The present invention concerns connection systems.

In different fields of application, and in particular in the field of microbiology and biotechnology (for the flow of fluids), it is particularly important to be able to make connections while ensuring that the surfaces that are to be placed opposite each other to form those connections remain fully isolated from the exterior environment, in particular in order to maintain their clean or even sterile character or else to protect those surfaces from germs, dust, gas and/or liquid in the vicinity.

Male-female connection systems already exist, as described in particular by the patent application FR 2 934 337, provided in particular for the microbiological field and for which the surface portions of the male and female devices to connect are protected by tubular films folded back on themselves and pressed between a slide and a sleeve that each of the devices comprises.

So long as no connection between a device provided with a male part and a device provided with a complementary female part has been made, the surface portion present on the slide to be kept isolated from the exterior environment is covered by the tubular film pressed between the sleeve and the slide such that this surface is protected.

When the connection between a device provided with a male part and a device provided with a complementary female part occurs, the relative movement of the slide with respect to the sleeve drives movement of the film relative to that surface portion such that the contaminants present on the front surface of the device are driven rearwards while being isolated from the surface portion to be connected by the film which rolls out.

The contaminants are thus encapsulated and moved away from the surface to connect, the movement of the fold relative to the sliding also making it possible to uncover the portion of surface to connect to make it accessible to a similar portion of surface present on the device provided with the complementary female part.

Furthermore, the device provided with the male part comprises snap- fastening means cooperating with complementary snap-fastening means of the device provided with the female device to hold them fastened to each other.

The invention aims to provide connection devices of a different type that is just as safe and even more practical.

To that end it provides a connection device for coupling to another connection device comprising:

- a connection face arranged to cooperate with the other connection device;

- a first member;

- a second member that is moveable relative to the first member and having relative to the first member a starting position and a final position;

- a film folded back on itself and pressed between the first and second members, the film having, on respective opposite sides of its fold, an inner portion in at least partially non-sliding contact with the first member and an outer portion in at least partially non-sliding contact with the second member whereas the inner and outer portions of the film, on movement of the second member from the starting position to the final position, slide over each other by virtue of which the fold passes, on movement of the second member relative to the first member, from a position in which a portion of lateral surface of the first member is covered by the film to a position in which the portion of lateral surface is uncovered;

- the connection face comprises male fastening means and female fastening means such that the connection device is hermaphrodite;

- the portion of lateral surface of the first member is flat;

- the second member comprises a flat lateral surface portion and is mounted on the first member, the first and second members having their respective flat lateral surfaces opposite each other in the starting position of the second member; and

- the film is flat. By virtue of the flatness of the respective lateral surface portions of the first and second members, as well as of the flat film interposed between those respective lateral surface portions at least in the starting position, the connection device according to the invention is simple to manufacture and to use.

Furthermore, thanks both to the male fastening means and to the female fastening means of the connection face of the device according to the invention, the hermaphrodite connection system so created is even more practical since the connection devices it comprises are the same, such that there is no risk for a user of having connection devices that do not connect together, as is the case when the user has male connection devices and female connection devices.

According to preferred features of the device according to the invention that are simple, convenient and economical:

- the connection face is formed by a front face of the first member and by a front face of the second member, the front face of the first member comprising the male fastening means and the front face of the second member comprising the female fastening means;

- the first member comprises a flat portion in a material providing the non-sliding contact by friction against the inner portion of said film;

- the flat portion of the first member is of silicone;

- the first member comprises an intermediate part forming the flat portion, the intermediate part being provided with means for anchoring to the first member;

- the second member comprises a flat portion in a material providing the non-sliding contact by friction against the outer portion of said film;

- the flat portion of the second member is of silicone;

- the second member comprises an intermediate part forming the flat portion, the intermediate part being provided with means for anchoring to the second member;

- the intermediate part is provided with means for pressing the film between the first and second members; - the device comprises a device providing fluid-tightness in contact with the film;

- the film is of polyimide;

- in the starting position, the fold is set back from said connection face;

- the portion of the lateral surface comprises at least one opening for access to at least one duct formed in the first member;

- the duct comprises a bent portion between the access opening and an inlet/outlet opening formed in the first member and connected to the duct;

- the device comprises an obturating assembly of the duct passing through the first member to reach its lateral surface portion;

- the device comprises a first pushing part in a configuration projecting from the first member for passing the second member from the starting position to the final position;

- the device comprises a second pushing part in a configuration projecting from the second member for passing the second member from the final position to the starting position; and

- the device is fastened directly onto a container, and the first member is formed as one piece with a cover of the container.

