Sealed double-door connection device with reinforced security

Abstract

A sealed connection device for a double-door connection system comprising a first flange (6) and a first door closing off the first flange (6), the first flange (6) comprising bayonet connection means (32) for connecting an object, the object comprising a second flange closed off by a second door, the second flange being provided with n lugs intended to engage with the bayonet connection means of the first flange (6), the first flange (6) comprising n detectors of the correct assembly of the lugs of the second flange in the bayonet connection means (32), each detector (46) being configured to detect the presence of a lug.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a double door connection device with enhanced security.

[0002] In a number of industrial sectors, including the nuclear, medical, pharmaceutical and food sectors, it is necessary or desirable to carry out certain tasks in a confined atmosphere, either in order to protect the environment, for example from radioactivity, toxicity, etc., or on the contrary to be able to carry out these tasks in an aseptic or dust-free atmosphere, or both simultaneously.

[0003] The transfer of devices or products from one closed volume to another, without at any time breaking the seal of each of these volumes with respect to the outside, poses a delicate problem to fulfill. This problem can be solved by a double-door connection device.

[0004] Such a double-door device equipped with a multiple safety control is known, for example, from document FR 2 695 343. Each volume is closed by a door mounted in a flange. Each door is secured to its flange either by a bayonet connection or by a hinge and a locking system and the two flanges are intended to be secured to each other by a bayonet connection.

[0005] For example, one of the closed volumes is formed by an isolator and the other volume is formed by a flexible container, also called a waterproof transfer bag.

[0006] Conventionally, the connection part carried by the insulator is designated the alpha part and the connection part carried by the container is designated the beta part.

[0007] Seals are provided on the alpha part and on the beta part to ensure sealing between the connected volumes.

[0008] The beta part comprises a beta flange closed by a beta gate, the beta flange and the beta gate cooperating with each other by a bayonet connection, and the alpha part comprises an alpha flange closed by an alpha gate, the alpha gate being hinged to the alpha flange by a hinge. The seal between the beta flange and the beta gate is ensured by a gasket housed in the beta flange.

[0009] The connection between the transfer bag and the enclosure is made by mechanical cooperation of the beta flange and the alpha flange by a bayonet type connection. This mechanical cooperation ensures both the mechanical connection and the watertightness.

[0010] The sealed connection cycle is as follows: The container carrying the beta part is brought closer to the alpha part, the ears of the beta flange enter notches in the alpha flange, and the ears of the beta door enter notches in the alpha door. The container is rotated, for example clockwise, the ears of the beta flange pivot and slide in a groove in the alpha flange. Simultaneously, due to the friction of the seal carried by the beta flange, the rotation of the container causes the rotation of the beta door, which causes the connection between the beta door and the alpha door by the bayonet connection. The two doors are then secured. Each ear of the beta door then comes to bear against a circumferential stop carried by the alpha door.

[0011] The container is still rotated, due to the beta gate ears pressing against the circumferential stops on the alpha gate, the rotation of the container causes the disconnection between the beta gate and the beta flange.

[0012] Depending on the seals, one carried by the beta flange and the other carried by the alpha door, the following alternative is possible: Simultaneously with the pivoting and sliding of the ears of the beta flange in a groove of the alpha flange, due to the friction of the seal carried by the alpha door, the beta door is kept stationary in rotation and the beta door is disconnected from the beta flange. Each ear of the beta flange then comes to bear against a circumferential stop carried by the beta door.

[0013] The container is still rotated, due to the support of the ears of the beta flange against the circumferential stops on the beta door, the rotation of the container causes the rotation of the beta door, which causes the connection between the beta door and the alpha door by the bayonet connection. The two doors are then secured.

[0014] From inside the cell, the alpha door is unlocked and the two doors together can be pivoted towards the inside of the cell around the hinge axis.

[0015] Transfer between the two volumes can take place.

[0016] The disconnection cycle is as follows: Both doors are replaced in the flanges.

[0017] The container is rotated counterclockwise. Due to friction between the gates, the beta gate remains stationary in rotation, causing the beta gate and the beta flange to connect. Then, circumferential stops carried by the beta flange bear against the circumferential stops of the beta gate, causing the beta gate to rotate relative to the alpha gate and disconnect them. The container is also disconnected from the alpha flange. The container can then be removed from the flange.

