ASSEMBLY FOR HANDLING A CONTAINER

Abstract

This invention relates to a suction cup, a negative pressure transfer means a handling assembly comprising the suction cup and the negative pressure transfer means, a tray for securing the handling assemblies and a container grasping system comprising the tray and handling assemblies.

The suction cup comprises channels that are secured by suction onto a perimeter of an aperture of a hole of the container and a protrusion positioned internally in relation to the channels that closes a hole of the container. The suction cup enables the container to be grasped and handled while closing its hole. The use of numerous suction cups in parallel enables numerous containers to be handled in parallel.

Claims

1. Handling assembly capable of handling a container having a hole opening out via an aperture having a perimeter, the handling assembly comprising: a suction cup; and a negative pressure transfer means; the suction cup having: a first surface portion configured to come into at least partial contact with the negative pressure transfer means, a second surface portion having a contact portion configured to be in at least partial contact with the perimeter of the aperture of the hole of the container; first assembly means configured to assemble the suction cup with the negative pressure transfer means; through channels defined between the first surface portion of the suction cup and the second surface portion of the suction cup, and each having: a first aperture opening out onto the first surface portion of the suction cup, and configured to be in fluid communication with a duct of the negative pressure transfer means; a second aperture opening out onto the contact portion; and a protrusion defined on the second surface portion of the suction cup, protruding in relation to the contact portion, surrounded at least partially by the contact portion, and configured to close a hole of the container; the negative pressure transfer means having: a first surface portion configured to come into at least partial contact with a vacuum conditioning system; a second surface portion configured to come into at least partial contact with the suction cup; second assembly means configured to assemble the negative pressure transfer means with the suction cup; and a duct having: a first aperture opening out onto the first surface portion so as to be in fluid communication with the vacuum conditioning system; and a second aperture opening out onto the second surface portion so as to be in fluid communication with channels of the suction cup; the suction cup and the negative pressure transfer means configured to be assembled in a hermetically-sealed manner by the first assembly means of the suction cup and the second assembly means of the negative pressure transfer means, such that the first apertures of the channels of the suction cup are in fluid communication with the second aperture of the duct of the negative pressure transfer means.

2. Handling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the suction cup is made from a flexible material.

3. Handling assembly according to claim 2, wherein the negative pressure transfer means is made from a material that is more rigid than a material of the suction cup.

4. Handling assembly according to claim 3, wherein the suction cup is made from a material at least partially comprising silicone.

5. Handling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the suction cup is made in one piece.

6. Handling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the negative pressure transfer means is made in one piece.

7. Handling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is included in a recess configured to receive at least one portion of the perimeter of the aperture of the hole of the container, and into which the second apertures of the channels open out.

8. Handling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first assembly means comprise: a hollow of the suction cup configured to place the first apertures of the channels in fluid communication with the duct of the negative pressure transfer means, the hollow having: a narrow portion configured to receive a narrow portion of the negative pressure transfer means; and a wide portion configured to receive a wide portion of the negative pressure transfer means, located closer to the channels than the narrow portion of the hollow, and having a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the narrow portion of the hollow so as to thereby block the wide portion of the negative pressure transfer means.

9. Handling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second assembly means comprise: a narrow portion configured to be received in a narrow portion of a hollow of the suction cup; and a wide portion configured to be received in a wide portion of the hollow of the suction cup, located closer to the second aperture of the duct than the narrow portion of the negative pressure transfer means, and having a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the narrow portion of the negative pressure transfer means.

10. Handling assembly according claim 1, wherein the negative pressure transfer means further comprises: supports configured to bear the protrusion, the supports being separated by distribution lines placing the second aperture of the duct in fluid communication with a peripheral line configured to be in fluid communication with the channels of the suction cup.

11. Handling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a suction air saving device assembled with the negative pressure transfer means.