According to a second aspect the invention concerns a hermaphrodite connection system comprising two connection devices as described above, the connection devices being provided to be coupled to each other, with the connection faces of the devices coming into contact with each other, the second members being moveable relative to the first members to pass from their starting positions to their final positions, with the portions of lateral surface of the first members of the devices facing each other in their final positions.

The disclosure of the invention will now be continued with the description of embodiments, given below by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connection device according to a first example of implementation of the invention, in a starting position;

- Figure 2 is a similar view to Figure 1 , with the device in an assembled state;

- Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a device in a final position;

- Figure 4 is a similar view to Figure 3, with the device in an assembled state;

- Figure 5 is a section view of the hermaphrodite connection system in a non-assembled state;

- Figure 6 is a similar view to Figure 5, with the system in a partially assembled state;

- Figure 7 is a similar view to Figures 5 and 6, with the system in an assembled state, in the starting position;

- Figure 8 is a similar view to Figure 7, in a position intermediate between the starting position and the final position;

- Figure 9 is a similar view to Figure 8, in the final position;

- Figure 10 is a similar view to Figure 7 showing a system provided with two connection devices according to a second example of implementation of the invention;

- Figures 1 1 and 12 are similar views to Figure 9 showing a system provided with two connection devices according to a third example of implementation of the invention;

- Figures 13 to 15 are similar views to Figure 9 showing systems provided with two connection devices respectively according to fourth, fifth and sixth examples of implementation of the invention;

- Figure 16 is a partial view in perspective and in section showing a system according to a seventh example of implementation of the invention in an assembled state;

- Figure 17 is a cross-section view of the system of Figure 16 showing the junction at a duct between the two connection devices; - Figure 18 is a partial view in perspective of a system according to an eighth example of implementation of the invention, in an assembled state; and

- Figure 19 is a similar view to Figure 17 for the system of Figure 18. The system 1 according to the invention illustrated in Figures 5 to 9 comprises two hermaphrodite connection devices 2 and 3 to couple together.

The hermaphrodite connection device 2 comprises a first member 4 and a second member 5 movably mounted on the first member 4 as well as a flat film 6 folded back on itself and disposed between the first member 4 and the second member 5, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.

The first and second members 4 and 5 are each of half-ring form.

This hermaphrodite device 2 has a connection face 12 configured to cooperate, as will be seen below, with a connection face 12 of the hermaphrodite device 3.

The first member 4 comprises a semi-cylindrical portion 7 and a flat lateral portion 8 connecting two longitudinal edges of that semi-cylindrical portion 7.

At its longitudinal edges that are connected to the flat portion 8, this semi-cylindrical portion 7 comprises longitudinal grooves 9.

The semi-cylindrical portion 7 comprises, at its ends, respectively a front face 10 adjacent to the connection face 12 of the device 2, and an stop portion 13 having the form of an annular flange extending transversely relative to the semi-cylindrical portion 7.

The flat portion 8 comprises a cavity 14 in which are formed an aperture 15 and a groove 16 surrounding that aperture 15 along a substantially rectangular contour.

This first member 4 further comprises an end portion 17 which projects from the stop portion 13.

This first member 4 is furthermore provided with an intermediate part 18 comprising a flat lateral surface 19, an access opening 20 passing through that flat lateral surface 19, as well as an anchoring wall 21 . The anchoring wall 21 is inserted into the groove 16 of the flat portion 8 with the opening 20 situated opposite the aperture 15, the opening 20 having a smaller diameter than the aperture 15.

This intermediate part 18 is manufactured from an adherent rubber such as silicone whereas the semi-cylindrical portions 7 and the flat portion 8 are of polysulfone, these materials being resistant to temperature such that this device 2 may be sterilized with heat, in an autoclave for example.

