Rotary connecting interface for sealed transfer container, and method for converting a fixed flange transfer container into a rotary flange container

Abstract

A rotary connection interface (I) that rotates about a longitudinal axis (X1) includes: a first end (24) including an outer lug (25) extending radially outward and configured to form an outer upper bayonet connection; a second end (26) including a lower notch (38) configured to form a peripheral lower bayonet connection with an outer element (10), the second end being configured to allow the interface (I) to rotate about the longitudinal axis (X1) while maintaining the peripheral lower bayonet connection after the peripheral lower bayonet connection is established; a central through channel (28) connecting the first end (24) and the second end (26), the central channel (28) including an inner lug (19) assembled to form an inner upper bayonet connection; and a washer (30) mounted on the first end (24). A method for using this interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary connection interface for a sealed transfer container for use with a sealed transfer device mounted on the wall of an enclosed object. Prior Technology

[0002] In many industrial sectors, including nuclear energy, medical, pharmaceutical, and food and agriculture industries, certain work must be carried out in a limited environment in order to protect the environment from effects such as radioactivity and toxicity, or conversely, these works can be carried out in a sterile or dust-free environment, or both simultaneously.

[0003] Transferring equipment or products from one enclosed volume to another enclosed volume without breaking the seals on the outer sides of each volume at any time can present a difficult problem. This problem can be solved by a double-door connection device.

[0004] A double-door device with multiple security controls is disclosed, for example, in document FR 2 695 343. Each volume is closed by a door mounted in a flange. Each door is secured to its flange by a bayonet connection or by a hinge and a locking system, and the two flanges can be secured to each other by a bayonet connection.

[0005] For example, one enclosed volume is formed by an insulator and the other volume is formed by a rigid container.

[0006] Previously, the connecting component supported by the insulator was referred to as the α component, and the connecting component supported by the container was referred to as the β component. The container includes a rigid tubular reservoir and the β component. The β flange is attached to the reservoir.

[0007] Gaskets are placed on the α component and the β component to ensure a seal between the connected volumes.

[0008] The connection between the transfer container and the enclosure is achieved through the mechanical cooperation of the β flange and the α flange, for example, through a bayonet connection. This, along with the mechanical cooperation of the gasket, ensures a tight seal in the connection.

[0009] The connection between the container and the closure, and particularly between the β component and the α component, involves bringing the β component and the α component closer together so that the lug of the β flange enters the notch of the α flange, and then rotating the β flange relative to the α flange to secure the two flanges and subsequently unlock the α and β doors. Rotation of the β component is achieved by pivoting the container about its axis, and the β flange is rigidly attached to the reservoir.

[0010] When the container is loaded, a large mass must be rotated, which can cause problems depending on the container's diameter and the friction between the β and α flanges. Furthermore, the objects placed inside the container also rotate. For example, if they are filled and open bottles, they will tip over.

[0011] Currently, there are so-called rotating flange containers where the β flange is freely rotatable relative to the reservoir. Therefore, to ensure the connection between the α component and the β component, only the β flange is rotated, not the β flange and the entire reservoir. Because the reservoir is fixed, the object contained in the reservoir does not move when in the connected state.

[0012] However, these containers are specific, so a user must replace all or part of his / her familiar container with a rotary flange container, which can be costly, especially when the rotary flange mechanism is more specialized. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a relatively easy-to-implement and low-cost solution that allows a container to be tightly connected to a closure without rotating the container.

[0014] The above objective is achieved by a rotary interface that has the function of connecting a sealed transmission device and is assembled to be rotatably and movablely mounted on the β flange of a sealed transmission container.

[0015] Therefore, the user can simply and inexpensively place this interface on a conventional container and convert it into a rotary flange container in a way that is simpler and cheaper than the latest rotary flange containers. For example, a fixed flange container can be temporarily converted into a rotary flange container depending on the object it needs to contain. In fact, if they are open tubes filled with liquid, the interface is mounted on the β flange of the container. If they are not rotationally sensitive stops, he / she uses a container without the interface. The user can also make this adjustment according to the weight of the contents to avoid having to pivot the container when it is too heavily loaded.

[0016] The end of the interface that cooperates with the α flange of the enclosure is identical to a β flange of a container, and is specifically configured to be closed by the β door and securely fixed to the α flange. Next, the end of the interface that can be mounted on the β flange includes means for axially fixing the β flange and the interface and for freely rotating the β interface relative to the β flange.

