ES2702051T3

ES2702051T3 - Hatch to establish communication between two chambers for processing in sterile conditions

Info

Publication number: ES2702051T3
Application number: ES16182106T
Authority: ES
Inventors: Antonio Bonita; Alessia Zanelli
Original assignee: Comecer SpA
Current assignee: Comecer SpA
Priority date: 2015-07-30
Filing date: 2016-07-29
Publication date: 2019-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-29
Also published as: ITUB20152635A1; EP3125252A1; EP3125252B1; DK3125252T3

Abstract

Una escotilla para establecer una comunicación entre una primera y una segunda cámara para procesamiento en condiciones estériles, teniendo una primera pared (23) de la primera cámara (19) una primera abertura (21) y teniendo una segunda pared (24) de la segunda cámara (20) una segunda abertura (22), que está dispuesta delante de la primera abertura (21) y tiene, en comparación con ésta última, una sección transversal mayor, incluyendo la escotilla (1): un primer bastidor (26), que se puede colocar entre la primera abertura (21) y la segunda abertura (22), preferiblemente de manera que sea sustancialmente coaxial a la primera abertura (21); un segundo bastidor (2), que se monta sobre el primer bastidor (26) de manera que se coloque en la segunda abertura (22) desde el interior de la segunda cámara (20); una primera junta estanca anular (27) dispuesta entre el segundo bastidor (2) y el primer bastidor (26); una segunda junta estanca anular (28) adaptada para disponerse entre el primer bastidor (26) y la primera pared (23); y una tercera junta estanca anular (29) adaptada para interponerse entre el segundo bastidor (2) y la segunda pared (24) para proporcionar un cierre hermético entre el segundo bastidor (2) y la segunda pared (24); y caracterizada porque incluye una sola puerta (3) montada de forma móvil en el segundo bastidor (2) y porque el primer bastidor (26) tiene un perfil exterior de tal manera que, en el uso, entre parcialmente en la segunda abertura (22), la primera junta estanca anular (27) está interpuesta entre el segundo bastidor (2) y el primer bastidor (26) para proporcionar un cierre hermético entre el primer y el segundo bastidor (26, 2) y la segunda junta estanca anular (28) está adaptada para interponerse entre el primer bastidor (26) y la primera pared (32) para proporcionar un cierre hermético entre el primer bastidor (26) y la primera pared (23).A hatch for establishing a communication between a first and a second chamber for processing in sterile conditions, with a first wall (23) of the first chamber (19) having a first opening (21) and having a second wall (24) of the second chamber (20) a second opening (22), which is disposed in front of the first opening (21) and has, in comparison with the latter, a larger cross section, including the hatch (1): a first frame (26), which may be placed between the first opening (21) and the second opening (22), preferably so as to be substantially coaxial with the first opening (21); a second frame (2), which is mounted on the first frame (26) so that it is placed in the second opening (22) from inside the second chamber (20); a first annular seal (27) disposed between the second frame (2) and the first frame (26); a second annular seal (28) adapted to be arranged between the first frame (26) and the first wall (23); and a third annular seal (29) adapted to interpose between the second frame (2) and the second wall (24) to provide a hermetic seal between the second frame (2) and the second wall (24); and characterized in that it includes a single door (3) mounted movably in the second frame (2) and in that the first frame (26) has an outer profile such that, in use, it partially enters the second opening (22). ), the first annular seal (27) is interposed between the second frame (2) and the first frame (26) to provide a hermetic seal between the first and second frame (26, 2) and the second annular seal ( 28) is adapted to be interposed between the first frame (26) and the first wall (32) to provide a hermetic seal between the first frame (26) and the first wall (23).

Description

DESCRIPCIÓNDESCRIPTION

Escotilla para establecer comunicación entre dos cámaras para procesamiento en condiciones estérilesHatch to establish communication between two chambers for processing in sterile conditions

La presente invención se refiere a una escotilla para establecer comunicación entre dos cámaras para procesamiento en condiciones estériles.The present invention relates to a hatch for establishing communication between two chambers for processing under sterile conditions.

En particular, la presente invención se aplica ventajosamente, aunque no de forma exclusiva, en pasos de comunicación entre dos aisladores del tipo usado para el manejo de productos radiofarmacéuticos a los que la descripción siguiente se referirá explícitamente sin pérdida de generalidad.In particular, the present invention is advantageously applied, although not exclusively, in communication steps between two insulators of the type used for the handling of radiopharmaceutical products to which the following description will explicitly refer without loss of generality.

Es una práctica conocida establecer comunicación entre dos cámaras de trabajo internas de dos aisladores proporcionando, en una pared de cada una de las dos cámaras, una abertura que tiene la misma sección y colocando los dos aisladores adyacentes uno a otro con las dos aberturas una enfrente de otra por medio de la interposición de un bastidor, que actúa como un elemento espaciador, y dos juntas estancas anulares cerradas formando un paquete entre las dos caras opuestas del bastidor y dos porciones periféricas de la superficie de pared exterior que rodean las dos aberturas. El paquete formado, en el orden siguiente, por la pared del primer aislador, por una primera junta estanca, por el bastidor, por la segunda junta estanca y por la pared del segundo aislador, está cerrado por medio de pernos o tornillos pasantes apretados en una de las dos paredes.It is a known practice to establish communication between two internal work chambers of two insulators by providing, on a wall of each of the two chambers, an opening having the same section and placing the two insulators adjacent to each other with the two openings one opposite on the other by means of the interposition of a frame, which acts as a spacer element, and two sealed annular seals forming a bundle between the two opposite faces of the frame and two peripheral portions of the outer wall surface surrounding the two openings. The package formed, in the following order, by the wall of the first insulator, by a first seal, by the frame, by the second seal and by the wall of the second insulator, is closed by means of bolts or through screws tightened in one of the two walls.

