EP2946833B1 - Device for watertight connection between two enclosures - Google Patents

Device for watertight connection between two enclosures Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2946833B1
EP2946833B1 EP15168179.8A EP15168179A EP2946833B1 EP 2946833 B1 EP2946833 B1 EP 2946833B1 EP 15168179 A EP15168179 A EP 15168179A EP 2946833 B1 EP2946833 B1 EP 2946833B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
door
collar
locking
elements
flange
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15168179.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2946833A1 (en
Inventor
Eric Gohier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JCE Biotechnology SAS
Original Assignee
JCE Biotechnology SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by JCE Biotechnology SAS filed Critical JCE Biotechnology SAS
Publication of EP2946833A1 publication Critical patent/EP2946833A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2946833B1 publication Critical patent/EP2946833B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F7/00—Shielded cells or rooms
    • G21F7/005—Shielded passages through walls; Locks; Transferring devices between rooms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L1/00—Enclosures; Chambers
    • B01L1/02—Air-pressure chambers; Air-locks therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
    • B01L2200/0689—Sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/08—Ergonomic or safety aspects of handling devices
    • B01L2200/082—Handling hazardous material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
    • B01L2300/043—Hinged closures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F7/00—Shielded cells or rooms
    • G21F7/04—Shielded glove-boxes
    • G21F7/047—Shielded passages; Closing or transferring means between glove-boxes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for sealing connection between two enclosures.
  • the term "enclosure” here designates a container or a chamber or a room, equipped with an access means sealingly closed.
  • This container, this room or room defines a volume of preparation, storage and / or manipulation of products not to be in contact with the outside or with a user. These are, for example, dangerous products such as certain biological, chemical or radioactive products.
  • Such an enclosure makes it possible to perform certain manipulations on these products, without the manipulator being in direct contact with the products. Handling is carried out by means of tools or gloves, fixed on the enclosure. The manipulations of the products are thus achieved by isolating the interior of the enclosure vis-à-vis the outside.
  • One of the speakers to be connected may, for example, be a container-type waste collection container.
  • a handling enclosure In order to access the interior of a handling enclosure, it is provided with a flange, which delimits a through opening connecting the inside and the outside of the enclosure and which carries a door movably sealing of the aforementioned opening.
  • This door is generally maneuverable by the user from inside the enclosure. It is appropriate, when it is desired to connect two speakers of the same or different kinds, to ensure a connection avoiding any pollution vis-à-vis the outside. For this, it is known to connect the doors of two speakers contiguously, with interposition of a minimum air mattress between the two connected doors.
  • the sterility of a handling chamber must also be preserved when connecting the enclosure to a waste container type container, to evacuate certain products out of the handling chamber.
  • connection device which is provided for assembling the respective flanges of two enclosures to be connected to one another by means of the engagement of the two flanges with each other and the rotary drive of one of the flanges relative to the other: during this assembly, on the one hand, the two flanges bind to one another, typically by the engagement of a bayonet system, and, on the other hand, the door of one of the two enclosures are fixedly attached to the door of the other enclosure, typically by the engagement of a bayonet system, while disengaging from its associated flange, typically by the disengagement of a bayonet system which, until then, held this door in the closed position on this flange.
  • the known device also comprises a handle for locking the door of the other enclosure with respect to its corresponding flange: this handle must be moved by the user to allow this door free to be moved in order to open it vis-à-vis its flange associated.
  • FR-A-2 981 386 proposes to reinforce the safety of this kind of device, by equipping it with a locking mechanism of the locking handle: this mechanism is intended to prohibit, in the absence of the assembly of the two flanges with each other, to move the locking handle from its position of immobilization of the corresponding door.
  • This mechanism comprises two rods movable in translation parallel to the centering axis of the flanges, namely a high stem, carried by the locking handle, and a low stem, carried by the flange on which the handle is mounted movably.
  • the lower rod occupies, by gravity, the bottom of a bore of the aforementioned flange so that, when the locking handle is in a closed position of the corresponding door, the upper rod is aligned with the lower rod and blocks any rotation of the locking handle extending across the joint plane between the flange and the handle, a spring, interposed between the upper stem and the body of the handle, acting on the upper stem downwards to hold it against the upper end of the lower stem.
  • the blocking mechanism of FR-A-2 981 386 has disadvantages.
  • the central axis of the flange is oriented vertically. or approximately vertically, otherwise the lower rod is not able to fall, by gravity, into the bottom of the aforementioned bore.
  • the stiffness of the spring, interposed between the upper rod and the body of the locking handle, is necessarily limited because, as soon as the handle leaves its closed position of the corresponding door to open the latter, this spring presses the upper rod against the upper face of the aforementioned flange: it is understood that excessive stiffness of this spring will hinder or even prevent the rotation of the handle 36, because of the friction of the lower end of the upper stem against the upper face of the aforementioned flange.
  • the aforementioned spring is weak, the risk of neutralization, accidental or malicious, of the locking mechanism of FR-A-2 981 386 is real.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a connection device of the type mentioned above, which is improved by strengthening the security, while being simple to manufacture and easy to maneuver.
  • the invention relates to a device for sealing connection between two enclosures, as defined in claim 1.
  • One of the basic ideas of the invention is to seek to block any movement of the locking handle of the first door as the first flange is not assembled with the second flange.
  • the invention provides that, during the assembly of the two flanges with each other, that is to say during the centering of these flanges on a common axis and then their relative displacement in rotation around this common axis to both bind the two flanges together, bind the two doors to one another and separate the second door from the second flange, the second flange acts mechanically on a specific actuator, which belongs to an ad hoc mechanism carried by the first flange and which controls the locking in position of the locking handle.
  • the blocking produced by the mechanism according to the invention can be provided particularly strong, in the sense that the elastic member, which is interposed fixedly, and therefore permanently, between the first flange and the actuator and which maintains this actuator in a position blocking the locking handle, is advantageously provided steep, or very stiff: this substantially limits the risk of neutralization, accidental or malicious, the blocking action by the aforementioned mechanism, since such neutralization would require to apply on the actuator a force strong enough to overcome the resistance of this elastic member.
  • the torque applied by the user to the second flange to assemble it to the first flange can develop, without difficulty for the user, a sufficient force on the actuator to counteract the action of this elastic member, compressing the latter between the actuator and the first flange.
  • the rotary assembly between the two flanges around their common axis, to control both the attachment of these two flanges to one another, the attachment of the two doors to one another and the separation between the second door and the second flange, typically by the implementation of bayonet systems, is used to mechanically control the locking mechanism according to the invention, more precisely to control the displacement of the actuator of this mechanism in translation parallel to the common axis, by opposing the action of the elastic member, for the purpose of unlocking the locking handle.
  • connection device By prohibiting the ability to move the locking handle to open the first door until the first speaker is properly connected to the second speaker, the connection device according to the invention has enhanced security without inducing for the user specific manipulations to release the locking handle, other than the assembly of the two flanges to one another.
  • each of the two aforementioned speakers can thus be a container, a room, a room, etc.
  • these two speakers are not represented, except on the Figures 10, 11 , 15 and 16 on which the speakers are indicated in dotted lines in a partial and schematic manner, under the respective references E1 and E2.
  • the connection device comprises a door 10 and a flange 20, associated with the enclosure E1, and a door 30 and a flange 40 associated with the enclosure E2.
  • Each flange 20, 40 defines a through opening, which has a closed contour and which connects to one another inside and outside the corresponding enclosure E1, E2.
  • Each flange 20, 40 thus defines a central axis, on which is centered the corresponding opening, the respective axes of the two flanges 20 and 40 being substantially aligned when the flanges 20 and 40 are assembled to each other to connect between they pregnant, thereby forming a common geometric axis, which is referenced ZZ in the figures.
  • each of the flanges 20 and 40 has an annular overall shape, centered on the ZZ axis and with a circular base, being noted that, by way of non-represented variants, other geometric profiles are possible both for the outer periphery and for the inner periphery of these flanges.
  • each of the flanges 20 and 40 is secured permanently and sealingly on a wall of the corresponding chamber E1, E2, through which extends the opening defined by the flange.
  • the door 10 is mounted on the flange 20 movably between a closed position, which is shown on the Figures 1 to 11 and wherein the door 10 seals the opening of the flange 20, and an open position, which is shown on the Figures 14 to 16 and wherein the door 10 is spaced from the flange 20 to access the enclosure E1 via the opening of the flange 20.
  • the door 10 occupies an intermediate position between the closed and open positions, which will be detailed later.
  • the sealing of the closure of the flange 20 by the door 10 when the latter is in the closed position is provided by any sealing means interposed between the door 10 and the flange 20, such as a seal 11, integral with the door 10 and visible, among others, on the Figures 10 and 11 .
  • the door 10 is movable between its closed and open positions by tilting about an axis YY which extends in a direction orthoradial to the axis ZZ.
  • the tilting connection between the door 10 and the flange 20 is formed by a hinge mechanism 12, which defines the tilting axis YY and whose two constituent parts, which are movable relative to one another, are respectively carried by the door 10 and the flange 20.
  • the door 10 comprises, at one and the same time, a discoidal main body 13, which is arranged across the opening of the flange 20 when the door is in the closed position and which is provided with the gasket 11, and an arm 14 of the link between its main body 13 and the flange 20, this arm 14 forming a part of the hinge mechanism 12, being hinged around the tilting axis YY, the rest of this hinge mechanism 12, integral with the flange 20.
  • the door 10 is also equipped with an operating handle 15, which is carried by its main body 13 diametrically opposite the arm 14.
  • This operating handle 15 includes a handle 16, intended to be entered by the user to facilitate the movement of the door 10 between its closed and open positions, and a support base 17 of the handle 16, which connects the latter to the main body 13 of the door.
  • the door 30 is, for its part, mounted on the flange 40 rotatably about the axis ZZ, between a closed position, which is represented on the Figures 1 to 3 and in which the door 30 is secured to the flange 40 and seals the opening of the flange 40, and an open position, which is shown on the Figures 5 to 16 and wherein the door 30 is disengaged from the flange 40 for access to the enclosure E2.
  • a closed position which is represented on the Figures 1 to 3 and in which the door 30 is secured to the flange 40 and seals the opening of the flange 40
  • an open position which is shown on the Figures 5 to 16 and wherein the door 30 is disengaged from the flange 40 for access to the enclosure E2.
  • the sealing of the closure of the flange 40 by the door 30 when the latter is in the closed position is achieved by any sealing means interposed between them, such as a seal 31, which is visible on the Figures 10 and 11 and which is fixedly supported by the flange 40.
  • this bayonet system includes, on the one hand, legs 41, which are visible on the figures 5 , 10 and 14 , which are projecting towards the axis ZZ from the inner periphery of the flange 40 and which are distributed along this inner periphery of the flange 40, and, on the other hand, grooves 32, which are visible on the figures 11 and 14 , which are hollowed towards the axis ZZ from the outer periphery of the discoidal main body of the door 30 and which are distributed along this outer periphery of the door 30, so that, by centering the door 30 and the flange 40 on the axis ZZ, each tab
  • connection device also comprises, at the same time, means 51 for the reversible attachment to each other of the flanges 20 and 40 and means 52 for reversibly attaching to each other the doors 10 and 30.
  • fastening means 51 and 52 are designed for, by means of a single rotary operation between the flanges 20 and 40, both to fix together these two flanges and to securely assemble to each other the doors 10 and 30, while passing the door 30 in the open position with respect to its flange 40, in other words while separating the door 30 from the flange 40.
  • the flanges 20 and 40 are fixedly attached to each other. other by the fastening means 51 and the doors 10 and 30 are fixedly attached to one another by the fixing means 52, while moving the door 30 from its closed position to its open position relative to the flange 40.
  • the fastening means 51 are made in the form of a bayonet system, the complementary constituent parts of which are carried by the flange 20 and the flange 40 respectively:
  • this bayonet system includes, on the one hand, tabs 42, which are visible on the figures 3 and 10 , which protrude away from the ZZ axis from the outer periphery of the flange 40 and which are distributed along this outer periphery of the flange 40, and, on the other hand, grooves 21, one of which is visible on the Figures 10 and 11 , which are hollowed in the opposite direction of the axis ZZ from the inner periphery of the flange 20 and which are distributed along this inner periphery of the flange 20, so that, by centering the flanges 20 and 40 on the ZZ axis and then relative displacement in rotation about this axis ZZ, each tab 42 is provided to be engaged axially between two successive grooves 21, as on the figure 3 , then be introduced orthoradi
  • the fastening means 52 are made in the form of a bayonet system, the complementary constituent parts of which are carried by the door 10 and the door 30 respectively: bayonet includes, on the one hand, tabs 33, one of which is visible to the figure 10 , which are projecting towards the axis ZZ from the inner periphery of a peripheral rim of the door 30 and which are distributed along this inner periphery of this edge of the door 30, and, on the other hand, grooves 18, which are shown in dotted lines on the figure 4 , which are hollowed towards the axis ZZ from the outer periphery of a peripheral rim of the door 10, received coaxially inside the aforementioned rim of the door 30, and which are distributed along the outer periphery of this rim of the gate 10, so that, by centering the doors 10 and 30 on the ZZ axis and then relative displacement in rotation about this axis, each lug 33 is engaged axially between two successive grooves 18 and is introduced
  • each of the grooves 18, 21 and 32 is at its peripheral end opposite that by which one of the corresponding tabs 33, 41, 42 is provided to be introduced, closed by any element fixed, against which abuts the aforementioned tab when the latter is introduced at most in the groove, in other words when the maximum rotary travel between the groove and the tab is performed.
  • the rotary assembly stroke by the fastening means 51, between the flanges 20 and 40, which is typically 30 ° to 60 ° and which is observable by comparison between the Figures 3 and 5 , corresponds to the accumulation of the rotary stroke between the doors 10 and 30 to assemble them to one another by the fixing means 52 and the rotational movement between the door 30 and the flange 40 to separate them from one of the other by neutralization of the fixing means 50.
  • connection device comprises a handle 70 for locking the door 10 in the closed position relative to the flange 20.
  • This locking handle 70 comprises a pseudo cylindrical body 71, which is centered on an axis Z70 substantially parallel to the ZZ axis.
  • the body 71 of the locking handle 70 is rotatably mounted about the axis Z70 on the flange 20, more precisely on the axial face thereof, opposite the side of the flange 20 on which the flange 40 is assembled.
  • the body 71 of the locking handle 70 is diametrically opposed, around the axis ZZ, to the hinge mechanism 12.
  • the body 71 of the locking handle 70 includes two portions 72 and 73 succeeding one another around the axis Z70: the portion 72 has a smaller radial dimension than the portion 73, so that, unlike the portion 72, the portion 73 protrudes, towards the axis ZZ, beyond the inner periphery of the flange 20.
  • the locking handle 70 is carried by the flange 20 rotatably about the axis Z70 between a position of immobilization of the door 10 in the closed position, which is represented on the Figures 1 to 11 and wherein the portion 73 of its body 71 mechanically opposes the movement of the door 10 from its closed position to its open position, forming a stop, in the direction of the axis ZZ, for the main body 13 of the door 10, specifically for the base 17 secured to this main body 13, and a release position of the door 10 from its closed position to its open position, which is shown on the Figures 12 to 16 and in which neither the portion 73 of its body 71, which has erased by rotation around the axis Z70, nor its portion 72 interferes with the door 10 to hold it in the closed position.
  • the locking handle 70 is designed to open the door 10 from its closed position to its open position.
  • the door 10 is provided with a running or sliding member 110, which, in the embodiment considered here, is carried by the base 17 and which is adapted for, when the door 10 is in position.
  • the portion 73 has an axial dimension smaller than the portion 72, the aforementioned axial face of the body 71 delimits, at the junction between the portions 72 and 73, a ramp surface 75 which is pointed on the figure 1 and which, when the locking handle 70 moves from its immobilization position to its release position, axially shifts the rolling or sliding member 110 away from the flange 20, thus causing the door 10 to move from its position closed, as shown on Figures 1 to 11 , at an open position, represented on the Figures 12 and 13 .
  • This provision proves useful for, inter alia, overcoming more easily the possible resistance to the opening of the door 10, due to the joints 11 and 31.
  • the locking handle 70 is designed to press the door 10 in its closed position when the locking handle is moved from its position. release position at its immobilization position.
  • the body 71 of the locking handle 70 defines, on its axial face facing the flange 20, a ramp surface 76, pointed at the figure 2 , which is dimensioned for, when the locking handle passes from its release position to its position of immobilization of the door 10, axially shift, in the direction of the flange 20, a corresponding rolling or sliding member, carried by the door 10, in this case, here, the part of the base 17, provided to interfere with the portion 73 of the body 71 of the locking handle 70 for the purpose of immobilizing the door 10 in the closed position.
  • This provision is useful for, among other things, more easily overcome the possible resistance to closing the door 10, due to the joints 11 and 31.
  • the connection device further comprises a mechanism 80 for locking the locking handle 70 in the immobilization position.
  • this locking mechanism 80 makes it possible to prevent the lock handle 70 from moving from its immobilization position when the enclosure E1 is not connected to the enclosure E2 by the connection device.
  • the locking mechanism 80 comprises a rod 81, which is visible on the figures 7 and 9 and which extends in length in a direction substantially orthoradial to the ZZ axis.
  • This rod 81 is mounted to move in translation along its longitudinal axis in a block 82, belonging to the mechanism 80 and fixedly supported by the flange 20, more precisely on the face of this flange turned to the opposite side of the latter on which the flange 40 is to be assembled to the flange 20.
  • the block 82 is secured to the flange 20 by any appropriate means, being noted that this block 82 is positioned on the flange 20, adjacent to the body 71 of the handle 70, as clearly visible on the figures 6 and 8 . Vis-à-vis the block 82, the rod 81 is movable in translation along its axis between an extended position, which is shown on the Figures 6 and 7 , and a retracted position, which is shown on the Figures 8 and 9 .
  • the rod occupies, in the direction of its axis, a position farther away from the body 71 of the locking handle 70 than that which it occupies in the extended position, so that its end 81 A is separated from this body 71, leaving empty the housing 71A: it is understood that the locking handle 70 can then be freely rotatable about its axis Z70, from its immobilization position to its release position of the door 10, while, as long as the rod 81 is in the deployed position, the cooperation between the end 81 A of the rod and the housing 71 A of the body 71 blocks any rotational movement of the handle 70.
  • the locking mechanism 80 comprises, on the one hand, a compression spring 83, which is interposed between the rod 81 and the flange 20, more precisely, in the embodiment considered, between the end 81 B of the rod 81, opposite its end 81 A, and the block 82. In the absence of force overcoming the spring deployment force 83, the latter acts on the rod 81 to maintain it in his deployed position.
  • the mechanism 80 comprises, on the other hand, a rod 84, which is visible on the figures 7 and 9 and which extends in length substantially parallel to the axis ZZ.
  • the rod 84 thus extends in the axial thickness of the flange 20, between one end 84A, turned towards the axial side of the flange 20 on which the flange 40 is connected to the flange 20, and an opposite end 84B which is designed to cooperate, in particular by sliding contact, with a dedicated area 81C of the rod 81, having a shape arranged accordingly, this dedicated area 81C being provided in the current portion of the rod 81 in the example shown in the figures.
  • the rod 84 is displaceable in translation in its longitudinal direction, in other words substantially parallel ZZ, between a first position, which is shown on the Figures 6 and 7 and wherein its end 84B does not interfere with the end 81 B of the rod 80 or interferes with this end 81 B but insufficiently to counteract the action of the spring 83, and a second position, which is shown on the Figures 8 and 9 and in which its end 84B acts by mechanical interference with the dedicated zone 81C of the rod 81 to move the rod 81 into its retracted position, counteracting the action of the spring 83.
  • the embodiment of the interfering cooperation between the ends 81 B and 84B rods 81 and 84 is not limiting.
  • the rod 81 is integrally provided with an actuator 85 for driving the rod 84 between the first and second aforementioned positions.
  • This actuator 85 is carried by the flange 20 movably substantially in translation parallel to the ZZ axis, between a rest position, which is shown on the Figures 6 and 7 and in which the actuator 85 fixes the rod 84 in its first aforementioned position, thus controlling the locking of the locking handle 70 by the rod 81 held in the extended position under the action of the spring 83, and an activation position, which is shown on Figures 8 and 9 and in which the actuator 85 presses the rod 84 in the direction of the ZZ axis to fix it in its second aforementioned position, thereby controlling the unlocking of the locking handle 70 with respect to the rod 81 passed in its position retracted under the action of the stem 84.
  • the locking mechanism 80 further comprises a compression spring 86, which is interposed between the actuator 85 and the flange 20, more precisely, between the rod 84 and the flange 20 or the block 82.
  • This spring is fixedly supported by the 20, inside an ad hoc bore of the latter, formed in the axial thickness thereof, as clearly visible on the figure 7 the spring 86 is thus, at one end, in fixed support against the flange, more precisely against the bottom of the aforesaid bore, and at its opposite end, in fixed support against the actuator 85, more precisely against a shoulder of the rod 84.
  • the spring 86 is integrated in the thickness of the flange 20 and is thus interposed between the actuator 85 and the permanent flange 20, in particular regardless of the position of the locking handle 70 it is understood that, in the absence of force applied to the actuator 85, which would be sufficient to counteract the deployment force of the spring 86, the latter acts on the actuator 85 so as to maintain the latter in its position of rest.
  • the action of the spring 86 must be counteracted by applying a sufficient force to the actuator 85, the spring 86 must then be further compressed: it is understood that by dimensioning the spring 86 accordingly, in particular by providing it with sufficient stiffness, the force required to move the actuator 85 from its rest position to its activation position, in other words to unlock the locking handle 70 with a view to to allow the user to move from its immobilization position to its release position, can be expected substantial, thus limiting the risk of accidental or malicious unlocking.
  • the actuator 85 is designed to be moved from its rest position to its activation position, counteracting the action of the spring 86, by the flange 40 during assembly of the flanges. 20 and 40 to each other. To do this, as shown on the figures 4 , 7 and 9 , the actuator 85 is provided with a surface 85A for mechanical cooperation with the flange 40.
  • This surface 85A is turned towards the axial side of the flange 20 on which the flange 40 is assembled to the flange 20, which is equivalent to that this surface 85A is turned axially away from the
  • this surface 85A is provided in the path of one of the tabs 42 of the flange 40 when the latter is moved in rotation about the axis ZZ inside one of the grooves 21 of the flange 20 for the purpose of assembling the flanges 20 and 40 to one another by the fastening means 51: more generally when the flanges 20 and 40 are assembled together, the flange 40 interferes with the surface 85A of the actuator 85, both by relying on this surface 85A in the direction of the ZZ axis and sliding against this surface 85A in a direction orthoradiale ZZ axis.
  • the actuator 85 is essentially in the form of a monolithic bar, which extends substantially in a circular arc centered on the axis ZZ, one of the two main faces delimits the cooperation surface 85A while its other main face is provided with at least one relief 85B designed to cooperate in complementary form with the flange 20 so as to guide the bar moving between the rest and activation positions.
  • connection device An example of use of the connection device described so far will be presented below for sealingly connecting the speakers E1 and E2.
  • the door 10 is considered in its closed position vis-à-vis the flange 20.
  • the door 30 is considered in its closed position vis-à-vis the flange 40.
  • the flanges 20 and 40 are first presented facing each other, substantially aligning their respective central axis, in other words making them coaxial centrally on the ZZ axis.
  • the two parts of the fixing means 51, respectively carried by the flanges 20 and 40 engage axially with each other and, on the other hand, the parts of the means 52, respectively carried by the doors 10 and 30, engage axially with each other: in the embodiment considered in the figures, that is to say that the tabs 42 of the flange 40 s' each engage, in the direction of the axis ZZ, between two successive grooves of the grooves 21 of the flange 20, and that the tabs 33 of the door 30 each engage, in the direction of the axis ZZ, between two successive grooves among the grooves 18 of the door 10.
  • connection device is as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 to 3 , 6 and 7 .
  • the flange 40 does not interfere with the actuator 85, so that, as explained above, the mechanism 80 blocks the locking handle 70 in its position of immobilizing the door 10 in position closed.
  • the flange 40 is then rotated about the axis ZZ, as indicated by the arrow F on the figures 3 and 6 , until passing the connection device in the assembly configuration that is mounted on the figures 5 and 8 to 11 .
  • the unlocking of the locking handle 70 is only performed at the end of the rotary stroke of the flange 40 with respect to the flange 20, typically in the second half of the aforementioned rotary stroke, or even in the third third of this rotary stroke: in this way, as the flange 40 has not reached its end of rotary stroke relative to the flange 20, the locking handle 70 remains locked in its position of immobilization of the door 10, by the locking mechanism 80.
  • this advantageous arrangement is implemented, providing that the actuator 85 is located in one of the grooves 21, being further from the end of this groove, through which is introduced the corresponding tab 42 of the flange 40, that its opposite end, in which abuts this tab when the connection device reaches its assembly configuration.
  • the user moves the locking handle 70 in rotation about the axis Z70, as indicated by the arrow G on the figure 8 , thus passing it from its position of immobilization of the door 10 in the closed position, to its position of release of this door 10, shown on the Figures 12 and 13 .
  • the rotation of the locking handle 70 induces the opening of the door 10 and therefore the door 30 which is secured to it, by rolling contact contact or sliding between the ramp surface 75 and the body 110 .
  • connection device comprises means for securing the assembly of the flanges 20 and 40, that is to say of secure the securing means 51, prohibiting disassembly of the flanges 20 and 40 when the door 10 is not in its closed position.
  • these securing means comprise two fingers 90 and 91, each designed to block the relative rotation between the flanges 20 and 40.
  • the finger 90 is more specifically visible on the fingers. figures 10 , 14 and 15 , while the finger 91 is more specifically visible on the figures 11 and 16 .
  • Each of the fingers 90 and 91 is carried by the flange 20 movably in translation parallel to the axis ZZ, between a retracted position, which is represented on the figure 10 for the finger 90 and on the figure 11 for the finger 91, in which the finger 90, 91 does not interfere with the fastening means 51, thus freely allowing the portions of these means, respectively carried by the flange 20 and the flange 40, to be engaged and withdrawn, and an unfolded position, which is shown on the figures 14 and 15 for the finger 90 and on the figure 16 for the finger 91, in which the finger 90, 91 is mechanically opposed to the relative rotation of the flanges 20 and 40, in particular whereas these flanges 20 and 40 are fixedly connected to one another by the means
  • each of these fingers 90 and 91 forms a stop at one of the tabs 42 of the flange 40 while this tab is disposed at the inside one of the grooves 21 of the flange 20.
  • Each of the fingers 90 and 91 is associated with a compression spring 92, 93, which is interposed between the corresponding finger and the flange 20.
  • the spring 92 acts on the finger 90 to maintain it in its deployed position while a force overcoming the action of the spring is not applied, antagonistically, on the finger 90.
  • the spring 93 acts on the finger 91 to recall it from its deployed position to its retracted position in the absence of antagonistic effort applied to the finger 91.
  • the fingers 90 and 91 are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the axis ZZ: the finger 90 is thus located in the peripheral portion of the flange 20, in which the door 10 is connected at the flange 20 by the hinge mechanism 12, while the finger 91 is located in the peripheral portion of the flange 20, in which the locking handle 70 is arranged on this flange.
  • the respective displacements of the fingers 90 and 91, from their deployed position to their retracted position, are independent of one another, that is to say that they are controlled by own arrangements of the connection device. More specifically, the finger 90 is designed to be moved from its deployed position to its retracted position by the door 10, counteracting the action of the spring 92, when the latter moves from its open position to its closed position, more precisely by the arm 14 of the hinge mechanism 12, linking the main body 13 of the door 10 to the flange 20. It is understood that when the connection device is in the assembly configuration of the figures 5 and 8 to 11 , the door 10 keeps the finger 90 in the retracted position by axial support of its arm 14 against this finger 90, counteracting the action of the spring 92. As soon as the door 10 has moved from its closed position to its open position, the axial support of its arm 14 on the finger 90 stops, moving the finger from its retracted position to its deployed position, under the action of the spring 92.
  • the finger 91 is, in turn, designed to be moved from its retracted position to its extended position by the locking handle 70, by compressing the return spring 93, when the latter moves from its immobilization position to its position of release of the door 10.
  • the body 71 of the handle 70 delimits, in hollow in its axial face facing the flange 20, a groove 77 which has a helical bottom centered on the axis Z70: the finger 91 emerges in the groove 77 until it bears against the bottom of the latter under the action of the spring 93, it being specified that the depth of this groove 77 is, at the axial plumb with the finger 91, progressively decreasing as as the locking handle 70 moves from its immobilization position to its release position of the door 10.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de connexion étanche entre deux enceintes.The present invention relates to a device for sealing connection between two enclosures.

