Abstract:
A method is described for providing selective communication between two enclosures. The first enclosure includes a first flange and a first door. The second enclosure includes a second flange and a second door. The method includes performing sequentially the steps of arranging the second flange on the first flange, axially maintaining the second flange on the first flange by snap-fitting, securing the first flange to the second flange, securing the first door to the second door, releasing the first door from the first flange, releasing the second door from the second flange, opening the first door relative to the first flange, closing the first door relative to the first flange, securing the first door to the first flange and securing the second door to the second flange, unlocking the first door from the second door, and separating the first door from the second door.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/914,219 (filed Feb. 24, 2016), which is a National Stage entry from PCT Application No, PCT/EP2014/068477 (filed Sep. 1, 2014) and claims the benefit of France Application No. 13 58409 (filed Sep. 3, 2013). 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a sealed enclosure delimiting a closed space intended to be connected to another closed space, the sealed enclosure comprising an actuating mechanism for a device for the sealed connection between the two closed spaces. 
         [0003]    In a certain number of industrial sectors, among which can be mentioned the nuclear, medical, pharmaceutical and agro-food sectors, it is required or desirable to perform certain tasks in a confined atmosphere, either in order to protect the personnel, for example from radioactivity, toxicity, etc., or on the contrary to be able to perform these tasks in an aseptic or dust-free atmosphere, or finally both simultaneously. 
         [0004]    Transferring a device or product from one closed space to the other, without at any time the seal of each of these spaces with regards to the exterior being broken, raises a problem that is delicate to overcome. This problem can be resolved by a double door connection device. 
         [0005]    Such a double door device provided with a multiple safety control is for example known in document FR 2 695 343. Each space is closed by a door mounted in a flange. Each door is secured to its flange by a bayonet connection and the two flanges are intended to be secured to one another by a bayonet connection. 
         [0006]    In the case where one of the closed spaces is formed by a container and the other space by a glove box, the transfer is carried out in the following way. The flange of the container comprises on its outside periphery lugs intended to cooperate with an imprint of the flange of the glove box. The flange of the container is introduced into the flange of the glove box, the container is oriented in such a way as to have the lugs correspond with the imprint. A first rotation of the container according to the axis of its door makes it possible to secure the flange of the container to the flange of the glove box by the bayonet connection. By means of a second rotation of the container, according to the same axis and in continuity with the first rotation, the door of the container is pivoted in relation to the container, providing both a securing by another bayonet connection with the door of the glove box and a detaching of the new unit formed by the two doors side-by-side with regards to door and glove box flanges. A handle control located in the glove box makes it possible to unlock a safety mechanism and release the passage between the two spaces. In the case of an aseptic atmosphere, as the outside surfaces of the two doors are in contact with each other in a sealed manner, they cannot contaminate the interior of the spaces. 
         [0007]    This device gives satisfaction. But, on the one hand it requires a movement of rotation of the container in order to secure the flange of the container to the flange of the glove box or of the cell. On the other hand, it requires a rotation movement in order to secure the door of the glove box and the door of the container. These rotation movements can be carried out manually. This can be problematic for certain containers due to their weight and/or encumbrance, as well as to the torque to be exerted in order to carry out the rotation. Moreover, the rotation of the container, causing a tipping of the content, prevents the transfer of certain components of the open bottle type or components that are sensitive to impacts. 
         [0008]    A variant to the setting in rotation of the container is the setting in rotation of the cell flange. However, this variant has the disadvantage of requiring a system that makes it possible to block the container during the rotation of the cell flange and is often more cumbersome. 
         [0009]    On the other hand, the step of putting into communication of the two spaces is carried out manually thanks to a control located in the glove box or in the cell. The operation of actuating the control can be difficult according to the location of the double door device on the enclosure. Furthermore, it can take up time since access is required to the interior of the glove box or of the cell. 
         [0010]    In addition, on certain production lines which are isolated from the exterior environment, these actuating operations for the opening and closing of the double door sealed transfer system can be excessively restrictive, as they are excessively repetitive and require an excessive amount of effort. 
         [0011]    Mechanisms for actuating the opening and the closing of a double door system installed outside of the enclosure have been proposed. They prevent the user from having to intervene in the confinement enclosure, which may contain a toxic environment, and therefore would make it possible to reduce the risks for the user. 
         [0012]    These mechanisms implement motors. But they are often complex and have disadvantages in terms of maintenance, cleanability and encumbrance, for example when the motor is located inside the enclosure. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    It is consequently a purpose of this invention to offer a device for the sealed connection between two closed spaces that is easy to manipulate, in particular by avoiding a rotation of one of the closed spaces in relation to the other. 
         [0014]    The purpose of this invention is achieved by a device for the sealed connection between a first and a second closed spaces, with each closed space comprising an opening bordered by a flange and closed off by a door, with the door of the second closed space being mounted in a sealed manner in a flange by a bayonet connection, with the device comprising means of securing the two flanges and a control ring mounted outside of the first closed space around the flange, with the control ring controlling means of securing the two doors and of unlocking the door of the second space, means for releasing the other door and the opening of the two doors allowing for the sealed communication between the two spaces. The means of securing the two flanges and the control ring are mobile in rotation in relation to the closed spaces and through their rotation provide for all of the steps required to obtain a sealed connection and this without pivoting one of the closed spaces. 
         [0015]    As such, thanks to the invention no rotation of the second closed space is required. 
         [0016]    Advantageously, the means of securing the two flanges are formed by a securing ring that is concentric to the control ring. 