Once mounted on the flat portion 8, the part 18 has its flat lateral surface 19 at the same level as the rest of the flat portion 8.

The front face 10 of this first member 4 comprises a rim 22, a projection 23 as well as two recesses 24 arranged between the face 10 and the rim 22, the recesses 24 having straight lateral faces.

The front face 10 has a semi-cylindrical shape which starts and ends at the same level as the flat portion 8.

The rim 22 of the front face 10 thus starts and ends at that same level, with the recesses 24 moreover issuing at that same level.

The projection 23 has oblique lateral faces such that its end that is distal with respect to face 10 is wider than its end that is proximal with respect to face 10.

In this first member 4 is formed a duct 25 (Figure 5) for guiding liquids which is provided in the end portion 17, in the semi-cylindrical portions 7 and flat portion 8 and in the intermediate part 18 between an inlet/outlet opening 26 situated on the end portion 17 and an access opening 27 situated at the location of the flat lateral surface 19.

This duct 25 comprises a bend 28 formed in the semi-cylindrical portion 7 to direct the duct 25 towards the access opening 27.

The second member comprises a semi-cylindrical portion 30 and flat portions 31 and 32 disposed on opposite sides of the semi-cylindrical portion 30.

The semi-cylindrical portion 30 comprises lugs 33 in the form of hooks, on its longitudinal edges. The semi-cylindrical portion 30 comprises, at its ends, respectively a front face 34 adjacent to the connection face 12 of the device 2, and an stop portion 35 having the form of an annular flange extending transversely relative to the semi-cylindrical portion 30.

The flat portion 32, which is on the opposite side from flat portion 31 , comprises a cavity, like the flat portion 8 of the first member 4, in which are formed an aperture 36 (Figure 5), a groove 37 having a substantially rectangular contour, and a recess 38.

This second member 5 is provided with an intermediate part 39 comprising a flat lateral surface 40, a solid cylindrical stud 41 , as well as an anchoring wall 42.

This stud 41 is inserted into the recess 38 of the flat portion 32.

The anchoring wall 42 is inserted into the groove 37 of that flat portion 32.

The intermediate part 39 is manufactured from the same adherent rubber as the intermediate part 18 of the first member 4.

Once assembled onto the flat portion 32, the part 39 has its flat lateral surface 40 at the same level as the rest of the flat portion 32.

The front face 34 of this second member 5 comprises a rim 43, two recesses 44 having straight lateral sides, and a recess 48 having oblique lateral faces such that the bottom of that recess is wider.

The front face 34 has a semi-cylindrical shape which starts and ends at the same level as the flat portion 32.

The rim 43 of this front face 34 thus starts and ends at that same level, with the recesses 44 moreover issuing at that same level.

The film 6 is of polyimide, and has a thickness of 0.07 mm. If is folded back on itself such that it has a fold 45 and, on respective opposite sides of that fold, an outer portion 46 and an inner portion 47 pressed against each other between the flat portions 32 and 8. The face of portion 46 is away from portion 47 and is in contact with the flat lateral surface 40 whereas the face of the portion 47 which is away from portion 46 is in contact with a portion of the flat lateral surface 19. The thickness of the film 45 is small and so makes it possible to minimize the tensile stresses linked to the bending which the film is made to undergo such that these do not exceed the breaking limits of the material.

It is to be noted that in the drawings, the form of the fold 45 has been exaggerated to make it more clearly visible, whereas in reality, this fold is compressed between the members 4 and 5, such that it has a tear-drop shape that is more squashed than in the drawings, and the same applies for the film 6.

The lugs 33 of the second member 5 come to be accommodated in the groove 9 of the first member 4 such that the second member 5 slides on that first member 4, while applying a compressive force on the first member 4 during the sliding.

Thus, the second member 5 can have several positions relative to the first member 4 and in particular a starting position (Figures 1 and 2) and a final position (Figures 3 and 4).

In the starting position, the outer portion 46 of the film 6 extends from its fold 45 to reach the opposite edge of the flat lateral surface 40 from the front face 34 whereas the inner portion 47 extends from the fold 45 of the film 6 to reach the flat portion 8 situated on the opposite side from the front face 10.

