Gate arrangement comprising a transfer chute having two axes of rotation

Abstract

The invention relates to a door arrangement (1) for a door having a first closed space, the arrangement allowing a sealed connection between the first closed space and a second closed space, and comprising a flange (2) defining an opening plane and a passage axis (O) perpendicular to the opening plane, a door (4) pivotably mounted on the flange (2), and a chute (10) for a discharge assembly movable between a discharge position in which the chute is positioned opposite a passage opening and a position in which the chute is spaced apart from the passage opening, the chute being attached to the flange (2) by means of a first double-hinged connection mechanism (11) comprising a first hinge (12) arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis (C) parallel to the passage axis (O) of the passage opening, and a second hinge (13) arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis (D) perpendicular to the passage axis (O) of the passage opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door arrangement for a first enclosure volume that allows for a sealed connection between the first enclosure volume and a second enclosure volume.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a door arrangement for a first enclosure volume, the door arrangement comprising: a flange arranged to define a passage opening in the first enclosure volume, the passage opening defining an axis; a door pivotally mounted on the flange to pass from a closed position in which the door closes the passage opening to an open position; and a chute for discharging components, movable between a discharge position and a position spaced apart from the passage opening, in which the chute is positioned toward the passage opening to receive and dump components from a second enclosure volume into the first enclosure volume when a second enclosure volume is connected to the first enclosure volume.

[0003] In this application, "volume" means any product, device, or facility that defines volume. Therefore, it can be an enclosure, barrier, receptacle, container, bag, etc.

[0004] Enclosure volume should be understood as meaning the volume isolated from the external environment. This can be precisely, but not exclusively, defined as the volume used for the preparation, storage, and / or processing of products that must not come into contact with the outside or with the user.

[0005] The door arrangement according to the invention is intended to precisely, but not exclusively, connect two enclosure volumes so as to transfer products from one volume to another without compromising airtightness. This may include, for example, the transfer of hazardous products (e.g., certain biological, chemical, or radioactive products), components (e.g., stoppers, vials, plungers, syringes, etc.), environmental control devices (e.g., culture plates, particle counters, etc.), cleaning systems, liquids, powders, tools, waste to the outside of the enclosure, and / or the transfer of any components necessary for the production or maintenance of the production line. Background Technology

[0006] 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.

[0007] These double-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 enclosure volume to be connected is a transportable container or pouch-type receptacle, and the other enclosure volume to which the receptacle is connected is usually a fixed disposal enclosure. The receptacle is connected to the disposal enclosure by connecting the door / flange assemblies together. This connection is typically achieved by engaging an object known as a bayonet system, with the flange of the receptacle and the plug of the door engaging in the flange and recess of the door of the disposal enclosure, respectively; then rotating the receptacle allows the flange of the receptacle to lock onto the flange of the disposal enclosure, and allows the door of the receptacle to lock onto the door of the enclosure; the doors connected to each other are unlocked by unlocking the door with its corresponding flange.

[0008] To facilitate the transfer of components from a second enclosure volume to a first enclosure volume, transfer devices fixed inside the enclosure and to the walls of the enclosure are known. Typically, the transfer device includes a funnel-shaped element positioned by a bearing or in a flange of the first volume to receive the component from the second volume and guide the component within the first volume. Patent application FR3082126 describes an example of such a transfer device.

[0009] However, existing transfer devices have the following drawbacks: turbulence is generated below the laminar flow during their movement within the enclosure from their discharge location to a location separated from the passage opening (and vice versa). This generated turbulence disrupts the invisible protective barrier of the process formed by laminar flow, thus increasing the risk of process contamination.

[0010] In addition, the transfer devices of existing technologies are relatively large.

[0011] The present invention aims to correct these problems by providing a gate arrangement that facilitates the transfer of components from one enclosure volume to another while minimizing turbulence below laminar flow and an enclosure including this gate arrangement.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an arrangement and an enclosure including a door arrangement that includes a component transfer device that is simple to implement, easy to clean, and provides optimal space requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, and according to a first aspect, the present invention proposes a door arrangement for a first enclosure volume that allows a sealed connection between the first enclosure volume and a second enclosure volume, the door arrangement comprising: a flange arranged to define a passage opening in the first enclosure volume, the passage opening defining a passage axis; a door pivotally mounted on the flange to pass from a closed position where the door closes the passage opening to an open position; and a chute for discharging components, movable between a discharge position and a position spaced apart from the passage opening, in which the chute is positioned toward the passage opening to receive and pour components from the second enclosure volume into the first enclosure volume when the second enclosure volume is connected to the first enclosure volume. A significant feature of the arrangement is that the discharge chute is secured to the flange by means of a first double-articulated linkage mechanism, the first double-articulated linkage mechanism including a first joint arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis parallel to the passage axis of the passage opening, and a second joint arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the passage axis of the passage opening.

