Inflatable tubular element for a bellows

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inflatable tubular element (3, 37) for a fluid inflatable bellow, comprising a peripheral wall (7) sealed to said fluid and formed by a plurality of panels (9) connected two by two by substantially straight links (11) each realized as a pivot axis, said panels (9) being more rigid than said links (11) so as to enable two panels (9) adjacent to a link (11) to rotate about the pivot axis realized by the link (11), each end of a link (11) being connected to the end of at least two other links (11) so as to define nodes (13) each having a thickness greater than the minimum thickness of the adjacent links (11). The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an inflatable tubular element (3, 37), as well as to a fluid inflatable bellow (1, 35, 39) comprising such an inflatable tubular element (3, 37).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of filling cylinders. Background Technology

[0002] These inflatable cylinders are typically used in devices such as shock absorbers or actuators.

[0003] Such inflatable cylinders are typically inflated with air, but water, oil, ethylene glycol, or other fluids can also be used. These inflatable cylinders, also called inflatable bladders, generally consist of an expandable tubular element made of rubber or plastic, which may be covered by ends or arranged between two ends. The tubular element typically includes a peripheral wall in the form of a cylindrical, multi-layered, folded corrugated tube, and is obtained, for example, by blowing and molding a preform of a thermoplastic elastomer material. The one or more ends are generally metal and engage with a mechanical element configured to be driven by the inflatable cylinder. To obtain good compressibility of the tubular element and limit the volume of the inflatable cylinder, the peripheral wall of the tubular element has a variable thickness.

[0004] However, such thickness variation leads to areas that are difficult to manufacture and have lower compressive strength, especially when the inflating cylinder is at its maximum inflated state. In fact, under overpressure conditions, due to the variable thickness of the tubular element's peripheral wall, it can deform significantly locally, exceeding its desired maximum shape at the region of minimum thickness (i.e., at the circular cross-section of the cylindrical bellows). Therefore, considering the minimum thickness of the tubular element's peripheral wall, the compressive strength of such a tubular element for an inflating cylinder is relatively low.

[0005] Therefore, considering its design, current inflatable cylinders cannot simultaneously achieve small volume and optimized compressive strength. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is particularly to provide an expandable tubular element for filling cylinders, having a limited volume and optimized compressive strength.

[0007] For this purpose, the subject of the invention is an expandable tubular element for use in a fluid-fillable cylinder, comprising a peripheral wall formed by a plurality of panels that are fluid-sealed and connected in pairs by generally straight connectors, each connector serving as a pivot.

[0008] The panels are more rigid than the connectors, allowing two panels adjacent to the connectors to rotate about a pivot axis created by the connectors.

[0009] Each end of the connector is connected to the ends of at least two other connectors to define a node.

[0010] The thickness of each node is greater than the minimum thickness of the adjacent connector.

[0011] Thus, the invention is achieved by providing an expandable tubular element in which nodes reinforce the structure. In fact, even with a small thickness of the connector, the radial deformation experienced by the expandable tubular element is limited due to the presence of the nodes. This improves the compressive strength of the expandable tubular element. The structure in the form of a panel, connector, and nodes allows for maximum compressibility of the expandable tubular element, and consequently, a minimum volume of the expandable tubular element in a compressed state.

[0012] According to the present invention, the expandable tubular element may employ, alone or in combination, other optional features:

[0013] - The connectors are mostly made of plastic. The term "mostly" should be understood as meaning that they constitute the majority in terms of mass. This facilitates manufacturing.

[0014] - The panel is polygonal, preferably triangular in shape. This improves the compressibility and strength of the expandable tubular element.

[0015] - The panel has a roughly uniform thickness. This facilitates manufacturing.

[0016] - The thickness of the node is approximately the same as the thickness of the panel. This further reduces the volume of the expandable tubular element.

[0017] - At least one of the connectors has the same configuration as at least a portion of the panel adjacent to the connector, and, at least in some places (partially), has a smaller thickness than these panels. This simplifies the manufacture of the expandable tubular element, and the expandable tubular element can be easily compressed.

[0018] The panel and connectors have the same construction. This facilitates manufacturing.

[0019] - The panel is mostly made of plastic. The term "most" should be understood as meaning that it constitutes the majority of the material in terms of mass. This facilitates manufacturing.

[0020] - The surrounding walls are mostly made of plastic material. The term "mostly" should be understood as meaning that it constitutes the majority in terms of mass. This facilitates manufacturing.

[0021] - The perimeter walls are formed by panels and connectors.

[0022] The peripheral walls are made of composite or multilayer materials, preferably including polymer and / or elastomer materials, more preferably including polypropylene and / or polyethylene. This improves the compressive strength of the expandable tubular element.

