Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
  • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
  • G21F7/00—Shielded cells or rooms
  • G21F7/005—Shielded passages through walls; Locks; Transferring devices between rooms
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L1/00—Enclosures; Chambers
  • B01L1/02—Air-pressure chambers; Air-locks therefor

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a sealed enclosure delimiting a closed volume intended to be connected to another closed volume, the sealed enclosure comprising a control mechanism for a sealed connection device between the two closed volumes.
• Such a double-door device provided with a multi-security control is for example known from document FR 2 695 343.
• Each volume 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.
• the transfer is carried out as follows.
• the flange of the container has on its outer periphery ears intended to cooperate with an impression 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 so as to match the ears with the imprint.
• a first rotation of the container along 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.
• the container door is pivoted relative to the container, ensuring both a connection by another bayonet connection with the door of the box glove and uncoupling the new assembly formed by the two doors contiguous vis-à-vis the door flanges and glove box.
• a handle control located in the glove box makes it possible to unlock a security mechanism and release the passage between the two volumes.
• the outer faces of the two doors being in contact with one another in a sealed manner, they can not contaminate the interior of the volumes.
• This device gives satisfaction. But, on the one hand it requires a rotational movement of the container to secure the flange of the container to the flange of the glove box or the cell. On the other hand, it requires a rotational movement to secure the door of the glove box and the door of the container. These rotational movements can be performed manually. This can be problematic for some containers because of their weight and / or bulk, as well as the torque to exercise to perform the rotation. Moreover, the rotation of the container, causing a tilting of the contents, prevents the transfer of certain components such as open bottles or shock-sensitive components.
• the step of communicating the two volumes is performed manually through a control located in the glove box or in the cell.
• the actuation operation of the control may be difficult depending on the location of the double door device on the enclosure. In addition, it can be time consuming because you have to access the inside of the glove box or the cell.
• Control mechanisms for opening and closing a double door system located outside the enclosure have been proposed. They avoid the user to intervene in the containment, which may contain a toxic environment, and thus reduce the risk to the user.
• the object of the present invention is achieved by a sealed connection device between a first and a second closed volume, each closed volume having an opening bordered by a flange and closed by a door, the door of the second closed volume being mounted in a sealed manner in a flange by a bayonet connection, the device comprising means for securing the two flanges and a control ring mounted outside the first closed volume around the flange, the control ring controlling means for securing the two doors and unlocking the door of the second volume, the release means of the other door and the opening of the two doors for the sealed communication between the two volumes.
• the securing means of the two flanges and the control ring are movable in rotation with respect to the closed volumes and by their rotation ensure all the steps required to obtain a tight connection and this without rotating one of the closed volumes.
• the securing means of the two flanges are formed by a fastening ring concentric with the control ring.
• the means for actuating the control ring and / or the means for actuating the securing means of the two flanges are located outside the closed volumes. These actuating means are therefore accessible.
• connection device may preferably comprise means for locking the two doors to one another when they are in a position away from the flanges.
• connection device may also advantageously comprise means for axially holding the two flanges prior to actuation of the securing means in order to facilitate subsequent maneuvers.
• connection device may also advantageously comprise means for axially holding the two flanges prior to actuation of the securing means in order to facilitate subsequent maneuvers.
• it is one or more snap devices.
• the subject of the present invention is therefore a device for sealing connection between a first and a second closed volume, the first closed volume comprising a first flange and a first door sealingly closing an opening delimited by the first flange, and the second closed volume.
• the connection device being mounted on a wall of the first closed volume and comprising first means for securing the first and second flanges to one another, second securing means of the second door and the first door sealingly and uncoupling the second door of the second flange, the third means for releasing the first door relative to the first flange, fourth means for opening a passage between the first and the second closed volume, a control ring adapted to being rotated about a longitudinal axis, the rotation of said control ring actuating at least the second, third and fourth means, a first actuating device of said
• the first actuator and the second actuator are disposed outside the first closed volume.
• control ring is disposed outside the first volume and surrounds the first flange.
