Enhanced safety sealed double door coupling device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In some industrial fields, particularly in the fields of nuclear power, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agri-food, some tasks are carried out in a sealed atmosphere, for example, to protect the environment from radiation, toxicity, etc., or conversely, these tasks can be carried out in a sterile or dust-free atmosphere, or ultimately, both of these are necessary and desirable at the same time.

[0003] Transferring a device or product from one closed volume to another without compromising the sealed state of each of these volumes with respect to the outside at any time presents a problem that is difficult to solve. This problem can be solved by a double-door connection device.

[0004] Such a double-door device equipped with a control device including a plurality of security means is known, for example, from Patent Document 1. Each volume is closed by a door attached to a flange. Each door is firmly connected either by a bayonet link to its flange or by a hinge and locking system, and the two flanges are intended to be firmly connected to each other by a bayonet link.

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

[0006] Conventionally, the connecting part carried by the isolator is called the alpha part, and the connecting part carried by the container is called the beta part.

[0007] Joints are provided on the alpha part and the beta part to ensure the seal between the connecting volumes.

[0008] The beta section includes a beta flange, which is closed by a beta door. The beta flange and beta door cooperate with each other by a bayonet link. The alpha section includes an alpha flange, which is closed by an alpha door. The alpha door is connected to the alpha flange by a hinge. The seal between the beta flange and the beta door is ensured by a joint housed within the beta flange.

[0009] The connection between the transfer bag and the chamber is made by the mechanical cooperation of a beta flange and an alpha flange via a bayonet-type link. This mechanical cooperation not only provides a tight mechanical connection but also ensures a sealed connection.

[0010] The sealed coupling cycle is as follows:

[0011] The container supporting the beta section is brought close to the alpha section, the lugs of the beta flange are inserted into the notches of the alpha flange, and the lugs of the beta door are inserted into the notches of the alpha door. The container is pivoted, for example, in a clockwise direction, and the lugs of the beta flange pivot and slide within the grooves of the alpha flange. At the same time, the friction of the joint supported by the beta flange causes the rotation of the container to cause the rotation of the beta door, thereby connecting the beta door and the alpha door by a bayonet link. In this way, the two doors are firmly connected. Consequently, each lug of the beta door abuts against the circumferential stopper supported by the alpha door.

[0012] When the container is pivoted again due to the contact of the lug of the beta door with the circumferential stopper on the alpha door, the rotation of the container causes the connection between the beta door and the beta flange to be disengaged.

[0013] The following alternative embodiments are possible with a joint in which one end is supported by a beta flange and the other end by an alpha door.

[0014] Simultaneously with the pivoting and sliding of the lugs of the beta flange within the groove of the alpha flange due to friction of the joint supported by the alpha door, the beta door remains immobile during rotation and is disengaged from the beta flange. Consequently, each lug of the beta flange abuts against the circumferential stopper supported by the beta door.

[0015] When the vessel is pivoted again due to the contact of the lug of the beta flange against the circumferential stopper on the beta door, the rotation of the vessel causes the beta door to rotate, thereby causing the connection between the beta door and the alpha door by the bayonet link. The two doors are thus securely connected.

[0016] From inside the cell, the Alpha Door can be unlocked, and the two-door assembly can be pivoted towards the inside of the cell around the hinge axis.

[0017] Transfers can occur between the two volumes.

[0018] The decoupling cycle is as follows:

[0019] The two doors are returned to their designated positions within the flange.

[0020] The container is rotated counterclockwise. Due to friction between the doors, the beta door remains immobile during rotation, thereby causing the beta door and beta flange to connect. Next, the circumferential stopper supported by the beta flange comes into contact with the circumferential stopper of the beta door, thereby causing the beta door to rotate relative to the alpha door, and thus causing them to disconnect. The container is further disconnected from the alpha flange. In this way, the container can be removed from the flange.

[0021] While the container is improperly coupled to the alpha section, several safety measures are implemented to limit the risk of opening the chamber. Such a double-door device with a control device including multiple safety measures is known, for example, from Patent Document 2. This device includes a manual control member for opening the door and four locks. Two of the four locks prevent any opening operation unless the container door is present and the container flange is not fully coupled to the alpha flange. A third lock prevents any disengagement of the two flanges after the control member has passed an intermediate lock position. Finally, a fourth lock prevents the control member from returning to its initial position when the door is opened. This double-door coupling device is excellent. Two first locks are at least partially deactivated when coupling of one of the lugs of the beta flange on the alpha flange is detected. The protruding rod of the alpha flange is pushed back by the lug of the beta flange, which contributes to the deactivation of the two locks.