El paso de comunicación entre los dos aisladores creado por medio de dicho paquete de elementos está provisto normalmente de una escotilla montada dentro de una de las dos cámaras, que cierra el paso por medio de la interposición de otra junta estanca anular en contacto.The communication path between the two insulators created by means of said package of elements is normally provided with a hatch mounted inside one of the two chambers, which closes the passage by means of the interposition of another annular seal in contact.

Las dos juntas estancas del paquete de elementos y la junta estanca adicional garantizan el sellado del paso de comunicación y, respectivamente, de la escotilla en la posición de cierre, y, por lo tanto, garantizan la esterilidad dentro del par de aisladores.The two sealed seals of the element pack and the additional seal guarantee the sealing of the communication passage and, respectively, of the hatch in the closed position, and, therefore, guarantee sterility within the pair of insulators.

Con el tiempo, las juntas estancas pierden inevitablemente sus características de sellado y tienen que ser sustituidas. La sustitución de las dos juntas estancas en contacto con el bastidor es bastante laboriosa porque, debido a la forma en que están colocadas, son de difícil acceso y requieren la separación de los dos aisladores, con la consiguiente pérdida de esterilidad.Over time, seals inevitably lose their sealing characteristics and have to be replaced. The replacement of the two seals in contact with the frame is quite laborious because, due to the way they are placed, they are difficult to access and require the separation of the two insulators, with the consequent loss of sterility.

La patente de Estados Unidos número 6.779.567 B1 describe un aparato de orificio de transferencia para que un operario pueda transferir uno o varios objetos a través de un paso sellado dispuesto en el aparato desde una cámara sellada a otra cámara sellada. El aparato de orificio de transferencia está adaptado para acoplamiento a un bote móvil y un aislador estacionario. Se desinflan las juntas estancas expansibles, se quitan las puertas y se transfiere un objeto al entorno de trabajo limpio hermético establecido en el aislador a través del paso sellado establecido en el aparato de orificio de transferencia después del acoplamiento del bote al aislador usando el aparato de orificio de transferencia. Después de mover el objeto, se vuelven a colocar las puertas y se inflan las juntas estancas expansibles creando un cierre sustancialmente estanco. El bote móvil puede desacoplarse del aparato de orificio de transferencia.U.S. Patent No. 6,779,567 B1 discloses a transfer orifice apparatus so that an operator can transfer one or more objects through a sealed passage disposed in the apparatus from a sealed chamber to another sealed chamber. The transfer orifice apparatus is adapted for coupling to a movable can and a stationary insulator. The expandable seals are deflated, the doors are removed and an object is transferred to the airtight clean working environment established in the isolator through the sealed passage established in the transfer orifice apparatus after coupling the canister to the isolator using the apparatus transfer hole. After moving the object, the doors are repositioned and the expandable seals are inflated creating a substantially watertight seal. The movable can can be uncoupled from the transfer hole apparatus.

El objeto de la presente invención es proporcionar una escotilla para establecer comunicación entre dos aisladores, que carece del inconveniente descrito anteriormente y, al mismo tiempo, es fácil y barata de fabricar.The object of the present invention is to provide a hatch for establishing communication between two insulators, which lacks the drawback described above and, at the same time, is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

Según la presente invención, se facilita una escotilla para establecer comunicación entre una primera y una segunda cámara para procesamiento en condiciones estériles y un método para montar una escotilla de comunicación entre una primera y una segunda cámara para procesamiento en condiciones estériles, según se define en las reivindicaciones anexas.According to the present invention, a hatch is provided to establish communication between a first and a second chamber for processing under sterile conditions and a method for mounting a communication hatch between a first and a second chamber for processing under sterile conditions, as defined in FIG. the attached claims.

La presente invención se describirá ahora con referencia a los dibujos acompañantes, que ilustran un ejemplo de realización no limitadora de la misma, donde:The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof, where:

Las figuras 1 y 2 ilustran, según la misma vista en perspectiva, la escotilla de la presente invención en configuración abierta y cerrada respectivamente.Figures 1 and 2 illustrate, according to the same perspective view, the hatch of the present invention in open and closed configuration respectively.

Las figuras 3a y 3b ilustran, según una vista a lo largo de un plano en sección vertical, dos aisladores colocados adyacentes uno a otro antes de montar la escotilla de la figura 1 y, respectivamente, los mismos dos aisladores que comunican uno con otro por medio de la escotilla de la figura 1.Figures 3a and 3b illustrate, according to a view along a plane in vertical section, two insulators placed adjacent to each other before mounting the hatch of figure 1 and, respectively, the same two insulators communicating with each other by half of the hatch of figure 1.

La figura 4 ilustra un detalle de la figura 3b.Figure 4 illustrates a detail of Figure 3b.

