Machine for washing and / or sanitizing items, applicable in the chemical, pharmaceutical and / or clinical / preclinical research field, and method of operation thereof

Abstract

A machine for washing and / or sanitizing articles, applied in the chemical, pharmaceutical and / or clinical / preclinical research field, comprises: a cabinet (10) defining a treatment chamber (20) having at least one access opening (30); a door (40) associated with said access opening (30) and controllable between a closed condition, in which it closes said access opening (30), and an open condition, in which it does not close said access opening (30); an inflatable gasket (50) extending along the perimeter of said door (40), controllable between an inflated configuration, in which it creates a sealing closure when said door (40) is in the closed condition, and a deflated configuration; at least one latch (60) controllable between an active condition, in which it locks said door (40) in the closed condition, and a rest condition, in which it does not exert a locking action; a pneumatic circuit (100) acting on said inflatable gasket (50) to bring it into the inflated configuration. Said at least one latch (60) houses a portion of said pneumatic circuit (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a machine for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, purifying, containing and / or isolating products, particularly suitable for the pharmaceutical industry.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method of operating the machine. Background Technology

[0003] Some machines commonly used in clinical / preclinical research, chemistry, and pharmaceutical fields have at least one inlet / outlet gate for loading items to be processed. Such processes may include, for example, cleaning, disinfection / sterilization, isolation, and purification.

[0004] Applications of this type of machine include, for example, the treatment of laboratory breeding cages for clinical / preclinical research, or processes performed in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

[0005] Machines used for this type of process are essentially enclosed chambers into which items to be processed are placed. As mentioned above, these chambers are equipped with at least one door for loading and unloading the material to be processed. This door typically has one or more hinges, allowing it to be opened and closed.

[0006] On at least one side of the door, typically the opposite side to the hinge side, there is usually at least one latch for locking the door.

[0007] The door is fitted with an inflatable hollow tubular gasket around its perimeter. When the door is in the closed position, the gasket is pressurized to ensure an airtight seal with the perimeter sealing seat of the fixed chamber frame (i.e., the machine frame) surrounding the door.

[0008] In order to inflate the gasket during machine operation to ensure the airtightness of the door, at least one hinge is provided with an internal pressurized fluid passage: when the door is closed and locked by the latch, the pneumatic system flows pressurized air into the gasket through the hinge, thereby inflating the gasket to a predetermined pressure to ensure an airtight seal.

[0009] The applicant noted that, while the aforementioned known solutions are functionally satisfactory, they still have some undesirable drawbacks and effects.

[0010] in particular: - Hinges that include air channels are complex and costly to manufacture; - The seals inside the hinge are difficult to inspect and maintain, and are susceptible to mechanical stress and damage during rotation; - The pressurization of the peripheral tubular gasket must be synchronized with the actual closing of the latch, which requires a high degree of complexity in the machine control logic, as a suitable pressure switch must be used to detect this synchronization and notify the system monitoring the process; - In an emergency (i.e., in case the door needs to be opened during the process), it is not easy to interrupt this synchronization and restore it after the problem is resolved; in particular, the need for two separate actions (one for deflating the gasket and one for opening the latch) makes the detection and control of the safety circuit more complicated: in fact, one sensor is needed to detect the closed state of the door, another sensor to detect the closed state of the latch, and yet another sensor to detect the inflated state of the gasket. - The channel through the hinge is a throttling labyrinth, which results in considerable load loss, causing the gasket to take longer to inflate, and more importantly, to deflate. - If the gasket is accidentally inflated when the door is opened, it may be damaged or even explode because there is no resistance from the frame. - For chamber configurations that allow operator access, for safety reasons, it is essential to ensure that the doors can be opened from the inside in an emergency to allow the operator to escape, even in the event of pneumatic failure or power outage. However, the configurations currently known make it difficult and expensive to meet this requirement.

[0011] Therefore, the applicant aims to provide a technology for machines used in the aforementioned fields that can overcome or at least limit these drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a machine for cleaning and / or purifying articles, applicable to the fields of chemistry, pharmaceuticals and / or clinical / preclinical research.

[0013] Preferably, the machine includes a housing.

[0014] Preferably, the housing defines a processing chamber.

[0015] Preferably, the processing chamber has at least one inlet.

[0016] Preferably, the machine includes a door.

[0017] Preferably, the door is associated with the entrance.

[0018] Preferably, the door can be controlled to enter a closed state.

[0019] Preferably, the entrance is closed when the door is in the closed state.

[0020] Preferably, the door can be controlled to enter an open state.

[0021] Preferably, the entrance is not closed when the door is in the open state.

