PROTECTIVE DEVICE, PROTECTIVE ARRANGEMENT FOR A CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING A PROTECTIVE DEVICE TO A CONTAINER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective device (14) for a container (12) for receiving substances, in particular pulverulent substances, wherein the protective device (14) has a flexible casing (32), which encloses a casing space (38) and comprises a first casing opening (34), and a first tubular body (40) which is connected to the casing (32) in the region of the first casing opening (34) and which has a first mating container connection unit (46), a primary first end (42) and a primary second end (44), wherein the first tubular body (40) is connected to the casing (32) in such a way that the primary first end (42) terminates with the first casing opening (34) or projects into the casing space (38), and the protective device (14) can be connected to the first container connection unit (24) by means of the first mating container connection unit (46) in such a way that the casing (32) can be introduced into the interior (18). The invention further relates to a protective arrangement (10) comprising such a container and such a protective device (14).

Claims

1. A protective device for a container for receiving substances, in particular pulverulent substances, wherein the container comprises a wall -that surrounds an inner space and has a first container opening through which the inner space is accessible; and a first container connector unit that surrounds the first container opening and by which a connector member is connectable to the container; and the protective device comprises a flexible casing that surrounds a casing space and comprises a first casing opening; and has a first tubular member connected to the casing in the region of the first casing opening and having a first container counter-connector unit, a primary first end, and a primary second end, wherein the first tubular member is connected to the casing such that the primary first end terminates with the first casing opening or projects into the casing space, and the protective device is connectable to the first container connector unit by means of the first container counter-connector unit such that the casing can be introduced into the inner space.

2. A protective device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the container comprises a second container opening through which the inner space is accessible; and a second container connector unit that surrounds the second container opening and by which a further connector member is connectable to the container; and the flexible casing of the protective device has a second casing opening; and a second tubular member connected to the casing in the region of the second casing opening and having a second container counter-connector unit, a secondary first end, and a secondary second end, wherein the second tubular member is connected to the casing such that the secondary first end terminates with the second casing opening or projects into the casing space; and the protective device is connectable to the second container connector unit by means of the second container counter-connector unit such that the casing can be introduced into the inner space.

3. A protective device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first container counter-connector unit has a flange-like radial first extension for placing on a first locking member; and/or the second container counter-connector unit has a flange-like radial second extension for placing on a second locking member.

4. A protective device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the first container counter-connector unit is formed in the manner of a first tri-clamp connector; and/or the second container counter-connector unit is formed as a second tri-clamp connector.

5. A protective device in accordance with claim 2, wherein a first coupling unit is arranged at the primary second end of the first tubular member to connect a connector member; and/or a second coupling unit is arranged at the secondary second end of the second tubular member to connect a connector member.

6. A protective device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the first coupling unit is formed in the manner of a first tri-clamp connector; and/or the second coupling unit is formed in the manner of a second tri-clamp connector.

7. A protective device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the connector member connected to the first coupling unit is formed in the manner of a first containment interface; and/or the connector member connected to the second coupling unit is formed in the manner of a second containment interface.

8. A protective device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a first fastening unit is arranged between the primary first end and the primary second end of the first tubular member for fastening a connector member to the first tubular member and/or for fastening the first tubular member to the container; and/or a second fastening unit is arranged between the secondary first end and the secondary second end of the second tubular member for fastening a connector member to the second tubular member and/or for fastening the second tubular member to the container.

9. A protective device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first tubular member and/or the second tubular member is/are produced from a flexible material.

10. A protective arrangement comprising a container for receiving substances, in particular pulverulent substances, having a wall that surrounds an inner space and has a first container opening through which the inner space is accessible; and a first container connector unit that surrounds the first container opening and by which a connector member is connectable to the container; and a protective device in accordance with claim 1, with the protective device being connected to the first container connector unit by means of the first container counter-connector unit such that the casing can be introduced into the inner space and the primary second end of the first tubular member projects out of the container.

11. A protective arrangement in accordance with claim 10, wherein the first container connector unit and the first container counter-connector unit are configured for a use of a first locking member; and/or the second container connector unit and the second container counter-connector unit are configured for a use of a second locking member.

