Subassembly and transfer device for a double door watertight connection system, method of manufacture of a subassembly and method of manufacture by biinjection of a subassembly

Abstract

subassembly for a double-port watertight connection system, transfer device for a double-port watertight connection system, and methods for manufacturing a subassembly and for manufacturing, by bi-injection, a subassembly. subassembly for a double-door watertight connection system between two closed spaces, said system comprising two flanges that can be fixed together and two doors, each normally closing an opening delimited by a flange, said subassembly including a flange (120) and a seal (138), said seal (138) being intended to provide watertight contact between the flange (120) and the seal (138), between the seal (138) and the other flange of the connection system and between the seal (138) and the door (124) closing the opening of said flange, the flange (120) including a groove (140) and the seal (138) being a molded piece in the flange (120) and being partially received in the groove (140).

Description

1 / 16 “SUBASSEMBLY AND TRANSFER DEVICE FOR A DOUBLE-PORT WATERTIGHT CONNECTION SYSTEM, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SUBASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING, BY BI-INJECTION, A SUBASSEMBLY” Description Technical Field and State of the Art

[001] The present invention relates to a subassembly for a dual-door transfer system with simplified manufacturing.

[002] In a number of industrial sectors, among which mention will be made of the nuclear, medical, pharmaceutical and food sectors, it is necessary or desirable to carry out certain tasks in a confined atmosphere in order to protect the environment, for example, from radioactivity, toxicity, etc., or, conversely, to be able to carry out these tasks in an aseptic atmosphere or in a dust-free atmosphere, or finally in both at the same time.

[003] Transferring equipment or products from one enclosed space to another, without at any point breaking the airtightness of each of these spaces with respect to the outside, represents a difficult problem to solve. This problem can be solved by a double-door connection device.

[004] Such a double door device provided with multiple protection control is, for example, known from document FR 2 695 343. Each space is closed by a door mounted on a flange. Each door is attached to its flange by a bayonet connection and the two flanges are intended to be fastened to each other by a bayonet connection.

[005] For example, one of the enclosed spaces is formed by an insulator and the other space is formed by a container.

[006] Conventionally, the connecting piece carried by the insulator is designated alpha piece and the connecting piece carried by the container Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 10 / 36 2 / 16 is designated beta part.

[007] The beta part can equip a rigid container, a bag, or a sheath called a tubing, for example, to discharge waste. The tubing is a flexible sheath, usually of considerable length, which can reach 30 meters, folded upon itself around a rigid body. It includes a beta part mounted on the rigid body. The flexible sheath is gradually unfolded to the required length and then welded and cut. The tubing allows the transfer of waste or objects to the outside of the insulator, in a semi-continuous manner, without breaking the seal.

[008] Seals are provided on part alpha and part beta to ensure tightness between the connected spaces.

[009] The beta flange includes a groove in which a bead of the beta part seal is received.

[010] The sealing of the beta part aims to guarantee at the same time: - tightness between the flange of part beta and the port of part beta; - tightness between flange beta and flange alpha; and - tightness between the beta flange and the sealing bead.

[011] The assembly of the sealing bead in the flange groove is important, as the tightness between the bead and the flange depends particularly on it. The assembly operation is complicated, as the bead can twist during assembly.

[012] The assembly operation can therefore be difficult and time-consuming, which increases production costs. Furthermore, in the case of an application in the pharmaceutical field, the bags or containers equipped with the beta part are manufactured in a clean room, which makes the assembly of the seal on the flange even more complex.

[013] In addition, there is a risk of the seal slipping out of the groove, Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 11 / 36 3 / 16 particularly during an autoclaving cycle. The flange must therefore be designed to prevent this phenomenon. Description of the Invention

[014] Consequently, an objective of the present invention is to offer a subassembly for a dual-door transfer system with simplified manufacturing.

[015] The stated objective above is achieved by a subassembly for a double-door transfer system, including a flange intended to be closed by a door and a sealing gasket fixed to the flange, the subassembly being at least partially produced by overmolding.

[016] Therefore, there is no longer any seal assembly operation on the flange, and the risk of non-conforming assembly is thus eliminated. The time required for the manufacture of a beta part is then reduced. The risks of leakage are also reduced.

