Connection assembly for fluid-tight transfer container

Abstract

A connection assembly for a fluid-tight transfer container and a fluid-tight transfer unit is provided. The unit includes a unit flange (18) and a unit door (22). The connection assembly includes a container flange (20) and a container door (24) mounted to the container flange (20). The container flange (20) includes a first longitudinal connection portion (42) to the unit and a second longitudinal connection portion (44) to the fluid-tight transfer container. The first longitudinal connection portion (42) and the second longitudinal connection portion (44) are connected by a shoulder (84) toward the container door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection assembly for a fluid-tight transfer container and a container including such a connection assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In a number of industrial sectors, including the nuclear, medical, pharmaceutical, and agri-food sectors, there is a need or expectation to perform certain tasks in a closed atmosphere to protect the environment from effects such as radioactivity and toxicity, or conversely, to perform such tasks in a sterile or dust-free atmosphere, or ultimately both.

[0003] The challenge lies in transferring equipment or products from one enclosed volume to another, ensuring that the fluid tightness of each volume is never compromised by external forces. This problem can be solved by a double-door connection device.

[0004] Such a double-door device with multiple security controls is known, for example, in document FR2695343. Each volume is closed by a door mounted in a flange. Each door engages with its flange via a bayonet connection or via a hinge and locking system, and the two flanges are designed to engage with each other via a bayonet connection.

[0005] For example, one enclosed volume is formed by an isolator, and another volume is formed by a flexible container, also known as a fluid-tight transfer bag.

[0006] Conventionally, the connection portion carried by the isolator is called the α portion, and the connection portion carried by the container is called the β portion.

[0007] Seals are provided on the α and β portions to ensure fluid tightness between the connected volumes.

[0008] The β portion includes a β flange closed by a β door, the β flange and the β door being connected and mating with each other via a bayonet connection, and the α portion includes an α flange closed by an α door, the α door being hinged to the α flange. Fluid tightness between the β flange and the β door is provided by a seal housed within the β flange.

[0009] The connection between the conveyor bag and the outer shell is achieved through a bayonet connection by the mechanical engagement of the β flange and the α flange. This mechanical engagement provides both mechanical connection and fluid tightness.

[0010] The fluid-tight connection cycle is as follows: The container carrying the β portion is closer to the α portion, the lugs of the β flange extend into the recesses of the α flange, and the lugs of the β gate extend into the recesses of the α gate. The container pivots, for example, clockwise, causing the lugs of the β flange to pivot and slide within the grooves of the α flange. Simultaneously, due to friction from the seal carried by the β flange, the rotation of the container causes the β gate to rotate, resulting in a bayonet connection between the β gate and the α gate. The two gates then engage. The lugs of the β gate then abut against the circumferential abutment carried by the α gate.

[0011] The container pivots again because the lug of the β gate rests against the circumferential abutment on the α gate, and the rotation of the container causes separation between the β gate and the β flange.

[0012] Depending on the seal, one is carried by a β flange and the other by an α gate; the following alternative examples are possible: As the lugs of the β flange pivot and slide within the grooves of the α flange, the β gate remains stationary during rotation due to friction from the seal carried by the α gate, and the β gate separates from the β flange. The lugs of the β flange then rest against the circumferential abutment carried by the β gate.

[0013] The container pivots again, due to the lugs of the β flange abutting against the circumferential abutment on the β door. The rotation of the container causes the β door to rotate, resulting in a bayonet connection between the β door and the α door. The two doors then engage.

[0014] From inside the unit, the α door is unlocked, and the assembly of the two doors can pivot about the axis of the hinge toward the inside of the unit.

[0015] Transfer between the two volumes can occur. The separation cycle is as follows: The two doors are positioned in place within the flanges. The container rotates counterclockwise. Due to friction between the doors, door β remains stationary during rotation, resulting in the connection between door β and flange β. Subsequently, the circumferential abutment carried by flange β rests against the circumferential abutment of door β, causing door β to rotate relative to door α and separate. The container also separates from flange α. The container can then be removed from the flange.

[0016] The circumferential abutment carried by the β flange is formed by the circumferential ends of the lugs of the β flange. This results in lugs with large circumferential dimensions; for example, the α flange includes four lugs, each extending more than 60°.

[0017] Containers, typically flexible bags, are generally designed for the aseptic transfer of small parts, such as stoppers, syringe pistons, and plastic bottles, on filling lines in the pharmaceutical industry.

[0018] Components may get stuck during transfer between containers and units.

[0019] Furthermore, to protect the contaminated ring, known as the "ring of concern," an inner sleeve within the container is typically deployed by the operator in the direction of the unit. This sleeve covers the contaminated ring and provides a channel for the flow of components. Positioning this inner sleeve in place forces the operator to intervene from inside the unit, which complicates operation and prolongs transfer time, while also preventing the opening system from being positioned from the outside—that is, without requiring operator intervention from inside the unit. Summary of the Invention

[0020] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a connection assembly for a fluid-tight transfer container, the connection assembly including a flange and a door, thereby allowing convenient transfer between containers and units.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connection assembly for a fluid-tight transfer container, the connection assembly including a flange and a door, thereby overcoming the problems of using the inner sleeve during transfer.