[0017] In other words, the inventors had the idea of ​​creating a removable connector to convert a fixed flange container into a rotary flange container as needed.

[0018] The conversion is very fast and easy to implement.

[0019] This application therefore relates to a connection interface rotatable about a longitudinal axis (X1) and mountable on a sealed transmission container, the container comprising: a reservoir; a container flange attached to the reservoir, the container flange including a first lug extending radially outward and configured to form a first bayonet connection, the container flange also including a central channel defined by a sidewall having a notch 18 extending radially inward for forming a second bayonet connection, the longitudinal axis interface comprising: A first end, having a second lug (25) extending radially outward to form a third bayonet connection; A second end, which is assembled to be sealingly connected to the container flange by forming the first bayonet connection, and the interface is rotatable relative to the container flange about the axis of the container flange; A central through-passage connects the first end and the second end, and the central through-passage is configured to be closed by the container door; A gasket is mounted on the first end and is used to ensure a sealed contact with the sealing transfer device and the container door.

[0020] For example, the second end includes an annular housing for receiving the end of the container flange. The annular housing includes an axial groove that passes through one end face of the second end and a radial groove that surrounds the axial groove. The radial groove is configured to receive the lugs of the container flange and allow the lugs to rotate about the longitudinal axis in the radial groove to form the first bayonet connection.

[0021] Advantageously, the axial groove has a radial outer surface with axially extending notches that open into the radial groove, the notches being configured to pass through the lugs of the container flange and extending radially outward, and the interface also having removable stops that fill the notches.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the axial groove is radially defined internally by a wall adjacent to the central channel, and the axial groove is configured such that when installed on the container flange, the gasket of the container flange sealably contacts the inner surface of the wall and the bottom of the axial groove.

[0023] In another exemplary embodiment, the axial groove is radially defined internally by a wall adjacent to the central channel, and the interface includes at least one first washer in the bottom of the groove and / or one second washer in the wall such that, after the connection interface is mounted on the container flange, the washer of the container flange sealably contacts the first washer and / or the second washer.

[0024] Advantageously, the rotary connection interface includes means for causing the interface to rotate relative to the container flange. The means for causing rotation may include rollers or bearings and / or a friction-reducing coating.

[0025] Another object of this application is a sealed transfer container for cooperating with an interface according to the present invention, comprising: a reservoir having a bottom and an open end; a container flange having one end attached to the open end of the reservoir and one end mechanically cooperating with a sealed transfer device; a container door closing the container flange, the container flange having radially outwardly extending lugs for engaging with the sealed transfer device via a bayonet, one or more of the lugs having rollers mounted on radially extending pins and configured to roll in the radial grooves; the end also having a gasket for ensuring sealed contact with the sealed transfer device and the container door.

[0026] For example, each of these lugs includes at least one window portion on which one or more rollers are mounted.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, the washer of the container flange and the washer of the rotary connection interface are identical. Another object of the present invention is a method for converting a fixed flange transport container into a rotary flange container. Provide a fixed flange container; A rotary connection interface is provided according to one of the present invention; The container door is removed by the container flange; Place the container door on the rotary connection interface; The rotary connector is mounted on the container flange such that the washer of the container flange abuts against the rotary connector. The rotary connection interface is axially clamped onto the container flange.

[0028] This conversion method may include: Align the lugs of the container flange with the notches of the rotary connection interface; Insert the lugs of the container flange into the notches until the lugs are received in the radial groove; This causes the rotary connection interface to rotate relative to the container flange; Place the stoppers in each notch; The stop components are fixed to the rotary connection interface.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a connection interface that rotates about a longitudinal axis, comprising: A first end portion having an outwardly extending radially outwardly extended lug configured to form an outer upper bayonet connection; A second end portion having a lower notch configured to form a peripheral lower bayonet connection with an external component, the second end portion being configured to allow the interface to rotate about the longitudinal axis while maintaining the peripheral lower bayonet connection after the peripheral lower bayonet connection is established; A central through-channel connects the first end and the second end, and the central channel is assembled to form an inner upper bayonet connection; A washer is mounted on the first end.

[0030] Advantageously, the second end includes an annular housing containing an axial groove extending into one end face of the second end and a radial groove surrounding the axial groove. The radial groove is configured to receive lugs of the external element to form the peripheral lower snap-fit ​​connection and to allow the lugs to rotate about the longitudinal axis in the radial groove.

