200 ORPM) for a certain period of time (for example, 3 minutes), the rotational speed of the magnet in the base 18, and therefore the rotational speed of the centrifuge 2, is gradually slowed down.

In this case, since the stabilizing protrusion 16 is provided, the tilt of the centrifuge 2 when stopped is slight, and the separated precipitate will not be suspended again.

When the centrifuge 2 stops, the cap 8 is removed from the centrifugal rotating body 4, and the sample tube 10 is removed from the slot 26 and placed vertically on a rack or the like for examination or analysis of the separated precipitate.

The present invention is configured as described above, and in particular, does not use a support shaft for the centrifugal rotor, which is assembled to a fixed base by mechanical means in conventional centrifuges, and instead allows the centrifugal rotor to be centered around the axis of the bottom outer surface of the centrifugal rotor. The support pivot, which is protruded from the top, supports the base in contact with the top plate of the base, which has magnets for one-drive rotation inside.The structure is simple, and the centrifugal rotating body can be moved if necessary after the rotation has stopped. A great feature is that it can be easily picked up from the base.

This is because in centrifugation work, if you prepare at least two centrifugal rotating bodies, you can immediately start the next centrifugation process by using another centrifugal rotating body with a sample tube attached in advance, without waiting for the sample tube to be replaced. can be started and improve work efficiency.

In addition, a plurality of protrusions or circular rings protruding from the bottom outer surface of the centrifugal rotor around the support pivot have a stabilizing effect by making the centrifugal rotor slightly tilted when it stops or rotates at low speed.

Furthermore, the configuration in which each sample tube is loosely held in the radial slot and the annular gap inside the radial slot does not cause strain when attaching and detaching the sample tube, and when the centrifugal rotor rotates at high speed, the sample tube is held in the best way for centrifugal separation. It maintains a horizontal position, and when stopped, the tip automatically lowers to prevent the separated sediment from being suspended again, providing excellent effects.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The figures show one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a centrifugal separator showing a base and a centrifuge that freely rotates on the base; FIG. 2 is a plan view of a centrifugal rotating body. 3 is a side view of the centrifugal rotor, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the bottom outer surface of the centrifugal rotor, FIG. 5 is a plan view of a cap for closing the upper opening of the centrifugal rotor, and FIG. The figure is a front sectional view of the cap, FIG. 7 is a front sectional view of the centrifugal rotating body equipped with a sample tube, and FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway front sectional view of the entire centrifuge. 2...Centrifuge, 4...Centrifugal rotating body, 6
...Top opening, 8...Cap, 1
0...Sample tube, 12...Bottom, 14.
...Support pivot, 16...Protrusion, 18
...Base, 22...Opening flange, 2
4...Lug, 25...Magnetic member, 26
...Slot, 30...Peripheral wall, 32.
...rim, 34...flange with hook,
36...Gap.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A centrifugal rotating body for centrifugal separation is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an upper opening, and a support pivot for rotation is protruded from the axis of the outer surface of the bottom of the centrifugal rotating body. A driven magnetic member is attached to the center of the bottom surface, and a plurality of slots are provided in the open flange at the top of the centrifugal body to distribute the amount equally, and each sample tube is inserted into each slot in a radial direction from the centrifugal body. A cap for overturning the upper opening is removably fitted to the opening flange, while a support pivot at the bottom of the centrifugal rotating body is brought into contact with the top surface of the top plate and is rotatable. A magnet for driving rotation is provided horizontally in the base for supporting the centrifugal rotor, and when the rotational force is insufficient for stable rotation of the centrifugal rotor around the support pivot, the state of the centrifugal rotor is approximately controlled. A magnetically driven centrifugal separator comprising a stabilizing mechanism projecting outwardly from the bottom for horizontal stabilization. 2. The stabilizing mechanism is characterized in that a plurality of protrusions arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction are all formed to have the same height from the bottom and lower than the height of the support pivot. The magnetically driven centrifugal separator according to item 1. 3. The magnetically driven centrifugal separator according to claim 1, wherein the cap is molded from an elastic material and is fitted into an opening flange of the centrifugal rotating body. 4. The magnetic single-drive centrifugal separator according to claim 3, wherein the cap has a lip with a hooked flange, and the hooked flange engages with the opening flange. 5. The cap has a peripheral wall on the inside thereof, the hooked flange has a larger diameter than the peripheral wall and forms an annular gap with the outer surface of the peripheral wall, and the sample tube is held in the slot. , when the hooked flange engages with the opening flange, the locking end of the sample tube is disposed in the gap.
Magnetically driven centrifugal separator as described in . 6. A locking end of the sample tube held in the slot has a diameter larger than that of the slot, and the locking end is configured to support the sample tube in the slot. The magnetic single-drive centrifugal separator according to item 5. 7. The magnetically driven centrifuge according to claim 5, wherein the slot has a shape that allows the sample tube to be held loosely, and the gap has a size that allows the locking end to be loosely arranged. Separation device. 8. The magnetically driven centrifugal separator according to claim 6, wherein the slot is formed to be open upward for attaching and detaching a sample tube. 9 The centrifugal rotating body is molded from an elastic material, and includes a first pair of lugs and a second pair of lugs provided at a predetermined interval as a support mechanism for the magnetic member, symmetrically centered on the bottom surface. The magnetic layer dynamic centrifugal separator according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic member is removably fitted to the first and second lugs. 10. A centrifugal rotating body for centrifugation according to claim 1, wherein the sample tubes are held in the slots and are positioned radially opposite each other. is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an upper opening, a support pivot for rotation is protruded from the axis of the outer surface of the bottom, and a driven magnetic member is attached to the center of the bottom of the centrifugal rotating body, and this centrifugal rotation is The opening flange on the upper part of the body is provided with a plurality of slots that distribute the amount equally,
Each sample tube is held in each slot radially from the centrifugal rotor, while a support pivot at the bottom of the centrifugal rotor is rotatably supported in contact with the top surface of the top plate. is provided horizontally with a magnet for driving rotation, and in order to stably rotate the centrifugal rotating body around the support pivot when the rotational force is insufficient, the centrifugal rotating body is stabilized in a substantially horizontal state; A magnetic layer dynamic centrifugal separator comprising a stabilizing mechanism protruding outward from the bottom. 12. Claim 12, wherein the stabilizing mechanism has a plurality of protrusions arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, all of which have the same height from the bottom and are lower than the height of the support pivot. 12. The magnetic layer dynamic centrifugal separator according to item 11. 13. The magnetic layer dynamic centrifugal separator according to claim 11, wherein the stabilizing mechanism has a circular ring centered on the support pivot and is formed lower than the height of the support pivot.