[017] In one example, the flange is produced in advance and includes a groove, and the seal is then molded onto the flange. Highly advantageously, the groove includes passages at its bottom through which the seal material can flow, providing improved seal fixation to the flange.

[018] In an advantageous example, an O-ring seal is mounted clamped to the radially inner wall of the flange groove before mounting, which further improves the seal between the flange and the seal.

[019] In another embodiment of the example, the seal is produced in advance and the flange is molded over the seal.

[020] An object of the present application is therefore a sub-assembly for a double-door watertight connection system between two enclosed spaces, said system comprising two flanges that can be fixed Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 12 / 36 4 / 16 between themselves and two doors, each normally closing an opening delimited by a flange, said subassembly including a flange and a seal, said seal being intended to provide a tight contact between the flange and the seal, between the seal and the other flange of the connection system and between the seal and the door closing the opening of said flange, the seal and the flange being a molded piece in the flange or in the seal, respectively.

[021] In an advantageous example, the flange includes a groove surrounding the central opening thereof, said groove housing a part of the seal.

[022] For example, the flange includes at least one channel so that the sealing material extends between the inside of the flange and the radially outer surface of the flange.

[023] Advantageously, at least one channel connects the interior of the groove to the radially outer surface of the flange.

[024] In one example, the sealing material on the radially outer surface of the flange can form a ring completely enclosing the flange.

[025] In another example, the sealing material on the radially outer surface of the flange forms a sleeve completely enclosing the flange.

[026] Preferably, the subassembly includes at least one O-ring mounted and fixed to a radially inner longitudinal wall of the groove, the seal being molded into the flange and the O-ring. Advantageously, the seal and the O-ring are produced from the same material.

[027] For example, the flange is made of thermoplastic polymer and the seal is made of thermoset polymer or thermoplastic polymer.

[028] Another object of the present application is a device of Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 13 / 36 5 / 16 transfer to a watertight double-port connection system, including a subassembly according to the invention and a container tightly secured to the flange.

[029] In one example, the container is rigid and is in one piece with the flange.

[030] In another example, the container is flexible and is attached to the flange. The flexible container may be a sheath.

[031] Another object of the present application is a method for manufacturing a subassembly according to the invention, including: - provide a flange; - Fit a mold onto the flange, defining the final shape of the seal with the flange; - Inject the plastic material of this seal into the mold and inside and / or over the flange; - to harden the aforementioned material; and - eject the subset from the mold.

[032] The manufacturing method may include manufacturing the flange by molding thermoplastic material.

[033] Another object of the present application is a method for manufacturing a subassembly according to the invention, including: - to provide a seal; - Fit a mold onto at least part of the seal, defining the final shape of the flange with the seal; - Inject the plastic flange material into the mold and into and / or over the seal; - to harden the aforementioned material; and - eject the subset from the mold.

[034] The method may include manufacturing the seal by Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 14 / 36 6 / 16 molding of thermoplastic or thermoset polymeric material.

[035] Another object of the present application is a method of manufacturing by bi-injection of a subassembly according to the invention, including: - Provide at least one template defining the final external shape of the subassembly; - Inject a first layer of flange or seal material into the mold; - to harden the aforementioned first material; - Inject a second sealing or flange material into the mold; - to harden the aforementioned second material; and - eject the subset of the aforementioned mold. Brief Description of the Figures

[036] The present invention will be better understood based on the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which.

[037] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the connection of a container in a cell by means of a double-port watertight transfer device by means of the bayonet type.

[038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the double door connection system, a beta part of the prior art being mounted on the alpha part.

[039] Figure 3A is a longitudinal sectional view of an example embodiment of a subassembly of a beta part according to the invention.

[040] Figure 3B is a detailed view of Figure 3A.

[041] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the subset of Figure 3A.

[042] Figure 5 is a plan perspective view of the flange of the subassembly of Figure 3A, without the seal.

[043] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of a Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, p. 15 / 36 7 / 16 variant of the subset in Figure 3A.

[044] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another example of a subassembly according to the invention.

[045] Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a subassembly according to the invention.

[046] Figure 9 is a detailed longitudinal sectional view of another example of a subassembly according to the invention. Detailed Description of Particular Forms of Implementation

[047] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a dual-port transfer system.