         [0017]    Very advantageously, the actuating means the control ring and/or the means for actuating means of securing the two flanges are located outside of the closed spaces. These actuating means are therefore accessible. 
         [0018]    Very advantageously, it is the same actuating means that actuate the control ring and the securing ring. 
         [0019]    The connection device can more preferably comprise means for locking the two doors to one another when the latter are in a separated position of the flanges. 
         [0020]    The connection device can advantageously also comprise means for axially maintaining the two flanges prior to the actuating of means of securing in order to facilitate later manoeuvres. Advantageously, this is one or several snap-fit devices. 
         [0021]    A subject-matter of the present invention is then a device for the sealed connection between a first and a second closed space, with the first closed space comprising a first flange and a first door closing off in a sealed manner an opening delimited by the first flange, and the second closed space comprising a second flange and a second door closing off in a sealed manner a second opening delimited by the second flange, with the second door being secured to the second flange by a bayonet connection, with said connection device being mounted on a wall of the first closed space and comprising first means of securing the first and second flanges to one another, second means of securing the second door and the first door in a sealed manner and of detaching the second door from the second flange, third means for releasing the first door in relation to the first flange, fourth means for opening a passage between the first and the second closed space, a control ring able to be set in rotation around a longitudinal axis, with the rotation of said control ring actuating at least the second, third and fourth means, a first device for actuating said control ring and a second device for actuating the first means of securing. 
         [0022]    More preferably, the first device for actuating and the second device for actuating are arranged outside of the first closed space. 
         [0023]    In an advantageous example, the control ring is arranged outside of the first space and surrounds the first flange. The second, third and fourth means can then be arranged at the periphery of the first flange around the control ring. 
         [0024]    According to an embodiment example, the first means can comprise a securing ring mounted mobile in rotation in relation to the first flange around the longitudinal axis and can comprise means of a bayonet connection in order to immobilise the second flange in relation to the first flange. 
         [0025]    According to an embodiment example, the second means can comprise a securing plate mounted mobile in rotation on an outer surface of the first door around the longitudinal axis and able to be secured to an outer surface of the second door by a bayonet connection. In an embodiment, a first portion of the displacement in rotation of the securing plate secures the first door and the second door and a second portion of the displacement in rotation of the locking plate unlocks the second door in relation to the second flange. 
         [0026]    For example, the second means can comprise at least one pinion meshing with an actuating sector gear carried by the control ring, with a displacement in rotation of the control ring causing a rotation of the securing plate. 
         [0027]    The second means can also comprise a gear train coupled to the securing plate in order to place it in rotation, said gear train being driven by said pinion. Advantageously, the second means comprise a straight-toothed pinion meshing with the first sector gear and an angle transmission. 
         [0028]    Advantageously, the connection device can comprise means for locking the first door and the second door to each other when they are separated from the first and second flanges. The locking means can comprise a finger mounted mobile in the securing plate, with the finger able to be retracted in the securing plate when the second door is arranged against the first door and able to protrude from the securing disc when the securing disc secures the first and the second door, with the finger blocking with a stop the rotation of the second door in relation to the first door. For example, the finger can comprise a roller and the locking means can comprise a cam carried by an outer surface of the first door providing for the return to retracted position of the finger in the securing disc in the separation phase of the first and second closed spaces. 
         [0029]    According to an embodiment example, the third means can comprise a locking cam and a locking roller, with the locking roller able to take a position wherein it cooperates with the locking cam preventing the opening of the first door and a second position wherein it is separated from the locking cam, with the passing from the first to the second position and from the second position to the first position being caused by the rotation of the control ring. 
         [0030]    According to another additional characteristic, the connection device can comprise an actuating roller cooperating with a radial cam surface of the control ring, causing the pivoting of the locking roller. 
         [0031]    The locking cam can be for example secure with the first door and the locking roller is mounted mobile in rotation on the first flange around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
         [0032]    According to an additional characteristic, the first door can be articulated in relation to the first flange around a hinge with an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and the fourth means can comprise at least one pinion meshing with another actuating sector gear of the control ring, with the pinion being coupled to said hinge, with the displacement in rotation of the control ring causing a rotation of the first door around the hinge. 
         [0033]    The connection device can advantageously comprise a system for the axial maintaining of the second flange on the first flange, prior to the securing by the first means. Advantageously, the system for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting comprises at least two devices for axial maintaining by snap-fitting. The second flange can then comprise at least two radially protruding portions, with each of the two protruding portions cooperating with a device for axial maintaining by snap-fitting. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment example, the system for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting comprises at least one device for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting and a device for the passive axial maintaining or at least two devices for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting. The second flange can comprise at least two radially protruding portions, one protruding portion cooperating with the device for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting and one protruding portion cooperating with the device for the passive axial maintaining. 
         [0035]    The device or devices for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting can for example comprise an actuating connecting rod, a locking connecting rod and means for blocking said locking connecting rod in locked position and means for activating means for blocking in order to release the locking connecting rod. 
         [0036]    Preferably, the actuating of the second, third and fourth means for the purposes of a sealed connection between the two closed spaces is obtained by a unidirectional rotation of the control ring. 
         [0037]    For example, the control ring comprises a driving gear sector cooperating with a pinion of the second actuating means. 
         [0038]    Advantageously, the first device for actuating also forms the second device for actuating. 
