Door structure with transfer chute having two rotation axes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door structure (1) for a door having a first enclosed volume, the structure comprising: a flange (2) that enables a sealed connection between the first enclosed volume and a second enclosed volume and that defines a passage opening and a passage axis (O) perpendicular to the plane of the openings; a door (4) pivotally mounted to the flange (2); and a chute (10) for discharging components, the chute (10) being movable between a discharge position in which the chute is positioned opposite the passage opening and a position in which the chute is spaced from the passage opening, the chute being attached to the flange (2) by a first double-articulated linkage (11), the first double-articulated linkage comprising a first link (12) arranged to enable rotational movement about an axis (C) parallel to the passage axis (O) of the passage opening, and a second link (13) arranged to enable rotational movement about an axis (D) perpendicular to the passage axis (O) of the passage opening.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a door structure for a first enclosed volume that enables a sealed connection between the first enclosed volume and a second enclosed volume.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a door structure for a first enclosed volume, the door structure comprising: a flange arranged to define a passage opening defining an axis in the first enclosed volume; a door pivotally mounted to the flange such that the door passes from a closed position in which it closes the passage opening to an open position; and a chute for discharging components, the chute being movable between a discharge position in which the chute is positioned facing the passage opening and a position spaced from the passage opening to receive and inject components from the second enclosed volume into the first enclosed volume when the second enclosed volume is connected to the first enclosed volume.

[0003] In this application, "volume" means any product, equipment, or facility that encloses a volume. Thus, a volume can be an enclosure, an insulator, a receptacle, a container, a bag, and the like.

[0004] Enclosed volume is understood to mean a volume isolated from the outside environment. Enclosed volumes may in particular, but not exclusively, be volumes for preparing, storing and / or handling products that must not come into contact with the outside or with the user.

[0005] The door structure according to the invention is specifically, but not exclusively, intended to connect two enclosed volumes to transfer products from one to the other without breaching the containment, including, for example, the transfer of hazardous products such as certain biological, chemical, radioactive products, the transfer of components such as stoppers, vials, plungers, syringes, the transfer of environmental control devices such as culture media plates, particle counters, the transfer of cleaning systems, the transfer of liquids, powders, tools, the transfer of waste materials outside the enclosure, and / or the transfer of any elements required for the production or maintenance of the production line.

[0006] prior art The transfer of products from one enclosed volume to another without breaching the containment of the volumes is a difficult problem to solve. To address this problem, double door sealing connections have been developed, such as those described in patent applications FR2777822 and FR3036054.

[0007] These double door connection devices are formed by first and second door / flange assemblies, one of which is for one of the volumes and the other door / flange assembly for the other of the volumes. Conventionally, the enclosed volume being connected is a portable container or pouch type receptacle, while the other enclosed volume to which the receptacle is connected is generally a fixed handling enclosure. The receptacle is connected to the handling enclosure by connecting the door / flange assemblies together. This connection is generally made by engaging what is referred to as a bayonet system, where the male lugs on the flange and the door of the receptacle engage with notches on the flange and door of the handling enclosure, respectively, followed by rotating the receptacle to allow the flange of the receptacle to lock to the flange of the handling enclosure, as well as the door of the receptacle to lock to the door of the enclosure, and the connected doors are unlocked by unlocking the doors from their respective flanges.

[0008] To facilitate the transfer of components from a second enclosed volume to a first enclosed volume, it is known to use a transfer device fixed inside the enclosure of the wall of the latter. Typically, the transfer device comprises a funnel-forming element positioned by a bearing or in a flange of the first volume so as to receive and guide the components coming from the second volume into the first volume. Patent application FR3082126 describes one example of a transfer device.

[0009] However, the prior art transfer devices have the drawback of generating turbulent flows beneath the laminar flow while it moves through the enclosure passing from the discharge location to a location spaced from the passage opening and vice versa, however, the generated turbulent flows destroy the intangible protective barrier of the process created by the laminar flow, thus creating a risk of contaminating the process.

[0010] Furthermore, the prior art transfer devices are relatively bulky.

[0011] The present invention aims to ameliorate these problems by facilitating the transfer of components from one enclosed volume to another while minimizing turbulence under laminar flow and minimizing the enclosure with such door structure.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure with a component transport device and an enclosure with such a door structure that is simple to implement, easily cleanable, and provides optimal space requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0013] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a door structure for a first enclosed volume enabling a sealed connection between said first enclosed volume and a second enclosed volume, the door structure comprising a flange arranged in the first enclosed volume to define a passage opening defining a passage axis, a door pivotally mounted on the flange such that the door passes between a closed position closing the passage opening and an open position, and a chute for discharging components, the chute being movable between a discharge position in which the chute is positioned facing the passage opening and a position spaced from the passage opening so as to receive and inject components coming from the second enclosed volume into the first enclosed volume when the second enclosed volume is connected to the first enclosed volume. The structure is notable in that the discharge chute is fixed to the flange by a first double-articulated linkage comprising a first joint arranged to enable a rotational movement about an axis parallel to the passage axis of the passage opening and a second joint arranged to enable a rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the passage axis of the passage opening.

