Simplified manufacturing subassembly for dual door transfer system

Abstract

To provide a subassembly for a double-door transfer system with simplified manufacture.SOLUTION: In a subassembly for a double-door leak-tight connection system between two closed spaces, the system includes two flanges which can be secured to each other, and two doors each normally closing an opening delimited by a flange. The subassembly includes a flange (120) and a seal (138). The seal (138) is configured to provide leak-tight contacts 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 closing the opening of the flange. The flange (120) includes a groove (140). The seal (138) is a part molded onto the flange (120) and is partly received in the groove (140).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a simplified manufacturing subassembly for a dual door transport system. [Background technology]

[0002] In some industrial sectors, especially in sectors such as nuclear, medical, pharmaceutical and food, it is necessary or desirable to carry out some tasks in a sealed atmosphere in order to protect the environment from e.g. radiation, toxicity, etc., or rather to be able to carry out these tasks in a sterile or dust-free atmosphere, or finally to do both simultaneously.

[0003] Transferring equipment or products from one enclosed space to another without compromising leaktightness to the exterior of each of those spaces at all times presents a formidable problem that can be solved by a double-door connecting device.

[0004] Such a double door device with multiple protection control is known, for example, from DE 10 200 03 133 A1. Each space is closed by a door attached to a flange. Each door is fixed to its flange by a bayonet connection, and the two flanges are intended to be fixed relative to each other by a bayonet connection.

[0005] For example, one of the closed spaces is formed by an isolator, and the other space is formed by a container.

[0006] Conventionally, the connection carried by the isolator is referred to as the "alpha portion" and the connection carried by the container is referred to as the "beta portion."

[0007] The beta section may be equipped with a rigid container and a bag or sheath, called a "tube", for example, for the evacuation of waste. The tube is a flexible sheath, generally long, up to 30 meters long, folded around a rigid body. The tube comprises a beta section mounted on the rigid body. The flexible sheath is gradually unfolded from the folded state to the required length, then welded and cut. The tube allows the transfer of waste or objects outside the isolator, semi-continuously and without compromising leak-tightness.

[0008] Seals are provided on the alpha and beta sections to ensure leak tightness between the connected spaces.

[0009] The beta flange includes a groove for receiving a bead of the beta section seal.

[0010] At the same time, the seal of the beta section -Leak-proof between the beta flange and the beta door; -Leak-proof between the beta and alpha flanges, and -Beta is intended to ensure leak tightness between the flange and the bead of the seal.

[0011] The assembly of the bead of the seal into the groove of the flange is important, since the leak-tightness between the bead and the flange depends on this assembly among other things. This assembly operation requires care, since the bead can become twisted during the assembly.

[0012] Therefore, this assembly operation can be difficult and time consuming, which increases the manufacturing costs. Furthermore, when used in the pharmaceutical field, bags or containers with beta sections are manufactured in clean rooms, which makes assembling the seal to the flange even more complicated.

[0013] Additionally, it is possible for the seal to slip out of the groove, especially during autoclave cycles, and the flanges must therefore be designed to prevent this phenomenon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] French Patent No. 2695343 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simplified manufacturing subassembly for a dual door transport system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The above mentioned objects are achieved by a subassembly for a double door transfer system, comprising a flange intended to be closed by the door and a leak-proof seal fixed to said flange, said assembly being at least partially produced by overmolding.

[0017] Thus, the seal does not have to be assembled into the flange at all any more, thus eliminating the risk of a non-matching assembly, and the manufacturing time of the beta part is reduced. The risk of leakage is also reduced.

[0018] In one example, the flange is prefabricated and includes a groove, and the seal is then molded onto the flange. Very advantageously, the groove includes at its bottom a passage through which the material of the seal can pass, which improves the fixation of the seal on the flange.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, an O-ring seal is clamped and mounted on the radially inner wall of the groove of the flange prior to assembly, which further improves the leak-tightness between said flange and said seal.