• the second, third and fourth means can then be arranged at the periphery of the first flange around the control ring.
• the first means may comprise a securing ring mounted to rotate with respect to the first flange about the longitudinal axis and may comprise bayonet connection means for immobilizing the second flange with respect to the first flange. flange.
• the second means may comprise a securing plate mounted to rotate on an outer face of the first door about the longitudinal axis and adapted to be secured to an outer face of the second door by a bayonet connection .
• a first portion of the rotational movement of the securing plate secures the first door and the second door and a second portion of the rotational movement of the locking plate unlocks the second door relative to the second flange.
• the second means may comprise at least one pinion meshing with an actuating toothed sector carried by the control ring, a rotational displacement of the control ring causing a rotation of the securing plate.
• the second means may also comprise a gear train coupled to the securing plate to rotate it, said gear being driven by said pinion.
• the second means comprise a pinion with straight teeth meshing with the first toothed sector and a bevel gear.
• connection device may comprise means for locking the first door and the second door to one another when they are spaced apart from the first and second flanges.
• the locking means may comprise a finger movably mounted in the securing plate, the finger being able to be retracted into the securing plate when the second door is disposed against the first door and adapted to protrude from the securing disc when the disc securing secures the first and second door, the finger blocking with a stop the rotation of the second door relative to the first door.
• the finger may comprise a roller and the locking means may comprise a cam carried by an outer face of the first door ensuring the return to the retracted position of the finger in the securing disk in the separation phase of the first and second closed volumes .
• the third means may comprise a locking cam and a locking roller, the locking roller being adapted to take a position in which it cooperates with the locking cam preventing the opening of the first door and a second position in which it is spaced from the locking cam, the passage from the first to the second position and the second position to the first position being caused by the rotation of the control ring.
• connection device may comprise an actuating roller cooperating with a radial cam surface of the control ring, causing the pivoting of the locking roller.
• the locking cam may for example be integral with the first door and the locking roller is rotatably mounted on the first flange about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.
• the first door may be articulated with respect to the first flange around a hinge axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and the fourth means may comprise at least one pinion meshing with another toothed sector of actuation of the control ring, the pinion being coupled to said hinge, the rotational movement of the control ring causing a rotation of the first door around the hinge.
• connection device may advantageously comprise a system for axially holding the second flange on the first flange, prior to the joining by the first means.
• the axial snap-fastening system comprises at least two axial snap-fastening devices.
• the second flange may then comprise at least two radially projecting portions, each of the two projecting portions cooperating with an axial latching device.
• the axial snap-fastening system comprises at least one axial snap-fastening device and a passive axial holding device or at least two axial snap-fastening devices.
• the second flange may comprise at least two radially projecting portions, a projecting portion cooperating with the axial locking device and a protruding portion cooperating with the passive axial holding device.
• the one or more axial snap-fastening devices may for example comprise an actuating link, a locking link and means for locking said locking link in the locked position and means for activating the locking means to release the locking link. locking link.
• the actuation of the second, third and fourth means for a sealed connection between the two closed volumes is obtained by a unidirectional rotation of the control ring.
• control ring comprises a driving tooth sector cooperating with a pinion of the second actuating means.
• the first actuating device also forms the second actuating device.
• the first and / or the second actuating means are motorized.
• FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connection device between a cell and a container, the container being represented in dotted lines,
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sealed connection device seen from outside the cell
• FIG. 3 is a detail view in perspective of the means of axial locking by snap-fastening of the container flange and the cell flange of the sealed connection device
• FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the axial snap-fastening means of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 4B is a view from above of the securing means of FIG. 4A,
• FIG. 4C is a sectional view of FIG. 4B along plane I-1;
• FIG. 4D is a view from above of the securing means of FIG. 4A, the container being in place,
• FIG. 4E is a sectional view of FIG. 4D along plane II-II;
• FIG. 5 is a front view of the cell flange and the cell door and the sealed connection device according to the invention, the control ring and the actuating means having been omitted,
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sealed connection device seen from inside the cell, some elements being represented in transparency,
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sealed connection device seen from inside the cell, certain elements being represented in FIG. transparency according to a point of view different from that of FIG. 6, in a position of unlocking the cell door and the container door,
• Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, the sealed connection device being shown in a locking position of the cell door and the container door,
• FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the inter-door locking means along the plane in an unlocked state
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sealed connection device seen from inside the cell, some elements being represented in transparency according to a point of view different from that of FIG. 6, in a position of unlocking the door of cell relative to the cell flange,
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view in the open position of the connecting device, the container lid having been omitted,
• FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view diagrammatically illustrating the connection of a container to a cell by means of a double-door sealed connection device
• FIG. 13A is a partially cut isometric perspective view of a soup pot shown in isolation from the connecting device
• FIG. 13B is a sectional view along plane III - III of FIG. 13A,
• FIG. 14A is a view from above of another embodiment of the axial fastening means by snap-fastening
• FIGS. 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 the unlocked state
• FIG. 14D is a sectional view of FIG. 14C along plane IV-IV;
• FIG. 14E is a front view of the securing means of FIG. 14A, the container being in place but not being represented
• - Figure 14F is a sectional view of Figure 14E according to the VV plane.
• upstream and downstream are considered in the sense of setting up the container in the connection device.
• the two closed volumes that are to be connected by means of a double-door sealed connection device provided with the control mechanism according to the invention respectively correspond to a control cell.
• the invention is also applicable in the case where the closed volumes are for example one for a glove box and the other a container or two glove boxes.
• FIG. 12 a schematic representation of the cell 10 and the container 12 in a connected state and in a disconnected state can be seen.
• the cell 10 is delimited by a wall 14 of which only a part is visible in FIG. 12. It is equipped, in a conventional manner, with remote manipulation means such as remote manipulators and / or gloves (not shown) integral with the wall 14.
• the container 12 is also delimited by a wall 16, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 12.
• the cell comprises a cell flange 18 sealingly mounted in a wall 14 of the cell and defining an opening 20 sealingly closed by a removable door 22, said cell door or door.
• the container includes a reservoir 24 and a container flange 26 sealingly closed by a removable door 28.
• the container door 28 will be referred to as a "container lid” or “lid” to clearly distinguish it from the cell door.
• the reservoir 24, the container flange 26 and the cover 28 delimit a sealed volume.
• the lid 28 is secured to the container flange by a bayonet connection 29.
• the sealed connection device comprises the cell flange 18, the container flange 26, the cell door 22 and the container cover 28.
• the door cell 22 is articulated on the cell flange 18 by a hinge 30 of Y axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X.
• the axial direction corresponds to the axis of the cell flange 18 and the door 22, and that of the container flange 26 and the lid 28 when they are secured to the cell.
• the axial direction is represented by the axis X which is the axis of the connection device.
• connection device is mounted on the wall of the cell around the opening 20.
• the connection device is movable relative to the wall of the cell 14.
• connection device comprises first fastening means A of the container flange 26 on the cell flange 18.
• the container flange 26 has four lugs 32 arranged at 90 ° from each other projecting radially outwardly of the container flange 26.
• the container flange 26 could comprise two ears, three ears or more than four ears, in addition the angular disposition is not limiting.
• the first means A comprise a fastening ring 100 mounted coaxially with the cell flange 18 on the outer face thereof and pivotable relative thereto about the longitudinal axis X.
• the securing ring 100 comprises four cavities 102 intended to each receive an ear 32 of the container flange 26.
• the rotation of the locking ring 100 in the counterclockwise direction ensures a bayonet connection between the flange. of the container 26 and the securing ring 100 and thus between the container flange 26 and the cell flange 18.
• the cavities 102 have a first axially extending portion 102.1 allowing the insertion and removal of the lugs 32 in an axial direction and a second portion 102.2 extending laterally with respect to the axial portion in a downstream zone.