[0022] Preferably, the machine includes an inflatable sealing gasket.

[0023] Preferably, the inflatable sealing gasket extends along the periphery of the door.

[0024] Preferably, the inflatable sealing gasket can be controlled to enter the inflation configuration.

[0025] Preferably, when the inflatable sealing gasket is in the inflatable configuration, a sealing closure is achieved when the door is in the closed state.

[0026] Preferably, the inflatable sealing gasket can be controlled to enter a deflation configuration.

[0027] Preferably, the machine includes at least one latch.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one latch can be controlled to enter the working state.

[0029] Preferably, the door is locked in the closed state when the at least one latch is in the working state.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one latch can be controlled to enter a resting state.

[0031] Preferably, when the at least one latch is in a resting state, no locking action is applied.

[0032] Preferably, the machine includes a pneumatic circuit.

[0033] Preferably, the pneumatic circuit acts on the inflatable sealing gasket.

[0034] Preferably, the pneumatic circuit causes the inflatable sealing gasket to enter the inflation configuration.

[0035] Preferably, the at least one latch accommodates a portion of the pneumatic circuit.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of operating a machine according to the first aspect.

[0037] Preferably, the method includes bringing the door into the closed state.

[0038] Preferably, the method includes engaging the at least one latch to lock the door in a closed state.

[0039] Preferably, the method includes activating the pneumatic circuit.

[0040] Preferably, the pneumatic circuit is activated to put the inflatable sealing gasket into an inflation configuration.

[0041] Preferably, the inflatable sealing gasket enters the inflation configuration via the at least one latch.

[0042] Preferably, the door is sealed shut when the inflatable sealing gasket is in the inflatable configuration.

[0043] In one or more of the foregoing aspects, the present invention may include one or more of the following preferred features.

[0044] Preferably, the at least one latch, when in operation, allows fluid communication between a pressurized fluid source and the inflatable sealing gasket so that the latter can be configured for inflation.

[0045] Preferably, when the at least one latch is in a resting state, it does not allow fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the inflatable sealing gasket.

[0046] Preferably, the at least one latch has an internal cavity.

[0047] Preferably, the internal cavity has a first opening.

[0048] Preferably, the internal cavity has a second opening.

[0049] Preferably, the first opening is connected to the pressurized fluid source.

[0050] Preferably, the second opening is in fluid communication with the inflatable sealing gasket when the at least one latch is in the energized state.

[0051] Preferably, the pneumatic circuit includes a valve assembly.

[0052] Preferably, the valve assembly is configured to selectively allow pressurized fluid to flow from the source to the inflatable sealing gasket.

[0053] Preferably, the machine includes an actuator.

[0054] Preferably, the actuator is configured to move the at least one latch between an operating state and a resting state.

[0055] Preferably, the actuator is a linear actuator.

[0056] Preferably, the actuator is equipped with a drive unit.

[0057] Preferably, the actuator is equipped with a sliding element.

[0058] Preferably, the sliding element is driven by the driving unit.

[0059] Preferably, the at least one latch is connected to the sliding element.

[0060] Preferably, the at least one latch is connected to the sliding element via an elongated element.

[0061] Preferably, the elongated element has a substantially central portion.

[0062] Preferably, the elongated element has a first end.

[0063] Preferably, the elongated element has a second end.

[0064] Preferably, the second end is opposite to the first end.

[0065] Preferably, the sliding element engages with the basic middle portion of the elongated element.

[0066] Preferably, the at least one latch engages with the first end of the elongated element.

[0067] Preferably, the machine includes an alignment element.

[0068] Preferably, the alignment element is coupled to the second end of the elongated element.

[0069] Preferably, the actuator is a pneumatic actuator.

[0070] Preferably, the valve assembly is configured to be driven into a first state.

[0071] Preferably, when the valve assembly is in the first state, fluid is directed to the actuator to cause the at least one latch to enter a resting state.

[0072] Preferably, the valve assembly is configured to be driven into a second state.

[0073] Preferably, when the valve assembly is in the second state, fluid is directed to the actuator to bring the at least one latch into a working state.

[0074] Preferably, the valve assembly is configured to be driven into a third state.

[0075] Preferably, when the valve assembly is in the third state, fluid flow is directed toward the at least one latch to allow the inflatable sealing gasket to enter the inflation configuration.

[0076] Preferably, the at least one latch is mounted on the housing.

[0077] Preferably, when the at least one latch is in the operating state, a portion of the door is intercepted to apply the locking action.

[0078] Preferably, the at least one latch has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0079] Preferably, the at least one latch has a tapered longitudinal end.