[0022] The aforementioned objective is achieved through a connection assembly for a fluid-tight transfer container, the assembly comprising a flange and a door, the flange including an integrated groove that connects via a shoulder facing the β door to a portion of the flange ensuring connection with the α portion and the door. Therefore, the container function and the connection function are separate.

[0023] The groove located at the end of the unit can advantageously rest against the shoulder, which will protect the contamination ring. In addition, this end isolates the flange lug from the component, thereby eliminating the risk of jamming.

[0024] This eliminates the need for an inner sleeve within the isolator to protect the contamination ring. Therefore, the β-flange according to the invention is particularly suitable for opening the α-door via an external opening system, whether or not the external opening system is electrically operated, thus eliminating the need for manual operation from inside the isolator and the use of gloves.

[0025] On the one hand, when the β door is closed, the integrated chute with the β flange and the closed container door form a space with smooth walls, preventing the components contained in the container from getting stuck between the flange and the door. On the other hand, when both doors are open, the integrated chute and the chute in the isolator that rests on the shoulder of the β flange form a conveying path free of any obstructions, facilitating the tipping of components.

[0026] The size and shape of the integrated chute depend on the shape and size of the component to be transported.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the β door includes two circumferential abutment groups, one abutment group being actuated during the connection of the container to the α portion, and the other abutment group being actuated during the separation of the container from the α portion. These two groups cooperate with lugs on the flange to ensure that the door is locked onto the flange. The angular extension of the lugs on the β portion can be significantly reduced, for example, the angular extension can be 30° instead of the 60° in the prior art.

[0028] This reduction in angular extension facilitates the molding of flanges via injection and reduces the amount of undercutting. Subsequently, it becomes advantageous to fabricate β-flanges via injection, resulting in material gains.

[0029] In cases where the flange does not separate the container function and the connection function, the risk of component jamming can be limited by significantly increasing the cross-section of the passage between the container and the unit and reducing the angle extension of the lug.

[0030] In other words, the dimensions of the lugs intended for use in connecting the β-door to the β-flange should ensure the engagement of the door and the flange, and the abutments should no longer be distributed between the flange and the door, but only on the door.

[0031] Implementing the abutment only on the door would hardly complicate its manufacturing, and the abutment would not obstruct transmission when the β door and α door are joined and housed in the unit.

[0032] Therefore, the purpose of this application is to provide a connection assembly for a fluid-tight conveying container and a fluid-tight conveying unit, the fluid-tight conveying unit including a unit flange and a unit door, the connection assembly including a container flange and a container door mounted in the container flange, the flange including a first longitudinal connection portion to the unit and a second longitudinal connection portion to the container, the first longitudinal connection portion and the second longitudinal connection portion being connected by a shoulder facing the container door.

[0033] Advantageously, the second longitudinal connecting portion forms a groove integrated into the container flange.

[0034] Preferably, the assembly includes an annular seal located between the shoulder and a face of the container door opposite the shoulder.

[0035] The assembly may include a bayonet connection member located between the container flange and the container door, the container flange being configured to connect to the unit flange via the bayonet connection member, and the container door being configured to connect to the unit door via the bayonet connection member. The container flange includes an inner lug on its radially inner periphery, the inner lug extending radially inward and spaced by a notch, and the container door includes a lug on its radially outer periphery, the lug extending radially outward and spaced by a notch. The container door includes a first abutting group and a second abutting group. The first abutting group includes at least one abutting component that, during the connection phase between the assembly and the unit, is used in the rotational direction of the container flange for the inner lug of the container flange. The second abutting group is separate from the first abutting group and includes at least one abutting component that, during the separation phase between the assembly and the unit, is used in the rotational direction of the container flange for the inner lug of the container flange.

[0036] Preferably, the first abutment group includes the same number of abutment components as the number of internal lugs, and the second abutment group includes the same number of abutment components as the number of internal lugs.

[0037] In one embodiment, the angular extension of the lug of the container door is equal to twice the angular extension of the inner lug.

[0038] According to the additional features, each abutment component in the first abutment group is located at one end of a lug of the container door, and each abutment component in the second abutment group is located at two equal distances from the two ends of a lug of the container door.

[0039] According to another additional feature, each abutment component is formed by a pin parallel to the axis of the container door.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the container door is configured to be connected to the unit door via a bayonet connection with three lugs.

[0041] The container flange is configured to connect to the unit flange via a bayonet connection of three lugs.

[0042] The purpose of this application is also to provide a fluid-tight conveying container, which includes a connection assembly according to the invention and a container fastened to the container flange.

[0043] The container can be secured to the second connection part by welding or clamping.

[0044] The purpose of this application is also to provide a fluid-tight conveying installation, which includes: a unit comprising a unit flange, a unit door and a member for locking the unit door to the unit flange; and a fluid-tight conveying container according to the present invention.

[0045] The unit may advantageously include an inner slide groove, which is movable such that a first longitudinal end of the inner slide groove rests against the shoulder. Advantageously, the first longitudinal end of the inner slide groove includes an annular seal designed to contact the shoulder.

[0046] According to the additional characteristics, the inner diameter of the first longitudinal end of the inner groove is close to or equal to the inner diameter of the second longitudinal connecting portion, such that when the inner groove rests against the shoulder, a pipe with a substantially smooth inner surface is formed.