         [0039]    Preferably, the first and/or the second actuating means are motorised. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0040]    This invention shall be better understood using the following description and annexed drawings, wherein: 
           [0041]      FIG. 1  is a perspective partial view of an embodiment example of a connection device between a cell and a container, with the container being shown as a dotted line, 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the device for the sealed connection seen from the exterior of the cell, 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is a detailed view in perspective of the means of axial securing by snap-fitting of the container flange and of the cell flange of the device for the sealed connection, 
           [0044]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the means of axial securing by snap-fitting of  FIG. 3 , 
           [0045]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of the means of securing of  FIG. 4A , 
           [0046]      FIG. 4C  is a cross-section view of  FIG. 4B  according to the plane I-I, 
           [0047]      FIG. 4D  is a top view of the means of securing of  FIG. 4A , with the container in place, 
           [0048]      FIG. 4E  is a cross-section view of  FIG. 4D  according to Ie plan II-II, 
           [0049]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the cell flange and of the cell door and of the device for the sealed connection according to the invention, with the control ring and the actuating means omitted, 
           [0050]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the device for the sealed connection seen from the interior of the cell, with certain elements being shown with transparency, 
           [0051]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the device for the sealed connection seen from the interior of the cell, with certain elements being shown with transparency according to a point of view different from that of  FIG. 6 , in an unlocked position of the cell door and of the container door, 
           [0052]      FIG. 8  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 7 , with the device for the sealed connection shown in a locked position of the cell door and of the container door, 
           [0053]      FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of the means for inter-door locking along the plane in an unlocked state, 
           [0054]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the device for the sealed connection seen from the inside of the cell, with certain elements being shown with transparency according to a point of view different from that of  FIG. 6 , in an unlocked position of the cell door in relation to the cell flange, 
           [0055]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view in open position of the connection device, with the container cover omitted, 
           [0056]      FIG. 12  is a longitudinal cross-section view diagrammatically showing the connection of a container onto a cell by means of a double door sealed connection device, 
           [0057]      FIG. 13A  is isometric perspective view with a partial cross-section of a cover of the connection device shown alone, 
           [0058]      FIG. 13B  is a cross-section view according to Ie plan III-III of  FIG. 13A , 
           [0059]      FIG. 14A  is a top view of another embodiment of the means of axial securing by snap-fitting, 
           [0060]      FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of the securing means of  FIG. 14A , 
           [0061]      FIG. 14C  is a front view of the securing means of  FIG. 14A  in an unlocked state, 
           [0062]      FIG. 14D  is a cross-section view according to Ie plan IV-IV of  FIG. 14C , 
           [0063]      FIG. 14E  is a front view of the securing means of  FIG. 14A  with the container in place but which is not shown, 
           [0064]      FIG. 14F  is a cross-section view according to Ie plan V-V of  FIG. 14E . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS 
       [0065]    The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are considered in the direction of the setting into place of the container in the connection device. 
         [0066]    In the embodiment shown in the figures, the two closed spaces that are to be connected using a double door sealed connection device provided with the actuating mechanism in accordance with the invention correspond respectively to a confinement cell  10  and to a container  12 . It is understood however that the invention also applies in the case where the closed spaces would for example be for one a glove box and for the other a container or two glove boxes. 
         [0067]      FIG. 12  diagrammatically shows the cell  10  and the container  12  in a connected state and in a disconnected state. 
         [0068]    The cell  10  is delimited by a wall  14  of which only a portion can be seen in  FIG. 12 . It is provided, conventionally, with means for remote manipulation such as remote handling devices and/or gloves (not shown) secured to the wall  14 . The container  12  is also delimited by a wall  16 , as shown in particular in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0069]    The cell comprises a cell flange  18  mounted in a sealed manner in a wall  14  of the cell and delimiting an opening  20  that is closed off in a sealed manner by a removable door  22 , referred to as a cell door or door. 
         [0070]    The container comprises a reservoir  24  and a container flange  26  that is closed off in a sealed manner by a removable door  28 . For the purposes of clarity, the container door  28  shall be designated as “container cover” or “cover” in order to clearly distinguish it from the cell door. The reservoir  24 , the container flange  26  and the cover  28  delimit a sealed space. The cover  28  is secured to the container flange by a bayonet connection  29 . 
         [0071]    The device for the sealed connection comprises the cell flange  18 , the container flange  26 , the cell door  22  and the container cover  28 . The cell door  22  is articulated on the cell flange  18  by a hinge  30  with axis Y orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X. 
         [0072]    The axial direction corresponds to the axis of the cell flange  18  and of the door  22 , as well as that of the container flange  26  and of the cover  28  when the latter are secured to the cell. The axial direction is represented by the axis X which is the axis of the connection device. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 1 to 11  show in detail an embodiment of a device for the sealed connection according to the invention. The connection device is mounted on the wall of the cell around the opening  20 . The connection device is mobile in relation to the wall of the cell  14 . 
         [0074]    The connection device comprises first means A of securing the container flange  26  onto the cell flange  18 . 
         [0075]    In the example shown, the container flange  26  comprises four lugs  32  arranged at 90° from each other radially protruding towards the exterior of the container flange  26 . The container flange  26  could comprise two lugs, three lugs or more than four lugs, furthermore the angular arrangement is not restrictive. 
         [0076]    The first means A comprise a securing ring  100  mounted coaxial to the cell flange  18  onto the outer surface of the latter and able to pivot in relation to it around the longitudinal axis X. 