[0023] - The peripheral walls are made of composite or multilayer materials, preferably including metallic materials. This improves the compressive strength of the expandable tubular element.

[0024] The peripheral wall is composed of multiple layers of material and includes a conductive layer, which is preferably metallic, and more preferably in the form of conductive ink and / or a metal film disposed on the inner and / or outer surfaces of the peripheral wall. Thus, the expandable tubular element can allow conductivity, for example, to power an element located downstream of the expandable tubular element relative to a power source, and / or to enable the sensor to function by means of the change in resistance of the expandable tubular element according to its deformation state.

[0025] - The conductive layer is the innermost layer. This simplifies connections to devices located inside the expandable tubular element, such as power supplies, transducers, or antennas.

[0026] - The conductive layer is the outermost layer. This simplifies the connection to devices located outside the expandable tubular element, such as power supplies, transducers, or antennas.

[0027] - At least one of the connectors is formed by an adhesive film connecting two adjacent panels. This simplifies the manufacture of the tubular element.

[0028] The subject of the invention also lies in an inflatable cylinder that can be inflated by fluid, comprising an expandable tubular element of the type described above and an end fixed to one of the ends of the expandable tubular element.

[0029] According to the present invention, the filling cylinder may employ, individually or in combination, other optional features:

[0030] - The end includes a fluid supply and / or discharge device. The expandable tubular element is configured to transition (convert) from a retracted mode having a first internal volume to an expanded mode having a second internal volume and a generally cylindrical shape, the second internal volume being larger than the first internal volume, preferably at least 10 times, more preferably at least 100 times. Thus, by providing an inflatable cylinder with an expandable tubular element (where the end includes a fluid supply and / or discharge device), the structure of the expandable tubular element in the form of a panel, connector, and node allows for maximum compressibility of the expandable tubular element, and thus minimum volume of the expandable tubular element when the inflatable cylinder is in the retracted state, while simultaneously ensuring high compressive strength when the inflatable cylinder is in the expanded state.

[0031] - The expandable tubular element has a curved (elbow-shaped) roughly cylindrical shape in the expansion mode. This allows actuation to be achieved in any desired spatial direction.

[0032] - When the expandable tubular element is in retracted mode, the fluid pressure inside the expandable tubular element is between 0 and 1 bar.

[0033] - When the expandable tubular element is in expansion mode, the fluid pressure inside the expandable tubular element is between 1 and 12 bar.

[0034] - The inflation cylinder also includes a guide device configured to guide the reciprocating movement of the expandable tubular element between its retracted and expanded modes, which is preferably a telescopic guide rod.

[0035] - The guiding device is arranged in an internal space defined by the peripheral walls of an expandable tubular element.

[0036] - The guiding device is arranged outside the internal space defined by the peripheral wall of the expandable tubular element, and preferably is regularly distributed around the peripheral wall of the expandable tubular element.

[0037] - The inflation cylinder includes two ends, each of which is fixed to one of the ends of an expandable tubular element.

[0038] - The inflation cylinder includes a stroke limiting device, for example, consisting of a sleeve of preferably woven material arranged outside the peripheral wall of the expandable tubular element.

[0039] - The inflation cylinder includes an energy transmission device, which is preferably a fluid transmission pipe and / or cable arranged in the internal space of the expandable tubular element.

[0040] - The inflation cylinder includes at least two expandable tubular elements.

[0041] - Expandable tubular elements arranged in series.

[0042] - Adjacent expandable tubular elements arranged in series are connected to each other through at least one end.

[0043] - The inflation cylinder includes at least three expandable tubular elements.

[0044] - Expandable tubular elements are arranged in parallel.

[0045] - The expandable tubular elements arranged in parallel each include an end, which together support the base plate.

[0046] - The peripheral wall is glued to the end. This allows for the fixation of the expandable tubular element and the end in a particularly simple manner.

[0047] - The end includes a flange and a fixing element, and the peripheral wall is held between the ends by fastening the flange and the fixing element. Thus, the fixation of the expandable tubular element and the end is achieved in a particularly simple manner.

[0048] The subject of this invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an expandable tubular element of the above type, the method comprising the following steps:

[0049] -Manufacturing pipes that are mostly made of plastic materials,

[0050] - Multiple patterns can be achieved on the tube using engraving and / or marking devices.

[0051] - This deforms the pattern so that the deformed pattern forms a connector. This deformation step is achieved by depressurizing inside the tube, preferably to a pressure between 0 and 0.5 bar, and / or by simultaneously applying mechanical pressure to the patterns arranged on the same cross-section of the tube.

