RU2795132C2 - Transportation system for airtight closed space containing device for airtight connection with enclosure - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transportation systems.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a transportation system for a hermetically sealed enclosure defining an enclosure intended for connection with another enclosure, the hermetically sealed enclosure comprising a device for hermetic connection between two enclosures. The transportation system comprises: at least one lever, a chute, a second swivel joint located between the lever and the chute and having a second axis of rotation, and an orientation retention device for maintaining the orientation of the chute during its movement in a confined space. The orientation retainer comprises a mechanism between the first internal axis extending along the first rotation axis and the second internal axis extending along the second rotation axis. The second internal axis is connected to the chute with the possibility of rotation, and said mechanism comprises an internal shaft connected to the first internal axis and to the second internal axis by means of angular gears.

EFFECT: invention makes it possible to provide a transportation system having greater adaptability and to offer greater freedom in the design of the enclosed space.

17 cl, 17 dwg

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a transportation system for a sealed enclosure defining an enclosure intended to be connected to another enclosure, the enclosure comprising a device for sealing connection between two enclosures. The invention also relates to an enclosure containing such a system, a method for bringing operation of said transportation system and transportation method.

In certain industrial sectors, among which nuclear power, medical industry, pharmaceutical and food industries can be mentioned, it is necessary or desirable to carry out certain processes in a confined space, or to protect personnel, for example, from exposure to radioactivity, toxicity, etc., or vice versa, to be able to perform these processes in an aseptic or dust-free atmosphere, or both processes simultaneously.

When transporting a device or a product from one closed volume to another, it is necessary to solve a complex technical problem, which consists in ensuring the tightness of each of these volumes at any time in relation to the external environment. This technical problem can be solved using a two-door connection device.

Such a two-door device provided with a plurality of security features is described for example in FR 2695343. Each volume is sealed with a door mounted in a flange. Each door is connected to its own flange by a bayonet connection, and two flanges are designed to be connected to each other by a bayonet connection. This system is also referred to as a fast transfer port (RTP).

In the case where one of the enclosed volumes is formed by a container and the other volume is formed by a glove box, the transfer is performed as follows. The container flange contains on its outer periphery lugs designed to interact with the corresponding shape of the glove box flange. The flange of the container is inserted into the flange of the glove box, the container is oriented so that the lugs conform to the appropriate shape. The first rotation of the container along the axis of its door allows the flange of the container to be connected to the flange of the glove box by a bayonet connection. Through a second rotation of the container along the same axis, and continuously with the first rotation, the container door is rotated relative to the container, providing both connection with another bayonet connection to the glove box door, and separation of the new assembly formed by two docked doors facing the flanges of the door and glove box. The control knob located in the glove box allows you to unlock the safety mechanism and free the passage between the two volumes. In the case of an aseptic atmosphere, the outer surfaces of two doors that are in contact with each other in a hermetic manner cannot contaminate the interior volumes.

This type of enclosed space is used for the manufacture of products in a controlled environment, such as in the pharmaceutical field for the manufacture of medicines and their packaging. Filling lines, for example, are located in enclosed spaces. Items outside can then be moved to the inside of the enclosed space, such as bottles or airtight packaging. The items are contained in a container provided with a flange and a door, the flange being hermetically connected to the flange of the enclosed space. In order to facilitate the movement of objects, for example, to pour them into a vibrating bowl of a filling line, a conveyance system is used in an enclosed space, containing a funnel-forming element called a chute, which rests on or is located in a flange inside the enclosed space to receive objects coming from a container, and directing them to their destination, such as a vibrating bowl.

An example of such a conveyance system is described in US 8 950 624. The chute is hinged to the wall of the enclosure between a docking position where it mates with the flange of the enclosure and abuts the opening of the enclosure, and a retracted or home position where the chute is moved away from the opening. enclosed space, so as not to interfere with the installation back into place of the closed space door.

The chute is fixed on a lever, which is pivotally fixed on the wall of the enclosed space. The lever can be actuated from the outside with a handle. When it is desired to place the chute on the opening, the lever is rotated towards the wall, the chute, which forms a rigid assembly with the lever, is folded back against the wall and applied to the flange of the enclosed space and restricts its opening. To retract the chute, the lever is moved in the opposite direction. The conveyance system has a certain volume, which makes it possible to configure the volume of the enclosed space, in particular in terms of dimensions, so that the conveyance system in its initial position does not interfere with processing operations in the enclosed space.