[048] In the following description, the two closed spaces whose tightness is to be tested before their connection correspond, respectively, to an insulator (10) and a container (12). It will be understood, however, that the invention is also applicable in the case where the closed spaces would be non-limiting, for example, in one case, a glove box and, in the other case, a container or a glove box.

[049] The isolator (10) is enclosed by a wall (14), only a part of which is visible in Figure 1. It is conventionally equipped, for example, with remote manipulation means, such as remote handling devices and / or gloves (not shown) fixed to the wall (14), by means of which the centralized control mechanism can be operated from within this cell (10). The container (12) is also enclosed by a wall (16), as illustrated in particular by Figure 1.

[050] The double-door sealed transfer device mainly comprises an insulator flange (18), a container flange (20), an insulator door (22) normally closing a circular opening enclosed by the insulator flange (18) and a container door (24) normally closing an opening enclosed by the container flange (20). Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 16 / 36 8 / 16 The insulator flange (18) and the container flange (20) are fixed respectively to the wall (14) of the cell (10) and to the wall (16) of the container (12). In this example, the insulator door (22) is hinged to the insulator flange (18) by a hinge (26).

[051] The means generally designated by reference (28) allow controlling the opening and closing of doors (22) and (24).

[052] For example, the container door (24) is attached to the container flange (20) by a bayonet connection (30), as described in document FR 2 695 343. For example, to allow the container flange (20) to be attached to the insulator flange (18), and the container door (24) to be attached to the insulator door (22), the double-door watertight transfer system also comprises two other bayonet connections designated respectively by references (32) and (34). The three bayonet connections (30), (32) and (34) are arranged so that, after the container flange (20) is placed against the insulator flange (18), a rotation of the container (12) around its axis, for example in a clockwise direction, has the effect of clamping together the container flange (20) and the insulator flange (18), clamping together the container door (24) and the insulator door (22), and disconnecting the container door (24) from the container flange (20).These last two operations occur consecutively, so that the opening of the container only occurs after the container door (24) has been disconnected from the isolator door (22) in order to form a double door.

[053] The assembly formed by the insulator flange and the insulator gate is normally referred to as the “alpha part”. The assembly formed by the container flange and the container gate is normally referred to as the “beta part”.

[054] In general, the double-port transfer system has revolution symmetry around the X-axis, which is the axis of the insulator flange. Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, p. 17 / 36 9 / 16

[055] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the double door system in the locking phase, with the beta part mounted on the alpha part. The alpha part includes a seal (36) mounted on the periphery of the insulator door (22). The seal (36) is in contact with the alpha flange and the container door of the beta part. The beta part includes a seal (38) mounted on the flange (20) that borders the opening closed by the container door (24). The seal (38) is in contact with the container door (24) of the beta part and the front face of the insulator flange (18).

[056] The invention applies, in particular, to beta parts comprising, for example, a rigid container, a flexible bag or a sheath.

[057] Figure 3A shows a longitudinal sectional view of an example embodiment of a flange (120) and a seal of a beta part according to the invention, forming a subassembly of beta part, and Figure 3B shows a detailed view of Figure 3A. Figure 4 shows the flange of Figure 3A seen in perspective without the port. Figure 5 shows the flange before the seal is molded thereon.

[058] In this example, the connection between the port (124) and the flange (120) is a bayonet connection, and the connection between the flange (120) and the alpha part is also of the bayonet type. These connections are by no means limiting. Connection methods by fitting or fastening are also applicable.

[059] The flange (120) has a shape of revolution around the X' axis.

[060] The flange (120) includes a first part (120.1) comprising the means for connecting the alpha part and the means for cooperating with the port (not shown) to provide a watertight fit thereof in the flange (120) and a second part (120.2), tubular in shape in the example shown, extending the first part (120.1) and intended for securing the container, which Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 18 / 36 10 / 16 can be rigid in the case of a rigid container or flexible in the case of a bag, or to fix a sheath, for example, in order to produce piping. In Figure 4, a bag (S) fixed to the second part (120.2) of the flange (120) is shown schematically.

[061] The flange (120) carries a seal (138) intended to provide tightness both between the flange (120) and the port (124) and between the flange (120) and the alpha part.

[062] The flange (120) includes a groove (140) formed in the first part (120.1), enclosing the opening of the container flange (120). The groove (140) emerges on the face intended to be in contact with the alpha part. The groove (140) includes a radially inner wall (140.1), a radially outer wall (140.2) and a bottom (140.3).