         [0077]    In the example shown, the securing ring  100  comprises four imprints  102  intended to each receive a lug  32  of the container flange  26 . The rotation of the securing ring  100  in the anti-clockwise direction provides a securing by bayonet connection between the container flange  26  and the securing ring  100  and therefore between the container flange  26  and the cell flange  18 . The imprints  102  have a first portion extending axially  102 . 1  that allows for the inserting and the removing of the lugs  32  according to an axial direction and a second portion  102 . 2  extending laterally in relation to the axial portion in a downstream zone. The second portion  102 . 2  receives the lugs  32  when the securing ring  100  has pivoted, which provides an axial maintaining of the lugs  32  and therefore of the container flange  28  in relation to the cell flange  18 . 
         [0078]    In the example shown, the securing ring  100  is mounted mobile in relation on the cell flange  18  by means of four rollers  106 . It is understood that the number of rollers is not restrictive. 
         [0079]    Advantageously, sensors are provided in order to know the various states of the system: door closed, door open, door opening or closing, etc., for example by detecting the displacement and/or the position of the securing ring, more particularly in a motorised embodiment and in an embodiment wherein the operator would not be in a position to visually identify in what state the system is in. 
         [0080]    The actuating mechanism comprises an actuating device  108  of the securing ring  100  in rotation around the longitudinal axis X. 
         [0081]    The actuating device  108  is arranged advantageously outside of the cell in such a way as to be able to be activated by the operator from the exterior. In the example shown this actuating device  108  comprises a crank  110 . Any other mechanical actuating device can be considered. According to a variant, it could be provided to motorise the actuating of the securing ring  100 . The motorised means could also be located inside the cell. 
         [0082]    The securing ring  100  comprises a radially exterior sector gear  112  which is engaged by a pinion  114  of the actuating device  108 . This actuating device is simple and robust. Other means for transmitting the movement between the actuating means and the securing ring could be provided. 
         [0083]    Very advantageously, the device for the sealed connection comprises a system for the axial maintaining of the container against the wall of the cell. 
         [0084]    Preferably, this system for maintaining comprises at least one device for the axial maintaining with snap-fitting  34  intended to axially maintain the container flange  26  in relation to the cell flange  18 , such as shown in the  FIGS. 1 to 4E and 5 . 
         [0085]    This device for maintaining, designated in what follows as snap-fitting device, is intended to be implemented prior to the securing of the two flanges  18 ,  26  by the securing ring  100 . For example, the device is particularly advantageous in providing for the maintaining of the container on the wall  14  of the cell when the container is intended to be positioned horizontally for example for the transfer. This snap-fitting device then makes the assembly of the container on the cell easier for the operator since he no longer has to maintain for example at the end of his arm the container until the container flange  26  is secured to the cell flange  18  by the securing ring  100 . 
         [0086]    In the example shown, the connection device comprises a snap-fitting device on two lugs  32  diametrically opposite the container flange  26 . The snap-fitting devices  34  are located in a diametrically opposite manner on the cell flange  18 . 
         [0087]    In the  FIGS. 3, 4A to 4E , an embodiment of a snap-fitting device  34  can be seen in more detail. 
         [0088]    As the two snap-fitting devices are similar, only one of the two devices shall be described. The snap-fitting device  34  comprises a base  36  fastened onto the cell flange  18  at the periphery of the opening  20 , an actuating connecting rod  38  articulated in rotation on the base  36  around an axis Y 1  perpendicular to the axial direction and to the diametrical direction of the cell flange  18 . 
         [0089]    The snap-fitting device  34  also comprises a locking connecting rod  40  articulated in rotation on the base  36  around an axis Y 2  parallel to the axis Y 1 , and a return means  42  restoring the locking connecting rod  40  to an unlocked position. The return means  42  is fastened to the base and to the locking connecting rod  40 . The actuating connecting rod  38  and the locking connecting rod  40  are in contact by one of their ends  38 . 1 ,  40 . 1  respectively, in such a way that a pivoting of the actuating connecting rod  38  in the clockwise direction causes a rotation of the locking connecting rod  40  in the clockwise direction. The ends  38 . 2 ,  40 . 2  of the connecting rods are located on the side of the opening  20 . 
         [0090]    The snap-fitting device  34  also comprises means for locking in order to block the locking connecting rod  40  in a locked state. The locking means comprise a finger  44  articulated in rotation on the base  36  around an axis perpendicular to the axes Y 1  and Y 2  in such a way that an end of the finger  44  can move closer to and move away from the locking connecting rod  40 . An elastic return means, such as a spring (not visible) pushes the finger  44  in the direction of the connecting rod. According to a variant, the finger  44  can be formed from a blade which is deformed elastically in flexion and integrating the elastic return means. 
         [0091]    The operation of the snap-fitting device is as follows and is shown in  FIGS. 4D and 4E . A lug  32  of the container flange  28  is brought closer according to the direction of the arrow F towards the snap-fitting device, until it bears via a first transverse surface against the actuating connecting rod  38 . Under the effort applied by the lug  32  towards the cell  14 , the actuating connecting rod  38  pivots around its axis Y 1  in the clockwise direction, causing the rotation in the clockwise direction of the locking connecting rod  40  around its axis Y 2 . The locking connecting rod  40  then comes to bear by its other end  40 . 2  against a second transverse surface  32 . 2  of the lug  32  opposite the first transverse surface  32 . 1 . The lug  32  is then axially maintained against the cell flange  18 . Moreover, the pivoting of the locking connecting rod  40  in the clockwise direction is such that the finger  44  passes over the end  40 . 2  of the locking connecting rod  40  locking it by bearing against the lug  32 . The finger  44  is pivoted in such a way as to separate the end  40 . 2  of the locking connecting rod  40  in order to release the latter. This releasing takes place when it is desired to detach the container from the cell flange. The pivoting of the finger  44  can be obtained by means of an actuator (not shown) or by a slight rotation of the container. 