Le terme enceinte désigne ici un récipient ou une chambre ou encore un local, équipé d'un moyen d'accès obturable de manière étanche. Ce récipient, cette chambre ou ce local définit un volume de préparation, de stockage et/ou de manipulation de produits ne devant pas être en contact avec l'extérieur ou avec un utilisateur. Il s'agit par exemple de produits dangereux comme certains produits biologiques, chimiques ou radioactifs. Une telle enceinte permet de réaliser certaines manipulations sur ces produits, sans que le manipulateur soit un contact direct avec les produits. La manipulation s'effectue par l'intermédiaire d'outils ou de gants, fixés sur l'enceinte. Les manipulations des produits sont ainsi réalisées en isolant l'intérieur de l'enceinte vis-à-vis de l'extérieur.The term "enclosure" here designates a container or a chamber or a room, equipped with an access means sealingly closed. This container, this room or room defines a volume of preparation, storage and / or manipulation of products not to be in contact with the outside or with a user. These are, for example, dangerous products such as certain biological, chemical or radioactive products. Such an enclosure makes it possible to perform certain manipulations on these products, without the manipulator being in direct contact with the products. Handling is carried out by means of tools or gloves, fixed on the enclosure. The manipulations of the products are thus achieved by isolating the interior of the enclosure vis-à-vis the outside.