• the second part 102.2 receives the ears 32 when the crown of 100 is pivoted, ensuring an axial retention of the lugs 32 and therefore of the container flange 28 relative to the cell flange 18.
• the securing ring 100 is rotatably mounted on the cell flange 18 by means of four rollers 106. It will be understood that the number of rollers is not limiting.
• sensors are provided to know the different states of the system: closed door, door open, door being opened or being closed ..., for example by detecting the displacement and / or the position of the crown of solidarization, more particularly in a motorized embodiment and in an embodiment in which the operator would not be able to identify visually in which state the system is.
• the control mechanism comprises an actuating device 108 of the fastening ring 100 rotated about the longitudinal axis X.
• the actuating device 108 is advantageously arranged outside the cell so that it can be activated by the operator from the outside.
• this actuating device 108 comprises a crank 110. Any other mechanical actuation device is conceivable.
• the motorized means could then be located inside the cell.
• the securing ring 100 has a radially outer toothed sector 112 which is engaged by a pinion 114 of the actuating device 108.
• This actuating device is simple and robust. Other means of transmitting the movement between the actuating means and the securing ring could be provided.
• the sealed connection device comprises a system for axially holding the container against the wall of the cell.
• this holding system comprises at least one axial locking device 34 for axially holding the container flange 26 with respect to the cell flange 18, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4E and 5.
• This holding device hereinafter referred to as a snap-in device, is intended to be implemented prior to the joining of the two flanges 18, 26 by the securing ring 100.
• the device is particularly advantageous for ensuring the maintenance 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 device then makes the assembly of the container on the cell easier for the operator since it is no longer required to maintain for example at arm's length the container until the container flange 26 is secured. at the cell flange 18 by the securing ring 100.
• connection device comprises a snap device at two diametrically opposed lugs 32 of the container flange 26.
• the snap-fasteners 34 are located diametrically opposite on the cell flange 18.
• FIGS. 3, 4A to 4E an exemplary embodiment of a snap-fastener device 34 can be seen in more detail.
• the latching device 34 comprises a base 36 fixed on the cell flange 18 at the periphery of the opening 20, an actuating rod 38 articulated in rotation on the base 36 about an axis Y1 perpendicular to the axial direction and in the diametrical direction of the cell flange 18.
• the latching device 34 also comprises a locking link 40 articulated in rotation on the base 36 about an axis Y2 parallel to the axis Y1, and a return means 42 of the locking link 40 to an unlocked position.
• the return means 42 is fixed to the base and to the locking link 40.
• the actuating link 38 and the locking link 40 are in contact by one of their ends 38.1, 40.1 respectively, so that a pivoting of the actuating rod 38 in the clockwise direction causes a rotation of the locking rod 40 in the clockwise direction.
• the ends 38.2, 40.2 of the rods are located on the side of the opening 20.
• the latching device 34 also comprises locking means for locking in a locked state the locking link 40.
• the locking means comprise a finger 44 articulated in rotation on the base 36 about an axis perpendicular to the axes Y1 and Y2 so that one end of the finger 44 can move closer and away from the locking link 40.
• An elastic return means such as a spring (not visible) pushes the finger 44 towards the link.
• the finger 44 may be formed of a blade that elastically deforms in flexion and incorporates the elastic return means.
• the operation of the snap-in device is as follows and is shown in Figures 4D and 4E.
• An ear 32 of the container flange 28 is approached in the direction of the arrow F towards the snap-in device, until it comes to bear against a first transverse face against the actuating link 38.
• the actuating rod 38 pivots around its axis Y1 in the clockwise direction, causing the clockwise rotation of the locking rod 40 about its axis Y2.
• the locking link 40 is then supported by its other end 40.2 against a second transverse face 32.2 of the lug 32 opposite the first transverse face 32.1.
• the lug 32 is then held axially against the cell flange 18.
• the pivoting of the locking link 40 in the clockwise direction is such that the finger 44 passes over the end 40.2 of the locking link 40 locking the lock against the ear 32.
