Cell flange equipped with safety means preventing uncoupling of a container flange

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connection assembly for a sealed transfer cell, comprising: – a cell flange (1) comprising a central opening (4), and an internal face (6) equipped with a door for closing the opening (4); – a lock (14) carried by the internal face (6) of the cell flange (1) for locking the door; – a groove on the internal circumference of the opening for receiving external ears of a container flange in order to form a bayonet connection for coupling this container flange; – a stop (31) movable in rotation between an activation position in which it protrudes into the groove to prevent uncoupling of the container flange, and a deactivation position in which this movable stop releases the groove; – actuating means equipping the lock (14) for deactivating the movable stop when this lock (14) passes into the locked state. Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Cell flange equipped with safety means preventing the uncoupling of a container flange Technical field

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

[0002] In various industrial sectors, it is necessary to carry out tasks in a confined atmosphere, to protect the environment for example from radioactivity or toxicity, or to carry out these tasks in an aseptic atmosphere, or both simultaneously.

[0003] The transfer of devices or products from a container to a cell without breaking the seal is ensured with a double-door connection device, such a device being known for example from document FR2695343.

[0004] In such a device, the cell is closed by a door in a flange of the cell equipping this cell, the door being located on the internal side of the flange, that is to say in the cell, being linked to this flange by a hinge. The container is closed by a door mounted in a flange of this container to which it is secured by a bayonet connection. Two other bayonet connections allow the flanges to be secured to each other, and the doors to be secured to each other.

[0005] It is common to refer to the cell flange and door as alpha flange and alpha door, and to refer to the container flange and door as beta flange and beta door.

[0006] The connection of the container to the cell is ensured by applying the flange of the container against that of the cell, and by pivoting it on itself, which has the effect of:

[0007] - secure the two flanges to each other using their bayonet connection;

[0008] - secure the two doors to each other with another bayonet connection;

[0009] - disconnect the bayonet connection linking the container door to its flange.

[0010] Once this connection has been made, the cell door can be pivoted inwards around its hinge, so as to open the communication: the container door then being rigidly secured to that of the cell by the corresponding bayonet connection, it opens jointly with the cell door.

[0011] Once the transfer of components or materials has been carried out from the container to the cell or vice versa, the cell door with the container door attached to it are folded down by pivoting around the hinge. The container is then pivoted on itself in the opposite direction, which has the effect of:

[0012] - secure the container door to the container flange;

[0013] - separate the container door from the cell door;

[0014] - separate the container flange from the cell flange.

[0015] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide security to such a system to ensure that the container flange cannot be uncoupled from the cell flange until the door is fully closed. SUMMARY

[0016] For this purpose, the present disclosure relates to a connection assembly for a sealed transfer cell, comprising:

[0017] - a cell flange delimiting a central opening, this cell flange comprising an internal face equipped with a door to close the central opening;

[0018] - a lock carried by the internal face of the cell flange to lock the door when closed on the central opening;

[0019] - a groove extending around the inner circumference of the opening for receiving external ears of a container flange to form a bayonet connection for coupling this container flange to the cell flange;

[0020] - fixed stops extending into this groove, the external ears being supported against these fixed stops when the container flange is coupled to the cell flange;

[0021] - a stop movable in rotation between an activation position in which it protrudes into the groove to interfere with an external ear of the container flange to prevent its rotation to prohibit its uncoupling from the cell flange, and a deactivation position in which this movable stop releases the groove;

[0022] - actuating means equipping the lock to deactivate the movable stop when this lock goes to the locked state.

[0023] With this arrangement, uncoupling of the container flange engaged in the cell flange is only possible when the cell flange door is closed and locked.

[0024] The present disclosure also relates to an assembly thus defined, in which the movable stop comprises a rotary rod passing through the bottom of the groove, this rotary rod extending along an axis which is parallel to an axis of revolution of the groove, this rotary rod comprising a flat which extends in continuity with the bottom when the movable stop is deactivated, and which protrudes radially from the bottom while extending into the groove when this movable stop is activated.

[0025] The present disclosure also relates to an assembly thus defined, comprising an elastic return element tending continuously to deactivate the movable stop, in which the rod is terminated by a flap protruding from the internal face of the cell flange, and in which the lock rests on the flap to deactivate the movable stop when this lock is in the locked state.