[0031] Preferably, the axial groove has a radial outer surface with axially extending notches that open into the radial groove, the notches being configured to pass through the lugs of the container flange and extending radially outward, and the interface also having removable stops that fill the notches.

[0032] Alternatively, the axial groove is radially defined internally by a wall adjacent to the central channel, and the axial groove is assembled such that after establishing the side-mounted snap connection with the outer element, the inner surface of the wall and the bottom of the axial groove sealably contact a gasket of the outer element.

[0033] Alternatively, the axial groove is radially defined internally by a wall adjacent to the central channel, and the interface includes at least one first washer at the bottom of the groove and / or one second washer in the wall such that, after establishing the underside snap connection with the outer element, the first washer and / or the second washer sealably contacts one washer of the outer element.

[0034] Advantageously, the connection interface includes means for causing the interface to rotate relative to the external element.

[0035] Advantageously, the device that causes the rotational movement may include rollers or bearings and / or a friction-reducing coating.

[0036] This invention also relates to a method for converting a fixed flanged transfer container into a rotary flanged container: A container is provided having a container flange and a container door removably mounted in the container flange via a bayonet connection; the container flange also includes a gasket mounted on the container flange. Provide one of the rotary connection interfaces as described above; The container door is removed by the container flange; The container door is placed on the rotary connection interface to form the upper inner bayonet connection; The rotary connector is mounted on the container flange such that the washer of the container flange abuts against the rotary connector. The rotary connection interface is axially clamped onto the container flange. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0037] This invention can be better understood from the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sealed transfer container to which one of the present inventions can be applied; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing only one exemplary embodiment of the rotary connection interface; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the interface of Figure 2 closed by a β-gate; Figure 4A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the interface of section AA in Figure 3; Figure 4B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the interface of section AA in Figure 3; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of one of Figures 4A; Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C show the different steps involved in installing the interface of Figure 2 onto the container of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 equipped with the interface of Figure 3; Figure 8 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an interface according to another exemplary embodiment. Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 shows a container on which the rotary connection interface can be installed to at least temporarily convert it into a rotary flange container.

[0039] The reservoir 2 includes a rigid cylindrical container 4 that rotates about an axis X, having a longitudinal end closed by a bottom 6 and an open longitudinal end 4.1 to which a β component 8 is attached.

[0040] The β component 8 includes a β flange or container flange 10 of shaft X and a β door or container door 12 (which can be seen in Figure 3 mounted on the interface I described below). The β component 8 is used to cooperate with an α component (not shown) mounted on the wall of a sealing enclosure by means of a bayonet connection. The sealing enclosure has an α flange or groove flange that is closed by an α door or groove door. The α component may be referred to as a "sealing connection device".

[0041] An example of a sealing connection device using a bayonet connection is disclosed, for example, in FR 2 695 343.

[0042] The container flange 10 includes a first longitudinal end 10.1 for cooperating with the α flange and the container door 12, and a second longitudinal end 10.2 for attaching to the opening end 4.1 of the rigid container, for example by welding or screw fixing.

[0043] The first end 10.1 of the container flange has a first lug 14, which extends radially outward and is used to cooperate with a notch in the container flange to form a first snap-fit ​​connection between the container flange and the slot flange. This first snap-fit ​​connection is also referred to as a peripheral under-snap connection.

[0044] The container flange 10 has a central channel 16 for being closed by the container door 12. The container door 12 is secured to the container flange 10 by a second bayonet connection, also known as an inner upper bayonet connection. The central channel 16 is defined by a sidewall 17 having notches 18 that extend radially inward from the central channel 16 and are intended to receive the lugs of the container door 12. Finally, the container door 12 is assembled to be secured to the slotted door by a fourth bayonet connection.

[0045] The container flange 10 also includes an annular gasket 20 (Figures 4A and 4B) comprising a radially inner surface 20.1 that defines the central channel downstream of the notches 18 in a direction that brings the β flange closer to the α flange, and the gasket provides a seal with the container door 12. The gasket 20 also has an end face 20.2 for contacting the α flange and providing a sealing contact between the α flange and the β flange. The first lugs 14 extend radially outward relative to the gasket 20.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the container 2 also includes radially outwardly extending handles 22 to allow the container to rotate about the longitudinal axis X in order to engage with the α portion of the slot. These handles are removable.

[0047] Figures 2 to 5 show an exemplary embodiment of a rotary connection interface I used to at least temporarily assemble the container 2 and convert it into a rotary flange container.