[0080] Preferably, the tapered longitudinal end facilitates entry into the working state.

[0081] Preferably, the machine includes an auxiliary sealing gasket.

[0082] Preferably, the auxiliary sealing gasket is associated with the at least one latch.

[0083] Preferably, the auxiliary sealing gasket provides a seal between the pneumatic circuit and the inflatable sealing gasket when the latch is in the energized state.

[0084] Preferably, the machine includes an impact block.

[0085] Preferably, the impact block and the inflatable sealing gasket are in fluid communication.

[0086] Preferably, when the at least one latch is in the working state, the at least one latch abuts against the impact block.

[0087] Preferably, when the at least one latch is in the working state, the impact block allows fluid communication between the at least one latch and the inflatable sealing gasket.

[0088] Preferably, the impact block is at least partially shaped to match the at least one latch.

[0089] Preferably, the auxiliary sealing gasket is installed on the at least one latch.

[0090] Preferably, the auxiliary sealing gasket is installed on the impact block.

[0091] Preferably, the auxiliary sealing gasket provides a seal between the at least one latch and the impact block.

[0092] Preferably, when the at least one latch is in a resting state, it is spaced apart from the impact block.

[0093] Preferably, when the at least one latch is in a resting state, it does not abut against the impact block.

[0094] Preferably, the inflatable sealing gasket is accommodated around the periphery of the door.

[0095] Preferably, the inflatable sealing gasket is accommodated in a peripheral groove of the door.

[0096] Preferably, the method includes the step of opening the door.

[0097] Preferably, the opening step includes moving the at least one latch from the working state to the resting state.

[0098] Preferably, the opening step includes allowing the inflatable sealing gasket to enter a deflation configuration.

[0099] Preferably, the opening step includes moving the door from a closed state to an open state.

[0100] Preferably, the method includes monitoring the pressure within the inflatable sealing gasket.

[0101] Preferably, the pressure inside the inflatable sealing gasket is monitored when the inflatable sealing gasket is in the inflatable configuration.

[0102] Preferably, the method includes generating an alarm signal.

[0103] Preferably, the alarm signal is generated when the pressure exceeds a preset range. Attached Figure Description

[0104] The further features and advantages of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, through preferred but non-limiting embodiments. The description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are also given by way of non-limiting example, in which: - Figures 1a-1b Some possible overall structures of the machine according to the invention are shown in a very illustrative manner; - Figure 2 A portion of the machine according to the invention is shown; - Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The portion cut along a roughly horizontal plane; - Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A magnified detail; - Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of some components along a vertical plane; - Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 The configuration of some components under different operating conditions; - Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of some components along a vertical plane; - Figure 8 for Figure 4-7 A cross-sectional view of some components along the horizontal plane; - Figure 9 for Figure 4-5 A perspective view of some machine parts in the configuration shown; - Figure 10 for Figure 9 The part shown is in Figure 6-7 View under configuration; - Figure 11 A block diagram of the pneumatic circuit included in the machine of the present invention is shown; - Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 A variant embodiment of the Chinese block diagram; - Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 A variant embodiment of the Chinese block diagram; - Figure 14 A summary is shown. Figure 11-13 Block diagram of an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0105] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the number 1 indicates the overall machine according to the present invention.

[0106] Machine 1 is a device used for clinical / preclinical research, chemical or pharmaceutical applications.

[0107] For example, machine 1 could be a device for handling laboratory breeding cages used in clinical / preclinical research.

[0108] Specifically, machine 1 can be one of the following: a cleaning machine; a disinfection / sterilization / purification machine; a containment machine; or an isolating machine.

[0109] Machine 1 can also perform two or more of the above functions simultaneously.

[0110] In general, all of the above types of machines require an airtight seal on the door via an inflatable tubular gasket.

[0111] Machine 1 ( Figures 1a-1b It includes a housing 10, which internally defines a processing chamber 20.

[0112] For example, the housing 10 can have a general cuboid shape.

[0113] In the processing chamber 20, one or more of the operations briefly mentioned above are performed.

[0114] The processing chamber 20 has at least one inlet 30, which is actually an opening into the processing chamber 20 (i.e., an inlet leading to the interior of the housing 10).

[0115] For example, the entrance 30 may be formed by an opening on the front wall or rear wall 11 of the housing 10.

[0116] Machine 1 includes door 40 ( Figures 1a-1b (2-3), associated with entrance 30.

[0117] Door 40 can be controlled between a closed state and an open state: in the closed state, it closes entrance 30; in the open state, it does not close entrance 30.

[0118] For example, door 40 may be hinged to the same wall (such as front or rear wall 11) forming entrance 30, so that it can be opened / closed by rotating about the hinge.