La figura 5 ilustra algunas partes de la escotilla de la figura 1 según una vista frontal despiezada.Figure 5 illustrates some parts of the hatch of Figure 1 according to an exploded front view.

La figura 6 ilustra un detalle de la figura 5. Figure 6 illustrates a detail of figure 5.

Y la figura 7 ilustra las mismas partes que la figura 5, pero según una vista posterior despiezada.And Figure 7 illustrates the same parts as Figure 5, but according to a later exploded view.

En las figuras 1 y 2, el número 1 indica genéricamente, en general, la escotilla de la presente invención, que puede instalarse entre dos aisladores (no ilustrados) para definir un paso de comunicación sellado entre dos cámaras internas de los dos aisladores. La escotilla 1 incluye un bastidor de soporte 2 que actúa como un bastidor de soporte para una sola puerta 3, que se mueve entre una posición abierta del paso (figura 1) y una posición cerrada del paso (figura 2). La puerta 3 consta, por ejemplo, de una hoja de vidrio claro. En la posición abierta ilustrada en la figura 1, la puerta 3 está dentro de una de las dos cámaras.In Figures 1 and 2, the number 1 generically indicates, in general, the hatch of the present invention, which can be installed between two insulators (not shown) to define a sealed communication passage between two internal chambers of the two insulators. The hatch 1 includes a support frame 2 which acts as a support frame for a single door 3, which moves between an open position of the passage (figure 1) and a closed position of the passage (figure 2). Door 3 consists, for example, of a sheet of clear glass. In the open position illustrated in Figure 1, the door 3 is inside one of the two chambers.

Con referencia a las figuras 1 y 2, la escotilla 1 incluye una junta estanca anular 4, preferiblemente del tipo de expansión dinámica, y en particular de tipo inflable, para crear un cierre hermético a lo largo de una superficie periférica 5 (figura 1) de la puerta 3, transversal al plano de la puerta 3, cuando ésta última está en la posición de cierre. El lado de la junta estanca 4 que mira hacia la cámara en la que la puerta 3 está en la posición abierta, está cubierto por un bastidor delantero 6.With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the hatch 1 includes an annular seal 4, preferably of the dynamic expansion type, and in particular of the inflatable type, to create a hermetic seal along a peripheral surface 5 (Figure 1) of the door 3, transverse to the plane of the door 3, when the latter is in the closed position. The side of the gasket 4 facing the chamber in which the door 3 is in the open position, is covered by a front frame 6.

De nuevo con referencia a las figuras 1 y 2, la escotilla 1 incluye un sistema de movimiento 7 montado en el bastidor de soporte 2 para conectar la puerta 3 al bastidor de soporte 2 de forma móvil de modo que la puerta 3 se pueda mover entre la posición abierta y la posición cerrada por medio de un movimiento de rototraslación.Again with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the hatch 1 includes a movement system 7 mounted on the support frame 2 for connecting the door 3 to the support frame 2 in a movable manner so that the door 3 can be moved between the open position and the closed position by means of a rototranslation movement.

En particular, el bastidor de soporte 2 incluye dos elementos de soporte 8 (figura 2) que sobresalen lateralmente de un lado vertical del bastidor de soporte 2, y dos guías horizontales 9 que sobresalen frontalmente de los dos lados horizontales respectivos del bastidor de soporte 2. El sistema de movimiento 7 incluye dos mecanismos articulados 10 que conectan un lado vertical 3a de la puerta 3 a los elementos de soporte 8. El sistema de movimiento 7 incluye además dos mecanismos deslizantes 11 que conectan el otro lado vertical 3b de la puerta 3 de manera deslizante a lo largo de las guías 9.In particular, the support frame 2 includes two support elements 8 (FIG. 2) projecting laterally from a vertical side of the support frame 2, and two horizontal guides 9 projecting frontally from the two respective horizontal sides of the support frame 2. The movement system 7 includes two articulated mechanisms 10 connecting a vertical side 3a of the door 3 to the support elements 8. The movement system 7 further includes two sliding mechanisms 11 connecting the other vertical side 3b of the door 3. in a sliding manner along the guides 9.

Con más detalle, cada mecanismo articulado 10 incluye una palanca 12 articulada a un elemento de soporte respectivo 8 para girar alrededor de un eje vertical 12a y un brazo 13 conectado a la palanca 12 por medio de una junta acodada 14 y fijado al lado vertical 3a. El sistema de movimiento 7 incluye un eje 15 (figura 2) coaxial al eje 12a, que pasa a través de dos agujeros (no visibles) dispuestos en los dos elementos de soporte 8 e integrales con las dos palancas 12 para definir su bisagra común. Cada mecanismo deslizante 11 incluye una corredera 16 acoplada de manera deslizante con una guía respectiva 9, y un brazo 17 que tiene un primer extremo articulado a una corredera respectiva 11 para girar alrededor de un eje paralelo al eje 12a y el extremo opuesto fijado al lado vertical 3b.In more detail, each articulated mechanism 10 includes a lever 12 hinged to a respective support element 8 for rotating about a vertical axis 12a and an arm 13 connected to the lever 12 by means of an elbow joint 14 and fixed to the vertical side 3a . The movement system 7 includes an axis 15 (figure 2) coaxial to the axis 12a, which passes through two holes (not visible) arranged in the two support elements 8 and integral with the two levers 12 to define its common hinge. Each sliding mechanism 11 includes a slider 16 slidably coupled with a respective guide 9, and an arm 17 having a first end hinged to a respective slider 11 to rotate about an axis parallel to the axis 12a and the opposite end attached to the side vertical 3b.

