Sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes featuring positive opening - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes, comprising two flanges (10, 20) that can be fixed to each other by a first bayonet connection, two doors (11, 21) that close a passage opening defined by the flanges and can be fixed to each other by a second bayonet connection, and a control mechanism comprising a control member (3) movably mounted on the first flange (10) between the closed and open positions of the doors (11, 21), characterized in that the control mechanism comprises a member (7) for locking the second door (21) to the first door (11), ensuring that the doors are locked together when the control member (3) switches the first and second doors to their open positions, and the locking member (7) is integrated in the first door (11).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes.

[0002] In this application, "volume" means any product, device, or equipment that delimits a volume. It can therefore be an enclosure, an insulator, a container, a vessel, a bag, etc.

[0003] "Enclosed volume" is understood to mean a volume isolated from the external environment. This may in particular, but not exclusively, be a volume for preparing, storing and / or handling products that must not come into contact with the outside or the user.

[0004] The transfer device according to the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, intended to connect two sealed volumes in order to transfer a product from one volume to the other without breaching the containment. This may include, for example, the transfer of hazardous products such as certain biological, chemical, or radioactive products, the transfer of components such as stoppers, vials, plungers, syringes, etc., the transfer of environmental control devices such as media plates, particle counters, the transfer of cleaning systems, the transfer of liquids, powders, tools, the transfer of waste outside the enclosure, and / or the transfer of any element required for the production or maintenance of a production line.

[0005] prior art The sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes itself conventionally comprises two flanges each defining a passage opening into the sealed volumes, each of the passage openings being closed by a door, the flange and door of one of the sealed volumes being connected to the flange and door of the other sealed volume, respectively, by a bayonet connection and capable of being fixed to one another under the action of a rotational movement of the flange and one of the associated door relative to the flange and door to which they are attached.

[0006] The seal transfer device further comprises a control member for opening and closing the two doors attached and fixed to one another. The control member, movably mounted on one of the flanges, may be operated from inside one of the volumes. To avoid seal breakage between the two fixed volumes, the seal transfer device advantageously comprises a mechanism for fixing the opening of the doors.

[0007] Patent application EP 0586307 describes a sealed transfer device secured in this manner. The device thus comprises a movable control member mounted on one of the flanges so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position; a ramp system interposed between the control member and the door associated with the flange to which the control member is attached, so as to disconnect the door from the associated flange when the control member is moved from its unlocked position to its open position; and a series of mechanical locks. Two of the locks prevent any opening operation unless there is another sealed door in the volume and the flange associated with this door is fully connected to the flange carrying the control device. A third lock prevents any disconnection of the two flanges, and a fourth lock prevents the control member from returning to its initial position when the door is opened. The drawback of the implemented safety mechanism is that it complicates the structure of the transfer device, making it difficult to manufacture, as well as increasing the risk of affecting its reliability in terms of sealing and cleaning. Another drawback of such mechanisms is that they have proven difficult to operate in certain circumstances.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy these problems by proposing a sealing transfer device between two sealed volumes that provides a simplified and increased fixation of the openings of the doors of the two volumes coupled together, which is reliable from the sealing point of view and easy to implement.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device that presents an improved ergonomic opening.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a transfer device that presents a shape that allows improved and easier cleaning.

[0011] Subject of the Invention To this end, and according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes, the sealed transfer device comprising first and second flanges defining a passage opening to the sealed volumes, the first and second flanges being capable of being secured to one another by a first bayonet connection, and first and second doors closing the passage opening, the first and second doors being capable of being secured to one another by a second bayonet connection, the first door being hinged to the first flange by a hinge. and a control mechanism comprising a control member movably mounted on the first flange between a closed position and an open position of the first and second doors fixed to one another, the device having the advantage that the control mechanism comprises a member for locking the second door on the first door, ensuring that the doors are locked together when the control member switches the first and second doors to their open positions, the locking member being integrated into the first door.

[0012] Advantageously, the member for locking the second door to the first door comprises a locking finger extending towards the passage opening and radially movable between a position recessed in the first door and a position for locking the doors together projecting radially from the first door.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the transport device further comprises a member for locking the second flange to the first flange when the first door and the second door are in the open position, said member being provided on the hinge.