[0026] The present disclosure also relates to an assembly thus defined, in which the lock is rotatable and comprises a radial arm coming to bear on the shutter when this lock passes into the locked state.

[0027] The present disclosure also relates to an assembly thus defined, in which the radial arm is terminated by a bearing portion which extends parallel to the axis of revolution of the groove, and in which the axis of the rod of the movable stop extends between the bearing portion and the axis of the lock when this lock is in the locked state.

[0028] The present disclosure also relates to an assembly thus defined, in which the lock is equipped with an operating lever located on an external face of the cell flange.

[0029] The present disclosure also relates to an assembly thus defined, in which the elastic return element of the movable stop is located in a cavity of the cell flange.

[0030] The present disclosure also relates to an assembly thus defined, in which the movable stop is located on the cell flange at a position opposite that of a hinge carrying the door of this cell flange.

[0031] The present disclosure also relates to a method of using an assembly thus defined, comprising the steps of:

[0032] - coupling the container flange to the cell flange;

[0033] - operate the cell flange lock to move this lock to the locked state;

[0034] - open the cell door to connect the container with the cell.

[0035] The present disclosure also relates to a method thus defined, in which a connection assembly is used comprising a movable stop comprising a rotary rod passing through the bottom of the groove, this rotary rod extending along an axis which is parallel to an axis of revolution of the groove, this rotary rod comprising a flat which extends in continuity with the bottom when the movable stop is deactivated, and which protrudes radially from the bottom by extending into the groove when this movable stop is activated.

[0036] The present disclosure also relates to a method of using a connection assembly for a sealed transfer cell, this connection assembly comprising:

[0037] - a cell flange delimiting a central opening, this cell flange comprising an internal face equipped with a door to close the opening;

[0038] - a lock carried by the internal face of the cell flange to lock the door when closed on the opening;

[0039] - a groove extending around the inner circumference of the opening for receiving external ears of a container flange to form a bayonet connection for coupling this container flange to the cell flange;

[0040] - fixed stops extending into this groove, the external ears being supported against these fixed stops when the container flange is coupled to the cell flange;

[0041] - a stop movable in rotation between an activation position in which it protrudes into the groove to interfere with an external ear of the container flange to prevent its rotation to prohibit its uncoupling from the cell flange, and a deactivation position in which this movable stop releases the groove;

[0042] - actuating means equipping the lock to deactivate the movable stop when this lock goes to the locked state;

[0043] and wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0044] - coupling the container flange to the cell flange;

[0045] - operate the cell flange lock to move this lock to the locked state;

[0046] - open the cell door to connect the container with the cell.

[0047] The present disclosure also relates to a method thus defined, in which a connection assembly is used comprising a stop movable in rotation between an activation position in which it protrudes into the groove to interfere with an external ear of the container flange in order to prevent its rotation to prohibit its uncoupling from the cell flange, and a deactivation position in which this movable stop releases the groove. Brief description of the drawings

[0048] [Fig. 1] is a perspective overview of a flange equipped with a door shown open in accordance with the present disclosure as viewed from inside the cell;

[0049] [Fig.2] is a front view of a flange equipped with a door shown closed in accordance with the present disclosure as viewed from inside the cell;

[0050] [Fig. 3] is a perspective view showing the lock in the locked state and the flap of the movable stop of the device in the deactivated state;

[0051] [Fig.4] is a perspective view showing the coupling of a container flange to the cell flange as seen from outside the cell;

[0052] [Fig.5] is a perspective view showing the rod and flap of the movable stop;

[0053] [Fig.6] is a perspective view showing the integration of the movable stop in the bridle;

[0054] [Fig.7] is a local perspective view of the lock in the unlocked state with its radial arm released from the flap of the movable stop to activate this stop;

[0055] [Fig.8] is a local perspective view of the lock in the locked state with its radial arm pressing on the flap of the movable stop to deactivate it;

[0056] [Fig.9] is a local perspective view showing the movable stop with its rod extending into the internal groove in the activated state when the latch arm is disengaged from the shutter;

[0057] [Fig. 10] is a local perspective view showing the movable stop with its rod extending into the internal groove in the deactivated state when the lock arm is resting on the shutter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In [Fig.l], a cell flange 1 supports a door 2 secured to this flange 1 by a hinge 3. This flange 1 is fixed to an opening (not shown) in a cell wall, and has a shape of revolution around an axis AX1, to delimit a central circular opening 4.

