# Patent

## Title
Device providing fluidtight connection with improved operational safety

## Abstract

Device for the sealed connection between a first and a second closed space, with the closed spaces each comprising a flange and the first door closing off in a sealed manner an opening delimited by the flange, with the connection device comprising: first part (A) for securing the flanges, second part (B) for securing the doors in a sealed manner and of detaching of one of the doors from its flange, third part for releasing the other door in relation to the its flange, fourth part (D) for opening a passage between the first and the second closed space, the device also comprising means for locking (118) the second securing means (B) preventing the separation of the doors as long as the connection between the two closed spaces is effective, the locking means being activated automatically by the actuating of the second securing means (B).

## Background
TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART
This invention relates to a sealed connection device with improved operating safety.
In a certain number of industrial sectors, among which can be mentioned the nuclear, medical, pharmaceutical and agro-food sectors, it is required or desirable to perform certain tasks in a confined atmosphere, either in order to protect the personnel, for example from radioactivity, toxicity, etc., or on the contrary to be able to perform these tasks in an aseptic or dust-free atmosphere, or finally both simultaneously.
Transferring a device or product from one closed space to the other, without at any time the seal of each of these spaces with regards to the exterior being broken, raises a problem that is delicate to overcome. This problem can be resolved by a double door connection device.
Such a double door device provided with a multiple safety control is for example known in document FR 2 695 343. Each space is closed by a door mounted in a flange. Each door is secured to its flange by a bayonet connection and the two flanges are intended to be secured to one another by a bayonet connection.
In the case where one of the closed spaces is formed by a container and the other space by a glove box, the transfer is carried out in the following way. The flange of the container comprises on its outside periphery lugs intended to cooperate with an imprint of the flange of the glove box. The flange of the container is introduced into the flange of the glove box, the container is oriented in such a way as to have the lugs correspond with the imprint. A first rotation of the container according to the axis of its door makes it possible to secure the flange of the container to the flange of the glove box by the bayonet connection. By means of a second rotation of the container, according to the same axis and in continuity with the first rotation, the door of the container is pivoted in relation to the container, providing both a securing by another bayonet connection with the door of the glove box and a detaching of the new unit formed by the two doors side-by-side with regards to door and glove box flanges. A handle control located in the glove box makes it possible to unlock a safety mechanism and release the passage between the two spaces. In the case of an aseptic atmosphere, as the outside surfaces of the two doors are in contact with each other in a sealed manner, they cannot contaminate the interior of the spaces.
This device gives satisfaction. But it may occur, in particular in the case of malevolence, that the doors are detached from each other, when the two spaces are connected. A separation of the two doors then puts into contact the external surfaces of the doors, which are in contact with the outside environment, when the doors close off the openings of the container and of the enclosure. There is a risk of pollution of the closed spaces or a risk of pollution of the outside surfaces of the doors according to the products implemented.
There are sealed connection devices wherein the securing of the two doors is obtained by magnetisation. The separation is easier and can occur by accident.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This is consequently a purpose of this invention to offer a sealed connection device between two closed spaces with improved operating safety.
The inventors then thought about implementing a lock in order to prevent the separation of the two doors when the two spaces are connected, which had never been considered. The presence of this additional lock does not complicate the connection process as it is activated automatically during the securing of the two doors. It is therefore transparent for the user. Furthermore, it cannot be omitted.
The purpose of this invention is achieved by a sealed connection device between a first and a second closed spaces, with each closed space comprising an opening bordered by a flange and closed off by a door, with the device comprising means for securing the two doors and a lock in such a way as to prevent the detaching of the two doors when the connection between the two closed spaces is established, with said lock being activated automatically by securing the two doors.
As such, thanks to the invention there is no risk of separation of the two doors when the two spaces are in communication and therefore no risk of pollution by the outside surfaces of the doors or of pollution of the outside surfaces of the doors.
The unlocking of the securing of the two doors is also transparent during the interruption of the connection as it is carried out simultaneously with the detaching automatically.
Preferably, the securing means are of the bayonet type and comprise a plate mounted mobile in rotation on the outside surface of one of the doors and intended to cooperate with corresponding imprints on the outside surface of the other door, with the lock being activated when the disc has pivoted by a certain angle in order to provide the securing of the two doors.
Also preferably, the lock comprises a locking finger configured to occupy a first unlocked position by the putting into contact of the two doors and a locked position when the two doors are secured to each other.
The lock is of simple and robust design and is of great safety. Furthermore, it can easily be adapted to different types of sealed connection devices.
Very advantageously, it can be implemented in connection devices that do not require a relative rotation of the closed spaces in order to establish the sealed connection.
It can also be implemented in devices wherein the connection is provided by the relative rotation of the closed spaces. For example, the securing of the two flanges is carried out by a bayonet connection by setting the two spaces into relative rotation, the securing of the two doors is then obtained by setting the plate into rotation, the lock then being activated by the rotation of the plate.
In an advantageous example, the connecting means comprise for example means of securing the two flanges and a control ring mounted to the outside of the first closed space around the flange, with the control ring controlling the means for securing the two doors and for unlocking the door of the second space, means for releasing the other door and the opening of the two doors allowing for the sealed communication between the two spaces. The means of securing the two flanges and the control ring are mobile in rotation in relation to the closed spaces and through their rotation provide for all of the steps required to obtain a sealed connection and this without pivoting one of the closed spaces.
Advantageously, the means of securing the two flanges are formed by a securing ring that is concentric to the control ring.
Very advantageously, the means of actuating the control ring and/or the means for actuating means of securing the two flanges are located outside of the closed spaces. These means of actuating are therefore accessible.
Very advantageously, it is the same means for actuating that actuate the control ring and the securing ring.
The connection device can advantageously also comprise means for axially maintaining the two flanges prior to the actuating of securing means in order to facilitate later manoeuvres. Advantageously, this is one or several snap-fit devices.
A subject-matter of the present invention then is a device for the sealed connection between a first and a second closed space, with the first closed space comprising a first flange and a first door closing off in a sealed manner an opening delimited by the first flange, and the second closed space comprising a second flange and a second door closing off in a sealed manner a second opening delimited by the second flange, said connection device being mounted on a wall of the first closed space and comprising first means of securing the first and second flanges to one another, second means of securing the second door and the first door in a sealed manner and of detaching the second door from the second flange, third means for releasing the first door in relation to the first flange, fourth means for opening a passage between the first and the second closed space, said device also comprising means for locking the second means of securing the second door and the first door preventing the separation of the first and second doors as long as the connection between the two closed spaces is effective, said locking means being activated automatically by the actuating of the second securing means.
In an advantageous example, the second securing means comprise a securing plate mounted mobile in rotation on an external surface of the first door around the longitudinal axis and able to be secured to an external surface of the second door by a bayonet connection, with the locking means configured in such a way as to limit the rotation of the plate in the two directions of rotation when the first door and the second door are secured.
For example, the locking means comprise a finger mounted mobile in the securing plate, with said finger able to be retracted in the securing plate when the second door is arranged against the first door and able to protrude from the securing plate when the securing plate secures the first and the second door, with the finger blocking with a stop the rotation of the second door in relation to the first door. In an embodiment, the finger can comprise a roller, with said locking means comprising a cam carried by an outer surface of the first door providing for the return to retracted position of the finger in the securing plate in the separation phase of the first and second closed spaces.
For example, it can be provided that a first portion of the displacement in rotation of the securing plate secures the first door and the second door and that a second portion of the displacement in rotation of the locking plate unlocks the second door in relation to the second flange.
The connection device can comprise means for controlling the first, second, third and fourth means allowing for the sealed connection between the two closed spaces without rotation of the first and/or second closed space. For example, if the second door is secured to the second flange by a bayonet connection, the control means can comprise a control ring able to be set in rotation around a longitudinal axis, with the rotation of said control ring actuating at least the second, third and fourth means, a first actuating device of said control ring and a second actuating device of the first securing means.
For example, the second means comprise at least one pinion meshing with an actuating sector gear carried by the control ring, with a displacement in rotation of the control ring causing a rotation of the securing plate. The second means can comprise a gear train coupled to the securing plate in order to place it in rotation, said gear train being driven by said pinion. Advantageously, the second means comprise a straight-toothed pinion meshing with the first sector gear and an angle transmission.
More preferably, the first device for actuating and the second device for actuating are arranged outside of the first closed space.
Advantageously, the control ring is arranged outside of the first space and surrounds the first flange.
In an advantageous example, the second, third and fourth means are arranged at the periphery of the first flange around the control ring.
For example, the third means comprise a locking cam and a locking roller able to take a position wherein it cooperates with the locking cam preventing the opening of the first door and a second position wherein it is separated from the locking cam, with the passing from the first to the second position and from the second position to the first position being caused by the rotation of the control ring. According to an additional characteristic, an actuating roller cooperates with a radial cam surface of the control ring, causing the pivoting of the locking roller.
This locking cam can be secure with the first door and the locking roller is mounted mobile in rotation on the first flange around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.
In the case where the first door is articulated in relation to the first flange around a hinge with an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the fourth means can comprise at least one pinion meshing with another actuating sector gear of the control ring, with said pinion being coupled to said hinge, with the displacement in rotation of the control ring causing a rotation of the first door around the hinge.
In an advantageous example, the actuating of the second, third and fourth means for the purposes of a sealed connection between the two closed spaces is obtained by a unidirectional rotation of the control ring.
The control ring comprises for example a gear sector drive cooperating with a pinion of the second means of actuating.
In a preferred embodiment, the first device for actuating also forms the second device for actuating.
The first and/or the second means of actuating can be motorised.
In an advantageous example, the connection device can comprises a system for the axial maintaining of the second flange on the first flange, prior to the securing by the first means.
The first means can comprise a securing ring mounted mobile in rotation in relation to the first flange around the longitudinal axis and comprise means of a bayonet connection in order to immobilise the second flange in relation to the first flange.
Another subject-matter of the present invention is a method for a sealed connection of two closed spaces implementing the sealed connection device according to this invention, comprising the steps of:

    
    
        putting into contact the first and second doors,
        securing the first and second flanges,
        securing the first door and the second door and automatic locking of the first and second doors by said securing,
        unlocking the second door in relation to the second flange,
        unlocking the first door in relation to the first flange,
        opening the passage between the first and second closed spaces.
    
    


Another subject-matter of the present invention is a method for a sealed disconnection of two closed spaces implementing the sealed connection device according to this invention, comprising the steps of:

    
    
        closing the passage between the first and second closed spaces,
        locking the first door in relation to the first flange,
        locking the second door in relation to the second flange,
        automatic unlocking between the first and second doors by detaching the first and second doors,
        separating the first and second doors.
    
    





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This invention shall be better understood using the following description and annexed drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective partial view of an embodiment example of a connection device between a cell and a container, with the container being shown as a dotted line,
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device for the sealed connection seen from the exterior of the cell,
FIG. 3 is a detailed view in perspective of the means of axial securing by snap-fitting of the container flange and of the cell flange of the device for the sealed connection,
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the means of axial securing by snap-fitting of FIG. 3,
FIG. 4B is a top view of the securing means of FIG. 4A,
FIG. 4C is a cross-section view of FIG. 4B according to the plane I-I,
FIG. 4D is a top view of the securing means of FIG. 4A, with the container in place,
FIG. 4E is a cross-section view of FIG. 4D according to le plan II-II,
FIG. 5 is a front view of the cell flange and of the cell door and of the device for the sealed connection according to the invention, with the control ring and the means for actuating omitted,
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device for the sealed connection seen from the interior of the cell, with certain elements being shown with transparency,
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device for the sealed connection seen from the interior of the cell, with certain elements being shown with transparency according to a point of view different from that of FIG. 6, in an unlocked position of the cell door and of the container door,
FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7, with the device for the sealed connection shown in a locked position of the cell door and of the container door,
FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the means for inter-door locking along the plane in an unlocked state,
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device for the sealed connection seen from the inside of the cell, with certain elements being shown with transparency according to a point of view different from that of FIG. 6, in an unlocked position of the cell door in relation to the cell flange,
FIG. 11 is a perspective view in open position of the connection device, with the container cover omitted,
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-section view diagrammatically showing the connection of a container onto a cell by means of a double door sealed connection device,
FIG. 13A is isometric perspective view with a partial cross-section of a cover of the connection device shown alone,
FIG. 13B is a cross-section view according to le plan III-Ill of FIG. 13A,
FIG. 14A is a top view of another embodiment of the means of axial securing by snap-fitting,
FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the securing means of FIG. 14A,
FIG. 14C is a front view of the securing means of FIG. 14A in an unlocked state,
FIG. 14D is a cross-section view according to le plan IV-IV of FIG. 14C,
FIG. 14E is a front view of the securing means of FIG. 14A with the container in place but which is not shown,
FIG. 14F is a cross-section view according to le plan V-V of FIG. 14E.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS
The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are considered in the direction of the setting into place of the container in the connection device.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the two closed spaces that are to be connected using a double door sealed connection device provided with the actuating mechanism in accordance with the invention correspond respectively to a confinement cell 10 and to a container 12. It is understood however that the invention also applies in the case where the closed spaces would for example be for one a glove box and for the other a container or two glove boxes.
FIG. 12 diagrammatically shows the cell 10 and the container 12 in a connected state and in a disconnected state.
The cell 10 is delimited by a wall 14 of which only a portion can be seen in FIG. 12. It is provided, conventionally, with means for remote manipulation such as remote handling devices and/or gloves (not shown) secured to the wall 14. The container 12 is also delimited by a wall 16, as shown in particular in FIG. 12.
The cell comprises a cell flange 18 mounted in a sealed manner in a wall 14 of the cell and delimiting an opening 20 that is closed off in a sealed manner by a removable door 22, referred to as a cell door or door.
The container comprises a reservoir 24 and a container flange 26 that is closed off in a sealed manner by a removable door 28. For the purposes of clarity, the container door 28 shall be designated as “container cover” or “cover” in order to clearly distinguish it from the cell door. The reservoir 24, the container flange 26 and the cover 28 delimit a sealed space. The cover 28 is secured to the container flange by a bayonet connection 29.
The device for the sealed connection comprises the cell flange 18, the container flange 26, the cell door 22 and the container cover 28. The cell door 22 is articulated on the cell flange 18 by a hinge 30 with axis Y orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X.
The axial direction corresponds to the axis of the cell flange 18 and of the door 22, as well as that of the container flange 26 and of the cover 28 when the latter are secured to the cell. The axial direction is represented by the axis X which is the axis of the connection device.
The sealed connection device according to the invention comprises means allowing for a sealed connection of the container and of the enclosure and a lock of the means of securing the cell door 18 and of the cover 28. In the following description, a particular embodiment example of the means allowing for a sealed connection without rotation of the container shall be described. But it shall be understood that a sealed connection device wherein the connection is obtained at least partially by relative rotation of the enclosure and of the container is not out of the scope of this invention.
FIGS. 1 to 11 show in detail a preferred embodiment example of a device for the sealed connection according to the invention. The connection device is mounted on the wall of the cell around the opening 20. The connection device is mobile in relation to the wall of the cell 14.
The connection device comprises first means A of securing the container flange 26 onto the cell flange 18.
In the example shown, the container flange 26 comprises four lugs 32 arranged at 90° from each other radially protruding towards the exterior of the container flange 26. The container flange 26 could comprise two lugs, three lugs or more than four lugs, furthermore the angular arrangement is not restrictive.
