FR2621375A1 - Sealed and dismantlable connection device and applications of this device, particularly to fixing the lid of a container - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to fix an interchangeable member such as a glove 274 into an opening 216 of a containment enclosure 212, this member is mounted on a rigid support ring 281 carrying a sealing member 238. This support ring interacts with a flange 214 bounding the opening 216 via axial positioning means 234, 240. A safety ring 282 is fixed both onto the support ring 281 and onto the flange 214 via two bayonet connnections 284, 286.

Description

WATERPROOF AND DISMANTLABLE CONNECTION DEVICE AND APPLICATIONS
OF THIS DEVICE, PARTICULARLY TO FIXING THE COVER OF A
CONTAINER
The invention relates to a new device for connecting two parts in a removable and sealed manner.

 The invention also relates to various applications of this device. Among these applications, which are moreover non-limiting, mention will be made of the fixing of a cover to a container, the production of a sealed transfer device between two closed volumes such as a container and an enclosure, the fixing of an interchangeable member such as a glove on an enclosure flange and the fixing of a shutter on an opening formed in an enclosure and in which is received a deformable member such as a glove.

 In document FR-A-2 418 527, it has been proposed to equip the opening of a barrel or a container with a seal of particular shape. This relatively complex seal ensures both the maintenance of a cover on the container and the desired protection or confinement during docking of the container on an enclosure provided with an opening normally closed by a plug. The latter is equipped with a mechanism for securing it to the container lid. The removal of the plug and of the lid thus associated brings the enclosure and the container into communication. A transfer of materials or products can thus be carried out without breaking the seal in relation to the external atmosphere.

 Such a device finds its application as well in the pharmaceutical, medical and electronic industries, where it is necessary to protect closed volumes vis-à-vis the outside atmosphere, as in the nuclear and chemical industries, where it is necessary to contain radioactive or dangerous media contained in closed volumes.

 This device generally works satisfactorily. However, it uses. a seal of particularly complex shape and it requires the production of a groove by stamping in the opening of the container. In addition, the resistance of the seal to temperature and pressure is limited.

Finally, this device can only be used in the case where a container must be connected to an enclosure, any other problem, even neighboring, requiring a different solution.

 Thus, patent CH-A-472611 describes a device making it possible to fix in a sealed and interchangeable manner a removable member such as a glove, a bellows, a bag, etc. in an opening formed in an enclosure. To this end, the removable member is mounted on a deformable support ring which clips into a groove provided in the opening. A metal immobilizer ring normally prevents the exhaust from the support ring.

 In this device, an escape from the support ring is always possible due to its deformable nature. In addition, when replacing the removable member, the new member may be damaged by the support ring of the member to be replaced.

 The present invention specifically relates to a device whose particularly simple realization allows to advantageously replace the devices described in documents FR-A-2 418 527 and CH-A-472 611 by eliminating the drawbacks, the device according to the invention which can furthermore be used advantageously and more generally to solve any problem of detachable and sealed connection of two members.

 To this end and in accordance with the invention, there is provided a removable and sealed connection device for two parts having respectively an interior surface of revolution and an exterior surface of revolution suitable for being placed opposite one of the other along a common axis, this device being characterized in that it comprises at least two adjacent grooves formed on one of the surfaces, at least one circumferential projection formed on the other surface, and at least one O-ring housed in one of said grooves, so that a force exerted between the parts along their common axis causes the joint to roll in the other groove, under the effect of the crossing of said circumferential protuberance by the joint.

 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjacent grooves are formed on the outer surface of revolution and the protrusion is formed on the inner surface of revolution.

 In a first application of the invention, the interior surface of revolution is formed in an opening of a container and the exterior surface of revolution on a peripheral surface of a shutter capable of closing this opening.

 In order to allow the use of an existing container, the opening can be delimited by an annular piece crimped in a sealed tubular part of the container.

 Preferably, the annular part then has a U-shaped section open towards the outside of the container and in which is housed a seal with two yeasts, one of said lips being in leaktight contact with a flange formed on L shutter, when the latter closes the opening, while the other lip is in leaktight contact with a flange defining a second opening formed in an enclosure, when the container is connected to this flange.

