Waterproof connection device for improved spillage of objects

Abstract

A sealed transfer device for objects from a container (80) containing objects (21) to a cell, this device comprising: – a cell flange (2) – a container flange (3) defining a transfer path (30) comprising a transfer portion (36) providing a gravity-guided slope (37) for the objects (21) from the feed end (31) to the discharge end (32), the guide slope (37) forming a first non-zero angle (α37) with the first axis (O1). Figure for abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Sealed connection device for transferring objects with improved spillage Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the sealed transfer of objects from a sealed container to a cell, with a double-door connection system. STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] Such a device is for example used 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] The connection consists of engaging the container flange in that of the cell, and pivoting it on itself, which has the effect of:

[0007] - secure the two flanges to each other by engaging a first connection at bayonet which is a flange-flange connection;

[0008] - secure the two doors to each other by engaging a second connection to bayonet which is a door-to-door connection;

[0009] - detach the container door from its flange by disengaging a third bayonet connection which is a flange-container door connection.

[0010] After connection, the cell door is pivoted inwards to open it: the container door then being 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.

[0011] When the objects have been transferred, the cell door can then be folded back against this opening. The container door, which is integral with the cell door, resumes then its place in the container flange.

[0012] The container is then rotated on itself in the opposite direction, which has the effect of:

[0013] - secure the container door to the container flange;

[0014] - separate the container door from the cell door;

[0015] - separate the container flange from the cell flange.

[0016] 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.

[0017] During the phase of storing the components in the container, it happens that objects get stuck between the ears of the container door and the ears of the container flange, it then becomes impossible to open the container because 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.

[0018] Identicaly, at the end of the transfer, it happens that undischarged objects remain positioned between the internal ears of the container flange, and the container seal, 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.

[0019] For reasons of laminar flow, in the majority of cases the walls where the double doors are installed are vertical or slightly inclined (slope less than 10°) whereas the transfer of components requires a slope of the order of 20° minimum. The internal shape of the container flow, when it is horizontal, becomes a retention zone. The invention consists of removing any horizontal part preventing the proper flow of the components.

[0020] The aim of the invention is to provide a solution to overcome these drawbacks. Statement of the invention

[0021] To this end, the invention relates to a device for the sealed transfer of objects from a container containing objects to a cell, this device comprising:

[0022] - a cell flange intended to be fixed to a wall of the cell, and a flange of container intended to equip the container, these two flanges being provided with watertight coupling means;

[0023] - the cell flange comprising a cell door capable of occupying a closed state to seal a first central opening of the cell flange and an open state to release the first central opening;

[0024] - the container flange delimiting a transfer path connecting one end 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 provided rotatably mounted relative to the container flange about a first longitudinal axis of rotation and which can occupy a closed state for closing a second central opening of the container flange and an open state for releasing 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 about the first axis of rotation, this first bayonet connection comprising internal ears protruding radially towards the inside of the container flange;

[0025] - the cell door and the container door being provided with means for so lidarize and detach the container door and the cell door; - the transfer path comprising a transfer portion providing a gravity guidance slope for the objects from the feed end to the discharge end, the guidance slope forming a first non-zero angle with the first axis, preferably a first angle (a37) of between one and sixty-five degrees, very preferably a first angle of between five and thirty degrees, more preferably a first angle of between approximately ten and twenty-five degrees, even more preferably a first angle of between approximately fifteen and twenty-two degrees, and even more preferably a first angle of approximately twenty degrees.

[0026] Thus, the container flange ensures gravity drive of 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 closing the cell door.

[0027] According to other particular, non-exclusive and optional embodiments of the invention: - the transfer portion extends over an angular sector equal to three hundred and sixty degrees; - the transfer portion extends over an angular sector between forty-five and three hundred and forty-five degrees; - the supply end is connected to a cylindrical inlet whose generators are substantially parallel to the first axis; - -the container is a flexible bag; - the flexible bag is connected to a radially outer face of the cylindrical inlet; - the flexible bag being made from a plastic film, the flexible bag is connected by welding to the cylindrical inlet; - the means for connecting and disconnecting the container door and the cell door include a second bayonet connection.

[0028] The invention also relates to a container seal 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 about the first axis of rotation,this bayonet connection comprising internal ears protruding radially inwards from the container flange, in which the transfer path comprises a transfer portion providing a gravity guiding slope for the objects from the feed end to the discharge end, the guiding slope forming a first non-zero angle with the first axis, preferably a first angle of between five and thirty degrees, more preferably an angle of between approximately ten and twenty-five degrees, even more preferably an angle of between approximately fifteen and twenty-two degrees, and even more preferably an angle of approximately twenty degrees.