In this starting position, the fold 45 of the film 6 is situated back from the connection face 12 (Figures 6 and 9), and the film 6 covers a portion of the flat lateral surface 19, in particular the opening 20.

In this starting position, the stud 41 comes to face the opening 20 to compress the film 45 between the flat lateral surfaces 19 and 40 thereby providing fluid-tight protection at the opening 20.

In the final position illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, due to sliding of the second member 5 relative to the first member 4, the fold 45 of the film 6 is located back from the opening 20 so as to uncover it.

In this final position, the stop portion 35 of the second member 5 abuts the stop portion 13 of the first member 4.

This connection device 2 is referred to as a hermaphrodite device since in its assembled state at the starting position (Figure 2), it possesses both a male connection part and a female connection part. More particularly, the projection 23 forms the male connection part, and the recess 48 forms the female connection part, with the recesses 24 and 44 respectively of the first member 4 and of the second member 5 being arranged in alignment with each other for engaging the projection 23.

Of course, a pipe not illustrated in the drawings and connected to a closed sterile device is also engaged in the end portion 17.

The hermaphrodite connection system 1 is formed from two devices 2 and 3 as described above, which devices 2 and 3 are sterilized and packaged beforehand for delivery. The devices 2 and 3 are sterilized using different processes provided that this does not prevent them from subsequently being coupled.

As the devices 2 and 3 are completely identical, use will be made in the following part of the description of the same references corresponding to the same parts for both devices 2 and 3.

In a first phase, the operator places device 2 opposite device 3 with their respective connection faces 12 facing each other (Figure 5) until they come into contact (Figure 6).

The projection 23 of device 2 is then fully engaged in a recess 24 of device 3 (Figure 6), and projection 23 of device 3 (not shown) is then fully engaged in a recess 24 of device 2 (not shown).

The operator next performs a rotating movement of device 3 relative to device 2 in the direction of the arrow R (Figure 6) to cause relative movement between device 3 and device 2.

In the example illustrated, it is device 3 that is turned but the operator could act on device 2 to perform the coupling.

This rotation of device 3 relative to device 2 enables the projection 23 of device 2 to be engaged in the recess 48 of device 3, and to engage the projection 23 of device 3 in the recess 48 of device 2 (Figure 7).

The male and female parts of device 2 are thus respectively engaged in the female and male parts of device 3, and coupling is thereby carried out simply and securely. More particularly, the oblique lateral faces of the projections 23 and of the recesses 48 provide holding together of these devices 2 and 3 axially.

A description will now be given, with the aid of Figures 7 to 9, of how to connect the ducts 7.

The operator performs a sliding movement either by pulling on the respective stop portions 35 of the devices 2 and 3, respectively in the direction of arrow A for device 2, and in the direction of arrow B for device 3, or by pushing the respective stop portions 13 of the devices 2 and 3, respectively in the direction of arrow B for device 2, and in the direction of arrow A for device 3, and in the latter case, to act in compression, and thereby drive relative movement of these second members 3 with respect to the respective first members 4. In the illustrated example, it will be assumed that the operator acts on the stop portions 35 to perform the connection of the ducts 25.

Each second member 5 thus slides progressively on the respective first member 4 towards the respective stop portion 13.

During the movement of each second member 5, the silicone of the portions of flat lateral surfaces 19 and 40 respectively in contact with the portions 47 and 46 of the polyimide film 6 generates sufficient friction forces with those portions 47 and 46 to prevent the film 6 from sliding along its portions of lateral surfaces 19 and 40 such that the portion 46 of the film 6 is driven to move at the same time as the second member 5 without that portion 46 sliding along the portion of lateral surface 40 of that second member 5 while the portion 47 is held without sliding along the portion of lateral surface 19 of the first member 4.

By the same principle, if the operator acts on the first members 4 rather than on the second members 5, it is the portion 47 of the film which is driven to move at the same time as the first member 4 without that portion 47 sliding along the portion of lateral surface 19 of that first member 4 while portion

46 is held without sliding along the portion of lateral surface 40 of the second member 5.