The first means A comprise a securing ring 100 mounted coaxial to the cell flange 18 onto the outer surface of the latter and able to pivot in relation to it around the longitudinal axis X.
In the example shown, the securing ring 100 comprises four imprints 102 intended to each receive a lug 32 of the container flange 26. The rotation of the securing ring 100 in the anti-clockwise direction provides a securing by bayonet connection between the container flange 26 and the securing ring 100 and therefore between the container flange 26 and the cell flange 18. The imprints 102 have a first portion extending axially 102.1 that allows for the inserting and the removing of the lugs 32 according to an axial direction and a second portion 102.2 extending laterally in relation to the axial portion in a downstream zone. The second portion 102.2 receives the lugs 32 when the securing ring 100 has pivoted, which provides an axial maintaining of the lugs 32 and therefore of the container flange 28 in relation to the cell flange 18.
In the example shown, the securing ring 100 is mounted mobile in relation on the cell flange 18 by means of four rollers 106. It is understood that the number of rollers is not restrictive.
Advantageously, sensors are provided in order to know the various states of the system: door closed, door open, door opening or closing, etc., for example by detecting the displacement and/or the position of the securing ring, more particularly in a motorised embodiment and in an embodiment wherein the operator would not be in a position to visually identify in what state the system is in.
The actuating mechanism comprises an actuating device 108 of the securing ring 100 in rotation around the longitudinal axis X.
The actuating device 108 is arranged advantageously outside of the cell in such a way as to be able to be activated by the operator from the exterior. In the example shown this actuating device 108 comprises a crank 110. Any other mechanical actuating device can be considered. According to a variant, it could be provided to motorise the actuating of the securing ring 100. The motorised means could also be located inside the cell.
The securing ring 100 comprises a radially exterior sector gear 112 which is engaged by a pinion 114 of the actuating device 108. This actuating device is simple and robust. Other means for transmitting the movement between the means of actuating and the securing ring could be provided.
Very advantageously, the device for the sealed connection comprises a system for the axial maintaining of the container against the wall of the cell.
Preferably, this system for maintaining comprises at least one device for the axial maintaining with snap-fitting 34 intended to axially maintain the container flange 26 in relation to the cell flange 18, such as shown in the FIGS. 1 to 4E.
This device, designated in what follows as snap-fitting device, is intended to be implemented prior to the securing of the two flanges 18, 26 by the securing ring 100. For example, the device is particularly advantageous in providing for the maintaining of the container on the wall 14 of the cell when the container is intended to be positioned horizontally for example for the transfer. This snap-fitting device then makes the assembly of the container on the cell easier for the operator since he no longer has to maintain for example at the end of his arm the container until the container flange 26 is secured to the cell flange 18 by the securing ring 100.
In the example shown, the connection device comprises a snap-fitting device at two lugs 32 of the container flange 26, which are diametrically opposite. The snap-fitting devices 34 are located in a diametrically opposite manner on the cell flange 18.
In the FIGS. 3, 4A to 4E and 5, an embodiment of a snap-fitting device 34 can be seen in more detail.
As the two snap-fitting devices are similar, only one of the two devices shall be described. The snap-fitting device 34 comprises a base 36 fastened onto the cell flange 18 at the periphery of the opening 20, an actuating connecting rod 38 articulated in rotation on the base 36 around an axis Y1 perpendicular to the axial direction and to the diametrical direction of the cell flange 18.
The snap-fitting device 34 also comprises a locking connecting rod 40 articulated in rotation on the base 36 around an axis Y2 parallel to the axis Y1, and a return means 42 for restoring the locking connecting rod 40 to an unlocked position. The return means 42 is fastened to the base and to the locking connecting rod 40. The actuating connecting rod 38 and the locking connecting rod 40 are in contact by one of their ends 38.1, 40.1 respectively, in such a way that a pivoting of the actuating connecting rod 38 in the clockwise direction causes a rotation of the locking connecting rod 40 in the clockwise direction. The ends 38.2, 40.2 of the connecting rods are located on the side of the opening 20.
The snap-fitting device 34 also comprises locking means in order to block the locking connecting rod 40 in a locked state. The locking means comprise a finger 44 articulated in rotation on the base 36 around an axis perpendicular to the axes Y1 and Y2 in such a way that an end of the finger 44 can move closer to and move away from the locking connecting rod 40. An elastic return means, such as a spring (not visible) pushes the finger 44 in the direction of the connecting rod. According to a variant, the finger 44 can be formed from a blade which is deformed elastically in flexion and integrating the elastic return means.
The operation of the snap-fitting device is as follows and is shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E. A lug 32 of the container flange 28 is brought closer according to the direction of the arrow F towards the snap-fitting device, until it bears via a first transverse surface against the actuating connecting rod 38. Under the effort applied by the lug 32 towards the cell 14, the actuating connecting rod 38 pivots around its axis Y1 in the clockwise direction, causing the rotation in the clockwise direction of the locking connecting rod 40 around its axis Y2. The locking connecting rod 40 then comes to bear by its other end 40.2 against a second transverse surface 32.2 of the lug 32 opposite the first transverse surface 32.1. The lug 32 is then axially maintained against the cell flange 18. Moreover, the pivoting of the locking connecting rod 40 in the clockwise direction is such that the finger 44 passes over the end 40.2 of the locking connecting rod 40 locking it by bearing against the lug 32. The finger 44 is pivoted in such a way as to separate the end 40.2 of the locking connecting rod 40 in order to release the latter. This releasing takes place when it is desired to detach the container from the cell flange. The pivoting of the finger 44 can be obtained by means of an actuator (not shown) or a slight rotation of the container.
Another very advantageous embodiment of a snap-fitting device 34′ can be seen in FIGS. 14A to 14F, this device differs from device 34 in that it uses a locking cam. The number of moving parts is reduces, reliability of the device is then increased and the manufacturing is easier.
The snap-fitting device 34′ comprises a base 36′ fastened onto the cell flange 18 at the periphery of the opening 20, an locking cam 40′ articulated in rotation on the base 36 around an axis Y2′ perpendicular to the axial direction and to the diametrical direction of the cell flange 18, and a return means 42 restoring the locking cam 40′ to an unlocked position. The return means 42 is fastened to the base and to the locking cam 40′.