Pour certaines manipulations, il convient de connecter de manière étanche deux enceintes l'une avec l'autre. Cette connexion s'effectue en préservant la stérilité d'au moins une des deux enceintes, sans contact direct avec l'extérieur. Une des enceintes à connecter peut, par exemple, être un récipient de collecte de déchets, de type conteneur.For some manipulations, it is necessary to connect two speakers tightly with each other. This connection is made by preserving the sterility of at least one of the two speakers, without direct contact with the outside. One of the speakers to be connected may, for example, be a container-type waste collection container.

Afin d'accéder à l'intérieur d'une enceinte de manipulation, celle-ci est munie d'une bride, qui délimite une ouverture traversante reliant l'intérieur et l'extérieur de l'enceinte et qui porte de manière mobile une porte de fermeture étanche de l'ouverture précitée. Cette porte est généralement manoeuvrable par l'utilisateur à partir de l'intérieur de l'enceinte. Il convient, lorsqu'on souhaite connecter deux enceintes, de même sorte ou de sortes différentes, d'assurer une liaison évitant toute pollution vis-à-vis de l'extérieur. Pour cela, il est connu de connecter les portes des deux enceintes de manière jointive, avec interposition d'un matelas d'air, minimal, entre les deux portes connectées.In order to access the interior of a handling enclosure, it is provided with a flange, which delimits a through opening connecting the inside and the outside of the enclosure and which carries a door movably sealing of the aforementioned opening. This door is generally maneuverable by the user from inside the enclosure. It is appropriate, when it is desired to connect two speakers of the same or different kinds, to ensure a connection avoiding any pollution vis-à-vis the outside. For this, it is known to connect the doors of two speakers contiguously, with interposition of a minimum air mattress between the two connected doors.

De la même façon, la stérilité d'une enceinte de manipulation doit également être préservée lorsqu'on connecte cette enceinte à un récipient de type conteneur à déchets, pour évacuer certains produits hors de l'enceinte de manipulation.In the same way, the sterility of a handling chamber must also be preserved when connecting the enclosure to a waste container type container, to evacuate certain products out of the handling chamber.

Par EP 2 091 051 , on connait un exemple d'un dispositif de connexion, qui est prévu pour assembler l'une à l'autre les brides respectives de deux enceintes à connecter, moyennant l'engagement des deux brides l'une avec l'autre et l'entrainement rotatif d'une des brides par rapport à l'autre : lors de cet assemblage, d'une part, les deux brides se lient fixement l'une à l'autre, typiquement par l'engagement d'un système à baïonnette, et, d'autre part, la porte d'une des deux enceintes se lient fixement à la porte de l'autre enceinte, typiquement par l'engagement d'un système à baïonnette, tout en se désolidarisant de sa bride associée, typiquement par le désengagement d'un système à baïonnette qui, jusqu'alors, retenait cette porte en position fermée sur cette bride. Pour sécuriser la connexion entre les deux enceintes, le dispositif connu comporte également une poignée de verrouillage de la porte de l'autre enceinte par rapport à sa bride correspondante : cette poignée doit être déplacée par l'utilisateur pour laisser cette porte libre d'être déplacée afin de l'ouvrir vis-à-vis de sa bride associée.By EP 2 091 051 , an example of a connection device is known, which is provided for assembling the respective flanges of two enclosures to be connected to one another by means of the engagement of the two flanges with each other and the rotary drive of one of the flanges relative to the other: during this assembly, on the one hand, the two flanges bind to one another, typically by the engagement of a bayonet system, and, on the other hand, the door of one of the two enclosures are fixedly attached to the door of the other enclosure, typically by the engagement of a bayonet system, while disengaging from its associated flange, typically by the disengagement of a bayonet system which, until then, held this door in the closed position on this flange. To secure the connection between the two speakers, the known device also comprises a handle for locking the door of the other enclosure with respect to its corresponding flange: this handle must be moved by the user to allow this door free to be moved in order to open it vis-à-vis its flange associated.

FR-A-2 981 386 , sur lequel est basé le préambule de la revendication 1 annexée, propose de renforcer la sécurité de ce genre de dispositif, en l'équipant d'un mécanisme de blocage de la poignée de verrouillage : ce mécanisme a pour finalité d'interdire, en l'absence de l'assemblage des deux brides l'une avec l'autre, de déplacer la poignée de verrouillage depuis sa position d'immobilisation de la porte correspondante. Ce mécanisme comprend deux tiges mobiles en translation parallèlement à l'axe de centrage des brides, à savoir une tige haute, portée par la poignée de verrouillage, et une tige basse, portée par la bride sur laquelle la poignée est montée mobile. En l'absence de l'assemblage de la bride précitée avec une autre bride, la tige basse occupe, par gravité, le fond d'un alésage de la bride précitée si bien que, lorsque la poignée de verrouillage occupe une position de fermeture de la porte correspondante, la tige haute est alignée avec la tige basse et bloque toute rotation de la poignée de verrouillage en s'étendant en travers du plan de joint entre la bride et la poignée, un ressort, interposé entre la tige haute et le corps de la poignée, agissant sur la tige haute vers le bas pour la maintenir contre l'extrémité haute de la tige basse. Lorsque les deux brides sont assemblées, l'extrémité inférieure de la tige basse interfère avec la bride assemblée à la bride précitée et remonte davantage dans l'alésage précité, en repoussant la tige haute vers le haut : le plan de joint entre les deux tiges se trouve alors confondu avec le plan de joint entre la bride précitée et la poignée de verrouillage, de sorte que cette dernière est libre d'être déplacée en vue d'ouvrir la porte correspondante. FR-A-2 981 386 , on which the preamble of the appended claim 1 is based, proposes to reinforce the safety of this kind of device, by equipping it with a locking mechanism of the locking handle: this mechanism is intended to prohibit, in the absence of the assembly of the two flanges with each other, to move the locking handle from its position of immobilization of the corresponding door. This mechanism comprises two rods movable in translation parallel to the centering axis of the flanges, namely a high stem, carried by the locking handle, and a low stem, carried by the flange on which the handle is mounted movably. In the absence of the assembly of the aforementioned flange with another flange, the lower rod occupies, by gravity, the bottom of a bore of the aforementioned flange so that, when the locking handle is in a closed position of the corresponding door, the upper rod is aligned with the lower rod and blocks any rotation of the locking handle extending across the joint plane between the flange and the handle, a spring, interposed between the upper stem and the body of the handle, acting on the upper stem downwards to hold it against the upper end of the lower stem. When the two flanges are assembled, the lower end of the lower rod interferes with the flange assembled to the aforementioned flange and rises further in the aforesaid bore, pushing the upper rod upwards: the joint plane between the two rods is then merged with the joint plane between the aforementioned flange and the locking handle, so that the latter is free to be moved to open the corresponding door.

Le mécanisme de blocage de FR-A-2 981 386 présente des inconvénients. D'une part, du fait que la tige basse est en libre translation dans l'alésage précité de la bride, il est impératif, pour que ce mécanisme de blocage soit efficient, que l'axe central de la bride soit orienté à la verticale ou à peu près à la verticale, faute de quoi la tige basse n'est pas en mesure de retomber, par gravité, dans le fond de l'alésage précité. En particulier, on comprend qu'il est impossible d'utiliser efficacement le mécanisme de blocage avec l'axe de la bride à l'horizontale. D'autre part, la raideur du ressort, interposé entre la tige haute et le corps de la poignée de verrouillage, est nécessairement limitée car, dès que la poignée quitte sa position de fermeture de la porte correspondante en vue d'ouvrir cette dernière, ce ressort presse la tige haute contre la face supérieure de la bride précitée : on comprend qu'une raideur trop importante de ce ressort gênera, voire empêchera la mise en rotation de la poignée 36, du fait du frottement de l'extrémité inférieure de la tige haute contre la face supérieure de la bride précitée. Comme la raideur du ressort précité est faible, le risque de neutralisation, accidentelle ou malveillante, du mécanisme de blocage de FR-A-2 981 386 est réel.The blocking mechanism of FR-A-2 981 386 has disadvantages. On the one hand, because the lower rod is in free translation in the aforementioned bore of the flange, it is imperative, for this locking mechanism to be efficient, that the central axis of the flange is oriented vertically. or approximately vertically, otherwise the lower rod is not able to fall, by gravity, into the bottom of the aforementioned bore. In particular, it is understood that it is impossible to effectively use the locking mechanism with the axis of the flange horizontally. On the other hand, the stiffness of the spring, interposed between the upper rod and the body of the locking handle, is necessarily limited because, as soon as the handle leaves its closed position of the corresponding door to open the latter, this spring presses the upper rod against the upper face of the aforementioned flange: it is understood that excessive stiffness of this spring will hinder or even prevent the rotation of the handle 36, because of the friction of the lower end of the upper stem against the upper face of the aforementioned flange. Like stiffness the aforementioned spring is weak, the risk of neutralization, accidental or malicious, of the locking mechanism of FR-A-2 981 386 is real.

Le but de la présente invention est de proposer un dispositif de connexion du type évoqué ci-dessus, qui soit amélioré en renforçant la sécurité, tout en étant simple à fabriquer et aisé à manoeuvrer.The object of the present invention is to provide a connection device of the type mentioned above, which is improved by strengthening the security, while being simple to manufacture and easy to maneuver.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif de connexion étanche entre deux enceintes, tel que défini à la revendication 1.For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for sealing connection between two enclosures, as defined in claim 1.

Une des idées à la base de l'invention est de chercher à bloquer tout mouvement de la poignée de verrouillage de la première porte tant que la première bride n'est pas assemblée avec la seconde bride. Pour ce faire, l'invention prévoit que, lors de l'assemblage des deux brides l'une avec l'autre, c'est-à-dire lors du centrage de ces brides sur un axe commun puis de leur déplacement relatif en rotation autour de cet axe commun jusqu'à, à la fois, lier fixement l'une à l'autre les deux brides, lier fixement les deux portes l'une à l'autre et désolidariser la seconde porte de la seconde bride, la seconde bride agit mécaniquement sur un actionneur spécifique, qui appartient à un mécanisme ad hoc porté par la première bride et qui commande le blocage en position de la poignée de verrouillage. De cette façon, en l'absence de la seconde bride ou en cas d'assemblage incomplet ou incorrect entre les deux brides, l'entrainement de la poignée de verrouillage par l'utilisateur est empêché mécaniquement. Le blocage réalisé par le mécanisme conforme à l'invention peut être prévu particulièrement fort, dans le sens où l'organe élastique, qui est interposé fixement, et donc à demeure, entre la première bride et l'actionneur et qui maintient cet actionneur dans une position bloquant la poignée de verrouillage, est avantageusement prévu raide, voire très raide : cela limite substantiellement le risque de neutralisation, accidentelle ou malveillante, de l'action de blocage par le mécanisme précité, puisqu'une telle neutralisation nécessiterait d'appliquer sur l'actionneur un effort suffisamment fort pour vaincre la résistance de cet organe élastique. Dans le même temps, lorsque c'est la seconde bride qui est appliquée sur l'actionneur pour le déplacer lors de l'assemblage correct entre les deux brides, le couple appliqué par l'utilisateur à la seconde bride pour l'assembler à la première bride permet de développer, sans difficulté pour l'utilisateur, un effort suffisant sur l'actionneur pour contrecarrer l'action de cet organe élastique, en comprimant ce dernier entre l'actionneur et la première bride. Autrement dit, l'assemblage rotatif entre les deux brides autour de leur axe commun, pour commander à la fois la fixation de ces deux brides l'une à l'autre, la fixation des deux portes l'une à l'autre et la désolidarisation entre la seconde porte et la seconde bride, typiquement par la mise en oeuvre de systèmes à baïonnette, est mis à profit pour commander mécaniquement le mécanisme de blocage conforme à l'invention, plus précisément commander le déplacement de l'actionneur de ce mécanisme en translation parallèlement à l'axe commun, en s'opposant à l'action de l'organe élastique, aux fins du déblocage de la poignée de verrouillage. En interdisant de pouvoir déplacer la poignée de verrouillage pour ouvrir la première porte tant que la première enceinte n'est pas convenablement connectée à la seconde enceinte, le dispositif de connexion conforme à l'invention présente une sécurité renforcée, sans induire pour l'utilisateur de manipulations spécifiques au déblocage de la poignée de verrouillage, autres que l'assemblage des deux brides l'une à l'autre.One of the basic ideas of the invention is to seek to block any movement of the locking handle of the first door as the first flange is not assembled with the second flange. To do this, the invention provides that, during the assembly of the two flanges with each other, that is to say during the centering of these flanges on a common axis and then their relative displacement in rotation around this common axis to both bind the two flanges together, bind the two doors to one another and separate the second door from the second flange, the second flange acts mechanically on a specific actuator, which belongs to an ad hoc mechanism carried by the first flange and which controls the locking in position of the locking handle. In this way, in the absence of the second flange or in case of incomplete or incorrect assembly between the two flanges, the drive of the locking handle by the user is mechanically prevented. The blocking produced by the mechanism according to the invention can be provided particularly strong, in the sense that the elastic member, which is interposed fixedly, and therefore permanently, between the first flange and the actuator and which maintains this actuator in a position blocking the locking handle, is advantageously provided steep, or very stiff: this substantially limits the risk of neutralization, accidental or malicious, the blocking action by the aforementioned mechanism, since such neutralization would require to apply on the actuator a force strong enough to overcome the resistance of this elastic member. At the same time, when the second flange is applied to the actuator to move it during correct assembly between the two flanges, the torque applied by the user to the second flange to assemble it to the first flange can develop, without difficulty for the user, a sufficient force on the actuator to counteract the action of this elastic member, compressing the latter between the actuator and the first flange. In other words, the rotary assembly between the two flanges around their common axis, to control both the attachment of these two flanges to one another, the attachment of the two doors to one another and the separation between the second door and the second flange, typically by the implementation of bayonet systems, is used to mechanically control the locking mechanism according to the invention, more precisely to control the displacement of the actuator of this mechanism in translation parallel to the common axis, by opposing the action of the elastic member, for the purpose of unlocking the locking handle. By prohibiting the ability to move the locking handle to open the first door until the first speaker is properly connected to the second speaker, the connection device according to the invention has enhanced security without inducing for the user specific manipulations to release the locking handle, other than the assembly of the two flanges to one another.