The film 6 is of a material enabling the faces of the portions 46 and

47 that are in contact with each other to slide over each other. Polyimide is thus particularly suitable as it makes it possible to provide, in conjunction with the silicone of the portions of lateral surface 40 and 19, a non-sliding contact of the film 6 with the portions 40 and 19 while making it possible to provide a sliding contact of the portions 46 and 47 against each other.

Thus during the movement of the second member 5 on the first member 4 (or of the first member 4 relative to the second member 5), the film 6 rolls out towards the exterior with the length of the outer portion 46 increasing and that of the inner portion 47 reducing, a part of the inner portion 47 close to the fold 45 progressing in the direction of the fold, then detaching from the portion of lateral surface 19 to form the fold 45 and then pressing against the portion of lateral surface 19 of the other device to form a part of the outer portion 46.

The fold 45 situated at the end of those portions 46 and 47 of device 2 therefore moves along the portion of lateral surface 40 of that device then along the portion of lateral surface 19 of device 3 in the direction of the arrow A.

As for the fold 45 situated at the end of the portions 46 and 47 of device 3, it therefore thus moves along the portion of lateral surface 40 of that device then along the portion of lateral surface 19 of device 2 in the direction of the arrow B.

As the velocity of movement of the fold 45 is twice as slow as that of the portion of lateral surface 19 relative to the portion of lateral surface 40, the openings 25 progressively approach the fold 45 then pass under it to attain the final position of the second member 5 (Figure 9) on the first member 4.

In this final position, the stop walls 35 abut the respective stop walls

13 with the openings 27 then being uncovered, and with the folds 45 of the films 6 being situated at the edge of, but back from, those openings 27 (Figure 9).

In this final position, the openings 27 are of course uncovered and face to face with each other to enable the duct 25 of the first members 4 to be placed in communication. It is thus made possible to pass liquid between the inlet/outlet opening 26 of device 2 and the inlet/outlet opening 26 of device 26 in a clean environment, by passing via the access openings 27 of the devices 2 and 3.

During these movements, the contaminants liable to be present on the front faces 10 and 34 of the devices 2 and 3, are continuously encapsulated and isolated from the openings 27 throughout the movement of the second members 5 on the first members 4.

More particularly, the contaminants present on the faces of the second members 5 move at the same time as the second members 5, respectively in the direction of arrow A for device 2 and in the direction of arrow B for device 3 until they pass over the outer portion 46 of the film 6 situated at the openings 27, the film 6 thus isolating those contaminants from those openings (Figure 8 and 9).

The ducts 25 are thus placed in communication placed in communication without the risk of the contaminants making those ducts unclean.

It is also possible to uncouple devices 2 and 3 by first making an opposite sliding movement to that described above then a rotating movement opposite to that described above, the films 6 then again coming to cover the openings 27 so as to obturate them.

The films 6 have a sufficiently small thickness to fold and unfold repeatedly without generating stresses which would lead to substantial and irremediable deformation of the film 6, the compression by the silicone portions ensuring both the fluid-tightness and the driving force through friction.

A second embodiment of the connection devices is illustrated in

Figure 10.

Generally speaking, the same reference numbers have been used for similar elements, but increased by 100 for each embodiment.

The connection system 101 is similar to the system 1 and has two hermaphrodite connection devices 102 and 103. In this embodiment, each first member 104 comprises, in addition to the end portion 1 17, a further end portion 150 situated in the vicinity of the front face 1 10.

In this first member 104 a further duct 151 is provided that is oriented transversely relative to the duct 125, facing the opening 127.

This first member 104 thus no longer has a bend but at its opposite end to the end portion 1 17 the duct 125 issues into the duct 151 .

By virtue of this end portion 150, it is therefore possible to connect the devices 102 and 103 to several containers (not shown) at the same time.

Each second member 105 comprises a snap-fastening lug 153 provided with an extension portion 154 joined to the stop wall 135 and extending into an aperture 156 formed in the stop portion 1 13 of the first member 104.

This snap-fastening lug 153 further comprises an elastically deformable portion 155 emerging from the opposite end of the snap-fastening lug 153 from the stop portion 135 and extending in a cut-out 158 formed in the extension portion 154.