[0014] "Passage axis" refers to the axis perpendicular to the plane of the opening defined by the passage opening.

[0015] Advantageously, the first double-joint linkage mechanism is driven by a micro motor.

[0016] Advantageously, the gate arrangement includes components for: controlling a micro motor to move the discharge chute from its spaced-out position to its discharge position by driving a first joint and then a second joint, and vice versa, moving the discharge chute from its discharge position to its spaced-out position.

[0017] Advantageously, the discharge chute has a truncated cone configuration.

[0018] Advantageously, the door is secured to the flange by means of a second double-joint linkage mechanism, the second double-joint linkage mechanism including a first joint 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 a second joint arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis parallel to the passage axis.

[0019] Advantageously, the diameters of the first double-joint linkage mechanism and the second double-joint linkage mechanism are opposite.

[0020] Advantageously, the second joint of the second double-joint linkage is arranged to allow rotational movement of at least a quarter turn.

[0021] Advantageously, the second joint of the second double-joint linkage is arranged to allow rotational movement of preferably 180 degrees relative to the plane of the passage opening.

[0022] Advantageously, the double-joint linkage mechanism is motorized. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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:

[0024] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A perspective view of the rear of the door arrangement according to the invention is shown, with the door in the closed position;

[0025] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 exhibit Figure 1 A front view of the door arrangement, with the door in place and the discharge chute in the discharge position;

[0026] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 Showing closed positions Figure 1 Front view of the door arrangement;

[0027] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 exhibit Figure 1 A front view of the door arrangement, with the door fully open and the discharge chute positioned in front of the passage opening;

[0028] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 exhibit Figure 1 The front view of the door arrangement shows the discharge chute in the middle, fully open position;

[0029] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 exhibit Figure 1 The front view of the door arrangement shows the discharge chute in the middle, fully open position.

[0030] In the following text, the term "rear view" refers to a view within or leading to the interior space of the enclosed volume defined by the door arrangement. Similarly, the term "front view" means located outside the interior space of the enclosed volume or facing away from the interior of the enclosed volume defined by the door arrangement. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Combination Figures 1 to 6 The invention describes a door arrangement 1 equipped with a first enclosure volume. This door arrangement is configured to allow connection to a second enclosure volume. Advantageously, the first enclosure volume is a fixed enclosure, while the second enclosure 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 enclosure volume. When the door arrangements of the first volume and the second volume are connected to each other, they form a sealing device that allows the product to be transferred between the two enclosure volumes without compromising airtightness.

[0032] The door arrangement 1 includes a flange 2, a door 4, and a chute 10 for discharging components.

[0033] Flange 2 is arranged to define a passage opening 3 in an enclosure having door arrangement 1, the passage opening 3 defining an opening plane and a passage axis O perpendicular to the opening plane. Door 4 is pivotally mounted on flange 2 to pass from a closed position in which door 4 closes passage opening 3 to an open position in which door 4 extends generally parallel to the passage plane, and vice versa. Discharge chute 10 is arranged inside first volume 1 to allow components from second enclosure volume to be discharged into first enclosure volume when second enclosure volume is connected to first enclosure volume.

[0034] According to the invention, the discharge chute 10 is pivotally mounted on the flange 2 to pass between a discharge position and a position spaced apart from the passage opening 3, in which the discharge chute 10 is positioned toward the passage opening 3 to receive and discharge components from the second enclosure volume. For this purpose, the discharge chute 10 is secured to the flange 2 via a double-articulated linkage 11. The double-articulated linkage thus includes a first joint 12 arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis C parallel to the passage axis O of the passage opening, and a second joint 13 arranged to allow rotational movement about an axis D perpendicular to the passage axis O of the passage opening.

[0035] Advantageously, the double-joint linkage 11 is arranged such that, first following rotational movement about axis C, and second following rotational movement about axis D, the discharge chute 10 is displaced from its spaced position to its discharge position, and vice versa, from its discharge position to its spaced position.

[0036] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the double-jointed linkage 11 is driven by a micromotor. The micromotor is advantageously controlled to move the discharge chute from its spaced-out position to its discharge position according to the continuous rotational movement described above. Of course, it is apparent that the invention is not limited to a motorized discharge chute, the movement of which can be manually performed by entering a first enclosure volume via a second opening of the first volume.

[0037] The discharge chute 10 advantageously has a truncated conical shape, with its larger base designed to engage in the passage opening 3 when the discharge chute 10 is in the discharge position, and its smaller base defining the discharge end in the first volume. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge chute 10, positioned at the horizontal plane of the central flange 2, extends vertically near the wall of the enclosure, with the discharge end guiding to the top of the enclosure. It is obvious, however, that the invention is not limited to this arrangement of the discharge chute; the discharge chute can be arranged on the flange at locations other than those shown and the motorized door, or have another orientation, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0038] Similar to the discharge chute 10, the door 4 is also advantageously secured to the flange 2 by means of a double-jointed linkage 5. In the example shown, this second double-jointed linkage 5 is diametrically opposed to the first double-jointed linkage 11.

