Transfer cell connection port comprising a flange and a door connected to the flange by a hybrid kinematic connection

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connection port (1) for a tight transfer cell, this port comprising a flange (2) extending about a main axis (AX), this flange (2) comprising an outer face (7) and an inner face (8) which is equipped with a door (3) movable between an open position and a closed position wherein this door (3) seals a central opening (6) of the flange, and a slide (14) rigidly secured to the door (3) and passing through the flange (2), the slide (14) being connected to the flange (2) by a kinematic connection with a parallel axis (AX1) to the main axis (AX). The kinematic connection comprises a slide connection portion for applying a translational movement to the slide (14) along the axis (AX1) on a first displacement part, and a helical connection portion for applying a helical movement to the slide (14) about the axis (AX1) on a second displacement portion.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Transfer cell connection port comprising a flange and a door connected to the flange by a hybrid kinematic connection

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to the field of the tight transfer of components or materials from a tight container connectable to a tight cell, with a doubledoor transfer port system.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] In different industrial sectors, it is necessary to perform tasks in a confined atmosphere, to protect the environment for example from radioactivity or toxicity, or to perform these tasks in an aseptic atmosphere, or both simultaneously.

[0007] The transfer of devices or products from a container to a cell, without breaking the tightness, is carried out with a double-door connection device, such a device being known for example from document FR2695343.

[0008] In such a device, the sealed transfer cell is equipped with a transfer port comprising a flange equipped with a door for closing or opening the central opening of this flange. In practice, the door is located on the inner side of the flange, i.e. in the cell, being connected to this flange by a hinge. The container is closed by a door mounted in a flange of this container to which it is reversibly secured by a mechanical connection such as a bayonet connection. Two other bayonet connections allow securing of the flanges to each other, and securing of the doors to each other.

[0009] 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.

[0010] The connection of the container to the cell is carried out by applying the flange of the container against that of the cell, and by pivoting it on itself, which has the effect of:

[0011] - securing the two flanges to each other by their bayonet connection;

[0012] - securing the two doors to each other by another bayonet connection; - disconnecting the bayonet connection connecting the container door to its flange.

[0013] Once this connection has been made, the door of the cell can be pivoted inwards about its hinge, so as to open communication: the door of the container being then rigidly secured to that of the cell by the corresponding bayonet connection, it opens together with the cell door.

[0014] 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 thereto is folded back by pivoting about the hinge. The container is then pivoted on itself in the opposite direction, which has the effect of:

[0015] - securing the container door to the container flange;

[0016] - disconnecting the container door from the cell door;

[0017] - disconnecting the container door from the cell flange.

[0018] The aim of the present disclosure is that of providing a solution for minimising the volume swept across in the cell by the door when it is operated, while ensuring that this door can be operated by an operator located outside the cell.

[0019] SUMMARY

[0020] For this purpose, the present disclosure relates to a connection port for a tight transfer cell, this port comprising a flange extending about a main axis, this flange comprising an outer face and an inner face which is equipped with a door movable between an open position and a closed position wherein this door seals a central opening of the flange, and a slide rigidly secured to the door and passing through the flange, the slide being connected to the flange by a kinematic connection with an axis parallel to the main axis, this kinematic connection comprising a slide connection portion for applying a translational movement to the slide along the axis on a first displacement part, and a helical connection portion for applying a helical movement to the slide about the axis on a second displacement part. With this solution, the opening of the door is achieved by moving it slightly away from the flange and then pivoting it on itself, reducing the volume swept across thereby compared to a hinged door.

[0021] The present disclosure also relates to a port thus defined, wherein the slide is mounted in a bearing passing through this flange, wherein the slide comprises a cylindrical outer face provided with at least one groove comprising a rectilinear portion extended by a helical portion, with at least one fixed pin borne by the flange and engaged in a groove.

[0022] The present disclosure also relates to a port thus defined, wherein the slide comprises a cylindrical wall and wherein each groove passes through this wall, wherein at least one pin passes through this groove, and comprising a fixed insert which extends into the slide and which is borne by at least one pin, and wherein the slide comprises a bearing which bears a worm screw which extends into the cylindrical wall and which is engaged in a threaded hole of the insert.