[0020] In another exemplary embodiment, the seal is prefabricated and the flange is molded onto the seal.

[0021] One subject of the present application is therefore a subassembly for a double door leakproof connection system between two enclosed spaces, said system comprising two flanges that can be fixed to one another and two doors, each normally closing an opening bounded by a flange. The subassembly comprises a flange and a seal, said seal intended to provide a leakproof contact between said flange and said seal, and between said seal and the other flange of the connection system, and between said seal and the door closing the opening of said flange. The seal or the flange is a part molded on the flange or on the seal, respectively.

[0022] In one advantageous example, the flange includes a groove surrounding a central opening thereof, the groove receiving a portion of the seal.

[0023] For example, the flange may include at least one channel such that the seal material extends between an inner side of the flange and a radially outer surface of the flange.

[0024] Advantageously, at least one channel connects the inner side of said groove with the radially outer surface of said flange.

[0025] In one example, the seal material on the radially outer surface of the flange forms a ring that completely surrounds the flange.

[0026] In another example, the seal material on the radially outer surface of the flange forms a sleeve that completely surrounds the flange.

[0027] Preferably, said subassembly includes at least one O-ring seal gripped and mounted on a radially inner longitudinal wall of said groove, said seal being moulded onto said flange and onto said O-ring seal. Advantageously, said seal and said O-ring seal are made from the same material.

[0028] For example, the flange may be made from a thermoplastic polymer and the seal may be made from a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer.

[0029] Another subject of the present application is a transfer device for a double door leakproof connection system, comprising a subassembly according to the invention and a container sealingly secured to said flange.

[0030] In one example, the container is rigid and is a unitary piece with the flange.

[0031] In another example, the container is flexible and is attached to the flange. The flexible container can be a sheath.

[0032] Another subject of the present application is a method for manufacturing a subassembly according to the invention, comprising the steps of: - providing a flange; - mounting a mould over said flange to define, together with said flange, the final shape of said seal; - injecting the plastic material of the seal into the mould and into and / or onto the flange; - curing said material; - removing the subassembly from the mold.

[0033] The method may include manufacturing the flange by molding a thermoplastic material.

[0034] Another subject of the present application is a method for manufacturing a subassembly according to the invention, comprising the steps of: - providing a seal; - mounting a mould over at least a portion of said seal to define, together with said seal, the final shape of said flange; - injecting the plastic material of the flange into the mould and into and / or onto the seal; - curing said material; - removing the subassembly from the mold.

[0035] The method may include manufacturing the seal by molding a thermoplastic or thermoset polymeric material.

[0036] Another subject of the present application is a method for manufacturing a subassembly according to the invention by bi-injection, comprising the steps of: - providing at least one mold defining the final shape of said subassembly; - injecting a first material of the flange or the seal into the mould; - curing said first material; - injecting into the mould a second material of the seal or the flange; - curing the second material; - removing the subassembly from the mold.

[0037] The present invention will be better understood on the basis of the following description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the connection of a container onto a cell using a double door leak-proof transfer device by bayonet type means. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art double door connection system with a beta section attached to an alpha section. [Figure 3A] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a beta section subassembly according to the present invention; [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a detailed view of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the subassembly of FIG. 3A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the flange of the subassembly of FIG. 3A without the seal. [Figure 6] FIG. 3B is a perspective side view of a variation of the subassembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another example of a subassembly according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a subassembly according to the invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a detailed longitudinal section of another example of a subassembly according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a double door transfer system.

[0040] In the following description, the two enclosed spaces correspond to the isolator 10 and the container 12, respectively, and it is preferable to test their leak-tightness before connecting them, but it will be understood that the present invention is also applicable when these enclosed spaces are, for example, but not limited to, a glove box on one side and a container or a glove box on the other side.

[0041] The isolator 10 is bounded by a wall 14 (only a portion of which is visible in FIG. 1 ) and is conventionally provided with remote control means, e.g. a remote control device fixed to the wall 14, and / or a globe (not shown) by means of which a centralized control mechanism can be operated from inside the cell 10. The container 12 is also bounded by a wall 16, as shown in detail in FIG. 1 .