[0029] According to other particular, non-exclusive and optional embodiments of the closure: - the cell flange comprises a first flange element and a second flange element, the first flange element comprising a tubular body in the shape of a straight cylinder defining an internal volume of the first flange element, the tubular body carrying a portion of the sealed coupling means, the second flange element delimiting the transfer path and extending at least partially inside the internal volume of the first flange element; - a distal end of the second flange element comprises a first crown extending in a first radial plane and an outer edge of which extends in close proximity to an inner surface of the tubular body; - the first flange element and the second flange element are assembled in a removable manner, preferably using an assembly collar; - the first flange element comprises a second crown extending in a second radial plane to define a first assembly flange, the second flange element comprising a third crown extending in a third radial plane to define a second assembly flange; - the first assembly flange and / or the second assembly flange comprises a groove for receiving a sealing gasket.

[0030] The invention also relates to a flexible bag comprising a closure thus defined.

[0031] 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

[0032] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective representation of a cell flange to which a container flange is connected as seen from outside the cell;

[0033] [Fig. 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;

[0034] [Fig. 3] is a schematic sectional representation of a bag provided with a cell flange according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0035] [Fig.4] is a schematic front view representation of the cell flange of the bag of [Fig.3];

[0036] [Fig.5] is a schematic exploded sectional representation of the cell flange of [Fig.3];

[0037] [Fig.6] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the cell flange of [Fig.5];

[0038] [Fig.7] is a schematic sectional representation of a bag provided with a cell flange according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig.8] is a schematic front view representation of the cell flange of the bag of [Fig.7]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] As a preliminary, an axial direction and a radial direction which is orthogonal to the axial direction are defined.

[0041] 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 the extension of the flange 3, outside the cell, and is, here, a flexible bag 81 made from a plastic film 82. 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.

[0042] The container flange 3 has four internal ears, also called internal tabs, regularly distributed at 90° around a central axis AX of the flange 3. Two of these internal ears, marked 6 and 7, are visible in [Fig. 1], these internal ears protruding radially towards the axis AX of a cylindrical internal face 8 of this flange 3.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The container door 4 is mounted to rotate relative to the container flange 3 around 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 90° around the axis AX, two of these external ears, identified by 9 and 11, being visible in [Fig. 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 [Fig. 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 around the axis 01.

[0045] 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 [Fig. 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 [Fig. 2]. This door 14 can also occupy a folded position over the opening 16 to close it, which corresponds to the configuration of [Fig. 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 container 4.

[0049] 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.

[0050] This rotation also has the effect of engaging a third bayonet connection, called 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.

[0051] 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 [Fig.2].

[0052] As visible in [Fig. 3], the container flange 3 delimits a transfer path 30 which connects a supply end 31 of the container flange 3 and a discharge end 32 of the container flange 3. The end 31 opens into an interior volume 83 of the bag 81 and the end 32 opens opposite the central opening 5 which is closed by the container door 4. The end 31 is connected to a cylindrical inlet 33 whose generatrices 34 are substantially parallel to the axis 01. The bag 81 is connected by welding to a radially outer face 35 of the cylindrical inlet 33.

[0053] The bag 81 contains objects 21, here vaccine bottle lids.

[0054] The transfer path 30 comprises a transfer portion 36 which provides a slope guiding 37 by gravity of the objects 21 from the feed end 31 towards the discharge end 32. The guiding slope 37 forms a first angle a37 equal to twenty degrees with the first axis 01.

[0055] As visible in [Fig.4], the transfer portion 36 extends over an angular sector S36 equal to three hundred and sixty degrees around the axis Ax.

[0056] The manufacture of the closure 70 will now be detailed with reference to figures 5 and 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 straight 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.

[0057] The second element 50 comprises a first section 51 in the form of a straight cylinder and which defines the inlet 33 of the container flange 3. The first section 51 is extended by a second section 52, here of truncated cone shape which defines the slope 37.

[0058] The second section 52 comprises at its distal end 53 a first crown 54. The first crown 54 extends in a first radial plane Prl and has an outer edge 55 which defines a circle of second outer diameter D55 substantially smaller than the first diameter D42.

[0059] The first flange element 40 comprises a second crown 45 extending in a second radial plane Pr2 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 close to a second end 49 of the flange element 40 opposite the first end 43.

[0060] The second flange element 50 comprises a third crown 56 which projects from the second section 52 and which extends in a third radial plane Pr3 located close to the first section 51 to define a second assembly flange 57.

[0061] The flange elements 40 and 50 are advantageously produced by thermoplastic injection.