[0047] The bayonet connection between the container door and the unit door can be achieved using three lugs.

[0048] The bayonet connection between the container flange and the unit flange can be achieved through three lugs.

[0049] Advantageously, the mounting includes a motor control for locking the component. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The invention will be better understood based on the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the connection of a container to a unit via a bayonet-connected double-door fluid-tight conveyor. Figure 2A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the connection assembly; Figure 2B for Figure 2A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative example of the connection assembly; Figure 2C for Figure 2A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of another alternative example of the connection assembly; Figure 2D for Figure 2A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of another alternative example of the connection assembly; Figure 3 A side view of the connection assembly that connects to the unit and rests against the inner slide groove; Figure 4 for Figure 2A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternative example of the flange; Figure 5A and Figure 5B for Figure 2A A side view of an alternative example of a flange; Figure 6A and Figure 6B for Figure 2A A side view of an alternative example of a flange; Figure 7 for Figure 2A A side view of an alternative example of a flange; Figure 8Aand Figure 8B for Figure 2A A side view of an alternative example of a flange; Figure 9A and Figure 9B for Figure 2A A side view of an alternative example of a flange; Figure 10A A perspective view of another embodiment of the flange, door, and sealing assembly for a container, as well as the unit flange and door, viewed from the outside; Figure 10B for Figure 10A A perspective view of the connection assembly used for the container; Figure 11 For separate display Figure 10A A top view of the flange used for the container; Figure 12A For separate display Figure 10A A view of the inside of the door used for the container; Figure 12B for Figure 10A An external view of the flange, door, and sealing assembly used for containers; Figure 12C for Figure 12A Side view of the door; Figure 13A , Figure 13B , Figure 13C and Figure 13D for Figure 10A A container side view showing the different connection steps of the connection assembly and the unit; Figure 14A , Figure 14B and Figure 14C This is a front view of the unit flange and unit door according to other embodiments; Figure 15A for Figure 10A A perspective view of an alternative example of the flange of the connecting assembly; Figure 15B for Figure 10A A perspective view of another alternative example of the flange of the connection assembly; Figure 16A This is a perspective view of the connection assembly, which is configured to connect to... Figure 14A Unit flanges and unit doors; Figure 16B This is a perspective view of the connection assembly, which is configured to connect to... Figure 14B Unit flanges and unit doors; Figure 16C This is a perspective view of the connection assembly, which is configured to connect to... Figure 14C Unit flanges and unit doors; Figure 17AA three-dimensional view of a flange having three external lugs and three internal lugs; Figure 17B and Figure 17C They respectively demonstrate what is suitable for connection to Figure 17A A three-dimensional view of the exterior and interior surfaces of a container door with a flange.

[0051] Label Explanation 10: Unit 12: Container 14, 16: wall 18: Unit flange 20, 920: Container flange 22, 822, 922, 1022: Unit entrance 24, 824, 924, 1024: Container gates 25, 82, 88': Seals 26: Hinges 28: Components 42: First longitudinal connection part 44: Second longitudinal connection section 46: External protrusion 52: Internal protrusion 52.1: First side end 52.2: Second side end 54: First Page 56: Second page 57: Edge 58, 60: Connecting components 59: Platform 62, 80, 880, 980, 1080: Protruding ears 64, 76, 992: Notch 66: Annular groove 67: First Arrival Group 68: Second arrival group 70, 72, 72', 72'': Abutment components 74: Imprint 78: Groove 84: Shoulders 86: Integrated chute 88: Annular seal 90: Inner groove 90.1: Longitudinal end 120, 220, 320, 320', 420, 420', 520, 620, 620', 720, 720', 820, 918, 1020: Flange 286, 386, 386', 486, 486', 586, 686, 686', 786, 786': Integrated chute 994: First connecting assembly XC, X, X': Axis. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments In the following description, “unit gate” and “α gate” are synonyms, “container gate” and “β gate” are synonyms, “unit flange” and “α flange” are synonyms, and “container flange” and “β flange” are synonyms.

[0053] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a double-door fluid-sealed conveying system, in which the conveying container according to the present invention can be implemented.

[0054] Typically, a dual-door conveyor system has rotational symmetry about axis X, which is the axis of the unit flange.

[0055] In the following description, the two enclosed volumes seeking connection correspond to isolator or unit 10 and container 12, respectively. In this embodiment, the container includes a flexible container section.

[0056] Unit 10 is defined by wall 14. Figure 1 Only a portion of the wall is shown. The unit may include, for example, remotely operated components, such as a remote manipulator engaged with wall 14 and / or gloves (not shown). Container 12 is also defined by wall 16, particularly as... Figure 1 As shown. Wall 16 is formed of a flexible bag, for example, by welding two films, for example, rectangular in shape, to their edges. The bag includes an opening that is fluid-tightly fastened to a flange.

[0057] The dual-door fluid-tight conveying device mainly includes a unit flange 18, a container flange 20 with a seal 25, a unit door 22 having a seal 82 that normally closes the circular opening defined by the unit flange 18, and a container door 24 that normally closes the opening defined by the container flange 20. The unit flange 18 and the container flange 20 are respectively fastened to the wall 14 of the unit 10 and the wall 16 of the container 12. In this embodiment, the unit door 22 is hinged to the unit flange 18 via a hinge 26.