Por último, el sistema de movimiento 7 incluye un motor eléctrico 18 cuyo eje de accionamiento es coaxial e integral con el eje 15. La operación del motor 18 produce la rotación de las palancas 12 y, por lo tanto, de la puerta 3. La puerta 3 es retenida al deslizar a lo largo de las guías 9 y, por lo tanto, la rotación va acompañada de una traslación. En la figura 3a, el número 19 indica una cámara de un primer aislador y 20 la cámara de un segundo aislador colocado junto y conectado al primero. Se establece comunicación recíproca entre las dos cámaras 19 y 20 a través de una primera abertura 21 formada en una pared 23 de la cámara 19 y una segunda abertura 22 formada en una pared 24 de la cámara 20. Las paredes 23 y 24 están colocadas adyacentes una a otra por la interposición de elementos espaciadores 25 y con las aberturas 21 y 22 coaxialmente opuestas una a otra. La abertura 22 tiene una sección transversal mayor que la de la abertura 21 para permitir el montaje y el desmontaje de la escotilla 1 desde el interior de la cámara 20 sin tener que desconectar y alejar los dos aisladores uno de otro.Finally, the movement system 7 includes an electric motor 18 whose drive shaft is coaxial and integral with the shaft 15. The operation of the motor 18 produces the rotation of the levers 12 and, therefore, of the door 3. the door 3 is retained when sliding along the guides 9 and, therefore, the rotation is accompanied by a translation. In figure 3a, the number 19 indicates a chamber of a first isolator and the chamber of a second isolator placed next to and connected to the first. Reciprocal communication is established between the two chambers 19 and 20 through a first opening 21 formed in a wall 23 of the chamber 19 and a second opening 22 formed in a wall 24 of the chamber 20. The walls 23 and 24 are placed adjacent one to another by the interposition of spacer elements 25 and with the openings 21 and 22 coaxially opposite one another. The opening 22 has a cross section greater than that of the opening 21 to allow the mounting and dismounting of the hatch 1 from inside the chamber 20 without having to disconnect and move the two insulators away from each other.

La figura 3b representa los dos aisladores de la figura 3a con la escotilla 1 montada entre las dos aberturas 21 y 22 para conectarlas una a otra y así definir un paso de comunicación sellado entre las cámaras 19 y 20.Figure 3b represents the two insulators of figure 3a with the hatch 1 mounted between the two openings 21 and 22 to connect them to each other and thus define a sealed communication passage between the chambers 19 and 20.

La figura 4 ilustra un detalle de la escotilla 1 montada entre las aberturas 21 y 22 a lo largo del mismo plano en sección vertical que la figura 3b. Para mayor claridad, en la figura 4 algunas partes de la escotilla 1 y de las cámaras 19 y 20 se han quitado. Las figuras 5 y 7 ilustran dos vistas despiezadas frontal y posterior respectivamente de la escotilla 1, sin la puerta 3 y el sistema de movimiento 7 para mayor claridad. La figura 5 representa los agujeros 8a en los elementos de soporte 8 que son cruzados por el eje 15 del sistema de movimiento 7 (figuras 1 y 2). La figura 6 representa un detalle de una parte de la escotilla 1 de la figura 5.Figure 4 illustrates a detail of the hatch 1 mounted between the openings 21 and 22 along the same plane in vertical section as Figure 3b. For clarity, in figure 4 some parts of the hatch 1 and of the chambers 19 and 20 have been removed. Figures 5 and 7 illustrate two front and rear exploded views respectively of the hatch 1, without the door 3 and the movement system 7 for clarity. Figure 5 shows the holes 8a in the support elements 8 that are crossed by the axis 15 of the movement system 7 (figures 1 and 2). Figure 6 represents a detail of a part of the hatch 1 of figure 5.

Con referencia a las figuras 4 a 7, la escotilla 1 incluye un bastidor interior 26 dispuesto entre las aberturas 21 y 22 y el bastidor de soporte 2 está montado en el bastidor interior 26 de manera que se coloque en la abertura 22 desde el interior de la cámara 20. La escotilla 1 incluye además una junta estanca 27 interpuesta entre el bastidor de soporte 2 y el bastidor interior 26 para proporcionar un cierre hermético exclusivamente entre el bastidor de soporte 2 y el bastidor interior 26, una junta estanca 28 interpuesta entre el bastidor interior 26 y la pared 23 para proporcionar un cierre hermético exclusivamente entre el bastidor interior 26 y la pared 23 y una junta estanca 29 interpuesta entre el bastidor de soporte 2 y la pared 24 para proporcionar un cierre hermético exclusivamente entre el bastidor de soporte 2 y la pared 24. With reference to Figures 4 to 7, the hatch 1 includes an inner frame 26 disposed between the openings 21 and 22 and the supporting frame 2 is mounted on the inner frame 26 so as to be placed in the opening 22 from the inside of the frame. the chamber 20. The hatch 1 further includes a seal 27 interposed between the support frame 2 and the inner frame 26 to provide a hermetic seal exclusively between the support frame 2 and the inner frame 26, a seal 28 interposed between the inner frame 26 and wall 23 to provide a seal exclusively between the inner frame 26 and the wall 23 and a gasket 29 interposed between the supporting frame 2 and the wall 24 to provide a hermetic seal exclusively between the supporting frame 2 and the wall 24.