 In another application, the interior revolution surface can be formed in an opening delimited by a flange, the exterior surface of which is provided with at least one groove in which is received a bead of a deformable member.

 Conversely, the external revolving surface can be formed on a flange delimiting an opening of a container and the internal revolving surface on a shutter capable of closing this container.

 The surfaces of revolution can also be formed on two flanges delimiting openings in two receptacles to be connected.

 In another application, the interior surface of revolution is formed in an opening of a container and the exterior surface of revolution on a rigid support ring carrying an interchangeable member, a safety ring being fixed both on the support ring and in The opening by two bayonet links.

 Preferably, the support ring is then formed of two parts between which is mounted in sealed manner a bead of said interchangeable member.

Various applications of the device according to the invention will now be described, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which
- Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sealed transfer device between an enclosure and a container, the shutter is fixed using a connection device according to the invention, the upper and lower parts of the figure respectively illustrating the open and closed positions of the two associated shutters;
- Figure 2 is a sectional view on a larger scale showing the connection device of
The container closure used in the transfer device of Figure 1; ;
- Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a sealed transfer device between a container and an enclosure simultaneously using three connection devices according to the invention;
- Figure 4 shows, after separation of the container and the enclosure, the fixing of a shutter on the flange of the latter using a connection device according to the invention;
- Figure 5 shows, also after separation of the container and the enclosure, the fixing of a shutter on the container using a connection device according to the invention;
- Figure 6 is a sectional view schematically illustrating the fixing of a glove on an enclosure flange using the connection device according to the invention;
- Figure 7 is a sectional view schematically illustrating an alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 6, in the case of a glove having two walls; and
- Figure 8 is a sectional view, the upper and lower parts respectively illustrate the fixing of a shutter on the outside and inside of an enclosure flange on which is fixed a glove, Using of a connection device according to the invention.

 In Figure 1, there is shown a portion of a wall 10 defining a confinement enclosure 12 used for example in the nuclear industry, medical, pharmaceutical or electronics.

 An annular flange 14, fixed in a sealed joint 13) to the wall 10 for example by screws 15, delimits a circular opening 16. This opening 16 is normally closed by a shutter 46 supported in the example represented by a part 18 in cup shape.

 The part 18 is detachably fixed on the flange 14, for example by a bayonet connection 20, 22.

When the part 18 is fixed on the flange 14, the seal is ensured by an annular seal 24 mounted in a groove formed on the part 18. This seal 24 then comes to be applied on a flat face of the flange 14 facing L inside
The enclosure 12.

 The shutter 46 is received in a sliding manner parallel to the axis of the opening 16 on columns 44 integral with the part 18. It carries a triple-effect seal 48 at its periphery.

This seal 48, the structure of which is known in itself, is fixed by its heel to a groove formed at the periphery of
The shutter 46. It has a circumferential lip 48a capable
to be applied tightly on an internal surface
frustoconical 14b formed in the flange 14, and an end hare
48b facing the outside of the enclosure 12.

The movement of the shutter 46 along the columns
4 is provided by control means which are not part of
the present invention. These control means will therefore not
described here in more detail. They are constituted by any means
known, mechanical or magnetic for example, allowing
move shutter 46 onto columns 44 and lock
the shutter 46 on the cover 28 of a container 25 which can
be secured to the flange 14.

In the example shown, these means include a
shaft 50 passing tightly and rotatingly through the shutter 46
and the part 18 and secures in translation the shutter 46.

From the side of the shutter 46 facing towards the outside of the enclosure 12, the rod 50 carries a plate 54 on which are
eccentrically articulated radial rods 56. These
connecting rods are guided on the outer face of the shutter 46,
so that a Limited amplitude rotation of the shaft 50
has the effect of moving the connecting rods 56 radially relative to
the axis of the opening 16.

Figure 1 also shows the end of a
container 25 consisting of a container 26 and a shutter or
cover 28. In the example shown, the container is
consisting of a barrel made of stamped sheet metal.