[0058] The component generally indicated by reference numeral 28 can control the opening and closing of control door 22 and container door 24.

[0059] The container door 24 is secured to the container flange 20 via a bayonet connection, engaging the container flange 20 with the unit flange 18 and engaging the container door 24 with the unit door 22. The dual-door fluid-tight conveying system also includes two additional bayonet connection members. These three bayonet connection members are configured such that, after the container flange 20 rests against the unit flange 18, rotation of the container 12 about its axis in, for example, a clockwise direction has the following effects: engaging the container flange 20 and the unit flange 18, engaging the container door 24 and the unit door 22, and disengaging the container door 24 from the container flange 20. In operating mode, the latter two operations are performed consecutively; the container can only be opened after the container door 24 and the unit door 22 have engaged to form a dual-door configuration.

[0060] The assembly formed by unit flanges and unit gates is usually called the "α part".

[0061] The assembly formed by the container flange 20, the container door 24 and the seal 25 mounted on the flange is generally referred to as the "β part", and the seal is used for sealing between the flange and the container door 24 and between the unit flange 18 and the container flange 20.

[0062] The transport container then includes a β-connector and, in this embodiment, a flexible container. The β-connector will also be referred to as the connection assembly.

[0063] The connection assembly includes a container flange 20 and a container door 24. The container is fluid-tightly engaged with the flange, for example by welding or mechanical components, such as clamping rings in the case of flexible containers.

[0064] Figure 2A An embodiment of a container flange 20 according to the present invention is shown. The main body of the container flange 20 includes a shoulder 84 of the container to which a first longitudinal connecting portion 42 and a second longitudinal connecting portion 44 are connected.

[0065] The second face 56 of the container door 24 is opposite to the shoulder. The tubular second longitudinal connecting portion 44 and the shoulder 84 define the second longitudinal end externally.

[0066] The second longitudinal connecting portion 44 forms an integrated chute 86. The term "chute" refers to an element, such as a tube or part of a tube, that defines a flow path that guides an object.

[0067] The shoulder 84 and the integrated slide 86 are designed to cooperate extremely advantageously with the inner slide of the unit to ensure the tipping of objects.

[0068] Figure 2BAnother embodiment of the container flange 20 according to the invention is shown. Advantageously, an annular seal 88 is disposed on the shoulder 84. In this embodiment, when the container door 24 is mounted in the container flange 20, the second surface 56 of the container door 24 contacts the seal 88. The seal 88 functions to provide a fluid tightness on the one hand between the container flange 20 and the container door 24, and on the other hand between the container flange 20 and the inner groove of the unit.

[0069] Advantageously, the seal 88, placed in the shoulder of the container flange 20, protects the internal volume of the container 12 from particles generated by friction between the door and the container flange. Alternatively and according to Figure 2C The seal 88 can be placed on the second surface 56 of the container door 24 to provide this fluid tightness. In this alternative example, the fluid tightness between the container flange 20 and the inner groove of the unit is then achieved by adding a seal 88' to the inner groove, such as... Figure 2D As shown.

[0070] The container flange 20 separates the connection portion connected to the unit from the container portion, thus protecting the contamination ring, known as the "ring of concern," from potential contamination.

[0071] The operational examples will now be described.

[0072] As mentioned above, the container is connected to the cell, and the pathway between the cell and the container is open.

[0073] The inner groove 90 located in the unit ( Figure 2D and Figure 3 The inner groove 90 is positioned in the container flange 20 such that one longitudinal end 90.1 abuts against the seal 88 or the seal 88 carried by the inner groove 90 contacts the shoulder 84. The presence of the seal 88 provides a fluid seal between the container flange 20 and the inner groove 90 and allows powder to be conveyed.

[0074] Advantageously, the inner diameter of the inner groove 90 is close to or equal to the inner diameter of the shoulder 84. Therefore, a flow path with a substantially smooth inner surface is configured between the inner groove 90 and the integrated groove 86 of the container flange 20, thereby limiting or even eliminating the risk of objects flowing between containers and units becoming stuck. The term "substantially smooth inner surface" means an inner surface with little or no change in lateral dimensions, or where continuous changes in lateral dimensions do not obstruct the flow of objects.

[0075] The container flange 20 eliminates the need for a sleeve within the isolator to protect objects transferred from the contamination ring (referred to as the "ring of concern"). Manual operations from inside the isolator and the gloves required to deploy the sleeve are removed. The container flange 20 is particularly suitable for automated door-opening mounts that require no manual intervention (i.e., no operator unlocking of the unit door from the inside), after which a motorized system can be operated to control the locking and unlocking of the unit door.

[0076] exist Figures 2A to 2D In one embodiment, the integrated chute has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section and a constant diameter, and is coaxial with the end portion of the inner chute that rests on the shoulder 84.

[0077] Figures 4 to 9B Other embodiments of the integrated chute are shown.

[0078] exist Figure 4 In the flange 220, there is an integrated groove 286, the axis XC of which is inclined relative to the axis of the first connecting portion of the flange.