[0023] The present disclosure also relates to a port thus defined, wherein each groove opens into an edge of the cylindrical wall which is closed by the cover.

[0024] The present disclosure also relates to a port thus defined, wherein at least one pin engaged in a groove bears a ball bearing to reduce friction with the groove wherein this pin is engaged.

[0025] The present disclosure also relates to a port thus defined, wherein the actuating member is borne by a radial extension of the flange, wherein each pin is engaged through the extension to protrude radially into the bearing, and comprising a bellows surrounding the slide extending from the extension to an arm whereby the door is attached to the slide, the ends of this bellows being attached to the extension and to the arm.

[0026] The present disclosure also relates to a port thus defined, wherein the door pivots by at least one quarter-turn when the slide is moved on its second displacement part.

[0027] The present disclosure also relates to a port thus defined, comprising a crank rigidly secured to the worm screw so as to rotate it. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using a port thus defined, comprising the operation of moving the slide to operate the door.

[0028] The present disclosure also relates to a method thus defined, wherein the slide is mounted in a bearing passing through this flange, wherein the slide comprises a cylindrical outer face provided with at least one groove comprising a rectilinear portion extended by a helical portion, with at least one fixed pin borne by the flange and engaged in a groove.

[0029] The present disclosure also relates to a method for using a connection port for a tight transfer cell, this port comprising a flange extending about a main axis, this flange comprising an outer face and an inner face which is equipped with a door movable between an open position and a closed position wherein this door seals a central opening of the flange, and a slide rigidly secured to the door and passing through the flange, the slide being connected to the flange by a kinematic connection with an axis parallel to the main axis, this kinematic connection comprising a slide connection portion for applying a translational movement to the slide along the axis on a first displacement part, and a helical connection portion for applying a helical movement to the slide about the axis on a second displacement part, this method comprising the operation of moving the slide to operate the door.

[0030] The present disclosure also relates to a method thus defined, wherein the slide is mounted in a bearing passing through this flange, wherein the slide comprises a cylindrical outer face provided with at least one groove comprising a rectilinear portion extended by a helical portion, with at least one fixed pin borne by the flange and engaged in a groove.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] [Fig. 1] is an overall view of the port according to the present disclosure shown in perspective when its door is closed;

[0033] [Fig. 2] is an overall view of the port according to the present disclosure shown in perspective when its door is open; [Fig. 3] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the member for operating the port according to the present disclosure shown on its own;

[0034] [Fig. 4] is a side view of the port according to the present disclosure when its door is closed;

[0035] [Fig. 5] is a side view of the port according to the present disclosure when its door is partially separated from its flange;

[0036] [Fig. 6] is a side view of the port according to the present disclosure when its door is partially open;

[0037] [Fig. 7] is a side view of the port according to the present disclosure when its door is open.

[0038] DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0039] In Figures 1 and 2, a connection port 1 for a tight transfer cell comprises a cell flange 2 supporting a door 3 secured to this flange 2 by an actuating member 4. This flange 2 is attached to an opening of a cell wall not shown, and has a revolving shape about an axis AX, to delimit a circular central opening 6.

[0040] The flange 2 comprises an outer face 7 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and extending outside the cell equipped with it, and an inner face 8, referenced in Figures 1 and 2, but shown more clearly in Figures 4 to 7 and extending into the cell equipped with it.

[0041] In the figures, a container flange 9 is shown mechanically connected or engaged in the cell flange 2, on the side of its outer face 7, to be rigidly secured thereto by a flange-flange bayonet connection.

[0042] For ease of understanding, the container flange 9 is shown connected to the connection port, but a person skilled in the art would recognise that it may form the free end of a container, or alternatively the end of a "beta-bag" type bag containing components to be transferred into the cell.

[0043] For this purpose, the cell flange 2 comprises, at its outer face, inner lugs 5 to form with corresponding outer lugs 10 of the container flange 9 a bayonet connection making it possible to secure the container flange 9 to the cell flange 2. This securing consists of engaging the container flange 9 axially in the cell flange 2, and pivoting the container flange about the axis AX to lock the bayonet connection.

[0044] The central opening 6 which is free in the status of Figure 2, can be closed as in Figure 1, by moving the door 3 from its opening position to its closing position by means of the operating member, which makes it possible to fold the door back against the flange and to move it away from it.