[0048] The interface I is used to realize the function of the container flange 10, which on the one hand ensures the container door 12 is installed in a sealed manner so as to seal the container, and on the other hand ensures that the container is sealed to a component α installed in the wall of a closure.

[0049] The interface includes a first longitudinal end 24 for cooperating with the α component and a second longitudinal end 26 for cooperating with the β flange.

[0050] The first end 24 of the interface has the same shape as the first end 10.1 of the β flange; the first end 24 also has the same dimensions as the first end 10.1 of the β flange. It includes a second lug 25 extending radially outward to cooperate with a notch of the α flange, and a central channel 28 adjacent to a washer 30; the washer ensures a seal with both the β flange and the α flange. The washer 30 is the same as or similar to the washer 20.

[0051] The central channel 28 of the interface I allows the container door 12 to be mounted on the interface I and ensures its airtight seal. Therefore, when the interface is mounted on the β-flange 10 attached to the container, the container door 12 serves to close the central channel 28 of the interface. To achieve this, and as shown in FIG4A, the central channel 28 includes a third inner lug 19 that projects radially inward to cooperate with the door 12 and repeats the upper inner bayonet connection.

[0052] The second end 26 of the interface I is configured to connect with the first end 10.1 of the β flange. The connection between the interface I and the β flange provides axial fixation of the interface I and the β flange, rotational movement of the interface I relative to the β flange about the longitudinal axis X, and sealing between the interface and the β flange.

[0053] The second end 26 has an outer diameter that is larger than that of the first end and forms a housing for the β flange. The second end 26 forms a base for connection with the container.

[0054] The second end portion 26 of the interface includes an axial groove 34 to receive the β flange 10. The second end portion 26 also includes an end face 32 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1 of the interface and through which the axial groove 34 passes.

[0055] The second end portion 26 also includes a radial groove 35 formed in the radial outer wall 36, defining and opening into the axial groove 34. The radial outer wall 36 includes notches 38 extending axially from the end face 32 to the radial groove 35 and distributed at an angle around the axis X1. The number of notches 38 is the same as the number of lugs on the β flange 10. The size and angular distribution of these notches 38 are configured for axial passage of the lugs of the β flange.

[0056] The second end also includes a radial inner wall 39 adjacent to the interior of the axial groove 34 and the exterior of the central channel 28.

[0057] The radial groove 35 includes two annular sides 35.1 and 35.2 perpendicular to the shaft X1 and a cylindrical bottom 35.3 of the shaft X1.

[0058] The interface also includes stops 40 configured to fill the notches 38 and define a continuous side 35.1 of the radial groove 35, as shown in FIG4B. These stops are attached to the interface by means of, for example, screws 42. Each stop includes a body 40.1 configured to enter a notch 38 and an attachment shoulder 40.2 surrounding the body 40.1. The attachment shoulder has two holes 44 in the illustrated example, and these holes are aligned with holes 46 formed in the end faces 32 on both sides of each notch 38. Screws 42 pass through the holes 44 and are screwed into the holes 46.

[0059] The interface according to the present invention is suitable for use with existing container flanges without requiring any modifications.

[0060] Alternatively, a device for reducing friction and facilitating relative rotation can be provided between the lug of the β flange and the radial groove 35 of the interface, which is particularly advantageous for use on large-diameter stainless steel containers.

[0061] In the illustrated example, the container includes the device designated 48. The device 48 includes rollers 50 mounted on lugs of the β-flange for rolling on the sides 35.1, 35.2 in the radial groove 35. In this example, each roller 50 is received in a window 51 formed in a first lug 14. Each roller 50 is mounted on a pin 52 extending radially into a window. In the illustrated example, each lug 14 includes two windows, each window having one roller 50. Alternatively, one or more rollers per lug are contemplated. Furthermore, more than one roller may be provided in one lug. Preferably, all lugs include one or more rollers to ensure balanced mounting.

[0062] Other devices besides rollers, such as ball or roller bearings or vanes, can also be used.

[0063] Alternatively, such rollers or other devices may be present in the radial grooves 35 of the friction-reducing interface.

[0064] Instead of or added to such rollers or other bearings, the radial grooves and / or lugs of the container flange include a friction-reducing treatment between the interface and the flange, such as a Teflon® type polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating or a ceramic coating, an amorphous diamond carbon (ADC) treatment, or a surface finish obtained by mechanical or electrochemical polishing to reduce friction between the interface and the flange.

[0065] The presence of these rollers on the inside of the lug of the β flange does not prevent the flange from being directly connected to a conventional α flange.