[0042] The double door leakproof transfer device primarily includes an isolator flange 18, a container flange 20, an isolator door 22 (which normally closes a circular opening bounded by the isolator flange 18), and a container door 24 (which normally closes an opening bounded by the container flange 20). The isolator flange 18 is attached to the wall 14 of the cell 10, and the container flange 20 is attached to the wall 16 of the container 12. In this example, the door of the isolator 22 is hinged to the isolator flange 18 by a hinge 26.

[0043] Means designated throughout the drawings by the reference numeral 28 make it possible to control the opening and closing of the doors 22,24.

[0044] For example, the container door 24 is attached to the container flange 20 by a bayonet connection 30, as described in patent FR 2 695 343. For example, to enable the container flange 20 to be fixed to the isolator flange 18 and the container door 24 to be fixed to the isolator door 22, the double door leakproof transfer system also includes two other bayonet connections, referenced 32 and 34 respectively. The three bayonet connections 30, 32, 34 are arranged as follows: after placing the container flange 20 against the isolator flange 18, rotating the container 12 around its axis, for example clockwise, has the effect of fixing the container flange 20 and the isolator flange 18 to each other, and of fixing the container door 24 and the isolator door 22 to each other, and of removing the container door 24 from its connection with the container flange 20. The last two actions are performed in succession so that opening of the container occurs only after the container door 24 has been disconnected from the isolator door 22 to form a double door.

[0045] The assembly formed by the isolator flange and the isolator door is commonly referred to as the "alpha part." The assembly formed by the container flange and the container door is commonly referred to as the "beta part."

[0046] Generally, the double door transfer system has rotational symmetry about axis X, which is the axis of the isolator flange.

[0047] 2 is a detailed view of the double door system locked with the beta section attached to the alpha section. The alpha section includes a seal 36 attached to the periphery of the isolator door 22. The seal 36 contacts the alpha flange and the container door of the beta section. The beta section includes a seal 38 that is attached to the flange 20 that bounds the opening closed by the container door 24. The seal 38 contacts the container door 24 of the beta section and the front face of the isolator flange 18.

[0048] The present invention has particular application to beta parts (including, for example, rigid containers, flexible bags or sheaths).

[0049] Figure 3A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a flange 120 and beta section seal according to the present invention forming a beta section subassembly. Figure 3B is a detailed view of Figure 3A. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the flange of Figure 3A without the door. Figure 5 shows the flange before the seal is molded thereon.

[0050] In this example, the connection between the door 124 and the flange 120 is a bayonet connection, and the connection between the flange 120 and the alpha section is also of the bayonet type. These connections are in no way limiting. Snap-on or clamp-type connections could also be used.

[0051] The flange 120 has a configuration of revolution about an axis X'.

[0052] The flange 120 comprises a first part 120.1, which comprises the connection means of the alpha section and means for cooperating with a door (not shown) for leak-tight mounting of the door in the flange 120. The flange 120 also comprises a second part 120.2 (tubular in the example shown), which extends the first part 120.1 and is intended to mount a container. The container may be rigid, in the case of a rigid container, or flexible, in the case of a bag, or for mounting a sheath, for example to create a tube. In FIG. 4, a bag S is shown diagrammatically mounted on the second part 120.2 of the flange 120.

[0053] The flange 120 carries a seal 138 to provide leak resistance both between the flange 120 and the door 124 and between the flange 120 and the alpha portion.

[0054] The flange 120 includes a groove 140 formed in a first portion 120.1 surrounding an opening in the container flange 120. The groove 140 emerges at a face for contacting the alpha portion. The groove 140 includes a radially inner wall 140.1, a radially outer wall 140.2, and a bottom 140.3.

[0055] A radially inner wall 140.1 and a radially outer wall 140.2 provide positioning of the seal 138 relative to the door 14.