[0052] Thus, expandable tubular elements can be realized in a simple and economical way.

[0053] According to the present invention, the manufacturing method may employ, alone or in combination, other optional features:

[0054] - The pattern is, for example, a cylindrical pattern known as Yoshimura, Waterbomb, Kresling, or ChickenWire pattern, preferably of the Kresling type.

[0055] - The step that causes the pattern to deform is the folding step.

[0056] - The steps for manufacturing a tube that is mostly made of plastic are the same steps for manufacturing a tube that is made of only plastic.

[0057] - The steps of manufacturing tubes that are mostly made of plastic materials are achieved through thermoforming, injection-blow molding, molding, or rotational molding.

[0058] - Engraving manufacturing includes lasers.

[0059] - The marking device includes rollers.

[0060] - Multiple patterns are created on the tube by laser engraving and then by means of a roller marking device (French for marquage).

[0061] -The method preferably includes a firing step after the step of deforming the pattern, which involves tempering (re-firing, French recuiting) the obtained expandable tubular element so that its resting mode is a retracted mode. Attached Figure Description

[0062] A better understanding of the invention will be achieved by reading the following description, provided only as an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the inflation cylinder according to the first embodiment when it is in an expanded state;

[0064] Figure 2 It is a schematic front view of the inflation cylinder according to the first embodiment, which is equipped with an expandable tubular element, in the retracted state.

[0065] Figure 3 It is a schematic three-dimensional view based on the end of the first variant;

[0066] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of the inflation cylinder according to the second embodiment when it is in an expanded state;

[0067] Figure 5 This is a schematic front view of the inflation cylinder according to the third embodiment when it is in an expanded state;

[0068] Figure 6 This is a schematic front view of the inflation cylinder according to the fourth embodiment when it is in an expanded state;

[0069] Figure 7 This is a schematic front view of the inflation cylinder according to the fifth embodiment when it is in an expanded state, the inflation cylinder having an end according to the second variation;

[0070] Figure 8 This is a partial schematic diagram of a modified inflation cylinder according to the first embodiment in an expanded state.

[0071] Figure 9 This is a schematic front view of a modified inflation cylinder according to the first embodiment in an inflated state;

[0072] Figure 10 This is a schematic partial front view of a modified inflation cylinder according to the first embodiment in an inflated state;

[0073] Figure 11 This is a schematic partial front view of a modified inflation cylinder according to the first embodiment in an inflated state. Detailed Implementation

[0074] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows an inflation cylinder 1 according to a first embodiment. The inflation cylinder 1 can be inflated, for example, by a fluid such as air or water. The inflation cylinder 1 includes an expandable tubular element 3 and an end 5 according to a first variant, fixed to one of the ends of the expandable tubular element 3. Figure 1 In the example shown, the inflation cylinder 1 includes two ends 5, each end 5 being fixed to one of the ends of the expandable tubular element 3.

[0075] The expandable tubular element 3 includes a peripheral wall 7.

[0076] The peripheral wall 7 is fluid-tight. The peripheral wall 7 is formed by a plurality of panels 9 which are connected in pairs by generally straight (line) connectors 11, each connector serving as a pivot.

[0077] Panel 9 has higher rigidity than connector 11. Therefore, the two panels 9 adjacent to connector 11 can rotate about a pivot axis achieved by connector 11. Figure 1 In the example shown, panel 9 is triangular. More generally, panel 9 can be polygonal. Figure 1 In the example shown, panel 9 has a roughly uniform thickness.

[0078] Each connector 11 includes two ends. Each end of connector 11 is connected to the ends of at least two other connectors 11 to define node 13. Figure 1 In the example shown, connector 11 has the same construction (composition) as the panel 9 adjacent to connector 11, and in at least some places, its thickness is smaller than that of these surfaces 9.

[0079] The thickness of each node 13 is greater than the minimum thickness of the adjacent connector 11. Figure 1 In the example shown, the thickness of the node is roughly the same as the thickness of panel 9.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, each end 5 includes a flange 15 and a retaining element 17. Thus, the peripheral wall 7 is held between the ends 5 by the fastening between the flange 15 and the retaining element 17. Each of the retaining element 17 and the flange 15 includes threads such that the retaining element 17 is screwed onto the flange 15. In this example, the flange 15 has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0081] At least one end 5, for example each end 5, includes a fluid supply and / or discharge device 19, such as a central orifice 21, which opens (towards) the internal space defined by the peripheral wall 7 of the expandable tubular element 3. Figure 1 In the example shown, the center hole 21 has threads to allow connection to fluid supply and / or discharge elements, such as flexible tube end connectors.