Disclosure of invention

The object of the invention is to provide a transport system for a sealed enclosure, comprising a sealing device that allows greater freedom in the manufacture of the enclosure.

The problem is solved by a means of transportation designed for installation in a sealed enclosed space, containing a device for tight connection with a closed volume, and including a lever mounted by one longitudinal end pivotally with the possibility of rotation on the wall of the enclosed space, and a chute mounted pivotally with the possibility of rotation at the level of the other longitudinal end of the lever, and means for rotating the lever relative to the wall and means for rotating the chute relative to the lever between its initial position and the docking position.

By pivoting the chute with respect to the lever, it can be oriented to its original position to reduce the dimensions of the conveyance system, and thus the restrictions in the construction of the enclosed space can be reduced, in particular, the volume for accommodating the conveyance system can be reduced, and thus the volume of the enclosed space can be reduced.

In other words, the orientation of the chute is made at least partially independent of the orientation of the arm, by adding a hinge between the arm and the chute, which allows for a conveyance system that has greater flexibility and offers greater freedom in the design of the enclosed space.

In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the transport system maintains the chute in a predetermined orientation relative to the connection device. For example, the lever is hinged to the wall carrying the connection device, and the transport system includes a means for moving the chute so that the chute is constantly oriented parallel to the connection device and thus the wall carrying the device. Thus, in the rest position, the chute moves closer to the wall and extends towards the inside of the enclosed space rather than the outside of the enclosed space, which thus does not require additional provision of volume specifically to accommodate the transport system.

For example, the means for ensuring parallel movement of the connecting edge of the chute includes gears and shafts.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuation of the transport system is performed by an electric motor.

In a transport method, for example, maintaining the chute in a fixed orientation is ensured during its movement from the initial state to the mating state with the connection device in which the axis of the chute and/or the axis of the docking edge of the chute is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the hole.

For example, the chute is moved substantially vertically between the home position and the docking position, then the chute and arm are simultaneously rotated about their axis of rotation, placing the chute's mating edge parallel to the connection opening and the wall if the opening and the wall are in the same plane. The chute can be lowered to transition from the initial state to the docking state and vice versa.

The first object of the invention is a transportation system for a sealed enclosure defining a first enclosure and including at least one hermetic connection device adapted to connect the first enclosure to a second enclosure, the transportation system being intended to be placed in said enclosure. and contains:

at least one lever adapted for installation with the possibility of rotation on the wall of the hermetic enclosed space by means of the first swivel joint with the first axis of rotation,

a chute including a mating edge configured to interact with the hermetic connection device and a filler edge; And

a second swivel joint located between the lever and the chute and having a second axis of rotation.

In addition, the system includes a means for pivoting the arm and the chute around the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis.

In addition, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are parallel.

In addition, the system includes an orientation retainer for maintaining the orientation of the chute during its displacement in a confined space.

The mating edge has a longitudinal axis, while the orientation retention means is designed so that the longitudinal axis of the mating edge is aligned with the axis of the opening of the connection device and/or perpendicular to the wall of the enclosed space in which the device for tight connection is installed.

For example, the orientation of the orientation retainer is such that the mating edge is offset in planes parallel to each other.

According to an embodiment, the orientation maintaining means comprises a mechanism between the first internal axis extending along the first axis of rotation and the second internal axis extending along the second axis of rotation, the second internal axis being rotatably connected to the chute. The mechanism contains an internal shaft connected to the first internal axis and to the second internal axis by means of angular gears.

In another embodiment, the mechanism comprises a toothed belt or chain engaged with a first internal axle and a second internal axle, wherein the first internal axle and the second internal axle are splined.

The system comprises a drive including at least one electric motor for rotating the system around the first axis of rotation.

In addition, the system includes a first electric motor for moving the lever around the first axis of rotation and a second electric motor for moving the chute around the second axis of rotation.

In addition, the system includes means for detecting the transport system configuration and/or the open state of the connection device.

Another object of the invention is an enclosed space defining a first enclosed space and containing a device for hermetic connection with a second closed space, while the connection device is installed on the wall of this enclosed space and contains the above transportation system.

For example, the first swivel joint of the transport system is fixed to the wall in which the connection device is installed.

In addition, the connection device contains a bayonet connection means.

Another object of the invention is an insulator system containing a device for hermetic connection with a localization unit, a transport system and another localization unit.