Des caractéristiques additionnelles avantageuses du dispositif de connexion conforme à l'invention sont spécifiées aux revendications dépendantes :

  • L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins sur lesquels :
    • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de connexion conforme à l'invention, montré dans une configuration non assemblée des deux brides de ce dispositif ;
    • les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues en élévation respectivement selon les flèches II et III de la figure 1 ;
    • la figure 4 est une vue similaire à la figure 3, montrant uniquement l'une des deux brides et la porte associée à cette bride ;
    • la figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 3, montrant le dispositif dans une configuration assemblée des deux brides, les portes associées à ces brides étant fermées ;
    • la figure 6 est une vue en élévation selon la flèche VI de la figure 1 ;
    • la figure 7 est une coupe selon la ligne VII-VII de la figure 6 ;
    • la figure 8 est une vue analogue à la figure 6, montrant le dispositif de connexion dans la configuration assemblée de ses deux brides ;
    • les figures 9 à 11 sont des coupes respectivement selon les lignes IX-IX, X-X et XI-XI de la figure 8 ;
    • la figure 12 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, montrant le dispositif de connexion dans la configuration assemblée de ses deux brides, ses portes ayant quitté leur position fermée ;
    • la figure 13 est une vue en élévation sur la flèche XIII-XIII de la figure 12 ;
    • la figure 14 est une vue similaire aux figures 1 et 12, montrant le dispositif de connexion dans la configuration assemblée de ses deux brides, ses deux portes étant ouvertes ; et
    • les figures 15 et 16 sont des vues respectivement similaires aux figures 10 et 11, avec le dispositif de connexion dans son état de la figure 14.
Additional advantageous features of the connection device according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims:
  • The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:
    • the figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection device according to the invention, shown in an unassembled configuration of the two flanges of this device;
    • the figures 2 and 3 are elevations respectively according to arrows II and III of the figure 1 ;
    • the figure 4 is a view similar to the figure 3 , showing only one of the two flanges and the door associated with this flange;
    • the figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 3 showing the device in an assembled configuration of the two flanges, the doors associated with these flanges being closed;
    • the figure 6 is an elevation view along arrow VI of the figure 1 ;
    • the figure 7 is a section along line VII-VII of the figure 6 ;
    • the figure 8 is a view similar to the figure 6 showing the connection device in the assembled configuration of its two flanges;
    • the Figures 9 to 11 are respectively along the lines IX-IX, XX and XI-XI of the figure 8 ;
    • the figure 12 is a view similar to the figure 1 , showing the connection device in the assembled configuration of its two flanges, its doors having left their closed position;
    • the figure 13 is an elevation view on the XIII-XIII arrow of the figure 12 ;
    • the figure 14 is a view similar to figures 1 and 12 , showing the connection device in the assembled configuration of its two flanges, its two doors being open; and
    • the Figures 15 and 16 are respectively similar views to Figures 10 and 11 , with the connection device in its state of the figure 14 .

Sur les figures 1 à 16 est représenté un dispositif de connexion étanche entre deux enceintes. Comme indiqué dans la partie introductive du présent document, la forme de réalisation de chacune des deux enceintes précitées n'est pas limitative : chacune de ces enceintes peut ainsi être un conteneur, un local, une chambre, etc. Aussi, sur les figures, ces deux enceintes ne sont pas représentées, sauf sur les figures 10, 11, 15 et 16 sur lesquelles les enceintes sont indiquées en pointillés de manière partielle et schématique, sous les références respectives E1 et E2.On the Figures 1 to 16 is shown a sealed connection device between two speakers. As indicated in the introductory part of this document, the embodiment of each of the two aforementioned speakers is not limiting: each of these speakers can thus be a container, a room, a room, etc. Also, in the figures, these two speakers are not represented, except on the Figures 10, 11 , 15 and 16 on which the speakers are indicated in dotted lines in a partial and schematic manner, under the respective references E1 and E2.

Le dispositif de connexion comporte une porte 10 et une bride 20, associées à l'enceinte E1, ainsi qu'une porte 30 et une bride 40 associées à l'enceinte E2. Chaque bride 20, 40 délimite une ouverture traversante, qui présente un contour fermé et qui relie l'un à l'autre l'intérieur et l'extérieur de l'enceinte correspondante E1, E2. Chaque bride 20, 40 définit ainsi un axe central, sur lequel est centré l'ouverture correspondante, les axes respectifs des deux brides 20 et 40 étant sensiblement alignés lorsque les brides 20 et 40 sont assemblées l'une à l'autre pour connecter entre elles les enceintes, en formant ainsi un axe géométrique commun, qui est référencé Z-Z sur les figures.The connection device comprises a door 10 and a flange 20, associated with the enclosure E1, and a door 30 and a flange 40 associated with the enclosure E2. Each flange 20, 40 defines a through opening, which has a closed contour and which connects to one another inside and outside the corresponding enclosure E1, E2. Each flange 20, 40 thus defines a central axis, on which is centered the corresponding opening, the respective axes of the two flanges 20 and 40 being substantially aligned when the flanges 20 and 40 are assembled to each other to connect between they pregnant, thereby forming a common geometric axis, which is referenced ZZ in the figures.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré sur les figures, chacune des brides 20 et 40 présente une forme globale annulaire, centrée sur l'axe Z-Z et à base circulaire, étant remarqué que, à titre de variantes non représentées, d'autres profils géométriques sont envisageables tant pour la périphérie extérieure que pour la périphérie intérieure de ces brides.In the exemplary embodiment considered in the figures, each of the flanges 20 and 40 has an annular overall shape, centered on the ZZ axis and with a circular base, being noted that, by way of non-represented variants, other geometric profiles are possible both for the outer periphery and for the inner periphery of these flanges.

De manière connue en soi et non détaillée ici, chacune des brides 20 et 40 est solidarisée à demeure et de manière étanche sur une paroi de l'enceinte correspondante E1, E2, à travers laquelle s'étend l'ouverture délimitée par la bride.In a manner known per se and not detailed here, each of the flanges 20 and 40 is secured permanently and sealingly on a wall of the corresponding chamber E1, E2, through which extends the opening defined by the flange.

La porte 10 est montée sur la bride 20 de manière mobile entre une position fermée, qui est montrée sur les figures 1 à 11 et dans laquelle la porte 10 obture de manière étanche l'ouverture de la bride 20, et une position ouverte, qui est montrée sur les figures 14 à 16 et dans laquelle la porte 10 est écartée de la bride 20 pour accéder à l'enceinte E1 via l'ouverture de la bride 20. Sur les figures 12 et 13, la porte 10 occupe une position intermédiaire entre les positions fermé et ouverte, qui sera détaillée plus loin.The door 10 is mounted on the flange 20 movably between a closed position, which is shown on the Figures 1 to 11 and wherein the door 10 seals the opening of the flange 20, and an open position, which is shown on the Figures 14 to 16 and wherein the door 10 is spaced from the flange 20 to access the enclosure E1 via the opening of the flange 20. On the Figures 12 and 13 , the door 10 occupies an intermediate position between the closed and open positions, which will be detailed later.

De manière connue en soi et non détaillée ici, l'étanchéité de l'obturation de la bride 20 par la porte 10 lorsque cette dernière est en position fermée est assurée par tout moyen d'étanchéité interposé entre la porte 10 et la bride 20, tel qu'un joint 11, solidaire de la porte 10 et visible, entre autres, sur les figures 10 et 11.In a manner known per se and not detailed here, the sealing of the closure of the flange 20 by the door 10 when the latter is in the closed position is provided by any sealing means interposed between the door 10 and the flange 20, such as a seal 11, integral with the door 10 and visible, among others, on the Figures 10 and 11 .

Dans l'exemple de réalisation considérée sur les figures, la porte 10 est déplaçable entre ses positions fermée et ouverte par basculement autour d'un axe Y-Y qui s'étend dans une direction orthoradiale à l'axe Z-Z. En pratique, la liaison basculante entre la porte 10 et la bride 20 est réalisée par un mécanisme à charnière 12, qui définit l'axe de basculement Y-Y et dont les deux parties constitutives, mobiles l'une par rapport à l'autre, sont respectivement portées par la porte 10 et par la bride 20. Ainsi, comme bien visible sur les figures 1, 10, 14 et 15, la porte 10 comprend, à la fois, un corps principal 13 discoïdal, qui est agencé en travers de l'ouverture de la bride 20 lorsque la porte est en position fermée et qui est pourvu du joint d'étanchéité 11, et un bras 14 de liaison entre son corps principal 13 et la bride 20, ce bras 14 formant une partie du mécanisme à charnière 12, en étant articulé, autour de l'axe de basculement Y-Y, au reste de ce mécanisme à charnière 12, solidaire de la bride 20.In the exemplary embodiment considered in the figures, the door 10 is movable between its closed and open positions by tilting about an axis YY which extends in a direction orthoradial to the axis ZZ. In practice, the tilting connection between the door 10 and the flange 20 is formed by a hinge mechanism 12, which defines the tilting axis YY and whose two constituent parts, which are movable relative to one another, are respectively carried by the door 10 and the flange 20. Thus, as clearly visible on the figures 1 , 10 , 14 and 15 the door 10 comprises, at one and the same time, a discoidal main body 13, which is arranged across the opening of the flange 20 when the door is in the closed position and which is provided with the gasket 11, and an arm 14 of the link between its main body 13 and the flange 20, this arm 14 forming a part of the hinge mechanism 12, being hinged around the tilting axis YY, the rest of this hinge mechanism 12, integral with the flange 20.

La porte 10 est également équipée d'une poignée de manoeuvre 15, qui est portée par son corps principal 13 de manière diamétralement opposée au bras 14. Cette poignée de manoeuvre 15 inclut un manche de préhension 16, destiné à être saisi par l'utilisateur pour faciliter le déplacement de la porte 10 entre ses positions fermée et ouverte, ainsi qu'une embase 17 de support du manche de préhension 16, qui relie fixement ce dernier au corps principal 13 de la porte.The door 10 is also equipped with an operating handle 15, which is carried by its main body 13 diametrically opposite the arm 14. This operating handle 15 includes a handle 16, intended to be entered by the user to facilitate the movement of the door 10 between its closed and open positions, and a support base 17 of the handle 16, which connects the latter to the main body 13 of the door.

La porte 30 est, quant à elle, montée sur la bride 40 de manière rotative autour de l'axe Z-Z, entre une position fermée, qui est représentée sur les figures 1 à 3 et dans laquelle la porte 30 est solidarisée à la bride 40 et obture de manière étanche l'ouverture de la bride 40, et une position ouverte, qui est représentée sur les figures 5 à 16 et dans laquelle la porte 30 est désolidarisée de la bride 40 en vue d'accéder à l'enceinte E2. En pratique, l'étanchéité de l'obturation de la bride 40 par la porte 30 lorsque cette dernière est en position fermée est réalisée par tout moyen d'étanchéité interposé entre elles, tel qu'un joint 31, qui est visible sur les figures 10 et 11 et qui est porté fixement par la bride 40.The door 30 is, for its part, mounted on the flange 40 rotatably about the axis ZZ, between a closed position, which is represented on the Figures 1 to 3 and in which the door 30 is secured to the flange 40 and seals the opening of the flange 40, and an open position, which is shown on the Figures 5 to 16 and wherein the door 30 is disengaged from the flange 40 for access to the enclosure E2. In practice, the sealing of the closure of the flange 40 by the door 30 when the latter is in the closed position is achieved by any sealing means interposed between them, such as a seal 31, which is visible on the Figures 10 and 11 and which is fixedly supported by the flange 40.

La liaison rotative entre la porte 30 et 40, permettant, de manière réversible, leur fixation lorsque la porte 30 est fermée et leur désolidarisation pour ouvrir la porte 30, est réalisée par des moyens de fixation ad hoc 50 qui, dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré ici, sont constitués par un système de fixation à baïonnette, dont les parties constitutives complémentaires sont respectivement portées par la porte 30 et la bride 40 : ainsi, à titre d'exemple, ce système à baïonnette inclut, d'une part, des pattes 41, qui sont visibles sur les figures 5, 10 et 14, qui sont saillantes vers l'axe Z-Z depuis la périphérie intérieure de la bride 40 et qui sont réparties suivant cette périphérie intérieure de la bride 40, et, d'autre part, des rainures 32, qui sont visibles sur les figures 11 et 14, qui sont creusées vers l'axe Z-Z depuis la périphérie extérieure du corps principal discoïdal de la porte 30 et qui sont réparties suivant cette périphérie extérieure de la porte 30, de sorte que, par centrage de la porte 30 et de la bride 40 sur l'axe Z-Z, chaque patte 41 est prévue pour être engagée de manière axiale entre deux des rainures 32 successives, comme sur la figure 5, puis, par déplacement relatif en rotation autour de l'axe Z-Z entre la porte et la bride, chaque patte 41 est prévue pour être introduite de manière orthoradiale dans une des rainures 32, comme sur la figure 3. Des spécifications plus précises d'un exemple, non limitatif, de ce système à baïonnette sont données dans EP 2 091 051 auquel le lecteur pourra se reporter.The rotary connection between the door 30 and 40, reversibly allowing their attachment when the door 30 is closed and their separation to open the door 30, is achieved by ad hoc fixing means 50 which, in the example of embodiment considered here, are constituted by a bayonet fastening system, the complementary constituent parts are respectively carried by the door 30 and the flange 40: thus, by way of example, this bayonet system includes, on the one hand, legs 41, which are visible on the figures 5 , 10 and 14 , which are projecting towards the axis ZZ from the inner periphery of the flange 40 and which are distributed along this inner periphery of the flange 40, and, on the other hand, grooves 32, which are visible on the figures 11 and 14 , which are hollowed towards the axis ZZ from the outer periphery of the discoidal main body of the door 30 and which are distributed along this outer periphery of the door 30, so that, by centering the door 30 and the flange 40 on the axis ZZ, each tab 41 is provided to be axially engaged between two successive grooves 32, as on the figure 5 then, by relative displacement in rotation about the ZZ axis between the door and the flange, each tab 41 is provided to be introduced orthoradially into one of the grooves 32, as on the figure 3 . More precise specifications of a non-limiting example of this bayonet system are given in EP 2 091 051 to which the reader can refer.