[0045] As can be seen in the figures, the flange 2 has a general shape of a planar ring about the axis AX, comprising a radial outer extension 11 bearing the actuating member 4. This actuating member 4 comprises a hybrid kinematic connection 12 of axis AX1 parallel to the axis AX and spaced apart from it by a distance greater than the radius of the opening 6.

[0046] The door 3 is connected to the actuating member 4 by an arm 13 to which it is rigidly secured, this arm 13 having a first end rigidly secured to a slide 14 of this actuating member 4, and a second end rigidly attached to the door 3. The outer face of this door 3 is equipped with a fixed central plate which bears lugs 15 at its outer periphery so as to form a bayonet connection allowing securing of the container door to this door 3.

[0047] The actuating member 4 which is shown more clearly in Figure 3 comprises the slide 14 which is engaged in an inner ring 16 equipping a bearing 17 extending the extension 11 of the flange 2 from its outer face 7 to its inner face 8, of axis AX1. As can be seen in the figures, the bearing 17 is a tubular extension of the extension 11 of the flange 2, which extends perpendicularly to the main plane of this flange 1, and which delimits a cylindrical inner face. This bearing 17 is thus formed as a single piece with the flange 2.

[0048] This slide 14 is connected in movement to the flange 2 by a kinematic connection 12 comprising a slide connection portion for applying a translational movement to this slide 14 along the axis AX1 on a first displacement part, and a helical connection portion for applying a helical movement to this slide 14 about the axis AX1 on a second displacement part. The slide 14 comprises a body 18 which comprises a cylindrical wall 19 and a bottom 21 closing its end located on the inner side. The end of this body 18, located on the outer side, is closed by a separate cover 22 which is here attached to the cylindrical wall by screws.

[0049] The wall 19 comprises two grooves 23 and 24 making it possible to guide the movement of the slide in its displacement, from the opening position of the door to its closing position, and vice versa. In the example of the figures, each groove passes through the wall 19 and extends longitudinally therein, these two grooves being symmetrical with each other relative to the axis AX1.

[0050] The groove 23 comprises a first portion which is rectilinear 23a extended by a second portion which is helical 23b which is in turn extended by a third portion which is rectilinear 23c.

[0051] The first portion 23a is located in the vicinity of the bottom 21 and forms the slide connection portion corresponding to a first displacement part DI of the slide 14. The helical portion 23b extends in the middle region of the wall 19 along the axis AX1, and it forms the helical connection portion corresponding to the second displacement part D2 of the slide 14.

[0052] The third portion 23c extends up to the edge of the cylindrical wall 19 which is closed by the cover 22 opening into this edge. It is essentially used to facilitate the mounting of the slide 14 in the bearing 17, by allowing it to be mounted by engaging it in the bearing 17 from the inner face 8. Thus, this third portion has no purpose per se with respect to the displacement of the slide in use.

[0053] As can be seen in Figure 3, the slide 14 is engaged in the bearing 17 which passes through the flange 2, and two pins 26 and 27 project radially into this bearing 17, to be each engaged in a groove, so as to control the movement of the slide 14 when it is moved along the axis AX1.

[0054] Starting from the closing position, wherein the cover 22 of the slide 14 is most substantially spaced apart from the flange 2 as in Figure 4, this slide is pushed to bring its cover 22 closer to the flange 2 in order to open the door. Translation is first applied along the axis AX1 by the pin 26 which is then in the rectilinear portion 23a, which corresponds to a first displacement part DI. During this first part DI, the door 3 rigidly secured to the slide is translated to move from a closed state corresponding to Figure 4, to a state spaced apart from the opening 6, as in Figure 5.

[0055] When the door is completely separated from the flange 2, the slide 14 continues to be pushed. The pin 26 then enters the helical portion 23b, to apply a helical movement to the slide 14 about the axis AX1 during the second displacement part D2, so as to pivot it on itself while translating it. During this second part D2, the door 3 rigidly secured to the slide 14 also has a helical movement.

[0056] During this second part D2, the door starts from the state where it is completely spaced apart from the flange 2 to switch to the intermediate state of Figure 6 wherein it has pivoted by about one eighth-turn about the axis AX1, and then arrives at the status of Figure 7 where it has pivoted by about one quarter-turn about the axis AX1. As can be seen in Figure 7, when the door 3 has rotated by one quarter-turn, the opening 6 is completely released.