[0022] The container is moved between several zones and is at risk of falling. Furthermore, the container is docked within the cell multiple times. The beta flange may deteriorate, for example, deform, or even break the connecting lugs of the alpha flange, which extend radially outward from the flange, during operation.

[0023] The inventors noted that if one or more of the three other lugs of the container, whose presence is not detected, are deteriorated, for example, broken or deformed, and the detected lug is in a condition sufficient to ensure the lock is stopped, the lock of the cell door can be stopped while the connection is not necessarily ensured due to the deterioration of one lug or the deterioration of other lugs. Furthermore, this partial deterioration can result in insufficient pressing of the joint against the alpha flange, thus risking a failure to seal and potentially causing a loss of confinement. [Prior art documents]

Patent Document

[0024]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0025] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sealed double-door connecting device that provides an improved safety level.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0026] The above object is achieved by a sealed double-door connecting device including a self-flange and a door, the self-flange including bayonet connecting means for cooperating with the flange of the object to be connected, the flange of the object including lugs for cooperating with the bayonet connecting means, and the self-flange including means for detecting the presence of each lug of the flange of the object to be connected.

[0027] According to the present invention, any risk that various safety means are unlocked while the connection between the two flanges is insufficient due to one or more deteriorated lugs is eliminated.

[0028] Advantageously, the sealed connecting device includes electric unlocking means, and thus the detection of the presence of all lugs appears as the transmission of a signal to control means that generates a command to unlock itself for the unlocking means. Conversely, if one of the lugs is not detected, unlocking is prohibited.

[0029] In other words, a comprehensive detection of the correct assembly of all lugs within the bayonet connecting means of the alpha flange is performed.

[0030] For example, the presence of each lag is detected by an induction sensor.

[0031] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is a sealing coupling device for a double-door coupling system, comprising: a first flange and a first door closing the first flange, wherein the first flange comprises a bayonet coupling means for an object, the object comprises a second flange which is closed by a second door, the second flange comprises n lugs intended to cooperate with the bayonet coupling means of the first flange, and the first flange comprises n detectors for the correct assembly of the lugs of the second flange in the bayonet coupling means, each detector configured to detect the presence of a lug.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, the first flange includes a rotation stopper configured to prevent the rotation of the second flange at the connection position for each lug, and each detector is located upstream of the rotation stopper in the direction of connection of the second flange onto the first flange.

[0033] Each detector may include an element configured to be moved by the presence of a lug, and a sensor that detects the movement of the element. The element may be a radially sliding rod, where one longitudinal end of the rod is pushed radially outward by the lug, and the other longitudinal end of the rod is detected by the sensor, and an elastic return means exerts a radially inward stress on the element.

[0034] For example, the element is a metal, and the sensor is an inductive sensor.

[0035] According to additional features, each detector includes a fixed support, to which a sensor is attached, and a rod that can slide within the fixed support is also attached.

[0036] Advantageously, the detector and associated electrical connection means are housed within the internal volume of the first flange.

[0037] Another object of the present invention is a chamber that defines a first closed volume and includes a sealing coupling device according to the present invention, wherein the coupling device is mounted within the wall of the chamber.

[0038] The chamber may include a control unit to which the detector is connected.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the chamber includes an electric locking / unlocking means for a first door and an electric opening means for a first door, connected to a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the electric locking means and the electric opening means when a second flange is attached to the first flange and n detectors each send a signal to the control unit indicating the detection of a lug.

[0040] Advantageously, the control unit is configured to issue an alert message if one of the detectors fails to send a signal indicating lag detection.

[0041] The object may be a container or a flexible bag.