Another object of the invention is also a method for actuating a conveyance system installed on the wall of a confined space, defining a first enclosed volume and containing a device for tight connection with a second closed volume, while the device for tight connection contains an opening on the X axis, the conveyance system includes a chute with a mating edge on the X2 axis, hinged about the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation, and the method includes an approach step, in which the chute approaches the connection device to set it in the docking position, and a retraction step, in which the chute moves away from the connection device for setting the chute to its original position, while during each of the stages of approach and retraction, the chute is rotated around the first axis of rotation and around the second axis of rotation.

In addition, the chute is simultaneously rotated around the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, respectively.

In addition, during the approach phase and the retraction phase, the axis of the mating edge remains parallel to the axis of the connection device.

In addition, in the initial position, the filling edge of the chute is oriented in the direction of the inner part of the enclosed space.

The invention also relates to a method for transporting objects between the second volume and the first volume of the said enclosed space, comprising the steps of:

connecting the second closed volume with the connection device,

take away the doors of the closed space and the second closed volume,

put the gutter in place

transport objects from the second closed volume into the inside of the closed space,

remove the gutter

put the door back in place.

A connection can be obtained by pivoting the second enclosure relative to the enclosure to provide a connection between the flanges of the second enclosure and the connection device, and between the door of the second enclosure and the door of the enclosure.

The method may include determining the configuration of the transport system, determining the position of the doors, and signaling the transport system to approach or not the spout of the connection device.

The features of the invention will become better understood from the following description, with reference to the attached drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

In FIG. 1 shows the interior of the enclosed space provided with the conveyance system according to the first embodiment, the conveyance system in its rest position, in perspective view;

in fig. 2 - closed space according to Fig. 1 in which the transport system is in a docking position, perspective view;

in fig. 3 - closed space according to FIG. 1 in which the transport system is in an intermediate position, perspective view;

in fig. 4 shows the mechanism of the transport system according to FIG. 1, partial sectional view,

in fig. 5 shows the interior of the enclosed space provided with the conveyance system according to the second embodiment, with the conveyance system in its initial position, perspective view;

in fig. 6 - closed space according to FIG. 5 in which the transport system is in a docking position, perspective view;

in fig. 7 - closed space according to FIG. 5, in which the transport system is in an intermediate position, is a perspective view;

in fig. 8 - the mechanism of the transport system according to the second embodiment, a view with a partial section;

in fig. 9 shows the interior of the enclosed space provided with the transportation system according to the third embodiment, with the transportation system in its initial position, perspective view;

in fig. 10 - closed space according to FIG. 9, in which the transport system is in a docking position, is a perspective view;

in fig. 11 - closed space according to FIG. 9, in which the transport system is in an intermediate position, is a perspective view;

in fig. 12 - the mechanism of the transportation system according to the third embodiment, a view with a partial section;

in fig. 13 - a closed space containing a transportation system according to another embodiment, a top view in section;

in fig. 14 - closed space, equipped with a device for tight connection, to which the container is attached, top view in section;

in fig. 15A-15C are other examples of enclosed spaces.

Implementation of the invention

In FIG. 1 shows an example of a sealed enclosed space, represented as transparent, provided with a sealed transport system according to the first embodiment.

Enclosed space 2 contains walls defining a sealed volume. At least one of the 4 walls contains a device D for hermetic connection with an external hermetic system, for example, with another enclosed space, a rigid container or a flexible bag-type container. The device D is designed to provide the possibility of hermetic connection of the internal volumes of the enclosed space with the external system and to ensure a hermetic transfer between the two volumes, to protect the objects contained in the hermetic volumes and / or to protect the external environment from these objects. For example, the enclosed space 2 may form part of a containment system, such as an isolator containment area, a sterile containment area, or a radioactive containment area, which may be used, for example, for manufacturing products in the nuclear, pharmaceutical, or food industries.

Document FR 2 695 343 and US 9 754 691 describe examples of devices for sealing.

The hermetic connection device D comprises a flange 6 installed in the wall 4 and limiting the opening 8, a door 10 intended for hermetic closing of the opening 8. The hermetic connection device D also contains a means for connection with an external system, for example, a container C (Fig. 14 ), also containing a flange 9, limiting the hole, and a door 11, hermetically closing said hole. The connection means, for example, may be a bayonet connection. Each door is also connected to its flange with a bayonet connection. The connection device has rotational symmetry along the X1 axis.

