EP3504004B1 - Container for flexible bag comprising two working positions - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the packaging and transport of biopharmaceutical fluids. The invention relates more specifically to containers for flexible bags intended to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid.

Examples of containers for flexible bags intended to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid are disclosed in particular in the documents US 2016/114950 A1 and EP 1 012 073 A1 . In another area, the document GB 2 200 097 A relates to a self-dumping hopper comprising a container adapted to switch between a loading position in which a load can be contained in the container and an unloading position in which the load is unloaded by gravity.

The term “biopharmaceutical fluid” is understood to mean a fluid resulting from biotechnology, for example from a culture medium, a cell culture, a buffer solution, an artificial nutrition liquid, a blood fraction, or a derivative of blood products or of a pharmaceutical fluid or more generally a fluid intended for use in the medical field.

Historically, the biopharmaceutical fluid was placed in a reusable stainless steel container. Thus, it was necessary to sterilize the container between two operations, which was complex, expensive and risky, in the event that the sterilization was imperfect.

This is why it has become customary to place the biopharmaceutical fluid in a flexible bag. The flexible pouch has the advantage of occupying a minimum volume when it does not contain biopharmaceutical fluid. In this case, it is folded and occupies a small volume. Conversely, when it contains the biopharmaceutical fluid, it occupies a somewhat larger volume. In addition, as it is flexible, it can withstand small elastic deformations without being pierced. Thus, the risk of leakage is reduced. The flexible bag is generally disposable, it is discarded after having been used. In addition, the flexible bag is dimensioned to be able to contain a volume of fixed biopharmaceutical fluid, which can range from 1 liter to 500 liters.

Thus, for example, to transport the flexible bag filled with biopharmaceutical fluid, in particular by road, by train or by air, it is placed in a rigid container which forms a protection for the flexible bag. The flexible pouch is generally disposed in the container from its filling with biopharmaceutical fluid until it is emptied.

However, the rigid container comprises the general shape of a parallelepiped. Thus, access to the flexible pouch is difficult. In particular, the emptying of the flexible bag is a delicate operation, when it is placed in the container. In this case, an operator wishing to empty the flexible bag must necessarily extract the flexible bag from the container. This manipulation is delicate because the flexible pocket then risks being pierced.

An object of the invention is to provide a container whose handling is simpler.

To do this, according to the invention, an assembly is provided consisting of a container and a flexible bag intended to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid, as defined in claim 1.

Thus, when the container comprises the mass exceeding the predetermined threshold, the system formed by the container and the mass comprises two equilibrium positions. The mass is in the form of the flexible pouch containing the biopharmaceutical fluid. An operator can therefore install the container in one or the other of the positions according to what he wishes to do. The container no longer has to be necessarily dimensioned as a function of a single position of equilibrium which it is able to occupy when it includes the flexible pouch. The dimensions of the container can be adapted as well as possible according to the function it fulfills when it occupies one or the other of the equilibrium positions.

The first position which is a storage position can therefore be the one used during transport. In this case, when the container undergoes a displacement and changes position slightly, it naturally returns to the position of stable equilibrium. The transport of the biopharmaceutical fluid is therefore safer. In addition, in the event of a leak, the biopharmaceutical fluid remains confined in the container and does not leak. The risk of contamination of neighboring containers is therefore reduced.

The second position which is an emptying position is such that the biopharmaceutical fluid extracted from the flexible bag naturally flows out of the container. Emptying the container is therefore easier. In addition, when the emptying is complete, and the biopharmaceutical fluid no longer exerts its weight in the container, the latter returns to the first equilibrium position without intervention by the operator. The handling of the container is therefore simplified. Furthermore, at least one pipe is placed, serving for emptying and / or filling the flexible bag, in the container so as to constrain the position occupied by the container during the filling and emptying operations.

According to one embodiment, the two side walls extend from the transfer wall.

The container is therefore simple to manufacture.

Preferably, the container comprises a removable cover resting on the side walls and the transfer wall so as to close the container.