[0119] In one embodiment, the door 40 may be provided with a rod-shaped handle 41 for easy gripping by the user, thereby simplifying the opening / closing operation.

[0120] Machine 1 also includes a tubular inflatable sealing gasket 50 extending along the periphery of door 40, specifically set along the periphery contour of door 40.

[0121] For example, an inflatable sealing gasket 50 is accommodated in a peripheral groove 42 of the door 40.

[0122] Preferably, the inflatable sealing gasket 50 is of the "closed weld" type, that is, it forms a continuous ring along the entire periphery and interfaces on one side with a pressurized fluid supply line from at least one latch 60 (described later), thereby allowing air to flow in.

[0123] The inflatable sealing gasket 50 can be controlled between the inflatable and deflated configurations.

[0124] In the inflatable configuration ( Figure 8 When the door 40 is closed, the inflatable sealing gasket 50 creates a tight seal. Specifically, in this case, the sealing gasket 50 is in close contact with the inner contour surface of the inlet 30, thereby sealing and isolating the processing chamber 20 from the external environment of the housing 10.

[0125] Under the venting configuration ( Figure 4 The inflatable sealing gasket 50 does not fit into the inlet and does not provide the aforementioned sealing isolation.

[0126] Machine 1 also includes at least one latch 60.

[0127] The at least one latch 60 can be controlled between the working state and the resting state.

[0128] In working state ( Figure 6-8 (10), the at least one latch 60 locks the door 40 in the closed position. In this case, even disregarding the resistance that the inflatable sealing gasket 50 may provide, the door 40 cannot be opened by a simple push / pull.

[0129] In a resting state ( Figure 4-5 (7, 9), at least one latch 60 does not exert the aforementioned locking effect. In this case, the resistance that the inflatable sealing gasket 50 may provide is also disregarded, and the door 40 can be opened by pushing / pulling.

[0130] For example, at least one latch 60 is mounted on the housing 10 (such as the front or rear wall 11), and in the working state, a locking action is applied by intercepting a portion of the door 40. This portion of the door 40 is hereinafter referred to as the "impact block 90".

[0131] Figure 1a A machine 1 with a processing chamber 20 flush with the floor is schematically shown; a hinge 43 is located on the right side, and at least one latch 60 is shown in dashed line on the left side, i.e., located within the frame surrounding the door 40 and on the left side.

[0132] Figure 1b A machine 1 with a raised processing chamber 20 is schematically shown, with a door 40 hinged at the top and at least one latch 60 located at the bottom, indicated by dashed lines.

[0133] Machine 1 also includes a pneumatic circuit 100.

[0134] In this context and in the appended claims, a pneumatic circuit refers to a circuit through which a pressurized fluid (such as air or other suitable fluid) flows.

[0135] The pneumatic circuit 100 acts on the inflatable sealing gasket 50, causing it to enter the inflation configuration.

[0136] The pneumatic circuit 100 preferably includes a pressurized fluid source 110 (such as air). The pressurized fluid is supplied to the inlet of the gasket 50 when it is necessary to inflate the gasket 50, via a suitable conduit (described in detail below).

[0137] According to the invention, the at least one latch 60 accommodates a portion of the pneumatic circuit 100.

[0138] More specifically, when the at least one latch 60 is in the operative state, it allows fluid communication between the fluid source 110 and the inflatable sealing gasket 50, thereby enabling the latter to enter the inflation configuration.

[0139] Conversely, when the at least one latch 60 is in the resting state, it does not allow fluid communication between the fluid source 110 and the inflatable gasket 50. In particular, when the at least one latch 60 is in the resting state, the inflatable gasket 50 is in a deflated state (i.e., in a deflated configuration), tending to equalize with the external ambient pressure.

[0140] like Figure 4-8 As shown in 11, the at least one latch 60 has an internal cavity 61.

[0141] The internal cavity 61 extends along the longitudinal portion of the at least one latch 60, preferably along the central axis of the at least one latch 60.

[0142] The internal cavity 61 has a first opening 61a and a second opening 61b.

[0143] The first opening 61a is connected to a pressurized fluid source 110, for example, through a pipe 111.

[0144] The second opening 61b is in fluid communication with the inflatable sealing gasket 50 when the at least one latch 60 is in the working state.

[0145] Therefore, the internal cavity 61 of the at least one latch 60 is part of the pneumatic circuit 100.

[0146] Conversely, when the at least one latch 60 is in a resting state, the second opening 61b constitutes the free end of the at least one latch 60.

[0147] Preferably, the at least one latch 60 has a basic cylindrical shape, with its longitudinal end 60a being tapered to facilitate entry into the working state.