This elastically deformable portion 155 comprises an oblique upper face 159 which, when the second member 105 passes from the starting position to the final position, rubs against the periphery of the aperture 156, which deforms it, then, when the second member 105 has attained the final position, the elastically deformable portion 155 is situated behind the stop portion 1 13 and the upper face 159 thus no longer rubs against the periphery of the aperture 156. The elastically deformable lug 155 is blocked behind that stop portion 1 13, and the second member 105 is thereby snap-fastened onto the first member 104.

In a third embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 1 and 12, the connection system 201 is similar to the system 101 except that the devices 202 and 203 do not comprise any additional duct and end portion.

However, the device 203 comprises an obturating member 260 provided to obturate the duct 225 of that device 203, in particular when the liquids passing through those ducts 225 are subjected to a high pressure. This obturating member 260 comprises a cylindrical envelope 261 formed from the same material as the intermediate parts 218 and 239, that envelope 261 being formed as a one-piece molding with the intermediate part 218 of device 203.

This envelope 261 passes through the first member 204 of the device

203, and thus its duct 225, at the location of the opening 227, with the duct 225 no longer having a bend.

The envelope 261 comprises an aperture 262 at the location of the duct 225, and a piston 263 moveable in the envelope 261 , this piston comprising a solid portion 264 formed from the same material as the envelope 261 , and a hollow portion 265.

This hollow portion 265 comprises an aperture 266 provided such that, when the operator presses on the solid portion 264 of the piston 263 by means of the cylindrical envelope 261 , it is opposite the aperture 262 and is thus also opposite the duct 225.

Once each device 202 and 203 of the system 201 has snap-fastened to a respective container (not shown), by virtue of the respective snap-fastening lugs 253, the operator pushes the piston 263 by pressing on the envelope 261 until the ducts 225 are connected.

An annular zone 268 of the envelope 261 provides support for the piston 263 in the connection position of the ducts 225.

Of course, this connection is only possible when the two respective members 205 of the devices 202 and 203 are in their final position.

To interrupt the flow of fluid in the ducts 225, it suffices for the operator to pull the piston 263 by pressing the envelope 261 , the piston then rises to its starting position in which the duct 225 of the device 203 is obturated.

Figures 13 to 15 illustrate three other embodiments of the invention, in which the device, respectively 302, 402 and 502, is configured such that its duct, respectively 325, 425 and 525, emerges at its inlet/outlet opening, respectively 326, 426 and 526, directly in a container, respectively 370, 470 and 570, while the other device, respectively 303, 403 and 503, is identical to device 3. These containers are for example a bag 370 (Figure 13), a bottle (Figure 14) and a conical centrifuge tube 570 (Figure 15).

In the example illustrated in Figure 13, the first member 304 of device 302 differs from the first members described so far in that it comprises two lateral walls 372 partially extending on opposite sides of the bag for fastening the device onto that bag 370.

Furthermore, the second member of each device 302 and 303 comprises a pushing part in the form of an ear 373, and the first member 304 of device 303 also comprises such a pushing part in the form of an ear 374.

To connect the ducts 325, the operator presses compressively on the ear 374, and to interrupt the flow of fluid, the operator pushes compressively on both ears 373.

The hermaphrodite systems 401 and 501 respectively illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 comprise the same type of ear 473 (Figure 14), 573 (Figure 15) and 574 (Figure 15).

The first members 404 and 504 of the devices 402 and 502, respectively in Figures 14 and 15, are formed as one piece respectively with the caps 475 and 575 respectively obturating the bottle 470 and the conical centrifuging tube 570.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate another embodiment of the invention, in which the system 601 comprises ribs 680 to 683, for each of the devices 602 and 603.

The ribs 680 of the intermediate part 639 of device 602 are formed in alignment with the ribs 681 of the intermediate part 618 of device 603, and the ribs 682 of the intermediate part 618 of the device are formed in alignment with the ribs 683 of the intermediate part 639 of the device 603.

The ribs 680 and 681 , respectively 682 and 683, form a respective set of concentric rectangles with rounded contours.