[0014] "Passage axis" means an axis perpendicular to the opening plane defined by the passage opening.

[0015] Advantageously, the first double-articulated linkage is driven by a micromotor.

[0016] Advantageously, the door structure comprises means for controlling the micromotor to move the discharge chute from its spaced position to its discharge position by actuating the first joint and then the second joint, and vice versa.

[0017] Advantageously, the discharge chute has a semi-frusto-conical profile.

[0018] Conveniently, the door is secured to the flange by a second double-articulated linkage comprising a first joint arranged to permit rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the aisle axis by up to 30 degrees relative to the plane of the aisle opening, and a second joint arranged to permit rotational movement about an axis parallel to the aisle axis.

[0019] Conveniently, the first double-jointed linkage is diametrically opposed to the second double-jointed linkage.

[0020] Conveniently, the second joint of the second double-jointed linkage is arranged to allow rotational movement of at least a quarter turn.

[0021] Advantageously, the second joint of the second double-articulated linkage is arranged to allow rotational movement of preferably 180 degrees relative to the plane of the passage opening.

[0022] Advantageously the double-jointed linkage is motorised. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 shows a rear perspective view of a door structure according to the present invention with the door in a closed position. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a front view of the door structure of FIG. 1 with the door in place and the discharge chute in the discharge position. [Diagram 3] 2 shows a front view of the door structure of FIG. 1 in a closed position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the door structure of FIG. 1 with the door in a fully open position and the discharge chute positioned in front of the passage opening. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the door structure of FIG. 1 with the discharge chute in an intermediate fully open position. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 shows a front view of the door structure of FIG. 1 with the discharge chute in an intermediate fully open position.

[0025] Hereinafter, the term "rear view" means a view that is within or directed toward the interior space of the enclosed volume defined by the door structure. Similarly, the term "front view" means a view that is outside the interior space of the enclosed volume or directed away from the interior of the enclosed volume defined by the door structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] With reference to figures 1 to 6, a door structure 1 is described, which comprises a first enclosed volume. This door structure is arranged to allow the connection of a second enclosed volume. Advantageously, the first enclosed volume is a stationary enclosure, while the second enclosed volume is a portable container. Naturally, this is one embodiment, and the device according to the invention is not limited to this type of enclosed volume. When the door structure of the first volume and the door structure of the second volume are connected to each other, they form a sealing function device that allows the transfer of products between the two enclosed volumes without destroying the containment.

[0027] The door structure 1 includes a flange 2, a door 4, and a chute 10 for discharging components.

[0028] The flange 2 is arranged to define an access opening 3 within the enclosure with the door structure 1, the access opening 3 defining an opening plane, and an access axis O perpendicular to the opening plane. The door 4 is pivotally mounted to the flange 2 to pass from a closed position in which the door 4 closes the access opening 3 to an open position in which the door 4 extends substantially parallel to the opening plane path, and vice versa. A discharge chute 10 is arranged within the first volume 1 to enable discharge of components from the second enclosed volume to the first enclosed volume when the second enclosed volume is connected to the first enclosed volume.

[0029] According to the invention, the discharge chute 10 is pivotally mounted on the flange 2 to pass between a discharge position, in which the discharge chute 10 is positioned facing the passage opening 3 to receive and discharge the components coming from the second enclosed volume, and a position spaced away from the passage opening 3. To do this, the discharge chute 10 is fixed to the flange 2 via a double-articulated linkage 11. The latter thus comprises a first joint 12 arranged to allow a rotational movement about an axis C parallel to the passage axis O of the passage opening, and a second joint 13 arranged to allow a rotational movement about an axis D perpendicular to the passage axis O of the passage opening.

[0030] Advantageously, the double-jointed link mechanism 11 is arranged such that firstly there occurs a displacement of the discharge chute 10 from the remote position to the discharge position, followed by a rotational movement about axis C, and then secondly there occurs a rotational movement about axis D, and vice versa, passing the discharge chute 10 from the discharge position to the remote position.

[0031] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the double-articulated link mechanism 11 is driven by a micromotor. The latter is advantageously controlled to move the discharge chute from its remote position to its discharge position according to the successive rotational movements described above. Of course, it is clear that the invention is not limited to motorized discharge chute and that the latter movement can also be performed manually by accessing the first enclosed volume through a secondary opening in the first volume.

[0032] The discharge chute 10 advantageously has a semi-frustoconical profile, the larger base of which is intended to engage at the passage opening 3 when the discharge chute 10 is in the discharge position, and the smaller base which defines the discharge end in the first volume. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge chute 10, positioned at the level of the central flange 2, extends vertically close to the enclosure wall, the discharge end being directed towards the top of the enclosure. Of course, it is clear that the invention is not limited to such a construction of the discharge chute, and that the latter can be arranged on the flange at a place other than that illustrated and at the motorized door, or have another orientation without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0033] Like the discharge chute 10, the door 4 is also advantageously secured to the flange 2 by a double-jointed linkage 5. In the illustrated embodiment, this second double-jointed linkage 5 is diametrically opposed to the first double-jointed linkage 11.