12. A protective arrangement in accordance with claim 10, wherein the first container connector unit and the first container counter-connector unit are formed in the manner of a first clamp connection, in particular of a first tri-clamp connection; and/or the second container connector unit and the second container counter-connector unit are formed in the manner of a second clamp connection, in particular of a second tri-clamp connection.

13. A protective arrangement in accordance with claim 10, wherein the first container connector unit has a first inner diameter; the second container connector unit has a second inner diameter; and the first connection unit has a first outer diameter, with the first outer diameter being smaller than the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter.

14. A protective arrangement in accordance with claim 10, wherein the container has a connector that opens into the inner space and by which a vacuum or a negative pressure can be provided between the wall and the casing.

15. A method of connecting a protective device in accordance with claim 1 to a container, wherein the container has a wall that surrounds an inner space and has a first container opening through which the inner space is accessible; and comprises a first container connector unit that surrounds the first container opening and by which a connector member is connectable to the container comprising the following steps: introducing the protective device into the inner space through the first container opening; and connecting the protective device to the first container connector unit by means of the first container counter-connector unit.

16. A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein the container has a connector that opens into the inner space and by which a fluid communication can be established with the space between the wall and the casing, said method comprising the following steps: applying a negative pressure in the space between the wall and the casing using the connector.

17. A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein the container has a connector that opens into the inner space and by which a fluid communication can be established with the space between the wall and the casing, said method comprising the following steps: applying an excess pressure in the casing space using the first tubular member; and draining off the fluid that is in the space between the wall and the casing through the connector.

Description

[0083] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail in the following with reference to the enclosed drawings. There are shown

[0084] FIG. 1 a basic sectional representation through a first embodiment of a protective arrangement in accordance with the invention;

[0085] FIG. 2 a basic enlarged representation, not to scale, of the region marked A in FIG. 1;

[0086] FIG. 3 a basic enlarged representation, not to scale, of the region B marked in FIG. 1;

[0087] FIG. 4 a sectional representation through a second embodiment of a protective device in accordance with the invention;

[0088] FIG. 5 an enlarged representation of the region C marked in FIG. 4;

[0089] FIG. 6 a basic enlarged representation, not to scale, of the region D marked in FIG. 4;

[0090] FIG. 7 a sectional representation through a second embodiment of a protective device in accordance with the invention in a first state;

[0091] FIG. 8 the second embodiment of the protective arrangement shown in FIG. 7 in a second state;

[0092] FIG. 9 an enlarged representation of the region E marked in FIG. 8;

[0093] FIG. 10 a basic enlarged representation, not to scale, of the region F marked in FIG. 8;

[0094] FIG. 11 a partial sectional representation through a third embodiment of a protective device in accordance with the invention;

[0095] FIG. 12 an enlarged representation of the region G marked in FIG. 11;

[0096] FIG. 13 a partial sectional representation through a third embodiment of a protective arrangement in accordance with the invention; and

[0097] FIG. 14 an enlarged representation of the region H marked in FIG. 13.

[0098] A basic sectional representation through a first embodiment of a protective arrangement 10.sub.1 in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The regions A and B defined in FIG. 1 are not to scale and are shown purely basically enlarged in FIGS. 2 and 3. The protective arrangement 10.sub.1 comprises a container 12 and a protective device 14.sub.1, the latter in accordance with a first embodiment.

[0099] The container 12 has a wall 16 that surrounds an inner space 18. In the embodiment shown, the container 12 is equipped with a first container opening 20 and an oppositely disposed second container opening 22 that each have a circular cross-section and are arranged concentrically with respect to a longitudinal axis L defined by the container 12. The inner space 18 is accessible through the first container opening 20 and the second container opening 22. The first container opening 20 is surrounded by a first container connector unit 24 and the second container opening 22 is surrounded by a second container connector unit 26. A first connector member can be fastened to the first container connector unit 24 and a second connector member can be fastened to the second container connector unit 26, which will be looked at in more detail below. The container 12 furthermore comprises a connector 28 that penetrates the wall 16 and is thus in communication with the inner space 18. The connector 28 can be selectively opened and closed by a closure element 30.