The flexible pocket is thus better protected.

Advantageously, the cover comprises a seal on a portion of its peripheral periphery, preferably on its entire peripheral periphery.

The risk of leakage is therefore all the more reduced.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the bottom wall, the side walls and the transfer wall is planar.

Preferably, at least one of the two side walls forms a right angle with the bottom wall.

The manufacture of the container is then simpler.

Advantageously, at least one of the side walls comprises a gripping handle.

Preferably, the grip handle is formed by a recess.

The handling of the container is therefore easier.

According to one embodiment, the container comprises a partition wall, located opposite the advantageously flat transfer wall and preferably forming an obtuse angle with the lower wall.

The flexible pocket is thus better protected.

Preferably, the container comprises at least one removable containment wall adapted to be applied to an upper face of the flexible pouch, when the flexible pouch is present.

The containment wall makes it possible to constrain the shape of the flexible pouch, which can prove useful, in particular when transporting several flexible pouches simultaneously.

Advantageously, the container comprises a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, at least one side wall comprises two parts offset, in the transverse direction, so that an external surface of the wall defines a housing which allows the insertion of the container. in another container.

The stacking of several containers, not including flexible pockets, therefore occupies less space.

According to one embodiment, the side wall comprises a bearing surface, extending in a horizontal plane, which participates in delimiting the housing.

The support surface makes it easy to stack the containers when they include flexible pockets.

There is also provided, according to the invention, an assembly comprising a first and a second container as described above, in which the outer surface of the two side walls of the first container is, at least partially in contact with the surface. internal of the two side walls of the second container so that the first container is stacked on the second container.

This is a preferential arrangement as the storage of containers takes up little space.

A container for a flexible bag intended to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid is moreover capable of passing from the first position to the second position under the effect of a mass exceeding a first predetermined threshold disposed on a free edge of the transfer wall, and able to move from the second position to the first position, under the effect of a mass exceeding a second predetermined threshold disposed on the lower wall.

Thus, during an emptying, the container passes from the first to the second position under the effect of a pipe placed on the free edge of the transfer wall. Conversely, during filling, the container is initially in second position. When the mass of the flexible bag filled with liquid exceeds the second predetermined threshold, it causes the container to tilt from the second to the first position. Thus, the first and second positions are positions of stable equilibrium and it is the interaction of the container with the flexible bag and the pipe which causes it to move from one of the positions to the other.

It will also be noted that all the aforementioned additional characteristics can be associated with the container which comprises two positions of stable equilibrium.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un conteneur selon l'invention,
• les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues en coupe, selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1, du conteneur dans lequel on a disposé une poche souple,
• les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues en perspective d'un conteneur respectivement selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention et selon une variante de ce mode de réalisation,
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'un conteneur selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, et
• les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues de face de trois conteneurs selon le troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention.

Three embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of nonlimiting examples, with the aid of the following figures:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the invention,
• the figures 2 and 3 are sectional views, along line II-II of the figure 1 , the container in which a flexible bag has been placed,
• the figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of a container respectively according to a second embodiment of the invention and according to a variant of this embodiment,
• the figure 6 is a perspective view of a container according to a third embodiment of the invention, and
• the figures 7 and 8 are front views of three containers according to the third embodiment of the invention.

It will be noted that in all the figures, the container or containers are placed on a horizontal support. We represented at the figure 1 a container 10 for a flexible bag 11, shown in figures 2 and 3 , intended to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

With reference to a vertical direction (Y), the container 10 comprises a lower wall 12, which forms the bottom of the container 10, two side walls 14, 16, a transfer wall 18 and a partition wall 20. The transfer wall 18 and the wall of partitioning 20, the functions of which are described below contribute in particular to delimiting the container 10.

The internal surfaces of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 in fact delimit a space for receiving the flexible bag 11. The internal surfaces of the transfer 18 and partition 20 walls face each other. The internal surfaces of the side walls 14, 16 are also opposite.