12. Handling assembly according claim 1, further comprising: a tray for bearing handling assemblies and for transmitting a pressure, the tray comprising: a first surface portion; a second surface portion having a contact portion for coming into at least partial contact with the handling assemblies; a vacuum chamber located between the first and second surface portions; an inlet opening out onto the first surface portion and into the vacuum chamber and placing the vacuum chamber in fluid communication with a vacuum pump; channels, each opening out on the one hand into the vacuum chamber and on the other hand onto the contact portion so as to be in fluid communication with the handling assemblies; and means for securing the handling assemblies onto the contact portion.

13. Tray according to claim 12, further comprising: a pressure redistribution wall located in the vacuum chamber opposite the inlet.

14. Tray according to claim 12, formed from a polymeric resin.

15. Tray according to claim 14, wherein the means for securing the handling assemblies comprise: inserts incorporated into the polymeric resin.

16. Tray according to claim 12, further comprising: at least one fin configured to be received in a notch of a nest for syringes.

17. Container grasping system, comprising: a tray for bearing handling assemblies and for transmitting a pressure, the tray comprising: a first surface portion; a second surface portion having a contact portion for coming into at least partial contact with the handling assemblies; a vacuum chamber located between the first and second surface portions; an inlet opening out onto the first surface portion and into the vacuum chamber and placing the vacuum chamber in fluid communication with a vacuum pump; channels, each opening out on the one hand into the vacuum chamber and on the other hand onto the contact portion so as to be in fluid communication with handling assemblies; and means for securing the handling assemblies onto the contact portion; wherein the handling assemblies comprise: a suction cup; and a negative pressure transfer means; the suction cup having: a first surface portion configured to come into at least partial contact with the negative pressure transfer means, a second surface portion having a contact portion configured to be in at least partial contact with the perimeter of the aperture of the hole of the container; first assembly means configured to assemble the suction cup with the negative pressure transfer means; through channels defined between the first surface portion of the suction cup and the second surface portion of the suction cup, and each having: a first aperture opening out onto the first surface portion of the suction cup, and configured to be in fluid communication with a duct of the negative pressure transfer means; a second aperture opening out onto the contact portion; and a protrusion defined on the second surface portion of the suction cup, protruding in relation to the contact portion, surrounded at least partially by the contact portion, and configured to close a hole of the container; the negative pressure transfer means having: a first surface portion configured to come into at least partial contact with a vacuum conditioning system; a second surface portion configured to come into at least partial contact with the suction cup; second assembly means configured to assemble the negative pressure transfer means with the suction cup; and a duct having: a first aperture opening out onto the first surface portion so as to be in fluid communication with the vacuum conditioning system; and, a second aperture opening out onto the second surface portion so as to be in fluid communication with channels of the suction cup; the suction cup and the negative pressure transfer means configured to be assembled in a hermetically-sealed manner by the first assembly means of the suction cup and the second assembly means of the negative pressure transfer means, such that the first apertures of the channels of the suction cup are in fluid communication with the second aperture of the duct of the negative pressure transfer means; and wherein the handling assemblies are secured to the tray such that the second apertures of the channels of the suction cup are placed in fluid communication with a vacuum pump via the channels of the suction cup, the duct of the negative pressure transfer means, and the tray.

18. Handling assembly according to claim 4, wherein the suction cup is made entirely from silicone.

19. Tray according to claim 15, wherein the inserts are metallic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0095] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention shall be better understood upon reading the following detailed description given with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0096] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view substantially from below of a suction cup in one embodiment of the invention,

[0097] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view substantially from above of a suction cup in one embodiment of the invention,

[0098] FIG. 3 is a cross-section along a vertical plane of a suction cup in one embodiment of the invention,

[0099] FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view substantially from below of a negative pressure transfer means in one embodiment of the invention,

[0100] FIG. 5 is a cross-section along a vertical plane of a negative pressure transfer means in one embodiment of the invention,

[0101] FIG. 6 is a side view of a negative pressure transfer means in one embodiment of the invention,

[0102] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a handling assembly in one embodiment of this invention,

[0103] FIG. 8 is a cross-section along a vertical plane showing a suction cup in one embodiment of the invention, positioned on a container,