The open end of the container 26 carrying the
cover 28 is tubular in shape. As illustrated more
specifically Figure 2, an annular part 30 having a
U-shaped section open to the outside of the container is
fixed in this end, for example by crimping. your
cylindrical outer branch of this ferrule 30 is crimped onto
the cylindrical end of the container 26, a seal
annular 32 being preferably compressed between the parts
crimped in order to ensure the tight fixing of the ferrule 30 on the container 26. It should be noted that this configuration makes it possible to use containers of all kinds, including existing containers.

 The inner surface of the inner branch of the U forms by the ferrule 30 delimits a cylindrical entry opening 34 in which the cover 28 is mounted using a removable and sealed connection device 36 produced in accordance with the invention.

 The cover 28 comprises a flat outer rim 28a, a substantially tubular wall 28b and a bottom 28c.

 The connection device 36 according to the invention comprises a ring or O-ring 38 made of a deformable and waterproof material such as silicone. This seal 38 is sealingly disposed between the interior surface of revolution of the opening 34 and the exterior surface of revolution of the tubular wall 28b of the cover 28.

 More specifically, the outer surface of the wall 28b has two adjacent grooves 40, of section-in an arc.

The inner surface of the opening 34 comprises, starting from the outside of the container 26, a frustoconical entry part 35, a protrusion 37 of section substantially in the form of a rounded V, and an approximately cylindrical part 39.

 As illustrated precisely in FIG. 2, when the cover 28 is embossed in the opening 34, the seal 38 is compressed in leaktight manner between the groove 40 closest to the rim 28a and the cylindrical part 39, in abutment against the protuberance 37. The latter therefore keeps the cover 28 in place. The displacement of the cover 28 towards the interior of the container is also prevented by the abutment of the rim 28a on a lip 42a formed on a seal 42 molded in the part 30.

 When it is desired to dismantle the cover 28, there is exerted on it, along the axis of the opening 34, a sufficiently large tearing force so that the seal 38 crosses the protrusion 37. During this crossing, the joint rolls from one groove to another and is therefore then located in the groove 40 closest to the bottom 28c. The seal 38 is then located opposite the frustoconical entry part 35 of the opening 34.

The disassembly of the cover is thus obtained.

 The fitting of the cover is carried out in the same way by applying to the cover 28 and along the axis of the opening 34 a compression force sufficient to cause the protrusion 37 to pass through the joint 38, this crossing being accompanying a rolling of the seal between the grooves 40. The connection of the cover 28 on the container 26 and the tightness of the container 25 are then ensured simultaneously by the seal 38.

 In the embodiment presented in FIGS. 1 and 2, which relates to a sealed transfer device, the seals 24 and 38 seal the connections and the seals 42 and 48 ensure the stopping of the contamination.

 To this end, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, on its face turned towards the outside of the container 25, the seal 42 has a lip 42a, already described, and a second lip 42b capable of being applied to a flat face 14c of the flange 14 facing outwards from the enclosure 12, when the container 25 is connected to the latter.

 Thus, when the container 25 is fixed to the flange 14 of the enclosure by appropriate means (not shown), a projecting part of the outer branch of the annular part 30 crimped onto the open tubular end of the container 26 enters an annular groove 14d formed in the flange 14, towards the outside of the enclosure 12. The second lip 42b of the seal 42 is then pressed against the flat face 14c.

 The device which has just been described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 operates in the following manner.

The part 18 is normally secured to the flange 14 of
The enclosure by the bayonet connection device 20, 22. In addition, the shutter 46 normally occupies the position shown in the lower half of FIG. 1, in which the lip 48a of the seal 48 is applied against the frustoconical interior surface 14d of the flange 14. Under these conditions, the opening 16 is sealed off by the shutter 46.

 At the same time, the shutter 28 of the container is normally a nozzle ~ in the opening 34 of the container, for closing the container in a leaktight manner as also illustrated in the lower part of FIG. 1.

When the container 25 is docked on the flange 14 of
The enclosure as illustrated in FIG. 1, the lip 48b of the seal 48 is applied to the flange 28a of the shutter 28 and the lip 42b of the seal 42 is applied against the surface 14c of the flange 14. The contamination is therefore stopped when the shutters are opened.

 The shutters 46 and 28 are then secured by a rotation of the shaft 50, which has the effect of moving the connecting rods 56 radially outward. The ends of these connecting rods then come to bear against a protuberance 41 formed on the inner surface of the tubular wall 28b of the shutter 28, on the side of the rim 28a. The shutters 28 and 46 are then joined to one another.