         [0092]    Another very advantageous embodiment of a snap-fitting device  34 ′ can be seen in  FIGS. 14A to 14F , this device differs from device  34  in that it uses a locking cam. The number of moving parts is reduces, reliability of the device is then increased and the manufacturing is easier. 
         [0093]    The snap-fitting device  34 ′ comprises a base  36 ′ fastened onto the cell flange  18  at the periphery of the opening  20 , an locking cam  40 ′ articulated in rotation on the base  36  around an axis Y 2 ′ perpendicular to the axial direction and to the diametrical direction of the cell flange  18 , and a return means  42  restoring the locking cam  40 ′ to an unlocked position. The return means  42  is fastened to the base and to the locking cam  40 ′. 
         [0094]    The locking cam  40 ′ comprises on its face which is oriented towards the longitudinal axis of the device a downstream area  40 . 1 ′ in the direction of insertion of the flange in the snap-fitting device, which forms an actuating area, and an upstream area  40 . 1  which forms an abutment. 
         [0095]    The actuating area  40 . 1 ′ forms a cam surface which protrudes towards the inside of the device in an unlocking position, in such manner that, when the container flange is brought closer towards the snap-fitting device, one of the lugs  32  bears against the cam surface  40 . 1 ′, resulting in its rotation, the abutment area  40 . 1 ′ then faces the rear face of the lug, more preferably bears against the rear face of the lug, preventing the withdrawal of the lug. 
         [0096]    The snap-fitting device  34 ′ also comprises means for locking in order to block the locking cam  40 ″ in a locked state. The locking means comprise a finger  44 ′ articulated in rotation on the base  36 ′ around an axis perpendicular to the axe Y 2 ′ in such a way that an end of the finger  44 ′ can move closer to and move away from the locking connecting rod  40 ′. An elastic return means, such as a spring (not visible) pushes the finger  44 ′ in the direction of the connecting rod. According to a variant, the finger  44 ′ can be formed from a blade which is deformed elastically in flexion and integrating the elastic return means. 
         [0097]    The operation of the snap-fitting device is as follows and is shown in  FIGS. 14C to 14F . 
         [0098]    A lug  32  of the container flange  28  is brought closer according to the direction of the arrow F towards the snap-fitting device, until it bears via a first transverse surface against the cam surface  40 . 1 ′. Under the effort applied by the lug  32  towards the cell  14 , the locking cam  40 ′ pivots around its axis Y 2 ′ in the clockwise direction. The abutment area  40 . 2 ′ bears against the rear face of the lug  32  The lug  32  is then axially maintained against the cell flange  18 . Moreover, the pivoting of the locking cam  40 ′ in the clockwise direction is such that the finger  44 ′ passes over the abutment area  40 . 2 ′ locking it by bearing against the lug  32 . To release the locking cam  40 ′, finger  44  is separated from the abutment area. This releasing takes place when it is desired to detach the container from the cell flange. The pivoting of the finger  44 ′ can be obtained by means of an actuator (not shown) or by a slight rotation of the container. 
         [0099]    In the example shown, two devices for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting are provided. 
         [0100]    In an advantageous variant, a single device for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting can be provided and in place of the second snap-fitting device a base comprising a groove in the shape of an arc of circle that opens radially towards the longitudinal axis X able to house a lug  32  and to maintain it axially. A lug is then engaged in the groove, providing its axial maintaining, then the other lug  32  is engaged in the snap-fitting device. 
         [0101]    According to a variant, the system for the axial maintaining could implement magnetic means, the cell flange  18  and the container flange  26  would then be maintained by magnetisation. 
         [0102]    More preferably, in the case of a vertical cell wall, the device for the axial maintaining by snap-fitting is located in the lower zone of the cell flange and the base provided with the groove is located in the upper zone of the cell flange. 
         [0103]    According to a variant, a system with more than two devices for the maintaining by snap-fitting can be considered. 
         [0104]    Particularly advantageously, the snap-fitting device or devices cooperate with the securing ring  100 . 
         [0105]    As is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the snap-fitting devices are located downstream of two imprints radially opposite the securing ring  100 , in the direction of insertion of the lugs  32  into the securing ring  100 . 
         [0106]    As such, after the lugs  32  have been introduced into the imprints  102 , they engage the actuating connecting rods  38  which causes the tipping of the locking connecting rods, maintaining the lugs axially. 
         [0107]    In the absence of the container flange, the end  40 . 2  of the locking connecting rod  40  is located in the upper zone of the first portion  102 . 1  of the window  102  when no container is in place and penetrates into a notch  102 . 3  made in the first portion  102 . The locking connecting rods  40  thus also provide a locking in rotation of the securing ring  100  in the absence of a container. As such, any manipulation of the ring  100  in the absence of the container is avoided. 
         [0108]    In this particularly advantageous embodiment, the container flange  26  is maintained axially by the snap-fitting device or devices  34  and then the cell flange  18  and the container flange  26  are secured by the securing ring  100 . 
         [0109]    The snap-fitting maintaining devices are very advantageous in particular when the cell wall is in a vertical or inclined plane, as such when the container is maintained by the means  34 , the operator can easily actuate the first means A. 
         [0110]    The device for the sealed connection also comprises second means B intended to secure the container cover  28  and the cell door  22  and to unlock the cover. 