The two side walls 14, 16 extend from the bottom wall 12 and from the transfer wall 18. Furthermore, the side walls 14, 16 form a right angle with the bottom wall 12. In contrast, the transfer wall 18 is directly connected to the lower wall 12 and forms therewith a strictly obtuse angle. This means that the value of this angle is strictly greater than 90 ° and strictly less than 180 °. Preferably, the angle is between 135 ° and 150 °. The transfer wall 18 and the lower wall 12 include a common ridge 22 which connects them. To the left of edge 22, transfer wall 18 extends and to the right of edge 22, bottom wall 12 extends.

In addition, the partition wall 20 forms an obtuse angle with the lower wall 12. This angle is less obtuse than that formed between the lower wall 12 and the transfer wall 18. In addition, as seen in the figure. figure 1 , the lower wall 12, the two side walls 14, 16, the transfer wall 18 and the partition wall 20 are flat. Optionally, at least one of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 is planar.

Furthermore, the bottom wall 12 forms a zero angle with a horizontal direction (X).

The upper edge, with reference to the vertical direction (Y), of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 is regular and reaches the same height. The container 10 therefore comprises a regular upper edge. According to a variant of the present embodiment, the container 10 comprises a removable cover which rests on the side walls 14, 16, the transfer wall 18 and the partition wall 20 so as to close the container 10. Preferably, the cover then comprises a seal on a portion of its peripheral periphery, and advantageously on its entire peripheral periphery to close the container 10 in a leaktight manner. Alternatively, the seal is disposed on the upper edge of the transfer wall 18, the partition wall 20 and the side walls 14, 16.

According to another variant, the container 10 comprises a removable containment wall adapted to be applied to an upper face of the flexible pouch 11. In this way, the shape of the latter is constrained to limit the volume it occupies. The containment wall is then movable in the vertical direction (Y). This containment wall is therefore not intended to ensure the seal between the inside and the outside of the container 10. It is therefore possible to advantageously combine the cover and the removable containment wall.

The lower wall 12 and the transfer wall 18 have suitable dimensions, taking into account the dimensions of the side walls 14, 16 and of the partition wall 20, for than the position shown in figure 1 or a stable position of equilibrium when the container 10 does not include the flexible pouch 11. Thus, the container 10 alone is able to occupy a first position of equilibrium and this position of equilibrium is stable.

We represented at figures 2 and 3 the container 10 and the flexible bag 11.

The flexible bag 11 comprises a main flexible part 24, which contains the biopharmaceutical fluid, and a pipe 26 which places the inside and the outside of the main part 24 of the flexible bag 11 in fluid communication.

On the figures 2 and 3 , the weight exerted by the flexible pocket 11 is represented by an arrow F. The origin of the arrow F denotes the center of gravity of the flexible pocket 11. This is therefore the point of application of the weight.

When the container 10 is in the position shown in figures 1 and 2 , the transfer wall 18 forms a ramp, for the biopharmaceutical fluid enclosed by the flexible bag 11, which tends to concentrate the biopharmaceutical fluid in the portion of the main part 24 of the flexible bag 11 which is close to the wall of partition 20. This is due to the fact that the lower wall 12 forms a zero angle with the horizontal direction (X) while the transfer wall 18 forms a non-zero acute angle with the horizontal direction (X). Thus, the center of gravity of the flexible pocket is located to the right of the edge 22 and the weight F of the flexible pocket 11 is normal to a surface formed by the lower wall 12. Thus, the weight F of the flexible pocket 11 keeps the container in the position shown in figure 2 which is the first position of equilibrium, stable, of the container 10. Optionally, it is possible to have in the container 10 retaining means which oppose the sliding of the flexible bag 11. Otherwise, the friction due to the weight of the bag flexible 11 are sufficient.