El bastidor interior 26 define una abertura 30 que tiene su propio eje 30a (figuras 5 y 7) y una sección sustancialmente igual a la de la abertura 21. El bastidor interior 26 tiene un perfil exterior que puede insertarse en la abertura 22 en una dirección paralela a un eje de la abertura 22, y en particular es tal que, en el uso, entra parcialmente en la abertura 22, como se ilustra en la figura 4. El bastidor interior 26 está montado entre las dos aberturas 21 y 22 de manera sustancialmente coaxial a la abertura 21. La puerta 3 en su posición cerrada (figura 4) está dispuesta dentro del bastidor interior 26, es decir, dentro de la abertura 30.The inner frame 26 defines an opening 30 having its own axis 30a (figures 5 and 7) and a section substantially equal to that of the opening 21. The inner frame 26 has an outer profile that can be inserted into the opening 22 in one direction parallel to an axis of the opening 22, and in particular such that, in use, it partially enters the opening 22, as illustrated in Figure 4. The inner frame 26 is mounted between the two openings 21 and 22 in a manner substantially coaxial to the opening 21. The door 3 in its closed position (Figure 4) is disposed within the inner frame 26, ie, within the opening 30.

La cara delantera del bastidor interior 26, es decir, la cara del bastidor 26 que mira, en el uso, a la cámara 20, tiene un asiento anular interior 31 y un asiento anular exterior 32 separados uno de otro por un saliente anular 33 paralelo al eje 30a. Los asientos anulares 31 y 32 tienen respectivas secciones transversales en forma de L definidas por lados opuestos del saliente 33.The front face of the inner frame 26, that is, the face of the frame 26 facing, in use, the camera 20, has an inner annular seat 31 and an outer annular seat 32 spaced apart from one another by a parallel annular projection 33 to axis 30a. The annular seats 31 and 32 have respective L-shaped cross sections defined by opposite sides of the projection 33.

Con referencia especial a la figura 4, la puerta 3 en la posición de cierre está dispuesta en la zona del asiento 31 y la junta estanca 4 está dispuesta en el asiento 31 para realizar el sellado a lo largo de la superficie periférica 5 de la puerta 3 en la posición de cierre. La junta estanca 4 es retenida en el asiento 31 paralelo al eje 30a por el bastidor delantero 6.With special reference to Figure 4, the door 3 in the closed position is disposed in the area of the seat 31 and the seal 4 is disposed in the seat 31 to effect the sealing along the peripheral surface 5 of the door 3 in the closing position. The seal 4 is retained in the seat 31 parallel to the axis 30a by the front frame 6.

Con más detalle, desde la abertura 22, el asiento 32 mira hacia el interior de la cámara 20 y el saliente 33 sobresale parcialmente de la abertura 22 dentro de la cámara 20. La cara trasera del bastidor de soporte 2, es decir, la cara que mira, en el uso, a la cámara 19, tiene una porción anular interior 35 dispuesta en el asiento 32 y una porción anular exterior 36, que es coaxial con la porción 35 y está adaptada para disponerse contra una porción de superficie anular interior 37 de la pared 24 alrededor de la abertura 22. El bastidor de soporte 2 no cubre una cara delantera 34 del saliente 33, transversal al eje 30a.In more detail, from the opening 22, the seat 32 faces the interior of the chamber 20 and the protrusion 33 partially protrudes from the opening 22 within the chamber 20. The rear face of the support frame 2, i.e. the face which looks, in use, to the chamber 19, has an inner annular portion 35 disposed in the seat 32 and an outer annular portion 36, which is coaxial with the portion 35 and is adapted to be arranged against an inner annular surface portion 37 of the wall 24 around the opening 22. The support frame 2 does not cover a front face 34 of the projection 33, transverse to the axis 30a.

El bastidor delantero 6 incluye una porción delantera de forma anular 38 y un saliente trasero 39, que es perpendicular a la porción delantera 38 y también es de forma anular. El bastidor delantero 6 está dispuesto con el saliente trasero 39 en el asiento 31 y con la porción delantera 38 contra el saliente 33 y el bastidor de soporte 2. En particular, una cara exterior 39a del saliente trasero 39 está en contacto con un tope interior 40 paralelo al eje 30a definido por el saliente 33 y una porción exterior 38a de la porción delantera 38 cubre la cara delantera 34 del saliente 33 y una porción interior de borde delantera 41 del bastidor de soporte 2.The front frame 6 includes an annular front portion 38 and a rear projection 39, which is perpendicular to the front portion 38 and is also annular in shape. The front frame 6 is disposed with the rear projection 39 in the seat 31 and with the front portion 38 against the projection 33 and the support frame 2. In particular, an outer face 39a of the rear projection 39 is in contact with an inner stop 40 parallel to the axis 30a defined by the projection 33 and an outer portion 38a of the front portion 38 covers the front face 34 of the projection 33 and an inner leading edge portion 41 of the support frame 2.