[0104] FIG. 9 is a cross-section along a vertical plane showing a suction cup in one embodiment of the invention, positioned on another container,

[0105] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section along a vertical plane of a tray for bearing handling assemblies in one embodiment of the invention,

[0106] FIG. 11 illustrates a container grasping system in one embodiment of the invention, and

[0107] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section along a vertical plane of a handling assembly comprising a suction cup in another embodiment of the invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0108] This invention is described with specific embodiments and references to figures, however the invention is not limited thereto. The drawings or figures described are only schematic and are not limiting.

[0109] Within the context of this document, the terms “first” and “second” are only used to differentiate between the different elements and do not indicate an order established between said elements.

[0110] In the figures, identical or similar elements can keep the same reference numbers.

[0111] FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate a suction cup 2 in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view substantially from below. FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view substantially from above. FIG. 3 is a cross-section along a vertical plane.

[0112] The suction cup 2 is intended to be assembled with a negative pressure transfer means such as a negative pressure transfer means 3 according to the invention, for example that illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6. This assembly can be produced by first assembly means provided on the suction cup 2. The suction cup 2 is intended to handle, for example to grasp, a container having a hole opening out via an aperture having a perimeter situated around an aperture of the hole.

[0113] The suction cup 2 comprises a first surface portion 21 for coming into at least partial contact with the negative pressure transfer means 3, and a second surface portion 22 having a contact portion 29 intended to be in at least partial contact with the perimeter of the aperture of the hole of the container.

[0114] In one embodiment of the invention, the first surface portion 21 of the suction cup 2 can substantially comprise an inner surface of the suction cup 2, for example the surface defining a hollow 24. In one embodiment of the invention, the first surface portion 21 of the suction cup 2 can be substantially oriented towards the negative pressure transfer means 3 when the latter is assembled with the suction cup 2.

[0115] In one embodiment of the invention, the second surface portion 22 of the suction cup 2 can substantially comprise an outer surface of the suction cup 2. In one embodiment of the invention, the second surface portion 22 of the suction cup 2 can be substantially oriented towards the container when the latter is grasped by the suction cup 2.

[0116] The suction cup 2 further comprises through channels 25 between the first surface portion 21 and the second surface portion 22. Each channel 25 has a first aperture 26 opening out onto the first surface portion 21 of the suction cup 2 and a second aperture 27 opening out onto the contact portion 29 of the suction cup 2. The first aperture 26 is intended to be in fluid communication with a duct 33 of the negative pressure transfer means 3, and the second aperture 27 is intended to be joined to the perimeter of the aperture of the hole of the container so that a vacuum present in the duct results in the perimeter being pressed against all of the second apertures 27 of the ducts.

[0117] The suction cup 2 further comprises a protrusion 28 on the second surface portion 22, which protrudes in relation to the contact portion 29 and is surrounded at least partially by the contact portion 29. Thus, a perimeter of the protrusion 28 is in contact with a perimeter of the aperture of the hole of the container when the second apertures 27 of the channels 25 are joined to the perimeter of the aperture of the hole of the container, such that the protrusion 28 closes the hole of the container. The protrusion 28 is preferably central on the second surface portion 22.

[0118] In a preferred manner, the contact portion 29 is included in a recess 291, into which open out the second apertures 27 of the channels 25 and is intended to receive at least one portion of the perimeter of the aperture of the hole of the container. The recess 291 can, for example, be created by the protrusion 28 and an edge 292. The recess 291 improves the blockage of the perimeter of the aperture of the hole on the suction cup 2 by minimising lateral movements of the perimeter of the aperture of the hole in relation to the suction cup 2.

[0119] Preferably, the suction cup 2 comprises a hollow 24 in which first apertures 26 of the channels 25 are located and in which a portion of the negative pressure transfer means 3 is blocked, such that the duct 33 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 is in fluid communication with the channels 25.