[0014] Advantageously, the member for locking the second flange to the first flange is parallel to the hinge pin and comprises a rectangular hole for receiving a rotation pin coupled to the latter by a drive means, and a locking finger extending towards the passage opening, said locking member being translatable in a direction perpendicular to the hinge pin between a position in which the finger is recessed in the first flange and a position in which the finger is for locking together flanges projecting radially from the first flange.

[0015] Advantageously, the pivot pin is actuated by an external lever that passes through the first flange to allow the first door to be opened. Crossing the flange makes it possible to overcome problems with the seal.

[0016] According to an advantageous configuration, the control mechanism further comprises a first blocking member ensuring blocking of the control member in the closed position in the absence of the second flange.

[0017] Advantageously, the first blocking member comprises an eccentric hole intersected by a rotation pin to which the control member is fixed, said first blocking member being radially movable between a locked position in which the eccentric hole blocks rotation of said control member and an unlocked position in which the eccentric hole is moved to allow rotation of the control member, said movement of said second blocking member being ensured by lugs of a bayonet system on the second flange.

[0018] It may also be provided that the control mechanism comprises a second shut-off member which ensures shut-off of the control member in the absence of the second door.

[0019] Advantageously, the second blocking member is radially movable between a blocking position having a peripheral end engaged in a blocking bore in the control member and a release position in which the peripheral end is disengaged from the blocking bore, the second blocking member being moved by lugs on a bayonet system of the second door.

[0020] Advantageously, the control member is movable about an axis tangent to the periphery of the first flange between a closed position in which the member forms an angle α with the transverse plane of the flange, and an open position in which the member forms an angle β with the transverse plane greater than α, causing the associated door to open.

[0021] Advantageously, the control member is a handle for opening the alpha door, the handle being manually operable and mounted for rotational movement about a pin parallel to the hinge pin and located diametrically opposite the hinge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a closure assembly of a first volume inside the volume. [Figure 1a] FIG. 2 is a top view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 2] 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the closure assembly taken along axis II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1 outside the volume. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic view of a container forming a second volume. [Figure 5a] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism for the presence of the door of the second volume when the second volume is joined together with the first volume and the door of the first volume is in a locked position. FIG. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b shows the mechanism from FIG. 5a with the door of the first volume in the unlocked position. [Figure 5c] FIG. 5b is a close-up view of the mechanism from FIG. 5b. [Figure 6a] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a securing mechanism for detecting the presence of a flange of the second volume when the second volume is joined together with the first volume and the door of the first volume is in a locked position. FIG. [Figure 6b]FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism from FIG. 6a with the door of the first volume in the unlocked position. [Figure 7a] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a securing mechanism for locking a door of a second volume with a door of a first volume, the mechanism being in an unlocked position. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism from FIG. 7a, showing the mechanism during the door opening process. [Figure 7c] FIG. 7b is an enlarged view of the locking mechanism from FIG. 7a, with the mechanism shown in position for locking the doors together. [Figure 7d] FIG. 7c is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism from FIG. 7c, with the mechanism in position to lock the doors together. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism for unlocking the flange of the second volume when the second volume is joined together with the first volume and the door of the first volume is in an open position. [Figure 8a] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism from FIG. 8 in a position for unlocking the flange of the second volume. [Figure 8b] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism from FIG. 8 in an intermediate position for locking the flange of the second volume. [Figure 8c] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism from FIG. 8 in a position for locking the flange of the second volume. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a transfer device shown with two sealed volume connected doors in a minimum open position. [Figure 9a] FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of the hinge of the delivery device from FIG. 9. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a transfer device shown with two sealed volumes connected doors in a maximum open position. [Figure 10a] FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view of the hinge of the delivery device from FIG. 10. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a securing mechanism for locking the flange of the second volume when the second volume is joined together with the first volume and the door of the first volume is in an open position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view from below of the fixing mechanism from FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism from FIG. 11 combined with a hinge pin. [Figure 13a] 14 is a cross-sectional view along axis AA of the assembly shown in FIG. 13 in a position for unlocking the flange of the second volume. [Figure 13b] 13b shows the assembly from FIG. 13a in position for locking the flange of the second volume.