[0018] A number of safety features are implemented to limit the risks of the enclosure being opened when the container is not correctly connected to the alpha part. Such a double-door device equipped with a multiple safety control is for example also known from document EP 2 766 121. This device comprises a manual control member for opening the doors and four locks, two of which prevent any opening maneuver as long as the container door is not present and as long as the container flange is not fully connected to the alpha flange. A third lock prevents any disconnection of the two flanges after the control member has passed an intermediate locking position. Finally, a fourth lock prevents the control member from returning to its initial position when the doors are open. This double-door connection device is satisfactory.The first two locks are at least partially deactivated when the connection of one of the ears of the beta flange to the alpha flange is detected. A protruding rod of the alpha flange is pushed back by the ear of the beta flange, which contributes to the deactivation of both locks.

[0019] Containers are transported between multiple areas and can fall. Furthermore, containers are docked multiple times on cells. Beta flanges can deteriorate, for example, become deformed or even break during handling, especially the connecting lugs to the alpha flange, which extend radially outward from the flange.

[0020] The inventor has found that if one or more of the three other ears of the container whose presence is not detected are damaged, for example broken or deformed, and the ear whose presence is detected is in a sufficient condition to ensure the deactivation of the locks, the cell door lock may be deactivated, while the connection is not necessarily secure due to the deterioration of one or the other ears. Indeed, this partial deterioration may result in poor application of the seal against the alpha flange and therefore a risk of a leaktightness defect, which may cause a loss of containment.

[0021] FR 2 441 244 describes an example of a known sealed connection device. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0022] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a double-door sealed connection device offering an increased level of security.

[0023] The aim stated above is achieved by a double-door sealed connection device which comprises a cell flange and a door, the cell flange comprising bayonet connection means intended to cooperate with a flange of an object to be connected, the flange of the object comprising ears cooperating with the bayonet connection means, said cell flange comprising means for detecting the presence of each of the ears of the flange of the object to be connected.

[0024] Thanks to the invention, any risk of unlocking the various safety devices while the connection between the two flanges is not satisfactory due to one or more damaged ears is eliminated.

[0025] Advantageously, the sealed connection device comprises motorized unlocking means, the detection of the presence of all the ears then results in the sending of a signal to control means which generate an order to the unlocking means to unlock. Conversely, if one of the ears is not detected, unlocking is prohibited.

[0026] In other words, an exhaustive detection of the correct mounting of all the ears in the bayonet connection means of the alpha flange is carried out.

[0027] For example, the detection of the presence of each ear is carried out by an inductive sensor.

[0028] The present application then relates to a sealed connection device for a double-door connection system comprising a first flange and a first door closing said first flange, said first flange comprising bayonet connection means for an object, said object comprising a second flange closed by a second door, the second flange being provided with n ears intended to cooperate with the bayonet connection means of the first flange, said first flange comprising n detectors for the correct assembly of the ears of the second flange in the bayonet connection means, each detector being configured for detecting the presence of an ear.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the first flange comprises for each ear a rotation stop configured to stop the rotation of the second flange in a connection position, and each detector is upstream of the rotation stop in a direction of connection of the second flange to the first flange.

[0030] Each detector may comprise an element configured to be moved by the presence of the ear and a sensor for detecting the movement of the element. The element may be a rod capable of sliding radially, one longitudinal end of the rod being pushed radially outwards by the ear, another longitudinal end of the rod being detected by the sensor, and elastic return means exerting a force radially inwards on the element.

[0031] For example, the element is metallic and the sensor is an inductive sensor.

[0032] According to an additional feature, each detector comprises a fixing support in which the sensor is mounted and the rod capable of sliding in the fixing support is mounted.

[0033] Advantageously, the detectors and the related electrical connection means are housed in an interior volume of the first flange.

[0034] Another subject of the present application is an enclosure defining a first closed volume and comprising a sealed connection device according to the invention, said connection device being mounted in a wall of said enclosure.

[0035] The enclosure may include a control unit to which the detectors are connected.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the enclosure may comprise motorized locking / unlocking means for the first door and motorized opening means for the first door connected to the control unit, said control unit being configured, when the second flange is mounted on the first flange, to control the motorized locking means and the motorized opening means if the n detectors each send an ear detection signal to the control unit.