[0120] For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the hollow 24 forms a part of the first assembly means. The hollow 24 can, for example, include a narrow portion 241 intended to receive a narrow portion 381 (FIG. 5) of the negative pressure transfer means 3, and a wide portion 242 intended to receive a wide portion 382 (FIG. 5) of the negative pressure transfer means 3, the wide portion 242 of the hollow being closer to the channels 25 than the narrow portion 241 of the hollow 24.

[0121] Given that the wide portion 242 of the hollow has a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the narrow portion 241 of the hollow 24, the wide portion 382 (FIG. 5) of the negative pressure transfer means 3 can thus be blocked in the hollow 24 via interlocking.

[0122] The dimensions and the shape of the suction cup 2 are preferably chosen to suit the shape and the dimensions of the container to be handled. For example, in order to handle a container having a circular hole, the protrusion 28 is preferably circular. Moreover, by way of example, in order to handle a syringe having a diameter of 8.15 mm, the suction cup 2 can have a cylindrical outer surface that is 14.5 mm in diameter and the protrusion 28 can be circular with a diameter of 6.85 mm.

[0123] It is interesting to note that the perimeter of the aperture of the hole does not need to be flat for the suction cup to grasp and handle the container.

[0124] The suction cup 2 can comprise between 2 and 100 channels 25, preferably between 4 and 50 channels, more preferably between 6 and 25 channels.

[0125] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate a negative pressure transfer means 3 in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view substantially from below. FIG. 5 is a cross-section along a vertical plane. FIG. 6 is a side view.

[0126] The negative pressure transfer means 3 is intended to be assembled with a suction cup such as a suction cup 2 according to the invention, for example that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. This assembly can be produced by second assembly means provided on the negative pressure transfer means 3.

[0127] The negative pressure transfer means 3 comprises a first surface portion 31 for coming into at least partial contact with a vacuum conditioning system and a second surface portion 32 for coming into at least partial contact with a suction cup 2. In one embodiment of the invention, the first surface portion 31 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 can substantially comprise an outer surface of the negative pressure transfer means 3. In one embodiment of the invention, the second surface portion 32 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 can substantially comprise an outer surface of the negative pressure transfer means 3.

[0128] The negative pressure transfer means 3 comprises a duct 33 having a first aperture 36 opening out onto the first surface portion 31 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 and a second aperture 37 opening out onto the second surface portion 32 of the negative pressure transfer means 3. The duct 33 can thus be in fluid communication with a vacuum conditioning system via its first aperture 36 and with channels 25 of the suction cup 2 via its second aperture 37.

[0129] The negative pressure transfer means 3 preferably comprises supports 39 intended to be in contact with the rear of the protrusion 28 of the suction cup 2. The supports 39 enable the protrusion 28 to be supported when an assembly comprising the negative pressure transfer means 3 and the suction cup 2 is in contact, via the suction cup 2, with the container, and when a vacuum is applied in the channels 25 of the suction cup 2 via the duct 33 of the negative pressure transfer means 3. Indeed, without the supports 39, the portion of the suction cup 2 that is internal in relation to the channels 25 can tend to rise, preventing the protrusion 28 from closing the hole and placing the channels 25 in fluid contact with the hole.

[0130] The supports 39 are preferably distributed about the second aperture 37 of the duct 33. The supports 39 are separated from each other by distribution lines 391, which are for example radial. In a preferred manner, the distribution lines 391 open out on the one hand onto the second aperture 37 of the duct 33 and on the other hand onto a peripheral line 392 intended to be in fluid communication with the channels 25 of the suction cup 2.

[0131] In one embodiment of the invention, the supports 39 are bosses on the second surface portion 32 of the negative pressure transfer means 3, and the distribution lines 391 and the peripheral line 392 are grooves on the second surface portion 32 of the negative pressure transfer means 3.