When transporting the flexible bag 11 in the container 10 in particular, the use of holding means is useful for maintaining the flexible bag 11 in a position where its center of gravity is located to the right of the stop 22 and preventing small mechanical disturbances, such as vibrations for example, cause the center of gravity of the flexible bag 11 to tilt to the left of the stop 22.

This first position is a storage position for the flexible bag 11. In fact, in this position, where the main part 24 of the flexible bag 11 is completely disposed in the space defined by the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, biopharmaceutical fluid which leaks from the flexible bag 11 is stored in the container 10. Thus, this first position is suitable for transporting the flexible bag 11.

When an operator tilts the container to a position shown in figure 3 , the biopharmaceutical fluid enclosed by the flexible bag 11 will naturally position itself, under the effect of gravity, in a portion of the main part 24 of the flexible bag 11 which is in direct contact with the transfer wall 18. In this In this case, it is the lower wall 12, which forms a non-zero acute angle with the horizontal direction (X) and the transfer wall 18 which forms a zero angle with the horizontal direction (X). Thus, it is the lower wall 12 which forms a ramp for the biopharmaceutical fluid.

The center of gravity of the flexible pocket is therefore located to the left of the ridge 22 and the weight F of the flexible pocket 11 forms a right angle with the transfer wall 18. Thus, the weight F of the flexible pocket 11 maintains the container in the position shown in figure 3 which is a second equilibrium position of the container 10. Thus, the position illustrated in figure 3 is a position of stable equilibrium for a system formed by the container 10 and the flexible pouch 11 containing the biopharmaceutical fluid. As previously indicated, it is possible to have means for maintaining the flexible bag 11 in the position where the center of gravity of the flexible bag 11 is placed to the right of the stop 22.

In this second position of the container 10, the biopharmaceutical fluid extracted from the flexible bag 10, whether it comes from a leak from the main part 24 or from the pipe 26, flows out of the container 10. This is due to the fact that the transfer wall 18 forms a zero angle with the horizontal direction (X), and therefore a right angle with the vertical direction (Y), and comprises a free edge unlike the lower wall 12. This is why this second position balance is a preferential position for emptying the container 10.

As can be seen by comparing the figures 2 and 3 , the container 10 is able to pass from the first position of equilibrium illustrated in figure 2 , in the second position shown in figure 3 , and vice versa, by rotation around the edge 22 which connects the lower wall 12 and the transfer wall 18. Thus, the operator does not need to exert too much force to pass the container 10 of. one position of balance to another. It simply has to exert pressure on the free edge of the transfer wall 18. The distance between this free edge and the edge 22 makes it possible to limit the forces required.

Furthermore, with reference to the figure 3 , when the biopharmaceutical fluid is completely extracted from the flexible bag 11, the weight of the latter is not sufficient in itself to maintain the container 10 in the second position illustrated in figure 3 . The container 10 therefore gains the first position of stable equilibrium, illustrated in figure 2 . As previously explained, this is due in particular to the dimensions of the lower wall 12 and the transfer wall 18. The position illustrated in figure 3 is therefore not an equilibrium position for the container 10 when it does not include a mass which exceeds a predetermined threshold.

More generally, the container 10 is able to stand in the first or the second position when a mass exceeding a predetermined threshold is placed in the container 10. When it occupies the second position, it is able to pass, under the effect of gravity, from the second position to the first position as soon as the mass is no longer placed in the container 10.

In summary, the position shown in figure 2 is a stable equilibrium position for the container 10, whether the latter comprises the flexible bag 11 or not and whether the latter contains the biopharmaceutical fluid or not. The position shown in figure 3 is a stable equilibrium position when the container 10 comprises the flexible bag 11 and that the latter contains the biopharmaceutical fluid.

We will now describe a method of filling the flexible bag 11 when it is positioned in the container 10.

Initially, the container 10 occupies the first position and the flexible bag 11 is empty. Hose 26 is connected to a first end of a fill tube. Another end of the filling tube is for example connected to a reservoir comprising liquid intended to fill the flexible bag 11. The pipe 26 then rests cantilever on a free edge of the transfer wall 18. However, the The weight of the pipe 26 is not sufficient to move the container 10 from the first to the second position.