[0100] As mentioned, the protective arrangement 10.sub.1 furthermore comprises the protective device 14.sub.1 that has a flexible casing 32. The flexible casing 32 is provided with a first casing opening 34 and with a second casing opening 36 that are each in communication with a casing space 38 that is surrounded by the flexible casing 32.

[0101] A first tubular member 40 that comprises a primary first end 42 and a primary second end 44 (see in particular FIG. 2) is arranged in the region of the first casing opening 34. The first tubular member 40 is connected to the flexible casing 32 in a gastight manner in the region of the primary first end 42 (see FIG. 2). In the embodiment shown, the primary first end 42 is designed such that the first tubular member 40 projects a little into the casing space 38. It is, however, equally well possible to design the primary first end 42 such that the primary first end 42 terminates with the first casing opening 34 and thus does not project into the casing space 38. As can likewise be seen from FIG. 2, the first tubular member 40 forms a first container counter-connector unit 46 in the region of the primary first end 42, said first container counter-connector unit 46 being formed such that the first tubular member 40 can be fastened to the container 12 using the first container connector unit 24. To this extent, the above-mentioned first connector member in the embodiment shown is formed as the first tubular member 40.

[0102] The first tubular member 40 forms the first coupling unit 48, by which a further first connector member can be fastened to the first tubular member 40, at the primary second end 44. In the first embodiment shown, the further first connector member is designed in the manner of a first containment interface 50. Such containment interfaces are known, for example, from WO 2016/14232 A1 and can be connected to correspondingly designed counter-interfaces that will be looked at in more detail below (see FIG. 8).

[0103] The first container counter-connector unit 46 can be formed in the manner of a first tri-clamp connector 52. The first container connector unit 24 is formed as complementary to the first container counter-connector unit 46 so that they are formed in the manner of a first tri-clamp connection 54 in the connected state. It is, however, also possible to design the first container connector unit 24 and the first container counter-connector unit 46 such that they provide a differently designed clamp connection.

[0104] The first coupling unit 48 is also formed in the manner of a first tri-clamp connector 56 so that the connection between the first tubular member 40 and the first containment interface 50 is likewise implemented by means of a tri-clamp connection. Tri-clamp couplings are standardized, for example, in ISO 2852 1993-06 (issued in June 1993 and canceled in the meantime) or in DIN 31676 in the version valid on the priority data.

[0105] It can be recognized from FIG. 2 that the first tubular member 40 is designed in the manner of an O ring at the primary first end 42 so that the first tubular member 40 can be placed into a groove of the tri-clamp flange of the first container connector unit 24. The second tri-clamp flange of the first tri-clamp connection 54 is formed by a separate component and likewise has a groove into which the first tubular member 40 engages at is primary first end 42. The first tubular member 40 is fastened to the container 12 in the region of its primary first end 32 by a primary first tri-clamp fastener 51.

[0106] In contrast to this, the first tubular member 40 at the primary second end 44 forms a first tri-clamp flange of the first coupling unit 48. The first containment interface 50 forms a second tri-clamp flange of the first coupling unit 48. The first tubular member 40 is fastened to the first containment interface in the region of its primary second end 44 by a secondary first tri-clamp fastener 51.

[0107] A second tubular member 58 that has a secondary first end 60 and a secondary second end 62 is arranged in the region of the second casing opening 36. The second tubular member 58 is in principle connected to the flexible casing 32 in the same manner as has been described for the first tubular member 40. The second tubular member 58 correspondingly also has a second container counter-connector unit 64 and a second coupling unit 66. The flexible casing 32 can be connected to the second container connector unit 26 of the container 12 by the second container counter-coupling unit 64. A further second connector member can be connected by the second coupling unit 66 to the second tubular member 58 that is designed as a second containment interface 68.

[0108] The second container counter-connector unit 64 is designed in the manner of a second tri-clamp connector 70, with the second container connector unit 26 being designed as complementary to the second container counter-connector unit 64. In the connected state, they form a second tri-clamp connection 72.

[0109] The second coupling unit 66 is also formed in the manner of a second tri-clamp connector 74 so that the connection between the second tubular member 58 and the second containment interface 68 is likewise implemented by means of a tri-clamp connection.