In an embodiment, the connection device also comprises a means for connecting the two flanges 6 and 9 to each other and a control ring installed outside the enclosed space around the flange 6, the control ring controlling the means for connecting the two doors 10 and 11 and for unlocking the door 11 of the container C, means for releasing the other door and opening the two doors 10 and 11, providing a tight connection between the two volumes. The means for connecting the two flanges 6 and 9 and the control ring can be rotated relative to the enclosed space and the container and, thanks to their rotation, provide all the steps necessary to obtain a tight connection, and this happens without turning one of the enclosed spaces. In this example, rotation of the second enclosed volume is not required.

In another embodiment, the connection of two flanges, two doors and door openings is provided by rotating the container around its axis and in a relatively enclosed space.

In FIG. 14 describes an example of a workflow for ensuring a tight seal between the enclosed space and the container. The dotted lines show the closed container before it is connected to the enclosed space. The container contains items O, shown schematically, to be moved into a confined space. The transport system is not shown.

The flange 9 of the container is hermetically connected to the flange 6 of the enclosed space by means of a bayonet connection. At the same time, the container door 11 and the enclosed space door 10 are hermetically connected to each other by means of a bayonet connection. The outer surfaces of the doors 10, 11 are insulated relative to the inner volume of the container and the enclosed space, the structure formed by two doors 10, 11 connected to each other can be retracted by turning around its axis and then will be displaced in the enclosed space. The two volumes are then hermetically sealed and objects can be moved between the two volumes.

The enclosed space comprises a conveyance system S1 which makes it possible to guide objects arriving from the outside into the inner area of the enclosed space volume. For example, these items are inhibitors contained in a bag and are poured into an enclosed space. The system S1 is intended to facilitate the handling and/or transfer of objects/elements into the enclosed space 2, for example, to facilitate the feeding of objects/elements onto a conveyor belt or, during post-processing, transfer to a separate sealed container, via another sealing device D1, such as shown in Fig. 15a.

The conveying system S1 includes a flow guiding part 14, indicated by a chute and forming a kind of funnel.

In the example shown, the trough 14 has a substantially circular frustoconical profile with a large base provided with a lip 17 adapted to contact the flange 6 and define the opening and a small base 18, forming a fill lip oriented towards the zone in which it is desirable to orient the object(s). In the example shown, the truncated cone is cut by a plane inclined about its axis of rotation X2, giving it a conical shape. The chute should be in a docking position in which the lip 17 rests on the flange 16 and a retracted position, indicated by the home position in which the chute 14 is retracted from the opening and is in standby mode for a new transfer operation. Preferably, the mating edge 17 is covered with a strip of flexible material 19, such as an elastomer, to avoid damage to the flange during mating. In an embodiment, the chute 14 may have a downstream surface that is inclined with respect to the axis of the mating edge 17 to facilitate movement of the objects.

In the example shown, the transport system further comprises a lever 20 comprising a first longitudinal end 20.1 and a second longitudinal end 20.2, a first Y1 axis pivot 22, through which the arm is pivotally attached to the wall 4 by its first longitudinal end 20.1, and a second pivot 24 axis Y2, through which the lever is pivotally attached to the wall 4 with its second longitudinal end 20.2. The Y2 axis is parallel to the Y1 axis.

The transport system also includes a drive 26 for pivoting the arm around the Y1 axis and the chute around the Y2 axis. In this example, drive 26 includes the motor M shown schematically.

According to a first embodiment, the conveyance system supports the chute in a predetermined orientation relative to the connection device D and thus to its supporting wall 6. The orientation of the chute in the invention corresponds to the axis of the joint edge. In FIG. 1 axis of the part of the chute along which objects are moved and the axis of the connecting edge are combined. In other embodiments, they are intersecting. Keeping the orientation of the chute relative to the connection device means that the axis of the connecting edge and the axis of the connection device have the same angular orientation relative to each other and/or the axis of the connecting edge is orthogonal to the axis of the wall 4, regardless of the position of the trough in the enclosed space, for example, the axis of the connecting edge is parallel axis of the connection device, regardless of the position of the chute in a confined space. In the examples shown, the plane containing the opening of the sealing device and the wall is combined. In other examples, the wall passes in at least two inclined planes, the part of the wall containing the device for tight connection is in a plane different from the other part (parts) of the wall, while maintaining the orientation between the axis of the connecting edge and the part of the wall containing the device for a tight connection, or the axis of the joint edge and another part of the wall. In other examples, the device for tight connection is installed in an inclined wall, with the hole being in a plane different from the plane of the entire wall, after which the orientation is maintained between the axis of the joint edge and the axis of the connection device or between the axis of the joint edge and the axis of the inclined wall. Thus, the orientation of the axis of the joint edge relative to the element of the enclosed space is maintained.