[0039] The second double-joint linkage 5 includes a first joint 6 arranged on one hand to allow rotational movement about an axis B perpendicular to the door axis (or the passage axis O perpendicular to the passage opening), and a second joint 7 arranged on the other hand to allow rotational movement about an axis A parallel to the door axis (or the passage axis O parallel to the passage opening). In this specification, the term "door axis" refers to the axis perpendicular to the door extension when the door is in the closed position. Therefore, the door axis corresponds to the passage axis O. Advantageously, the two joints 6 and 7 are arranged together with the door 4 such that opening of the door occurs first by rotational movement about axis B, and then by rotational movement about axis A. The first joint 6 is in the form of a hinge, with its fixed portion fastened to the second joint 7, which in turn is connected to the door via a connecting arm 9. 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, and preferably 180 degrees, relative to the opening plane.

[0040] Of course, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to doors fixed to the flange by double articulation, and the door opening may have another mechanism without departing from the scope of the invention, such as a single hinge. The advantage of providing a double articulation mechanism for both the discharge chute and the door is that it avoids the formation of turbulence as they move from one position to another.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, the door is advantageously motorized. For this purpose, the first and second joints 6 are each, for example, coupled 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 actuated by actuating a control lever carried by the door, which can be positioned on the inside and / or outside of the enclosing volume.

[0042] Figures 2 to 6 The discharge chute 10 is shown in its discharge position.

[0043] Therefore, the door is opened before the discharge chute is installed in front of passage opening 3. This is achieved by the following operation from its closed position ( Figure 2 Occurrence: In the example shown, the movement follows a stroke of approximately 20 degrees around axis B of the hinge (first joint 6), and then a stroke of approximately 180 degrees around axis A of the second joint 7 to reach the desired position. Figure 3 The final open position is shown in the figure. In its final open position, door 4 extends in a plane parallel to the passage opening and opposite to its closed position diameter.

[0044] Once the door is fully open, move the discharge chute 10. This is done by moving it from its separated position as follows: Figure 3 ) Occurs: in the example shown ( Figure 4 The discharge chute 10 then rotates about axis C (first joint 12) along a 90-degree stroke. Figure 5 The discharge position is located at the middle opening of the entire gap through which the passage opening 3 is provided.

[0045] The invention has been described above with the aid of examples. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and embodiments of the invention without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. A door arrangement (1) for a first enclosed volume, allowing a sealed connection between said first enclosed volume and a second enclosed volume, said door arrangement comprising: - a flange (2) arranged to define a passage opening (3) in said first enclosed volume, said passage opening defining an opening plane and a passage axis (O) perpendicular to said opening plane, - a door (4) pivotably mounted on said flange (2) so as to pass from a closed position in which said door (4) closes said passage opening (3) to an open position, and - a discharge chute (10) for a discharge assembly, movable between a discharge position in which said chute is positioned towards said passage opening to receive and pour said assembly from said second enclosed volume into said first enclosed volume when said second enclosed volume is connected to said first enclosed volume, and a position spaced from said passage opening, characterized in that said discharge chute (10) is fixed to said flange (2) by means of a first double-joint linkage (11) comprising a first joint (12) arranged to allow a rotational movement around an axis (C) parallel to said passage axis (O) of said passage opening, and a second joint (13) arranged to allow a rotational movement around an axis (D) perpendicular to said passage axis (O) of said passage opening.

2. The door arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first double-joint linkage (11) is driven by a micromotor.

3. The door arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises means for controlling said micromotor to move said discharge chute from its spaced position to its discharge position by driving said first joint and then said second joint (13), and vice versa, moving said discharge chute from its discharge position to its spaced position.

4. The door arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said discharge chute (10) has a semi-truncated cone conformation.

5. The door arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said door (4) is fixed to said flange (2) by means of a second double-joint linkage (5) comprising a first joint (6) arranged to allow a rotational movement of at most 30 degrees around an axis (B) perpendicular to said passage axis (O) with respect to the plane of said passage opening (3), and a second joint (7) arranged to allow a rotational movement around an axis (A) parallel to said passage axis (O).

6. The door arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said first double-joint linkage (11) is diametrically opposite said second double-joint linkage (5).

7. The door arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said second joint (7) of said second double-joint linkage (5) is arranged to allow a rotational movement of at least a quarter of a turn.

8. The door arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said second joint (7) of said second double-joint linkage (5) is arranged to allow a rotational movement of 180 degrees with respect to said plane of said passage opening (3).

9. The door arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said double-joint linkage (5) is motorized.

Images