A sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes with an external control lever

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes, comprising first and second flanges (10) that define a passage opening to the sealed volumes and that can be fixed to each other by a first bayonet connection, and first and second doors (11) that close the passage opening and that can be fixed to each other by a second bayonet connection, characterized in that the first door (11) is hingedly mounted on the first flange (10) by a hinge (4) that comprises a hinge pin, and the device includes an external manual control lever (9) that passes through the first flange (10) and is fixed to a rotating pin that is connected to the hinge pin, and actuation of the control lever (9) drives the hinge pin, thereby opening or closing 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 is understood to mean any product, assembly, or device that defines a volume, and therefore may be an enclosure, an insulator, a receptacle, a container, a bag, etc.

[0003] A sealed 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 A sealing device for movement between two sealed volumes 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 one of the flanges and associated doors relative to the flange and door to which they are attached.

[0006] The sealed transfer device further comprises a control member for opening and closing the two doors attached and fixed to each other, the control member movably mounted on one of the flanges being operable from inside one of the volumes using a remote control such as a remote operating device or a glove.

[0007] In order to limit interventions in a sealed volume that may contain a toxic environment and reduce the risk to operators, a manually operable control mechanism located outside the sealed volume has been provided for opening and closing a double door.

[0003] Patent application No. 2998328 may be cited as an example, which relates to a sealed enclosure including an opening made in a wall of the enclosure, a flange fastened within the opening, an access door closing the opening, the door being hinged to the flange by a hinge, and a control mechanism with a sliding rack and pinion system driven by a wheel, the pinion being fixed to a movable element of the hinge, so that movement of the rack in one direction or the other according to the direction of rotation of the wheel opens or closes the door.

[0004] However, such a control mechanism has the drawback of making opening and closing the door cumbersome, difficult, and not instantaneous, requiring several rotations of the wheel to fully open or close the door.

[0008] Electric mechanisms that can be remotely actuated are also known, but such mechanisms have the drawback of making the transfer device more complex, as well as having drawbacks in terms of maintenance and bulk, especially when the motor is located inside an enclosed volume.

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome these difficulties by providing a sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes, whereby the opening and closing of the double door can be controlled simply, reliably and quickly without the risk of destroying the seal and without risk to the operator.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a transfer device that requires less effort to open the double doors.

[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, 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 door being hingedly mounted on the first flange by a hinge comprising a hinge pin and a plate fastened to the first door and secured to the hinge pin, the transfer device comprising an external manual control lever fixed to a rotation pin passing through the first flange and coupled to the hinge pin, wherein actuation of the control lever drives the hinge pin, thereby opening or closing the first door.

[0012] Advantageously, the rotation pin extends parallel to the passage opening axis.

[0013] According to a particular configuration, the seal transfer device comprises a second rotary pin which is advantageously offset with respect to the rotary pin and which is coupled by drive means to the rotary pin passing through the first flange on the one hand and to the hinge pin on the other hand.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the transfer device comprises a member provided on the hinge for locking the second flange to the first flange when the two first and second doors are joined together and in the open position. Advantageously, the locking member comprises on the one hand a rectangular hole for receiving the second rotation pin and a locking finger extending towards the passage opening, the locking member being translatable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation pin of the hinge between a position in which the finger is recessed in the first flange and a position in which the finger projects radially from the first flange for locking the flanges together.

[0015] The seal transfer device may also include a control mechanism including a control member mounted on the first flange so as to be movable between a position for closing the first and second doors and a position for opening the first and second doors, the control member being located diametrically opposite the hinge, the first blocking member blocking the control member when the second door is not present, and the second blocking member blocking the control member when the flange associated with the second door is not present.

[0016] Advantageously, the first blocking member is radially movable between a blocking position having a peripheral end engaged in a blocking bore in the control member and a disengaged position in which the peripheral end is disengaged from the blocking bore, the first blocking member being moved by lugs on a bayonet system of the second door.

[0017] Advantageously, the control member is fixed to a rotation pin mounted through an eccentric hole provided in the second blocking member.

[0018] Advantageously, the second blocking member is radially movable between a blocking position in which the eccentric hole blocks rotation of said control member and a release position in which the eccentric hole is moved to allow rotation of the control member, said first member being moved by lugs of a bayonet system on the second flange.