[0148] The second opening 61b is advantageously located at the longitudinal end 60a of the cone.

[0149] In one embodiment, machine 1 includes impact block 90.

[0150] Preferably, the impact block 90 is installed on the door 40.

[0151] Specifically, when the door 40 is in the closed state, the impact block 90 faces the at least one latch 60.

[0152] The impact block 90 and the inflatable sealing gasket 50 are in fluid communication.

[0153] When the at least one latch 60 is in the working state, the at least one latch 60 abuts against the impact block 90; in this case, the impact block 90 allows fluid communication between the at least one latch 60 and the inflatable sealing gasket 50.

[0154] More specifically, when the at least one latch 60 is in the operating state, pressurized fluid from the source 110 enters through the first opening 61a of the internal cavity 61, passes through the internal cavity 61, and flows out from the second opening 61b. Since the at least one latch 60 is in contact with the impact block 90 and fluid communication is established, the pressurized fluid flowing out from the second opening 61b passes through the impact block 90 and reaches the inlet of the inflatable sealing gasket 50, thereby switching the inflatable sealing gasket 50 from a deflated configuration to an inflatable configuration.

[0155] Furthermore, the coupling between the at least one latch 60 and the impact block 90 prevents the door 40 from being opened, thereby locking the door 40.

[0156] When the at least one latch 60 is in the resting state, it is spaced apart from the impact block 90 and does not abut against it.

[0157] Furthermore, when the at least one latch 60 is in the resting state, it no longer prevents the door 40 from being opened because the latch is not coupled to the impact block 90.

[0158] Preferably, the impact block 90 is at least partially shaped to match the shape of the at least one latch 60. Specifically, the impact block 90 may have a groove 91 whose shape is complementary to the shape of the tapered longitudinal end 60a of the at least one latch 60.

[0159] In one embodiment, the machine 1 includes an auxiliary sealing gasket 80 associated with the at least one latch 60 for providing a seal between the pneumatic circuit 100 and the inflatable sealing gasket 50 when the latch 60 is in the operative state.

[0160] Specifically, an auxiliary sealing gasket 80 may be installed on the at least one latch 60 (near the second opening 61b) or the impact block 90 (the area abutting the at least one latch 60 in the working state) to form a seal between the at least one latch 60 and the impact block 90. ​​In practice, when the at least one latch 60 is in the working state, the auxiliary sealing gasket 80 is located between the abutting areas of the at least one latch 60 and the impact block 90, thereby preventing pressurized fluid from leaking between the at least one latch 60 and the impact block 90.

[0161] To move the at least one latch 60 between the rest position and the working position, the machine 1 may be equipped with an actuator 70.

[0162] Preferably, the actuator 70 is a linear actuator that provides substantially linear motion to the at least one latch 60 in the direction of its longitudinal development.

[0163] Advantageously, the actuator 70 may be mounted near the at least one latch 60; for example, the actuator 70 may be mounted inside the frame surrounding the inlet 30.

[0164] The actuator 70 includes a drive unit 71 and a sliding element 72 driven by the drive unit 71. In practice, the drive unit 71 is fixedly connected to a part of the machine 1 (such as the housing 10) and causes the sliding element 72 to move relative to that part of the machine 1.

[0165] The drive unit 71 has a first chamber 71a and a second chamber 71b. When pressurized fluid enters the first chamber 71a, the sliding element 72 will enter the extended position; when it enters the second chamber 71b, the sliding element 72 will enter the retracted position.

[0166] The sliding element 72 may have a basic cylindrical shape.

[0167] For example, actuator 70 may be a pneumatic actuator. In other embodiments, actuator 70 may also be, for example, an electric actuator or other type, as long as it enables the at least one latch 60 to move as required.

[0168] In one embodiment ( Figure 13 , 14 The at least one latch 60 is integral with the sliding element 72. Therefore, the extended state of the sliding element 72 corresponds to the working state of the at least one latch 60, and the retracted state of the sliding element 72 corresponds to the resting state of the at least one latch 60.

[0169] In a complementary embodiment, the at least one latch 60 may be indirectly driven by the actuator 70 via a kinematic mechanism and / or linkage mechanism, while retaining all the features described above.

[0170] In one embodiment, for example, the at least one latch 60 is not integral with the sliding element 72, but is specifically connected to the sliding element 72 via an elongated element 73. Figure 4-7 (9-12).

[0171] The elongated element 73 may be, for example, made of a plate, extending in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the sliding element 72.

[0172] The elongated element 73 has a basic intermediate portion 73c, a first end 73a, and a second end 73b.