[0037] The control unit is advantageously configured to emit an alert message if one of the detectors does not send an ear detection signal.

[0038] The object can be a container or a flexible bag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The present invention will be better understood on the basis of the following description and the attached drawings in which: Figure 1is a schematic representation of a top sectional view of an enclosure provided with a sealed connection device to which a container is connected. Figure 2A is a detail view of the interior of a cell flange of a double-door connection device. Figure 2B is a view of the flange of the Figure 2A , the interior volume being closed by a hood. Figure 3 is a transparent view of the connection device to which a container is connected, with only the container flange and its door being shown. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cell flange of the Figure 2A showing the inside of the radial ear mounting groove. Figure 5 is a detail view of the figure 4 . Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cell flange of the Figure 2A showing one of the detectors that can be implemented. Figure 7A Figure 7B are top views of the detector of the figure 6in two different states. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cell flange with a container flange mounted thereon. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0040] In the following description, the terms "cell door" and "alpha door" are synonymous, the terms "container door" and "beta door" are synonymous, the terms "cell flange" and "alpha flange" are synonymous, and the terms "container flange" and "beta flange" are synonymous.

[0041] In the following description, the beta flange is that of a container intended to be connected in a sealed manner to an alpha flange for the purpose of transferring objects between the interior of the container and the interior of the cell. It will be understood that the connection device is suitable for the sealed connection of any object equipped with a beta flange, for example it may be soft bags, gloves, sleeves, half-suits, etc.

[0042] On the figure 1 , a schematic representation of a double-door sealed transfer system can be seen in which a sealed connection device according to the invention can be implemented.

[0043] In general, the double-door transfer system has a symmetry of revolution around the X1 axis which is the axis of the cell flange

[0044] In the following description, the two closed volumes that we wish to connect correspond respectively to an isolator 2 or cell and to a container C. In this example, the container has a rigid container part. Alternatively, it has a flexible container part.

[0045] The enclosure 2 comprises walls delimiting a sealed volume. At least one of the walls 4 comprises a sealed connection device D to an external sealed system, for example another enclosure, a rigid or flexible container, such as a bag. The device D is intended to allow the internal volumes of the enclosure and the external system to be connected in a sealed manner and to allow a sealed transfer between the two volumes, to protect the objects contained in the sealed volumes and / or to protect the external environment from these objects. For example, the enclosure 2 may be part of an isolator system, in particular an isolator containment zone, a sterile containment zone or a radioactive containment zone, which may be used to manufacture products in the pharmaceutical, food or nuclear industries for example.

[0046] Examples of sealed connection devices are described in document FR 2 695 343 and in document EP 2 766 121.

[0047] The sealed connection device D comprises a cell flange 6 mounted in the wall 4 of the cell and delimiting an opening 8, a door 10 intended to seal the opening 8. The sealed connection device D also comprises means for connection to an external system, for example a container C, also comprising a container flange 9 bordering an opening and a door 11 sealingly closing said opening. The connection means of the cell flange 6 and the flange 9 are for example of the bayonet type. Each door is connected to its flange also by a bayonet connection or by a pivot connection with a hinge. The connection device has a symmetry of revolution of axis X1.

[0048] An example of a procedure for tightly connecting a container to the enclosure will be briefly described using the figure 1 . The dotted line shows the closed container before its connection to the enclosure. The container contains objects O, shown schematically, which we wish to transfer into the enclosure. The transfer system is not shown.

[0049] The container flange 9 is tightly secured to the enclosure flange 6 by means of a bayonet connection. Simultaneously, the door 11 of the container and the door 10 of the enclosure are tightly secured to each other by a bayonet connection. The outer faces of the doors 10, 11 are isolated from the interior volume of the container and the enclosure, the assembly formed by the two doors 10, 11 secured to each other can be removed by pivoting it around its axis, and then moved into the enclosure, freeing a passage between the two volumes. The two volumes are then in tight communication and the transfer of objects between the two volumes can be carried out through the passage.

[0050] The flange 9 of the container has a seal which comes into contact with the outer face of the flange 6 of the enclosure; this seal helps to delimit the passage between the two volumes.

[0051] Means (not shown) make it possible to control the opening and closing of the doors 10 and 11. These means can be manual or automated as will be described in more detail later in the description.