 As illustrated in the upper part of FIG. 1, the opening of the container is then obtained by exerting on the shutters 28 and 46 a tearing force towards the left, along the coincident axis of the openings 34 and 16. This force is applied to the shaft 50 and has the effect of moving the shutters 46 and 28 to the left when considering FIG. 1.

 Finally, the passage formed by the openings 16 and 34 is released by releasing the part 18 carrying the shutters 16 and 34 of the flange 14, thanks to the connection to baionnettc 20, 22. It is then possible to transfer products of various nature between the container 25 and enclosure 12.

 Before separating the container from the enclosure, identical operations but performed in reverse order are carried out.

In the device which has just been described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting and dismounting of the shutter 28 of the container are obtained by exerting on this shutter either a tearing force or a compression force. As
illustrate the upper and lower parts of Figure 1,
mounting and dismounting the shutter 28 is accompanied by a rolling of the O-ring 38 between the grooves 40, under the effect of the cooperation of the seal with the protuberance 37 formed on the part 30.

It should be noted that when the shutter 28 is fixed on
the container 26 using the connecting device 36 according to the invention, the assembly thus obtained has good resistance to tearing and good resistance to temperature and pressure, whatever the direction pressure difference that may exist on either side of this device. In addition, the ferrule 30 is fixed to the neck of the container 26 so that the latter must not be modified. Any type of container can therefore be used.

 Furthermore, it will be observed that the connection device according to the invention can be used to transfer a liquid through the openings 16 and 34. A tubular cuff forming a passage conduit for this liquid and having on its outer surface two grooves similar to the grooves 40 and in which is housed a seal similar to the seal 38 is then mounted in the part 30, in place of the shutter 28.

 FIG. 3 schematically shows another sealed transfer device between a container 125 and a confinement enclosure 112.

 In this figure, the shutter 128 is mounted on the container 126 of the container using a removable connection device 136a identical to that which has been described previously with reference to FIGS. I and 2.

 Thus, this device 136a comprises an O-ring 138a able to roll between two adjacent grooves 140a formed on the external surface of a tubular part 128b of the shutter 128 penetrating into a circular opening 134 of the container 126, under the effect of the cooperation of this seal 138a with a circumferential projection 137a formed on the interior surface of this opening.

Maintaining the seal 138a against the protrusion 137a is ensured by the coming into abutment of a flange 128a of
The shutter 128 against a flat end face of the container 126 when an axial force tending to separate the shutter 128 from the container 126 is applied.

 The device of FIG. 3 differs from the previous one in that the fixing of the shutter 146 on the flange 114 of enclosure 112 is also carried out by means of a connection device 136b identical to the device 136a.

 More specifically, this device 136b comprises an O-ring 138b able to move by rolling between two adjacent grooves 140b formed on the outer surface of an annular part 146b of the shutter 146, under the effect of its cooperation with a circumferential protrusion 137b formed on the inner surface of the opening delimited by the flange 114, when an axial force tending to separate the shutter 146 from the flange 114 is applied.

 Maintaining the seal 138b in abutment against the protrusion 137b is ensured by the coming into abutment of a flange 146a of the shutter 146 against a flat surface of the flange 114 facing towards the interior of the enclosure.

The device of FIG. 3 is also distinguished from the device of FIGS. 1 and 2 by the fact that it comprises a third connection device 136c according to the invention, by which the container 126 can be fixed on the flange 114 of
The enclosure.

 This connecting device 136c is also similar to the previous ones. Thus, it comprises an O-ring 138c which can move by rolling between two adjacent grooves 140c formed on an external surface of revolution of the flange 114, under the effect of its cooperation with a circumferential projection 137c formed on the internal surface of a tubular part of larger diameter extending the container 126 beyond the opening 134, during a relative axial movement between the container and the flange.

 Maintaining the seal 138c against the protrusion 137c is ensured by the abutment of the end of said tubular part of larger diameter against a flat face of the flange 114.

 In the transfer device shown in FIG. 3, the contamination stop is obtained by means of two hollow O-rings 142 and 148.