[0173] The second end 73b is opposite to the first end 73a.

[0174] The basic intermediate portion 73c is located between the first end 73a and the second end 73b.

[0175] The sliding element 72 engages with the basic middle portion 73c of the elongated element 73; the at least one latch 60 engages with the first end 73a of the elongated element 73. Thus, the actuator 70 can move the at least one latch 60: for example, in Figure 4-7 In the embodiments shown in 9-11, when the sliding element 72 is in the extended position, the at least one latch 60 is in a resting state; when the sliding element is in the retracted position, the at least one latch 60 is in an active state. Conversely, in Figure 12-14 In the illustrated scheme (described below), when the sliding element 72 is in the extended position, the at least one latch 60 is in the working state; when the sliding element is in the retracted position, the at least one latch 60 is in the resting state.

[0176] In order to maintain the correct direction of motion over a long period of time, machine 1 includes alignment element 74.

[0177] Alignment element 74 is coupled to the second end 73b of elongated element 73. For example, alignment element 74 may be cylindrical, integrally mounted to the second end 73b of elongated element 73, and connected to base 74a (integrated with drive unit 71), within which alignment element 74 can slide. Due to this structure, the force applied by sliding element 72 can be distributed substantially evenly between at least one latch 60 and alignment element 74, thereby maintaining the correct direction of movement as described above.

[0178] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the pneumatic circuit 100 included in the machine of the present invention is shown.

[0179] The pressurized fluid source 110 is connected to the at least one latch 60 and actuator 70 via valve assembly 120.

[0180] Overall, the valve assembly is configured to at least selectively allow pressurized fluid to flow from source 110 to inflatable gasket 50.

[0181] More specifically, when the actuator 70 is a pneumatic actuator, the valve assembly 120 can switch between at least three states: First state: Valve assembly 120 guides pressurized fluid to the first chamber 71a of the drive unit 71 of actuator 70, causing the sliding element to enter the extended position. According to... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram, this causes at least one latch 60 to enter a resting state.

[0182] Second state: Valve assembly 120 guides pressurized fluid to the second chamber 71b of the drive unit 71 of actuator 70, causing the sliding element to enter the retracted position. According to... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram, this causes at least one latch 60 to enter the working state.

[0183] Third state: Preferably after the second state, the valve assembly 120 guides the pressurized fluid to the at least one latch 60, specifically into the latter's internal cavity 61, thereby putting the inflatable sealing gasket 50 into an inflatable configuration.

[0184] Advantageously, the valve assembly 120 is controlled by a control unit 130, which appropriately controls the valve assembly 120 according to the required operation.

[0185] The valve assembly 120 may, for example, consist of a single valve positioned between a source 110 on one side, an actuator 70 on the other side, and the at least one latch 60. In one variant, the valve assembly includes multiple valves, for example, a first valve positioned between the source 110 and the actuator 70, and a second valve positioned between the source 110 and the at least one latch 60.

[0186] Figure 12 It shows the relationship with Figure 11Different construction diagrams, including the assembly of at least one latch 60, elongated element 73, and alignment element 74, are driven by actuator 70 via sliding element 72, such that: When the sliding element 72 is in the extended position (pressurized fluid enters the first chamber 71a), the at least one latch 60 is in the working state; in this case, the pressurized fluid enters through the cavity 61 of the at least one latch, causing the inflatable sealing gasket 50 to inflate. When the sliding element 72 is in the retracted position (pressurized fluid enters the second chamber 71b), the at least one latch 60 is in the resting state.

[0187] As mentioned above, Figure 13 Another possible embodiment is shown, in which the at least one latch 60 is substantially integrated with the sliding element 72, or at least directly mounted to the sliding element 72, without the need for the elongated element 73. The operating principle is the same as... Figure 12 The same as shown, the only difference being that, as previously stated, the actuator 70 acts directly on the at least one latch 60, rather than through the elongated element 73.

[0188] Figure 14 A more general schematic diagram is shown, in which the actuator 70 is not necessarily pneumatic; the pneumatic circuit 100 is only used to inflate the inflatable sealing gasket 50, and not necessarily to move the at least one latch 60. It should be noted that this generalization of actuator type also applies to... Figure 11-12 In the embodiment shown, the sliding element 72 does not act directly on the at least one latch 60, but rather through the elongated element 73 (regardless of whether the extended position of the sliding element 72 corresponds to the working or resting state of the at least one latch 60).

[0189] The following points should be noted regarding the operation of machine 1.

[0190] In the normal initial state, the door 40 is in the open position, the inflatable sealing gasket 50 is in the deflated position, and the at least one latch 60 is in the rest position.

