A door assembly that allows sealed transfer between two enclosed volumes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door arrangement (1) that allows a sealed transfer between two enclosed volumes, comprising: a flange (2) arranged to define an opening in one of the enclosed volumes; and a door (4) extending along an axis (C) and hinged to / mounted to the flange (2) for movement from a closed position to an open position, wherein in the closed position the door (4) closes the passage opening (3), the door arrangement being characterized in that the door (4) is fastened to the flange (2) by a double-joint linkage (5) comprising a first joint (6) and a second joint (7), the first joint being arranged to allow rotational movement of up to 30 degrees about an axis (A) perpendicular to the axis (C) of the door relative to the plane of the passage opening (3), and the second joint being arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis (B) parallel to the axis (C) of the door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door arrangement which is intended to be fitted into a first enclosing volume and allows a second enclosing volume to be sealed to the first enclosing volume.

[0002] In this application, "volume" means any product, equipment, or facility that defines volume. Therefore, it can be an enclosed body, an insulator, a container, a box, a bag, etc.

[0003] "Closed volume" should be understood as a volume that is isolated from the external environment. This can be explicitly, but not exclusively, defined as a volume used for the preparation, storage, and / or handling of products that must not come into contact with the outside or with the user.

[0004] The door arrangement according to the invention is intended to explicitly, but not exclusively, connect two enclosed volumes so as to transfer products from one volume to another without breaking the seal. This may include, for example, the transfer of hazardous products (e.g., certain biological, chemical, or radioactive products), the transfer of components (e.g., stoppers, bottles, plungers, syringes, etc.), the transfer of environmental control devices (e.g., culture media plates, particle counters, etc.), the transfer of cleaning systems, the transfer of liquids, powders, tools, waste to the outside of the enclosure, and / or the transfer of any elements necessary for the production or maintenance of the production line. Background Technology

[0005] Transferring a product from one enclosed volume to another without compromising the airtightness of those volumes is a challenging problem. To address this, double-door sealing connection devices have been developed. These include, for example, those described in patent applications FR2777822 and FR3036054.

[0006] These dual-door connection devices are formed by first and second door / flange assemblies, one of which is a door / flange assembly of one volume, and the other is a door / flange assembly of another volume. Typically, the enclosed volume to be connected is a transportable carton or bag-type container, and the other enclosed volume to which the container is connected is usually a fixed processing closure. The container is connected to the processing closure by joining the door / flange assemblies together. This connection is typically achieved by: engaging an object called a bayonet system, wherein the flange of the container and the plug of the door engage the flange of the processing closure and the recess of the door, respectively; then rotating the container, which allows the flange of the container to lock onto the flange of the processing closure; and allowing the door of the container to lock onto the door of the closure, wherein the doors connected to each other are unlocked by disengaging the door from its corresponding flange.

[0007] In a known manner, a door to a closed enclosure is fixed to its corresponding flange by means of a hinge. The door moves from its closed position to its open position by rotating about the hinge, and vice versa, wherein the vertical and lateral axes of the hinge lie on the inner surface of the flange or the wall of the enclosure. In the open state, the door protrudes into the enclosure, generally perpendicular to the plane of the passage opening, which hinders the passage of products between enclosed volumes. Furthermore, the movement of the door within the enclosure has the disadvantage of generating turbulence under laminar flow conditions. This turbulence can damage the invisible protective barrier of processes generated by laminar flow and thus pose a risk of contamination.

[0008] To overcome the obstacle of product passage from one volume to another, patent application EP2504102 proposes a door arrangement that provides a door opening angle greater than that obtained with the aforementioned door arrangement. Specifically, in the open state, the door can be positioned substantially parallel to the passage opening. For this purpose, the door can move initially along an axis orthogonal to the opening, the flange, and the door's position in its closed state, followed by a subsequent rotational movement about this orthogonal axis to move away from the flange. Alternatively, the door can also be separated by an initial rotational movement about an axis parallel to the opening, the flange, and the door's position in its closed state, followed by a subsequent rotational movement about an axis parallel to the opening, the flange, and the door's position in its closed state.

[0009] However, such door arrangements have disadvantages such as requiring door drive systems that pass through the walls of the enclosure, imposing structural constraints to maintain the seal of the enclosure during initial translational movement, or generating turbulence similar to the door arrangements described above during initial rotational movement.