         [0111]    The connection device also comprises third means C in order to release the cell door from the cell flange, and fourth means D for releasing the passage between the inside of the container and the inside of the cell. 
         [0112]    The device for the sealed connection advantageously has a common actuating system of the second and third means. 
         [0113]    The common actuating system is formed by a control ring  48  mounted in rotation on the cell flange  18  around the axial direction and arranged outside of the cell in the example shown. In the example shown, the control ring  48  is a ring gear of which the teeth are oriented radially outwards from the control ring  48 . The common actuating system comprises a device for actuating intended to place in rotation the control ring  48  around the longitudinal axis X. Very advantageously, the device for actuating is formed by the device for actuating  108  of the securing ring  100 , which makes it possible to simplify the structure and reduce is cost price. According to a variant, a separate device for actuating can be provided. 
         [0114]      FIG. 2  shows the ring gear  48 . The latter is mounted upstream of the securing ring  100  in the direction of the setting into place of the container and has an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the securing ring  100  in order to allow for the penetration of the container flange  28  into the securing ring  100 . 
         [0115]      FIG. 6  shows the connection device from the interior of the cell, with the protective cover being shown with transparency. 
         [0116]    The securing ring  100  can be seen of which the sector gear  112  is engaged by the pinion  114  and the ring gear  48  is engaged by a pinion  52  coaxial to the pinion  114 . 
         [0117]    The control ring  48  comprises a driving tooth  48 . 1  meshing with the pinion  52  which provides for its putting into rotation and sector gears intended to actuate the various means of the connection device. In the example shown, the sector gear  48 . 1  extends over only a portion of the periphery of the control ring  48 , the angle on which extends the drive sector is determined in order to allow for the actuating of the various means B, C, D. According to a variant a drive sector could cover the entire periphery of the control ring  100 . 
         [0118]    The control ring  48  is advantageously maintained axially and radially by rollers  54  which allow for the rotation of the ring gear  48  around the axial direction while still limiting friction. 
         [0119]    The second B, third C and fourth D means are arranged on the periphery of the ring gear  48  and are actuated successively by setting the ring into rotation. 
         [0120]    The second means B of securing the cell door  22  and the cover of the container  28  comprise an inter-door securing plate designated as  80 . 
         [0121]    The inter-door securing plate  80  is mounted in rotation on the cell door  22 . The locking of the cell door  22  and of the container cover  28  is obtained by a bayonet connection. In the example shown, the securing plate  80  comprises four lugs  82  radially protruding outwards and the cover  28  comprises a hollow imprint provided with four radially external notches in order to receive the lugs of the securing plate  80  and a peripheral groove that connects the notches. A relative rotation of the securing plate  80  and of the cover  26  provides an at least partial masking of the lugs of the securing plate  80  forming an axial abutment for the lugs  82  and an axial securing of the securing plate and of the cover 
         [0122]    The securing plate  80  is set into rotation by the actuating of the control ring  48 . In the example shown, the second means B comprise a straight-toothed pinion  62  engaged by a first actuating sector gear  48 . 2  of the control ring  48 , a bevel pinion  64  secured in rotation with the pinion  62 . In the example shown, they are located at the two ends of the same axis. The bevel pinion  64  meshes with a bevel pinion  65  which forms the input of a chain of gears, with the gears designated as  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  77 . The pinion  77  meshes with a sector gear or rack  78  secured in rotation with the inter-door securing plate  80  as can be seen in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0123]    The unit formed by the pinion  62 ,  64  and the chain of gears makes it possible to reduce the rotation torque of the handle and facilitate the manipulation by the operator. 
         [0124]    On  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the chain of gears allowing for the rotation of the securing plate  80  is shown alone. The chain of gears is located in a cover  81  which is also shown on  FIGS. 6-8 and 10 , ensuring the sealed passage of the chain of gears between the outside and the inside of the cell. The cover comprises three parts  81 . 1 ,  81 . 2 ,  81 . 3  which are linked to each other in a sealed manner by means of seals  69 . 
         [0125]    In the example shown, parts  81 . 1  and  81 . 3 , so-called blocks are identical. Part  81 . 2  which is located between parts  81 . 1  and  81 . 3  is called “arm”. 
         [0126]    The linkages between block  81 . 1  and arm  81 . 2  and between block  81 . 2  and  81 . 3  allow for the opening of the door  22 . Rotation is ensured by roller bearings, but bearing may be used instead of roller bearings. 
         [0127]    Chain of gears is located in block  81 . 1 , the chain of gears controlling the securing plate  80 . Opening means D is located in block  81 . 3 . 
         [0128]    In the example shown, block  81 . 1  comprises a sleeve  81 . 11  surrounding the axis connecting gears  62  and  64 . 
         [0129]    Block  81 . 3  also comprises a sleeve  81 . 31  ( FIG. 13B ). 
         [0130]    Arm  81 . 2  surrounds the axis connecting gears  76  and  77 . Sleeves  81 . 11  and  81 . 21  pass through the cell flange and through the door respectively in a sealed manner, static seals are mounted between the sleeves  81 . 11 ,  81 . 31  and the cell flange and between the sleeve  81 . 21  and the door  22 . 
         [0131]    According to a variant and in the specific case of device having a small diameter for which strength are reduced, the cover can have only one block and one arm, the opening means D being combined with the securing means B. In this case, block can be made in one piece with the cell flange. No seal is then required to carry out sealing between the block and the flange. 