[0056] The seal 138 is annular in shape and includes a first portion 138.1 housed in a groove and a second portion 138.2 protruding from the groove, the second portion 138.2 intended to radially contact the door and longitudinally contact the flange of the isolator.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom 140.3 of the groove 140 is advantageously drilled with a hole 142 passing through the bottom 140.3 and emerging towards the outside (FIG. 5). In one embodiment, the seal 138 is made by molding onto the flange. The seal material is partially injected into the groove. In this embodiment, the seal material flows through the hole 142 in the bottom 140.3 to form a ring 143 that surrounds the second part 120.2 of the flange. As a result, the fixation of the seal onto the flange is greatly increased.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 140 includes tubular concentric walls 140.1 and 140.2. In a variant, the walls and / or the bottom have a shape that is convenient for fitting a sealing material in the groove and improves leak-proofness.

[0059] By way of example, the beta flange is made from a plastic material, advantageously a thermoplastic, such as PE (polyethylene), PC (polycarbonate), PSU (polysulfone), PP (polypropylene), styrene-acrylic copolymers (for example sold under the name "Zylar" (registered trademark)), POM (polyoxymethylene), PET-G (glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).

[0060] The seal 138 is preferably made from an elastomer, such as, for example, a thermoset silicone, a thermoset EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), a thermoset LSR (Liquid Silicone Resin), a thermoplastic elastomer, or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).

[0061] Preferably, the choice of materials for making the flange and the seal is such that a chemical bond occurs between the material of the seal and the material of the flange. For example, the flange is manufactured from PVC and the seal is made from PVC. According to another example, the flange is made from a material containing styrene, for example "Zylar" (registered trademark) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or polystyrene, and the seal is made from a thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TEP-S). According to another example, the flange is made from polyethylene and the seal is made from a non-vulcanized thermoplastic olefin-based elastomer (TEP-O). According to another example, the flange is made from polypropylene and the seal is made from a vulcanized thermoplastic olefin-based elastomer (TEP-V). According to another example, the flange is made from polyurethane and the seal is made from a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TEP-U). According to another example, the flange is made from polyester, for example from glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET-G) or from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and the seal is made from a thermoplastic copolyester (TPE-E).

[0062] An example of the manufacturing method will be described.

[0063] A first example of the manufacturing method includes the following steps: providing a beta flange 120; placing a mold (not shown) over the flange 120 to define, together with the groove, the complete shape of the seal; overmolding the seal by injecting the seal material into the mold and groove 140; Solidifying the seal 138 (eg, by heating to a temperature above the cross-linking temperature in the case of a thermosetting material, where the flange material is selected to withstand the cross-linking temperatures).

[0064] For example, the flange is made from polyethylene and the seal is made from silicone.

[0065] In this example, the flange advantageously forms part of the seal mould.

[0066] In the example of FIG. 3A (wherein a hole 142 is provided in the bottom 140.3 of the groove 140), the mold extends beyond the hole, thereby accommodating material passing through the hole and thereby defining the shape of a portion of the seal that protrudes from the groove and is positioned away from portion 138.2.

[0067] The flange 120 may be made by molding a thermoplastic or the like. Advantageously, when making a container, the flange and the container are made by molding as a single piece. In the case of a bag, the bag is for example attached to the flange, for example by welding, or molded onto the flange.

[0068] A second example of the manufacturing method is providing a seal; placing the seal within a flange mold; injecting flange material into a mold to mold the flange onto the seal; and c) hardening the flange material.

[0069] The seal is created, for example, by molding.

[0070] The seal, in particular the first part of the seal, preferably has a form that is favorable for the fixing of the flange onto the seal and for leak-tightness between the flange and the seal. This second example has the advantage that it is possible to implement a first part of the seal with a complex shape that is particularly favorable for good fixing of the flange.

[0071] In this example, it can be envisaged that the first part of the seal includes a through channel which allows the passage of the material of the flange and thus the formation of a fastener through the seal.