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy these problems by proposing a door arrangement with optimal openings so that the passage openings of the enclosure are unobstructed, while limiting turbulence under laminar flow when the doors are opened. Summary of the Invention

[0011] For this purpose and according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a door arrangement that allows for a sealed transfer between two enclosed volumes, comprising: a flange arranged to define an opening in one of the enclosed volumes; a passage opening defining an opening plane and a passage axis perpendicular to the opening plane; and an axis door hinged to the flange for movement between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the door closes the passage opening, the door arrangement being characterized in that the door is secured to the flange via a double-joint linkage mechanism including a first joint and a second joint, the first joint being arranged to allow rotational movement of up to 30 degrees relative to the plane of the passage opening about an axis perpendicular to the passage axis, and the second joint being arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis parallel to the passage axis.

[0012] Advantageously, the second joint is arranged to allow rotational movement of at least a quarter turn relative to the plane of the channel opening, and preferably 180 degrees.

[0013] Advantageously, the double-joint linkage mechanism is motorized. Preferably, each joint is coupled to a motor.

[0014] Advantageously, the flange has an outer surface equipped with a magnetic locking latch that prevents other flange volumes from pressing against it.

[0015] Advantageously, each locking latch is mobile.

[0016] Advantageously, each clasp is coupled to a micromotor; the micromotor is associated with a component for detecting the presence of a low-pressure first flange. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] - Figure 1 A perspective view of the rear of a door arrangement in the closed position according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] - Figure 2a Showing the closed position Figure 1 A front view of the door layout;

[0020] - Figure 2b Showing the closed position Figure 1 A top view of the door arrangement;

[0021] - Figure 3a Showing the middle open position Figure 1 A front view of the door layout;

[0022] - Figure 3b Showing the middle open position Figure 1 A top view of the door arrangement;

[0023] - Figure 4a Showing the middle open position Figure 1 A front view of the door layout;

[0024] - Figure 4b Showing the middle open position Figure 1 A top view of the door arrangement;

[0025] - Figure 5a Showing the fully open position Figure 1 A front view of the door layout;

[0026] - Figure 5b Showing the fully open position Figure 1 A top view of the door arrangement;

[0027] - Figure 6 Showing the closed position Figure 1 A front perspective view of the door arrangement;

[0028] - Figure 7a A detailed view of the flange locking buckle in the unlocked state is shown;

[0029] - Figure 7b Show Figure 7a The flange locking buckle has the flange in a locked state.

[0030] - Figure 8 Showing the closed position Figure 1 A front perspective view of the arrangement of the doors, in which the doors are positioned to be fastened to the second enclosed volume.

[0031] In the following text, the term "rear view" refers to a view within or leading toward the interior space of an enclosed volume defined by the door arrangement. Similarly, the term "front view" means a view located outside or leading away from the interior of the enclosed volume defined by the door arrangement. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Combination Figures 1 to 8 The invention describes a door arrangement 1 having a first enclosed volume. This door arrangement is configured to allow connection to a second enclosed volume. Advantageously, the first enclosed volume is a fixed enclosure, while the second enclosed volume is a transportable container. Of course, this is one embodiment, and the device according to the invention is not limited to this type of enclosed volume. When the door arrangement of the first volume and the door arrangement of the second volume are connected to each other, they form a sealing device that allows products to be transferred between the two enclosed volumes without compromising the seal.

[0033] The door arrangement 1 according to the invention includes a flange 2 and a door 4. The flange 2 is arranged to define a passage opening 3 in a closed body equipped with the door arrangement 1, the passage opening 3 defining an opening plane and a passage axis perpendicular to the opening plane, and the door 4 is hinged to the flange 2 to move from a closed position to an open position, in which the door 4 closes the passage opening 3, and in the open position, the door 4 extends generally parallel to the passage opening plane, and vice versa. For this purpose, the door is fastened to the flange by means of a double-joint linkage 5. The double-joint linkage therefore includes, on the one hand, a first joint 6, which is arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis A perpendicular to the axis C of the door (or the axis perpendicular to the channel opening), and on the other hand, a second joint 7, which is arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis B parallel to the axis C of the door (or the channel axis parallel to the channel opening). Figure 1 In this specification, when the door is in the closed position, the term "door axis" refers to the axis perpendicular to the extension of the door. The door axis therefore corresponds to the channel axis of the channel opening 3. Figure 1 The axis C shown will then refer to the axis of the door or the channel when it is in the closed position.

[0034] Two joints 6 and 7 are arranged on the door 4, such that the door can be opened by first rotating about axis A and then rotating about axis B. The first joint 6 is in the form of a hinge, the fixed part of which is fastened to the second joint 7, which is in turn coupled to the door via a connecting arm 9.

