Fluidtight connection device for transferring objects, with improved discharge
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GETINGE LIFE SCI FRANCE
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-27
Smart Images
Figure EP2024070394_23012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] TITLE: Sealed connection device for improved spillage object transfer
[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The invention relates to the sealed transfer of objects from a sealed container to a cell, with a double-door connection system.
[0005] STATE OF THE PRIOR ART
[0006] In various industrial sectors, tasks are carried out in a confined atmosphere, for example to protect the environment from radioactivity or toxicity, or to carry out these tasks in an aseptic atmosphere, or both simultaneously.
[0007] The transfer of objects from a container to a cell without breaking the seal is ensured with a double-door connection device, known for example from documents FR2695343 and US8950624.
[0008] Such a device is used, for example, for packaging medicines. A filling line is then installed in the cell, and small objects such as bottle caps are transferred into the cell to supply this line.
[0009] In such a device, the cell is equipped with a flange closed on the inside by a door mounted on a hinge fitted to this flange, and the container is, for example, a bag whose mouth is provided with another flange fitted with another door.
[0010] The connection consists of engaging the container flange into that of the cell, and rotating it on itself, which has the effect of:
[0011] - secure the two flanges to each other by engaging a first bayonet connection which is a flange-flange connection;
[0012] - secure the two doors to each other by engaging a second bayonet connection which is a door-to-door connection; - separate the container door from its flange by disengaging a third bayonet connection which is a flange-to-door connection.
[0013] After connection, the cell door is pivoted inwards to open it: the container door is then rigidly secured to that of the cell by the door-door connection, it is taken with the cell door to extract it from the container flange.
[0014] Once the items have been transferred, the cell door can then be folded back against this opening. The container door, which is secured to the cell door, then returns to its place in the cell flange.
[0015] The container is then rotated on itself in the opposite direction, which has the effect of:
[0016] - secure the container door to the container flange;
[0017] - separate the container door from the cell door;
[0018] - separate the container flange from the cell flange.
[0019] In such a device, the container flange has internal ears projecting radially inwards and being regularly spaced at its internal circumference. The container door has external ears intended to cooperate with these internal ears to form the flange-door connection.
[0020] At the end of the transfer, it happens that undischarged objects remain positioned between two internal ears of the container flange, so that they block the closing of the assembly consisting of the cell door secured to the container door because they constitute an obstacle to the passage of an external ear of the container door.
[0021] In addition, for reasons of container cleanliness, it becomes necessary to limit as much as possible the contact between the elements of the container and the components transported in the container. Indeed, in the solutions present on the market, the containers are composed of a flexible plastic bag connected to a connector which will be essentially made of plastic. The components therefore come into contact with the bag on the one hand and injected plastic parts. The bags, due to their manufacturing process, are at a sufficient level of cleanliness, on the other hand the plastic parts require cleaning and can present sources of pollution such as injection points or the parting lines of the tooling.
[0022] The aim of the invention is to improve the hygienic safety of component transfer operations from a container to a cell.
[0023] The invention allows the pocket to cover the entire flow area of the components, thus protecting the transported components from the plastic parts constituting the container flange.
[0024] In storage, components can only touch the rear face of the container door, which limits the risk of pollution by taking particular care of this surface.
[0025] Advantageously, the flexible bag replaces the flexible sleeve to allow easy flow for transfer systems mounted on vertical walls, and automated, for which the manual operation of extracting this flexible sleeve is no longer desired.
[0026] The two-part flange construction allows for a rigid material that is resistant to standard sterilization processes: gamma or X-ray sterilization, steam sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, for the connection part that will bond with the insulator and a material that will be advantageously weldable with the flexible bag for the internal insert. This two-part container flange construction advantageously allows:
[0027] • To use the most suitable material for the function to be performed.
[0028] • To allow the internal passage to be completely covered by the flexible bag, the bag being folded and fixed to the outside of the internal insert, then this assembly being brought back into the container flange.