De manière connue en soi, le dispositif de connexion comporte également, à la fois, des moyens 51 de fixation réversible l'une à l'autre des brides 20 et 40 et des moyens 52 de fixation réversible l'une à l'autre des portes 10 et 30. Ces moyens de fixation 51 et 52 sont conçus pour, par le biais d'une même manoeuvre rotative entre les brides 20 et 40, à la fois assembler fixement l'une à l'autre ces deux brides et assembler fixement l'une à l'autre les portes 10 et 30, tout en passant la porte 30 en position ouverte vis à vis de sa bride 40, autrement dit tout en désolidarisant la porte 30 de la bride 40. Plus précisément, lors d'un assemblage l'une à l'autre des brides 20 et 40, par centrage de ces brides sur l'axe Z-Z puis par déplacement relatif en rotation autour de cet axe Z-Z, les brides 20 et 40 se retrouvent liées fixement l'un à l'autre par les moyens de fixation 51 et les portes 10 et 30 se retrouvent liées fixement l'une à l'autre par les moyens de fixation 52, tout en déplaçant la porte 30 de sa position fermée à sa position ouverte par rapport à la bride 40.In a manner known per se, the connection device also comprises, at the same time, means 51 for the reversible attachment to each other of the flanges 20 and 40 and means 52 for reversibly attaching to each other the doors 10 and 30. These fastening means 51 and 52 are designed for, by means of a single rotary operation between the flanges 20 and 40, both to fix together these two flanges and to securely assemble to each other the doors 10 and 30, while passing the door 30 in the open position with respect to its flange 40, in other words while separating the door 30 from the flange 40. More specifically, during a assembly to one another of the flanges 20 and 40, by centering these flanges on the ZZ axis and then by relative displacement in rotation about this axis ZZ, the flanges 20 and 40 are fixedly attached to each other. other by the fastening means 51 and the doors 10 and 30 are fixedly attached to one another by the fixing means 52, while moving the door 30 from its closed position to its open position relative to the flange 40.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation considérée sur les figures, les moyens de fixation 51 sont réalisés sous forme d'un système à baïonnette, dont les parties constitutives complémentaires sont respectivement portées par la bride 20 et la bride 40 : ce système à baïonnette inclut, d'une part, des pattes 42, qui sont visibles sur les figures 3 et 10, qui sont saillantes à l'opposé de l'axe Z-Z depuis la périphérie extérieure de la bride 40 et qui sont réparties suivant cette périphérie extérieure de la bride 40, et, d'autre part, des rainures 21, dont une est visible sur les figures 10 et 11, qui sont creusées en direction opposée de l'axe Z-Z depuis la périphérie intérieure de la bride 20 et qui sont réparties suivant cette périphérie intérieure de la bride 20, de sorte que, par centrage des brides 20 et 40 sur l'axe Z-Z puis par déplacement relatif en rotation autour de cet axe Z-Z, chaque patte 42 est prévue pour être engagée de manière axiale entre deux rainures 21 successives, comme sur la figure 3, puis être introduite de manière orthoradiale dans une de ces rainures 21, comme sur la figure 5. Des spécifications plus précises d'un exemple, non limitatif, de ce système à baïonnette sont données dans EP 2 091 051 auquel le lecteur pourra se reporter.In the exemplary embodiment considered in the figures, the fastening means 51 are made in the form of a bayonet system, the complementary constituent parts of which are carried by the flange 20 and the flange 40 respectively: this bayonet system includes, on the one hand, tabs 42, which are visible on the figures 3 and 10 , which protrude away from the ZZ axis from the outer periphery of the flange 40 and which are distributed along this outer periphery of the flange 40, and, on the other hand, grooves 21, one of which is visible on the Figures 10 and 11 , which are hollowed in the opposite direction of the axis ZZ from the inner periphery of the flange 20 and which are distributed along this inner periphery of the flange 20, so that, by centering the flanges 20 and 40 on the ZZ axis and then relative displacement in rotation about this axis ZZ, each tab 42 is provided to be engaged axially between two successive grooves 21, as on the figure 3 , then be introduced orthoradially into one of these grooves 21, as on the figure 5 . More precise specifications of an example, non-limiting, of this bayonet system are given in EP 2 091 051 to which the reader can refer.

De même, dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré sur les figures, les moyens de fixation 52 sont réalisés sous forme d'un système à baïonnette, dont les parties constitutives complémentaires sont respectivement portées par la porte 10 et la porte 30 : ce système à baïonnette inclut, d'une part, des pattes 33, dont une est visible à la figure 10, qui sont saillantes vers l'axe Z-Z depuis la périphérie intérieure d'un rebord périphérique de la porte 30 et qui sont réparties suivant cette périphérie intérieure de ce rebord de la porte 30, et, d'autre part, des rainures 18, qui sont indiquées en pointillés sur la figure 4, qui sont creusées vers l'axe Z-Z depuis la périphérie extérieure d'un rebord périphérique de la porte 10, reçu coaxialement à l'intérieur du rebord précité de la porte 30, et qui sont reparties suivant la périphérie extérieure de ce rebord de la porte 10, de sorte que, par centrage des portes 10 et 30 sur l'axe Z-Z puis par déplacement relatif en rotation autour de cet axe, chaque patte 33 est engagée de manière axiale entre deux des rainures 18 successives puis est introduite de manière orthoradiale dans une de ces rainures 18. Des spécifications plus précises d'un exemple, non limitatif, de ce système à baïonnette sont données dans EP 2 091 051 auquel le lecteur pourra se reporter.Similarly, in the exemplary embodiment considered in the figures, the fastening means 52 are made in the form of a bayonet system, the complementary constituent parts of which are carried by the door 10 and the door 30 respectively: bayonet includes, on the one hand, tabs 33, one of which is visible to the figure 10 , which are projecting towards the axis ZZ from the inner periphery of a peripheral rim of the door 30 and which are distributed along this inner periphery of this edge of the door 30, and, on the other hand, grooves 18, which are shown in dotted lines on the figure 4 , which are hollowed towards the axis ZZ from the outer periphery of a peripheral rim of the door 10, received coaxially inside the aforementioned rim of the door 30, and which are distributed along the outer periphery of this rim of the gate 10, so that, by centering the doors 10 and 30 on the ZZ axis and then relative displacement in rotation about this axis, each lug 33 is engaged axially between two successive grooves 18 and is introduced orthoradially in one of these grooves 18. More precise specifications of a non-limiting example of this bayonet system are given in EP 2 091 051 to which the reader can refer.

Bien entendu, de manière classique pour tout système à baïonnette, chacune des rainures 18, 21 et 32 est, à son extrémité périphérique opposée à celle par laquelle une des pattes correspondantes 33, 41, 42 est prévue pour être introduite, fermée par tout élément fixe approprié, contre lequel vient buter la patte précitée lorsque cette dernière est introduite au maximum dans la rainure, autrement dit lorsque la course rotative maximale entre la rainure et la patte est réalisée. Plus généralement, on comprend que la course rotative d'assemblage, par les moyens de fixation 51, entre les brides 20 et 40, qui vaut typiquement 30° à 60° et qui est observable par comparaison entre les figures 3 et 5, correspond au cumul de la course rotative entre les portes 10 et 30 pour les assembler l'une à l'autre par les moyens de fixation 52 et de la course rotative entre la porte 30 et la bride 40 pour les désolidariser l'une de l'autre par neutralisation des moyens de fixation 50.Of course, conventionally for any bayonet system, each of the grooves 18, 21 and 32 is at its peripheral end opposite that by which one of the corresponding tabs 33, 41, 42 is provided to be introduced, closed by any element fixed, against which abuts the aforementioned tab when the latter is introduced at most in the groove, in other words when the maximum rotary travel between the groove and the tab is performed. More generally, it is understood that the rotary assembly stroke, by the fastening means 51, between the flanges 20 and 40, which is typically 30 ° to 60 ° and which is observable by comparison between the Figures 3 and 5 , corresponds to the accumulation of the rotary stroke between the doors 10 and 30 to assemble them to one another by the fixing means 52 and the rotational movement between the door 30 and the flange 40 to separate them from one of the other by neutralization of the fixing means 50.

Par ailleurs, le dispositif de connexion comporte une poignée 70 de verrouillage de la porte 10 en position fermée par rapport à la bride 20. Cette poignée de verrouillage 70 comporte un corps pseudo cylindrique 71, qui est centré sur un axe Z70 sensiblement parallèle à l'axe Z-Z. Le corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70 est monté à rotation autour de l'axe Z70 sur la bride 20, plus précisément sur la face axiale de cette dernière, opposée au côté de la bride 20 sur lequel est assemblée la bride 40. Avantageusement, le corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70 est diamétralement opposé, autour de l'axe Z-Z, au mécanisme à charnière 12.Furthermore, the connection device comprises a handle 70 for locking the door 10 in the closed position relative to the flange 20. This locking handle 70 comprises a pseudo cylindrical body 71, which is centered on an axis Z70 substantially parallel to the ZZ axis. The body 71 of the locking handle 70 is rotatably mounted about the axis Z70 on the flange 20, more precisely on the axial face thereof, opposite the side of the flange 20 on which the flange 40 is assembled. Advantageously , the body 71 of the locking handle 70 is diametrically opposed, around the axis ZZ, to the hinge mechanism 12.

Comme bien visible sur les figures 1 et 6, le corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70 inclut deux portions 72 et 73 se succédant autour de l'axe Z70 : la portion 72 présente une dimension radiale plus petite que celle de la portion 73, de sorte que, à la différence de la portion 72, la portion 73 déborde, vers l'axe Z-Z, au-delà de la périphérie intérieure de la bride 20. De cette façon, la poignée de verrouillage 70 est portée par la bride 20 de manière rotative autour de l'axe Z70 entre une position d'immobilisation de la porte 10 en position fermée, qui est représentée sur les figures 1 à 11 et dans laquelle la portion 73 de son corps 71 s'oppose mécaniquement au déplacement de la porte 10 depuis sa position fermée vers sa position ouverte, en formant une butée, dans la direction de l'axe Z-Z, pour le corps principal 13 de la porte 10, plus précisément pour l'embase 17 solidaire de ce corps principal 13, et une position de libération de la porte 10 depuis sa position fermée vers sa position ouverte, qui est représentée sur les figures 12 à 16 et dans laquelle ni la portion 73 de son corps 71, qui s'est effacée par rotation autour de l'axe Z70, ni sa portion 72 n'interfèrent avec la porte 10 pour la retenir en position fermée.As clearly visible on figures 1 and 6 , the body 71 of the locking handle 70 includes two portions 72 and 73 succeeding one another around the axis Z70: the portion 72 has a smaller radial dimension than the portion 73, so that, unlike the portion 72, the portion 73 protrudes, towards the axis ZZ, beyond the inner periphery of the flange 20. In this way, the locking handle 70 is carried by the flange 20 rotatably about the axis Z70 between a position of immobilization of the door 10 in the closed position, which is represented on the Figures 1 to 11 and wherein the portion 73 of its body 71 mechanically opposes the movement of the door 10 from its closed position to its open position, forming a stop, in the direction of the axis ZZ, for the main body 13 of the door 10, specifically for the base 17 secured to this main body 13, and a release position of the door 10 from its closed position to its open position, which is shown on the Figures 12 to 16 and in which neither the portion 73 of its body 71, which has erased by rotation around the axis Z70, nor its portion 72 interferes with the door 10 to hold it in the closed position.

En pratique, pour faciliter l'entrainement de la poignée de verrouillage 70 entre ses positions d'immobilisation et de libération, son corps 71 est pourvu fixement d'un manche de préhension 74.In practice, to facilitate the driving of the locking handle 70 between its immobilization and release positions, its body 71 is fixedly provided with a handle 74.

Suivant une disposition avantageuse, qui est mise en oeuvre dans le mode de réalisation considéré sur les figures, la poignée de verrouillage 70 est conçue pour entrouvrir la porte 10 depuis sa position fermée vers sa position ouverte. Pour ce faire, la porte 10 est pourvue d'un organe de roulement ou de glissement 110, qui, dans l'exemple de réalisation considérée ici, est porté par l'embase 17 et qui est adapté pour, lorsque la porte 10 est en position fermée, rouler ou glisser contre la face axiale du corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70, opposée à la bride 20 lors du déplacement de la poignée de verrouillage entre les positions d'immobilisation et de libération de la porte 10: en prévoyant par exemple que la portion 73 présente une dimension axiale plus petite que la portion 72, la face axiale précitée du corps 71 délimite, à la jonction entre les portions 72 et 73, une surface de rampe 75, qui est pointée sur la figure 1 et qui, lorsque la poignée de verrouillage 70 passe de sa position d'immobilisation à sa position de libération, décale axialement l'organe de roulement ou de glissement 110 en direction opposée à la bride 20, faisant ainsi passer la porte 10 de sa position fermée, comme représenté sur les figures 1 à 11, à une position entrouverte, représentée sur les figures 12 et 13. Cette disposition s'avère utile pour, entre autres, vaincre plus facilement l'éventuelle résistance à l'ouverture de la porte 10, due aux joints 11 et 31.According to an advantageous arrangement, which is implemented in the embodiment considered in the figures, the locking handle 70 is designed to open the door 10 from its closed position to its open position. To do this, the door 10 is provided with a running or sliding member 110, which, in the embodiment considered here, is carried by the base 17 and which is adapted for, when the door 10 is in position. closed position, rolling or sliding against the axial face of the body 71 of the locking handle 70, opposite the flange 20 during the movement of the locking handle between the immobilization and release positions of the door 10: by providing for For example, since the portion 73 has an axial dimension smaller than the portion 72, the aforementioned axial face of the body 71 delimits, at the junction between the portions 72 and 73, a ramp surface 75 which is pointed on the figure 1 and which, when the locking handle 70 moves from its immobilization position to its release position, axially shifts the rolling or sliding member 110 away from the flange 20, thus causing the door 10 to move from its position closed, as shown on Figures 1 to 11 , at an open position, represented on the Figures 12 and 13 . This provision proves useful for, inter alia, overcoming more easily the possible resistance to the opening of the door 10, due to the joints 11 and 31.

Suivant une autre disposition avantageuse, indépendante de la précédente et potentiellement cumulative comme dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré sur les figures, la poignée de verrouillage 70 est conçue pour plaquer la porte 10 dans sa position fermée lorsque la poignée de verrouillage est déplacée de sa position de libération à sa position d'immobilisation. Pour ce faire, suivant des considérations, en quelque sorte, symétriques à celles développées ci-dessus en lien avec la surface de rampe 75, le corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70 délimite, sur sa face axiale tournée vers la bride 20, une surface de rampe 76, pointée sur la figure 2, qui est dimensionnée pour, lorsque la poignée de verrouillage passe de sa position de libération à sa position d'immobilisation de la porte 10, décaler axialement, en direction de la bride 20, un organe de roulement ou de glissement correspondant, porté par la porte 10, en l'occurrence, ici, la partie de l'embase 17, prévue pour interférer avec la portion 73 du corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70 aux fins de l'immobilisation de la porte 10 en position fermée. Cette disposition s'avère utile pour, entre autres, vaincre plus facilement l'éventuelle résistance à la fermeture de la porte 10, due aux joints 11 et 31.According to another advantageous arrangement, independent of the previous and potentially cumulative as in the embodiment considered in the figures, the locking handle 70 is designed to press the door 10 in its closed position when the locking handle is moved from its position. release position at its immobilization position. To do this, according to considerations, in a way, symmetrical to those developed above in connection with the ramp surface 75, the body 71 of the locking handle 70 defines, on its axial face facing the flange 20, a ramp surface 76, pointed at the figure 2 , which is dimensioned for, when the locking handle passes from its release position to its position of immobilization of the door 10, axially shift, in the direction of the flange 20, a corresponding rolling or sliding member, carried by the door 10, in this case, here, the part of the base 17, provided to interfere with the portion 73 of the body 71 of the locking handle 70 for the purpose of immobilizing the door 10 in the closed position. This provision is useful for, among other things, more easily overcome the possible resistance to closing the door 10, due to the joints 11 and 31.