We begin to fill the flexible bag 11 until the latter is filled. The container 10 occupied the first position during the entire filling.

We will now describe an alternative method of filling the container.

Initially, the container 10 occupies the first position. The hose 26 is connected to the first end of the fill tube. The container 10 is tilted into the second position. The weight of the pipe 26, which rests on the free edge of the transfer wall 18, is sufficient to ensure the stability of the second position.

Then, one begins to fill the flexible bag 11. When the flexible bag 11 is sufficiently filled and exerts a sufficient weight to counteract the influence of the weight of the pipe 26, the container 10 returns to the first position.

Once the flexible bag 11 is sufficiently filled, the pipe 26 and the filling pipe are disconnected. The container 10 occupies the first position.

By adapting the dimensions of the transfer wall 18 and of the lower wall 12, it is possible to predetermine the filling level, and therefore a predetermined threshold of the mass, which causes the container 10 to tilt from the second position, illustrated in FIG. figure 3 , in the first position, shown on figure 2 . For example, we can size the elements raised so that the tilting from the first to the second position operates when the flexible bag is half full, that is to say that the biopharmaceutical fluid occupies a volume equal to half of the maximum capacity of the flexible bag 11.

We will now describe a process for emptying the flexible bag 11 into the container 10.

Initially, as, shown in figure 2 , the container 10 comprises the flexible pouch 11 filled. The operator then grasps the pipe 26 and connects it to a first end of a pipe, called the drain pipe. The pipe 26 then rests on a free edge of the transfer wall 18. A second end of the drain pipe is for its part connected to a container intended to receive the liquid extracted from the flexible bag 11. Optionally, the drain pipe is also connected to a pump.

Then, the operator moves the container 10 from the first to the second position and opens the pipe 26 to put the inside and the outside of the flexible bag 11 in fluid communication. Thus, the liquid contained in the flexible bag 11 reaches the pipe 26, the drain pipe and joins the container. It will be noted that due to the movement of the liquid, the container 10 then occupies the second position which is a position of stable equilibrium as previously indicated.

When the emptying is complete, the pipe 26, which rests cantilever on the transfer wall 18, exerts a force sufficient to hold the container 10 in the second position, illustrated in figure 3 .

The pipe 26 is then disconnected from the first end of the drain pipe.

Then, the pipe 26 is retracted so that it no longer extends beyond a space formed by the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 of the container 10. Thus, the weight of the bag flexible 11, empty, is no longer sufficient to maintain the container 10 in the position shown in figure 3 , the container 10 regains the first position.

Likewise, if after disconnecting the pipe 26 from the first end of the drain pipe, the flexible bag 11 and the pipe 26 are removed, the container 10 returns to the first position under the action of the weight of the container 10, due to the position of the center of gravity of the container 10.
We will now describe an alternative method of emptying the container.

Initially, the container 10 occupies the first position. The pipe 26 is connected to the drain pipe so that the pipe 26 rests on the free edge of the transfer wall 18. In this configuration, the weight of the pipe 26 is not sufficient to pass the container through the second. position, in particular because of the weight of the flexible bag 11 containing the liquid.

Then we start the emptying. When the emptying is advanced to a stage where the weight of the flexible bag 11 is no longer sufficient to maintain the container 10 in the position illustrated in figure 2 , the container 10 gains the second position, in particular under the action of the weight of the pipe 26. It will also be noted that the movement of the liquid which leaves the flexible bag 11 to reach the container contributes to the change of position of the container 10.

Then, the pipe 26 and the drain pipe are disconnected. As indicated above, the container 10 returns to the first position, either because the pipe 26 is retracted so as not to rest on the free edge of the transfer wall 18, or because the empty flexible bag 11 and the pipe 26 have been removed. container 10.