In this embodiment, shown in Figures 1-4, and preferably, the mechanism ensures that the X2 axis of the mating edge 17 is maintained parallel to the X1 axis of the coupling device and perpendicular to the wall 4. Thus, during docking, the mating edge 14 approaches parallel to the flange, and the entire mating the edge comes into contact with the flange 6 at the same time or almost at the same time. In the initial position, the joint edge 17 moves closer to the wall 4, and the casting edge 18 is oriented towards the interior of the enclosed space.

In the first embodiment, the orientation of the chute is maintained by means of the MC1 mechanism shown in FIG.

The MC1 mechanism comprises a first internal axis 28 of the Y1 axis mounted fixed on a plate 30 designed to be fixed on the wall 4 of the enclosed space, a first external axis 32 concentric with the first internal axis 28 and surrounding it, mounted with the possibility of rotation around the first internal axis 28 by means of bearings 34. Bearings 35 are also provided between the first outer shaft 32 and the casing 37. The first outer axle 32 is intended to be driven by the motor M. In the illustrated example, the wheel bevel 36 transmits the rotation of the shaft of the motor M to the first outer axle 32. Alternatively, the motor shaft is parallel or aligned with the outer axle.

The MC1 mechanism also includes a second inner axle 40 rotatably coupled to the trough 14 and mounted on a second outer axle 42 to form a second swivel joint. Bearings 44 are provided between the second inner axle 40 and the second outer axle 42. The lever 20 includes an outer shaft 46 rigidly connecting the first outer axle 32 and the second outer axle 42, and an inner shaft 48 mechanically connecting the first inner axle 28 and the second inner axle 40 and provides support in the position of the chute 14.

The inner shaft 48 is mechanically connected to the first inner shaft 28 by the gusset 50, and the second inner shaft 40 by the second gusset 52. In this example, the gusset 52 is at the longitudinal end of the second inner axle. 40. Alternatively, the corner gear 52 is located in an intermediate position of the second inner axle 40.

All mechanical elements of the transport system are covered with a protective cover to limit the release of particles into the enclosed space due to friction. In addition, such a casing facilitates the cleaning steps of the interior of the enclosed space. The enclosure is specific to each mechanical part or housing and/or is common to several mechanical parts or housings.

The following is a description of the operation of this MC1 mechanism.

The electric motor M is driven which causes the first outer shaft 32 to rotate about the Y1 axis freely relative to the first inner shaft 28 which rotates the outer shaft 46 and the second outer shaft 42. Due to the connection provided by the inner shaft 48 and the angular gears, the orientation is maintained the second internal axis 40 in a constant position when rotated about the Y1 axis.

Thus, the chute 14, which is fixed about the second internal axis 40, has a fixed orientation when displaced in the cell.

The following is a description of the operation of the transportation system.

The doors of the enclosed space and the container, connected together, move away from the connection device.

When the electric motor M is turned on, the lever 20 rotates around the axis Y1, as a result of which the lever 20 approaches the wall 40. The chute 14, in particular the mating edge 17, approaches the flange 6 parallel to it, thanks to the MC1 mechanism, until it comes into contact with the flange 6 and borders with hole. The chute is in the docking position (FIG. 3).

When it is required to retract the chute, for example, so that the doors can be returned to their place, the motor is turned on and the rotation is carried out in the opposite direction. The lever 20 rotates about the axis Y1 in the opposite direction. At the first stage, the lever is removed from the wall 4 (Fig. 3). Docking edge 17 moves away from the flange 6, remaining parallel to it. In the second stage, the lever 20 approaches the wall 4 and the docking edge 17 approaches parallel to the wall 4 and reaches its initial position (figure 2).

The filler lip is oriented toward the inside of the enclosed space so that the space required to place the chute in its original position is reduced relative to the chute in the vertical position in Figure 1, in which case it will be necessary to provide for a larger height of the enclosed space.

The activation of the electric motor can be automatic after an external event occurs, for example, after detecting the connection of a container and a door opening. In another example, the motor is manually activated by the user through an external user control or user control interface.