Una porción interior 38b de la porción delantera 38, una cara interior 39b del saliente trasero 39 y el asiento 31 transversal al eje 30a forman un asiento anular que tiene sección transversal en forma de U para alojar la junta estanca 4.An inner portion 38b of the forward portion 38, an inner face 39b of the rear projection 39 and the seat 31 transverse to the axis 30a form an annular seat having a U-shaped cross-section for receiving the seal 4.

Las tres juntas estancas 27-29, todas de forma anular, garantizan el sellado del paso de comunicación entre las dos cámaras 19 y 20. La junta estanca 28 es una junta estanca plana de silicona y está interpuesta entre una cara trasera plana 43 del bastidor interior 26 y una porción de la superficie anular exterior 44 de la pared 23 alrededor de la abertura 21. Por lo tanto, la junta estanca 28 es coaxial con el eje 30a.The three gaskets 27-29, all ring-shaped, guarantee the sealing of the communication passage between the two chambers 19 and 20. The seal 28 is a flat silicone gasket and is interposed between a flat rear face 43 of the frame interior 26 and a portion of the outer annular surface 44 of the wall 23 around the opening 21. Therefore, the seal 28 is coaxial with the axis 30a.

La junta estanca 27 es una junta tórica y está dispuesta en una ranura anular 45 formada en el asiento 32. En el uso, la junta estanca 27 es empujada contra la porción anular 35 del bastidor de soporte 2. La junta estanca 29 es una junta tórica y está dispuesta en una ranura anular 46 formada en la porción anular 36 del bastidor de soporte 2. En el uso, la junta estanca 29 es empujada contra la porción superficial 37 de la pared 24. La ranura 46 es sustancialmente coaxial, y es más larga que la ranura 45. En consecuencia, las juntas estancas 27 y 29 son coaxiales con el eje 30a y la primera es más corta que la segunda.The seal 27 is an O-ring and is disposed in an annular groove 45 formed in the seat 32. In use, the seal 27 is urged against the annular portion 35 of the support frame 2. The seal 29 is a seal and is disposed in an annular groove 46 formed in the annular portion 36 of the support frame 2. In use, the seal 29 is urged against the surface portion 37 of the wall 24. The groove 46 is substantially coaxial, and is longer than the slot 45. Accordingly, the gaskets 27 and 29 are coaxial with the shaft 30a and the first is shorter than the second.

El bastidor interior 26 y el bastidor delantero 6 se hacen preferiblemente de PVC. El bastidor de soporte 2 se hace preferiblemente de acero inoxidable. El montaje de los tres bastidores 2, 6, 26 conjuntamente con las juntas estancas 27-29 se describe a continuación con referencia especial a las figuras 5 a 7.The inner frame 26 and the front frame 6 are preferably made of PVC. The support frame 2 is preferably made of stainless steel. The assembly of the three frames 2, 6, 26 together with the gaskets 27-29 is described below with special reference to figures 5 to 7.

El bastidor de soporte 2 incluye una pluralidad de pasadores o espárragos 47 que sobresalen perpendicularmente de la porción anular 35, tienen un extremo roscado libre y cruzan respectivos agujeros pasantes 48 hechos en el asiento 32 del bastidor interior 26 según ejes paralelos al eje 30a y distribuidos fuera de la ranura 45. El bastidor de soporte 2 se fija contra el bastidor interior 26, con interposición de la junta estanca 27, apretando una pluralidad de tuercas (no ilustradas) en los extremos roscados de los respectivos pasadores 47 desde la cara trasera 43 del bastidor interior 26. Las tuercas bloqueadas en los pasadores 47 están dispuestas en asientos apropiados 49 en la cara trasera 43.The support frame 2 includes a plurality of pins or studs 47 projecting perpendicularly from the annular portion 35, have a free threaded end and cross through respective holes 48 made in the seat 32 of the inner frame 26 along axes parallel to the axis 30a and distributed outside the slot 45. The support frame 2 is fixed against the inner frame 26, with interposition of the seal 27, by tightening a plurality of nuts (not shown) on the threaded ends of the respective pins 47 from the rear face 43 of the inner frame 26. The nuts locked on the pins 47 are arranged in appropriate seats 49 on the rear face 43.

El bloque formado del bastidor de soporte 2, que soporta la puerta 3 y el sistema de movimiento 7, y del bastidor interior 26 se coloca en la abertura 21 y fija a la pared 23, y en particular a la porción superficial 44 (figura 4), con interposición de la junta estanca 28, preferiblemente por medio de tornillos, que cruzan respectivos agujeros pasantes 50 dispuestos a lo largo de la cara delantera 34 del saliente 33 según ejes paralelos al eje 30a y el mismo número de agujeros pasantes 51 en la junta estanca 28 y que se aprietan en la porción superficial 44. La sujeción a la pared 23 del bloque que consta del bastidor de soporte 2 y el bastidor interior 26 implica la compresión de la junta estanca 29 entre la porción anular 36 del bastidor de soporte 2 y la porción superficial 37 de la pared 24.The block formed of the support frame 2, which supports the door 3 and the movement system 7, and the inner frame 26 is placed in the opening 21 and fixed to the wall 23, and in particular to the surface portion 44 (FIG. ), with interposition of the gasket 28, preferably by means of screws, which cross respective through holes 50 arranged along the front face 34 of the projection 33 along axes parallel to the axis 30a and the same number of through holes 51 in the gasket 28 and that are tightened in the surface portion 44. The fastening to the wall 23 of the block consisting of the support frame 2 and the inner frame 26 involves the compression of the gasket 29 between the annular portion 36 of the support frame 2 and the surface portion 37 of the wall 24.