[0034] The second double-articulated linkage 5 comprises, on the one hand, a first joint 6 arranged to allow a rotational movement about an axis B perpendicular to the door axis (or the passage axis O of the passage opening) and, on the other hand, a second joint 7 arranged to allow a rotational movement about an axis A parallel to the door axis (or the passage axis O of the passage opening). In the present description, the term "door axis" denotes an axis extending perpendicular to the door when the latter is in the closed position. The door axis therefore corresponds to the passage axis O. Advantageously, the two joints 6 and 7 are arranged with the door 4, so that first the opening of the door occurs, followed by a rotational movement about the axis B and then, secondly, a rotational movement about the axis A. The first joint 6 is in the form of a hinge, the fixed part of which is fixed to the second joint 7, which is in turn connected to the door by a connecting arm 9. The first joint 6 is arranged to allow a rotational movement of up to 30 degrees relative to the opening plane, while the second joint 7 is arranged to allow a rotational movement of at least 45 degrees and preferably 180 degrees relative to the opening plane.

[0035] It is of course clear that the invention is not limited to doors fixed to the flange by a double joint and that the door opening can be equipped with another mechanism, for example a single hinge, without departing from the scope of the invention. The advantage of providing a double-joint mechanism, whether for the discharge chute or for the door, is to avoid the formation of turbulence when they move from one position to the other.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, the door is advantageously motorized. To do this, each of the first and second joints 6 is coupled to a motor, for example of the stepper type. It is of course clear that the invention is not limited to motorized doors and that the latter movement can also be performed manually by actuating a control lever carried by the door, this control lever being provided inside and / or outside the enclosed volume.

[0037] 2 to 6 show examples of the arrangement of the discharge chute 10 in the discharge position.

[0038] Thus, before placing the discharge chute in front of the passage opening 3, the door is opened. It is rotated from its closed position (FIG. 2) after a stroke of about 20 degrees around the axis B of the hinge (first joint 6) in the illustrated embodiment, and then rotated around the axis A of the second joint 7 through a stroke of about 180 degrees to reach the final open position illustrated in FIG. 3. In its final open position, the door 4 extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the passage opening diametrically opposite to its closed position.

[0039] Once the door is fully opened, the discharge chute 10 is then moved from its spaced position (FIG. 3) by rotating about axis C (first joint 12) after a 90 degree stroke in the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 4). The discharge chute 10 then moves rotationally about axis D along a 90 degree stroke to reach the discharge position of FIG. 5, passing through an intermediate opening position providing full clearance of the passage opening 3.

[0040] The present invention has been described above by way of example, it being understood that those skilled in the art are in a position to produce various variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A door structure (1) for a first enclosed volume, enabling a sealed connection between said first and second enclosed volumes, comprising: a flange (2) arranged in said first enclosed volume to define a passage opening (3) defining an opening plane and a passage axis (O) perpendicular to said opening plane; a door (4) pivotally mounted on said flange (2) such that said door (4) passes from a closed position in which said door (4) closes said passage opening (3) to an open position; a discharge chute (10) for discharging a component, the chute (10) being movable between a discharge position in which the chute is positioned facing the passage opening and a position spaced from the passage opening so as to receive the component from the second enclosed volume and inject it into the first enclosed volume when the second enclosed volume is connected to the first enclosed volume; The door structure (1), characterized in that the discharge chute (10) is fixed to the flange (2) by a first double-articulated linkage (11) comprising a first joint (12) arranged to allow rotational movement of the passage opening about an axis (C) parallel to the passage axis (O) and a second joint (13) arranged to allow rotational movement of the passage opening about an axis (D) perpendicular to the passage axis (O).

2. 2. The door structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first double-articulated link mechanism (11) is driven by a micromotor.

3. 3. The door structure (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises means for controlling the micromotor to move the discharge chute from its distant position to its discharge position and vice versa by actuating the first joint and then the second joint (13).

4. The door structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the discharge chute (10) has a semi-frusto-conical profile.

5. The door structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the door (4) is fixed to the flange (2) by a second double-articulated linkage (5) comprising a first joint (6) arranged to allow a rotational movement about an axis (B) perpendicular to the passage axis (O) by up to 30 degrees relative to the plane of the passage opening (3) and a second joint (7) arranged to allow a rotational movement about an axis (A) parallel to the passage axis (O).

6. 6. The door structure (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first double-articulated linkage (11) is diametrically opposed to the second double-articulated linkage (5).

7. 7. The door structure (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the second joint (7) of the second double-articulated linkage (5) is arranged to allow a rotational movement of at least 45 degrees relative to the opening plane.

8. The door structure (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the second joint (7) of the second double-articulated link mechanism (5) is arranged to allow a rotational movement of 180 degrees relative to the plane of the passage opening (3).

9. The door structure (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the double-articulated link mechanism (5) is motorized.

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