[0029] The front face of the internal insert also allows the integrated fall to be docked with the line in order to create a flow zone. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0030] To this end, the invention relates to a device for the sealed transfer of objects from a flexible container containing objects to a cell, this device comprising:
[0031] - a cell flange intended to be fixed to a wall of the cell, and a container flange equipping the container, these two flanges being provided with sealed coupling means;
[0032] - the cell flange comprising a cell door capable of occupying a closed state to close a first central opening of the cell flange and an open state to release the first central opening;
[0033] - the container flange defining a transfer path connecting a feed end of the container flange and a discharge end of the container flange, a container door extending in the immediate vicinity of the discharge end and being rotatably mounted relative to the container flange about a first longitudinal axis of rotation and which can occupy a closed state to close a second central opening of the container flange and an open state to release the second central opening, the container flange and the container door being equipped with a first bayonet connection for locking the container door in the container flange, the transition of the container door from one state to the other being done by a rotation of the container door relative to the container flange about the first axis of rotation,this first bayonet connection comprising internal ears protruding radially towards the inside of the container flange;,
[0034] - the cell door and the container door being provided with means for securing and detaching the container door and the cell door; the container comprising a wall extending at least partially in the transfer path, and which is connected in a sealed manner to the flange by clamping the wall against a clamping face secured to the flange using a clamping force applied in an essentially axial direction. Thus, the container makes it possible to create a gravity-driven slope for the parts from the feed end to the discharge end of the container, limiting the possibilities of the doors being blocked by a part when the cell door is closed.
[0035] According to another particular, non-exclusive and optional embodiment of the device:
[0036] - the wall comprises a free edge which is connected by welding or gluing to a radially external surface of the transfer path.
[0037] The invention also relates to a container comprising a wall defining an orifice closed by a closure, the closure comprising a container flange defining a transfer path connecting a feed end of the container flange and a discharge end of the container flange, a container door extending in the immediate vicinity of the discharge end and being rotatably mounted relative to the container flange about a first axis of rotation and which can occupy a closed state to close a second central opening of the container flange and an open state to release the second central opening, the container flange and the container door being equipped with a first bayonet connection for locking the container door in the container flange,the transition of the container door from one state to the other being effected by a rotation of the container door relative to the container flange around the first axis of rotation, this first bayonet connection comprising internal ears projecting radially towards the inside of the container flange, in which the wall extends at least partially in the transfer path and is connected in a sealed manner to the container flange by clamping the wall against a clamping face secured to the container flange using a clamping force applied in an essentially axial direction.,
[0038] According to other particular, non-exclusive and optional embodiments of the container:
[0039] - the clamping face comprises a first seal; - the first seal is integral with the clamping face, the first seal being preferably attached to the clamping face by overmolding;
[0040] - the wall comprises a free edge which is connected by welding or gluing to a radially external surface of the transfer path;
[0041] - the container flange comprises a first flange element and a second flange element, the first flange element comprising a tubular body defining an internal volume of the first flange element, the tubular body carrying sealed coupling means intended to be connected to an external device, the second flange element at least partially delimiting the transfer path and extending at least partially inside the internal volume of the first flange element, and wherein the closure comprises a clamping ring defining the clamping face, the wall extending between the distal end of the second flange element and the clamping face so as to be clamped between the second flange element and the clamping face;
[0042] - the clamping ring is rigidly connected to the tubular body, the clamping ring preferably being in material continuity with the tubular body;
[0043] - the second flange element comprises a second seal for creating a sealed junction with the first flange element, the second seal preferably being added by overmolding onto the second flange element;
[0044] - the clamping face extends in a third radial plane comprising a spill sleeve attached to the container flange;
[0045] - the sleeve is connected in a sealed manner to the container flange by clamping the sleeve against a clamping face secured to the container flange using a clamping force applied in an essentially axial direction; the sleeve comprises an end which is connected by welding or gluing to a radially external surface of the transfer path; Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a particular non-limiting embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective representation of a cell flange to which a container flange is connected as seen from outside the cell;
[0047] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of a cell flange with its door open and its chute away from the opening as seen from inside the cell;
[0048] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional representation of a bag provided with a container flange according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0049] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is an exploded sectional schematic representation of the container flange of Figure 3;
[0050] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a partial schematic sectional representation of a component of the container flange of Figure 4;
[0051] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional representation of a bag provided with the container flange according to the first embodiment of the invention;
[0052] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a schematic sectional representation of a bag provided with a container flange according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0053] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a clamping ring of the container flange of the bag of Figure 7;
[0054] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a schematic detail representation of the container flange of the bag of Figure 7;
[0055] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 is a schematic sectional representation of a bag provided with a container flange according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[0056] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a clamping ring of the container flange of the bag of Figure 10;
[0057] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 is a schematic detail representation of the container flange of the bag of Figure 10;
[0058] [Fig. 13] Figure 13 is a schematic sectional representation of a bag provided with a container flange according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; [Fig. 14] Figure 14 is a schematic representation of a clamping ring of the container flange of the bag of Figure 13;
[0059] [Fig. 15] Figure 15 is a schematic detail representation of the container flange of the bag of Figure 13;
[0060] [Fig. 16] Figure 16 is a schematic sectional representation of a bag provided with a container flange according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
[0061] [Fig. 17] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective representation of the bag of Figure 16;
[0062] [Fig. 18] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective representation of an element of the container flange of the bag of Figure 16;
[0063] [Fig. 19] Figure 19 is a schematic sectional representation of a bag provided with a container flange according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the bag being in its closed configuration;
[0064] [Fig. 20] Figure 20 is a schematic sectional representation of the bag of Figure , the bag being in its open configuration.