[0019] The transfer device may also include a member for locking the second door to the first door when the first and second doors are in the open position, the locking member being integral with the first door, the member for locking the second door to the first door including a locking finger extending toward the passage opening and radially movable between a position recessed within the first door and a position for locking the doors together projecting radially from the first door.

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

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view from outside of a first sealed volume of a sealed transfer device, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealed transfer device from FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. [Figure 3] 2 is a detailed perspective view of the hinge assembly of the sealed transfer device from FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a detailed view from inside the volume of the hinge assembly of the sealed transfer device from FIG. 1. [Figure 5a] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism in a position for locking the flange of the second volume. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism from FIG. 5a in a position for unlocking the flange of the second volume. [Figure 5c] 5b is a cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism from FIG. 5a in position for locking the flange of the second volume. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from inside a first sealed volume of a sealed transfer device according to another embodiment. [Figure 6a] FIG. 7 is a top view of the closure assembly from FIG. 6. [Figure 7a] 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 7b] 7b is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism from FIG. 7a, with the door of the first volume in the unlocked position. [Figure 7c] FIG. 7b is a close-up view of the mechanism from FIG. [Figure 8a] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a locking 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 8b] FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism from FIG. 8a with the door of the first volume in the unlocked position. [Figure 9a] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism for interlocking the second volume door with the first volume door, with the mechanism in an unlocked position. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism from FIG. 9a, showing the mechanism while the door is in the process of being opened. [Figure 9c] FIG. 9b is an enlarged view of the locking mechanism from FIG. 9a, with the mechanism shown in position for locking the doors together. [Figure 9d] FIG. 9c is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the securing mechanism from FIG. 9c, with the mechanism in position for locking the doors together. [Figure 10] 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 in the open position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view from below of the fixing mechanism from FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism from FIG. 10 combined with a hinge pin. [Figure 12a] 13 is a cross-sectional view along axis AA of the assembly shown in FIG. 12 in a position for unlocking the flange of the second volume. [Figure 12b] 12b shows the assembly from FIG. 12a in position for locking the flange of the second volume.

[0022] For greater clarity, identical or similar elements of the various embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0023] Hereinafter, the term "inside" or "interior" in relation to a sealed volume means that it is within or oriented toward the interior space of the sealed volume. Similarly, the term "outside" or "exterior" in relation to a sealed volume means that it is located outside the interior space of the sealed volume or oriented away from the interior of the sealed volume. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 1 to 5c, a sealed transfer device between two sealed volumes is described. According to a particular embodiment, the first sealed volume is an enclosure, while the second sealed volume is a container. Of course, this is one embodiment, and the device according to the invention is not limited to this type of sealed volume.

[0025] The illustrated transfer device 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. The transfer device further comprises a second assembly, not shown, including a second flange defining an access opening to a second sealed volume, and a second door closing the access opening defined by the second flange.

[0026] 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 and second door of the second volume will hereafter be referred to as the beta flange and beta door.

[0027] Conventionally, the alpha and beta flanges can be secured to one another by a first bayonet-type connection. Similarly, the alpha and beta doors can be secured to one another by a second bayonet-type connection. For this purpose, the flanges and doors are provided with internal or external notches and lugs, respectively.

[0028] The alpha door 11 is hingedly mounted on the alpha flange 10 by a hinge 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 4 comprises a hinge pin 40 and a plate 48 fastened to the inner surface of the alpha door 11 and fixed to the hinge pin 40.

[0029] According to the invention, the transfer device comprises an external manual control lever 9. An external control lever is understood to mean a lever that is located outside the enclosed volume.

[0030] The control lever 9 is fixed to a rotating pin 90 mounted through the alpha flange 10. In the illustrated example, the rotating pin extends parallel to the passageway opening axis. This rotating pin 90 is coupled to the hinge pin 40 via a second rotating pin 41 and a drive means 43. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rotating pin 41 is offset with respect to the rotating pin 90. More specifically, depending on the specific configuration, the rotating through pin 90 is coupled to the second rotating pin 41 by a wheel / screw gear or bevel gear transmission. Similarly, the hinge pin 40 is coupled to the second rotating pin 41 by a pinion, chain, or belt.

[0031] Thus, when the control lever 9 operates according to a rotational movement parallel to the passageway opening axis and rotates the rotational pin 90 to which it is attached, the latter drives the second rotational pin 41 by means of the drive means 43, which in turn transmits the rotational movement to the hinge pin 40 via the drive means 44 provided between the second rotational pin 41 and the hinge pin 40. The hinge pin then drives the plate 48 fastened on the alpha door 11, thereby opening said door. The alpha door is similarly closed by operating the control lever in the opposite direction.