• the finger 44 is pivoted away from the end 40.2 of the locking link 40 to release it. This release takes place when it is desired to separate 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.
• FIGS. 14A to 14F another particularly advantageous embodiment of a snap-fastener device 34 ' is shown, which differs from the device 34 in that it implements a locking cam, which reduces the number of moving parts, increasing the reliability of the device and simplifying its manufacture.
• the latching device 34 ' has a base 36' fixed to the cell flange 18 at the periphery of the opening 20, a locking cam 40 'articulated in rotation on the base 36' about an axis Y2 'perpendicular to the axial direction and the diametral direction of the flange 18, and a return means 42 'of the locking cam 40' to an unlocked position.
• the return means 42 ' is fixed to the base and to the locking cam 40'.
• the locking cam has on one side facing the longitudinal axis of the device a downstream zone 40.1 'in the direction of insertion of the flange in the latching means forming an actuating zone and an upstream zone 40.2' forming a stop.
• the actuating zone 40.1 ' forms a cam surface projecting inwardly from the device in the unlocked position so that when the container flange is brought closer to the detent means one of its lugs 32 comes into contact with the 40.1 'cam surface causing its pivoting and having the stop zone 40.2' facing the rear face of the ear, preferably in contact therewith, preventing the removal of the ear.
• the latching device 34 ' also comprises locking means for locking in a locked state the locking cam 40'.
• the locking means comprise a finger 44 'articulated in rotation on the base 36' about an axis perpendicular to the axis Y2 'so that one end of the finger 44' can move closer and away from the cam locking 40 '.
• An elastic return means such as a spring (not visible) pushes the finger 44 'towards the cam 40'.
• the finger 44 ' may be formed of a blade that deforms elastically in flexion and incorporates the elastic return means.
• the operation of the snap-in device is as follows and is shown in FIGS. 14C and 14F.
• the finger 44' In order to release the locking cam 40 ', the finger 44' is moved away from the stop zone. This release takes place when it is desired to separate 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.
• a single axial snap-fastening device and instead of the second snap-in device a base comprising a groove in the form of an arc of a circle opening radially towards the longitudinal axis X capable of housing an ear 32 and maintain it axially.
• a base comprising a groove in the form of an arc of a circle opening radially towards the longitudinal axis X capable of housing an ear 32 and maintain it axially.
• One ear is then engaged in the groove, ensuring its axial retention, then the other lug 32 is engaged in the snap device.
• the axial retention system could implement magnetic means, the cell flange 18 and the container flange 26 would then be held by magnetization.
• the axial locking device 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 flange of the cell. cell.
• the snap-in device or devices cooperate with the securing ring 100.
• the snap-in devices are situated downstream of two radially opposite fingerprints of the securing ring 100, in the direction of insertion of the lugs 32 into the securing ring 100.
• the ears 32 engage the actuating rods 38 which causes the tilting of the locking links, keeping the ears axially.
• the end 40.2 of the locking link 40 is in the upper area of the first portion 102.1 of the window 102 when no container is in place and enters a notch 102.3 made in the first part 102.
• the locking rods 40 also provide locking rotation of the fastening ring 100 in the absence of a container. Thus any manipulation of the crown 100 to the absence of the container is avoided.
• the container flange 26 is held axially by the snap-on device (s) 34 and then the cell flange 18 and the container flange 26 are secured by the securing ring 100.
• the snap-fastening devices are very advantageous especially when the cell wall is in a vertical or inclined plane, so when the container is held by the means 34, the operator can easily operate the first means A.
• the sealed connection device also comprises second means B for securing the container cover 28 and the cell door 22 and for unlocking the cover.
• connection device also has third means C for releasing the cell door from the cell flange, and fourth means D for releasing the passage between the interior of the container and the interior of the cell.
• the sealed connection device advantageously has a common system for actuating the second and third means.
• the common actuating system is formed by a control ring 48 rotatably mounted on the cell flange 18 around the axial direction and disposed outside the cell in the example shown.