[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0066] As a preliminary, an axial direction and a radial direction are defined which is orthogonal to the axial direction.
[0067] With reference to figures 1 to 3, a wall 1 of a cell is equipped with a cell flange 2 in which is engaged a container flange 3 provided with a container door 4. The container 80, extends in particular in the extension of the flange 3, outside the cell, and is, here, a flexible bag 81 made from a plastic film which defines a wall 82 of the bag 81. The assembly consisting of the container flange 3 and the container door 4 constitutes a closure 70 of the container 80 on which it is attached.
[0068] The container flange 3 has four internal ears, also called internal tabs, regularly distributed at ninety degrees around a central axis AX of the flange 3. Two of these internal ears, marked 6 and 7, are visible in Figure 1, these internal ears protruding radially towards the axis AX from a cylindrical internal face 8 of this flange 3.
[0069] In this text, the terms "inner" or "internal" and "outer" or "external" are used with reference to the position or orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the flange 3.
[0070] The container door 4 is mounted to rotate relative to the container flange 3 about a first axis of rotation 01, here coincident with the axis Ax. The container door 4, which can occupy a closed state to close a central opening 5 of the container flange 3 and an open state to release the central opening 5, comprises four external ears, also called external tabs, regularly distributed at ninety degrees around the axis AX, two of these external ears, identified by 9 and 11, being visible in Figure 1. These external ears protrude radially from the circular external periphery of the door 4 so that each can engage between two contiguous internal ears of the flange 3, as in the configuration of Figure 1. The transition of the container door 4 from one state to the other is done by a rotation of the container door 4 relative to the container flange 3 about the axis 01.
[0071] The cell flange 2 is provided on the inside of the cell with a hinge 13 on which is mounted a cell door 14 visible in Figure 2. This cell door 14 opens towards the inside of the cell to release the central opening 16 of the flange 2, as in the configuration of Figure 2. This door 14 can also occupy a folded position on the opening 16 to close it, which corresponds to the configuration of Figure 1. As visible in Figures 1 and 2, the hinge 13 extends along an axis AY which is parallel to the wall 1 and which is here oriented vertically.
[0072] The central opening 5 of the container flange 3 is, here, a second central opening, and the central opening 16 of the cell flange 2 is a first central opening.
[0073] The connection of the container flange 3 consists of engaging its end in the cell flange 2, then pivoting it around the axis AX by means of two gripping handles 17 and 18 of this flange 3 which extend radially. This rotation has the effect of disengaging a first bayonet connection, called the door flange, corresponding to the internal lugs 6, 7 and external lugs 9 and 11 to separate the container door 4 from the container flange 3. This first bayonet connection thus constitutes a means of blocking and releasing the container door 4.
[0074] This rotation also has the effect of engaging a second bayonet connection, called a door-carrier, not visible, to secure the container door 4 to the cell door 14. This second bayonet connection thus constitutes a means for securing and detaching the container door and the cell door.
[0075] This rotation also has the effect of engaging a third bayonet connection, called a flange-flange, not visible in the figures, to secure the two flanges. This third bayonet connection thus constitutes a means of coupling the two flanges.
[0076] Once the container flange 3 is connected to the cell flange 2, opening the cell door 14 allows the central opening 16 to be released, taking with it the container door 4, which corresponds to the situation in Figure 2.