In this example, the starting position of the chute is above the connection device. Alternatively, the home position is located below the connection device or to the side of the connection device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the chute includes a downstream portion configured to pivot on its own to facilitate items/items to fall for transport and to ensure that all items/items are transferred to, for example, a conveyance line. For example, the turn operation can be activated both from the moment the system is activated, and from the moment a connection is established with respect to the device in order to stop the transfer, or after a certain time, to cause the transfer of objects / elements potentially remaining in the chute.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport system comprises a detection means SE for determining the position of the chute or, more generally, the state of the transport system. In the preferred embodiment, the information transmitted by this detection means is fed to a control unit which compares the open and closed state of the connection device to prevent any placement of the trough 14 if the doors are in the closed position or any movement back of the doors onto the flanges if the trough 14 is in position. in the docking position. The detection means SE comprises, for example, an inductive sensor or a code wheel, for example located at the level of the first outer axis 32. The prior art coupling device generally comprises means indicating its status, for example, if the doors are in place or not, in locked position or not. The detection means may include one or more optical sensors detecting whether the hole is open or closed. The sensors may, for example, provide information directly to the functionally associated control unit and/or be connected to the electric motor to cancel any activation of the motor when the detection sensor detects that the opening is blocked by the door 10 or other object. In another embodiment, the sensor(s) are used to automatically activate the motor M. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor(s) are used to detect and check the position and/or angular orientation of the chute.

In an exemplary embodiment, means are provided for manually actuating the transport system, for example in the event of a motor failure. For example, the means comprise a handle located outside the enclosed space and passing through the wall 4 in a hermetic manner and mechanically connected to the first outer axle 32, and a means for shutting off the engine. The outer handle is rotatably connected to the first outer axle 28 through the wall. The Y2 axis also forms the axis of rotation of the handle. When the handle is turned, for example by the user, the first outer axle 28 is simultaneously rotated. The rest of the process steps of the system operation are similar to those described above with the electric motor. The transition from the initial position to the docking position is achieved by shifting the handle in the direction of rotation. Rotation in the opposite direction causes a transition from the docked position to the home position.

In an alternative embodiment, actuation of the transport system is carried out exclusively manually, for example using the handle described above.

In FIG. 5-8 show a second example according to the first embodiment of the transport system S2. Such an example differs from the transport system according to the first embodiment in the shape of the chute and the means for maintaining the orientation of the chute.

The conveyance system S2 includes a chute 114 including a first frustoconical portion 114.1 carrying a joint edge 117 and a second tubular portion 114.2 bordering the filler edge.

The diameter of the mating edge 117 is less than the diameter of the flange, which is located in the hole.

The chute has a larger axial dimension than the chute 14 and allows objects to be guided into the enclosed space.

The transport system also includes an MC2 mechanism to keep the chute oriented.

The MC2 mechanism includes a toothed belt 154 between the first inner axle 128 and the second inner axle 140, the first axle 128 and the second inner axle 140 being splined axles. The belt 154 maintains the orientation of the second internal axis 140 and therefore maintains the orientation of the chute.

The mechanism MC2 is enclosed in a casing 156, limiting the risk of particles being ejected into the internal volume of the enclosed space. This embodiment has the advantage that it provides quieter operation due to the use of a toothed belt, which is usually made of synthetic material. The rollers resting on the belt are made with the possibility of adjusting its tension.

In an alternative embodiment, the toothed belt is replaced by a chain and gears are fixed to it, coaxial with the inner axis.

The operation steps of the transport system are similar to those described above for the system in FIG. 1-4.

The transport system according to the invention is of particular interest when the chute has a very large dimension along its axis X1. Indeed, this makes it possible to significantly reduce the height of the enclosed space compared to an enclosed space equipped with a transport system of the prior art.

In FIG. 9-12 shows a third embodiment of the transport system S3, which uses two electric motors.

The transport system S3 includes a first motor M1 mounted on the wall 4, similarly to the motor M, and mechanically connected to the first outer axis 232 to drive rotational motion about the axis Y1. It comprises an outer shaft and a second outer shaft 242 in which a second electric motor M2 is mounted, on the shaft of which a chute 214 is rotatably integrated.