[0024] For greater clarity, identical or similar elements of the various embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0025] Hereinafter, the terms "inside" or "interior" with respect to an enclosed volume mean within or oriented toward the interior space of the enclosed volume. Similarly, the terms "outside" or "exterior" with respect to an enclosed volume mean outside or oriented away from the interior space of the enclosed volume. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] With reference to the figures, a sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes is described.

[0027] A transfer device according to the present invention comprises a first assembly 1, shown in Figure 1, including a first flange 10 defining an access opening to a first sealed volume (not shown), and a first door 11 closing the access opening defined by the first flange 10. The first door 11 is joined together with the flange 10 by a hinge 4.

[0028] The transfer device further comprises a second assembly 2 shown in FIG. 4, which comprises a second flange 20 defining a passage opening 22 to a second sealed volume 23, and a second door 21 closing the passage opening defined by the second flange 20.

[0029] The first and second flanges 10, 20 can be secured to one another by a first bayonet-type connection. Similarly, the first and second doors 11, 21 can be secured to one another by a second bayonet-type connection. The flanges and doors can therefore each have internal or external notches and lugs.

[0030] The first flange 10 and first door 11 of the first volume will hereafter be referred to as the alpha flange 10 and alpha door 11, and the second flange 20 and second door 21 of the second volume will hereafter be referred to as the beta flange 20 and beta door 21.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment, the first sealed volume is an enclosure, while the second sealed volume is a container of the type illustrated in Figure 4. Of course, this is one embodiment and the device according to the invention is not limited to this type of sealed volume.

[0032] The device according to the invention further comprises a control mechanism comprising a control member 3 mounted on the alpha flange 10 such that the alpha door 11 is movable between a closed position in which it sealingly closes the passageway opening defined by the alpha flange 10 and a position for opening the alpha and beta doors. In the illustrated embodiment, the control member 3 is an opening handle 31 of the alpha door 11, which is mounted rotatably about a rotation pin 30 located diametrically opposite the hinge 4 between a closed position in which the control member 3 forms an angle α with the transverse plane of the flange and an open position in which the control member 3 forms an angle β with the transverse plane, the angle β being greater than the angle α (FIG. 1a). The pin 30 is advantageously tangential to the periphery of the alpha flange 10 and perpendicular to the passageway opening axis associated with the alpha flange. The pin 30 is housed in a housing 32. The control member 3 and the hinge 4 are supported by the alpha flange 10.

[0033] Advantageously, the device according to the invention comprises means for indexing the control member 3, making it possible to block said member when it is in the closed position of the alpha door 11 and when it is in the open position of the alpha and beta doors.

[0034] In order to improve the safety associated with the joint opening of the doors of the two volumes and their respective communicating arrangements therein, the transfer device is provided with a set of safety mechanisms that allow the door and beta flange 20 of the second volume to be unlocked only when the second volume is connected to the first volume.

[0035] More specifically, the illustrated seal transfer device includes a set of locking mechanisms comprising two members for blocking the control member 3 and two members for locking the door and flange together. The device therefore comprises a first blocking member 5 that blocks the control member 3 in the absence of the beta door 21, a second blocking member 6 that blocks the control member 3 in the absence of the associated beta flange 20, a first locking member 7 that interlocks the beta door 21 with the alpha door 11, and a second locking member 8 that interlocks the beta flange 20 with the alpha flange 10 when the two joined together doors 11, 21 are opened. The blocking member 5 and locking member 7 are integral to the door, while the blocking member 6 is located in the control unit and the locking member 8 is located in the hinge 4. The operation of these locking means is explained below.

[0036] First fixing means: blocking member 5 (Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, Fig. 5c) The first blocking member 5 has the function of blocking the control member 3 in the closed position while the beta door 21 is not locked against the alpha door 11. It therefore forms what may be called a means for fixing the presence of the beta door 21 on the alpha door 11.