[0042] The present invention will be better understood from the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a top cross-sectional view of a chamber equipped with a sealing coupling device to which containers are connected. [Figure 2A] This is a detailed view of the inside of the cell flange of a double door coupling device. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A shows the flange, where the internal volume is closed off by a cover. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a coupling device to which containers are connected, showing only the flanges and doors of the containers. [Figure 4] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the cell flange showing the inside of the radial groove to which the lug is attached. [Figure 5]This is a detailed view of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the cell flange, showing one of the possible detectors. [Figure 7A] Figure 6 shows a top view of the detector in a different state. [Figure 7B] Figure 6 shows a top view of the detector in a different state. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a cell flange to which a container flange is attached. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] In the following explanation, the terms "cell door" and "alpha door" are synonymous, the terms "container door" and "beta door" are synonymous, the terms "cell flange" and "alpha flange" are synonymous, and the terms "container flange" and "beta flange" are synonymous.

[0045] In the following description, a beta flange is a flange of a container intended to be sealedly coupled to an alpha flange for the purpose of transferring objects between the interior of the container and the interior of the cell. It will be understood that coupling devices are adapted to the sealed coupling of any object equipped with a beta flange, such as flexible bags, gloves, sleeves, and half-protective suits.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a diagram of a double-door sealed transport system in which the sealed coupling device according to the present invention may be implemented.

[0047] Generally, double-door transfer systems are rotationally symmetrical about axis X1, which is the axis of the cell flange.

[0048] In the following description, the two enclosed volumes to be connected correspond to isolator 2 or cell and container C, respectively. In this example, the container includes a rigid containment section, or the container includes a flexible containment section.

[0049] Chamber 2 includes walls defining a sealed volume. At least one of the four walls includes a device D for a sealed connection to an external sealed system, such as another chamber, a rigid container, or a flexible bag-type container. Device D is intended to enable a sealed connection between the internal volume of the chamber and the internal volume of the external system, and to enable sealed transfer between the two volumes, in order to protect objects contained within the sealed volume and / or protect these objects from the external environment. For example, Chamber 2 may be part of an isolator system, specifically an isolator confinement zone, sterile confinement zone, or radioactive confinement zone, which may be used to manufacture products in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrofoods, or nuclear industries.

[0050] Examples of sealing coupling devices are described in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0051] The sealing coupling device D includes a cell flange 6 mounted within the cell wall 4 and defining an opening 8, and a door 10 intended to seal the opening 8. The sealing coupling device D also includes a coupling means to an external system, such as a container C, which also includes a container flange 9 bordering the opening and a door 11 for sealing the opening. The coupling means between the cell flange 6 and the flange 9 is, for example, a bayonet-type coupling means. Each door is coupled to its flange by a bayonet coupling or a pivotal coupling by a hinge. The coupling device is rotationally symmetric with respect to axis X1.

[0052] Next, an example of an operating mode for sealing a container to a chamber will be briefly explained using Figure 1. The closed container before connection to the chamber is shown by a dashed line. The container contains a schematically represented object O, which is to be transferred into the chamber. The transfer system is not shown.

[0053] The container flange 9 is securely sealed to the chamber flange 6 by a bayonet connection. Simultaneously, the container door 11 and the chamber door 10 are securely sealed to each other by bayonet connections. The outer surfaces of the doors 10 and 11 are isolated from the internal volumes of the container and the chamber, and the assembly formed by the two securely connected doors 10 and 11 can be retracted by pivoting it around its axis and moving it into the chamber, thereby opening a passage between the two volumes. Thus, the two volumes are in sealed communication, and the transfer of objects between the two volumes can be carried out through this passage.

[0054] The flange 9 of the container carries a joint that contacts the outer surface of the flange 6 of the chamber. This joint is involved in defining the passage between the two volumes.

[0055] Means (not shown) enable control of the opening and closing of doors 10 and 11. These means may be manual or automatic, as will be described in more detail in the remainder of this description.

[0056] The container door 11 is secured to the container flange 9 by a bayonet link. The double-door sealed transfer system further includes two other bayonet links that enable the secure coupling of the container flange 9 to the cell flange 6 and the secure coupling of the container door 11 to the cell door 10. The three bayonet links are configured such that, after the container flange 9 is docked onto the cell flange 6, rotation of the container C around its axis, for example clockwise, achieves the secure coupling of the container flange 9 to the cell flange 6, the secure coupling of the container door 11 to the cell door 10, and the discoupling of the container door 11 from the container flange 9. In one operating mode, these latter two operations are performed sequentially such that the opening of the container only occurs after the container door 11 has been securely coupled to the cell door 10 to form a double door.