The motor M2 is then commanded to maintain the orientation of the chute 214 with respect to the axis of the coupler, regardless of the orientation of the arm 220 with respect to the wall 4. At least one angle sensor SE1 is used to measure the angle of the arm around the Y1 axis so that the control unit corrects the angular orientation gutter 214 relative to the second outer axis 242. Alternatively, the angle sensor is implemented to measure the angular position of the X2 axis of the joint edge X2 of the gutter 214 relative to Y2, and the control unit corrects this orientation.

The power supply means for the second motor M2 is not shown for clarity, but it includes, for example, electrical wires connecting the terminals of the second motor M2 and the electric current source and passing in the arm 20, which has a hollow shape in this embodiment.

The third embodiment has the advantage of reducing the number of moving mechanical parts, which reduces the risk of particle formation during abrasion.

In another embodiment, it can be provided that the first 232 and second 242 outer axes are not always parallel during transmission. For example, during docking and during transfer, axes 232 and 242 are parallel and during undocking, the chute tilts downward to ensure that all items have actually been moved and that none of them are left in the chute again before moving the transport system. to the starting position.

According to a further feature, the tote system may comprise means that are implemented to lock the tote system at least in the docking position and in the rest position to avoid any uncontrolled displacement. The locking means comprises, for example, an electric brake, for example, to brake the rotation of the first external axis 21 in the first embodiment, or a mechanism that prevents, for example, rotation of the first external axis 32 about the Y1 axis, for example, it can be a retractable pin penetrating into the first outer axle 32 perpendicular to it and preventing it from rotating until the motor is activated.

In the embodiments described in detail, the orientation of the trough is maintained such that the mating edge is constantly displaced in planes parallel to the coupler and orthogonal to the coupler axis X1. In an alternative embodiment, the chute may be offset in an inclined plane. Indeed, in the case of the second exemplary embodiment, the lip penetrates into the opening of the flange, then the lip does not need to be parallel to the flange.

In another embodiment, the orientation of the chute is not maintained, and the chute may have at least one first orientation during its movement away from or approach to the connection device and a second orientation during docking, at a time when the docking edge can be located parallel to the flange. In the initial position, the axis of the trough can be tilted relative to the top wall, yet offering a reduced volume compared to the prior art conveying system.

In the embodiments shown, the transport system is fixed to the wall carrying the connection device. In FIG. 13 is an exemplary embodiment in which the transport system S4 is attached to a wall other than the wall carrying the coupler, such as wall 58 adjacent wall 4. The system is in a docking position. The rotational articulation of shaft 320 and chute 314 makes this configuration possible. In this second embodiment, the chute is not supported along a predetermined orientation with respect to the connection device. The third embodiment shown in FIG. 9-12, in which two motors are implemented, is particularly suitable for the second embodiment. Indeed, for the orientation of the motor-driven chute, it is sufficient to control the second motor M2 appropriately to change the orientation of the chute during actuation of the transport system.

In the example in FIG. 13 shows a transfer line 60 along which it is desirable to transport objects.

Means can be used to determine the position/state of the transport system and the state of the connection device in all exemplary embodiments.

In FIG. 15A-15C show examples of sealed enclosures containing multiple connection devices on the same wall or on different walls. The transport system can be used to dock multiple connection devices. In FIG. 15A, the enclosed space contains a second device D1 in a wall perpendicular to the wall 2 containing the connection device D. In FIG. 15B another device D2 is in the same partition 2, then the transport system S1 can be used to transfer items coming from a container connected to the device D or D1. In FIG. 15C all devices D and D3-D5 are on the same wall, the transport system may or may not be used with all or part of the devices D3-D5. The enclosed space may contain several connecting devices distributed on one or more walls and several transport systems.

In the examples shown, the troughs are substantially circular in shape and the lip and filler lip are in substantially parallel planes. In an alternative embodiment, the docking edge and the filling edge are in non-parallel planes, and the chute has an inclined axis relative to the axis of the docking edge, for example, to guide objects towards the bottom of the enclosed space.

In another embodiment, the transport system comprises a plurality of arms pivotally connected to each other between a first pivot and a second pivot.

The transport system as described applies to enclosed spaces containing devices of any type for hermetic connection, and not only to those that implement a bayonet connection means. The sealing device(s) may include retractable pins, magnetic pawls, and the like.

The tasks described in the invention can be implemented in all technical areas that require the movement of objects between two closed volumes and isolated from the external environment.