[0052] The container door 11 is fixed to the container flange 9 by a bayonet connection. The double-door sealed transfer system also comprises two other bayonet connections, to enable the container flange 9 to be secured to the cell flange 6 and the container door 11 to be secured to the cell door 10. The three bayonet connections are arranged such that after the container flange 9 has been docked with the cell flange 6, a rotation of the container C about its axis, for example in the clockwise direction, has the effect of securing the container flange 9 and the cell flange 6, securing the container door 11 and the cell door 10, and detaching the container door 11 from the container flange 9.In one mode of operation, these last two operations are carried out consecutively, so that the container is only opened after the container door 11 has been secured to the cell door 10 to form a double door.

[0053] The assembly formed by the cell flange and the cell door is commonly referred to as the “alpha part”.

[0054] The assembly formed by the container flange 9, the container door 11 and the seal mounted on the flange 9, and which ensures both the seal between the flange and the container door 11 and between the cell flange 6 and the container flange 9, is commonly referred to as the “beta part”.

[0055] The transfer container then has a beta connection part and a container.

[0056] On the Figure 2A, we can see an interior volume 30 of a cell flange 6 or alpha flange according to an exemplary embodiment. Advantageously, this volume 30 is located inside the flange and oriented towards the outside of the cell. It is closed by a protective cover 31 ( Figure 2B ). Thus, as will be described below, the detectors 46 and the related electrical connection means 58 are housed in the interior volume 30; they do not represent an additional surface area that would hinder the operator.

[0057] The flange 6 comprises bayonet connection means 32 configured to cooperate with ears 33 of the container flange 9. On the figure 3 , the ears 33 can be seen extending radially outwardly from the container flange 9. In this example, the container flange has four ears. Alternatively, it has three or more ears.

[0058] On the figures 4 And 5, the bayonet connection means 32 can be seen comprising a radial groove 36 opening radially towards the central passage of the cell flange. The radial groove 36 is delimited by two side walls 36.1, 36.2 and a bottom 36.3. The side walls are substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cell flange 6 and the bottom 36.3 extends axially around the longitudinal axis X1. The side wall 36.1, located upstream relative to the direction of insertion of the container flange into the cell flange, comprises radial notches 38 distributed angularly around the longitudinal axis X1. The radial notches 38 are arranged and dimensioned so as to allow the lugs 33 to pass through the groove and to be inserted into the groove.

[0059] The radial notches 38 are separated by portions of circular arcs 40 forming axial stops for the ears 32.

[0060] The cell flange also has rotation stops 42 ( figures 4 to 6 ) arranged in the radial groove 36 and limiting the rotational movement of the ears 33 around the axis X1 in a direction of rotation for connecting the container flange 9 in the cell flange 6. In the example shown and preferably, each rotation stop 42 is located at an angular end of each radial notch 38, so as to be located downstream of the ear intended to come into abutment against it in the connection phase.

[0061] The cell flange 6 also has a circular groove 45 ( figure 6 ) of axis X1 delimiting the interior volume 30 and surrounding the radial groove 36. The bottom 36.3 of the groove 36 forms the radially interior wall of the groove 45.

[0062] The cell flange 6 also includes detectors 46 for the presence of each of the ears 33 of the container flange in the groove 36.

[0063] The cell flange 6 therefore comprises as many detectors 46 as there are ears of the container flange. In the example shown, the cell flange comprises four detectors 46. Each detector 46 is mounted on the cell flange, upstream of a rotation stop 42. The detectors 46 are mounted in the interior volume 30 of the cell flange, on the outside of the enclosure.

[0064] Since the four detectors 46 are similar, as is their mounting in the cell flange, only one of them will be described in detail.

[0065] In this example, the detector 46 comprises a detection element formed by a rod 48 mounted in a bore 50. The rod 48 opens through one end 48.1 into the radial groove 36 and through another end 48.2 into the circular groove 45. In this example, the bore 50 is oriented radially. The rod 48 is slidably mounted in the bore 50. The first longitudinal end 48.1 in the rest state, i.e. in the absence of an ear, projects into the radial groove 36.

[0066] The first end 48.1 of the rod 48 is intended to be in contact with a radially outer edge of an ear 33 of the container flange 9 and forms a feeler. Preferably the feeler 48.1 has a beveled face 49 facilitating its cooperation with the ear 33. The beveled face 49 has a leading end 49.1 with which the ear will come into contact during its rotation. In the rest state, the leading end 49.1 is flush with the bottom 36.3 of the radial groove.