[0057] The assembly formed by the cell flange and cell door is conventionally referred to as the "alpha section."

[0058] The assembly formed by the container flange 9, the container door 11, and the joint mounted on the flange 9, which ensures a seal not only between the flange and the container door 11 but also between the cell flange 6 and the container flange 9, is conventionally referred to as the "beta section."

[0059] Therefore, the transfer container includes a beta connector and a container.

[0060] Figure 2A shows the internal volume 30 of a cell flange 6 or alpha flange according to an exemplary embodiment. Advantageously, this volume 30 is located within the flange and faces outward from the cell. It is closed by a protective cover 31 (Figure 2B). Thus, as described below, the detector 46 and associated electrical connection means 58 are housed within the internal volume 30, and they do not become additional bulk on the surface that would inconvenience the operator.

[0061] The flange 6 includes bayonet coupling means 32 configured to cooperate with the lugs 33 of the container flange 9. In Figure 3, the lugs 33 are visible extending radially outward from the container flange 9. In this example, the container flange includes four lugs. Alternatively, the container flange may include three or more lugs.

[0062] Figures 4 and 5 show a bayonet coupling means 32 including a radial groove 36 that opens radially toward the central passage of the cell flange. The radial groove 36 is defined by two side walls 36.1, 36.2 and a bottom 36.3. The side walls are substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cell flange 6, and the bottom 36.3 extends axially around the longitudinal axis X1. The side wall 36.1, located upstream of the direction of insertion of the container flange into the cell flange, includes radial notches 38 distributed angularly around the longitudinal axis X1. The radial notches 38 are positioned and dimensioned to allow the passage of lugs 33 in the groove and their insertion into the groove.

[0063] The radial notches 38 are separated from each other by the arc portions of the circular portions 40 that form axial stoppers for the lugs 33.

[0064] The cell flange further includes anti-rotation sections 42 (Figures 4 to 6) positioned within the radial groove 36, which restrict the rotational movement of the lug 33 about axis X1 in the rotational direction of the connection of the container flange 9 within the cell flange 6. In the illustrated preferred example, each anti-rotation section 42 is positioned at the angular end of each radial notch 38 so as to be located downstream of the lug to which it is intended to stop during the connection stage.

[0065] The cell flange 6 further includes a circular groove 45 (Figure 6) having an axis X1 that defines the internal volume 30 and surrounds the radial groove 36. The bottom 36.3 of the groove 36 forms the radial inner wall of the groove 45.

[0066] The cell flange 6 further includes a detector 46 for the presence of each lug 33 of the container flange within the groove 36.

[0067] Therefore, the cell flange 6 includes the same number of detectors 46 as the lugs of the container flange. In the illustrated example, the cell flange includes four detectors 46. Each detector 46 is mounted on the cell flange upstream of the rotation stopper 42. The detectors 46 are mounted outside the chamber, within the internal volume 30 of the cell flange.

[0068] Since the four detectors 46 are similar and their mounting within the cell flange is also similar, we will describe only one of them in detail.

[0069] In this example, the detector 46 includes a detection element formed by a rod 48 mounted within a bore 50. One end 48.1 of the rod 48 terminates in a radial groove 36, and the other end 48.2 terminates in a circular groove 45. In this example, the groove 50 is radially oriented. The rod 48 is mounted to slide within the bore 50. In the resting state, i.e., without lag, the first longitudinal end 48.1 protrudes into the radial groove 36.

[0070] The first end 48.1 of the rod 48 is intended to contact the radially outer end of the lug 33 of the container flange 9, forming a feeler. Preferably, the feeler 48.1 has a bevel 49 to facilitate cooperation with the lug 33. The bevel 49 has a leading edge 49.1 that contacts the lug during its rotation. In the stationary position, the leading edge 49.1 is coplanar with the bottom 36.3 of the radial groove.

[0071] The second end 48.2 of the rod 48 is connected to a circular groove 45 and is intended to be detected by a sensor 52 fixed within the circular groove 45 of the cell flange. In the illustrated example, the sensor is positioned substantially perpendicular to the rod. The end 48.2 moves between a resting position where it is not detected by the sensor (Figure 7A) and a detected position where it is detected by the sensor (Figure 7B). Other relative orientations of the sensor 52 and the rod 48 do not deviate from the context of the present invention. The end 48.2 advantageously includes a flat section facing the induction sensor 52, which gives a flat surface that is not the generatrix of the cylinder facing the induction sensor 52.