Le dispositif de connexion comporte en outre un mécanisme 80 de blocage de la poignée de verrouillage 70 en position d'immobilisation. Comme expliqué en détail ci-après, ce mécanisme de blocage 80 permet d'interdire de déplacer la poignée de verrouillage 70 depuis sa position d'immobilisation lorsque l'enceinte E1 n'est pas connectée à l'enceinte E2 par le dispositif de connexion. A cet effet, le mécanisme de blocage 80 comprend une tige 81, qui est visible sur les figures 7 et 9 et qui s'étend en longueur dans une direction sensiblement orthoradiale à l'axe Z-Z. Cette tige 81 est montée mobile en translation selon son axe longitudinal dans un bloc 82, appartenant au mécanisme 80 et porté fixement par la bride 20, plus précisément sur la face de cette bride tournée à l'opposée du côté de cette dernière sur lequel la bride 40 est à assembler à la bride 20. En pratique, le bloc 82 est solidarisé à la bride 20 par tout moyen approprié, étant remarqué que ce bloc 82 est positionné, sur la bride 20, de manière adjacente au corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70, comme bien visible sur les figures 6 et 8. Vis-à-vis du bloc 82, la tige 81 est déplaçable en translation selon son axe entre une position déployée, qui est montrée sur les figures 6 et 7, et une position escamotée, qui est montrée sur les figures 8 et 9. Lorsque la tige 81 est dans sa position déployée des figures 6 et 7, une partie longitudinale de cette tige s'étend suffisamment à l'extérieur du bloc 82 pour interférer avec le corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70, notamment de manière que l'extrémité longitudinale libre 81A correspondante de la tige 81 est reçue dans un logement complémentaire 71A délimité en creux dans le corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70 alors que cette dernière est dans sa position d'immobilisation des figures 1 à 11. Lorsque la tige 81 dans sa position escamotée de figures 8 et 9, la tige occupe, dans la direction de son axe, une position plus éloignée du corps 71 de la poignée de verrouillage 70 que celle qu'elle occupe en position déployée, de sorte que son extrémité 81 A est écartée de ce corps 71, en laissant vide le logement 71 A : on comprend que la poignée de verrouillage 70 peut alors être entrainer librement en rotation autour de son axe Z70, depuis sa position d'immobilisation vers sa position de libération de la porte 10, alors que, tant que la tige 81 est en position déployée, la coopération entre l'extrémité 81 A de la tige et du logement 71 A du corps 71 bloque tout mouvement rotatif de la poignée 70.The connection device further comprises a mechanism 80 for locking the locking handle 70 in the immobilization position. As explained in detail below, this locking mechanism 80 makes it possible to prevent the lock handle 70 from moving from its immobilization position when the enclosure E1 is not connected to the enclosure E2 by the connection device. . For this purpose, the locking mechanism 80 comprises a rod 81, which is visible on the figures 7 and 9 and which extends in length in a direction substantially orthoradial to the ZZ axis. This rod 81 is mounted to move in translation along its longitudinal axis in a block 82, belonging to the mechanism 80 and fixedly supported by the flange 20, more precisely on the face of this flange turned to the opposite side of the latter on which the flange 40 is to be assembled to the flange 20. In practice, the block 82 is secured to the flange 20 by any appropriate means, being noted that this block 82 is positioned on the flange 20, adjacent to the body 71 of the handle 70, as clearly visible on the figures 6 and 8 . Vis-à-vis the block 82, the rod 81 is movable in translation along its axis between an extended position, which is shown on the Figures 6 and 7 , and a retracted position, which is shown on the Figures 8 and 9 . When the rod 81 is in its deployed position Figures 6 and 7 , a longitudinal portion of this rod extends sufficiently outside the block 82 to interfere with the body 71 of the locking handle 70, in particular so that the corresponding free longitudinal end 81A of the rod 81 is received in a complementary housing 71A delimited recessed in the body 71 of the locking handle 70 while the latter is in its immobilization position of the Figures 1 to 11 . When the rod 81 in its retracted position of Figures 8 and 9 , the rod occupies, in the direction of its axis, a position farther away from the body 71 of the locking handle 70 than that which it occupies in the extended position, so that its end 81 A is separated from this body 71, leaving empty the housing 71A: it is understood that the locking handle 70 can then be freely rotatable about its axis Z70, from its immobilization position to its release position of the door 10, while, as long as the rod 81 is in the deployed position, the cooperation between the end 81 A of the rod and the housing 71 A of the body 71 blocks any rotational movement of the handle 70.

Afin de commander en déplacement la tige 81, le mécanisme de blocage 80 comporte, d'une part, un ressort de compression 83, qui est interposé entre la tige 81 et la bride 20, plus précisément, dans l'exemple de réalisation considérée, entre l'extrémité 81 B de la tige 81, opposée à son extrémité 81 A, et le bloc 82. En l'absence d'effort surmontant la force de déploiement du ressort 83, ce dernier agit sur la tige 81 pour la maintenir dans sa position déployée. Afin de commander le déplacement de la tige 81 de sa position déployée à sa position escamotée, en contrecarrant l'action du ressort 83, le mécanisme 80 comporte, d'autre part, une tige 84, qui est visible sur les figures 7 et 9 et qui s'étend en longueur de manière sensiblement parallèle à l'axe Z-Z. La tige 84 s'étend ainsi dans l'épaisseur axiale de la bride 20, entre une extrémité 84A, tournée vers le côté axial de la bride 20 sur lequel est assemblée la bride 40 à la bride 20, et une extrémité opposée 84B qui est conçue pour coopérer, notamment par contact glissant, avec une zone dédiée 81C de la tige 81, ayant une forme aménagée en conséquence, cette zone dédiée 81C étant prévue dans la partie courante de la tige 81 dans l'exemple considéeé sur les figures. La tige 84 est déplaçable en translation selon sa direction longitudinale, autrement dit de manière sensiblement parallèle Z-Z, entre une première position, qui est montrée sur les figures 6 et 7 et dans laquelle son extrémité 84B n'interfère pas avec l'extrémité 81 B de la tige 80 ou bien qui interfère avec cette extrémité 81 B mais de manière insuffisante pour contrecarrer l'action du ressort 83, et une seconde position, qui est montrée sur les figures 8 et 9 et dans laquelle son extrémité 84B agit par interférence mécanique avec la zone dédiée 81C de la tige 81 pour déplacer la tige 81 dans sa position escamotée, en contrecarrant l'action du ressort 83. La forme de réalisation de la coopération interférente entre les extrémités 81 B et 84B des tiges 81 et 84 n'est pas limitative.In order to control the rod 81 in displacement, the locking mechanism 80 comprises, on the one hand, a compression spring 83, which is interposed between the rod 81 and the flange 20, more precisely, in the embodiment considered, between the end 81 B of the rod 81, opposite its end 81 A, and the block 82. In the absence of force overcoming the spring deployment force 83, the latter acts on the rod 81 to maintain it in his deployed position. In order to control the displacement of the rod 81 from its extended position to its retracted position, by counteracting the action of the spring 83, the mechanism 80 comprises, on the other hand, a rod 84, which is visible on the figures 7 and 9 and which extends in length substantially parallel to the axis ZZ. The rod 84 thus extends in the axial thickness of the flange 20, between one end 84A, turned towards the axial side of the flange 20 on which the flange 40 is connected to the flange 20, and an opposite end 84B which is designed to cooperate, in particular by sliding contact, with a dedicated area 81C of the rod 81, having a shape arranged accordingly, this dedicated area 81C being provided in the current portion of the rod 81 in the example shown in the figures. The rod 84 is displaceable in translation in its longitudinal direction, in other words substantially parallel ZZ, between a first position, which is shown on the Figures 6 and 7 and wherein its end 84B does not interfere with the end 81 B of the rod 80 or interferes with this end 81 B but insufficiently to counteract the action of the spring 83, and a second position, which is shown on the Figures 8 and 9 and in which its end 84B acts by mechanical interference with the dedicated zone 81C of the rod 81 to move the rod 81 into its retracted position, counteracting the action of the spring 83. The embodiment of the interfering cooperation between the ends 81 B and 84B rods 81 and 84 is not limiting.

A son extrémité 84A, la tige 81 est pourvue solidairement d'un actionneur 85 d'entrainement de la tige 84 entre les première et seconde positions précitées. Cet actionneur 85 est porté par la bride 20 de manière mobile sensiblement en translation parallèlement à l'axe Z-Z, entre une position de repos, qui est montrée sur les figures 6 et 7 et dans laquelle l'actionneur 85 fixe la tige 84 dans sa première position précitée, commandant ainsi le blocage de la poignée de verrouillage 70 par la tige 81 maintenue en position déployée sous l'action du ressort 83, et une position d'activation, qui est montrée sur les figures 8 et 9 et dans laquelle l'actionneur 85 presse la tige 84 dans la direction de l'axe Z-Z pour la fixer dans sa seconde position précitée, commandant ainsi le déblocage de la poignée de verrouillage 70 vis-à-vis de la tige 81 passée dans sa position escamotée sous l'action de la tige 84.At its end 84A, the rod 81 is integrally provided with an actuator 85 for driving the rod 84 between the first and second aforementioned positions. This actuator 85 is carried by the flange 20 movably substantially in translation parallel to the ZZ axis, between a rest position, which is shown on the Figures 6 and 7 and in which the actuator 85 fixes the rod 84 in its first aforementioned position, thus controlling the locking of the locking handle 70 by the rod 81 held in the extended position under the action of the spring 83, and an activation position, which is shown on Figures 8 and 9 and in which the actuator 85 presses the rod 84 in the direction of the ZZ axis to fix it in its second aforementioned position, thereby controlling the unlocking of the locking handle 70 with respect to the rod 81 passed in its position retracted under the action of the stem 84.

Le mécanisme de blocage 80 comporte en outre un ressort de compression 86, qui est interposé entre l'actionneur 85 et la bride 20, plus précisément, entre la tige 84 et la bride 20 ou le bloc 82. Ce ressort est porté fixement par la bride 20, à l'intérieur d'un alésage ad hoc de cette dernière, ménagé dans l'épaisseur axiale de celle-ci, comme bien visible sur la figure 7 : le ressort 86 est ainsi, à une extrémité, en appui fixe contre la bride, plus précisément contre le fond de l'alésage précité, et, à son extrémité opposée, en appui fixe contre l'actionneur 85, plus précisément contre un épaulement de la tige 84. Dans la mesure où le ressort 86 est intégré dans l'épaisseur de la bride 20 et est ainsi interposé entre l'actionneur 85 et la bride 20 à demeure, en particulier indépendamment de la position de la poignée de verrouillage 70, on comprend que, en l'absence d'effort appliqué sur l'actionneur 85, qui serait suffisant pour contrecarrer la force de déploiement du ressort 86, ce dernier agit sur l'actionneur 85 de manière à maintenir ce dernier dans sa position de repos. Pour passer l'actionneur 85 de sa position de repos à sa position d'activation, l'action du ressort 86 doit être contrecarrée en appliquant un effort suffisant à l'actionneur 85, le ressort 86 devant alors être davantage comprimé : on comprend qu'en dimensionnant en conséquence le ressort 86, notamment en le prévoyant suffisamment raide, l'effort nécessaire au déplacement de l'actionneur 85 de sa position de repos à sa position d'activation, autrement dit pour débloquer la poignée de verrouillage 70 en vue de permettre à l'utilisateur de la passer de sa position d'immobilisation vers sa position de libération, peut être prévu substantiel, en limitant ainsi les risques de déblocage accidentel ou malveillant.The locking mechanism 80 further comprises a compression spring 86, which is interposed between the actuator 85 and the flange 20, more precisely, between the rod 84 and the flange 20 or the block 82. This spring is fixedly supported by the 20, inside an ad hoc bore of the latter, formed in the axial thickness thereof, as clearly visible on the figure 7 the spring 86 is thus, at one end, in fixed support against the flange, more precisely against the bottom of the aforesaid bore, and at its opposite end, in fixed support against the actuator 85, more precisely against a shoulder of the rod 84. Insofar as the spring 86 is integrated in the thickness of the flange 20 and is thus interposed between the actuator 85 and the permanent flange 20, in particular regardless of the position of the locking handle 70 it is understood that, in the absence of force applied to the actuator 85, which would be sufficient to counteract the deployment force of the spring 86, the latter acts on the actuator 85 so as to maintain the latter in its position of rest. To move the actuator 85 from its rest position to its activation position, the action of the spring 86 must be counteracted by applying a sufficient force to the actuator 85, the spring 86 must then be further compressed: it is understood that by dimensioning the spring 86 accordingly, in particular by providing it with sufficient stiffness, the force required to move the actuator 85 from its rest position to its activation position, in other words to unlock the locking handle 70 with a view to to allow the user to move from its immobilization position to its release position, can be expected substantial, thus limiting the risk of accidental or malicious unlocking.

Dans le prolongement direct des considérations qui précèdent, l'actionneur 85 est conçu pour être déplacé de sa position de repos à sa position d'activation, en contrecarrant l'action du ressort 86, par la bride 40 lors de l'assemblage des brides 20 et 40 l'une à l'autre. Pour ce faire, comme montré sur les figures 4, 7 et 9, l'actionneur 85 est pourvu d'une surface 85A de coopération mécanique avec la bride 40. Cette surface 85A est tournée vers le côté axial de la bride 20 sur lequel la bride 40 est assemblée à la bride 20, ce qui revient à dire que cette surface 85A est tournée axialement à l'opposé de la poignée de verrouillage 70. De plus, en prévoyant que l'actionneur 85 est agencé à l'intérieur d'une des rainures 21, cette surface 85A est prévue sur la trajectoire d'une des pattes 42 de la bride 40 lorsque cette dernière est déplacée en rotation autour de l'axe Z-Z à l'intérieur d'une des rainures 21 de la bride 20 aux fins de l'assemblage des brides 20 et 40 l'une à l'autre par les moyens de fixation 51 : plus généralement, lors de l'assemblage des brides 20 et 40 l'une à l'autre, la bride 40 vient interférer avec la surface 85A de l'actionneur 85, à la fois en s'appuyant sur cette surface 85A dans la direction de l'axe Z-Z et en glissant contre cette surface 85A dans une direction orthoradiale à l'axe Z-Z.In direct extension of the foregoing considerations, the actuator 85 is designed to be moved from its rest position to its activation position, counteracting the action of the spring 86, by the flange 40 during assembly of the flanges. 20 and 40 to each other. To do this, as shown on the figures 4 , 7 and 9 , the actuator 85 is provided with a surface 85A for mechanical cooperation with the flange 40. This surface 85A is turned towards the axial side of the flange 20 on which the flange 40 is assembled to the flange 20, which is equivalent to that this surface 85A is turned axially away from the In addition, by providing that the actuator 85 is arranged inside one of the grooves 21, this surface 85A is provided in the path of one of the tabs 42 of the flange 40 when the latter is moved in rotation about the axis ZZ inside one of the grooves 21 of the flange 20 for the purpose of assembling the flanges 20 and 40 to one another by the fastening means 51: more generally when the flanges 20 and 40 are assembled together, the flange 40 interferes with the surface 85A of the actuator 85, both by relying on this surface 85A in the direction of the ZZ axis and sliding against this surface 85A in a direction orthoradiale ZZ axis.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré sur les figures, l'actionneur 85 est réalisé essentiellement sous forme d'une barrette monolithique, qui s'étend sensiblement en arc de cercle centré sur l'axe Z-Z, dont l'une des deux faces principales délimite la surface de coopération 85A tandis que son autre face principale est pourvue d'au moins un relief 85B conçu pour coopérer par complémentarité de formes avec la bride 20 de manière à guider cette barrette en déplacement entre les positions de repos et d'activation.In the embodiment considered in the figures, the actuator 85 is essentially in the form of a monolithic bar, which extends substantially in a circular arc centered on the axis ZZ, one of the two main faces delimits the cooperation surface 85A while its other main face is provided with at least one relief 85B designed to cooperate in complementary form with the flange 20 so as to guide the bar moving between the rest and activation positions.