[0072] The moulds used are, for example, moulds made from steel or from an aluminium alloy.

[0073] In another example, the flanges and seals can be created by bi-material injection, where the material for the flange is injected into a tool defining the shape of the flange, and then the material for the seal is also injected into the same tool.

[0074] Various bi-injection molding techniques exist that can be used to create the subassemblies according to the invention using different types of molds. For example, one of these techniques uses transfer molding, where the part is transferred manually or by a robot to the same mold for the second injection. Another of these techniques uses rotating platen molding, during which a partially movable mold rotates 180 degrees to place the first part in the mold of the second material. This rotation is performed by the platen of a press. Another technique uses rotary base molding, which uses the same principle as rotary platen molding, but the rotation mechanism is inside the mold. A partially movable cavity emerges from a frame and returns into its housing after a half rotation. Another of these techniques uses sliding cam or sliding gate molds, where the space for the second injection is provided by the movement of the core.

[0075] The method of manufacturing the beta flange with the seal according to the invention is faster than the prior art methods, eliminates the risk of the seal installation being defective in a way that compromises leak tightness, and eliminates the risk of the seal popping out of the flange.

[0076] The present invention also eliminates the need to maintain a stock of parts to be assembled.

[0077] Figure 6 is an alternative embodiment of the flange and seal assembly of Figure 3A, where the molding is done so that the material of the seal beyond the hole 142 forms a sleeve 144 that covers a portion of the second part 120.2. A container door 124 is shown closing the central passage of the flange.

[0078] The sleeve 144 improves the fixation of the seal on the flange and can also serve as a support for inscription of text (e.g., the beta part model number and / or date of manufacture). The text can be hollow and / or in relief and can be made directly during molding or overmolding and / or can be affixed, for example by printing.

[0079] Figure 7 shows an advantageous exemplary embodiment of the flange and sleeve assembly of Figure 6, in which the bag S is welded directly onto the sleeve 144. In a variant, the bag is welded onto the ring 143 (Figures 3A, 3B).

[0080] This exemplary embodiment simplifies the container and thus its manufacturing method, not only with regard to the material of the flange but also with regard to the morphology of the flange, since it no longer requires compatibility of the material of the second part 120.2 of the flange with the material of the bag S, and also since the second part 120.2 of the flange can be significantly shorter.

[0081] For example, the seal is made from a thermoplastic elastomer and the bag from a homogeneous polymer. For example, the seal is made from a thermoplastic polyethylene elastomer (TPE-E) and the bag from polyethylene (PE). According to another example, the seal is made from a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U) and the bag from polyurethane (PU).

[0082] FIG. 8 shows another advantageous embodiment of a beta flange, which further improves the leak-tightness of the flange seal between the seal and the flange.

[0083] In this example, an O-ring seal 146 is mounted in the groove. The O-ring seal 146 is clamped to the radially inner wall of the groove. A seal is then molded onto the flange and the O-ring seal.

[0084] Preferably, the O-ring seal 146 and the overmolded seal are made from the same material.

[0085] The use of O-ring seals can improve the leak-proofing between the seal and the flange. The O-ring seal permanently applies a compressive force to the flange, thus maintaining the leak-proofing. If a leak path forms between the seal and the flange, the leak path will be blocked by the O-ring seal.

[0086] Multiple O-ring seals may be used at various longitudinal positions within the groove.

[0087] The alpha flange and seal subassembly and / or the alpha door and seal subassembly may also be made by overmolding.

[0088] Similarly, if a seal is required on the beta section door, the door and seal subassembly can be overmolded.

[0089] By using overmolding, the operation of assembling the seal to the flange (which can damage the seal and result in poor leak tightness and therefore failure of the beta part) is avoided.

[0090] Production times are reduced and manufacturing reliability is increased. Furthermore, in the case of cleanroom manufacturing, controlled atmosphere requirements, such as particle levels and microbial load, can be more easily met with this technology.