[0132] The shape of the negative pressure transfer means 3 can be chosen so as to supply the second assembly means. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the negative pressure transfer means 3 has a narrow portion 381 intended to be received in a narrow portion 241 (FIG. 3) of a hollow 24 of the suction cup 2 and a wide portion 382 intended to be received in a wide portion 242 (FIG. 3) of the hollow 24 of the suction cup 2, the wide portion 382 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 being closer to the second aperture 37 of the duct 33 than the narrow portion 381 of the negative pressure transfer means 3. The wide portion 382 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 has a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the narrow portion 381 of the negative pressure transfer means 3, so as to be able to be blocked in the wide portion 242 of the hollow 24 of the suction cup 2.

[0133] The negative pressure transfer means 3 can comprise, on or near to its first surface portion 31, means for fastening to the vacuum conditioning system, for example a screwing thread and a drive, for example a hexagonal drive, for a screwing tool.

[0134] The dimensions and the shape of the negative pressure transfer means 3 are preferably chosen to suit the dimensions and the shape of the suction cup 2, which are themselves designed to suit the dimensions of the container to be handled. For example, in order to handle a suction cup 2 having a cylindrical outer surface with a diameter of 14.5 mm, one circular end of the negative pressure transfer means 3 comprising the second surface portion 32 can have a diameter of 12 mm. In such a case, the wide portion 382 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 can be circular and have a diameter of 12 mm, and the narrow portion 381 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 can be circular and have a diameter of 9.8 mm.

[0135] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a handling assembly 1 in one embodiment of the invention. The handling assembly 1 preferably comprises the suction cup 2 according to the invention and the negative pressure transfer means 3 according to the invention, assembled in a hermetically-sealed manner by the first assembly means of the suction cup 2 and the second assembly means of the negative pressure transfer means 3.

[0136] Preferably, the handling assembly 1 comprises a suction air saving device 4 assembled with the negative pressure transfer means 3, preferably in a hermetically-sealed manner. The suction air saving device 4 is positioned so as to reduce a fluid passage from the negative pressure transfer means 3 in the event that the channels 25 of the suction cup 2 are open to the ambient air. In one embodiment of the invention, the suction air saving device 4 is a vacuum saving valve, for example from the ZP2V series marketed by the company SMC.

[0137] The suction air saving device 4 preferably comprises means for assembly with the negative pressure transfer means 3 and means for assembly with a tray capable of bearing several handling assemblies, for example a tray 5 according to the invention such as the tray 5 illustrated in FIG. 10. A gasket can be used for assembling the suction air saving device with the negative pressure transfer means 3. A gasket can be used for assembling the suction air saving device with the tray.

[0138] In one embodiment of the invention, the negative pressure transfer means 3 is directly secured to such a tray 5, without passing via a suction air saving device 4.

[0139] In one embodiment of the invention, the handling assembly 1 comprises the suction cup 2 according to the invention and another negative pressure transfer means (FIG. 12), assembled in a hermetically-sealed manner, and potentially a suction air saving device 4.

[0140] FIG. 7 also illustrates a portion of the container 10 handled via the suction cup 2. The container 10 has a hole 11 and a perimeter 12 around an aperture of the hole 11. When the container 10 is handled via the suction cup 2, the contact portion 29 of the suction cup 2 is in contact with the perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10, the second apertures 27 of the channels 25 are joined to the perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10, and the protrusion 28 plugs the hole 11 of the container 10. The container 10 can contain a liquid. FIG. 7 illustrates a case in which the perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10 comprises a collar, for example if the container is a syringe.

[0141] The perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10 is preferably oblong in shape. The perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10 can be circular, oval or polygonal in shape, etc.

[0142] The suction cup 2 is preferably made from a material at least partially comprising silicone, and more preferably is essentially made from silicone. Silicone has the appropriate rigidity to allow for a slight deformation of the suction cup 2 when the vacuum is applied in order for the suction cup 2 to be optimally pressed against the perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10. Moreover, this rigidity allows the wide portion 382 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 (FIG. 5) to be inserted into the wide portion 242 of the suction cup 2 (FIG. 3) via the narrow portion 241 of the suction cup 2 (FIG. 3).