[0072] In this example, the sensor 52 is an inductive sensor, and the rod 48 or at least its second end 48.2 is made of a metallic material detectable by the inductive sensor. When the end 48.2 of the rod faces the sensor (Figure 7B), the magnetic field generated by the sensor changes, and this change is detected.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the sensor 52 is mounted on a fixed support 54 fixed to the cell flange 6, and the rod 48 is also mounted so as to slide within the fixed support 54. In this example, the fixed support 54 has an overall L-shape, with one branch of the L supporting the sensor and the other branch supporting the rod 48. The fixed support 54 is fixed to the flange, for example, by a screw 56. The implementation of the fixed support 54, which securely connects the sensor and the rod 48, allows for the simultaneous and easy mounting of the sensor 52 and the rod 48 onto the flange 6, for example, by a single thread. Furthermore, their relative orientation is set by the fixed support.

[0074] Elastic return mechanisms to the resting position are provided (not shown). These are formed, for example, by helical springs installed within the fixed support portion or between the fixed support portion 54 and the bottom of the radial groove 36.

[0075] The detectors described above are robust because they are simple. Since they contain only a single moving element, the risk of failure is reduced.

[0076] In the illustrated example, the sensor 52 is electrically connected to the power source G and the control unit UC by cable 58, and the control unit UC receives and uses the signal emitted by the sensor.

[0077] Alternatively, cables may be used solely for power supply, and signals may be transmitted by wireless means, such as radio waves.

[0078] Alternatively, sensor 52 is an optical sensor that performs electrical switching, such as barrier or detection laser detection.

[0079] Alternatively, detection is mechanical only, in which case the movement of rod 48 resulting from the correct positioning of the beta container in its fixed location triggers the mechanical unlocking of the cell door. Door opening is controlled elsewhere. The rod linkage system allows all rod movements to be reversed and converted into unlocking actions as needed.

[0080] Much advantageously, the sensor includes a light indicator 60 that changes its illumination state according to whether or not a rod is detected. Preferably, the light indicator is illuminated when a rod is detected.

[0081] Advantageously, the light visible to the operator indicates the connection status. A significant advantage is that there are as many light-emitting elements as there are sensors and therefore lugs, thereby improving the accuracy of the information and making it possible to know the location of a lug or the location of an undetected lug.

[0082] Four sensors are positioned at 90° to each other. If three sensors are implemented, they are generally positioned at 120° to each other. N sensors implemented to detect n lugs on a container flange will have the same angular arrangement as the n lugs on the container flange.

[0083] In the illustrated example, the unlocking and opening / closing mechanisms for doors 10 and 11 are, advantageously, automated. The door unlocking and operating mechanisms include a first electric motor for controlling the locking / unlocking of the cell door and a second electric motor for moving the cell door and the container door fixed to it around the cell door hinges. The control unit sends a signal to the first motor to command the unlocking of the cell door and a signal to the second motor to command the opening of the door. These signals are sent only when the four sensors detect the four rods. If at least one detection signal is not transmitted, neither unlocking nor opening is permitted. Note that the presence of the container door is also detected by means provided for this purpose.

[0084] Next, I will describe the operation of the device.

[0085] The operator moves the container flange 9 axially toward the cell flange 6, and inserts the lug 33 of the container flange 9 into the notch 38 formed in the side wall 36.1 of the radial groove 36 of the cell flange 6. The axis of the cell flange and the axis of the container flange are aligned.

[0086] Next, the operator pivots the container flange 9 clockwise around its axis, so that each lug 33 passes behind the arc 40 until it stops relative to the rotation stopper 42. Simultaneously with approaching the rotation stopper 42, each lug of the container flange contacts the sensor 48.1, thereby pushing the sensor 48.1 back into the bottom 36.3 of the groove 36, thereby allowing the lugs 33 to continue pivoting toward the rotation stopper 42 (Figure 8). The stroke of the rod 48 due to the action of the lugs is, for example, about 3 mm. The sliding of the rod 48 positions the detection end 48.2 facing the sensor 52 (Figure 7B). The sensor emits a signal of detection of the rod 48 and thus the lugs, which is sent to the control unit. In the cross-sectional view of Figure 8, the cell flange to which the container flange is attached can be seen.