The locking cam 40′ comprises on its face which is oriented towards the longitudinal axis of the device a downstream area 40.1′ in the direction of insertion of the flange in the snap-fitting device, which forms an actuating area, and an upstream area 40.1 which forms an abutment.
The actuating area 40.1′ forms a cam surface which protrudes towards the inside of the device in an unlocking position, in such manner that, when the container flange is brought closer towards the snap-fitting device, one of the lugs 32 bears against the cam surface 40.1′, resulting in its rotation, the abutment area 40.1′ then faces the rear face of the lug, more preferably bears against the rear face of the lug, preventing the withdrawal of the lug.
The snap-fitting device 34′ also comprises means for locking in order to block the locking cam 40′′ in a locked state. The locking means comprise a finger 44′ articulated in rotation on the base 36′ around an axis perpendicular to the axe Y2′ in such a way that an end of the finger 44′ can move closer to and move away from the locking connecting rod 40′. An elastic return means, such as a spring (not visible) pushes the finger 44′ in the direction of the connecting rod. According to a variant, the finger 44′ can be formed from a blade which is deformed elastically in flexion and integrating the elastic return means.
The operation of the snap-fitting device is as follows and is shown in FIGS. 14C to 14F.
A lug 32 of the container flange 28 is brought closer according to the direction of the arrow F towards the snap-fitting device, until it bears via a first transverse surface against the cam surface 40.1′. Under the effort applied by the lug 32 towards the cell 14, the locking cam 40′ pivots around its axis Y2′ in the clockwise direction. The abutment area 40.2′ bears against the rear face of the lug 32 The lug 32 is then axially maintained against the cell flange 18. Moreover, the pivoting of the locking cam 40′ in the clockwise direction is such that the finger 44′ passes over the abutment area 40.2′ locking it by bearing against the lug 32. To release the locking cam 40′, finger 44 is separated from the abutment area. This releasing takes place when it is desired to detach the container from the cell flange. The pivoting of the finger 44′ can be obtained by means of an actuator (not shown) or by a slight rotation of the container.
In the example shown, two devices for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting are provided.
In an advantageous variant, a single device for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting can be provided and in place of the second snap-fitting device a base comprising a groove in the shape of an arc of circle that opens radially towards the longitudinal axis X able to house a lug 32 and to maintain it axially. A lug is then engaged in the groove, providing its axial maintaining, then the other lug 32 is engaged in the snap-fitting device.
According to a variant, the system for the axial maintaining could implement magnetic means, the cell flange 18 and the container flange 26 would then be maintained by magnetisation.
More preferably, in the case of a vertical cell wall, the device for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting is located in the lower zone of the cell flange and the base provided with the groove is located in the upper zone of the cell flange.
According to a variant, a system with more than two devices for the maintaining by snap-fitting can be considered.
Particularly advantageously, the snap-fitting device or devices cooperate with the securing ring 100.
As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the snap-fitting devices are located downstream of two imprints radially opposite the securing ring 100, in the direction of insertion of the lugs 32 into the securing ring 100.
As such, after the lugs 32 have been introduced into the imprints 102, they engage the actuating connecting rods 38 which causes the tipping of the locking connecting rods, maintaining the lugs axially.
In the absence of the container flange, the end 40.2 of the locking connecting rod 40 is located in the upper zone of the first portion 102.1 of the window 102 when no container is in place and penetrates into a notch 102.3 made in the first portion 102. The locking connecting rods 40 thus also provide a locking in rotation of the securing ring 100 in the absence of a container. As such, any manipulation of the ring 100 in the absence of the container is avoided.
In this particularly advantageous embodiment, the container flange 26 is maintained axially by the snap-fitting device or devices 34 and then the cell flange 18 and the container flange 26 are secured by the securing ring 100.
The snap-fitting maintaining devices are very advantageous in particular when the cell wall is in a vertical or inclined plane, as such when the container is maintained by the means 34, the operator can easily actuate the first means A.
The device for the sealed connection also comprises second means B intended to secure the container cover 28 and the cell door 22, these second leans also provide the unlocking of the cover in relation to the container flange after the door and the cover have been secured in a sealed manner. In addition, the connection device also comprises means 118 for locking and means B for securing that prevent the detaching of the cell door 22 and of the cover 28 when the passage between the inside of the container and the inside of the cell is open, i.e. when the door and cover unit is in detached position from the cell and container flanges.
The connection device also comprises third means C in order to release the cell door from the cell flange, and fourth means D for releasing the passage between the inside of the container and the inside of the cell.
The device for the sealed connection advantageously has a common actuating system of the second and third means.
The common actuating system is formed by a control ring 48 mounted in rotation on the cell flange 18 around the axial direction and arranged outside of the cell in the example shown. In the example shown, the control ring 48 is a ring gear of which the teeth are oriented radially outwards from the control ring 48. The common actuating system comprises a device for actuating intended to place in rotation the control ring 48 around the longitudinal axis X. Very advantageously, the device for actuating is formed by the device for actuating 108 of the securing ring 100, which makes it possible to simplify the structure and reduce is cost price. According to a variant, a separate device for actuating can be provided.
FIG. 2 shows the ring gear 48. The latter is mounted upstream of the securing ring 100 in the direction of the setting into place of the container and has an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the securing ring 100 in order to allow for the penetration of the container flange 28 into the securing ring 100.
FIG. 6 shows the connection device from the interior of the cell, with the protective cover being shown with transparency.
The securing ring 100 can be seen of which the sector gear 112 is engaged by the pinion 114 and the ring gear 48 is engaged by a pinion 52 coaxial to the pinion 114.
The control ring 48 comprises a driving tooth 48.1 meshing with the pinion 52 which provides for its putting into rotation and sector gears intended to actuate the various means of the connection device. In the example shown, the sector gear 48.1 extends over only a portion of the periphery of the control ring 48, the angle on which extends the drive sector is determined in order to allow for the actuating of the various means B, C, D. According to a variant a drive sector could cover the entire periphery of the control ring 100.