[0143] The negative pressure transfer means 3 can comprise aluminium, potentially anodised, or be made from aluminium, potentially anodised. The negative pressure transfer means 3 can comprise stainless steel or be made from stainless steel, which is particularly advantageous if it must be sterile. The negative pressure transfer means 3 is preferably made in one piece.

[0144] FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sections along a vertical plane showing a suction cup 2 in one embodiment of the invention, positioned on a container 10. FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which the perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10 comprises a slightly flared neck, for example if the container is a flask. FIG. 9 illustrates a case in which the perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10 does not comprise a flared portion, for example if the container is a test tube.

[0145] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section along a vertical plane of a tray 5 for bearing handling assemblies 1 in one embodiment of the invention. The tray 5 is preferably designed such that handling assemblies can be secured thereto, for example handling assemblies 1 according to this invention, such as that illustrated in FIG. 7. The tray 5 can be designed such that handling assemblies can be secured thereto, such as that illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0146] The tray 5 comprises a first surface portion 51 and a second surface portion 52 having a contact portion 59 for coming into at least partial contact with the handling assemblies 1. The contact portion 59 of the tray 5 can comprise separate surface portions. The tray 5 further comprises a vacuum chamber 53 located between the first 51 and the second 52 surface portions and an inlet 54 opening out onto the first surface portion 51 and into the vacuum chamber 53. The inlet 54 places the vacuum chamber 53 in fluid communication with a device outside of the tray used to aspirate, for example a vacuum pump.

[0147] The tray 5 further comprises channels 55 opening out on the one hand into the vacuum chamber 53 and on the other hand onto the contact portion 59 so as to place the vacuum chamber 53 in fluid communication with handling assemblies 1 secured to the contact portion 59.

[0148] Preferably, the tray 5 comprises a pressure redistribution wall 56 located in the vacuum chamber 53 opposite the inlet 54.

[0149] In one embodiment of the invention, the tray 5 is manufactured by stereolithography and comprises a material that is suited to this manufacturing method, such as a polymeric resin.

[0150] The handling assemblies are secured via fastening means provided on the contact portion 59 of the tray 5. The fastening means can, for example, include inserts, preferably metallic, integrated into the polymeric resin during manufacture of the tray. These inserts can comprise threads corresponding to the threads present on the handling assemblies.

[0151] Furthermore, the tray 5 can comprise at least one fin 57, preferably on its second surface portion 52 intended to be received in a notch 61 of a nest 6 for syringes (FIG. 11).

[0152] When the suction cup 2 is assembled with the negative pressure transfer means 3, itself secured to the tray 5 connected to the vacuum conditioning system, the creation of a vacuum in the vacuum conditioning system results in the pumping of air into the chamber 54 of the tray 5, in the channels 55 of the tray 5, in the duct 33 of the negative pressure transfer means 3 and in the channels 25 of the suction cup 2. By positioning the container 10 such that the aperture of its hole 11 is blocked by the protrusion 28, the perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10 is bonded to the contact portion 29 of the suction cup 2 by atmospheric pressure.

[0153] In order to release the container 10 from the suction cup 2, the vacuum can be shut off or a certain quantity of air can be injected into the chamber of the tray 54 that communicates with the channels 25 and releases the container 10.

[0154] FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional view of a container grasping system 100 in one embodiment of the invention, comprising the tray 5 and handling assemblies 1 secured to the latter. FIG. 11 further shows a nest 6 in which syringes, which are containers 10, are initially inserted, before being grasped by the container grasping system 100. The nest 6 can have one or more notches 61 into which can be inserted the one or more fins 57 of the tray 5.

[0155] The tray 5 can further comprise temporary fastening means, for example suction cups, for grasping the nest 6, for example one in each of the corners thereof.

[0156] In one embodiment of the invention, the nest 6 comprises 160 syringes, and 160 handling assemblies 1 can be secured onto the tray 5.

[0157] In one embodiment of the invention, the container grasping system 100 is sterile.