[063] The radially inner wall (140.1) and the radially outer wall (140.2) provide the positioning of the seal (138) in relation to the door (14).

[064] The seal (138) is annular in shape and includes a first part (138.1) housed in the groove and a second part (138.2) projecting from the groove and intended to come into radial contact with the door and longitudinal contact with the insulator flange.

[065] In the example shown, and advantageously, the bottom (140.3) of the groove (140) is perforated with holes (142) that pass through the bottom (140.3) and emerge to the outside (Figure 5). In one example, the seal (138) is produced by molding into the flange. The seal material is partially injected into the groove. In this example, the seal material (138) flows through the holes (142) in the bottom (140.3) and forms a ring (143) encircling the second part (120.2) of the flange. The seal fixation on the flange is then substantially increased.

[066] In the example shown, the groove (140) includes walls Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 19 / 36 11 / 16 concentric tubular (140.1) and (140.2). In one variant, the walls and / or bottom have shapes that favor the fixing of the sealing material in the groove and improve the tightness.

[067] By way of example, the beta flange is produced from plastic material, advantageously thermoplastic, such as PE (polyethylene), PC (polycarbonate), PSU (polysulfone), PP (polypropylene), styrene acrylic copolymers, for example, sold under the name Zylar®, POM (polyoxymethylene), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).

[068] The seal (138) is preferably produced from elastomer, for example thermoset silicone, thermoset EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), thermoset LSR (liquid silicone resin), thermoplastic elastomer or PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

[069] Preferably, the selection of materials for the production of the flange and the seal is such that a chemical bond can appear between the seal material and that of the flange. For example, the flange is produced from PVC and the seal is produced from PVC. According to another example, the flange is produced from a styrene-containing material, for example Zylar® or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or polystyrene, and the seal is produced from thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TEP-S). According to another example, the flange is produced from polyethylene and the seal from unvulcanized thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TEP-O). According to another example, the flange is produced from polypropylene and the seal is produced from vulcanized thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TEP-V). According to another example, the flange is produced from polyurethane and the seal is produced from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TEPU).According to another example, the flange is produced from polyester, for example from glycolized polyethylene terephthalate (PET-G) or polybutylene. Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 20 / 36 12 / 16 terephthalate (PBT), and the seal is produced from thermoplastic copolyester (TPE-E).

[070] Examples of a manufacturing method will be described.

[071] A first example of a manufacturing method includes: - provide a beta flange (120); - Place a mold (not shown) on the flange (120) defining the complete shape of the seal with the groove; - overmolding the seal by injecting seal material into the mold and groove (140); and - solidify the seal (138), for example, by heating, in the case of a thermoset material, to a temperature at least equal to the crosslinking temperature.

[072] The flange material is then chosen so that it can withstand the crosslinking temperature.

[073] For example, the flange is made of polyethylene and the seal is made of silicone.

[074] In this example, the flange advantageously forms part of the seal mold.

[075] In the example in Figure 3A, where the groove (140) is provided with holes (142) in the bottom (140.3) thereof, the mold is such that it extends beyond the holes in order to contain the material that passes through the holes and thus define the shape of the sealing piece located away from the part (138.2) that projects from the groove.

[076] The flange (120) can be produced by molding, for example thermoplastic. Advantageously, in the case of the production of a container, the flange and the container are produced by molding in a single piece. In the case of a bag, the bag is, for example, fixed to the flange, for example by welding, or is molded onto the flange. Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 21 / 36 13 / 16

[077] A second example of a manufacturing method includes: - provide the seal; - Place the seal in a flange mold; - Inject the flange material into the mold so as to shape the flange into the seal; and - To harden the flange material.

[078] The seal is, for example, produced by molding.

[079] The seal, in particular the first part of the seal, preferably has a shape that favors the fixing of the flange to the seal and the tightness between the flange and the seal. This second example has the advantage of being able to implement a seal whose first part has a complex shape that is particularly favorable for good flange fixing.

[080] In this example, it can be predicted that the first part of the seal includes channels that allow the flange material to flow through them and thus form a fastening through the seal.

[081] The molds used are, for example, molds made of steel or aluminum alloy.

[082] In another example, the flange and the seal can be produced by bi-material injection, the flange material being injected into a tool defining the shape of the flange and then the seal material is injected into the same tool.