[0077] As seen in Figure 3, the container flange 3 delimits a transfer path 30 which connects a feed end 31 of the container flange 3 and a discharge end 32 of the container flange 3. The end 32 opens opposite the central opening 5 which is closed by the container door 4. The container door 4 thus extends in the immediate vicinity of the discharge end 32. The wall 82 defines an interior volume 83 of the bag 81 and comprises a first wall portion 84 which extends outside the transfer path 30 and a second wall portion 85 which extends into the transfer path 30. The second wall portion 85 comprises an orifice 86 which defines a free edge 87 (here of substantially circular shape) which is attached and welded to an inner face 33 of the transfer path 30 - here at the discharge end 32.The first wall portion 84 corresponds substantially to a bottom of the bag 81 and the second wall portion 85 corresponds to a top of the bag 81.
[0078] Bag 81 contains 21 objects, here vaccine bottle lids. When using the container 80, the objects 21 which rest, after emptying the bag 81, in the transfer path 30 - that is to say in a volume partially delimited circumferentially by the second wall portion 85 - are likely to hinder the closing of the door 4. A raising of the bottom of the bag 81 - here carried out by moving the first wall portion 84 upwards according to the representation of FIG. 3 - causes a raising of the second wall portion 85 by rotation of the latter around the free edge 87. The new position 85' of the portion 85 of the bag 81 is partially represented in broken lines in FIG. 3. The objects 21 which rest on the second wall portion 85 placed in this position 85' are then drawn by gravity through the opening 5. Nothing more opposes the closing of the door 4 and it can be closed.
[0079] The manufacture of the closure 70 and the container 80 will now be detailed with reference to figures 4 to 6. The container flange 3 comprises a first flange element 40 and a second flange element 50. The first flange element 40 comprises a tubular body 41 in the form of a right cylinder with axis Ax defining an internal volume 42 of the first flange element 40. The internal volume 42 has a first internal diameter D42. The tubular body 41 carries at its first end 43 radially external ears 44 of the second bayonet connection.
[0080] The second element 50 comprises a first section 51 in the shape of a straight cylinder and which defines the discharge end 32 of the container flange 3.
[0081] The first section 51 comprises a distal end 52 which describes a circle of outer diameter D52 substantially smaller than the diameter D42.
[0082] The first flange element 40 comprises a first crown 45 extending in external projection in a first radial plane Prl to define a first assembly flange 46. The flange 46 comprises a groove 47 for receiving a sealing O-ring 48. The flange 46 extends near a second end 49 of the flange element 40 opposite the first end 43.
[0083] The second flange element 50 comprises a second crown 53 which projects externally from the first section 51 and which extends in a second radial plane Pr2 located near the supply end 31 to define a second assembly flange 54.
[0084] The flange elements 40 and 50 are advantageously produced by thermoplastic injection.
[0085] The manufacture of the container 80 according to the first embodiment of the invention takes place as follows.
[0086] According to a first step shown in Figure 5, the free edge 87 of the bag 81 is engaged in the first section 51 from the feed end 31 until the free edge 87 is in the immediate vicinity of the distal end 52. The edge 87 is then welded to a radially internal face 51.1 of the first section 51. In this configuration, the first wall portion 84 extends outside the first section 51 and the second wall portion 85 extends inside the first section 51.
[0087] According to a second step, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 is engaged through the end 49 of the first flange element 40. The second element 50 is then slid relative to the first element 40 along the axis Ax until the first assembly flange 46 comes into contact with the second assembly flange 54. An assembly collar 60 is made up of two half-collars 61 and 62 articulated at their first ends and connected by screwing at their second ends. The collar 60 has a groove 63 for receiving the flanges 46 and 57. The profiles of the flanges 46 and 54 as well as the profile of the groove 63 are arranged so that screwing the half-collars 61 and 62 together tightens the assembly flanges 46 and 57 against each other, compressing the seal 48. The container 80 shown in FIG. 6 is then obtained. The second flange element 50 extends inside the internal volume 42 of the first flange element 40.As seen in Figure 6, the collar 60 has an outside diameter D60 substantially equal to an outside diameter D44 ears 44. After filling, the door 4 and its seal are installed in front of the opening 5 to obtain the closed container 80 of Figure 3.