[0079] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the middle, the flanges 320 and 320' include integrated grooves 386 and 386' that are respectively funnel-shaped, that is, a frustum-shaped, with its small base located on one side of the flange and its diameter equal to the opening diameter of the flange.

[0080] exist Figure 5A In the middle, the axis of the frustum is coaxial with the axis of the flange.

[0081] exist Figure 5B In the middle, the axis of the truncated cone is inclined relative to the axis of the flange.

[0082] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the middle, the flanges 420 and 420' include integrated slides 486 and 486', which are respectively truncated cones with their large bases located on one side of the flanges and their diameters being equal to the opening diameter of the flanges.

[0083] exist Figure 6A In the middle, the axis of the frustum is coaxial with the axis of the flange.

[0084] exist Figure 6B In the middle, the axis of the truncated cone is inclined relative to the axis of the flange.

[0085] exist Figure 7 In the flange 520, an integrated groove 586 having a curved shape (e.g., an elbow shape) is included. The end diameter of the integrated groove connected to the flange is equal to the opening diameter of the flange.

[0086] exist Figure 8A and Figure 8B In the flange, the flange includes an integrated groove 620, 620' having a generally frustum-shaped sidewall, the small base of which is located on one side of the flange and its diameter is equal to the opening diameter of the flange.

[0087] exist Figure 8A In the integrated slide, the axis of the slide is coaxial with the axis of the flange.

[0088] exist Figure 8B In the case of the integrated slide, the axis of the slide is inclined relative to the axis of the flange.

[0089] exist Figure 9A and Figure 9B In the flanges 720 and 720', there are integrated grooves 786 and 786' that are respectively in the shape of a generally frustum, the sidewalls of which are convex and the large base is located on one side of the flange and the diameter of which is equal to the opening diameter of the flange.

[0090] exist Figure 9A In the integrated slide, the axis of the slide is coaxial with the axis of the flange.

[0091] exist Figure 9B In the integrated slide, the axis of the slide is inclined relative to the axis of the flange.

[0092] Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B An embodiment of the connection assembly is shown.

[0093] Flange 120 includes a generally tubular body having a longitudinal axis X', the body including a first longitudinal connecting portion 42 to the α portion of the unit and a second longitudinal connecting portion 44 to the flexible container. A longitudinal channel is defined passing through the two longitudinal portions. The first longitudinal connecting portion 42 is configured to be closed by a container door 24. A container with a rigid container does not depart from the scope of the invention.

[0094] The first longitudinal connecting portion 42 includes lugs 46 (referred to as outer lugs) on its radially outer periphery, which are designed to mate with the unit flange 18 to form a bayonet connection. The outer lugs 46 are regularly distributed at an angle. In the illustrated embodiment, four outer lugs 46 are present. Advantageously, the configuration and shape of the outer lugs 46 are similar to or identical to those of the β portion of an existing container, thus allowing for container interchangeability and even allowing the replacement of existing containers with containers according to the invention without hindering the user.

[0095] The first longitudinal connecting portion 42 includes a connecting member that mates with the container door 24. The connecting member is a bayonet type. The connecting member includes lugs 52 (referred to as internal lugs), and in the illustrated embodiment, there are four radially inwardly projecting lugs. The internal lugs 52 are regularly distributed at an angle around the axis X'. In this embodiment, each internal lug 52 has an angular extension of 30°, which is relatively smaller than the internal lugs of the prior art β portion, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage through the flange.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, each inner lug 52 is aligned with the outer lug along the radius.

[0097] Flange 120 and container door 24 are advantageously made of plastic materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polysulfone (PSU), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a mixture of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). The flange can advantageously be obtained directly by injection molding. In fact, reducing the angular dimensions of the internal lugs 52 facilitates injection molding because they limit the size of the undercut and thus the width of the slide that will be implemented in the mold.

[0098] exist Figure 12A and Figure 12B The image shows a top view of an embodiment of the container door 24. The container door 24 is disc-shaped. The container door includes a body having a first surface 54 and a second surface 56. The first surface is intended to be disposed on the outside of the container and opposite to the α door, and the second surface 56 is intended to be disposed on the inside of the container. The first surface 54 and the second surface 56 are connected by an edge 57.

[0099] The container door includes a connecting member 58 on its second side 56, which is configured to engage with an internal lug 52 of the flange 120, and the container door includes a connecting member 60 to the unit door 22 on its first side 54.

[0100] The connecting member 58 includes lugs 62 separated by recesses 64 on the radially outer periphery of the disc. The container door includes an annular groove 66 formed in the edge 57 and connecting the recesses 64 together. Figure 12C The main body of the container door then includes a platform 59 and lugs.

[0101] The lugs and notches are regularly distributed at an angle around the axis of the container door 24.

[0102] The notch extends at an angle of approximately 30° to allow the mounting of an internal lug of the flange, and the lug extends at an angle of 60°. An angular clearance of, for example, approximately 5° is provided to allow the lug to be mounted in the notch for bayonet connection.