[083] There are several bi-injection molding techniques applicable to the production of the subassembly according to the invention using different types of molds. For example, one such technique uses transfer molds, where the part is transferred manually or by robot to the same mold for the second injection. Another such technique uses molding with a rotating platen, during which the mold, which is partially movable, rotates 180° to place the first mold into the cavity of the second. Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 22 / 36 14 / 16 material. This rotation is provided by the press plates. Another technique uses rotary base molding, which uses the same principle as rotary plate molding, but for which the rotation mechanism is in the mold. The partially movable cavity emerges from the frame and rotates half a turn before returning to its housing. Yet another of these techniques uses a slidecam mold or sliding door mold, in which space for the second injection is freed up by a movement of the core.

[084] The manufacturing of the beta part flange equipped with the seal according to the invention is faster than according to prior art methods. In addition, the risks of seal assembly causing sealing defects are eliminated. Furthermore, the risks of the seal being ejected from the flange are also eliminated.

[085] The invention also makes it possible to avoid managing stocks of parts to be assembled.

[086] Figure 6 shows a variant embodiment of the flange and seal assembly of Figure 3A, wherein the molding is such that the seal material beyond the holes (142) forms a sleeve (144) covering a part of the second part (120.2). The container gate (124) closing the central passage of the flange is shown.

[087] The sleeve (144) increases the sealing fixation on the flange and can serve as a support for text, for example, the beta part model and / or the manufacturing date. The text can be hollow and / or embossed and produced directly during molding or overmolding and / or fixed, for example, by printing.

[088] Figure 7 shows an example of an advantageous embodiment of the flange and sleeve assembly of Figure 6, in which a bag (S) is welded directly to the sleeve (144). In a variant, the bag is welded to the ring (143) (Figures 3A and 3B). Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 23 / 36 15 / 16

[089] This embodiment example simplifies the container and therefore the production method, not only in relation to the flange material, since it no longer requires material compatibility between the second part (120.2) of the flange and the bag (S), but also in relation to the flange shape, since the second part (120.2) of the flange can be substantially shortened.

[090] For example, the seal is produced from thermoplastic elastomer and the bag is produced from a polymer of the same family. As an example, the seal is produced from thermoplastic polyethylene elastomer (TPE-E) and the bag is produced from polyethylene (PE). According to another example, the seal is produced from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U) and the bag is produced from polyurethane (PU).

[091] Figure 8 shows another advantageous example of a beta flange provided with its seal having even improved tightness between the seal and the flange.

[092] In this example, an O-ring seal (146) is mounted in the groove. The O-ring seal (146) is mounted clamped against the radially inner wall of the groove. The seal is then molded into the flange and the O-ring seal.

[093] Preferably, the O-ring seal (146) and the overmolded seal are produced from the same material.

[094] The use of an O-ring seal allows for improved sealing between the seal and the flange. The O-ring seal exerts a permanent compressive force on the flange, which makes it possible to maintain the seal. If a leak passage forms between the seal and the flange, it will be stopped by the O-ring seal.

[095] A plurality of O-ring seals can be used in various longitudinal locations in the groove. Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 24 / 36 16 / 16

[096] The alpha part flange and seal subassembly and / or the alpha part door and seal subassembly can also be produced by overmolding.

[097] Similarly, if the door of the beta part required a seal, the door and seal subassembly could be produced by overmolding.

[098] The use of overmolding makes it possible to avoid the seal assembly operation on the flange, which can damage the seal and lead to a lack of tightness and, therefore, to the rejection of the beta part.

[099] Manufacturing time is reduced and manufacturing is more reliable. In addition, this technique makes it easier to meet requirements relating to controlled atmospheres, such as particle levels and microbial load, in the case of cleanroom manufacturing.

[0100] Furthermore, the beta part thus obtained is more reliable because the seal is fixed to the flange, better retention of the seal on the flange is obtained and the tightness between the seal and the flange is reinforced.

[0101] The risk of seal ejection found with prior art beta parts during the autoclaving phase is eliminated. The means used to reduce the risk of ejection can be omitted, which reduces the complexity of the flange.