[0066] The two sides 35.1 and 35.2 of the radial groove 35 form raceways for the rollers. Filling the gaps with stops ensures a continuous plane, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0067] Advantageously, the seal between the β-flange 10 and the interface I is ensured by an annular gasket 20 carried by the β-flange 10, the end face 20.2 of which abuts against the bottom of the axial groove 34 and / or its radial inner edge 20.1 abuts against the outer surface of the wall 39. Therefore, the seal is very easy to form and no additional gasket is required.

[0068] Figure 8 shows an example of an interface mounted on the flange of the container; a gap exists between the axial groove 34 and the face 20.2 of the washer of the β flange, and a gap exists between the outer surface of the wall 39 and the face 20.1 of the washer of the β flange. A washer 53 is disposed at the bottom of the axial groove 34 and a washer 55 is disposed in the wall 39. The washers 53 and 55 can be O-rings or rectangular washers. The washers 53 and 55 contact the faces 20.2 and 20.1 of the annular washer 20. Because the number of contacting surfaces is reduced, this example has the advantage of reduced friction. According to another example, the face 20.2 of the washer contacts the bottom of the groove and a washer 55 is disposed in the wall 39. Conversely, the face 20.1 of the washer 20 contacts the face of the wall 39 and a washer 53 is disposed in the axial groove 34.

[0069] The interface preferably includes one or more grips 54 for pivoting the interface relative to the container. The grips extend radially, for example, relative to the second end 26. In the illustrated example, the grip 54 is supported by a stop 40 and extends radially outward from the shoulder 40.2 of the stop 40 (FIG. 6C).

[0070] The following explains how a fixed flange container can be converted into a rotating flange container.

[0071] The door 12 is removed by the β flange and attached to the interface.

[0072] The second end 26 of the I-interface is oriented toward the β-flange 10 and the interface is axially brought closer to the β-flange by aligning the equiaxes X and X1. The interface I is angularly oriented such that each radial notch 38 is aligned with one of the lugs 14 of the β-flange (Fig. 6A).

[0073] Bring the interface I close enough so that the lugs enter the radial notches and abut against the bottom of the axial groove 34. Rotate the interface several degrees about the axis X1 to engage the β flange lug in the radial groove 35 (Fig. 6B).

[0074] Next, the stops 40 are placed. The body 40.1 of a stop 40 is inserted into a notch 38, and the attachment shoulder 40.2 abuts against the surface 32 surrounding the notch. Screws 42 are inserted into the holes 44 and screwed into the holes 46 to secure the stops 40 to the interface I. The inner surface 35.1 is thus continuous, and the rollers can roll on the inner surface (Fig. 6C).

[0075] Therefore, the interface is axially fixed to the container while being freely pivotable around a longitudinal axis X1 that coincides with the container's longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, the assembly thus creates a seal.

[0076] A fixed flange container has thus been converted into a rotating flange container (Figure 7).

[0077] It should be noted that placing the interface on the container involves removing the container door from the container flange, thus compromising the container's airtightness. After placing the interface sealed with the container door, a step is performed to disinfect the interior of the container, with or without the object to be transferred.

[0078] This container is connected to one of the α components of a closure for a sealed transport system, which is achieved in the same way as a conventional rotary flange container.

[0079] For example, the lug of the interface is installed in the notch of the α flange. Then, the interface I is pivoted only around the longitudinal axis X to fix the interface to the α flange, fix the β door to the α door, and finally unlock the doors by the flanges.

[0080] Because the container is not pivoted, the objects inside are not tipped over. Therefore, it is possible to transport fragile objects and / or fill open containers.

[0081] It should be noted that the rotation between the interface and the β flange is a maximum of 60° clockwise and counterclockwise, and is only used for connection and disconnection from the enclosure. This stress is similar to the stress experienced by the gasket 20 when the β flange is directly connected to the α component. Therefore, using a rotating interface will not prematurely wear the gasket or shorten the life of the container.

[0082] The interface can be made of the same material as the β flange. Alternatively, the interface can be made of stainless steel, or plastic materials such as polyethylene, PTFE, PEEK, polycarbonate, or PSU.

[0083] This invention allows for the easy and rapid conversion of a fixed-flange sealed transport container into a rotary-flange container as needed. Because a bayonet-type connection is used to secure the interface to the container, and its application to connecting fixed-flange containers is well-established, this conversion requires no additional technology. Furthermore, manufacturing the interface is structurally very similar to manufacturing a container flange, making it simpler.