• the control ring 48 is a ring gear whose teeth are oriented radially outwardly of the control ring 48.
• the system common actuating device comprises an actuating device for rotating the control ring 48 about the longitudinal axis X.
• the actuating device is formed by the actuating device 108 of the crown 100 of solidarity, which simplifies the structure and reduce its cost. Alternatively, a separate actuator may be provided.
• FIG. 2 shows the ring gear 48.
• This gear is mounted upstream of the securing ring 100 in the direction of positioning of the container and has an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the fastening ring 100. to allow the penetration of the container flange 28 into the securing ring 100.
• connection device from inside the cell, the protective cover being shown in transparency.
• the control ring 48 has a drive toothing 48.1 meshing the pinion 52 which ensures its rotation and toothed sectors for actuating the various means of the connection device.
• the toothed sector 48.1 extends over only a part of the periphery of the control crown 48, the angle over which the drive sector extends is determined to enable the actuation of the various means. B, C, D.
• a drive sector could cover the entire periphery of the control ring 100.
• control ring 48 is advantageously held axially and radially by rollers 54 which allow rotation of the ring gear 48 around the axial direction while limiting the friction.
• the second B, third C and fourth D means are disposed on the periphery of the ring gear 48 and are actuated successively by rotating the crown.
• the second securing means B of the cell door 22 and the lid of the container 28 comprise a designated inter-door securing plate 80.
• the inter-door securing plate 80 is rotatably mounted on the cell door 22.
• the locking of the cell door 22 and the container lid 28 is obtained by a bayonet connection.
• the securing plate 80 has four lugs 82 projecting radially outwardly and the cover 28 has a cavity recess provided with four radially outer notches for receiving the lugs of the securing plate 80 and a peripheral groove connecting the notches.
• a relative rotation of the securing plate 80 and the lid 26 ensures at least partial masking of the lugs of the securing plate 80 forming an axial stop for the lugs 82 and an axial connection of the securing plate and the lid
• the securing plate 80 is rotated by the actuation of the control ring 48.
• the second means B comprise a pinion 62 with straight teeth meshing with a first tooth sector 48.2 of the crown 48, a conical pinion 64 integral in rotation with the pinion 62. In the example shown, they are located at both ends of the same axis.
• the bevel gear 64 meshes with a bevel gear 65 which forms the input of a gear chain, the gears being designated 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 77.
• the gear 77 meshes with a toothed sector or rack 78 integral in rotation with the inter-door securing plate 80 as can be seen in FIG.
• the assembly formed by the pinions 62, 64 and the gear chain makes it possible to reduce the torque of rotation of the handle and to facilitate manipulation by the operator.
• FIGS. 13A and 13B it is possible to see an isolated representation of the chain of gears making it possible to rotate the securing plate 80.
• the gear chain is received in a cowling 81 which can also be seen in FIGS. 10, providing the sealed passage between the outside and the inside of the cell.
• the cowling comprises three parts 81.1, 81.2, 81.3 articulated with respect to each other in a sealed manner by means of seals 69.
• Parts 81.1 and 81.3 referred to as blocks, are identical. Part 81.2 disposed between parts 81.1 and 81.3 is called "arm”.
• the articulation between the two blocks 81.1, 81.3 and the arm 81.2 allows the opening of the door of the cell 22.
• the rotation is provided by bearings. Alternatively, bearings could be implemented.
• the block 81.1 receives a part of the gear chain controlling the inter-door plate 80.
• the block 81.3 receives the opening means D.
• the block 81.1 includes a sleeve 81.11 surrounding the axis connecting the pinions 62 and 64.
• Block 81.3 also has a sleeve 81.31 ( Figure 13B).
• the arm 81.2 surrounds the axis connecting the pinions 76 and 77.
• the sleeves 81.11 and 81.21 pass through the cell flange and the door 22 respectively, static seals are interposed between the sleeves 81.11, 81.31 and the cell flange. between the sleeve 81.21 and the door 22.