It will also be noted that by adapting the dimensions of the transfer wall 18 and of the lower wall 12 as well as the mass of the pipe 26, it is possible to predetermine the level of emptying, and therefore the predetermined threshold of the mass, which causes the tilting of the container 10 from the first position, shown in figure 2 , in the second position, shown on figure 3 . For example, we can size the elements raised so that the Switching from the second to the first position operates when the flexible bag is half empty, that is to say that the biopharmaceutical fluid occupies a volume equal to half the maximum capacity of the flexible bag 11.

We will now describe, with reference to figures 4 and 5 , a second embodiment of the invention. Only the differences with the first mode will be explained. The reference numbers of identical elements are retained.

The two side walls 114, 116 of the container 110, according to the second embodiment, each have a recess 118, 120 which provide a gripping function of the container 110. The recesses 118, 120 are located opposite one of the other. They are located near the upper free edges, in the vertical direction (Y), of the side walls 114, 116. They have dimensions suitable for the operator to be able to grasp them by hand. When the container 110 is sized to accommodate a flexible bag of relatively large volume, for example 100 liters, the recesses 118, 120 can be sized to be complementary to mechanized gripping means. More generally, the side walls 114, 116 of the container 110 may comprise a gripping handle which may be formed from a boss for example.

We represented at the figure 5 a variant of the present embodiment. Here, the side walls 114, 116 each have, on their free upper edges, an excess of material in the vertical direction (Y) respectively 114A, 116A, which extends along the vertical direction (Y). These surplus material 114A, 116A are located opposite one another. They each respectively carry a recess 118, 120. The surplus material 114A, 116A are positioned equidistant from the free upper edges of the transfer walls 18 and of the partitioning 20. The recesses 118, 120 here also form handles for gripping the container 110. .

We represented at figures 6 to 8 a container 210 according to a third embodiment of the invention. Only the differences with the first embodiment will be explained. The reference numbers of identical elements are retained.

In a horizontal plane, the container 210 comprises a longitudinal direction (X1) and a transverse direction (X2). Each side wall 214, 216 comprises, along the longitudinal direction X1, a flange 214A, 216A which extends in the horizontal plane. These flanges 214A, 216A are located respectively at one end, in the vertical direction (Y), of the side walls 214, 216.

Furthermore, the side walls 214, 216 are not planar. In fact, the wall 214 comprises two offset parts 220, along the transverse direction (X2), successively disposed along the longitudinal direction (X1). Likewise, the wall 216 comprises two offset parts 224, in the transverse direction (X2), successively disposed along of the longitudinal direction (X1). In the vertical direction (Y), the offset parts 220, 224 extend at an angle.

In this way, an internal surface of the side walls 214, 216 defines an internal housing which allows the insertion of another container 210 into the container 210 as illustrated in figure 8 . Likewise, an outer surface of the side walls 214, 216 defines an outer housing which allows the insertion of the container 210 into another container 210 shown in FIG. figure 8 . In fact, in this figure, it can be seen that the external surfaces of the offset parts 220, 224 of the side walls 214, 216 of a first container 210 match the internal surfaces of the offset parts 220, 224 of the side walls of a second container 210 located under the first container 210.

So, as seen on the figure 8 , we can for example stack four containers 210 by reducing the size in the vertical direction (Y).

More generally, this figure 8 illustrates that when stacking at least a first and a second container 210 on top of each other, an outer surface of the two side walls 214, 216 of the first container 210 is, at least partially, in contact with an inner surface of the two side walls 214, 216 of the second container 210 so that the first container 210 is stacked on the second container 210.

In addition, the flanges 214A, 216A each comprise two bearing surfaces 222A, 222B, extending in the horizontal plane, which participate in delimiting the housing allowing the insertion of the container 210 into another container 210. These surfaces d 'support 222A, 222B are arranged near the offset parts 220, 224, along the longitudinal direction (X1). In addition, the bearing surfaces 222A, 222B of a first container 210 allow a second container 210 to be stacked on the first container 210 without inserting the second container 210 into the first container 210 as illustrated in figure 7 . Thus, the containers 210 can be stacked when, for example, they each have a flexible pocket 11.