Un exemple d'utilisation du dispositif de connexion décrit jusqu'ici va être présenté ci-après en vue de connecter de manière étanche les enceintes E1 et E2.An example of use of the connection device described so far will be presented below for sealingly connecting the speakers E1 and E2.

Initialement, comme montré sur les figures 1 à 4, 6 et 7, la porte 10 est considérée dans sa position fermée vis-à-vis de la bride 20. Et, comme représenté sur les figures 1 à 3, 6 et 7, la porte 30 est considérée dans sa position fermée vis-à-vis de la bride 40.Initially, as shown on Figures 1 to 4 , 6 and 7 , the door 10 is considered in its closed position vis-à-vis the flange 20. And, as shown on the Figures 1 to 3 , 6 and 7 , the door 30 is considered in its closed position vis-à-vis the flange 40.

Comme montré sur les figures 1 à 3, 6 et 7, les brides 20 et 40 sont d'abord présentées en regard l'une de l'autre, en alignant sensiblement leur axe central respectif, autrement dit en les rendant coaxial de manière centrée sur l'axe Z-Z. Par rapprochement axial entre les brides 20 et 40, les deux parties des moyens de fixation 51, respectivement portées par les brides 20 et 40, s'engagent axialement l'une avec l'autre et, d'autre part, les parties des moyens de solidarisation 52, respectivement portées par les portes 10 et 30, s'engagent axialement l'une avec l'autre : dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré sur les figures, cela revient à dire que les pattes 42 de la bride 40 s'engagent chacune, dans la direction de l'axe Z-Z, entre deux rainures successives parmi les rainures 21 de la bride 20, et que les pattes 33 de la porte 30 s'engagent chacune, dans la direction de l'axe Z-Z, entre deux rainures successives parmi les rainures 18 de la porte 10. Le dispositif de connexion est tel que représenté sur les figures 1 à 3, 6 et 7. Dans cette configuration, on notera que la bride 40 n'interfère pas avec l'actionneur 85, si bien que, comme expliqué plus haut, le mécanisme 80 bloque la poignée de verrouillage 70 dans sa position d'immobilisation de la porte 10 en position fermée.As shown on Figures 1 to 3 , 6 and 7 , the flanges 20 and 40 are first presented facing each other, substantially aligning their respective central axis, in other words making them coaxial centrally on the ZZ axis. By axial approach between the flanges 20 and 40, the two parts of the fixing means 51, respectively carried by the flanges 20 and 40, engage axially with each other and, on the other hand, the parts of the means 52, respectively carried by the doors 10 and 30, engage axially with each other: in the embodiment considered in the figures, that is to say that the tabs 42 of the flange 40 s' each engage, in the direction of the axis ZZ, between two successive grooves of the grooves 21 of the flange 20, and that the tabs 33 of the door 30 each engage, in the direction of the axis ZZ, between two successive grooves among the grooves 18 of the door 10. The connection device is as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 to 3 , 6 and 7 . In this configuration, it will be noted that the flange 40 does not interfere with the actuator 85, so that, as explained above, the mechanism 80 blocks the locking handle 70 in its position of immobilizing the door 10 in position closed.

En considérant que la bride 20 reste immobile, la bride 40 est ensuite entrainée en rotation autour de l'axe Z-Z, comme indiqué par la flèche F sur les figures 3 et 6, jusqu'à passer le dispositif de connexion dans la configuration d'assemblage qui est montée sur les figures 5 et 8 à 11.Considering that the flange 20 remains stationary, the flange 40 is then rotated about the axis ZZ, as indicated by the arrow F on the figures 3 and 6 , until passing the connection device in the assembly configuration that is mounted on the figures 5 and 8 to 11 .

Cette rotation de la bride 40 par rapport à la bride 20 induit plusieurs conséquences, à savoir que :

  • les moyens de fixation 51 lient fixement l'une à l'autre les brides 20 et 40, moyennant la mise en prise des pattes 42 à l'intérieur des rainures 21,
  • les moyens de fixation 52 lient fixement l'une à l'autre les portes 10 et 30, moyennant la mise en prise des pattes 33 à l'intérieur des rainures 18,
  • la porte 30 est désolidarisée de la bride 40, moyennant le retrait des pattes 41 vis-à-vis des rainures 32, et
  • l'actionneur 85 est passé de sa position de repos à sa position d'activation, ce qui débloque la poignée de verrouillage 70, moyennant le déplacement de la tige 84 par l'actionneur 85 à l'encontre du ressort 86, ainsi que le déplacement de la tige 81 par la tige 84 à l'encontre du ressort 83.
This rotation of the flange 40 with respect to the flange 20 has several consequences, namely that:
  • the fastening means 51 fix the flanges 20 and 40 to one another by means of the engagement of the tabs 42 inside the grooves 21,
  • the fastening means 52 securely connect the doors 10 and 30 to one another, by means of the engagement of the tabs 33 inside the grooves 18,
  • the door 30 is disengaged from the flange 40, by removing the tabs 41 with respect to the grooves 32, and
  • the actuator 85 has moved from its rest position to its activation position, which unlocks the locking handle 70, by the displacement of the rod 84 by the actuator 85 against the spring 86, as well as the displacement of the rod 81 by the rod 84 against the spring 83.

Avantageusement, on comprend que le déblocage de la poignée de verrouillage 70 n'est réalisé qu'en fin de course rotative de la bride 40 par rapport à la bride 20, typiquement dans la seconde moitié de la course rotative précitée, voire dans le troisième tiers de cette course rotative : de cette façon, tant que la bride 40 n'a pas atteint sa fin de course rotative par rapport à la bride 20, la poignée de verrouillage 70 reste bloquée dans sa position d'immobilisation de la porte 10, par le mécanisme de blocage 80. Dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré sur les figures, cette disposition avantageuse est mise en oeuvre, en prévoyant que l'actionneur 85 est situé dans une des rainures 21, en étant plus éloigné de l'extrémité de cette rainure, par laquelle est introduite la patte correspondante 42 de la bride 40, que son extrémité opposée, dans laquelle bute cette patte lorsque le dispositif de connexion atteint sa configuration d'assemblage.Advantageously, it is understood that the unlocking of the locking handle 70 is only performed at the end of the rotary stroke of the flange 40 with respect to the flange 20, typically in the second half of the aforementioned rotary stroke, or even in the third third of this rotary stroke: in this way, as the flange 40 has not reached its end of rotary stroke relative to the flange 20, the locking handle 70 remains locked in its position of immobilization of the door 10, by the locking mechanism 80. In the embodiment considered in the figures, this advantageous arrangement is implemented, providing that the actuator 85 is located in one of the grooves 21, being further from the end of this groove, through which is introduced the corresponding tab 42 of the flange 40, that its opposite end, in which abuts this tab when the connection device reaches its assembly configuration.

Dans une étape subséquente, l'utilisateur déplace la poignée de verrouillage 70 en rotation autour de l'axe Z70, comme indiqué par la flèche G sur la figure 8, en la passant ainsi de sa position d'immobilisation de la porte 10 en position fermée, à sa position de libération de cette porte 10, montrée sur les figures 12 et 13. Comme expliqué plus haut, la rotation de la poignée de verrouillage 70 induit le fait d'entrouvrir la porte 10 et donc la porte 30 qui lui est solidaire, par coopération de contact roulant ou glissant entre la surface de rampe 75 et l'organe 110.In a subsequent step, the user moves the locking handle 70 in rotation about the axis Z70, as indicated by the arrow G on the figure 8 , thus passing it from its position of immobilization of the door 10 in the closed position, to its position of release of this door 10, shown on the Figures 12 and 13 . As explained above, the rotation of the locking handle 70 induces the opening of the door 10 and therefore the door 30 which is secured to it, by rolling contact contact or sliding between the ramp surface 75 and the body 110 .

Dans une étape encore subséquente, l'utilisateur entraine la porte 10, et donc la porte 30 qui lui est solidaire, de sa position entrouverte des figures 12 et 13 à sa position ouverte des figures 14 à 16, par basculement autour de l'axe Y-Y, comme indiqué par la flèche H sur la figure 13.In a subsequent step, the user drives the door 10, and therefore the door 30 which is secured to it, from its half-open position. Figures 12 and 13 to his position open Figures 14 to 16 , by tilting around the YY axis, as indicated by the arrow H on the figure 13 .

A titre d'aménagement optionnel, qui est mis en oeuvre dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré sur les figures, le dispositif de connexion comporte des moyens permettant de sécuriser l'assemblage des brides 20 et 40, c'est-à-dire de sécuriser les moyens de fixation 51, en interdisant de désassembler les brides 20 et 40 lorsque la porte 10 n'est pas dans sa position fermée.As an optional arrangement, which is implemented in the exemplary embodiment considered in the figures, the connection device comprises means for securing the assembly of the flanges 20 and 40, that is to say of secure the securing means 51, prohibiting disassembly of the flanges 20 and 40 when the door 10 is not in its closed position.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation considérée ici, ces moyens de sécurisation comprennent deux doigts 90 et 91, chacun conçu pour bloquer la rotation relative entre les brides 20 et 40. Le doigt 90 est plus spécifiquement visible sur les figures 10, 14 et 15, tandis que le doigt 91 est plus spécifiquement visible sur les figures 11 et 16.In the embodiment considered here, these securing means comprise two fingers 90 and 91, each designed to block the relative rotation between the flanges 20 and 40. The finger 90 is more specifically visible on the fingers. figures 10 , 14 and 15 , while the finger 91 is more specifically visible on the figures 11 and 16 .

Chacun des doigts 90 et 91 est porté par la bride 20 de manière mobile en translation parallèlement à l'axe Z-Z, entre une position escamotée, qui est représentée sur la figure 10 pour le doigt 90 et sur la figure 11 pour le doigt 91, dans laquelle le doigt 90, 91 n'interfère pas avec les moyens de fixation 51, permettant ainsi librement la mise en prise et le retrait des parties de ces moyens, respectivement portées par la bride 20 et la bride 40, et une position déployée, qui est montrée sur les figures 14 et 15 pour le doigt 90 et sur la figure 16 pour le doigt 91, dans laquelle le doigt 90, 91 s'oppose mécaniquement à la mise en rotation relative des brides 20 et 40, en particulier alors que ces brides 20 et 40 sont liées fixement l'une à l'autre par les moyens de fixation 51. En particulier, lorsque les doigts 90 et 91 sont dans leur position déployée respective, chacun de ces doigts 90 et 91 forme une butée à l'une des pattes 42 de la bride 40 alors que cette patte est disposée à l'intérieur d'une des rainures 21 de la bride 20.Each of the fingers 90 and 91 is carried by the flange 20 movably in translation parallel to the axis ZZ, between a retracted position, which is represented on the figure 10 for the finger 90 and on the figure 11 for the finger 91, in which the finger 90, 91 does not interfere with the fastening means 51, thus freely allowing the portions of these means, respectively carried by the flange 20 and the flange 40, to be engaged and withdrawn, and an unfolded position, which is shown on the figures 14 and 15 for the finger 90 and on the figure 16 for the finger 91, in which the finger 90, 91 is mechanically opposed to the relative rotation of the flanges 20 and 40, in particular whereas these flanges 20 and 40 are fixedly connected to one another by the means In particular, when the fingers 90 and 91 are in their respective deployed position, each of these fingers 90 and 91 forms a stop at one of the tabs 42 of the flange 40 while this tab is disposed at the inside one of the grooves 21 of the flange 20.

Chacun des doigts 90 et 91 est associé à un ressort de compression 92, 93, qui est interposé entre le doigt correspondant et la bride 20. Le ressort 92 agit sur le doigt 90 pour le maintenir dans sa position déployée tant qu'un effort surmontant l'action du ressort n'est pas appliqué, de manière antagoniste, sur le doigt 90. Le ressort 93, quant à lui, agit sur le doigt 91 pour le rappeler de sa position déployée à sa position escamotée en l'absence d'effort antagoniste appliqué sur le doigt 91.Each of the fingers 90 and 91 is associated with a compression spring 92, 93, which is interposed between the corresponding finger and the flange 20. The spring 92 acts on the finger 90 to maintain it in its deployed position while a force overcoming the action of the spring is not applied, antagonistically, on the finger 90. The spring 93, in turn, acts on the finger 91 to recall it from its deployed position to its retracted position in the absence of antagonistic effort applied to the finger 91.

Sur la bride 20, les doigts 90 et 91 sont diamétralement opposés l'un à l'autre par rapport à l'axe Z-Z : le doigt 90 est ainsi situé dans la portion périphérique de la bride 20, dans laquelle la porte 10 est reliée à la bride 20 par le mécanisme à charnière 12, tandis que le doigt 91 est situé dans la portion périphérique de la bride 20, dans laquelle est agencée sur cette bride la poignée de verrouillage 70.On the flange 20, the fingers 90 and 91 are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the axis ZZ: the finger 90 is thus located in the peripheral portion of the flange 20, in which the door 10 is connected at the flange 20 by the hinge mechanism 12, while the finger 91 is located in the peripheral portion of the flange 20, in which the locking handle 70 is arranged on this flange.