[0059] It comprises an internal face 6 extending inside the cell which it equips, and an external face 7 extending outside the cell which it equips and to which is coupled a container flange 8 forming part of a container from which a transfer must be carried out towards the cell or vice versa.

[0060] The opening 4 which is free in the situation of [Fig.l], can be closed by folding the door 2 against the flange 1 by pivoting this door 2 around the hinge 3 extending along an axis AY normal to the axis AX1 and spaced from the latter by a distance greater than the radius of the opening 4.

[0061] In [Fig.l], a door 9 of the container is secured to the internal face of the door 2 by a bayonet connection which is not visible. The door 2 is connected to the hinge 3 by an arm 11 having a first end rigidly secured to a rotating element 12 of the hinge 3, and a second end rigidly fixed to the door 2.

[0062] The flange 1 is equipped with a locking device comprising a rotary lock 14 and the door 2 is equipped with a cam 16, or throat, rigidly secured to the door 2 and from which it protrudes.

[0063] The rotary lock 14 is located opposite the hinge 3, and it protrudes from the internal face 6 while being able to pivot around an axis AX2 parallel to the axis AX1, this lock 14 comprising a roller 17 extending parallel to the face 6.

[0064] When the door 2 is folded down as in [Fig.2], the cam 16 is located opposite the lock 14, so that a pivoting of the lock 14 around its axis allows to engage its roller 17 in the cam 16, to lock the door 2. A rotation in the opposite direction of the lock 14 makes it possible to disengage its roller 17, to release the cam 16 and allow the door 2 to open.

[0065] This rotary lock 14 advantageously comprises a transmission axis passing through the external face 7 of the flange and allowing an operator to actuate it using an external lever 18 carried by this operating axis. The operator can thus lock or unlock the door 2 which is internal, from outside the cell.

[0066] As indicated above, the hinge 3 comprises a rotary element 12, pivoting around the axis AY, this rotary element 12 being carried by bearings 19 and 20 which are rigidly fixed to the internal face 6.

[0067] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the coupling of the container flange 8 to the cell flange 1 consists firstly of placing its free end facing the opening 4 and engaging it therein. This container flange 8 comprises external ears 21 then engaging in notches 28 of the cell flange 1, then engaging by rotation in a groove 22 formed at the internal circumference of the cell flange 1 with which they form a bayonet connection.

[0068] This groove 22 is delimited by a bottom 23 which is a portion of cylinder coaxial with the axis AX1, by a flank 24 in the form of a crown inscribed in a plane normal to the axis AX1, and by a front rim 26 projecting radially inwards. The front rim 26 comprises four beads 27 separated from each other by four notches 28 which allow the engagement of the four external ears 21 of the container flange in the groove 22.

[0069] This groove comprises four fixed internal stops 29 to limit the rotation of the four ears 21, that is to say to stop the rotation of the container flange 8 during its coupling to the cell flange 1. Each internal stop 29 extends axially from one end of a bead 27 to the sidewall 24.

[0070] When the external ears 21 are engaged in the groove 22, the container flange 8 can then be pivoted on itself around the axis AX1 until the ears 21 are brought against the stops 29, to completely couple it to the cell flange 1.

[0071] The coupling of the container flange 8 to the cell flange 1 is carried out when the door 2 is closed and locked, and likewise the uncoupling of the container flange 8 can only be carried out when the door 2 is closed and locked. Likewise, these operations can only be carried out if the flange 8 is equipped with its door.

[0072] According to the present disclosure, the cell flange 1 is equipped with a movable stop 31 making it possible to block the ears in the groove 22 when the door 2 is open, so as to prevent reverse rotation of the container flange 8 in order to prevent the uncoupling of this container flange when the door 2 is open.

[0073] This movable stop 31 is located in the groove 22 circumferentially at a distance from a fixed stop 29 slightly greater than the circumferential length of an ear 21. When the container flange 8 is coupled to the cell flange 1, and the movable stop 31 is activated, the ear located between this movable stop and the nearest fixed stop is blocked in rotation, thereby preventing uncoupling of the container flange 8, the ears 21 being captive in the groove 22.

[0074] This movable stop 31 comprises, as visible in [Fig.5], a rotary rod 32 extending along an axis AX3 parallel to the axis AX1, and which locally passes through the bottom 23 of the groove 22, in such a way that a plane passing through the axis AX3 locally coincides with the bottom 23 which is a cylindrical wall centered on the axis AX1.