Of course, numerous variations can be made to the invention without departing from the scope thereof which is defined by the appended claims.

For example, it is possible to vary the shapes of the housing which allows the insertion of a container 210 into another container 210.

All types of materials can be used to manufacture the container 10, 110 or 210. The latter can be formed by means of an injection-molding process and therefore essentially comprise a polymer material. It can also be formed by means of a stamping process. In this case, it essentially comprises a metallic material.

It is also possible to vary the shape of the side walls 214, 216 of the container 210 so that the internal or external surfaces thereof delimit the housing which allows either to accommodate another container 210 or to introduce the container 210. in another container.

Furthermore, according to a variant not forming part of the invention but useful for its understanding, it is also possibly to size the lower walls 12, side walls 14, 16, transfer 18 and partition 20 so that the container 10 comprises two positions of stable equilibrium. The first stable equilibrium position is that shown in figure 2 and the second stable equilibrium position is that shown in figure 3 .

We will now describe, still in the context of this variant not forming part of the invention, a method for filling the container 10 which comprises the two positions of stable equilibrium.

Initially, the container 10 occupies the second stable position. The bag is placed in the container 10 and the hose 26 is connected to the first end of the filling tube.

Then, one begins to fill the flexible bag 11. By adapting the dimensions of the transfer wall 18 and of the lower wall 12, it is possible to predetermine the filling level, and therefore a predetermined threshold of the mass, arranged on the lower wall. 12 of the container 10, which causes the tilting of the container 10 from the second position, illustrated in figure 3 , in the first position, shown on figure 2 . For example, we can size the elements raised so that the tilting from the first to the second position operates when the flexible bag is half full, that is to say that the biopharmaceutical fluid occupies a volume equal to half of the maximum capacity of the flexible bag 11.

A description will now be given, still in the context of this variant not forming part of the invention, of a method for emptying the flexible bag 11 into the container 10 comprising two positions of stable equilibrium.

Initially, as, shown in figure 2 , the container 10 comprises the flexible pouch 11 filled. The operator then grasps the pipe 26 and connects it to a first end of a pipe, called the drain pipe. The pipe 26 then rests on a free edge of the transfer wall 18. A second end of the drain pipe is for its part connected to a receptacle intended to receive the liquid extracted from the flexible bag 11. Optionally, the drain pipe is also connected to a pump.

Then, the operator moves the container 10 from the first to the second position and opens the pipe 26 to put the inside and the outside of the flexible bag 11 in fluid communication. Thus, the liquid contained in the flexible bag 11 reaches the pipe 26, the drain pipe and joins the container. It will be noted that due to the movement of the liquid, the container 10 then occupies the second position which is a position of stable equilibrium as previously indicated.

When the draining is complete, then the pipe 26 is disconnected from the first end of the drain pipe.

Then, the pipe 26 is retracted so that it no longer extends beyond a space formed by the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 of the container 10. The container 10 continues to occupy. the second position of stable equilibrium. Likewise, if after disconnecting the pipe 26 from the first end of the drain pipe, the flexible bag 11 and the pipe 26 are withdrawn, the container 10 continues to occupy the second position of stable equilibrium. We will now describe, still within the framework of this variant not forming part of the invention, an alternative method of emptying the container.

Initially, the container 10 occupies the first position. The pipe 26 is connected to the drain pipe so that the pipe 26 rests on the free edge of the transfer wall 18. In this configuration, the weight of the pipe 26 is not sufficient to pass the container through the second. position, in particular because of the weight of the flexible bag 11 containing the liquid.

Then we start the emptying. When the emptying is advanced to a stage where the weight of the flexible bag 11 is no longer sufficient to maintain the container 10 in the position illustrated in figure 2 , the container 10 gains the second position, in particular under the action of the weight of the pipe 26 on the free edge of the transfer wall 18. It will also be noted that the movement of the liquid which leaves the flexible bag 11 to reach the container contributes the change of position of the container 10.