[0110] The second tubular member 58 is fastened to the container 12 in the region of its secondary first end 32 by a primary second tri-clamp fastener 75. The second tubular member 58 is furthermore fastened to the second containment interface 68 in the region of its secondary second end 62 by a secondary second tri-clamp fastener 77.

[0111] The first tubular member 40 is produced from a flexible material, with it appearing appropriate also to produce the second tubular member 58 from the same flexible material.

[0112] As can in particular be seen from FIG. 1, the first container connector unit 24 has a first inner diameter d.sub.i1 that corresponds to the diameter of the first container opening 20. The second container connector unit 26 has a second inner diameter d.sub.i2 that corresponds to the diameter of the second container opening 22. The first coupling unit 48 has a first outer diameter d.sub.a1, with the first outer diameter d.sub.a1 being smaller than the first inner diameter d.sub.i1 and the second inner diameter d.sub.i2. It can likewise be recognized from FIG. 1 that the largest outer diameter of the first containment interface 50 is equal to or smaller than the first outer diameter d.sub.a1. As mentioned, the first coupling unit 48 is designed as a tri-clamp connection that comprises releasable fasteners. These fasteners are not considered in the determination of the first outer diameter d.sub.a1.

[0113] The protective arrangement 10.sub.1 is operated in the following manner: The flexible casing 32, the first tubular member 40, and the second tubular member 58 can be produced in a clean room and can be connected to one another there. Alternatively, they can be manufactured outside the clean room, connected to one another, and subsequently cleaned so much in a clean room as the respective application requires. The first containment interface 50 and the second containment interface 68 can likewise be connected to the first tubular member 40 or to the second tubular member 58 in the manner described above and can optionally be cleaned. The first containment interface 50 and the second containment interface 68 are in the closed state here so that the casing space 38 is hermetically sealed. The closed protective device 14.sub.1 can subsequently be removed from the clean room and folded together such that it can be stored and transported in a space saving manner.

[0114] To introduce the protective device 14.sub.1 into the container 12, the first containment interface 50 is led through the second container opening 22 and the inner space 18 of the container 12 until it projects a little out of the container 12 through the first container opening 20. The first containment interface 50 can now be gripped. From a certain point onward, the first container counter-connector unit 46 abuts the wall 16 of the container 12 from the inside in the region of the first container opening 20. The first tubular member 40 then projects a little out of the container 12 over the first container opening 20. As mentioned, the first tubular member 40 is produced from a flexible material. The first tubular member 40 can consequently be gripped and deformed so much that the first container counter-connector unit 46 can be led to the outside through the first container opening 20. If the first tubular member 40 is released again, the first tubular member 40 returns to its original shape again so that the first tubular member 40 can be connected to the first container connector unit 24 using the first container counter-connector unit 46.

[0115] The second container counter-connector unit 64 of the second tubular member 58 is brought into contact with the second container connector unit 26 and the second tubular member 58 is subsequently connected to the container 12.

[0116] As mentioned, the container 12 has a connector 28 that can be selectively opened or closed by a closure element 30. It is appropriate to already open the closure element 30 on the introduction of the protective device 14.sub.1 into the container 12; however, this is not compulsory. A vacuum pump is now connected to the connector 28 and is switched on with an open closure element 30 so that the air present between the flexible casing 32 and the wall 16 of the container 12 is largely removed. Due to the negative pressure that is thus created, the flexible casing 32 is drawn toward the wall 16 so that it largely contacts the wall 16. As a result, the volume of the casing space 38 largely corresponds to that of the inner space of the container 12. The closure element 30 can now be closed and the vacuum pump can be removed from the connector 28.

[0117] Depending on the application, a first containment counter-interface, that is, for example, connected to a pipe line or to a tube line (not shown), can be connected to the first containment interface 50. The first containment interface 50 and the first containment counter-interface can now be opened and a substance, typically a pulverulent substance, can be introduced into the casing space 38. As soon as the filling has been terminated, the first containment interface 50 and the first containment counter-interface are closed and are separated from one another. The substance has in this way been transferred into the casing space 38 free of contamination without the substance having come into direct contact with the container 12. The container 12 can now be stored and transported, for example.