[0032] Advantageously, the transfer device includes a locking member 8 whose function is to interlock the beta flange with the alpha flange 10 when the two sealed volume doors are connected together and placed in an open position inside the enclosure, said device therefore forming what may be referred to as a means for securing the open door beta flange in a non-locking manner.

[0033] 5a-5c, the locking member 8 includes a hole 80 through which an end peg 42 supported by a second pivot pin 41 passes. The locking member further includes fingers 81 oriented toward the passageway opening. The locking member is translatable within the movable flange to move from a position where the fingers are fully retracted within the alpha flange to a locked position where the member is translated so that the fingers protrude from the inner surface of the alpha flange 10.

[0034] Thus, when the alpha door 11 of the housing is closed and the beta part (beta door and beta flange) is not present, the locking member 8 is positioned such that the finger 81 does not protrude relative to the inner surface of the alpha flange 10. When the beta part is docked onto the housing and fastened to it, the alpha and beta flanges are locked together by actuating the control lever 9. When the door is opened by actuating the control lever 9, the rotating pin 90 rotates the second rotating pin 41 via the drive means 43. During rotation of the second rotating pin, the peg 42 translates the locking member to position the finger 81 in a notch in the flange of the beta door so as to block rotation of the beta flange by abutting against the finger 81 of the outer lug of the beta flange.

[0035] Figures 6-9c illustrate another embodiment of a transfer device, which has the same features as the transfer device described above in relation to opening the alpha door from the outside by arrangement of an external control lever 9 / rotation pin 90 / second secondary pin 41 / hinge pin 40 and the presence of means for locking the beta flange relative to the alpha flange in a non-unlocking manner during opening of the alpha and beta doors.

[0036] The transfer device according to this embodiment additionally includes a control member 3 mounted on the alpha flange 10 such that the control member 3 is movable between a closed position in which the alpha door 11 seals and closes the passageway opening defined by the alpha flange 10, and a position in which the alpha door 11 and the beta door are open. In the illustrated embodiment, the control member 3 is an interior opening handle 31 of the alpha door 11, which can be manually actuated and is mounted rotatably about a pin 30 located diametrically opposite the hinge 4 and positioned advantageously tangent to the circumference of the alpha flange 10, 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, the angle β being greater than the angle α. The control member 3 and hinge 4 are supported by the alpha flange 10.

[0037] The transfer device according to this embodiment also includes additional fixing means for the joint opening of the alpha and beta doors of the two connected volumes and for placement in communication inside each of said volumes.

[0038] The transfer device therefore 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.

[0039] The blocking member 5 and the locking member 7 are integrated into the alpha door 11, 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 fixing means will be explained below.

[0040] First fixing means: blocking member 5 (Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b, Fig. 7c) 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 to the alpha door 11. The first blocking member therefore forms what may be referred to as a means for fixing the presence of the beta door 21 on the alpha door 11.

[0041] 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 coupled. When no container is present, the control member 3 is blocked in the closed position by the blocking fingers 50 engaged in the blocking bore 33 (FIG. 7a). 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 engages 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 isolation 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 isolation member 5 carries the finger 50 along its movement, which then disengages from the isolation bore 33 in the isolation 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.

[0042] Second fixing means: blocking member 6 (Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b) 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 locked against the alpha flange 10. The blocking member therefore forms what may be referred to as a means for fixing the presence of the beta flange 20 on the alpha flange 10.

[0043] 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.

[0044] More specifically, the blocking member 6 includes an eccentric bore 60 (in the illustrated example, a bore having two parallel and offset opening axes) that receives the rotation pin 30 of the control member 3. The blocking member 6 also includes a finger 61 that extends from the alpha flange 10. The blocking member 6 is mounted within the housing 32 so that it can slide 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 is movable between a blocking position (FIG. 8a) in which the eccentric bore 60 blocks the rotational movement of the pin of the control member 3, and a release 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. 8b).

[0045] When a container is not present, the rotation pin 30 passes through a portion of the hole 60 that blocks the rotational movement of the pin, thereby 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 degree 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 8b).

[0046] 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.