[0088] Elements identical or similar to those previously described will bear a numerical reference identical to this in the following description of a second, third and fourth embodiment of the invention. According to a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 7 to 9, the closure 70 comprises a clamping ring 71 - here a clamping ring 71 whose section is substantially L-shaped - and which has a clamping face 72. The clamping face 72 extends in a third radial clamping plane Pr3. The clamping ring 71 is attached by gluing to a radially internal face 41.1 of the tubular body 41, which makes it possible to easily adapt the flange 3 of the first embodiment to this second embodiment.
[0089] According to the second embodiment, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 comprises a housing 55 for receiving a seal 56 - here an O-ring.
[0090] The manufacture of the container 80 according to the second embodiment of the invention takes place as follows.
[0091] In a first step, the free edge 87 of the bag 81 is engaged in the first section 51 from the feed end 31 until the free edge 87 is in the immediate vicinity of the distal end 52. The free edge 87 is then moved radially so that the wall 82 extends opposite the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50. Finally, the free edge 87 is then brought axially towards the feed end 31 of the second flange element 50. Thus, the free edge 87 extends opposite a radially external surface 51.2 of the first section 51 which defines the transfer path 30 (figure 9).
[0092] In this configuration, the first wall portion 84 extends outside the first section 51 and the second wall portion 85 extends inside the first section 51.
[0093] According to a second step, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 is engaged through the end 49 of the first flange element 40. The second element 50 is then slid relative to the first element 40 along the axis Ax until the first assembly flange 46 comes into contact with the second assembly flange 54. In this configuration, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 extends opposite the clamping face 72 of the ring 71 and the seal 56 presses the wall 82 against the clamping face 72. The tightening of the assembly collar 60 causes the wall 82 to be clamped between the seal 56 and the clamping face 72.
[0094] The securing of the free edge 87 of the wall 82 to a radially external surface 51.2 of the transfer path 30 guarantees that the junction zone of the wall 82 to the flange 50 works in tension and not in peeling which is a mode of resistance more detrimental to the wall 82.
[0095] According to a third embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 10 to 12, the closure 70 comprises a clamping ring 71—here a clamping ring 71 whose section is substantially L-shaped—and which has a clamping face 72. The clamping face 72 extends parallel to the axis 01 and comprises an annular housing 73 for receiving a seal 74—here an O-ring. The clamping ring 71 also comprises an appendage 75 which projects radially inside the face 72.
[0096] According to this third embodiment, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 comprises a housing 55 for receiving the seal 74.
[0097] For the purposes of the present application, the seal 74 is a first seal, and the seal 48 is a second seal.
[0098] The manufacture of the container 80 according to the third embodiment of the invention takes place as follows.
[0099] According to a first step, the free edge 87 of the bag 81 is engaged in the first section 51 from the supply end 31 until the free edge 87 is in the immediate vicinity of the distal end 52. The free edge 87 is then moved radially so that the wall 82 extends opposite the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50. Finally, the free edge 87 is then brought radially towards the supply end 31 of the second flange element 50. Thus, the wall 82 extends opposite the housing 55 of the seal 74 and the free edge 87 extends opposite a radially external surface 51.2 of the first section 51 which defines the transfer path 30 (figure 12). In this configuration, the first wall portion 84 extends outside the first section 51 and the second wall portion 85 extends inside the first section 51. According to a second step, the seal 74 is installed in its housing.In doing so, the seal 74 comes to bear on the wall 82. The ring 71 is then engaged on the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 and the latter is translated relative to the second flange element 50 until the appendage 75 comes into contact with the distal end 52. At the end of this step, the seal 74 is in place in the housing 73 and the clamping ring 71 exerts a radial clamping force on the wall 82 against the radially external surface 51.2 of the first section 51.
[0100] According to a third step, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50, equipped with the clamping ring 71, is engaged through the end 49 of the first flange element 40. The second element 50 is then slid relative to the first element 40 along the axis Ax until the first assembly flange 46 comes into contact with the second assembly flange 54.
[0101] The assembly collar 60 is then mounted and tightened on the first assembly flange 46 and the second assembly flange 54.
[0102] According to a fourth embodiment of the invention shown in figures 13 to 15, the closure 70 comprises a clamping ring 71 - here a clamping ring 71 of truncated cone section which has a clamping face 72 provided with two fir-tooth reliefs 76 and 77. The clamping ring 71 also comprises a radial appendage 78.