The control ring 48 is advantageously maintained axially and radially by rollers 54 which allow for the rotation of the ring gear 48 around the axial direction while still limiting friction.
The second B, third C and fourth D means are arranged on the periphery of the ring gear 48 and are actuated successively by setting the ring into rotation.
In the embodiment shown, the second means B of securing the cell door 22 and the cover of the container 28 comprise an inter-door securing plate designated as 80. The inter-door securing plate 80 is mounted in rotation on the cell door 22. The locking of the cell door 22 and of the container cover 28 is obtained by a bayonet connection. In the example shown, the securing plate 80 comprises four lugs 82 radially protruding outwards and the cover 28 comprises a hollow imprint provided with four radially external notches in order to receive the lugs of the securing plate 80 and a peripheral groove that connects the notches. A relative rotation of the securing plate 80 and of the cover 26 provides an at least partial masking of the lugs of the securing plate 80 forming an axial abutment for the lugs 82 and an axial securing of the securing plate and of the cover
The securing plate 80 is set into rotation by the actuating of the control ring 48. In the example shown, the second means B comprise a straight-toothed pinion 62 engaged by a first actuating sector gear 48.2 of the control ring 48, a bevel pinion 64 secured in rotation with the pinion 62. In the example shown, they are located at the two ends of the same axis. The bevel pinion 64 meshes with a bevel pinion 65 which forms the input of a chain of gears, with the gears designated as 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 77. The pinion 77 meshes with a sector gear or rack 78 secured in rotation with the inter-door securing plate 80 as can be seen in FIG. 6.
The unit formed by the pinion 62, 64 and the chain of gears makes it possible to reduce the rotation torque of the handle and facilitate the manipulation by the operator.
On FIGS. 13A and 13B, the chain of gears allowing for the rotation of the securing plate 80 is shown alone. The chain of gears is located in a cover 81 which is also shown on FIGS. 6-8 and 10, ensuring the sealed passage of the chain of gears between the outside and the inside of the cell. The cover comprises three parts 81.1, 81.2, 81.3 which are linked to each other in a sealed manner by means of seals 69.
In the example shown, parts 81.1 and 81.3, so-called blocks are identical. Part 81.2 which is located between parts 81.1 and 81.3 is called “arm”.
The linkages between block 81.1 and arm 81.2 and between block 81.2 and 81.3 allow for the opening of the door 22. Rotation is ensured by roller bearings, but bearing may be used instead of roller bearings.
Chain of gears is located in block 81.1, the chain of gears controlling the securing plate 80. Opening means D is located in block 81.3.
In the example shown, block 81.1 comprises a sleeve 81.11 surrounding the axis connecting gears 62 and 64.
Block 81.3 also comprises a sleeve 81.31 (FIG. 13B).
Arm 81.2 surrounds the axis connecting gears 76 and 77. Sleeves 81.11 and 81.21 pass through the cell flange and through the door respectively in a sealed manner; static seals are mounted between the sleeves 81.11, 81.31 and the cell flange and between the sleeve 81.21 and the door 22.
According to a variant and in the specific case of device having a small diameter for which strength are reduced, the cover can have only one block and one arm, the opening means D being combined with the securing means B. In this case, block can be made in one piece with the cell flange. No seal is then required to carry out sealing between the block and the flange.
The chain of gears comprises two biggest axes 67, 73 between gears 65 and 66 and between gears 72 and 74 respectively. According to a variant, these axes and the gears can be replaced by chain sprockets or by pulleys with belt system or chain system.
A first phase of the rotation of the inter-door securing plate 80 provides the axial locking of the door 22 and of the cover 28 and a second phase of rotation of the securing plate 80 drives in rotation the cover 28 in relation to the container flange 26 and provides an unlocking of the cover 28 in relation to container flange 26.
An embodiment of the means 118 can be seen in FIG. 7 and as a cross-section in FIG. 9.
The locking means 118 are arranged between the upstream surface of the cell door and the downstream surface of the plate 80.
The locking means 118 comprise a finger 120 radially protruding from the plate 80 in a zone between two lugs of the plate 80. The finger 120 is able to be axially retracted inside the plate. An elastic means 122, for example a helical spring in the example shown, restores the finger outwards from the plate 80 upstream. The finger can be seen in FIG. 2.
The locking means comprise a roller support 124, carrying the finger 120, which is arranged between the door 22 and the plate 80 and a roller 126 able to roll around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The locking means 118 also comprise a frame 128 fastened onto the plate 80 which carries an axis 130 parallel to the longitudinal axis X whereon is mounted and able to slide the roller support 124. The spring 122 is mounted in compression between the roller support 124 and the frame 128 around the axis 130.
The locking means 118 also comprise a cam 132 formed by a ramp fastened onto the upstream surface of the cell door, with the cam 132 having the shape of an arc of circle centred on the longitudinal axis X. The locking means also comprise stops 134 located across from the ends of the ramp 132. In the example shown, the stops 134 are formed by rods parallel to the longitudinal axis and fastened onto the cell door.
The operation of the locking means 118 is as follows.
During the setting into place of the container flange 26 into the securing ring 100, the lugs of the container cover 28 are placed between the lugs 82 of the securing plate 80, one of them comes into contact with the finger 120 and due to the axial displacement of the container drives the finger 120 which penetrates into the plate 80 against the restoring force of the spring 122. The roller 126 is released from the cam 132 and from one of the stops 134.
Another putting into rotation of the ring gear 48 causes a rotation of the plate, the roller 126 is also driven in rotation and rolls on the cam 132 until the roller 126 is positioned in the bottom part of the cam 132 (FIG. 8).
The finger has then pivoted enough to no longer be facing the lug 82 of the plate 80. However due to the restoring force of the spring 122, the finger is pushed back towards the exterior of the disc and forms a stop in rotation for the lug which is then blocked between the finger 120 and one of the stops 134. The locking means are activated automatically during the securing of the door and of the cover.
This embodiment example of the means for locking the inter-door securing is very advantageous as the securing is carried out using the ring gear which also provides the actuating of the means C and D, which simplifies the whole of the connection device. In this example, the connection is obtained without relative rotation of the cell and of the container. In a variant, the securing means could be activated by means of actuating separate from the means C and D.
This invention also applies in the case of a device where the securing of the two flanges is obtained by relative rotation of the enclosure and of the container, in particular by rotation of the container with respect to the cell.