[0047] Third fixing means: locking member 7 (Figs. 9a to 9d) The locking member 7 functions to interlock the beta door 21 with the alpha door 11 when the control member 3 is moved to the door-open position. The locking member 7 includes 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 sliding radially 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. 9a). 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. 9b and 9c). 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 into the abutment between the lower finger 71 and the abutment 12 supported by the alpha door 11 (FIG. 9d). FIGS. 9a-9c show the movement of the locking member 7 as it transitions from a position for closing the door (FIG. 9a) to a position for opening the door (FIG. 9c), illustrating an intermediate position (FIG. 9b).

[0048] Fourth fixing means: locking member 8 (Figs. 5a to 5c, alternative Figs. 10 to 12b) The locking member 8 functions to interlock the beta flange 20 with the alpha flange 10 when the door is opened inside the enclosure. The locking member mates with the pin 40 of the hinge 4. This forms what is referred to as a means for securing the open door beta flange 20 in a non-locking manner.

[0049] This locking member 8 includes 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.

[0050] The locking member 8 includes fingers 81 that face 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.

[0051] 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 manner described above, 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.

[0052] 10-12b show an alternative embodiment for interlocking the beta flange 20 with the alpha flange 10 when the door is opened inside the enclosure.

[0053] In this alternative, the locking member 8 is connected to the pin 40 of the hinge 4 by a cam fixedly mounted about 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 interrupt 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.

[0054] 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. 12a). When the door is opened, the pin 40 of the hinge 4 rotates clockwise, as shown in FIG. 12b, causing the cam 90 to rotate, thereby placing the peg 82 under stress 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.

[0055] The present invention is described above by way of example, it being 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; - said first door (11) is hinged on said first flange (10) by means of a hinge (4) comprising a hinge pin (40) and a plate (48) fastened to said first door (11) and fixed to said hinge pin (40); 1. A sealed transfer device, characterized in that the device includes an external manual control lever (9) fixed to a first rotating pin (90) that passes through the first flange (10) and is coupled to the hinge pin (40), such that actuation of the control lever (9) drives the hinge pin (40) and thereby opens or closes the first door (11).

2. 2. The sealed transfer device of claim 1, wherein the first rotation pin extends parallel to the passage opening axis.

3. 3. The seal transfer device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a second rotating pin (41) coupled by drive means (43) to the first rotating pin (90) passing through the first flange (10) on the one hand and to the hinge pin (40) on the other hand.

4. 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second rotating pin (41) is offset with respect to the first rotating pin (90).

5. 5. The sealed transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two first and second doors joined together comprise a first locking member (8) for locking the second flange to the first flange (10) when in an open position, the first locking member (8) being provided on the hinge (4).

6. 6. A sealed transfer device according to claim 5, when dependent on claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first locking member (8) includes a rectangular hole that receives the second rotation pin on the one hand, and includes a first locking finger (81) extending towards the passage opening, the first locking member being translatable in a direction perpendicular to the hinge pin (40) of the hinge (4) between a position in which the finger (81) is recessed within the first flange (10) and a position in which the finger (81) protrudes radially from the first flange (10) for locking the flanges together.

7. - a control member (3) mounted on the first flange (10) so as to be movable between a position for closing the first and second doors (11, 21) and a position for opening the first and second doors (11, 21), the control member (3) being located on diametrically opposite the hinge; a first blocking member (5) blocking said control member (3) in the absence of said second door (21); A sealed transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises a control mechanism comprising: a second blocking member (6) that blocks the control member (3) in the absence of the flange associated with the second door (21).

8. 8. A sealed transfer device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first 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, the first blocking member being moved by lugs of a bayonet system of the second door forming a second bayonet connection.

9. 9. A seal transfer device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the control member (3) is fixed to a third rotation pin mounted through an eccentric hole provided in the second blocking member.

10. 10. The sealed transfer device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second blocking member is radially movable between a blocking position in which the eccentric hole blocks the rotation of the control member (3) and a release position in which the eccentric hole is moved to allow the rotation of the control member (3), and the second blocking member (6) is moved by lugs of a bayonet system of the second flange that form the first bayonet connection.

11. 11. The sealed transfer device according to claim 7, further comprising a second locking member (7) for locking the second door (21) to the first door (11) when the first and second doors are in an open position, the second locking member (7) being integrated into the first door (11), and the second locking member (7) for locking the second door (21) to the first door (11) comprising a second 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.

12. 12. A sealed transfer device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the control member (3) is movable about an axis tangent to the circumference of the first flange (10) between a closed position, in which the control member (3) forms an angle α with a 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.

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