[0103] According to this fourth embodiment, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 comprises two housings 58 and 59 arranged to cooperate with the reliefs 76 and 77.
[0104] The manufacture of the container 80 according to the third embodiment of the invention takes place as follows.
[0105] According to a first step, the free edge 87 of the bag 81 is engaged in the first section 51 from the supply end 31 until the free edge 87 is in the immediate vicinity of the distal end 52. The free edge 87 is then moved radially so that the wall 82 extends opposite the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50. Finally, the free edge 87 is then brought radially towards the supply end 31 of the second flange element 50. Thus, the wall 82 extends opposite the two fir-tooth reliefs 76 and 77 and the free edge 87 extends opposite a radially external surface 51.2 of the first section 51 which defines the transfer path 30 (figure 12). In this configuration, the first wall portion 84 extends outside the first section 51 and the second wall portion 85 extends inside the first section 51.
[0106] According to a second step, the ring 71 is engaged on the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 and the latter is translated relative to the second flange element 50 until the fir-tooth reliefs 76 and 77 are respectively received in the housings 58 and 59. At the end of this step, the clamping ring 71 exerts a radial clamping force on the wall 82 against the radially external surface 51.2 of the first section 51.
[0107] According to a third step, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50, equipped with the clamping ring 71, is engaged through the end 49 of the first flange element 40. The second element 50 is then slid relative to the first element 40 along the axis Ax until the first assembly flange 46 comes into contact with the second assembly flange 54.
[0108] The assembly collar 60 is then mounted and tightened on the first assembly flange 46 and the second assembly flange 54.
[0109] According to a fifth embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 16 to 18, the clamping face 72 of the clamping ring 71 extends in the third radial clamping plane Pr3. The clamping ring 71 is attached by gluing to the radially internal face 41.1 of the tubular body 41 and the seal 74 is attached by overmolding to the clamping face 72. The second seal 48 is attached by overmolding to the assembly flange 54 of the second flange element 50.
[0110] The manufacture of the container 80 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention takes place as follows.
[0111] In a first step, the free edge 87 of the bag 81 is engaged in the first section 51 from the feed end 31 until the free edge 87 is in the immediate vicinity of the distal end 52. The free edge 87 is then moved radially so that the wall 82 extends opposite the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50. Finally, the free edge 87 is then brought axially towards the feed end 31 of the second flange element 50. Thus, the free edge 87 extends opposite the radially external surface 51.2 of the first section 51 which defines the transfer path 30. The free edge 87 is then welded by ultrasonic welding to the surface 51.2.
[0112] In this configuration, the first wall portion 84 extends outside the first section 51 and the second wall portion 85 extends inside the first section 51.
[0113] According to a second step, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 is engaged through the end 49 of the first flange element 40. The second element 50 is then slid relative to the first element 40 along the axis Ax until the first assembly flange 46 comes into contact with the second seal 48. In this configuration, the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50 extends opposite the clamping face 72 of the ring 71 and the distal end presses the wall 82 against the seal 74 of the clamping face 72.
[0114] The tightening of the assembly collar 60 on the assembly flanges 46 and 54 causes the wall 82 to be tightened between the distal end 52 and the seal 74 overmolded on the tightening face 72. The tightening force F is, here, applied in a purely axial direction. This tightening also compresses the seal 48 between the assembly flanges 46 and 54.
[0115] The transfer device according to the invention has the following advantages:
[0116] - the flexibility of the container and the fact that it extends across the transfer path makes it possible to ensure, by simple manipulation of the container, that it is actually emptied, without blocking the components contained in the container;
[0117] - when the cell is equipped with a flange outlet guide device - also called "fall" -, this device is continuous with the container wall and ensures that the components are only in contact with the fall (which, coming from the inside of the cell, is definitely "clean") and the internal face of the container wall, which is also definitely a "clean" environment. This further reduces the risk of component contamination.