[0103] Furthermore, the container door 24 includes a first abutment group 67, referred to as the connecting group, which is designed to allow the container door 24 and the unit door 22 to rotate onto a portion of the rotation of the flange 120 during the connection of the container with the α portion. The container door 24 also includes a second abutment group 68, referred to as the separating group, which is designed to allow the flange 120 and the container door 24 to rotate onto a portion of the rotation of the flange during the separation of the container from the α portion.

[0104] In this embodiment, the connecting abutment assembly 67 includes four abutment components 70, each abutment component 70 being designed to engage with a first side end 52.1 of the inner lug 52 of the flange 120.

[0105] Each abutment component 70 is disposed at the side end of the lug of the container door 24, and the abutment components 70 are evenly distributed at an angle relative to each other. The abutment components are spaced 90° apart from each other. In this embodiment, the abutment component 70 is formed of a pin, such as a metal pin, which is mounted parallel to the axis of the door and passes through the lug, groove, and platform. The pin can be installed in the door after the door is manufactured.

[0106] Alternatively, the abutment component 70 may be integrally formed with the body of the door, for example, during thermoplastic injection molding.

[0107] Alternatively, one, two, or three abutment components 70 can achieve the objectives of the invention. However, a large number of abutment components can distribute the force, thereby reducing the risk of flange deterioration.

[0108] In this embodiment, the separate abutment assembly 68 includes four abutment components 72, each abutment component 72 being designed to engage with a second side end 52.2 of the inner lug 52 of the flange 120.

[0109] Each abutment component 72 is positioned in the central region of the lug 62 of the door, and the abutment components 72 are arranged in a uniformly distributed, angled manner relative to each other. The abutment components are spaced 90° apart from each other. In this embodiment, the abutment component 72 is formed of a pin, such as a metal pin, which is mounted parallel to the axis of the door and passes through the lug, groove, and platform. The pin can be installed in the door after the door is manufactured.

[0110] Alternatively, the abutment component 72 may be integrally formed with the body of the door, for example, during thermoplastic injection molding.

[0111] Regarding the abutment components 70, one, two, or three abutment components 70 can achieve the objectives of the present invention. However, a large number of abutment components can distribute the force, thereby reducing the risk of flange deterioration.

[0112] The angle α between the abutting component 72 in the separating abutting group and the abutting component 70 in the connecting abutting group is selected such that an angular displacement of this angle value causes the flange 120 and the container door 24 to separate and the container door 24 and the unit door 22 to connect during the connecting phase. An angular displacement of this angle α value causes the container door 24 and the flange 120 to connect and the container door 24 and the unit door 22 to separate during the separating phase.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner lug 52 of the β flange extends at a 30° angle, the lug 62 of the β gate extends at a 60° angle, and the notch between the lugs 46 extends at a 30° angle, so as to accommodate the inner lug 52 without taking into account the mounting angle clearance.

[0114] The angle α between the abutment component 70 and the abutment component 72, which are intended to contact the first side edge 52.1 and the second side edge 52.2 of the same inner lug of the flange 120, is equal to 60°.

[0115] The number and relative angular positions of the abutting components are selected based on the number of internal lugs and the angle extensions of different components involved in the bayonet connection between the container door and flange, and between the container door and unit door.

[0116] The connecting member 60 between the container door 24 and the unit door 22 includes a circular hollow imprint 74 disposed on its outer periphery, having a recess 76 extending radially outward and intended to receive a lug of the unit door. An annular groove 78 centered on the axis of the door connects the recess and receives the lug of the unit door.

[0117] Unit door 22 includes a protruding disc projecting from its outer surface, the protruding disc being disposed on its outer periphery, having radially outwardly extending lugs 80 intended to be received in a recess 76 of container door 24 and to engage with a groove 78 to ensure that the two doors are fixed relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. An annular seal 82 is disposed on the outer surface of unit door 22, intended to contact the surface of the container door and ensure fluid tightness between the two surfaces of unit door 22 and container door 24.

[0118] Flange 120 provides unobstructed access and is simplified. Adding additional abutment assemblies to the container door will not, or will hardly, complicate its manufacture.

[0119] The connection and disconnection cycle between containers and units, including the connection assembly according to the invention, will now be described.

[0120] An embodiment of a fluid-closed connection loop will now be described: To bring the container closer to the unit flange and unit door, the outer lug 46 of the flange 120 penetrates into the recess of the unit flange 18, and the lug 80 of the unit door 22 penetrates into the recess 76 of the container door 24. Figure 10A and Figure 13A The container pivots clockwise, and the outer lug 46 also pivots and slides in the groove of the unit flange 18. Simultaneously, due to friction between the container door and the unit door, the container door 24 remains stationary relative to the flange 120 during rotation, while the inner lug 52 slides relative to the container door 24 and is positioned facing the notch 64 of the container door 24. The flange 120 and the container door 24 then separate. Figure 13B Furthermore, each internal lug 52 of the flange 120 rests against the abutment assembly 70 carried by the container door 24 in the connecting assembly via its first side edge 52.1.

[0121] The container pivots again due to the inner lug 52 of flange 120 abutting against the abutment assembly 70. The rotation of the container causes the container door 24 to rotate, thereby causing relative rotation of container door 24 and unit door 22, and the connection between the doors via connecting member 60. The two doors then engage longitudinally and maintain fluid-tight contact. Figure 13C ).