[0118] To empty the container 12, it can, for example, be arranged above a reactor and a connection can be established by means of a second containment counter-interface that is connected to the second containment interface 68 (not shown). The second containment interface 68 and the second containment counter-interface are now opened so that the substance flows out of the casing with the aid of gravity. A slight negative pressure can be applied by way of assistance in the casing space 38. As soon as no further substance flows out of the container 12, the second containment interface 68 and the second containment counter-interface are closed and are separated from one another. The container 12 can now be removed from the reactor. The protective device 14.sub.1 is subsequently removed from the container 12, with a procedure being followed in reverse order in comparison with the above-described introduction and connection. It must be noted that the closure element 30 has to be open. Alternatively, one of the tubular members 40, 58 could also be released from the container 12 by so much that air from the environment can flow into the container 12. The protective device 14.sub.1 can now be disposed of, in particular by incineration, together with the first tubular member 40, the first containment interface 50, the second tubular member 58, and the second containment interface 68. Due to the fact that the container 12 did not have any direct contact with the substance, the container 12 is immediately available for a repeat use in the above-described manner. A laborious cleaning such as is the case with conventional containers can be avoided. A different substance can in particular be introduced into the protective device 14.sub.1 in the next application without there being any risk of cross-contamination.

[0119] Alternatively, it is also possible to proceed as follows: Instead of applying a negative pressure in the space between the flexible casing 32 and the wall 16 of the container 12, an excess pressure can be generated in the casing space 38, in particular by blowing air into the casing space 38. A filter can be arranged for this purpose such that the air has to flow through it before entering into the casing space 38. Contaminants, in particular particulates, are hereby retained. The casing space 38 can thus be kept clean and contaminations can be avoided. The closure element 30 is open here so that the air that is located in the space between the flexible casing 32 and the wall 16 can escape from the inner space 18. The flexible casing 32 that expands due to the excess pressure lies at the wall 16 from the inside and consequently almost adopts the shape of the inner space 18. The closure element 30 is subsequently closed. If the excess pressure in the casing space 38 is let out, for example to introduce a substance into it, the flexible casing 32 remains in contact with the wall 16, however. It is even possible to apply a small negative pressure in the casing space 38 without the flexible casing 32 collapsing. To remove the protective device 14.sub.1, the closure element 30 is opened so that air from the environment can flow into the inner space 18. The 14.sub.1 can now be removed from the container 12.

[0120] In the event that the casing space 38 is to remain sterile, a first containment counter-interface 80 has to be connected to the first container containment interface 50 and/or a second containment counter-interface 82 has to be connected to the second containment interface 68 before the application of a negative pressure or an excess pressure (cf. FIG. 8). At least one of the mutually connected containment interfaces and containment counter-interfaces is opened so that air can flow into the casing space 38, independently of whether the air is sucked into the casing space 38 on application of a negative pressure in the space between the flexible casing 38 and the wall 16 or is conveyed into the casing space 38 on the application of an excess pressure therein. The air flowing into the casing space 38 is filtered so that the casing space 38 remains sterile. If the excess pressure or the negative pressure is let out, the air flowing out of the casing space is likewise filtered again so that it can be prevented that residues of the substance that was received in the casing space can move into the environment.

[0121] FIG. 4 shows a sectional representation through a second embodiment of a protective device 14.sub.2 in accordance with the invention; FIG. 5 shows an enlarged representation of the regions C marked in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 shows a basic enlarged representation, not to scale, of the region D marked in FIG. 4. The protective device 14.sub.1 is shown isolated from the container 12. The basic design and the manner how the protective device 14.sub.2 is used correspond to those such as have been described for the first embodiment of the protective arrangement 10.sub.1.