[0067] The second end 48.2 of the rod 48 opens into the circular groove 45 and is intended to be detected by a sensor 52 fixed in the circular groove 45 of the cell flange. In the example shown, the sensor is arranged substantially perpendicular to the rod. The end 48.2 moving between a rest position, in which it is not detected by the sensor ( Figure 7A ) and a detection position, in which it is detected by the sensor ( Figure 7B ). Another relative orientation of the sensor 52 and the rod 48 does not depart from the scope of the present invention. The end 48.2 advantageously comprises a flat facing the inductive sensor 52 to provide a flat surface facing the inductive sensor 52 and not a cylinder generator.

[0068] In this example, the sensor 52 is an inductive sensor and the rod 48 or at least its second end 48.2 is made of a metallic material detectable by the inductive sensor. When the end 48.2 of the rod is opposite the sensor ( Figure 7B ), it modifies the magnetic field generated by the sensor, this modification is detected.

[0069] In the example shown, the sensor 52 is mounted in a fixing support 54 fixed to the cell flange 6 and the rod 48 is also slidably mounted in the fixing support 54. In this example, the fixing support 54 has the general shape of an L, one branch of the L carrying the sensor and the other branch carrying the rod 48. The fixing support 54 is for example fixed to the flange by means of a screw 56. The implementation of a fixing support 54 securing the sensor and the rod 48 allows simultaneous and easy mounting of the sensor 52 and the rod 48 on the flange 6, for example by means of a single screw. In addition, their relative orientation is fixed by the fixing support.

[0070] Elastic return means in the rest position are provided (not shown). They are for example formed by a helical spring mounted in the fixing support or between the fixing support 54 and the bottom of the radial groove 36.

[0071] The detectors described above are robust due to their simplicity. They have only one moving element, so the risk of failure is reduced.

[0072] In the example shown, the sensor 52 is electrically connected by a cable 58 to a power source G and to a control unit UC which receives and uses the signals emitted by the sensor.

[0073] Alternatively, the cable is used only for power supply and the signals are transmitted wirelessly, for example by radio waves.

[0074] Alternatively, the sensors 52 are electrical switches, optical sensors implementing, for example, laser detection in barrage or detection.

[0075] Alternatively, the detection is a purely mechanical detection, in which the movements of the rods 48 resulting from the correct positioning of the beta container cause the mechanical unlocking of the cell door. The opening of the doors is controlled elsewhere. A linkage system makes it possible to recover the movements of all the rods and to transform them into an unlocking action if necessary.

[0076] Very advantageously, the sensor comprises an indicator light 60 which changes its lighting state depending on whether or not the rod is detected. Preferably, the indicator light lights up when the rod is detected.

[0077] Advantageously, a light visible to the operator indicates the connection status. Very advantageously, there are as many lights as there are sensors and therefore ears, which increases the accuracy of the information and makes it possible to know the location of the undetected ear(s).

[0078] The four sensors are arranged at 90° to each other. If three sensors were implemented, they would typically be arranged at 120° to each other. The n sensors implemented to detect the n ears of the container flange have the same angular arrangement as the n ears of the container flange.

[0079] In the example shown and advantageously, the means for unlocking and for actuating the opening and closing of the doors 10 and 11 are automated. The means for unlocking and for actuating the doors comprise a first electric motor controlling the locking / unlocking of the cell door, and a second electric motor moving the cell door and the container door attached to it, around the hinge of the cell door. The control unit sends signals to the first motor to control the unlocking of the cell door, and to the second motor to control the opening of the doors. These signals are only sent if the four sensors detect the four rods. If at least one detection signal is not emitted, no unlocking or opening is permitted. It should be noted that the presence of the container door is also detected by means provided for this purpose.

[0080] The operation of the device will now be described.

[0081] The operator axially approaches the container flange 9 to the cell flange 6 and causes the ears 33 of the container flange 9 to penetrate into the notches 38 formed in the side wall 36.1 of the radial groove 36 of the cell flange 6. The axis of the cell flange and the axis of the container flange are aligned.