[0084] 2: Storage container 4: Rigid cylindrical container 4.1: Open (Longitudinal) End 6: Bottom 8: β component 10: β flange or container flange 10.1: First longitudinal end 10.2: Second longitudinal end 12: Beta gate or container gate 14: First protruding ear 16, 28: Central Passage 17: Sidewall 18,38: Gap 19: Third inner protruding ear 20, 30, 53, 55: Washers 20.1: Radial inner surface; radial inner edge 20.2,32: End face 22,54: Grip 24: First (longitudinal) end 25: Second protruding ear 26: Second (longitudinal) end 34: Axial groove 35: Radial groove 35.1, 35.2: Side profile 35.3: Cylindrical bottom 36: Radial outer wall 39: Radial inner wall 40: Stop component 40.1:Ontology 40.2: (Attached) Shoulder 42: Screws 44, 46: Holes 48: Apparatus 50: Roller 51: Window 52: Sales I: (Rotary Connection) Interface X, X1: (Vertical) axis

Claims

1. A connection interface (I) that rotates about a longitudinal axis (X1), comprising: A first end portion (24) includes an outer lug (25) extending radially outward and configured to form an outer upper bayonet connection; a second end portion (26) includes a lower notch (38) configured to form a peripheral lower bayonet connection with an outer element (10), the second end portion being configured to allow the interface (I) to rotate about the longitudinal axis (X1) while maintaining the peripheral lower bayonet connection after the peripheral lower bayonet connection is established; a central through channel (28) connecting the first end portion (24) and the second end portion (26), the central through channel (28) including an inner lug (19) assembled to form an inner upper bayonet connection; and a washer (30) mounted on the first end portion (24). The second end (26) includes an annular housing, which includes an axial groove (34) that passes into one end face (32) of the second end (26) and a radial groove (35) surrounding the axial groove (34). The radial groove (35) is configured to receive the lug (14) of the outer element (10) to form the peripheral lower snap connection and allow the lug (14) to rotate around the longitudinal axis (X1) in the radial groove (35).

2. The rotary connection interface of claim 1, wherein the axial groove (34) includes a radial outer surface having notches (38) extending axially and opening into the radial groove (35), the notches (38) being configured for passage of the lugs (14) of the outer element (10) and extending radially outward, the interface also including removable stops (40) filling the notches (38).

3. The rotary connection interface as requested in item 1 or 2, wherein the axial groove (34) is radially defined internally by a wall (39) adjacent to the central through channel (28), and the axial groove (34) is configured such that once the peripheral lower snap connection is established with the outer element (10), the inner surface of the wall and the bottom of the axial groove (34) sealably contact a gasket of the outer element (10).

4. The rotary connection interface as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial groove (34) is radially defined internally by a wall (39) adjacent to the central through channel (28), and wherein the interface includes at least one washer (53) in the groove (34) and / or one of the second washers (55) in the wall (39) such that once the peripheral lower snap connection is established with the outer element (10), the first washer (53) and / or the second washer (55) sealably contacts one of the washers (20) of the outer element (10).

5. The rotary connection interface as claimed in claim 1 or 2, which includes means for causing the interface to rotate relative to the external element (10).

6. The rotary connection interface as claimed in claim 5, wherein the device for causing rotational movement includes rollers or bearings and / or a friction-reducing coating.

7. A method for converting a fixed flanged transfer container into a rotary flanged container: providing a container including a container flange (10) and a container door (12) removably mounted in the container flange via a bayonet connection, the container flange (10) also including a washer (20) mounted on the container flange (10); providing a rotary connection interface (I) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the container flange (10) serves as the outer element (10); removing the container door (12) from the container flange (10); placing the container door (12) on the rotary connection interface (I) by forming the inner upper bayonet connection; mounting the rotary connection interface on the container flange (10) by forming the peripheral lower bayonet connection, such that the washer of the container flange (10) abuts against the rotary connection interface (I); The rotary connection interface is axially clamped onto the container flange.

8. The conversion method as described in Request 7, which uses the rotary connection interface as described in Request 2, includes: Align the lugs of the container flange (10) with the notches (38) of the rotary connection interface; Insert the lugs of the container flange (10) into the notches until the lugs are received in the radial groove; Rotate the rotary connection interface relative to the container flange; Place the stops (40) in the notches (38); Attach the stops (40) to the rotary connection interface (I).

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