[0075] This rod 32 comprises at the height of the groove 22 a flat 33 whose depth allows it, when it is in the deactivated position, to be in continuity with the bottom 23 of the groove 22 or slightly set back from this bottom 23. The depth of the flat 33 corresponds for example to half the diameter of this rod 32. When the stop 31 is deactivated, the rod 32 occupies an angular position such that its flat 33 extends in the extension of the bottom 23, which corresponds to the situation of [Fig. 10].

[0076] When the stop 31 is activated, the rod 32 is pivoted on itself around the axis AX3 to incline its flat 33 relative to the bottom 23 so that it protrudes radially inwards into the groove, as in the situation of [Fig.9], so as to constitute an obstacle making it possible to block an ear 21 in rotation.

[0077] The rod 32 is continuously returned by an elastic return element 34 to its activation position, this elastic element 34 being housed in a cavity of revolution 36 surrounding the rod 32 and opening into the internal face 6.

[0078] As visible in [Fig.6], this cavity has the shape of a cylinder surrounding the rod 32 with which it is coaxial, and it contains the elastic element 34 which extends around the rod 32, being located between a fixed bearing surface 37 integral with the cavity and a mobile bearing surface 38 integral in rotation with the rod 32.

[0079] As visible in [Fig.6], the elastic element 34, the fixed bearing 37 and the movable bearing 38 each extend over approximately 120° around the axis AX3 when the stop is activated, these three elements then jointly forming a crown surrounding the rod 32.

[0080] When the rod 32 is pivoted against the return element, the elastic element 34 is compressed circumferentially between the movable bearing surface and the fixed bearing surface, which reduces its circumferential length to a value less than 120°, to exert on this rod a return force tending to bring it back to its activation position.

[0081] As can be seen in the figures, the rod 32 is terminated by an actuating flap 41 located at the end of this rod which protrudes from the face 6. Pressure on a face of this flap 41 thus makes it possible to pivot the rod 32 against the return element 34, to deactivate the movable stop 31.

[0082] Additionally, the lock 14 is equipped with a radial arm 42 ending in a support portion 43 arranged to come into contact with the flap 41 when the lock moves from its unlocked position to its locked position.

[0083] As visible in the figures, the flap 41 as well as the movable stop 31 of which it is part are located on the flange 1 at a position opposite the hinge 3 with respect to the axis AX1: they are very close to the lock 14, or even contiguous to it. In general, the present disclosure ensures that the container flange cannot be uncoupled from the cell flange until the door is completely closed and locked.

[0084] In practice, the axis AX3 of rotation of the rod 32 is located between the axis AX2 of the lock 14 and the support portion 43, when the lock 14 is in the locked state, as in the case of [Fig.3].

[0085] Thanks to this positioning of the movable stop 31, it is actuated by the lock 14, so that it is the closed and locked state of the door which makes it possible to deactivate the movable stop.

[0086] More particularly, the lock 14 comprises an internal body 44 of cylindrical shape carrying on its peripheral face the roller 17 which extends radially, connected by the transmission axis to an external body 46 also cylindrical, which carries the lever 18 extending radially relative to this external body. The internal body protrudes from the internal face 6 of the flange 1 while the external body protrudes from the external face 7 of this flange.

[0087] As visible in figures 3, 7 and 8, the arm 42, which is carried by the external body 46, protrudes from this external body 46 radially and has an end oriented parallel to the axis AX1 which is terminated by the support portion 43.

[0088] When the door 2 is open, the lock 14 is necessarily unlocked as in [Fig.7], and the support portion 43 is moved away from the flap 41, so that the movable stop 31 is returned by its return element 34 to its activated position. Under these conditions, and as visible in [Fig.9], the rod 32 is pivoted so that its flat 33 protrudes into the groove 22 to form an obstacle preventing the movement of the ears, to prevent the uncoupling of the container flange 8.

[0089] When the door 2 has been closed, and the operator actuates the lever 18 by pivoting it through 90° to place the lock 14 in the locked state, the support portion 43 comes into contact with the flap 41 to press on it so as to deactivate the movable stop, which corresponds to the situation in Figures 8 and 10. In other words, thanks to its radial arm 42, the lock 14 comes to bear on the flap 41 when this lock 14 is placed in the locked state. The 90° rotation angle of the lever depends on the roller / cam system enabling locking.