[0191] To start machine 1, a sealed isolation must be established between the processing chamber 20 and the external environment.

[0192] Therefore, door 40 enters the closed state, for example by rotating about the hinge axis.

[0193] After the door 40 is closed, the at least one latch 60 is put into operation: for example, the drive unit 71 acts on the sliding element 72, guiding it to move to the retracted position. Figure 11 And, through the elongated element 73, it drives at least one latch 60 into the working state. Figure 12-14In the illustrated embodiment, the operation of the at least one latch 60 is achieved by moving the sliding element 72 to the extended position.

[0194] At this point, the tapered longitudinal end 60a contacts the impact block 90, and the auxiliary sealing gasket 80 ensures the airtightness of the fluid connection. Simultaneously, the door 40 is locked due to the coupling between the latch and the impact block 90.

[0195] At this point, source 110 begins to pump pressurized fluid to inflatable sealing gasket 50 through pipe 111, latch cavity 61 of at least one latch 60, and impact block 90, switching it from venting configuration to inflating configuration.

[0196] This achieves the sealing and closure of door 40.

[0197] When machine 1 no longer needs to be running, or when door 40 needs to be opened, perform the following steps: This puts at least one latch 60 into a resting state; at this time, the pressurized fluid in the inflatable gasket 50 is discharged, putting the inflatable gasket 50 into a deflated configuration. Furthermore, since the at least one latch 60 has entered the resting state, it no longer interferes with the impact block 90, and the door 40 is no longer locked. Figure 11 In this embodiment, the at least one latch 60 is in a resting state by moving the sliding element 72 to an extended position; in Figure 12-14 In this embodiment, the resting state of the at least one latch 60 is achieved by moving the sliding element 72 to the retracted position.

[0198] Once the inflatable sealing gasket 50 has been fully deflated, the door 40 can be opened, for example, to allow access to the processing chamber 20.

[0199] Advantageously, during the inflation configuration of the inflatable seal 50, the internal pressure of the inflatable seal 50 is expected to be monitored—for example, by a suitable pressure sensor. If the pressure exceeds a preset range, an alarm signal will be generated. This signal can be an audible and / or visual signal to the operator, or a prompt signal triggered by the control unit 130 to perform a specific operation. Depending on the current state of the machine, different operations can be performed; for example, information can be displayed on the machine's external display, or the machine's work cycle can be stopped, or a signal can be generated indicating that the isolation ("barrier") between the machine's interior and the external environment has failed.

[0200] This invention achieves several important advantages.

[0201] First, it significantly simplifies the hinge structure, allowing the use of standard commercially available hinges, whereas in the prior art, hinges needed to be able to supply pressurized air to the inflatable gasket.

[0202] Furthermore, only one signal is needed to detect whether the door is fully closed and whether the gasket is inflated. In particular, because the inflation function only activates when the latch is closed and in place, detecting gasket inflation means the latch is closed and in place, indicating that the door is closed, locked, and sealed. In reality, the gasket inflation function can fail due to gasket perforation, lack of pressurized fluid delivery, latch failure, or latch operation without proper door closure.

[0203] Furthermore, in an emergency, the door can be easily opened by releasing pressure to immediately deflate the sealing gasket and retract the cylinder that drives the latch—even from the inside, and without compressed air or electricity.

[0204] Another advantage is that, due to the solution proposed in this invention, it is virtually impossible to accidentally inflate the gasket and damage it when the door is opened, because the gasket can only be pressurized when the door is in place (i.e., abutting against the frame and located inside it).

[0205] Another advantage is that the pressurization and depressurization speed of the tubular sealing gasket is significantly faster than that of the fluid flow through the hinge, because this scheme uses a direct loop without bottlenecks or labyrinth structures.

[0206] Overall, the applicant believes that all the above advantages are achieved through a simpler solution than existing technologies, resulting in lower costs, higher reliability and security, and greater overall effectiveness and efficiency.

Claims

1. A machine for cleaning and / or purifying articles, applied in the fields of chemical, pharmaceutical, and / or clinical / preclinical research, comprising: The housing (10) defines a processing chamber (20) having at least one inlet (30); A door (40) is associated with the entrance (30) and is controlled between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the entrance (30) is closed, and in the open state, the entrance (30) is not closed. An inflatable sealing gasket (50) extends along the periphery of the door (40) and is controlled between an inflation configuration and a deflation configuration. In the inflation configuration, the gasket (50) creates a sealed closure when the door (40) is in the closed state. At least one latch (60) controls between a working state and a resting state, in which the door (40) is locked in the closed state and in the resting state, no locking action is applied; The pneumatic circuit (100) acts on the inflatable sealing gasket (50) to put it into the inflation configuration; The at least one latch (60) accommodates a portion of the pneumatic circuit (100).

2. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one latch (60), when in operation, allows fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source (110) and the inflatable sealing gasket (50) so that the latter can be put into an inflatable configuration.

3. The machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the at least one latch (60) is in a resting state, it does not allow fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source (110) and the inflatable sealing gasket (50).

4. The machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one latch (60) has an internal cavity (61) with a first opening (61a) and a second opening (61b), wherein the first opening (61a) is connected to the pressurized fluid source (110) and the second opening (61b) is in fluid communication with the inflatable gasket (50) when the at least one latch (60) is in the working state.

5. The machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The pneumatic circuit (100) includes a valve assembly (120) configured to at least selectively allow pressurized fluid to flow from the source (110) to the inflatable gasket (50).

6. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an actuator (70) configured to move the at least one latch (60) between an operating state and a resting state.

7. The machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The actuator (70) is a linear actuator equipped with a drive unit (71) and a sliding element (72) driven by the drive unit (71). The at least one latch (60) is connected to the sliding element (72).

8. The machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one latch (60) is connected to the sliding element (72) via an elongated element (73), wherein the elongated element (73) has a substantially intermediate portion (73c), a first end (73a), and a second end (73b) opposite to the first end (73a), wherein: The sliding element (72) engages with the basic middle portion (73c) of the elongated element (73); The at least one latch (60) engages with the first end (73a) of the elongated element (73); The machine (1) includes an alignment element (74) coupled to a second end (73b) of the elongated element (73).

9. The machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The actuator (70) is a pneumatic actuator.

10. The machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pneumatic circuit (100) includes a valve assembly (120) configured to at least selectively allow pressurized fluid to flow from the source (110) to the inflatable gasket (50), wherein the valve assembly (120) is controlled between the following states: In the first state, fluid is directed to the actuator (70) to cause the at least one latch (60) to enter a resting state; In the second state, fluid is directed to the actuator (70) to put the at least one latch (60) into operation. In the third state, fluid is directed to the at least one latch (60) to allow the inflatable sealing pad (50) to enter the inflation configuration.

11. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 10, characterized in that, The at least one latch (60) is installed in the housing and, in the operating state, intercepts a portion of the door to apply the locking action.

12. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 10, characterized in that, The at least one latch (60) has a basic cylindrical shape and a tapered longitudinal end (60a) that facilitates entry into the working state.

13. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 10, further comprising an auxiliary sealing gasket (80) associated with the at least one latch (60) for providing a seal between the pneumatic circuit (100) and the inflatable sealing gasket (50) when the latch (60) is in the operative state.

14. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 10, comprising an impact block (90), wherein the impact block (90) is in fluid communication with the inflatable sealing gasket (50), wherein, When the at least one latch (60) is in the working state, the at least one latch (60) abuts against the impact block (90), and the impact block (90) allows fluid communication between the at least one latch (60) and the inflatable sealing gasket (50).

15. The machine according to claim 14, characterized in that, The impact block (90) is at least partially shaped to match the shape of the at least one latch (60).

16. The machine of claim 14, further comprising an auxiliary sealing gasket (80) associated with the at least one latch (60) for providing a seal between the pneumatic circuit (100) and the inflatable sealing gasket (50) when the latch (60) is in the operative state, wherein the auxiliary sealing gasket (80) is mounted on the at least one latch (60) or the impact block (90) to provide a seal between the at least one latch (60) and the impact block (90).

17. The machine according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one latch (60), when in a resting state, is spaced apart from the impact block (90) and does not abut against it.

18. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 10, and 15 to 17, characterized in that, The inflatable sealing gasket (50) is accommodated in the periphery of the door (40), preferably in the periphery groove (42) of the door (40).

19. A method of operating a machine according to claim 1, the method comprising: This causes the door (40) to enter the closed state; To engage at least one latch (60) so as to lock the door (40) in the closed state; Activating the pneumatic circuit (100) causes the inflatable sealing gasket (50) to enter the inflation configuration via the at least one latch (60), thereby achieving a sealed closure of the door (40).

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of opening the door (40), the opening step comprising: Move the at least one latch (60) from the working state to the resting state; The inflatable sealing gasket (50) is then placed into the deflation configuration; Move the door (40) from the closed state to the open state.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising: During the inflation configuration of the inflatable sealing pad (50), the pressure inside the inflatable sealing pad (50) is monitored; An alarm signal is generated when the pressure exceeds a preset range.

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