[0035] The first joint 6 is arranged to allow rotational movement of up to 30 degrees relative to the opening plane, while the second joint 7 is arranged to allow rotational movement of at least 45 degrees relative to the opening plane, and preferably 180 degrees.

[0036] Figures 2 through 5 illustrate the rotational movement of a door from a closed position to an open position. Therefore, in the illustrated example (Figure 3), the opening of door 4 is accomplished from its closed position (Figure 2) by rotating approximately 20 degrees about axis A of the hinge (first joint 5). Door 4 is then in a partially open position. Door 4 is then actuated to rotate approximately 180 degrees about axis B of the second joint 7, passing through an intermediate open position providing full clearance for the passage opening 3 (Figure 4 shows the door in the intermediate open position) to reach the final open position shown in Figure 5. In its final position, the door extends in a plane parallel to the passage opening, in a plane diametrically opposite to its closed position.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, the door is advantageously motorized. For this purpose, the first and second joints 6 are each coupled, for example, to a stepper motor. Of course, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to a motorized door; movement of the motorized door can be manually performed by actuating a control lever carried by the door, which can be positioned on the inside and / or outside of the enclosed volume.

[0038] As previously indicated, the door arrangement according to the invention allows coupling of a second volume having a second flange and being closed by a second door, the second flange defining a passage opening in the second enclosed volume. For this purpose, the flange 2 advantageously has an outer surface 20 having a fixing member capable of securing and maintaining the flange of the door of the second enclosed volume against it. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening member of the flange includes a magnetic locking latch 8. Of course, it is obvious that this is an exemplary embodiment and other locking members, such as actuators, may be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0039] Each locking latch 8 is provided with a locking lug 10, which is movable between a position where the lug is recessed within the flange and a position where the lug protrudes radially from the flange 2 toward the channel opening, thus locking the flange of the second enclosed volume. Furthermore, each locking latch 8 is associated with a micromotor capable of rotating to move the locking latch from its unlocked state to its locked state. Figure 7a and 7b Show the buckle in its unlocked and locked positions.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the flange is provided with four locking latches 8 distributed at 90 degrees. Of course, this is an exemplary embodiment; the number of locking latches may vary depending on the size of the door. Thus, the flange includes at least two locking latches that are advantageously positioned diametrically opposite each other.

[0041] according to Figure 8 Door 4 rotates about axis C (advantageously, by 60°) to unlock the door of the second enclosed volume from its flange and to secure the door of the second enclosed volume with door 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the door is driven by a motor located in connecting arm 9 and parallel to axis C.

[0042] The invention has been described above with the aid of examples. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can generate various variations and embodiments of the invention without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. A closed cavity, comprising: - The channel opening in the enclosed cavity, the channel opening defining an opening plane and a channel axis perpendicular to the opening plane, -Flange (2), which is arranged to define the opening of the channel; - Door (4), which is hinged so as to move between a closed position and an open position, in which the door (4) closes the passage opening (3). - A double-joint linkage mechanism (5) includes a first joint (6) and a second joint (7); the first joint (6) is configured to rotate about an axis A perpendicular to the channel axis, and the second joint (7) is configured to rotate about an axis B parallel to the channel axis; the first joint (6) and the second joint (7) are configured to cooperate with the door (4) so ​​that when the door is opened, it first rotates about axis A and then about axis B; Its features The door (4) is fastened to the flange (2) by the double-joint linkage (5). The first joint is arranged to allow rotational movement of up to 30 degrees about axis A relative to the plane of the channel opening (3). Moreover, the flange (2) and the door (4) constitute a door arrangement (1), which can be connected to the door arrangement of another closed cavity; when connected to the door arrangement of another closed cavity, a joint device is formed to realize the sealed transfer between the closed cavity and the other closed cavity.

2. The enclosed cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that... The second joint (7) is arranged to allow rotational movement of at least a quarter turn.

3. The enclosed cavity according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that... The second joint (7) is arranged to allow rotational movement of 180 degrees relative to the plane of the channel opening (3).

4. The enclosed cavity according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that... The double-joint linkage mechanism (5) is motorized.

5. The enclosed cavity according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that... The flange (2) has an outer surface equipped with a magnetic locking buckle (8) which can fix and maintain the flange against another closed cavity.

6. The enclosed cavity according to claim 5, characterized in that... Each locking buckle (8) is motorized.

7. The enclosed cavity according to claim 6, characterized in that... Each locking latch (8) is coupled to a micro motor, which is associated with a component for detecting the presence of a flange of the other closed cavity that presses against the flange (2) of the closed cavity.

8. The enclosed cavity according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that... Axis A and B intersect at a common point.

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