Claims (27)

1. A transportation system for a sealed enclosure defining a first enclosure and including at least one hermetic connection device adapted to connect the first enclosure to a second enclosure, the transportation system being designed to be placed in said enclosure and comprising : at least one arm adapted to be pivotally mounted on the wall of the sealed enclosed space by means of a first swivel joint (22) with a first axis of rotation (Y1); a chute (14, 114, 214) including a mating edge (17, 117, 217) configured to interact with the hermetic connection device and a filler edge (18); And a second swivel joint (24) located between the lever and the chute (14, 114, 214) and having a second axis of rotation (Y2), and means for maintaining orientation for maintaining the orientation of the chute (14, 114, 214) during its movement in a confined space, while the means for maintaining orientation contains a mechanism between the first internal axis (28), passing along the first axis (Y1) of rotation, and the second internal axis (40) extending along the second axis (Y2) of rotation, wherein the second internal axis (40) is rotatably connected to the chute (14), and said mechanism comprises an internal shaft (48) connected to the first internal axis (28) and with the second inner axle (40) by means of angular gears (50, 52). 2. The system of claim. 1, in which the first axis (Y1) of rotation and the second axis (Y2) of rotation are parallel. 3. The system according to claim 1, in which the docking edge has a longitudinal axis (X2), while the means of maintaining orientation is made so that the longitudinal axis (X2) of the docking edge is aligned with the axis of the opening of the connection device and / or perpendicular to the wall of the enclosed space, in which the device for hermetic connection is installed. 4. The system according to claim 1, in which the mechanism contains a toothed belt or chain (154) engaged with the first internal axis (138) and the second internal axis (140), while the first internal axis (138) and the second internal axis (140 ) are made splined. 5. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, comprising a drive including at least one electric motor (M) for rotating the system about a first axis of rotation (Y2). 6. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, comprising a first motor (M1) to move the arm around the first pivot axis (Y1) and a second motor (M2) to move the chute (214) around the second pivot axis (Y2). 7. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1 or 2 comprising means (S) for detecting the transport system configuration and/or the open state of the connection device. 8. A closed space defining a first closed volume and containing a device (D) for tight connection with a second closed volume, while the connection device (D) is installed on the wall (4) of this closed space and contains a transportation system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7. 9. An enclosed space according to claim 8, wherein the first swivel joint of the transport system is fixed to the wall in which the connection device is installed. 10. Closed space according to any one of paragraphs. 8 or 9, in which the connection device comprises a bayonet connection means. 11. A method for actuating a transportation system installed on a wall of a closed space, defining a first closed volume and containing a device for tight connection with a second closed volume, while the device for tight connection contains an opening, the transportation system contains a chute with a mating edge and a hinged connection around of the first axis (Y1) of rotation and the second axis (Y2) of rotation, the means of maintaining orientation to maintain the orientation of the chute (14, 114, 214) during its movement in a confined space, while the means of maintaining orientation contains a mechanism between the first internal axis (28) passing along the first axis (Y1) of rotation, and the second internal axis (40), passing along the second axis (Y2) of rotation, while the second internal axis (40) is connected for rotation with the chute (14), and the specified mechanism contains an internal a shaft (48) connected to the first inner axle (28) and to the second inner axle (40) by means of angular gears (50, 52), the method including an approach step in which the chute approaches the coupling device for its installation in the docking a position, and a retraction step in which the chute moves away from the connection device to set the chute to its original position, wherein during each of the approach and retraction steps, the chute is rotated around the first axis of rotation (Y1) and around the second axis (Y2) of rotation. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the chute is rotated simultaneously about the first pivot axis (Y1) and the second pivot axis (Y2), respectively. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein during the approach and retract stages, the axis (X2) of the mating edge remains parallel to the axis (X1) of the connection device. 14. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 11, 12 or 13, in which in the initial position the filling edge of the gutter is oriented towards the interior of the enclosed space. 15. The method of transporting items between the second volume and the first volume of the enclosed space according to any one of paragraphs. 8, 9 or 10, which includes the steps in which: connecting the second closed volume with the connection device, take away the doors of the closed space and the second closed volume, put the gutter in place transport objects from the second closed volume into the closed space, remove the gutter put the door back in place. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the connection is obtained by pivoting the second enclosure relative to the enclosure to provide a connection between the flanges of the second enclosure and the connection device, and between the door of the second enclosure and the enclosure door. 17. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 15 or 16, including determining the configuration of the transportation system, determining the position of the doors, and signaling the transportation system to approach or not the spout of the connection device.

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