[0118] According to a sixth embodiment of the invention shown in figures 19 and 20, a flexible tubular sleeve 90 - here in the form of a straight cylinder - comprises a first end 91 for connection to the second flange element 50 and a second end 92 for overflow. Similar to the free edge 87, the mounting of the sleeve 90 on the container flange 3 is done by engaging the end 91 in the first section 51 from the supply end 31 until the end 91 is in close proximity to the distal end 52. The end 91 is then moved radially so that the sleeve 90 extends opposite the distal end 52 of the second flange element 50. Finally the end 91 is then brought axially back towards the supply end 31 of the second flange element 50. Thus, the end 91 extends opposite the radially external surface 51.2 of the first section 51 which defines the transfer path 30.The end 91 is then welded by ultrasonic welding or thermal welding on the surface 51.2, at the same time as the free edge 87. As seen in Figure 19, the sleeve 90 is folded inside the bag 81 when the container door 4 is in place.
[0119] Once the closure 70 is connected to the cell flange 2 and the door 4 is open, the sleeve 90 is manually extracted from inside the bag 81 and unfolded so as to extend through the opening 16 of the cell flange 2. The bag 81 is then manipulated so as to create a flow slope, non-zero relative to the horizontal, of the components 21 which pass from the bag 81 to engage in the sleeve 90 and pour into the cell, without any contact with the junction zone between the cell flange 2 and the container flange 3, thus guaranteeing a transfer without contamination of the components 21.
[0120] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
[0121] In particular, - although here the tubular body is in the form of a right cylinder, the invention also applies to other types of tubular bodies, such as for example a truncated cone-shaped, elliptical or any other shaped tubular body;
[0122] - although here the first assembly flange comprises a groove for receiving a sealing gasket, the invention also applies to other sealed connection configurations such as for example a second assembly flange comprising a groove for receiving a sealing gasket, an absence of gasket, an absence of groove, or sealing made with jointing paste;
[0123] - although here the clamping ring is attached by gluing to the tubular body, the invention also applies to a clamping ring which would be in continuity of material with the tubular body, such as for example a ring molded at the same time as the tubular body or attached to it by core welding;
[0124] - although here the clamping ring is attached by gluing to the tubular body, the invention also applies to other means for rigidly connecting the ring and the tubular body, such as for example shrink fitting, screwing, fillet welding or mounting in a groove;
[0125] - although here the seal is an O-ring, the invention also applies to other seal profiles such as a flat seal or any deformed seal;
[0126] - although here the wall extends entirely in the transfer path, the invention also applies to a wall which would extend partially to the discharge end, such as for example a wall whose free edge describes a slanted orifice whose upper apex would be connected to the supply end and a lower apex would be connected to the discharge end;
[0127] - although here a free edge extends facing a radially external surface of the transfer path, the invention also applies to other configurations in which the wall extends facing a radially external surface of the transfer path, such as for example an edge added by welding to a radially external surface of the transfer path, or a fold of the wall 82 arranged so that the free edge of the wall extends facing a radially internal surface of the transfer path; - although here the free edge is fixed to the surface by ultrasonic welding, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to this joining technique. Other methods of fixing can be envisaged, such as the implementation of mechanical connections, for example using a collar, or even the use of different welding variants, such as friction, thermal, spot, or laser welding.Similarly, joining methods using structural adhesives or bonding agents could be adopted to reliably and durably attach the free edge to the relevant surface;.
[0128] - although here the first seal is attached by overmolding to the clamping face, the invention also applies to other means of securing the seal to the clamping surface such as for example gluing, welding (for example ultrasonic);
[0129] - although here the clamping force is applied in a purely axial direction, the invention also applies to other essentially axial directions of the clamping force such as, for example, a clamping force against a clamping surface not orthogonal to the axis but whose axial component of the direction is predominant compared to the radial component;
[0130] - although here the sleeve is attached by welding to the radially external surface of the first section of the second flange element, at the same time as the free edge, the invention also applies to other means of connecting the sleeve to the cell flange such as for example a connection by clamping, according to methods similar to those described in connection with the free edge in the various embodiments of the invention, or a connection by gluing, or a weld separate from that of the free edge,...;
[0131] - although here the cuff is cylindrical in shape, the invention also applies to other cuff shapes such as, for example, a cuff of square, oval or any other section.