[0037] This first blocking member 5 is a locking part integrated into the alpha door 11. It comprises an upper finger 50 and a lower finger 52, which are parallel to each other, extend parallel to the plane of the alpha door 11 and are connected to each other by a joint wall. The blocking member 5 is mounted in a cavity 51 provided in the alpha door 11 so as to slide radially, i.e. perpendicular to the axis of the passage opening defined by the alpha flange and the rotation pin 30 of the control member 3, under the action of and in contact with a return means, here a compression spring 55. The blocking member 5 is therefore movable between a blocking position, in which the blocking finger 50 engages in a blocking bore 33 provided in the housing 32, and a release position, in which the blocking finger 50 disengages from the blocking bore 33, which is supported by the alpha flange 10 and received in the pin 30 to which the control member 3 is connected. When a container is not present, the control member 3 is blocked in the closed position by the blocking finger 50 engaged in the blocking bore 33 (FIG. 5a). When a container is docked on the housing, the beta flange 20 and beta door 21 are brought into contact with the alpha flange 10 and alpha door 11 of the housing, respectively, and the external lug 200 of the beta flange 20 is seated in the notch 100 in the alpha flange 10. The operator then rotates the alpha part (beta door and flange) clockwise (approximately a 60-degree rotation) until it contacts the stop 14 of the alpha flange 10. The beta flange 20 is then blocked during translation by the alpha flange 10. The beta door 21 unlocks from the beta flange 20 and locks with the alpha door 11. During the rotational movement to connect the beta section to the alpha section, one of the internal lugs 210 of the beta door 21 presses against the lower finger 52 of the blocking member 5, which has the effect of moving the finger into the cavity 51, against the action of the compression spring 55 and away from the alpha flange 10. The blocking member 5 carries the finger 50 along its movement, which then disengages from the blocking bore 33 in the blocking section 32. Once the finger is released, the control member 3 can then be operated to open the alpha and beta doors, which are locked together. Locking the doors together is described below.

[0038] Second fixing means: blocking member 6 (Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b) The second blocking member 6 has the function of blocking the control member 3 in the closed position while the beta flange 20 is not fully secured relative to the alpha flange 10. It therefore forms what may be called a means for securing the presence of the beta flange 20 on the alpha flange 10.

[0039] The second blocking member 6 functions as a latch, its particular shape making it possible to mechanically block the opening when the presence of the beta flange 20 is not observed.

[0040] More specifically, the blocking member 6 has an eccentric bore 60 (in the illustrated example, a bore with two parallel and offset opening axes) that receives the rotation pin 30 of the control member 3. The blocking member 6 also has a finger 61 that extends to protrude from the alpha flange 10. The blocking member 6 is mounted within the housing 32 so that it slides radially, i.e., perpendicular to the axis of the passage opening defined by the alpha flange 10, under the action of and in contact with a compression spring 65. The blocking member 6 is movable between a blocking position (FIG. 6a) in which the eccentric bore 60 blocks the rotational movement of the pin of the control member 3, and an open position in which the eccentric bore moves toward the outer periphery of the alpha flange 10, allowing rotation of the rotation pin 30 to which the control member 3 is connected (FIG. 6b).

[0041] When a container is not present, the rotation pin 30 passes through a portion of the hole 60 blocking the rotational movement of the pin, thus blocking the control member 3 in the closed position. When a container is docked onto the housing, the beta flange 20 and beta door 21 are brought into contact with the alpha flange 10 and alpha door 11, and the outer lug 200 of the beta flange 20 seats in the notch 100 in the alpha flange 10. The beta section is then connected to the alpha section by rotating the beta section clockwise to the alpha section (approximately a 60° rotation) until it contacts the stop 14 supported by the alpha flange 10. The beta flange 20 is then blocked during translation by the alpha flange 10. During the rotational movement to connect the beta section to the alpha section, the outer lugs 200 of the beta flange 20 press against the fingers 61 of the second blocking member 6, causing the blocking member 6 to move radially towards the outside of the alpha flange 10, thus having the effect of moving the hole 60 relative to the rotation pin 30 of the control member 3 to a position where it is released (Figure 6b).

[0042] The advantage of providing these two blocking members 5, 6 is that they provide a double securing means in terms of opening the connected door, which can only be opened if the beta flange 20 and beta door 21 are well connected to the alpha flange 10 and alpha door 11 of the housing respectively. These two blocking members are therefore a means to secure the presence of the beta door and beta flange on the associated alpha section.