[0087] If all the lugs are complete or their condition is sufficient to cause the four rods to slide, the sensors detect the movement of the rods, and each sensor transmits a detection signal to the control unit (Figure 7B), which then commands the lock motor to unlock the cell door and the open motor to open the door.

[0088] In contrast, if the container flange contains one or more broken or deformed lugs that prevent the detector rod from sliding (Figure 7A) and no detection signal is emitted, the control unit will not allow the cell door to unlock. The control unit may emit a fault signal to the operator.

[0089] This invention provides a high level of safety because it avoids the risk of the sealed atmosphere being broken due to a defect in the flange.

[0090] If one or more lags are not detected, discard the container or send it for repair.

[0091] The present invention also applies to cells in which the unlocking of the cell door and / or the opening of the cell door and container door are performed manually. For example, the operator accesses the lock using a glove attached to a glove port located near the cell flange. In this case, a control unit can release a stopper that prevents unlocking according to a signal emitted by a sensor, and then the operator unlocks it. In one alternative embodiment, the operator decides to unlock the cell door according to information sent by a detector. The operator decides to unlock the cell door if all sensors have emitted a lag detection signal, otherwise removes the container for disposal or repair. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 2 Isolators, cells, and chambers 4 walls 6-cell flange 8 aperture 9. Container flange 10 Cell Door 11 Container Door 30 Internal volume 31 Protective cover 32 Bayonet coupling means 33 rugs 36 Radial grooves 36.1, 36.2 side wall 36.3 Bottom 38 Notches 40 Circular section, arc 42 Stopper 45 circular grooves 46 detectors 48 rods 48.1 First end, sensor 48.2 Second end 49 Slope 49.1 Leading edge 50 Bore 52 sensors 54 Fixed support part 56 screws 58 Electrical connection means 60 Light Indicators C container D-device G Power supply source O object UC Control Unit X1 axis

Claims

1. A sealing coupling device for a double-door coupling system, comprising a first flange (6) and a first door (10) closing the first flange (6), wherein the first flange (6) includes bayonet coupling means for an object, the object includes a second flange (9) which is closed by a second door (11), the second flange (9) comprises n lugs (33) intended to cooperate with the bayonet coupling means of the first flange (6), the first flange (6) includes n detectors for the correct assembly of the lugs (33) of the second flange (9) in the bayonet coupling means, each detector (46) configured to detect the presence of the lugs (33).

2. The sealing coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the first flange (6) includes a rotation-stopping portion (42) configured to stop the rotation of the second flange (9) at the coupling position for each lug, and each detector (46) is located upstream of the rotation-stopping portion (42) in the direction of coupling the second flange (9) onto the first flange (6).

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

4. The sealing coupling device according to claim 3, wherein the element (48) is a rod that is slidable in the radial direction, one longitudinal end (48.1) of the rod (48) is pushed back radially outward by the lug, the other longitudinal end (48.2) of the rod (48) is detected by the sensor (52), and the elastic return means exerts a radially inward stress on the element (48).

5. The sealing coupling device according to claim 4, wherein the element (48) is made of metal and the sensor is an inductive sensor.

6. The sealing coupling device according to claim 4, wherein each detector includes a fixed support portion, the sensor is attached to the fixed support portion, and the rod, which can slide within the fixed support portion, is attached to the fixed support portion.

7. The sealed coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detector (46) and associated electrical connection means are housed in the internal volume (30) of the first flange (6).

8. A chamber comprising a sealing coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, which defines a first closed volume, wherein the sealing coupling device (D) is mounted within the wall (4) of the chamber.

9. The chamber according to claim 8, comprising a control unit to which the detector (46) is connected.

10. The chamber according to claim 9, comprising an electric lock / unlock means for the first door (10) and an electric open means for the first door (10), connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit (UC) is configured to control the electric lock / unlock means and the electric open means when the second flange (9) is attached to the first flange (6) and each of the n detectors sends a signal to the control unit indicating the detection of a lag.

11. The chamber according to claim 9, wherein the control unit (UC) is configured to issue an alert message if one of the detectors (46) fails to send a signal for detecting a lag.

12. The chamber according to claim 8, wherein the object is a container or a flexible bag.

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