[0122] FIG. 7 shows a sectional representation through a second embodiment of a protective arrangement 10.sub.2 in accordance with the invention in a first state and in a second state in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows an enlarged representation of the region E marked in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 shows a basic enlarged representation, not to scale, of the region F marked in FIG. 8. The protective device 14.sub.2 is introduced into the container 12 in the same way here as has been described with respect to FIG. 1. As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 7 and 8, the first containment interface 50 is connected to a first containment counter-interface 80 and the second containment interface 68 is connected to a second containment counter-interface 82. The first containment counter-interface 80 and the second containment counter-interface 82 can be connected to a pipe line or tube line, not shown here, for example. As already mentioned, the first containment interface 50 and the first containment counter-interface 80 can be opened and closed together in the connected state so that a substance can be introduced into the casing space 38 and removed from it again free of contamination without the permissible amount of the substance that may enter into the environment being exceeded. This is also ensured on the separation of the first containment counter-interface 80 from the first containment interface 50. The same also applies to the second containment interface 68 and the second containment counter-interface 82.

[0123] A tube line, not shown, by which air can be introduced into the casing space 38 can be connected to the first containment counter-interface 80. To avoid contaminations, a first filter 84 is arranged in or at the first containment counter-interface 80 and a second filter 86 which the air has to pass through to reach the casing space 38 is arranged in or at the second containment counter-interface 82. As already mentioned, the pressure in the casing space 38 increases as a result of the air supply so that the flexible casing 32 expands and is pressed toward the inner surface of the wall 16. The closure element 30 is open here. Once the desired amount of air has been supplied, the closure element 30 is closed. The first containment counter-interface 80 has a first venting unit 88 and the second containment counter-interface 82 has a second venting unit 90. The air can be led off from the casing space 38 into the environment to, for example, be able to introduce the substance into the casing space 38 as a result of an actuation of the first venting unit 88 and/or of the second venting unit 90. The first filter 84 and the second filter 86 are arranged here such that the escaping air is filtered. The flexible casing 32 does not collapse on the letting out of the air due to the fact that the closure element 30 remains closed. A negative pressure can even be applied in the casing space 38. It should be noted at this point that the arrangement of the first filter 84 and of the second filter 86 is purely by way of example and they can also be arranged at different positions. A separate first filter 84 can, for example, be connected to the free end of the first venting unit 88. Analogously, a separate second filter can be connected to the free end of the second venting unit 90. It is at least appropriate to arrange the first filter 84 and the second filter 86 such that no residues of the substance can move into the environment with the escaping air.

[0124] It should be noted at this point that it is sufficient for the above-named purposes if only one of the venting units 88, 90 is provided. It is additionally appropriate to design the venting units 88, 90 such that they can be flowed through bidirectionally. In this case, both air flowing into the casing space 38 and air escaping from the casing space 38 are filtered independently of whether an excess pressure is generated in the casing space 38 or whether a negative pressure is generated in the space between the flexible casing 32 and the wall 16.

[0125] It must be mentioned with reference to FIG. 8 that the container 12 is fastened to a frame 76 that has a number of rollers 78. It is possible in this way to move, in particular to push, to grip with a gripping unit, to raise, and to rotate the container 12.

[0126] A third embodiment of a protective arrangement 10.sub.3 in accordance with the invention, whose protective device 14.sub.3 again has a flexible casing 32, is shown with reference to a partial sectional representation in FIG. 13. The protective device 14.sub.3 is shown separately in FIG. 11, with FIG. 12 showing the region G marked in FIG. 11 in an enlarged representation. As already in the previously described embodiments, the flexible casing 32 is connected, for example by adhesive bonding or welding, to the first tubular member 40 in the region of the primary first end 42. In this respect, the first tubular member 40 projects, viewed starting from the first casing opening 34, a little into the flexible casing 32.

[0127] In the third embodiment, the first container counter-connector unit 46 has a flange-like radial first extension 92 on which a first locking member 94 (cf. in particular FIG. 14) can be placed. The first locking member 94 can, for example, be formed in the manner of a cap nut, of a swing top, or of a tension lock and can connect the first tubular member 40 to the container 12 using the first container connector unit 24.

[0128] The manner in which the first tubular member 40 is connected to the container 12 in the third embodiment of the protective arrangement 10.sub.3 can be seen from FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 14 shows the region H marked in FIG. 13 in an enlarged representation.