[0057] As can be seen in Figure 3, the pins 26 and 27 are diametrically opposite each other while extending in line with each other. Thus, when the pin 26 is in either of the portions 23a, 23b of the groove 23, the pin 27 is in the corresponding portion of the groove 24, since these grooves are symmetrical with each other with respect to the axis AX1.

[0058] The description given above corresponds to a movement where the end of the slide 14 bearing its cover 22 is pushed towards the flange 2, so as to trigger the opening of the door 3.

[0059] As illustrated in the figures, on the inner side, the slide is surrounded by a bellows 28 having an end attached to the extension 11 and its opposite end attached to the arm 13 whereby the door 3 is attached to the slide 14. This bellows 28 ensures that there is no communication between outside and inside the cell, by completely isolating the entire part of the slide 14 capable of protruding from the flange to the inside when the door is open.

[0060] As will be understood, a reverse movement of the slide 14, consisting of separating its end provided with the cover 22 from the flange 2 makes it possible to close the door 3. In this case, the door 3 first pivots by one quarter-turn about the axis AX1 in a helical movement to be located facing the opening 6, after which it is moved in translation to fold it back against this opening 6 in order to close it completely.

[0061] Advantageously, rotating the door, between its closed state and its open state, equals at least one quarter-turn, which makes it possible to significantly clear the central opening of the flange when the door is open, while minimising the amplitude of its movement.

[0062] Advantageously, each pin 26, 27 bears a corresponding bearing. These bearings, which are referenced 29 and 30 in Figure 3, make it possible to reduce friction forces between the pins and the grooves wherein they slide.

[0063] In general, the slide 14 is connected to the flange 2 by a hybrid kinematic connection comprising a slide connection extended by a helical connection. This connection 12 particularly comprises the cylindrical slide 14 with its grooves 23, 24 and also the bearing 17 with the pins 26, 27 engaged in these grooves.

[0064] The movement of the slide 14 is provided by means of a system comprising a worm screw 31 borne by the cover and passing through a fixed insert 32 which is located inside the slide 14.

[0065] This fixed insert 32 is borne by the ends of the pins 26 and 27, as can be seen in Figure 3. The shaft of this worm screw 31 is equipped at its free end (i.e. its end protruding outside the slide 14 through the cover 22), with a crank 33 allowing an operator to rotate this screw, from outside the cell. This crank is shown entirely in Figures 1 and 2, and it is partially shown in the other figures.

[0066] As can be seen in Figure 3, the cover 22 is equipped with a bearing 34 through which the shaft of the worm screw 31 is engaged, and the shaft of this screw bears two retainers 36, 37, here in the form of rings each provided with a clamping screw. These two retainers are located on either side of the bearing 34, such that the worm screw 31 which extends along the axis AX1 is free to pivot about this axis relative to the slide 14 while being locked in translation relative to the slide bearing it.

[0067] The insert 32 here comprises a ring 38 wherein a plug-shaped body 39 is engaged, with a cylindrical sliding skirt 41 surrounding the ring and the body. The body 39, the ring 38 and the skirt 41 are rotational elements coaxial with the axis AX1 constituting an inseparable whole forming the fixed insert 32 sliding in the slide 14 with low friction.

[0068] The ring 38 comprises two diametrically opposite radial holes each receiving an end of a pin 26, 27, such that it is held in position so as to be fixed relative to the flange with the assembly of the insert 32. The body 39 comprises a central threaded hole wherein the worm screw 31 is engaged.

[0069] Rotating the worm screw 31, because it is screwed into the fixed insert 32, thus causes the translation of this screw along the axis AX, and thereby the translation of the slide 14 along the axis AX since this worm screw 31 is fixed in translation relative to the slide 14 bearing it.

[0070] The pins 26 and 27 are steel rods extending in line with each other, in an orthoradial direction relative to the axis AX of the flange, and they are mounted in the thickness of the extension 11 of this flange. This extension 11 which has a general tab shape having a thickness similar to that of the flange, comprises two holes formed in its thickness and each opening into the bearing 17.