Then, the pipe 26 and the drain pipe are disconnected. The container 10 continues to occupy the second stable equilibrium position. Likewise, if after disconnecting the pipe 26 from the first end of the drain pipe, the flexible bag 11 and the pipe 26 are removed, the container 10 continues to occupy the second stable equilibrium position.

It will also be noted that by adapting the dimensions of the transfer wall 18 and of the lower wall 12 as well as the mass of the pipe 26, it is possible to predetermine the level of emptying, and therefore the predetermined threshold of the mass, which causes the tilting of the container 10 from the first position, shown in figure 2 , in the second position, shown on figure 3 . For example, we can size the elements raised so that the switching from the second to the first position operates when the flexible bag is half empty, that is to say that the biopharmaceutical fluid occupies a volume equal to half of the maximum capacity of the flexible bag 11.

Claims (11)

1. An assembly consisting of a container (10, 110, 210) and of a flexible bag (11) intended to contain a biopharmaceutical fluid, the container comprising, in reference to a vertical direction (Y),

   - a lower wall (12),

   - two lateral walls (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216) extending from the lower wall (12), and

   - at least one transfer wall (18),

   characterized in that the transfer wall (18) extends the bottom formed by the lower wall (12) by making an obtuse angle with the lower wall (12), such that the container (10, 110, 210) is able to occupy a first stable equilibrium position and a second position in which the transfer wall (18) makes a right angle with the vertical direction (Y), knowing that the first position is a storage position in which the fluid which leaks from the flexible bag (11) is stored in the container, when the flexible bag (11) is present, and the second position is an emptying position in which the fluid removed from the flexible bag (11) flows outside of the container, when the flexible bag (11) is present,
   and in that the flexible bag (11) makes it possible to define a mass bearing on each of the lower wall (12) and of the transfer wall (18), this mass varying depending on the filling level of a main flexible part (24) of the flexible bag (11), the flexible bag further comprising a pipe (26) which puts in fluid communication the interior and the exterior of the main part (24), knowing that:

   - the container (10, 110, 210) is configured to pass from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, by rotating about an edge corner (22) connecting the lower wall (12) and the transfer wall (18),

   - the container (10, 110, 210) is able to hold itself in the first or the second position when the mass above a predetermined threshold is in place in the container (10, 110, 210), and

   - the lower wall (12) and the transfer wall (18) have dimensions such that, when the container (10, 110, 210) occupies the second position, it is able to pass, under the effect of gravity, from the second position to the first position when the mass is no longer in place in the container (10, 110, 210).
2. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a removable cover bearing against the lateral walls (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216) and the transfer wall (18) so as to close the container (10, 110, 210).
3. The assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises a seal on a portion of the peripheral perimeter thereof, preferably all the peripheral perimeter thereof.
4. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one from among the lower wall (12), the lateral walls (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216) and the transfer wall (18) is flat.
5. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the lateral walls (114, 116) comprises a handle.
6. The assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the handle is formed by a recess (118, 120).
7. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises a partition wall (20), located opposite the transfer wall (18) advantageously flat and making an obtuse angle with the lower wall (12).
8. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises at least one removable containment wall suitable for being applied on an upper face of the flexible bag (11), when the flexible bag (11) is present.
9. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe (26) is able to be cantilevered on a free edge corner of the transfer wall (18).
10. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises a longitudinal direction (X1) and a transverse direction (X2) and wherein at least one lateral wall (214, 216) comprises two offset parts (220, 224), along the transverse direction (X2), such that an outer surface of the wall (214, 216) delimits a housing which makes it possible for the insertion of the container (210) in another container (210).
11. The assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the lateral wall (214, 216) comprises a bearing surface (222A, 222B) extending in a horizontal plane, which contributes to delimiting the housing.

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