En este punto, el bastidor delantero 6 se fija al bastidor interior 26 sujetando el saliente trasero 39 al saliente 33, preferiblemente por medio de tornillos o pasadores que cruzan agujeros pasantes 52 en el saliente trasero 39 teniendo ejes transversales al eje 30a y que se aprietan o, respectivamente, enganchan por ajuste de interferencia en el mismo número de agujeros 53 en el tope 40 teniendo ejes transversales al eje 30a. La porción delantera 38 del bastidor delantero 6 cubre la cara delantera 34 del saliente 33 y, por lo tanto, oculta los agujeros 50.At this point, the front frame 6 is fixed to the inner frame 26 by holding the rear projection 39 to the projection 33, preferably by means of screws or pins crossing through holes 52 in the rear projection 39 having axes transverse to the axis 30a and which are tightened or, respectively, engage by interference fit in the same number of holes 53 in the stop 40 having axes transverse to the axis 30a. The front portion 38 of the front frame 6 covers the front face 34 of the projection 33 and, therefore, hides the holes 50.

La junta estanca 4, una vez insertada dentro del bastidor delantero 6, cubre la cara interior 39b del saliente trasero y, por lo tanto, oculta los agujeros 52.The seal 4, once inserted into the front frame 6, covers the inner face 39b of the rear projection and, therefore, hides the holes 52.

Obviamente, cuando la escotilla 1 está montada entre las dos aberturas 19 y 20, las aberturas definidas por los bastidores 2, 6, 26 y las juntas estancas 4, 28-29 son sustancialmente coaxiales una con otra y con el eje 30a. De la descripción anterior se deduce que, en primer lugar, la junta estanca 4 puede ser sustituida fácilmente puesto que es inmediatamente accesible desde el interior de la cámara 20 cuando la puerta 3 está en la posición abierta del paso y, en segundo lugar, las otras juntas estancas 28-29 pueden ser sustituidas fácilmente desde el interior de la cámara 20 por medio de simples operaciones que se describen a continuación.Obviously, when the hatch 1 is mounted between the two openings 19 and 20, the openings defined by the frames 2, 6, 26 and the seals 4, 28-29 are substantially coaxial with each other and with the shaft 30a. From the foregoing description it follows that, in the first place, the seal 4 can be easily replaced since it is immediately accessible from inside the chamber 20 when the door 3 is in the open position of the passage and, secondly, the other gaskets 28-29 can be easily replaced from inside the chamber 20 by means of simple operations described below.

Una vez que se ha quitado la junta estanca 4, es posible acceder a los medios de sujeción (tornillos o pasadores) que fijan el bastidor delantero 6 al bastidor exterior 26. Una vez que el bastidor delantero 6 se ha quitado, es posible acceder a los medios de sujeción (tornillos) que fijan el bastidor interior 26 a la pared 23 y, por lo tanto, es posible desmontar el bloque que consta del bastidor de soporte 2 y el bastidor interior 26, sacándolo de la abertura 22 hacia el interior de la cámara 20. De esta forma, las juntas estancas 28 y 29 se liberan de forma inmediata. La otra junta estanca 27 puede ser sustituida desmontando el bastidor interior 26 del bastidor de soporte 2. Por lo tanto, las juntas estancas 28-29 pueden ser sustituidas desde el interior de la cámara 20 sin desconectar los aisladores y alejarlos uno de otro.Once the seal 4 has been removed, it is possible to access the fastening means (screws or pins) that fix the front frame 6 to the outer frame 26. Once the front frame 6 has been removed, it is possible to access the the fastening means (screws) that fix the inner frame 26 to the wall 23 and, therefore, it is possible to remove the block consisting of the support frame 2 and the inner frame 26, taking it out of the opening 22 towards the interior of the chamber 20. In this way, the seals 28 and 29 are released immediately. The other seal 27 can be replaced by removing the inner frame 26 from the support frame 2. Therefore, the seals 28-29 can be replaced from inside the chamber 20 without disconnecting the insulators and moving them away from each other.

Aunque la invención descrita anteriormente se refiere en concreto a un ejemplo preciso de uso, es decir, a crear un paso de comunicación sellado entre dos aisladores, no deberá considerarse limitada a dicho ejemplo de uso, dado que también puede aplicarse a conectar de manera sellada cualquier par de cámaras para procesamiento en condiciones estériles. Although the invention described above refers in particular to a precise example of use, that is, to creating a sealed communication passage between two insulators, it should not be considered limited to said use example, since it can also be applied to connect in a sealed manner any pair of cameras for processing in sterile conditions.