         [0132]    The chain of gears comprises two biggest axes  67 ,  73  between gears  65  and  66  and between gears  72  and  74  respectively. According to a variant, these axes and the gears can be replaced by chain sprockets or by pulleys with belt system or chain system. 
         [0133]    A first phase of the rotation of the inter-door securing plate  80  provides the axial locking of the door  22  and of the cover  28  and a second phase of rotation of the securing plate  80  drives in rotation the cover  28  in relation to the container flange  26  and provides an unlocking of the cover  28  in relation to container flange  26 . 
         [0134]    Particularly advantageously, the mechanism comprises means  118  for locking that prevent the detaching of the cell door  22  and of the cover  28  when the passage between the inside of the container and the inside of the cell is open, i.e. when the door and cover unit is in detached position from the cell and container flanges. 
         [0135]    The means  118  can be seen in  FIG. 7  and as a cross-section in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0136]    The locking means  118  are arranged between the upstream surface of the cell door and the downstream surface of the plate  80 . 
         [0137]    The locking means  118  comprise a finger  120  radially protruding from the plate  80  in a zone between two lugs of the plate  80 . The finger  120  is able to be axially retracted inside the plate. An elastic means  122 , for example a helical spring in the example shown, returns the finger outwards from the plate  80  upstream. The finger can be seen in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0138]    The locking means comprise a roller support  124 , carrying the finger  120 , which is arranged between the door  22  and the plate  80  and a roller  126  able to roll around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. 
         [0139]    The locking means  118  also comprise a frame  128  fastened onto the plate  80  which carries an axis  130  parallel to the longitudinal axis X whereon is mounted and able to slide the roller support  124 . The spring  122  is mounted in compression between the roller support  124  and the frame  128  around the axis  130 . 
         [0140]    The locking means  118  also comprise a cam  132  formed by a ramp fastened onto the upstream surface of the cell door, with the cam  132  having the shape of an arc of circle centred on the longitudinal axis X. The locking means also comprise stops  134  located across from the ends of the ramp  132 . In the example shown, the stops  134  are formed by rods parallel to the longitudinal axis and fastened onto the cell door. 
         [0141]    The operation of the locking means  118  is as follows. 
         [0142]    During the positioning of the container flange  26  into the securing ring  100 , the lugs of the container cover  28  are placed between the lugs  82  of the securing plate  80 , one of them comes into contact with the finger  120  and due to the axial displacement of the container pushes the finger  120  which penetrates into the plate  80  against the restoring force of the spring  122 . The roller  126  is released from the cam  132  and from one of the stops  134 . 
         [0143]    Another rotation of the ring gear  48  causes a rotation of the plate, the roller  126  is also driven in rotation and rolls on the cam  132  until the roller  126  is positioned in the bottom part of the cam  132  ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0144]    The finger has then pivoted enough to no longer be facing the lug  82  of the plate  80 . However due to the restoring force of the spring  122 , the finger is pushed back towards the exterior of the disc and forms a stop in rotation for the lug which is then blocked between the finger  120  and one of the stops  134 . 
         [0145]    The third means C for maintaining the door of the cell closed against the cell flange  18  can be seen for example in  FIG. 8  in closed position and in  FIG. 10  in open position. 
         [0146]    The door  22  is locked in closed position on the cell flange  18  by means of a locking cam  84  which is fastened onto the inside surface of the cell door  22  and of locking roller  86 . The locking roller  86  is mounted mobile in rotation on the cell flange  18  around an axis parallel to the axial direction X between a locked position wherein the locking roller  86  is in contact with the locking cam  84  and locks the door in closed position against the cell flange  18 , and an unlocked position, wherein the locking roller  86  is separated from the locking cam, and allows for a disengagement of the cell door from the cell flange  18 . 
         [0147]    The locking roller  86  is carried by a roller-holder of which an axial end comprises an actuating roller  88  which cooperates with a radial cam surface  48 . 3  of the toothed wheel  48 . 
         [0148]    According to a variant, it could be provided that the locking roller-holder comprises a pinion meshing with a sector gear of the toothed wheel. 
         [0149]    Advantageously, in locked position, the locking cam  84  cooperates with safety means mounted on the inside surface of the door in order to detect the locked position of the cam  84 . The third means D in order to open the door  22  and the cover  28  and as such allow for the sealed transfer between the container and the cell, can be seen in  FIGS. 7 and 11 . 
         [0150]    The means for opening D set into rotation the cell door  22  and the cover  28  secured to one another by the securing plate  80  around the hinge  30 . In the example shown, the means D comprise a first straight-toothed pinion  90  meshing with a second sector gear  48 . 4  of the ring gear  48  a bevel pinion  92  secured in rotation with the pinion  90 . In the example shown, they are located at the two ends of the same axis. The bevel pinion  92  meshes with a bevel pinion  94  coaxial to the axis of the hinge  30  and secure in rotation with the latter. As such the ring gear  48 , by driving the pinion  90 , causes a rotation of the bevel pinion  94  which drives the cell door  22  in rotation around its hinge  30  and allows for the transfer between the inside of the container and the inside of the cell. 
         [0151]    Seals are provided between the cover and the container flange, between the cell door and the cell flange and between the outer faces of the cell door and of the cover in such a way as to provide a sealed contact between the door  22  and the cover  28  and to provide a confining of these surfaces which are in contact with the outside environment when they are not in contact. 