 The seal 142 is provided with a heel by which it is fixed in a groove formed on a flat face of the container 126, facing outwards and situated between the devices 136a and 136c. It is in leaktight contact with a beveled surface formed at the periphery of the flange 128a, with the seal 148 and with the end of the flange 114.

 Likewise, the seal 148 has a heel by which it is tightly fixed in a groove formed on the periphery of the external face of the shutter 146, between the devices 136a and 136b. It is in leaktight contact with a beveled surface formed at the periphery of the flange 128a, with the seal 142 and with a beveled surface formed at the end of the flange 114, when the plugs are in place and when the container is connected to The enclosure as illustrated in Figure 3.

 Although this is not shown in FIG. 3 for the purpose of clarification, a connection device according to the invention can also be provided between the shutters 128 and 146.

 As shown in FIG. 3, conduits 160 and 162 formed in the shutter 146 and in the flange 114 open into the bottom of the grooves 140b and 140c furthest from the interior of the enclosure 112, when shutter 146 is in place.

 These conduits 160 and 162 allow scanning of the spaces delimited respectively between the joints 138b and 148 and between the joints 138c and 142, when the container 125 is connected to the enclosure 112 and when the shutter 146 is in place. They allow the cleaning or sterilization of these spaces, the establishment of a pressure balance, etc. When the devices 136b and 136c are disconnected, the seals 138b and 138c automatically seal the ends of the conduits 160 and 162.

 When the container and the enclosure are uncoupled, it may be necessary to provide double protection.

 Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the connection device 136b can then be used to mount on the flange 114 of the enclosure a second shutter 170 in the form of a cup. For this purpose, there is provided on the inner surface of a cylindrical part 170a of the shutter 170 a circumferential projection 134c '. The crossing of this protrusion by the O-ring 138c makes it possible to pass the latter from one groove 140c to the other during the installation or dismantling of the shutter 170.

Similarly (Figure 5), the connecting device 136c can be used to mount a second shutter 172 at the entrance to the container. This shutter, also in the form of a cup, then comprises on the external surface of a cylindrical part 172a two adjacent grooves 140c 'between
Which ones can roll an O-ring 138c ′, under the effect of its cooperation with the protrusion 134c, during a relative axial movement between this shutter 172 and the container 126.

 FIG. 6 represents another application of the invention, relating to the fixing of an interchangeable member such as a glove 274 on a flange 214 delimiting an opening 216 in a confinement enclosure 212.

 The glove 274 ends in a bead 276 trapped in a sealed manner between two annular metal parts 278 and 28Q fitted one inside the other to form a rigid support ring 281. These two parts 278 and 280 are assembled either by welding or by means of a thread, so as to ensure the tight maintenance of the bead 276.

 The mounting of the support ring in the opening 216 of the flange 214 is carried out by means of a connection device 236 according to the invention. To this end, the part 280 comprises on its external surface of revolution three adjacent grooves 240 between which an O-ring 238 can move by rolling, under the effect of its cooperation with two protuberances 234 formed on the internal surface of revolution of the flange 214, on either side of a groove in which the seal 238 is received when the ring 281 is mounted in the flange.

This result is obtained when an axial force is applied between the support ring 281 and the flange 214.

In order to avoid any accidental tearing of the support ring which could lead to a rupture of the seal, a safety ring 282 also metallic cooperates both with the flange 214 and with the support ring by two connections to baionnettc 284 and 286 respectively . This safety ring 282 is mounted on
The outside of the enclosure with respect to the support ring.

 When a replacement of the glove 274 must be carried out, the safety ring 282 is disassembled and an assembly formed by a new glove 274 and by its support ring 281 is placed in abutment against the support ring of the glove to be replaced.

On this new assembly, the seal 238 is then placed in
The gorge 240 closest to the enclosure. By pushing on the ring of the new assembly towards the inside of
The enclosure, the support ring of the assembly to be replaced is unstuck by rolling the seal 238 of the intermediate groove in the groove located towards the outside of the enclosure. Continuing the movement, the support ring 281 of the new assembly takes the place of the old, the seal 238 then rolling from the groove closest to the interior of the enclosure in the intermediate groove.