Furthermore, in the final position, the ribs 680 and 681 are arranged opposite the ribs 682 and 683, so making it possible to increase the compression locally and so ensure fluid-tightness at the location of the access opening 627 (Figure 17). Figures 18 and 19 illustrate still another embodiment of the invention, in which the system 701 is provided with ribs 790 and 791 directly on the film 706 of each device 702 and 703.

The ribs 790 are arranged on each intermediate part 718 and 739 in the form of concentric circles around the respective access opening 727, whereas the ribs 791 meet, in rectilinear manner, each concentric rib 790 of the intermediate parts 718 and 739 of device 703, at two points diametrically opposite, to the respective concentric ribs 790 of the intermediate parts 739 and 718 of device 702 at two points that are also diametrically opposite (Figure 18).

These ribs 790 and 791 advantageously enable fluid-tightness to be provided at the location of the access opening 727 (Figure 19).

The second member 705 further comprises a pin 795 on its front face

734.

On connection of the two devices 702 and 703, this pin 795 engages in an oblong hole (not shown) formed in the front face of the first member (not shown) of the device 703, and forms an abutment for the rotating movement between those devices 702 and 703 enabling them to be coupled.

In a variant not illustrated, the hermaphrodite connection devices are configured such that the duct for guiding the fluid of the system is substantially rectilinear. For this, the duct of each device is inclined between the access opening and the inlet/outlet opening in the first member of the device. The ducts therefore no longer comprise a bend.

In another variant not illustrated, the flat film is circular rather than rectangular. In this case, the opposite flat surfaces are also circular, and to pass from one to the other of the starting and final positions, the operator performs a rotating movement, rather than a translating movement, of the second member relative to the first member. In this case too, the male and female parts disposed on each device are for example arranged on a central semi-axis of each of the devices.

In still another variant not illustrated, a peelable film is sealed at the edges of the first and second members to obturate the connection face formed by their front face, in order to limit contaminants by protecting the zones on which they are liable to be deposited (while those devices are not used), even though those contaminants are isolated from the surfaces to protect subsequently by virtue of the connection device according to the invention. As a variant, a plug is disposed on the connection face of the hermaphrodite connection device instead of the peelable film.

In other variants not represented:

- the hermaphrodite connection device comprises a sensor of a physico-chemical property of the liquid flowing through its pipe;

- the semi-cylindrical portions 7 and 30 and the flat portions 8 and 32 are not of polysulphone but for example of polyetherimide, of polycarbonate, or of polypropylene;

- the films are not of polyimide but for example of flexible teflon (better known by the denomination "EPTFE") and/or have undergone a surface treatment to render one of their surfaces more slippery and/or the other face more adherent;

- the films are of PVDF, of polyethersulfone, or of paper (of "Tyveck®" type), or of metal, or of polyurethane, or of permeable or impermeable polymer;

- the films have a hydrophobic or hydrophilic zone, or comprise an imprint, or comprise an overmolded zone of elastomer, or take the form of a microporous membrane, or contain bacteriostatic agents, or are of multilayer form, for example of polyimide and teflon;

- the outer faces of the films in the unfolded state are covered with an adhesive substance provided to strengthen the adhesion to the first and second members while enabling the films to be unstuck from their corresponding first and second members on passage of the second member from the starting position to the final position relative to the first member.

As a variant, such hermaphrodite devices are mounted in a cluster with each other, each device coupling with the neighboring device to enable a series of extractions to be made from a succession of bags.

In still another variant, such devices are not produced to obtain a clean connection between two pipes provided to receive fluids but for other applications such as the connection of optic fibers or electrical contact devices, for which it is necessary to keep surfaces clean at the connection zone, or to avoid touching those surfaces, either for safety reasons, for example electrical safety, or so as not to degrade the interface properties.

In a further variant, such devices are also be implemented for placing in contact surfaces covered with chemical substances in order to produce for example a specific reaction in conditions protected from dust and/or from the air or else for placing in contact a lyophilized product in powder form situated in a first reservoir with a liquid situated in a second reservoir to reconstitute the lyophilized product.

In yet another variant, such devices are used on large scale to form fluid locks for microbiological isolation devices.

It should be noted more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.