In general, a first rotation provides the securing of the two flanges by means of a bayonet connection and a second rotation provides a securing of the door and of the cover by a bayonet connection, which also provides an unlocking of the cover in relation to the container flange.
In this invention, the securing of the two flanges can be provided by rotation of the container in relation to the enclosure and the securing of the door and of the cover is obtained by rotation of the inter-door securing plate 80 and the locking of this securing is obtained separately. In this embodiment, the actuating of the securing means is independent. The actuating can be manual or motorised. The actuating means can be arranged inside the enclosure. Note that the actuating of the securing means B before the securing of the two flanges is not possible since the finger prevents the plate from rotating. In any case their actuating has no consequence, since it does not provide the opening of the door 18.
The third means C for maintaining the door of the cell closed against the cell flange 18 can be seen for example in FIG. 8 in closed position and in FIG. 10 in open position.
The door 22 is locked in closed position on the cell flange 18 by means of a locking cam 84 which is fastened onto the inside surface of the cell door 22 and of locking roller 86. The locking roller 86 is mounted mobile in rotation on the cell flange 18 around an axis parallel to the axial direction X between a locked position wherein the locking roller 86 is in contact with the locking cam 84 and locks the door in closed position against the cell flange 18, and an unlocked position, wherein the locking roller 86 is separated from the locking cam, and allows for a disengagement of the cell door from the cell flange 18.
The locking roller 86 is carried by a roller-holder of which an axial end comprises an actuating roller 88 which cooperates with a radial cam surface 48.3 of the toothed wheel 48.
According to a variant, it could be provided that the locking roller-holder comprises a pinion meshing with a sector gear of the toothed wheel.
Advantageously, in locked position, the locking cam 84 cooperates with safety means mounted on the inside surface of the door in order to detect the locked position of the cam 84. The third means D in order to open the door 22 and the cover 28 and as such allow for the sealed transfer between the container and the cell, can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 11.
The means for opening D set into rotation the cell door 22 and the cover 28 secured to one another by the securing plate 80 around the hinge 30. In the example shown, the means D comprise a first straight-toothed pinion 90 meshing with a second sector gear 48.4 of the ring gear 48 a bevel pinion 92 secured in rotation with the pinion 90. In the example shown, they are located at the two ends of the same axis. The bevel pinion 92 meshes with a bevel pinion 94 coaxial to the axis of the hinge 30 and is secure in rotation with the latter. As such the ring gear 48, by driving the pinion 90, causes a rotation of the bevel pinion 94 which drives the cell door 22 in rotation around its hinge 30 and allows for the transfer between the inside of the container and the inside of the cell.
Seals are provided between the cover and the container flange, between the cell door and the cell flange and between the outer faces of the cell door and of the cover in such a way as to provide a sealed contact between the door 22 and the cover 28 and to provide a confining of these surfaces which are in contact with the outside environment when they are not in contact.
The ring gear 48 is comprised of several actuating angular sectors, with each one controlling separate means. According to the angle of rotation of the ring gear, a pinion is engaged by the ring gear driving the given means. The means are not actuated simultaneously but successively and in an order given by the arrangement of the angular sectors in a given direction of rotation. In the example shown, the actuating sector gears are arranged in separate planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, which are separate from the plane that contains the gear sector drive.
A cycle for the putting into communication of the interior space of the container and of that of the cell thanks to the connection device according to the invention shall now be described, considering a vertical cell wall.
The container flange 26, wherein is arranged the cover 28, is introduced into the securing ring 100, the lugs 32 of the container flange 26 penetrate into the imprints 104. One of the lugs pushes the finger 120. Furthermore, two diametrically opposite lugs 32 come into contact with the actuating connecting rods 38, cause them to pivot in the clockwise direction and the pivoting of the locking connecting rods 40. The finger 42 blocks the locking connecting rods 40 in position. The container flange 26 is then maintained against the wall 14 of the cell. The operator can let go of the container.
The operator then turns the crank 108 in the clockwise direction, which sets into rotation the securing ring 100 in the anti-clockwise direction, which is free to turn, then the locking connecting rods 40 have tipped, their ends 40.2 being released from the notches 102.3. The securing ring 100 rotates, the lugs 32 are then maintained by a bayonet connection thanks to the securing ring 100. The container flange 26 is then secured to the cell flange 18.
Then, the operator again turns the crank 108 in the clockwise direction, which sets into rotation the ring gear 48 in the anti-clockwise direction, the sector gear 48.2 meshes with the pinion 52 which causes the rotation of the securing plate 80. The plate 80 then provides the securing of the cell door 22 and of the container cover 28. Simultaneously the roller 126 rolls on the ramp 132 until its bottom position and the finger 120 is pushed back towards the exterior of the plate 80 (FIG. 10), one of the lugs of the cover 28 is then blocked between a stop 134 and the finger 120. No rotation of the cover 28 in relation to the door is possible in the absence of manipulation of the locking plate.
The operator again turns the crank 108 in a clockwise direction, the sector gear 48.2 moves away from the pinion 62 and the radial cam path encounters the actuating roller 88 causing a pivoting of the roller-holder and a separation of the locking roller 86 from the locking cam 84. The door 22 is then released from the cell flange 18.
The operator again turns the crank 108 in the clockwise direction, the sector gear 48.4 meshes with the pinion, causing the rotation of the door 22 and of the cover 28 around the hinge 30.
The passage between the inside of the cell and the inside of the container is then open as is shown in FIG. 11 (the cover 26 is not shown).
In this position, the cover cannot be separated from the door due to the presence of the finger 120. As explained hereinabove, the movement of a lug of the cover 28 is limited by the finger 120 and a stop 134. The cover 26 therefore cannot pivot enough in relation to the door 22 in order to separate them. The retracting of the finger 120 is possible only by setting the securing plate 80 into rotation in the opposite direction, yet this rotation in the opposite direction is possible only after closing of the access between the two spaces. Consequently, the separation of the cover and of the door is prevented when the passage between the cell and the container is open. As such there is no risk of pollution of the interior of one or the other of the spaces by the outer surfaces of the cell and of the container.
The closing of the passage and the separation of the container from the cell is carried out according to the steps hereinabove in the reverse order. For this, the operator pivots the crank 108 in an anti-clockwise direction, causing:

    
    
        the putting back into place of the door 22 and of the cover 28 in their respective flange 18, 26,
        then the returning into position of the locking roller 86 in the locking cam 84,
        the rotation in the clockwise direction of the plate 80 which locks the cover 28 in the container flange 26 and the detaching of the door 22 and the cover 26,
        simultaneously the finger 120 penetrates into the plate 80 thanks to the cam 132,
        the securing ring 100 then pivots in the clockwise direction, releasing the lugs 32 from the container flange 22,
        finally the snap-fitting devices 34 are deactivated in such a way as to release the locking connecting rods 40. The container can then be removed from the securing ring.
    
    


The connection device according to the particular embodiment described allows for a connection between a container and a cell, without rotation of the container, which simplifies the operations for the operator and allows for the manipulation of fragile objects contained in the container.
The connection device can offer greater facility for cleaning since it can comprise no element inside the cell. The entire mechanism is located outside of the cell.
The outside control offers greater handling for the operator.
The connection device according to the particular embodiment described furthermore makes it possible to improve the rates of closing/opening per day, allowing for a gain in productivity, with all of the steps of transfer carried out by the manipulation of the outside crank or activation of the motor.
It moreover has maintenance and repair that is facilitated due to its simple structure, all the more so when its means for actuating are located outside of the cell. Moreover, the arrangement of the means for actuating outside allow for a motorisation of the device in a very simple way. By arranging the means for actuating outside of the cell, the latter is no longer in contact with the sterilising agent, which reduces the risks of damage and malfunction.
In addition, safety is improved, since in the case of actuating by the outside, it is no longer required to access the inside of the cell by means of gloves mounted in a sealed manner through a wall of the cell in order to actuate the mechanism, or for maintenance.
According to a variant, it can be considered that the securing ring 100 be set into rotation via the ring gear 48, the ring gear would then be the sole control member for all of the steps.