Les déplacements respectifs des doigts 90 et 91, de leur position déployée à leur position escamotée, sont indépendants l'un de l'autre, c'est-à-dire qu'ils sont commandés par des aménagements propres du dispositif de connexion. Plus précisément, le doigt 90 est conçu pour être déplacé de sa position déployée à sa position escamotée par la porte 10, en contrecarrant l'action du ressort 92, lorsque cette dernière passe de sa position ouverte à sa position fermée, plus précisément par le bras 14 du mécanisme à charnière 12, liant le corps principal 13 de la porte 10 à la bride 20. On comprend que, lorsque le dispositif de connexion est dans la configuration d'assemblage des figures 5 et 8 à 11, la porte 10 maintient le doigt 90 en position escamotée par appui axial de son bras 14 contre ce doigt 90, en contrecarrant l'action du ressort 92. Dès que la porte 10 est passée de sa position fermée vers sa position ouverte, l'appui axial de son bras 14 sur le doigt 90 s'interrompt, déplaçant ce doigt de sa position escamotée à sa position déployée, sous l'action du ressort 92.The respective displacements of the fingers 90 and 91, from their deployed position to their retracted position, are independent of one another, that is to say that they are controlled by own arrangements of the connection device. More specifically, the finger 90 is designed to be moved from its deployed position to its retracted position by the door 10, counteracting the action of the spring 92, when the latter moves from its open position to its closed position, more precisely by the arm 14 of the hinge mechanism 12, linking the main body 13 of the door 10 to the flange 20. It is understood that when the connection device is in the assembly configuration of the figures 5 and 8 to 11 , the door 10 keeps the finger 90 in the retracted position by axial support of its arm 14 against this finger 90, counteracting the action of the spring 92. As soon as the door 10 has moved from its closed position to its open position, the axial support of its arm 14 on the finger 90 stops, moving the finger from its retracted position to its deployed position, under the action of the spring 92.

Le doigt 91 est, quant à lui, conçu pour être déplacé de sa position escamotée à sa position déployée par la poignée de verrouillage 70, en comprimant le ressort de rappel 93, lorsque cette dernière passe de sa position d'immobilisation à sa position de libération de la porte 10. A cet effet, le corps 71 de la poignée 70 délimite, en creux dans sa face axiale tournée vers la bride 20, une rainure 77 qui présente un fond en hélice centré sur l'axe Z70 : le doigt 91 émerge dans la rainure 77 jusqu'à s'appuyer contre le fond de cette dernière sous l'action du ressort 93, étant précisé que la profondeur de cette rainure 77 est, à l'aplomb axial du doigt 91, progressivement décroissante au fur et à mesure que la poignée de verrouillage 70 passe de sa position d'immobilisation à sa position de libération de la porte 10.The finger 91 is, in turn, designed to be moved from its retracted position to its extended position by the locking handle 70, by compressing the return spring 93, when the latter moves from its immobilization position to its position of release of the door 10. For this purpose, the body 71 of the handle 70 delimits, in hollow in its axial face facing the flange 20, a groove 77 which has a helical bottom centered on the axis Z70: the finger 91 emerges in the groove 77 until it bears against the bottom of the latter under the action of the spring 93, it being specified that the depth of this groove 77 is, at the axial plumb with the finger 91, progressively decreasing as as the locking handle 70 moves from its immobilization position to its release position of the door 10.

Divers aménagements et variantes au dispositif de connexion 1 décrit jusqu'ici, sont par ailleurs envisageables :

  • aussi bien les portes 10 et 30 que les brides 20 et 40 peuvent chacune être réalisées en un ou plusieurs matériaux, sans que cet aspect ne soit limitatif de l'invention ;
  • le dispositif de connexion peut être utilisé avec l'axe Z-Z à l'horizontal ou bien à la verticale ; et/ou
  • la forme de réalisation des différents systèmes à baïonnette décrits plus haut n'est pas limitative ; plus généralement, d'autres systèmes de fixation réversible peuvent être envisagés pour les moyens 50, 51 et/ou 52.
Various arrangements and variants to the connection device 1 described so far, are also possible:
  • both the doors 10 and 30 that the flanges 20 and 40 may each be made of one or more materials, without this aspect being limiting of the invention;
  • the connection device can be used with the ZZ axis horizontally or vertically; and or
  • the embodiment of the various bayonet systems described above is not limiting; more generally, other reversible fastening systems can be envisaged for means 50, 51 and / or 52.

Claims (15)

  1. Device for watertight connection between two enclosures, comprising:
    • a first door (10) and a first collar (20) associated with a first (E1) of the two enclosures, wherein said first door is movably held by the first collar in particular by a tilting movement around a tilt axis (Y-Y) orthoradial to a central axis of the first collar between a first closed position, in which the first door tightly seals the first collar, and a first open position, in which the first door is spaced from the first collar for access to the first enclosure;
    • a handle (70) for locking the first door (10) in the first closed position, wherein said locking handle is held by the first collar (20) to be movable, in particular rotatable around a rotation axis (Z70) parallel to the central axis of the first collar between a position locking the first door in first closed position and a position releasing the door from the first closed position into the first open position; and
    • a second door (30) and a second collar (40), which are associated with the second enclosure (E2) and which are provided with first elements (50) for reversibly fastening one to the other, wherein said second door is held by the second collar in order to rotate around a central axis of the second collar between a second closed position, in which the second door is fixed to the second collar by the first fastening elements and tightly seals the second collar, and a second open position, in which the second door is disconnected from the second collar for the purpose of access to the second enclosure,
    wherein the first and second collars (20, 40) are provided with second elements (51) for reversibly fastening one to the other and the first and second doors (10, 30) are provided with third elements (52) for reversibly fastening one to the other such that, during assembly of the first and second collars by centring these collars on a common axis (Z-Z) and by displacing these collars in relation to one another in rotation around this common axis (Z-Z), the first and second collars are fixedly connected to one another by the second fastening elements (51), the first and second doors are fixedly connected to one another by the third fastening elements (52) and the second door is displaced from the second closed position into the second open position,
    wherein the connection device additionally comprises a mechanism (80) for locking the locking handle (70) in locking position to prevent the locking handle from shifting from its locking position in the absence of assembly of the first collar (20) with the second collar (40), wherein said locking mechanism (80) comprises a mechanical operating element (85), which is held by the first collar in order to be able to perform a translation movement parallel to the common axis (Z-Z) between a resting position, in which the operating element controls the locking of the locking handle in locking position by the rest (81, 82, 83, 84, 86) of the locking mechanism, and an activation position, in which the operating element acts on the rest of the locking mechanism to free the locking handle so that it can be displaced from its locking position into its release position,
    characterised in that the operating element (85) is held in its resting position under the action of an elastic member (86) of the locking mechanism (80) securely interposed between the operating element and the first collar (20) and is displaced from its resting position into its activation position by application of the second collar (40) onto the operating element when the first and second collars are assembled on one another, counteracting the action of the elastic member (86).
  2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the operating element (85) is provided with a surface (85A) for cooperating with the second collar (40), which is turned away from the locking handle (70) and against which the second collar (40) simultaneously abuts in the direction of the common axis (Z-Z) and slides in a direction orthoradial to this common axis when the first and second collars are assembled on one another.
  3. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the operating element (85) includes a bar, which delimits the cooperation surface (84A) and which extends substantially in a circular arc centred on the common axis (Z-Z).
  4. Device according to claim 3, characterised in that on its face opposite the cooperation surface said bar is provided with contours (85B), which cooperate by shape complementarity with the collar (20) to guide this bar in displacement between the resting and activation positions.
  5. Device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the operating element (85) consists of said bar.
  6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking mechanism (80) additionally comprises:
    • a first rod (81), which extends linearly in a direction (X81) substantially orthoradial to the common axis (Z-Z), and when the operating element (85) is in its resting position a longitudinal end (81A) of said first rod is provided to interfere mechanically with the locking handle (70) in order to lock it in its locking position, and
    • a second rod (84), which extends linearly substantially parallel to the common axis (Z-Z) and which has two opposing longitudinal ends (84A, 84B), a first end (84A) of which is fixed to the operating element (85) and the second end (84B) of which is provided to cooperate mechanically with a dedicated part (81C) of the first rod (81), when the operating element is in its activation position, in order to move said end (81A) of this first rod away with respect to the locking handle (70).
  7. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that the elastic member (86) of the locking mechanism (80) is interposed between the first collar (20) and the second rod (84).
  8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elastic member (86) of the locking mechanism (80) is integrated into the axial thickness of the first collar (20).
  9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elastic member (86) of the locking mechanism (80) is a compression spring, the action of which on the operating element (85) is counteracted by compressing this compression spring.
  10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operating element (85) is displaced by the second collar (40) when the first and second collars are assembled on one another solely at the end of the rotational path between the first and second collars.
  11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device additionally has elements for half opening the first door (10) from its first closed position to its first open position, which comprise:
    • a ramp surface (75), which is delimited by the locking handle (70), and
    • a member (110) for rolling or sliding against the ramp surface of these elements for half opening the first door, which is held by the first door (10) so that when the locking handle passes from its locking position into its release position, the ramp surface (75) of these elements for half opening the first door shifts the rolling or sliding member (110) of these elements for half opening the first door in a manner substantially parallel to the common axis (Z-Z) in the opposite direction to the first collar (20).
  12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device additionally has elements for pressing the first door (10) into its first closed position, which comprise:
    • a ramp surface (76), which is delimited by the locking handle (70), and
    • a member (17) for rolling or sliding against the ramp surface of these elements for pressing the first door into position, which is held by the first door (10) so that when the locking handle passes from its release position into its locking position, the ramp surface (76) of these elements for pressing the first door into position shifts the rolling or sliding member (17) of these elements for pressing the first door into position in a manner substantially parallel to the common axis (Z-Z) towards the first collar (20).
  13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device additionally has elements for securing the second fastening means (51), preventing the first and second collars (20, 40) from disassembling when the first door (10) is not in the first closed position, which securing elements comprise a first finger (90) for locking in rotation between the first and second collars, wherein this first finger is:
    • held by the first collar (20) in order to be able to perform a translation movement parallel to the common axis (Z-Z) between a retracted position, in which the first finger does not interfere with the second fastening elements (51), and an extended position, in which the first finger mechanically hinders the first and second collars from being set in relative rotation while they are firmly connected to one another by the second fastening elements,
    • held in its retracted position under the action of a first elastic member (92) of the securing elements interposed between the first finger and the first collar,
    • displaced from its extended position into its retracted position by the first door (10) when the first door passes from its first open position into its first closed position, and
    • located in a first peripheral portion of the first collar, in which the first door is connected to the first collar to be movable between the first open and closed positions, in particular by tilting motion around the tilt axis (Y-Y).
  14. Device according to claim 13, characterised in that the first door (10) at the same time comprises a part (13) for sealing the first collar (20) and a movable arm (14) for connecting to the first collar, and in that the first finger (90) is displaced from its extended position into its retracted position by axial support of the connecting arm (14).
  15. Device according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterised in that the securing elements additionally comprise a second finger (91) for locking in rotation between the first and second collars (20, 40), wherein this second finger is:
    • held by the first collar (20) to be able to perform a translation movement parallel to the common axis (Z-Z) between a retracted position, in which the second finger does not interfere with the second fastening elements (51), and an extended position, in which the second finger mechanically hinders the first and second collars from being set in relative rotation while they are firmly connected to one another by the second fastening elements (51),
    • returned to its retracted position by a second elastic member (93) of the securing elements interposed between the second finger and the first collar,
    • displaced from its retracted position into its extended position by the locking handle (70) when the locking handle passes from its locking position into its release position, and
    • located in a second peripheral portion of the first collar diametrically opposite to said first peripheral portion.
EP15168179.8A 2014-05-20 2015-05-19 Device for watertight connection between two enclosures Active EP2946833B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1454509A FR3021450B1 (en) 2014-05-20 2014-05-20 SEALED CONNECTION DEVICE BETWEEN TWO ENCLOSURES

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2946833A1 EP2946833A1 (en) 2015-11-25
EP2946833B1 true EP2946833B1 (en) 2017-03-15

Family

ID=52016650

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15168179.8A Active EP2946833B1 (en) 2014-05-20 2015-05-19 Device for watertight connection between two enclosures

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2946833B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3021450B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3102822B1 (en) * 2019-11-05 2021-10-15 Abc Transfer Airtight transfer device between two closed volumes INCLUDING AN EXTERNAL CONTROL LEVER

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8729853D0 (en) * 1987-12-22 1988-02-03 Atomic Energy Authority Uk Lid system
FR2927464B1 (en) 2008-02-12 2014-08-15 Jce Biotechnology SEALED CONNECTION DEVICE BETWEEN TWO ENCLOSURES
FR2981386B1 (en) * 2011-10-14 2014-08-22 Getinge La Calhene HIGH-LEVEL SAFETY CONTROL MECHANISM FOR A TRANSFER DEVICE SEALED BETWEEN TWO CLOSED VOLUMES

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3021450B1 (en) 2019-07-05
EP2946833A1 (en) 2015-11-25
FR3021450A1 (en) 2015-11-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0691096B1 (en) A locking/unlocking device with clamps for a lid on a vessel
FR2695343A1 (en) Centralized control mechanism, with incorporated safety devices, for a sealed transfer device between two enclosed volumes.
EP2766121B1 (en) Highly safe control mechanism for a device for the sealed transfer between two closed spaces
EP2760771B1 (en) Mechanism with simplified handling for controlling a device for sealingly connecting two enclosed spaces
WO2015055921A1 (en) Buffer device having a self-adjusting abutment
EP3518706B1 (en) Pot capable of containing a solid, liquid or pasty product
EP2504102B1 (en) Housing for tight connection device and aseptic transfer device
EP1454328B1 (en) Protective device for sterile chamber
FR2560346A1 (en) FAST HYDRAULIC COUPLING AND UNDOUPLING SYSTEM, COUPLING ELEMENT, VALVE DEVICE, AND VALVE DEVICE UNDER THIS SYSTEM
EP2471075B1 (en) Temporary sealed double-door junction device
EP2946833B1 (en) Device for watertight connection between two enclosures
EP1510363B1 (en) Paint can closure device with improved fastening means
EP0312460B1 (en) Disconnectible element for joining two closed vessels together
EP3893638B1 (en) Cover for a vessel comprising axial locking members on an opening rim of the vessel
FR3116645A1 (en) Waterproof device giving access to an enclosure, as well as corresponding system for waterproof connection between two enclosures
EP3147026B1 (en) Device for tight connection between two enclosures
EP3893639B1 (en) Tank lid with an automatic locking mechanism
FR2994561A1 (en) Fixing system for fixing lid on storage barrel used in e.g. dual door sealed transfer installation, of radioactive wastes, has arm comprising upper end connected to actuator to swivel arm in bore and lower end connected to crimping head
EP1289394B1 (en) Device for locking/unlocking a lid on a bowl and pressure cooker comprising same
EP1717459A1 (en) Device for fixing a member to a panel comprising an assembly made out of a cage and an insert and method for manufacturing said assembly
EP0829698B1 (en) Device for transporting large-calibre ammunition
FR2543628A1 (en) Device for the blind stapling of two components, especially for motor vehicle metal sheets

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20160426

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: F16J 13/18 20060101ALI20160907BHEP

Ipc: B25J 21/00 20060101ALI20160907BHEP

Ipc: B01L 1/02 20060101AFI20160907BHEP

Ipc: G21F 7/047 20060101ALN20160907BHEP

Ipc: G21F 7/005 20060101ALI20160907BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20161007

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 874984

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602015001807

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20170315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170615

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170616

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 874984

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170315

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170615

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170715

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170717

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602015001807

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20171218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170519

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180531

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20150519

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230517

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230412

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20230515

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230519

Year of fee payment: 9