[0122] The sequence of the connection cycle described above can be modified based on the friction between the seal carried by the container flange and another seal carried by the unit door. The connection cycle can be as follows. Simultaneously, due to the friction of the seal carried by the container flange, the rotation of the container causes the container door 24 to rotate, thereby resulting in a connection between the container door 24 and the unit door 22. The container door 24 and the unit door 22 then engage. The lugs of the container door 24 then abut against the circumferential abutment carried by the unit door.

[0123] The container pivots again because the lug of the container door 24 rests against the circumferential abutment on the unit door 22, and the rotation of the container causes separation between the container door 24 and the container flange 120.

[0124] From inside the unit, locking member 28 is controlled to unlock unit door 22, and the assembly of the two doors can pivot about the axis of hinge 26 toward the interior of the unit. Figure 13D ).

[0125] Transfer between the two volumes can occur. Thanks to the unobstructed passage through flange 120, the risk of objects getting stuck is substantially reduced.

[0126] An example of a separate loop is as follows: The assembly of unit door 22 and container door 24 is positioned in the flange.

[0127] The container rotates counterclockwise. Due to friction between the doors, container door 24 remains stationary during rotation, causing the container door 24 and flange 120 to connect, and the inner lugs 52 abut against the abutment assembly 72 via their second side edges 52.2. The container continues to rotate, causing relative rotation between unit door 22 and container door 24, and separation of unit door 22 and container door 24. The container also separates from unit flange 18. The container can then be removed from the flange.

[0128] The sequence of the separation cycle described above can be modified based on the friction between the seal carried by the container flange and another seal carried by the unit door. Unit door 22 and container door 24 separate from each other, and then container door 24 is connected to flange 120.

[0129] It should be understood that other values ​​for the angle extension can be considered. The chosen angle extension value ensures sufficient mechanical resistance.

[0130] The connection assembly described above also has the advantage of being able to connect to existing α parts without requiring adjustments.

[0131] according to Figure 15A In the alternative example shown, a separate abutment assembly functions on the flange 120, where the abutment component 72' is not formed from the inner end of the lug, but rather from individual and discrete components. Therefore, the flange includes lugs with a reduced angle extension (e.g., 30° instead of 60°), facilitating injection molding. The abutment components can be integrally formed with the flange, for example, by molding, but because these components have simple shapes and reduced dimensions, they do not complicate injection molding. Figure 15B In another alternative example shown, the abutment component 72'' in the separation assembly is implemented by a metal pin provided on the flange.

[0132] Angle α is 60°. These alternative examples separate the mechanical resistance provided by the lug during the connection cycle from the function of stopping rotation provided by the support.

[0133] The bayonet connection between the container door 24 and the container flange 20 can be a bayonet connection in which the abutment members are distributed between the container door and the flange, or it can be a combination. Figures 10A to 13D The type of bayonet connection described.

[0134] According to another embodiment, the container flange 20 and the container door 24 can be modified to be connected to the α portion by means other than bayonet connection.

[0135] Figures 14A to 14C An embodiment with reduced hyperstatism of the α portion is shown.

[0136] exist Figure 14AIn this configuration, unit door 822 includes three lugs 880. This results in a modification to the container door, where the markings on the exterior of the container door subsequently include three notches for receiving the three lugs of the unit door. This connection advantageously reduces static indeterminacy, thereby providing uniform compression of the seal, which is beneficial for fluid tightness between the two doors. Other components of the α and β portions remain unchanged, such as a bayonet connection with four lugs between the two flanges or a bayonet connection with four lugs between the container flange and the container door.

[0137] This implementation makes it extremely easy to adapt existing mounts to containers with doors bearing the markings of three notches by replacing the unit door without replacing the unit flange. Similarly, existing containers with flanges can be adapted by replacing only the container door. Figure 16A In the middle, you can see that it is suitable for connecting to Figure 14A The container flange 820 and container door 824 of the α part.

[0138] The connection between the container flange 820 and the container door 824 can be achieved by four lugs or three lugs.

[0139] exist Figure 14B In the diagram, we can see the α portion, where flange 918 includes three connecting notches 992 that connect to flange β, and unit gate 922 includes four lugs 980. The static indeterminacy of the connection between the unit flange and the container flange is reduced, which is beneficial to the fluid tightness between them.

[0140] In this embodiment, the unit flange can be modified to include three lugs.

[0141] exist Figure 16B In the middle, one can see that it is suitable for connecting to Figure 14B The α portion comprises the container flange 920 and the container door 924. The connection between the container flange 920 and the container door 924 can be achieved by four lugs or three lugs.

[0142] exist Figure 14C In the embodiment, flange 918 includes three connecting notches 992 that connect to β flange, and unit door 1022 includes three lugs 1080. In this embodiment, the static indeterminacy of the connection between unit flange and container flange, and the static indeterminacy of the connection between unit door and container door, are reduced.

[0143] exist Figure 16C In the middle, one can see that it is suitable for connecting to Figure 14C The α portion includes the container flange 920 and the β portion includes the container door 824. The connection between the container flange 920 and the container door 824 can be achieved by four lugs or three lugs.