[0043] Third fixing means: locking member 7 (Figs. 7a to 7d) The locking member 7 has the function of locking the beta door 21 to the alpha door 11, i.e., preventing the beta door 21 from separating from the alpha door 11 when the control member 3 is moved to the door-open position. The locking member 7 comprises a lower finger 71 and an upper finger 72, which are parallel to each other, extend perpendicular to the plane of the alpha door 11, and are connected to each other by a joint wall. The lower finger 71 forms a locking finger (also indicated by reference numeral 71) that can move from a position recessed in the alpha door 11 to a locked position protruding radially from the alpha door 11. The locking member 7 is mounted in contact with and radially slidingly movable in a cavity 70 in the alpha door 11 under the action of a compression spring 73. When the control member 3 is in the closed position, the locking member 7 is held against the housing 32 via the upper finger 72 under the action of the compression spring 73 (FIG. 7a). As the control member 3 moves to a position for opening the door, the alpha door 11 is carried along with the rotational movement of the upper finger 72 and disengaged from the housing 32 (FIGS. 7b and 7c). When the upper finger 72 is fully disengaged, the locking member 7 is urged toward the outside of the door by the compression spring, moving the locking finger 71 into the notch in the beta door 21. The beta door 21 is then unable to rotate relative to the alpha door 11 because it is blocked by placing the internal lug 210 of the beta door 21 in the abutment between the lower finger 71 and the stop 12 supported by the alpha door 11 (FIG. 7d). FIGS. 7a-7c show the movement of the locking member 7 as it transitions from a position for closing the door (FIG. 7a) to a position for opening the door (FIG. 7c), illustrating an intermediate position (FIG. 7b).

[0044] Fourth fixing means: locking member 8 (Figs. 8a to 8c and alternative Figs. 11 to 13b) The locking member 8 has the function of locking the beta flange 20 with the alpha flange 10, i.e., preventing the beta flange 20 and the alpha flange 10 from separating when the door opens inside the housing. It is combined with the pin 40 of the hinge 4. This forms what is called a means for securing the open door beta flange 20 in an anti-unlocking manner.

[0045] This locking member 8 comprises a hole 80 through which passes a peg 42 supported by a second rotating pin 41 which is connected to the pin 40 of the hinge 4 by drive means 43, 44 (cams in the example shown). The second rotating pin 41 is also connected to a third pin 45 which passes through the alpha flange 10 and can be actuated by an external lever (not shown) to allow the alpha door 11 to open.

[0046] The locking member 8 has fingers 81 facing the inside of the passage opening. The locking member is translatable perpendicular to the rotation pin 40 of the hinge 4 towards the inside of the passage opening of the alpha flange 10.

[0047] When the alpha door 11 is closed, the locking member 8 is positioned such that its finger 81 is recessed against the inner surface of the alpha flange 10. When the door is opened by actuation of an external lever, the third pin 45 rotates the second rotating pin 41 via the drive means 43. During rotation of the second pin 41, the peg 42 translates the locking member 8, sliding along the hole 80 that is positioned to position the locking member's finger within the notch in the beta flange 20. The beta flange 20 is then prevented from rotating relative to the alpha flange 10 by placing one of its external lugs 200 against the locking member's finger 81 and by the stop 14 of the alpha flange 10. In the above-described manner, opening of the door is actuated by the external lever. Of course, this is one embodiment, and it is clear that the hinge could not be connected to an external lever (in which case the hinge would lack the third rotating pin). Then, after releasing the control member 3, the door is manually opened by pulling the alpha door from the inside.

[0048] To release the passage of the products from one sealed volume to the other, the hinge is provided with an eccentric cam (Figures 9, 9a, 10, 10a). Thus, the pin 40 of the hinge 4 advantageously comprises a cam 45 with a notched surface and a substantially oval-shaped profile arranged in tension with a peg 46, the part 47 of the peg in contact with the cam being movable in translation. This arrangement allows the door to be opened within a minimal angular range, ensuring that the passage of the transported products is not blocked relative to the plane in which the passage opening is located.

[0049] 11-13b show an alternative embodiment for locking the beta flange 20 with the alpha flange 10 when the door is opened inside the enclosure.

[0050] In this alternative, the locking member 8 is connected to the pin 40 of the hinge 4 by a cam fixedly mounted on the periphery of the pin. The cam 90 has a first profile of a pawl 91 arranged to be stressed on the peg 82 supported by the locking member 8 and thus to translate said locking member towards the passage opening during actuation of rotation in one direction (clockwise in the example shown). The cam 90 also has a second profile 92 arranged to block the peg 82 and thus for translation of the locking member 8 when the alpha door 11 is in the closed position. Advantageously, the locking member 8 is guided in translation in a guide rail 100.