## Claims

1. Assembly comprising a first closed space and connection device for a sealed connection between the first closed space and a second closed space, with the first closed space comprising a first flange and a first door closing off in a sealed manner an opening delimited by the first flange, and the second closed space comprising a second flange and a second door closing off in a sealed manner a second opening delimited by the second flange, said connection device being mounted on a wall of the first closed space and comprising:
a first securing device for securing the first and second flanges to one another,
a second securing device for securing the second door and the first door in a sealed manner and for detaching the second door from the second flange,
a releasing device for releasing the first door in relation to the first flange,
an opening device for opening a passage between the first and the second closed space,

said connection device also comprising a locking device for locking the second securing device preventing the separation of the first and second doors as long as the connection between the two closed spaces remains sealed, said locking device being activated automatically by the actuating of the second securing device,
wherein the second securing device comprises a securing plate mounted mobile in rotation on an external surface of the first door around the longitudinal axis and able to be secured to an external surface of the second door by a bayonet connection, with the locking device configured in such a way as to limit the rotation of the plate in the two directions of rotation when the first door and the second door are secured.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein said locking device comprises a finger mounted mobile in the securing plate, said finger being configured to be retracted in the securing plate when the second door is arranged against the first door and being configured to protrude from the securing disc when the securing plate secures the first and the second door, with the finger blocking with a stop the rotation of the second door in relation to the first door.

3. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein said finger comprises a roller and wherein said locking device comprises a cam carried by an outer surface of the first door providing the return into retracted position of the finger in the securing plate in the separation phase of the first and second closed spaces.

4. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein a first portion of the displacement in rotation of the securing plate secures the first door and the second door and a second portion of the displacement in rotation of the locking plate unlocks the second door in relation to the second flange.

5. Assembly according to claim 1, comprising a controller for controlling the first securing device, the second securing device, the releasing device and the opening device allowing for the sealed connection between the two closed spaces without rotation of at least one of the first closed space and the second closed space.

6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second door is secured to the second flange by a bayonet connection and wherein the controller comprises:
a control ring configured to be placed in rotation around a longitudinal axis, with the rotation of said control ring actuating at least the second securing device, the releasing device and the opening device,
a first actuator for actuating said control ring,
a second actuator for actuating the first securing device.

7. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second securing device comprises at least one pinion meshing with an actuating sector gear carried by the control ring, a displacement in rotation of the control ring causing a rotation of the securing plate.

8. Assembly according to claim 7, wherein the second securing device comprises a gear train coupled to the securing plate in order to place it in rotation, said gear train being driven by said pinion.

9. Assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second securing device comprises a straight-toothed pinion meshing with the first sector gear and an angle transmission.

10. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are arranged outside of the first closed space.

11. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the control ring is arranged outside of the first space and surrounds the first flange.

12. Assembly according to claim 11, wherein the second securing device, the releasing device and the opening device are arranged at the periphery of the first flange around the control ring.

13. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the releasing device comprises a locking cam and a locking roller configured to take a position wherein it cooperates with the locking cam preventing the opening of the first door and a second position wherein it is separated from the locking cam, with the passing from the first to the second position and from the second position to the first position being caused by the rotation of the control ring.

14. Assembly according to claim 13, wherein an actuating roller cooperates with a radial cam surface of the control ring, causing the pivoting of the locking roller.

15. Assembly according to claim 13, wherein the locking cam is secured with the first door and the locking roller is mounted mobile in rotation on the first flange around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.

16. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first door is articulated in relation to the first flange around a hinge with axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and wherein the opening device comprises at least one pinion meshing with an actuating sector gear of the control ring, said pinion being coupled to said hinge, with the displacement in rotation of the control ring causing a rotation of the first door around the hinge.

17. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the actuating of the second securing device, the releasing device and the opening device for the purposes of a sealed connection between the two closed spaces is obtained by a unidirectional rotation of the control ring.

18. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the control ring comprises a gear sector drive cooperating with a pinion of the second actuator.

19. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first actuator also forms the second actuator.

20. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator is motorised.

21. Assembly according to claim 1, comprising a system for the axial maintaining of the second flange on the first flange, prior to the securing by the first securing device.

22. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first securing device comprises a securing ring mounted mobile in rotation in relation to the first flange around the longitudinal axis and comprises a bayonet connector in order to immobilise the second flange in relation to the first flange.

23. Method for a sealed connection of two closed spaces implementing the sealed assembly according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:
putting into contact the first and second doors,
securing the first and second flanges,
securing the first and second doors and automatic locking of the first and second doors by said securing,
unlocking the second door in relation to the second flange,
unlocking the first door in relation to the first flange,
opening the passage between the first and second closed spaces.

24. Method for a sealed disconnection of two closed spaces implementing the assembly according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:
closing the passage between the first and second closed spaces,
locking the first door in relation to the first flange,
locking the second door in relation to the second flange,
automatic unlocking between the first and second doors by detaching the first and second doors,
separating the first and second doors.