[0144] exist Figure 14B and Figure 14CIn one embodiment, a unit flange with three notches is implemented, and an additional abutment group is added to allow for separation. In practice, when the unit flange includes four notches, the same abutment group can be used for both connection and separation, for example, by selecting four lugs, each extending more than 30° and allowing for connection movement of more than 60°.

[0145] exist Figure 14B and Figure 14C In one embodiment, by selecting lugs extending more than 30°, the lugs are separated by 120°. However, the connecting and separating movements extend more than 60°. Figure 14B and Figure 14C In the image, a first connecting abutment group 994 can be seen, comprising three abutment components located on the side edges of the lugs, and a second separating abutment group 994 comprising three abutment components positioned at 30° upstream of the first group of abutment components in the connecting direction.

[0146] Alternatively, lugs extending more than 40° and separated at an angle of 80° can be provided, allowing for connection and separation movement over an 80° angular range, which then enables the individual abutment assembly to function.

[0147] exist Figure 17A In the image, a container flange 1020 can be seen, comprising three internal lugs and three external lugs. Figure 17B and Figure 17C The container door 1024, adapted for connection to the container flange 1020, can be seen. The container flange 1020 and container door 1024 assembly is adapted for connection to... Figure 14C On the α part.

Claims

1. A connection assembly for a fluid-sealed transfer container and a fluid-sealed transfer unit, said unit comprising a unit flange (18) and a unit door (22), characterized in that, The connection assembly includes a container flange (20) and a container door (24) mounted on the container flange (20), wherein the container flange (20) includes a first longitudinal connection portion (42) to the unit and a second longitudinal connection portion (44) to the fluid-tight transfer container, the first longitudinal connection portion (42) and the second longitudinal connection portion (44) being connected by a shoulder (84) facing the container door. The shoulder (84) extends radially outward from the inner wall of the second longitudinal connecting portion (44) to the inner wall of the first longitudinal connecting portion (42), and the longitudinal end of the inner groove (90) of the unit rests against the shoulder (84), the longitudinal end of which isolates the inner lug (52) of the container flange (20) from the component to be transported.

2. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second longitudinal connecting portion (44) forms a groove integrated into the container flange.

3. The connection assembly as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connection assembly includes an annular seal (88) located between the shoulder (84) and a face of the container door (24) opposite the shoulder.

4. The connection assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The connection assembly includes a bayonet-type connecting member between the container flange and the container door (24), the container flange being configured to connect to the unit flange (18) via the connecting member, and the container door (24) being configured to connect to the unit door (22) via the connecting member. The container flange includes an inner lug (52) on its radially inner periphery, the inner lug extending radially inward and separated by a notch, and the container door (24) includes a lug (62) on its radially outer periphery, the lug extending radially outward and separated by a notch (64). The container door (24) includes: a first abutting group (67) comprising at least one abutting component for an inner lug (52) of the container flange in a rotational direction of the container flange during a connection phase between the connection assembly and the unit; and a second abutting group (68) separate from the first abutting group (67) comprising at least one abutting component for an inner lug (52) of the container flange in a rotational direction of the container flange during a separation phase between the connection assembly and the unit.

5. The connection assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first abutment group (67) includes the same number of abutment components as the inner lugs (52), and the second abutment group (68) includes the same number of abutment components as the inner lugs (52).

6. The connection assembly as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The lug (62) of the container door (24) has an angular extension that is twice the angular extension of the inner lug (52).

7. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, Each abutment component in the first abutment group (67) is located at one side end of the lug (62) of the container door (24), and each abutment component in the second abutment group (68) is located at two equal distances from the two side ends of the lug (62) of the container door (24).

8. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, Each abutment component is formed by a pin parallel to the axis of the container door.

9. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The container door is configured to connect to the unit door via a bayonet connection with three lugs.

10. The connection assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The container flange is configured to be connected to the unit flange via a bayonet connection of three internal lugs.

11. A fluid-tight transfer container, comprising a connection assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and a container fastened to the container flange.

12. The fluid-sealed transfer container as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The container is secured to the second longitudinal connection portion by welding or clamping.

13. A fluid-sealed conveying installation, the fluid-sealed conveying installation comprising: A unit, the unit comprising a unit flange, a unit door, and a locking member for locking the unit door to the unit flange; And the fluid-sealed transfer container as described in claim 11 or 12.

14. The fluid-sealed conveying installation as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The unit includes an inner groove (90) that is movable such that a first longitudinal end of the inner groove rests against the shoulder (84).

15. The fluid-tight conveying installation as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The first longitudinal end of the inner groove includes an annular seal (88') designed to contact the shoulder (84).

16. The fluid-tight conveying installation as claimed in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the first longitudinal end of the inner groove (90) is close to or equal to the inner diameter of the second longitudinal connecting portion, such that when the inner groove (90) rests on the shoulder (84), it forms a tube with a substantially smooth inner surface.

17. The fluid-tight conveying installation as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The bayonet connection between the container door and the unit door is achieved through three lugs.

18. The fluid-tight conveying installation as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The bayonet connection between the container flange and the unit flange is achieved through three internal lugs.

19. The transfer mount as claimed in claim 18, wherein the transfer mount includes a motor control of the locking member of the unit door (22).

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