Claims
CLAIMS 1. Device for the sealed transfer of objects from a flexible container (80) containing objects (21) to a cell, this device comprising: - a cell flange (2) intended to be fixed to a wall (1) of the cell, and a container flange (3) equipping the container (80), these two flanges (2, 3) being provided with sealed coupling means (44); - the cell flange (2) comprising a cell door (14) capable of occupying a closed state to close a first central opening (16) of the cell flange (2) and an open state to release the first central opening (16); - the container flange (3) delimiting a transfer path (30) connecting a feed end (31) of the container flange (3) and a discharge end (32) of the container flange (3), a container door (4) extending in the immediate vicinity of the discharge end (32) and being rotatably mounted relative to the container flange (3) about a first longitudinal axis of rotation (01) and which can occupy a closed state for closing a second central opening (5) of the container flange (3) and an open state for releasing the second central opening (5), the container flange (3) and the container door (4) being equipped with a first bayonet connection for locking the container door (4) in the container flange (3), the transition of the container door (4) from one state to the other being effected by a rotation of the container door (4) relative to the container flange (3) about the first axis of rotation (01),this first bayonet connection comprising internal ears (6, 7) protruding radially towards the inside of the container flange (3);, - the cell door (14) and the container door (4) being provided with means for securing and detaching the container door (4) and the cell door (14); the container (80) comprising a wall (82) extending at least partially in the transfer path (30), and which is connected in a sealed manner to the container flange (3) by clamping the wall (82) against a clamping face secured to the container flange (3) using a clamping force applied in an essentially axial direction.
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the wall (82) comprises a free edge (87) which is connected by welding or gluing to a radially external surface (51.2) of the transfer path (30).
3. Container (80) comprising a wall (82) delimiting an orifice (86) closed by a closure (70), the closure (70) comprising a container flange (3) delimiting a transfer path (30) connecting a feed end (31) of the container flange (3) and a discharge end (32) of the container flange (3), a container door (4) extending in the immediate vicinity of the discharge end (32) and being rotatably mounted relative to the container flange (3) about a first axis of rotation (01) and which can occupy a closed state for closing a second central opening (5) of the container flange (3) and an open state for releasing the second central opening (5), the container flange (3) and the container door (4) being equipped with a first bayonet connection for locking the container door (4) in the container flange (3),the transition of the container door (4) from one state to the other being effected by a rotation of the container door (4) relative to the container flange (3) about the first axis of rotation (01), this first bayonet connection comprising internal ears (6, 7) projecting radially inwards of the container flange (3), in which the wall (82) extends at least partially into the transfer path (30) and is connected in a sealed manner to the container flange (3) by clamping the wall (82) against a clamping face (72) integral with the container flange (3) using a clamping force applied in an essentially axial direction., 4. Container (80) according to claim 3, wherein the clamping face (72) comprises a first seal (74).
5. Container (80) according to claim 4, in which the first seal (74) is integral with the clamping face (72), the first seal (74) being preferably attached to the clamping face (72) by overmolding.
6. Container (80) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the wall (82) comprises a free edge (87) which is connected by welding or gluing to a radially external surface (51.2) of the transfer path (30).
7. Container (80) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the container flange (3) comprises a first flange element (40) and a second flange element (50), the first flange element (40) comprising a tubular body (41) defining an internal volume (42) of the first flange element (40), the tubular body (41) carrying sealed coupling means (44) intended to be connected to an external device, the second flange element (50) at least partially delimiting the transfer path (30) and extending at least partially inside the internal volume (42) of the first flange element (40), and wherein the closure (70) comprises a clamping ring (71) defining the clamping face (72), the wall (82) extending between the distal end (52) of the second flange element (50) and the clamping face (72) so as to be clamped between the second flange element (50) and the clamping face (72).
8. Container (80) according to claim 7, in which the clamping ring (71) is rigidly connected to the tubular body (41), the clamping ring (71) preferably being in material continuity with the tubular body (41).
9. Container (80) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, in which the second flange element (50) comprises a second seal (48) for producing a sealed junction with the first flange element (40), the second seal (48) being preferably added by overmolding onto the second flange element (50).
10. Container (80) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the clamping face (72) extends in a third radial plane (Pr3).
11. Container (80) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, comprising a pouring sleeve (90) attached to the container flange (3).
12. Container (80) according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve (90) is connected in a sealed manner to the container flange (3) by clamping the sleeve (90) against a clamping face (72) integral with the container flange (3) using a clamping force applied in an essentially axial direction.
13. Container (80) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the sleeve (90) comprises an end (91) which is connected by welding or gluing to a radially external surface (51.2) of the transfer path (30).