[0051] Thus, when the alpha door 11 is closed, the locking member 8 is positioned such that the finger 81 is recessed against the inner surface of the alpha flange 10, while the cam 90 is in position to block the peg 82 via the second profile 92 (FIG. 13a). When the door is opened, the pin 40 of the hinge 4 rotates clockwise, as shown in FIG. 13b, causing the cam 90 to rotate, thereby stressing the peg 82 via the profile of the cam's pawl 91. As the locking member 8 is pressed by the cam 90, it translates along the guide rail 100 toward the aisle opening in a manner guided by the guide rail so as to position the finger 81 within the notch in the beta flange 20.

[0052] The present invention is described above by way of example, and it is understood that those skilled in the art are in a position to produce various alternative embodiments of the invention without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes, comprising: - first and second flanges (10, 20) defining a passage opening into said sealed volume, said first and second flanges (10, 20) being capable of being fixed to one another by a first bayonet connection; - first and second doors (11, 21) closing said passage opening, said first and second doors (11, 21) being capable of being fixed to one another by means of a second bayonet connection; - first and second doors (11, 21), said first door (11) being hinged on said first flange (10) by means of a hinge (4), said hinge comprising a hinge pin (40); a control mechanism comprising a control member (3) movably mounted on said first flange (10) between a closed position in which said first door closes the associated passage opening, and an open position in which said first and second doors (11, 21) are fixed to one another; 1. A sealed transfer device, comprising: a control mechanism including a first member (7) for locking the second door (21) to the first door (11); the control member (3) switches the doors to a non-rotatable state when the first and second doors are switched to the open position; and the first member (7) being integrated into the first door (11).

2. 2. The sealed transfer device of claim 1, wherein the first member (7) for locking the second door (21) to the first door (11) comprises a locking finger (71) extending toward the passage opening and radially movable between a position recessed in the first door and a position protruding radially from the first door (11) for locking the doors together.

3. 3. The sealed transfer device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second member (8) for locking the second flange (20) to the first flange (10) when the first and second doors (11, 21) are in the open position, the second member being provided on the hinge (4).

4. 4. The sealed transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the second member (8) for locking the second flange (20) to the first flange (10) comprises a rectangular hole (80) parallel to the hinge pin (40) and adapted to receive a rotation pin connected to the hinge pin (40) by a drive means, and a locking finger (81) extending towards the passage opening, and the second member (8) is translatable in a direction perpendicular to the hinge pin (40) between a position where the finger (81) is recessed in the first flange (10) and a position where the finger (81) locks together the flanges projecting radially from the first flange (10).

5. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotating pin is actuated by an external lever passing through the first flange (10) to allow the opening of the first door (11).

6. 6. The sealed transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control mechanism further comprises a first blocking member (6) ensuring blocking of the control member (3) in the closed position when the second flange (20) is not present.

7. 7. A sealed transfer device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first blocking member (6) comprises an eccentric hole crossed by a rotation pin to which the control member (3) is fixed, the first blocking member being radially movable between a locked position in which the eccentric hole blocks the rotation of the control member (3) and an unlocked position in which the eccentric hole is moved to allow the rotation of the control member (3), the movement of the first blocking member being ensured by the lugs of the first bayonet connection of the second flange.

8. 8. The sealed transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control mechanism comprises a second blocking member (5) ensuring blocking of the control member (3) in the absence of the second door (21).

9. 9. A seal transfer device according to claim 8, characterized in that the second blocking member (5) is radially movable between a blocking position in which it has a peripheral end engaged in a blocking bore (33) in the control member (3) and a release position in which it is disengaged from the blocking bore (33), the second blocking member being moved by a lug of the second bayonet connection.

10. 10. A sealed transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control member (3) is movable about an axis tangent to the periphery of the first flange (10) between a closed position, in which the control member (3) forms an angle α with the transverse plane of the flange, and an open position, in which the control member (3) forms an angle β with the transverse plane that is greater than α, causing the associated door to open.

11. 11. The sealed transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control member (3) is a handle (31) for opening the first door (11), the handle (31) being manually operable and mounted so as to be rotatable about a pin (30) parallel to the hinge pin (40) and diametrically opposite the hinge (4).

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