[0091] Furthermore, the resulting beta section is more reliable since the fixing of the seal to the flange allows the seal to be better retained within the flange and provides enhanced leak tightness between the seal and its flange.

[0092] The risk of seal popping off during autoclaving, which occurred with the prior art beta parts, is eliminated. The flanges are less complicated since the measures used to reduce the risk of this popping off are omitted.

[0093] According to another exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the flange 120' does not include a groove, but only a countersink 150 bordering the flange opening. In this example, a radial through channel 148 is formed in the flange 120' to allow the seal 138' to be fixed on the flange. This variant simplifies the configuration of the container flange part 120.1 and therefore the design of the flange mould. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10: Isolator 12: Container 16: Container wall 18: Isolator flange 20: Container flange 24: Container door 32: Bayonet 34: Bayonet 120: Flange 120.1: First part of flange 120.2: Second part of flange 140: Groove 142: Channel, hole 143: Ring 144: Sleeve 146: O-ring seal

Claims

1. 1. A subassembly for a dual door leak-proof connection system between two enclosed spaces, comprising: The double door leakproof connection system comprises two flanges securable to one another and two doors, each normally closing an opening bounded by the flanges; The subassembly includes a flange (120) and a seal (138); the seal (138) is configured to provide leak-proof contact between the flange (120) and the seal (138), between the seal (138) and the other flange of the dual door leak-proof connection system, and between the seal (138) and the door (124) closing the opening in the flange; the seal (138) or the flange (120) being a part molded onto the flange (120) or onto the seal (138), respectively; the flange (120) includes at least one channel (142) such that the seal material extends between an inner side of the flange (120) and a radially outer surface of the flange; Subassembly.

2. The flange (120) includes a groove (140) surrounding a central opening of the flange; The groove accommodates a portion of the seal (138). The subassembly of claim 1 .

3. At least one channel (142) connects the inside of the groove (140) with the radially outer surface of the flange. The subassembly of claim 2 .

4. the material of the seal (138) on the radially outer surface of the flange (120) forms a ring (143) completely surrounding the flange (120); A subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the material of the seal (138) on the radially outer surface of the flange (120) forms a sleeve (144) completely surrounding the flange (120); A subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The subassembly further comprises at least one O-ring seal (146) clamped to a radially inner longitudinal wall (140.1) of the groove (140); The seal (138) is molded onto the flange (120) and onto the O-ring seal (146). A subassembly according to claim 2 or 3.

7. The seal (138) and the O-ring seal (146) are made from the same material. The subassembly of claim 6.

8. said flange (120) being made from a thermoplastic polymer; The seal is made from a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer. A subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a container sealingly secured to the flange. Transfer device for double door leak proof connection system.

10. 10. The transfer device of claim 9, wherein the container is rigid and is an integral part of the flange.

11. 10. The transfer device of claim 9, wherein the container is flexible and is attached to the flange.

12. The transfer device of claim 11 , wherein the flexible container is a sheath.

13. A method for manufacturing a subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: Providing a flange (120); placing a mold over the flange (120) to define, together with the flange, the final shape of the seal; injecting a plastic material of the seal into the mould and into and / or onto the flange; curing the material; removing the subassembly from the mold; A manufacturing method comprising:

14. producing said flange by molding a thermoplastic material; The method of claim 13.

15. A method for manufacturing a subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: providing a seal (138); placing a mold over at least a portion of the seal to define, together with the seal, the final configuration of the flange; injecting plastic material of the flange into the mould and into and / or over the seal; curing the material; removing the subassembly from the mold; A manufacturing method comprising:

16. producing said seal by molding a thermoplastic or thermoset polymeric material; The method of claim 15.

17. A method for manufacturing a subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 by bi-injection, comprising the steps of: providing at least one mold defining the final outer shape of said subassembly; injecting a first material of the flange or the seal into the mold; curing the first material; injecting a second material of the seal or the flange into the mould; curing the second material; and removing the subassembly from the mold. Manufacturing method.

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