[0102] According to another embodiment of the example shown in Figure 9, the flange (120') does not include a groove, but only a countersink (150) that borders the flange opening. In this example, radial channels (148) are formed in the flange (120') and provide the fastening of the seal (138') in the flange. This variant simplifies the shape of the container flange part (120.1) and therefore the design of the flange mold. Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 25 / 36

Claims

1 / 4 Claims 1. SUBASSEMBLY FOR A DOUBLE-DOOR WATERTIGHT CONNECTION SYSTEM between two closed spaces, characterized in that the system comprises a first and a second flange that are fixed together and a first (124) and a second door, each normally closing an opening delimited by the first and second flanges, respectively, the subassembly including the first flange (120) and a seal (138), the seal (138) being intended to provide a watertight contact between the first flange (120) and the seal (138), between the seal (138) and the second flange of the connection system and between the seal (138) and the first door (124) closing the opening of the first flange (120), the seal (138) or the first flange (120) being a molded piece in the first flange (120) or in the seal (138) respectively,wherein the first flange (120) includes at least one channel (142) such that the sealing material (138) extends between the inside of the first flange (120) and a radially external surface of the first flange (120).

2. SUBASSEMBLY, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first flange (120) includes a groove (140) surrounding the opening enclosed by the first flange (120), the groove (140) housing a part of the seal (138).

3. SUBASSEMBLY, according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one channel (142) connects an interior groove (140) to the radially outer surface of the first flange (120).

4. SUBASSEMBLY, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing material (138) on the radially outer surface of the first flange (120) forms a ring (143) completely enclosing the first flange (120).

5. SUBASSEMBLY, according to claim 1, Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 26 / 36 2 / 4 characterized by the sealing material (138) on the radially outer surface of the first flange (120) forming a sleeve (144) completely enclosing the first flange (120).

6. SUBASSEMBLY, according to claim 2, characterized by additionally including at least one O-ring seal (146) mounted and fixed to a radially inner longitudinal wall (140.1) of the groove (140), the seal (138) being molded into the first flange (120) and the O-ring seal (146).

7. SUBASSEMBLY, according to claim 6, characterized in that the seal (138) and the O-ring seal (146) are produced from the same material.

8. SUBASSEMBLY, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first flange (120) is made of thermoplastic polymer and the seal (138) is made of thermoset polymer or thermoplastic polymer.

9. TRANSFER DEVICE FOR A DOUBLE-PORT WATERTIGHT CONNECTION SYSTEM, characterized by including a subassembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, and a container (12) tightly fixed to the first flange (120).

10. TRANSFER DEVICE, according to claim 9, characterized in that the container (12) is rigid and is in one piece with the first flange (120).

11. TRANSFER DEVICE, according to claim 9, characterized in that the container (12) is flexible and is attached to the first flange (120).

12. TRANSFER DEVICE, according to claim 11, characterized in that the container (12) is a sheath.

13. METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SUBASSEMBLY, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 27 / 36 3 / 4 including: - providing the first flange (120); - placing a mold on the first flange (120) defining with the first flange (120) a final shape of the seal (138); - injecting a seal material (138) into the mold and into and / or over the first flange (120); - hardening the material; and - ejecting the subassembly from the mold.

14. METHOD, according to claim 13, characterized by including the manufacture of the first flange (120) by molding thermoplastic material.

15. METHOD, according to claim 13, characterized in that the sealing material (138) comprises plastic.

16. METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SUBASSEMBLY, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by including: - providing the seal (138); - placing a mold in at least part of the seal (138), defining with the seal (138) a final shape of the first flange (120); - injecting a material of the first flange (120) into the mold and into and / or over the seal (138); - hardening the material of the first flange (120); and - ejecting the subassembly from the mold.

17. METHOD, according to claim 16, characterized by including the manufacture of the seal (138) by molding thermoplastic or thermoset polymeric material.

18. METHOD, according to claim 16, characterized in that the material of the first flange (120) comprises plastic. Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, page 28 / 36 4 / 4 19. METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING, BY BI-INJECTION, A SUBASSEMBLY, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by including: - providing at least one mold defining a final external shape of the subassembly; - injecting into the mold a first material of the first flange (120) or of the seal (138); - hardening the first material; - injecting into the mold a second material of the seal (138) or of the first flange (120); - hardening the second material; and - ejecting the subassembly from the mold. Petition 870240089823, dated 10 / 21 / 2024, pp. 29 / 36

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