[0090] In this situation, the flat 33 of the rod 32 extends in the extension of the bottom 23 of the groove 22, so that the external ears of the container flange 8 are free to slide in this groove 22, in order to allow uncoupling of the container flange 8.

[0091] Generally speaking, the arrangement according to the present disclosure makes it possible to ensure that the uncoupling of the container flange 8 from the cell flange 1 can only be carried out when the door 2 is closed and it is locked by the latch 14. This is ensured by means of the movable stop 31 which is located in the vicinity of the latch 14 to be actuated by this latch 14 using the arm 42 and its support portion 43.

[0092] This system can be actuated either using the lever 18, in the case of opening from outside the cell, or by directly manipulating the body 44 or the arm 42 from inside the cell, the operator then accessing the inside of the cell using a glove fitted to the wall thereof.

Claims

Claims

1. Connection assembly for a sealed transfer cell, comprising: - a cell flange (1) delimiting a central opening (4), this cell flange (1) comprising an internal face (6) equipped with a door (2) for closing the opening (4); - a lock (14) carried by the internal face (6) of the cell flange (1) for locking the door (2) when it is closed on the opening (4); - a groove extending at the internal circumference of the opening (4) to receive external ears (21) of a container flange (8) in order to form a bayonet connection allowing this container flange (8) to be coupled to the cell flange (1); - fixed stops (29) extending into this groove (22), the external ears (21) bearing against these fixed stops (29) when the container flange (8) is coupled to the cell flange (1);- a movable stop (31) rotating between an activation position in which it protrudes into the groove (22) to interfere with an external ear (21) of the container flange (8) in order to prevent its rotation to prohibit its uncoupling from the cell flange (1), and a deactivation position in which this movable stop (31) releases the groove (22); - actuating means (42) equipping the lock (14) to deactivate the movable stop (31) when this lock (14) passes to the locked state.;

2. Assembly according to claim 1, in which the movable stop (31) comprises a rotary rod (32) passing through the bottom (23) of the groove (22), this rotary rod (32) extending along an axis (AX3) which is parallel to an axis of revolution (AX1) of the groove (22), this rotary rod (32) comprising a flat (33) which extends in continuity with the bottom (23) when the movable stop (31) is deactivated, and which protrudes radially from the bottom (23) by extending into the groove (22) when this movable stop (31) is activated.

3. Assembly according to claim 2, comprising an elastic return element (34) tending continuously to activate the movable stop (31), in which the rod (32) is terminated by a flap (41) protruding from the internal face (6) of the cell flange (1), and in which the lock (14) comes to bear on the flap (41) to deactivate the movable stop (31) when this lock (14) goes into the locked state.

4. Assembly according to claim 3, in which the lock (14) is rotatable and comprises a radial arm (42) coming to bear on the flap (41) when this lock (14) passes into the locked state.

5. Assembly according to claim 4, in which the radial arm (42) is terminated by a support portion (43) which extends parallel to the axis of revolution (AX1) of the groove (22), and in which the axis (AX3) of the rod (32) of the movable stop (31) extends between the support portion and the axis (AX2) of the lock (14) when this lock (14) is in the locked state.

6. Assembly according to claim 1, in which the lock (14) is equipped with an operating lever (18) located on an external face (7) of the cell flange (1).

7. Assembly according to claim 3, in which the elastic return element (34) of the movable stop (31) is located in a cavity (36) of the cell flange (1).

8. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the movable stop (31) is located on the cell flange (1) at a position opposite that of a hinge carrying the door (2) of this cell flange (1).

9. A method of using a connection assembly according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: - coupling the container flange (8) to the cell flange (1); - actuating the lock (14) of the cell flange (1) to place this lock (14) in the locked state; - opening the door (2) of the cell (1) to put the container (8) into communication with the cell (1).

10. Method according to claim 9, in which a connection assembly is used comprising a movable stop (31) comprising a rotary rod (32) passing through the bottom (23) of the groove (22), this rotary rod (32) extending along an axis (AX3) which is parallel to an axis of revolution (AX1) of the groove (22), this rotary rod (32) comprising a flat (33) which extends in continuity with the bottom (23) when the movable stop (31) is deactivated, and which protrudes radially from the bottom (23) by extending into the groove (22) when this movable stop (31) is activated.

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