[0158] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section along a vertical plane of a handling assembly comprising a suction cup 2 in another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the suction cup 2 is intended to be assembled with a standard fastening device 7 such as those commercially available, and that has a pressure transfer function via a duct 71. This assembly can be produced by first assembly means provided on the suction cup 2. The assembly comprising the suction cup 2 and the standard fastening device 7 is a handling assembly that can be secured to a tray 5 according to the invention.

[0159] In one embodiment of the invention, the first assembly means comprise the hollow 24 having a narrow portion 241 intended to receive a narrow portion of the standard fastening device 7, and a wide portion 242 intended to receive a wide portion of the standard fastening device 7, the wide portion 242 of the hollow being closer to the channels 25 than the narrow portion 241 of the hollow 24.

[0160] In other words, the invention relates to a suction cup 2, a negative pressure transfer means 3, a handling assembly 1 comprising the suction cup 2 and the negative pressure transfer means 3, a tray for securing the handling assemblies 1 and a container grasping system 10 comprising the tray and handling assemblies 1.

[0161] The suction cup 2 comprises channels that are secured by suction onto a perimeter 12 of an aperture of a hole 11 of the container 10 and a protrusion 28 positioned internally in relation to the channels 25 that closes a hole 11 of the container 10. The suction cup 2 enables the container 10 to be grasped and handled while closing its hole 11. The use of numerous suction cups 2 in parallel enables numerous containers 10 to be handled in parallel.

[0162] Independently from any other element, this invention in particular concerns a suction cup 2 for a handling assembly 1 capable of handling a container 10 having a hole 11 opening out via an aperture having a perimeter 12, the suction cup 2 having: [0163] a first surface portion 21 for coming into at least partial contact with a negative pressure transfer means 3, [0164] a second surface portion 22 having a contact portion 29 intended to be in at least partial contact with the perimeter 12 of the aperture of the hole 11 of the container 10, [0165] first assembly means intended for assembling the suction cup 2 with the negative pressure transfer means 3, [0166] through channels 25 between the first surface portion 21 of the suction cup 2 and the second surface portion 22 of the suction cup 2, and each having: [0167] a first aperture 26 opening out onto the first surface portion 21 of the suction cup 2, and intended to be in fluid communication with a duct 33 of the negative pressure transfer means 3, [0168] a second aperture 27 opening out onto the contact portion 29, and [0169] a protrusion 28 on the second surface portion 22 of the suction cup 2, [0170] protruding in relation to the contact portion 29, [0171] surrounded at least partially by the contact portion 29, and [0172] intended to close the hole 11 of the container 10.

[0173] Said suction cup can have at least one of the characteristics described herein.

[0174] Independently from any other element, this invention in particular concerns a negative pressure transfer means 3 for a handling assembly 1 capable of handling a container 10 having a hole 11 opening out via an aperture having a perimeter 12, the negative pressure transfer means 3 having: [0175] a first surface portion 31 for coming into at least partial contact with a vacuum conditioning system, [0176] a second surface portion 32 for coming into at least partial contact with a suction cup 2, [0177] second assembly means intended for assembling the negative pressure transfer means 3 with the suction cup 2, and [0178] a duct 33 having: [0179] a first aperture 36 opening out onto the first surface portion 31 so as to be in fluid communication with the vacuum conditioning system, and [0180] a second aperture 37 opening out onto the second surface portion 32 so as to be in fluid communication with channels 25 of the suction cup 2.

[0181] Said negative pressure transfer means can have at least one of the characteristics described herein.

[0182] This invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which are provided for illustration purposes only and must not be considered to be limiting. In a general manner, this invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and/or described above. The use of the verbs “contain”, “include”, “comprise”, or any other alternative, as well as their conjugations, can in no way rule out the presence of elements other than those stipulated. The use of the indefinite article “a” or “an”, or of the definite article “the” to introduce an element does not rule out the presence of a plurality of said elements. The reference numbers in the claims do not limit the scope thereof.