         [0152]    The ring gear  48  is comprised of several actuating angular sectors, with each one controlling separate means. According to the angle of rotation of the ring gear, a pinion is engaged by the ring gear driving the given means. The means are not actuated simultaneously but successively and in an order given by the arrangement of the angular sectors in a given direction of rotation. In the example shown, the actuating sector gears are arranged in separate planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, which are separate from the plane that contains the gear sector drive. 
         [0153]    A cycle for the putting into communication of the interior space of the container and of that of the cell thanks to the connection device according to the invention shall now be described, considering a vertical cell wall. 
         [0154]    The container flange  26 , wherein is arranged the cover  28 , is introduced into the securing ring  100 , the lugs  32  of the container flange  26  penetrate into the imprints  104 . One of the lugs drives the finger  120 . Furthermore, two lugs  32  diametrically opposite come into contact with the actuating connecting rods  38 , cause them to pivot in the clockwise direction and the pivoting of the locking connecting rods  40 . The finger  42  blocks the locking connecting rods  40  in position. The container flange  26  is then maintained against the wall  14  of the cell. The operator can let go of the container. 
         [0155]    The operator then turns the crank  108  in the clockwise direction, which sets into rotation the securing ring  100  in the anti-clockwise direction, which is free to turn, then the locking connecting rods  40  have tipped, their ends  40 . 2  being released from the notches  102 . 3 . The securing ring  100  rotates, the lugs  32  are then maintained by a bayonet connection thanks to the securing ring  100 . The container flange  26  is then secured to the cell flange  18 . 
         [0156]    Then, the operator again turns the crank  108  in the clockwise direction, which sets into rotation the ring gear  48  in the anti-clockwise direction, the sector gear  48 . 2  meshes with the pinion  52  which causes the rotation of the securing plate  80 . The plate  80  then provides the securing of the cell door  22  and of the container cover  28 . Simultaneously the roller  126  rolls on the ramp  132  until its bottom position and the finger  120  is pushed back towards the exterior of the plate  80  ( FIG. 10 ), one of the lugs of the cover  28  is then blocked between a stop  134  and the finger  120 . No rotation of the cover  28  in relation to the door is possible in the absence of manipulation of the locking plate. 
         [0157]    The operator again turns the crank  108  in a clockwise direction, the sector gear  48 . 2  moves away from the pinion  62  and the radial cam path encounters the actuating roller  88  causing a pivoting of the roller-holder and a separation of the locking roller  86  from the locking cam  84 . The door  22  is then released from the cell flange  18 . 
         [0158]    The operator again turns the crank  108  in the clockwise direction, the sector gear  48 . 4  meshes with the pinion, causing the rotation of the door  22  and of the cover  28  around the hinge  30 . 
         [0159]    The passage between the inside of the cell and the inside of the container is then open as is shown in  FIG. 11  (the cover  26  is not shown). 
         [0160]    In this position, the cover cannot be separated from the door due to the presence of the finger  120 . As explained hereinabove, the movement of a lug of the cover  28  is limited by the finger  120  and a stop  134 . The cover  26  therefore cannot pivot enough in relation to the door  22  in order to separate them. The retracting of the finger  120  is possible only by setting the securing plate  80  into rotation in the opposite direction, but this rotation in the opposite direction is possible only after closing of the access between the two spaces. Consequently, the separation of the cover and of the door is prevented when the passage between the cell and the container is open. As such there is no risk of pollution of the interior of one or the other of the spaces by the outer surfaces of the cell and of the container. 
         [0161]    The closing of the passage and the separation of the container from the cell is carried out according to the steps hereinabove in the reverse order. For this, the operator pivots the crank  108  in an anti-clockwise direction, causing:
       the putting back into place of the door  22  and of the cover  28  in their respective flange  18 ,  26 ,   then the returning into position of the locking roller  86  in the locking cam  84 ,   the rotation in the clockwise direction of the plate  80  which locks the cover  28  in the container flange  26  and the detaching of the door  22  and the cover  26 ,   simultaneously the finger  120  penetrates into the plate  80  thanks to the cam  132 ,   the securing ring  100  then pivots in the clockwise direction, releasing the lugs  32  from the container flange  22 ,   finally the snap-fitting devices  34  are deactivated in such a way as to release the locking connecting rods  40 . The container can then be removed from the securing ring.       
 
         [0168]    The connection device allows for a connection between a container and a cell, without rotation of the container, which simplifies the operations for the operator and allows for the manipulation of fragile objects contained in the container. 
         [0169]    The connection device can offer greater facility for cleaning since it can comprise no element inside the cell. The entire mechanism is located outside of the cell. 
         [0170]    The outside control offers greater handling for the operator. 
         [0171]    The connection device furthermore makes it possible to improve the rates of closing/opening per day, allowing for a gain in productivity, with all of the steps of transfer carried out by the manipulation of the outside crank or activation of the motor. 
         [0172]    It moreover has maintenance and repair that is facilitated due to its simple structure, all the more so when its actuating means are located outside of the cell. Moreover, the arrangement of the actuating means outside allow for a motorisation of the device in a very simple way. By arranging the actuating means outside of the cell, the latter is no longer in contact with the sterilising agent, which reduces the risks of damage and malfunction. 
         [0173]    In addition, safety is improved, since in the case of actuating by the outside, it is no longer required to access the inside of the cell by means of gloves mounted in a sealed manner through a wall of the cell in order to actuate the mechanism, or for maintenance. 
         [0174]    According to a variant, it can be considered that the securing ring  100  be set into rotation via the ring gear  48 , the ring gear would then be the sole control member for all of the steps.