[0129] In the shown third embodiment, the first container connector unit 24 comprises an external thread 96 onto which, for example, a screw cap, not shown here, can be screwed to close the first container opening 20. Provided that such a screw cap is screwed onto the first container connector unit 24, the screw cap is removed and the primary first end 42 of the first tubular member 40 is introduced into the first container opening 20, as shown in FIG. 14. As mentioned, the first container counter-connector unit 46 has the flange-like radial first extension 92. This radial first extension 92 also serves to pre-position a sealing member 98, an O ring here. When the first tubular member 40 is introduced into the container 12, the sealing member 98 comes into contact with the wall 16 of the container 12.

[0130] If not already done, the first locking member 94 is pushed over the first tubular member 40. The first locking member 94 has an internal thread 100 that is complementary to the external thread 96 of the first container connector unit 24. The first locking member 94 can consequently be screwed onto the first container connector unit 24. As can be seen from FIG. 14, the first locking member 94 has an L-shaped cross-section so that a radially inwardly facing limb 102 is formed. The radially inwardly facing limb 102 here projects inwardly over the internal thread 100. This limb 102 comes into contact with the radial first extension 92 due to the axial displacement of the first locking member 94 as a result of the screwing onto the first container connector unit 24, whereby a shape matching is produced. In this respect, the sealing member 98 is squeezed between the radial first extension 92 and the wall 16 so that it seals the container 12 with respect to the first tubular member 40. The container 12 can now be filled.

[0131] It can furthermore in particular be recognized in FIG. 14 that a first fastening unit 104, that can likewise be formed as a radial extension or can comprise such, is arranged between the primary first end 42 and the primary second end 44 of the first tubular member 40. A connector member, not shown here, at the first tubular member 40 or the first tubular member 40 can, for example, be connected to the container 12 by this first fastening unit 104. The radial extension can be interrupted so that a connection in the manner of a bayonet connection can be implemented. The first tubular member 40 can consequently be connected to the container 12 or to a connector member by differently designed fastening means. Additional connector members can also be connected to the tubular member, for example to form a secondary interface. The usage possibilities are hereby increased.

[0132] If the container 12 has a second container opening 22 (cf. FIG. 1), a second tubular member 58 can be connected to the container 12 in the same way (not shown). The second tubular member 58 can have a corresponding design to the first tubular member 40.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

[0133] 10 protective arrangement [0134] 10.sub.1-10.sub.3 protective arrangement [0135] 12 container [0136] 14 protective device [0137] 14.sub.1-14.sub.3 protective device [0138] 16 wall [0139] 18 inner space [0140] 20 first container opening [0141] 22 second container opening [0142] 24 first container connector unit [0143] 26 second container connector unit [0144] 28 connector [0145] 30 closure element [0146] 32 flexible casing [0147] 34 first casing opening [0148] 36 second casing opening [0149] 38 casing space [0150] 40 first tubular member [0151] 42 primary first end [0152] 44 primary second end [0153] 46 first container counter-connector unit [0154] 48 first coupling unit [0155] 50 first containment interface [0156] 51 primary first tri-clamp fastener [0157] 52 first tri-clamp connector [0158] 53 secondary first tri-clamp fastener [0159] 54 first tri-clamp connection [0160] 56 first tri-clamp connector [0161] 58 second tubular member [0162] 60 secondary first end [0163] 62 secondary second end [0164] 64 second container counter-connector unit [0165] 66 second coupling unit [0166] 68 second containment interface [0167] 70 second tri-clamp connector [0168] 72 second tri-clamp connection [0169] 74 second tri-clamp connector [0170] 75 primary second tri-clamp fastener [0171] 76 frame [0172] 77 secondary second tri-clamp fastener [0173] 78 rollers [0174] 80 first containment counter-interface [0175] 82 second containment counter-interface [0176] 84 first filter [0177] 86 second filter [0178] 88 first venting unit [0179] 90 second venting unit [0180] 92 radial first extension [0181] 94 first locking member [0182] 96 external thread [0183] 98 sealing member [0184] 100 internal thread [0185] 102 radially inwardly facing limb [0186] 104 first fastening unit [0187] d.sub.a1 first outer diameter [0188] d.sub.i1 first inner diameter [0189] d.sub.i2 second inner diameter [0190] L longitudinal axis