• the cowling comprises only a block and an arm, the opening means D being then combined with the securing means B in this case, it can be provided that the block is made in one piece with the flange which allows not to have to use seals to achieve sealing between the block and the flange.
• the gear chain has two larger axes 67, 73 between the gears 65 and 66 and between the gears 72 and 74 respectively.
• these axes with their gears could be replaced by chain sprockets or pulleys with a system of belts or chains.
• a first phase of the rotation of the inter-door securing plate 80 ensures the axial locking of the door 22 and the cover 28 and a second phase of rotation of the securing plate 80 drives in rotation the cover 28 with respect to the container flange 26 and ensures unlocking of the cover 28 with respect to the container flange 26.
• the mechanism comprises locking means 118 preventing the separation of the cell door 22 and the cover 28 when the passage between the inside of the container and the inside of the cell is open, ie when the assembly door and cover is in the unstuck position of the cell and container flanges.
• the means 118 are visible in FIG. 7 and in section in FIG. 9.
• the locking means 118 are arranged between the upstream face of the cell door and the downstream face of the plate 80.
• the locking means 118 comprise a finger 120 projecting radially from the plate 80 in an area between two lugs of the plate 80.
• the finger 120 is able to be retracted axially inside the plate.
• An elastic means 122 for example a helical spring in the example shown, removes the finger towards the outside of the plate 80 upstream. The finger is visible in Figure 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 about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
• the locking means 118 also comprise a frame 128 fixed to the plate 80 which carries an axis 130 parallel to the longitudinal axis X on which is mounted able to slide the roller support 124.
• the spring 122 is mounted in compression between the roller support 124 and the frame 128 about the axis 130.
• the locking means 118 also comprise a cam 132 formed by a ramp fixed on the upstream face of the cell door, the cam 132 having the shape of an arc of a circle centered on the longitudinal axis X.
• the locking means comprise also abutments 134 located opposite the ends of the ramp 132.
• the stops 134 are formed by rods parallel to the longitudinal axis and fixed to the cell door.
• the operation of the locking means 118 is as follows. During the introduction of the container flange 26 in the fastening ring 100, the ears of the container cover 28 are placed between the ears 82 of the securing plate 80, one of them comes into contact with the finger 120 and because of the axial displacement of the container pushes the finger 120 which enters the plate 80 against the restoring force of the spring 122. The roller 126 is released from the cam 132 and one of the abutments 134.
• a new rotation of the ring gear 48 causes a rotation of the plate, the roller 126 is also rotated and rolls on the cam 132 until the roller 126 is positioned in the lower part of the cam 132 (FIG. 8).
• the finger has then pivoted enough to be no longer facing the ear 82 of the plate 80. However, because of the restoring force of the spring 122, the finger is pushed towards the outside of the disc and forms a stop in rotation for the ear which is thus blocked between the finger 120 and one of the abutments 134.
• the third means C to keep the door of the cell closed against the cell flange 18 are visible for example in Figure 8 in the closed position and in Figure 10 in the open position.
• the door 22 is locked in the closed position on the cell flange 18 by means of a locking cam 84 which is fixed on the inner face of the cell door 22 and a locking roller 86.
• the locking roller 86 is rotatably mounted on the cell flange 18 about an axis parallel to the axial direction X between a locking position in which the locking roller 86 is in contact with the locking cam 84 and locks the door in the closed position against the cell flange 18, and an unlocking position, in which the locking roller 86 is spaced from the locking cam, and allows disengagement of the cell door from the cell flange 18.
• the locking roller 86 is carried by a roller holder whose axial end comprises an actuating roller 88 which cooperates with a radial cam surface 48.3 of the toothed wheel 48.
• the locking roller holder has a pinion meshing with a toothed sector of the toothed wheel.
• the locking cam 84 cooperates with safety means mounted on the inner face of the door to detect the locked position of the cam 84.
• the third means D to open the door 22 and the cover 28 and thus allow the sealed transfer between the container and the cell, are visible in Figures 7 and 11.