Claims

A hatch for establishing a communication between a first and a second chamber for processing under sterile conditions, a first wall (23) of the first chamber (19) having a first opening (21) and having a second wall (24) of the second chamber (20) a second opening (22), which is disposed in front of the first opening (21) and has, in comparison with the latter, a larger cross section, including the hatch (1): a first frame (26) ), which can be placed between the first opening (21) and the second opening (22), preferably so as to be substantially coaxial with the first opening (21); a second frame (2), which is mounted on the first frame (26) so that it is placed in the second opening (22) from inside the second chamber (20); a first annular seal (27) disposed between the second frame (2) and the first frame (26); a second annular seal (28) adapted to be arranged between the first frame (26) and the first wall (23); and a third annular seal (29) adapted to interpose between the second frame (2) and the second wall (24) to provide a hermetic seal between the second frame (2) and the second wall (24); and characterized in that it includes a single door (3) mounted movably in the second frame (2) and in that the first frame (26) has an outer profile such that, in use, it partially enters the second opening (22). ), the first annular seal (27) is interposed between the second frame (2) and the first frame (26) to provide a hermetic seal between the first and second frame (26, 2) and the second annular seal ( 28) is adapted to be interposed between the first frame (26) and the first wall (32) to provide a hermetic seal between the first frame (26) and the first wall (23).

A hatch according to claim 1, wherein the door (3) is movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the door (3) is disposed inside the first frame (26).

A hatch according to claim 1, wherein a front face of the first frame (26) has an inner annular seat (31); the hatch (1) including a fourth gasket (4), preferably a dynamic expansion seal, which is disposed in the inner annular seat (31); the door (3) being able to move between an open position and a closed position, in which the fourth seal (4) creates a hermetic seal along a peripheral surface (5) of the door (3), which is transverse to the plane of the door (3) itself.

A hatch according to claim 3 and including a third frame (6), which is mounted on the first frame (26) from inside the second chamber (20), in order to maintain, parallel to an aperture axis (30a) of the first frame (26), the fourth seal (4) in the inner annular seat (31).

A hatch according to claim 4, wherein the third frame (6) includes a front portion (38) and a rear projection (39) perpendicular to the front portion (38) and is mounted with the affixed rear projection (39), preferably by means of screws or pins, to a stop (40) of the inner annular seat (31), which is substantially parallel to an opening axis (30a) of the first frame (26).

A hatch according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said front portion (38) and said rear protrusion (39) of the third frame (6) have an annular shape and said fourth seal (4) is disposed between an interior face ( 39b) of the rear projection (39) and an inner portion (38b) of the front portion (38).

A hatch according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a front face of the first frame (26) has an outer annular seat (32) for a first annular portion (35) of the rear face of the second frame (2); the first seal (27) being disposed along a first annular groove (45) formed in the outer annular seat (32) so that it is pushed, in use, against the first annular portion (35).

A hatch according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second seal (28) is a flat seal adapted to be interposed between a rear face (43) of the first frame (26) and an outer annular surface portion (44). ) of the first wall (23) around the first opening (21).

A hatch according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the third seal (29) is disposed along a second annular groove (46) formed in a second annular portion (36) of the rear face of the second frame (2) so that it is pushed, in use, against an inner surface annular portion (37) of the second wall (24) around the second opening (22).

A hatch according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein a front face of the first frame (26) has an outer annular seat (32) for a first annular portion (35) of a rear face of the second frame (2) and the second frame (2) is fixed to the first frame (26) by means of a plurality of threaded pins or studs (47), which protrude from the first annular portion (35) and extend through respective first through holes (48). ) in the outer annular seat (32) having axes that are parallel to an opening axis (30a) of the first frame (26).

A hatch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first frame (26) can be fixed on an outer annular surface portion (44) of the first wall (23) around the first opening (21) by means of of screws extending through respective second through holes (50) made, according to axes that are parallel to an opening axis (30a) of the first frame (26), in an annular portion (33) of the first frame (26) that is not covered by the second frame (2).

A hatch according to claim 11 and including a third frame (6), which is mounted on the first frame (26) from inside the second chamber (20) covering its front portion (38) the annular portion (33) of the first frame (26).

A hatch according to any of claims 1 to 11 and including articulated movement means (7), which are mounted on the second frame (2) in order to allow the door (3) to move between a closed position and an open position

14. A method of mounting a communication hatch between a first and a second chamber for processing under sterile conditions, including the method:

- making a first opening (21) in a first wall (23) of the first chamber (19) and a second opening (22) in a second wall (24) of the second chamber (20), so that the second opening (22) is in front of the first opening (21) and has, in comparison with the latter, a larger cross section;

- using, as a first frame (26) of the hatch (1), a frame that can be placed between the first opening (21) and the second opening (22);

- mounting, in the first frame (26), a second frame (2) of the hatch (1);

and characterized in that the first frame (26) has an outer profile such that, in use, it partially enters the second opening (22) and the second frame (2) supports a moving door (3), and because it includes: - when the second frame (2) is being mounted on the first frame (26), interpose a first annular seal (27) of the hatch (1) between the first frame (26) and the second frame (2) to create a seal between the first and the second frame (26, 2);

- mounting the first frame (26) in the first opening (21), so that the second frame (2) is placed in the second opening (22) from inside the second chamber (20); Y

- when the first frame (26) is being mounted on the first wall (23), interpose a second annular seal (28) of the hatch (1) between the first frame (26) and the first wall (23) to create a seal between the first frame (26) and the first wall (23) and a third annular seal (29) of the hatch (1) between the second frame (2) and the second wall (24) to create a seal hermetic between the second frame (2) and the second wall (24).