[0071] Each pin 26, 27 is engaged in a corresponding hole and is locked in translation therein by means not shown, which may be for example a clamping screw which is screwed through the outer face 7 of the flange to press the pin radially into the hole receiving it.

[0072] In general, the hybrid kinematic connection 12 makes it possible to carry out an opening of the door in a single movement, first rectilinear, then helical, which can be triggered by one single actuator, namely the rotation of the worm screw in the example of the figures.

[0073] In the example of the figures, the door rotates by about one quarterturn upwards to open, but the device may also be arranged to cause a downward rotation of this door. The minimum angle of rotation of the door to release the central opening is in the order of 60°, but this angle of rotation of the door may be much greater and equal, for example, 180°, insofar as the greater it is, the more it penalises the volume swept across by the door when it is opened.

[0074] As regards the pitch of the worm screw, it is small enough to form an irreversible helical connection with the central insert so as to ensure holding of the door in its open state naturally. Moreover, this angle is high enough to limit the number of crank turns required to open the door, insofar as the design should allow the door to be opened in 3 to 7 crank turns.

[0075] Furthermore, in the example of the figures, the worm screw is operated manually with a crank, but this crank may be replaced by an electric motor which may be borne by the slide, so as to allow a controlled opening and closing of the door.

[0076] The present disclosure is not limited to the description made with reference to the figures, and may be in the form of other embodiments, insofar as it is limited only to the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connection port (1) for a tight transfer cell, this port comprising a flange (2) extending about a main axis (AX), this flange (2) comprising an outer face (7) and an inner face (8) which is equipped with a door (3) movable between an open position and a closed position wherein this door (3) seals a central opening (6) of the flange, and a slide (14) rigidly secured to the door (3) and passing through the flange (2), the slide (14) being connected to the flange (2) by a kinematic connection (12) parallel to the main axis (AX1), this kinematic connection (12) comprising a slide connection portion for applying a translational movement to the slide (14) along the axis (AX1) on a first displacement part (DI), and a helical connection portion for applying a helical movement to the slide (14) about the axis (AX1) on a second displacement part (D2).

2. The port according to claim 1, wherein the slide (14) is mounted in a bearing (17) passing through this flange (2), wherein the slide (14) comprises a cylindrical outer face provided with at least one groove (23, 24) comprising a rectilinear portion (23a) extended by a helical portion (23b), with at least one fixed pin (26, 27) borne by the flange (2) and engaged in a groove (23, 24).

3. The port according to claim 2, wherein the slide (14) comprises a cylindrical wall (19) and wherein each groove (23, 24) passes through this wall (19), wherein at least one pin (26, 27) passes through this groove (23, 24), and comprising a fixed insert (32) which extends into the slide (14) and which is borne by at least one pin (26, 27), and wherein the slide (14) comprises a bearing (34) which bears a worm screw (31) which extends into the cylindrical wall (19) and which is engaged in a threaded hole of the insert (32).

4. The port according to claim 3, wherein each groove (23, 24) opens into an edge of the cylindrical wall (19) which is closed by the cover (22).

5. The port according to claim 3, wherein at least one pin (26, 27) engaged in a groove (23, 24) bears a ball bearing (29, 30) to reduce friction with the groove (23, 24) wherein this pin (26, 27) is engaged.

6. The port according to claim 3, wherein the actuating member (4) is borne by a radial extension (11) of the flange (2), wherein each pin (26, 27) is engaged through the extension (11) to protrude radially into the bearing (17), and comprising a bellows (28) surrounding the slide (14) extending from the extension (11) to an arm (13) whereby the door (3) is attached to the slide (14), the ends of this bellows being attached to the extension (11) and to the arm (13).

7. The port according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door (3) pivots by at least one quarter-turn when the slide (14) is moved on its second displacement portion (D2).

8. The port according to claim 3, comprising a crank (33) rigidly secured to the worm screw (31) to rotate it.

9. A method for using a port according to claim 1, comprising the operation of moving the slide (14) to operate the door (3).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the slide (14) is mounted in a bearing (17) passing through this flange (2), wherein the slide (14) comprises a cylindrical outer face provided with at least one groove (23, 24) comprising a rectilinear portion (23a) extended by a helical portion (23b), with at least one fixed pin (26, 27) borne by the flange (2) and engaged in a groove (23, 24).

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