• the opening means D rotate the cell door 22 and the cover 28 secured to one another by the securing plate 80 around the hinge 30.
• the means D comprise a first right toothed gear 90 meshing with a second toothed sector 48.4 of the ring gear 48 a conical pinion 92 integral in rotation with the pinion 90. In the example shown, they are located at both ends of the same axis.
• the conical pinion 92 meshes with a conical pinion 94 coaxial with the axis of the hinge 30 and integral in rotation thereof.
• the ring gear 48 by driving the pinion 90, causes a rotation of the bevel gear 94 which drives the cell door 22 in rotation about its hinge 30 and allows the transfer between the inside of the container and the inside of the cell .
• Seals are provided between the lid and the container flange, between the cell door and the cell flange and between the outer faces of the cell door and the lid so as to provide a sealed contact between the door 22 and the lid. 28 and ensure a confinement of these faces which are in contact with the external environment when they are not in contact.
• the ring gear 48 is composed of several angular actuating sectors, each controlling different means. Depending on the angle of rotation of the ring gear, a pinion is meshing with the ring gear driving means given. 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 tooth sectors are arranged in distinct planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, which are distinct from the plane containing the drive tooth sector.
• the container flange 26, in which the lid 28 is disposed, is inserted into the securing ring 100, the lugs 32 of the container flange 26 penetrate into the fingerprints 104. One of the ears pushes the finger 120. In addition two diametrically opposed lugs 32 come into contact with the actuating rods 38, causing their pivoting in the clockwise direction and the pivoting of the locking links 40. The finger 42 blocks the locking links 40 in position. The container flange 26 is then held against the wall 14 of the cell. The operator can release the container.
• the container flange 26 is then secured to the cell flange 18.
• the operator turns the crank 108 again clockwise, which rotates the ring gear 48 counterclockwise, the toothed sector 48.2 meshes with the pinion 52 which causes the rotation of the securing plate 80.
• the plate 80 then secures the cell door 22 and the container lid 28.
• the roller 126 rolls on the ramp 132 to its lower position and the finger 120 is pushed outwardly of the plate 80 (FIG. ), one of the ears of the cover 28 is then locked between a stop 134 and the finger 120.
• the cover can not be separated from the door because of the presence of the finger 120.
• the movement of an ear of the cover 28 is limited by the finger 120 and a stop 134.
• the cover 26 can not rotate sufficiently with respect to the door 22 to separate them.
• the retraction of the finger 120 is possible only by the rotation in the opposite direction of the securing plate 80, but this rotation in the opposite direction is possible only after closing the access between the two volumes. Therefore, the separation of the lid and the door is prevented when the passage between the cell and the container is open. Thus there is no risk of pollution of the interior of one or other volume by the outer faces of the cell and the container.
• the latching devices 34 are deactivated so as to release the locking links 40.
• the container can then be removed from the fastening ring.
• connection device allows a connection between a container and a cell, without rotation of the container, which simplifies the operations for the operator and makes it possible to handle fragile objects contained in the container.
• connection device may offer greater ease of cleaning since it may have no element inside the cell.
• the whole mechanism is outside the cell.
• the external control offers greater maneuverability for the operator.
• connection device also makes it possible to improve closing / opening rates per day, allowing a productivity gain, all the transfer steps being performed by the manipulation of the external crank or activation of the engine.
• the actuating means it also has maintenance and repair facilitated because of its simple structure, especially when its actuating means are located outside the cell. Furthermore, the arrangement of the actuating means to the outside allows a motorization of the device in a very simple manner. By arranging the actuating means outside the cell, it is no longer in contact with the sterilizing agent, which reduces the risk of damage and malfunction.
• the safety is improved, since in the case of actuation from the outside, it is no longer necessary to access the interior of the cell by means of gloves mounted tightly through a wall of the cell to operate the mechanism, nor for maintenance.
• the fastening ring 100 is rotated via the ring gear 48, the ring gear would then be the sole control member of all the steps.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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• High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
• Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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