We thus find ourselves in the position shown in Figure 6 and the safety ring 282 can be put in place.

 It should be noted that the rigid nature of the rings 281 and 282 makes it possible to eliminate any risk of accidental escape from these rings. In addition, the mounting of the glove on the support ring is such that the glove does not suffer any damage during its installation.

 FIG. 7 illustrates a variant of the application example which has just been described with reference to FIG. 6, in the case where the glove or the sleeve 274 comprises two walls 274a and 274b between which an intermediate pressure is established between the internal pressure at enclosure 212 and the external pressure.

 The walls 274a and 274b then each comprise a bead 276a, 276b clamped in axially offset locations between the parts 278 and 280 constituting the support ring 281.

 In this case, in order to allow the establishment of the intermediate pressure between the walls 274a and 274b, the connection device 236 comprises two O-ring seals -238 which roll between five grooves 240 formed on the external surface of the part 280 , under the effect of their cooperation with protuberances formed on the inner surface of revolution of the flange 214. This cooperation is such that there is always an empty groove 240 between two grooves occupied by the seals 238.

 Thanks to this arrangement, when the support ring 281 is in place, the seals 238 are arranged on either side of the central groove 240. Under these conditions, the space delimited between the walls 274a and 274b can be brought into communication with an external ventilation circuit maintaining said intermediate pressure, by grooves 290 passing through the parts 278 and 280, to open into this space and into the bottom of the central groove 240, and by at least one duct 292 formed in the flange 214. This conduit 292 then opens out between the grooves 235 formed on the inner surface of the flange and the edges of which delimit said protuberances.

 Another conduit 292 can be connected to a pressure gauge allowing the pressure in the space delimited between the walls of the glove or the sleeve to be constantly monitored.

 A conduit 294 also formed in the flange 214 opens towards the outside of the enclosure 212, with respect to the grooves 235. The connection of this conduit to a purge circuit makes it possible to sweep the area situated between two support rings 281, during the replacement of the glove 274 as described above with reference to FIG. 6.

 In Figure 8, there is shown a last application of the connecting device according to the invention. This application allows you to place a shutter, either inside or outside of a glove ring.

 More specifically, FIG. 8 represents a glove 374 provided with a bead 376 housed in a groove formed on the exterior surface of a tubular flange 314 projecting towards the outside of an enclosure 312. To prevent the glove 374 is not damaged when it is not in use, the same shutter 388 is placed either inside or outside the enclosure, respectively (lower and upper parts of FIG. 8).

 In both cases, a connection device 336 according to the invention is used.

 For this purpose, the inner surface of the flange 314 has at its ends protrusions 337 capable of cooperating with the O-ring 338, mounted in the groove 340, formed on the outer surface of revolution of the shutter 388, to pass this joint from one groove to the other when installing or removing the obturator.

 Of course, the various applications of the invention which have just been described are not limiting. Similarly, the embodiment of the connection device according to the invention can undergo various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

 Thus and by way of example, the section of the O-rings 38 may not be perfectly circular but, for example, pentagonal. The grooves in which the seal is received no longer have a circular arc section but a trapezoidal section. Likewise, the grooves between which the seal rolls can be formed on an interior surface of revolution, the circumferential protrusion then being formed on an exterior surface of revolution.

Claims (4)

 1. A sealed fixing device for an interchangeable member (274) in an opening (216) of a Containment ring (212), said opening being delimited by a flange (214), this device being characterized in that the interchangeable member (274) is mounted on a rigid support ring (281) carrying at least one member sealing (238) and able to cooperate with said opening (216) by means of relative axial positioning (234,240), a safety ring (282) being fixed both on the support ring (281) and on the flange (214 ) by two bayonet links (284,286).  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support ring (281) is formed of two annular parts (278,280) fitted one inside the other and between which is mounted in leaktight manner at least one bead (276) of said interchangeable member (274).  3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the support ring (281) carries two sealing members (238) between which opens a conduit (292) formed in the flange (214), when the support ring is mounted in the opening (216).  4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the interchangeable member (274) comprises two walls (274a, 274b) forming between them a space which opens out between the sealing members (238) by at least one passage ( 290).