[0082] The operator then pivots the container flange 9 around its axis in a clockwise direction, the lugs 33 then pass behind the arc portions 40, until each lug 33 comes into abutment against a rotational stop 42. Simultaneously with the approach of the rotational stop 42, each lug of the container flange comes into contact with the feeler 48.1, the latter is then pushed back into the bottom 36.3 of the groove 36 allowing the lug 33 to continue to pivot towards the rotational stop 42 ( figure 8). The displacement stroke of the rods 48 under the action of the ears is for example of the order of 3 mm. The sliding of the rod 48 places the detection end 48.2 opposite the sensor 52 ( Figure 7B ). This emits a signal detecting the rod 48 and therefore the ear, which is sent to the control unit. On the figure 8 , we can see the cell flange in section in which the container flange is mounted.

[0083] If all the ears are intact or if their condition is sufficient to cause the four rods to slide, the sensors detect the movement of the rods and each emit a detection signal to the control unit ( Figure 7B ), the control unit issues an order to the lock motor to unlock the cell door and to the opening motor to open the doors.

[0084] On the contrary, if the container flange has one or more broken or deformed ears so that they do not cause the detector rods to slide ( Figure 7A ) and the emission of detection signals, unlocking of the cell door is not authorized by the control unit. The latter can emit a fault signal to the operator.

[0085] The invention offers a high level of safety since the risks of rupture of the sealed atmosphere due to a defective flange are avoided.

[0086] When an event of non-detection of one or more ears occurs, the container is sent to scrap or for repair.

[0087] The present invention also applies to cells in which the unlocking of the cell door and / or the opening of the cell door and the container door are carried out manually. For example, the operator accesses the lock using a glove mounted in a glove loop located near the cell flange. In this case, it can be provided that the control unit, depending on the signals emitted by the sensors, releases a stop preventing unlocking, which is then carried out by the operator. In a variant, it is the operator who decides to unlock the cell door based on the information sent by the detectors. If the operator detects that all the sensors emit an ear detection signal, he decides to unlock the cell door, otherwise he removes the container for disposal or repair.

Claims

1. Sealed connection device for a double-door connection system including a first flange (6) and a first door (10) plugging said first flange (6), said first flange (6) including bayonet connection means for an object, said object including a second flange (9) plugged by a second door (11), the second flange (9) being provided with n lugs (33) intended to cooperate with the bayonet connection means of the first flange (6), said first flange (6) including n detectors of the correct assembly of the lugs (33) of the second flange (9) in the bayonet connection means, each detector (46) being configured for the detection of the presence of a lug (33).

2. Connection device according to claim 1, wherein the first flange (6) includes for each lug a rotational stop (42) configured to stop the second flange (9) in rotation in a connection position, and wherein each detector (46) is upstream of the rotational stop (42) in a direction of connection of the second flange (9) onto the first flange (6).

3. Connection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each detector (46) includes an element (48) configured to be moved by the presence of the lug (33) and a sensor (52) for detecting the movement of the element (48).

4. Connection device according to claim 3, wherein the element (48) is a rod capable of sliding radially, wherein one longitudinal end (48.1) of the rod (48) is pushed back radially towards the outside by the lug, wherein another longitudinal end (48.2) of the rod (48) is detected by the sensor (52), and wherein elastic return means exert a stress radially towards the inside on the element (48).

5. Connection device according to claim 4, wherein the element (48) is metal and the sensor is an inductive sensor.

6. Connection device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each detector includes a fastening support in which the sensor is mounted and the rod capable of sliding in the fastening support is mounted.

7. Connection device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detectors (46) and the related electric connection means are housed in an inner volume (30) of the first flange (6).

8. Chamber defining a first closed volume and including a sealed connection device according to one of the preceding claims, said connection device (D) being mounted in a wall (4) of said chamber.

9. Chamber according to claim 8, including a control unit to which the detectors (46) are connected.

10. Chamber according to the previous claim, including motorised means for locking / unlocking the first door (10) and motorised means for opening the first door (10) connected to the control unit, said control unit (UC) being configured, when the second flange (9) is mounted on the first flange (6), to control the motorised locking means and the motorised opening means if the n detectors each send a signal of detection of a lug to the control unit.

11. Chamber according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control unit (UC) is configured to emit an alert message if one of the detectors (46) does not send a signal of detection of a lug.

12. Chamber according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the object is a container or a flexible bag.

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