[0062] The closure 70 is obtained by engaging the distal end 53 of the second flange element 50 through the end 49 of the first flange element 40 and by sliding the second element 50 relative to the first element 40 along the axis Ax until the first assembly flange 46 comes into contact with the second assembly flange 57. 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 57 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 and compresses the seal 48. The closure 70 shown in [Fig.6] in which the second flange element 50 extends inside the internal volume 42 of the first flange element 40. The outer edge 55 extends in the immediate vicinity of an internal surface 41.1 of the tubular body 4L. As visible in [Fig.6], the collar 60 has an external diameter D60 substantially equal to an external diameter D44 of the ears 44.

[0063] Elements identical or analogous to those previously described will bear a numerical reference identical to this in the following description of a second embodiment of the invention.

[0064] According to a second embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig.7] and 8, the transfer portion 36 extends over an angular sector S36 of three hundred and forty degrees.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In particular, although here the guide slope forms an angle of twenty degrees with the first longitudinal axis, the invention also applies to other values ​​of the first angle, such as for example a value greater than zero, preferably between one and sixty-five degrees, very preferably between five and thirty degrees, more preferably between approximately ten and twenty-five degrees, even more preferably between approximately fifteen and twenty-two degrees, and even more preferably a value of approximately twenty degrees although here the transfer portion extends over an angular sector of three hundred and forty degrees around the first longitudinal axis, the invention also applies to other values ​​of the angular sector, such as for example a value between one hundred and twenty and three hundred and forty degrees; 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, or an absence of a groove and sealing with joint paste.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for the sealed transfer of objects from a 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) intended to equip the container, 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 (01) of rotation 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 transfer path (30) comprising a transfer portion (36) providing a guide slope (37) by gravity of the objects (21) from the feed end (31) to the discharge end (32), the guide slope (37) forming a first non-zero angle (a37) with the first axis (01), preferably a first angle (a37) of between one and sixty-five degrees, very preferably a first angle (a37) between five and thirty degrees, more preferably a first angle (a37) between approximately ten and twenty-five degrees, even more preferably a first angle (a37) between approximately fifteen and twenty-two degrees, and even more preferably a first angle (a37) of approximately twenty degrees.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the transfer portion (36) extends over an angular sector (S36) equal to three hundred and sixty degrees.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transfer portion (36) extends over an angular sector (S36) between one hundred and twenty and three hundred and forty degrees.

4. Device according to claim 1, in which the supply end (31) is connected to a cylindrical inlet (33) whose generatrices (34) are substantially parallel to the first axis (01).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the container (80) is a flexible bag (81).

6. Device according to claims 4 and 5, in which the flexible bag (81) is connected to a radially outer face (35) of the cylindrical inlet (33).

7. Device according to claim 6, in which the flexible bag (81) being made from a plastic film (82), the flexible bag (81) is connected by welding to the cylindrical inlet (33).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the means for securing and detaching the container door (4) and the cell door (14) comprise a second bayonet connection.

9. A leaktight closure (70) for a container (80) comprising a container flange (3) defining 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 rotation axis (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 achieved by a rotation of the container door (4) relative to the container flange (3) around the first axis of rotation (01), this first bayonet connection comprising internal ears (6, 7) projecting radially inwards from the container flange (3), wherein the transfer path (30) comprises a transfer portion (36) providing a guide slope (37) by gravity of the objects (21) from the feed end (31) to the discharge end (32), the guide slope (37) forming a first non-zero angle (a37) with the first axis (01).

10. A sealed closure (70) according to claim 9, wherein the cell flange (3) comprises a first flange element (40) and a second flange element (50), the first flange element (40) comprising a tubular body (41) in the shape of a straight cylinder defining an internal volume (42) of the first flange element (40), the tubular body (41) carrying a portion of the sealed coupling means (44), the second flange element (50) delimiting the transfer path (30) and extending at least partially inside the internal volume (42) of the first flange element (40).

11. A leaktight closure (70) according to claim 10, wherein a distal end (53) of the second flange member (50) comprises a first crown (54) extending in a first radial plane (Prl) and having an outer edge (55) extending in close proximity to an inner surface (41.1) of the tubular body (41).

12. A sealed closure (70) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first flange member (40) and the second flange member (50) are removably assembled, preferably using an assembly collar (60).

13. A sealed closure (70) according to claim 12, wherein the first flange member (40) comprises a second crown (45) extending in a second radial plane (Pr2) to define a first assembly flange (46), the second flange member (50) comprising a third crown (56) extending in a third radial plane (Pr3) to define a second assembly flange (57).

14. A seal according to claim 13, wherein the first assembly flange (46) and / or the second assembly flange (57) comprises a groove (47, 63) for receiving a seal (48).

15. A flexible bag (81) comprising a closure (70) according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

Images