[0082] The expandable tubular element 3 is thus configured to switch between a retracted mode and an expanded mode, in which, as Figure 2 As shown, it has a first internal volume, in the expansion mode, as Figure 1 As shown, it has a second internal volume and a generally cylindrical shape. The second internal volume is larger than the first internal volume, preferably at least 10 times, more preferably at least 100 times.

[0083] The fluid pressure within the expandable tubular element 3 is preferably 0 to 1 bar when the expandable tubular element is in retracted mode. The fluid pressure within the expandable tubular element 3 is preferably 1 to 12 bar when the expandable tubular element is in expanded mode.

[0084] The peripheral wall 7 is mostly made of plastic. Therefore, the peripheral wall 7 is formed by a panel 9 and a connector 11, wherein both the connector 11 and the panel 9 are mostly made of plastic. Figure 1 In the example shown, the peripheral wall 7 is composed of multiple layers of material, which preferably includes polymer and / or elastomer materials, more preferably polypropylene and / or polyethylene. More specifically, the peripheral wall 7 includes a main layer composed mostly or entirely of a plastic material, which is preferably a polymer and / or elastomer material, more preferably polypropylene and / or polyethylene. The peripheral wall 7 also includes a conductive layer 23, which is preferably metallic, more preferably in the form of conductive ink and / or a metal film disposed on the inner and / or outer surfaces of the peripheral wall 7. The conductive layer is the innermost layer, and / or as... Figure 1 As shown, conductive layer 23 is the outermost layer.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, the peripheral wall 7 or its main layer may be made of a composite material. Thus, the peripheral wall 7 or its main layer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic resins, preferably polypropylene and / or polyethylene, and preferably reinforced with carbon fiber, glass fiber, natural fiber or Kevlar (registered trademark).

[0086] Each end 5 is made of, for example, a plastic material, a composite material, or a metal material. In the case where the end 5 is made of a composite material, it may be composed of a thermosetting resin, preferably an epoxy resin, polyurethane, or polyester resin, and preferably reinforced with carbon fiber, glass fiber, natural fiber, or Kevlar (registered trademark).

[0087] exist Figure 4 In the second embodiment shown, the inflation cylinder 25 includes three expandable tubular elements 3. The expandable tubular elements 3 are arranged side by side and each includes an end 5 at its end, which together support the base plates 25, 27. Thus, the inflation cylinder 25 according to this second embodiment includes three inflation cylinders 1 according to the first embodiment described above, which are arranged side by side between the two base plates 25, 27.

[0088] It is certainly feasible to realize an inflatable cylinder 25 having more than three expandable tubular elements 3.

[0089] exist Figure 5In the third embodiment shown, the inflation cylinder 31 includes two expandable tubular elements 3. The expandable tubular elements 3 are arranged in series and each includes an end 5 at its end. Thus, the two expandable tubular elements 3 are interconnected through two of their ends 5, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the ends are fixed facing each other, for example by fixing bolts engaged in fixing holes 33 in the ends 5. Thus, the inflation cylinder 31 according to this third embodiment includes two inflation cylinders 1 arranged in series according to the first embodiment described above.

[0090] It is certainly feasible to implement an inflatable cylinder 31 having more than two expandable tubular elements 3. In this case, adjacent expandable tubular elements 3 are connected to each other through at least one end 5, preferably through two ends 5.

[0091] Figure 6 The fourth embodiment shown is the same as Figure 1 The difference in the first embodiment shown is that the inflation cylinder 35 includes an expandable tubular element 37 having a generally cylindrical shape that bends in the expansion mode. Apart from this particular shape of the expandable tubular element 37, the inflation cylinder 35 is similar to the inflation cylinder 1, and particularly includes an end 5 at each end of the expandable tubular element 37. Thus, apart from this specific shape, the expandable tubular element 37 is similar to the aforementioned expandable tubular element 3. Furthermore, in the retracted mode, the inflation cylinder 35 has a shape similar to... Figure 2 The shape is similar to that shown in the filling cylinder 1.

[0092] Figure 6 The fifth embodiment shown is the same as Figure 1 The difference in the first embodiment shown is that the inflation cylinder 39 includes an end 41 according to a second variation, which is arranged to replace the aforementioned end 5. Each end 41 includes a flange 43 having a generally cuboid shape in this example, and a retaining element 17. Thus, the peripheral wall 7 of the expandable tubular element 3 is held between the ends 5 by fastening between the flange 43 and the retaining element 17. Each of the retaining element 17 and the flange 43 includes a thread 15 such that the retaining element 17 is screwed onto the flange 43.

[0093] At least one end 41, for example each end 41, includes a fluid supply and / or discharge device 19, such as a lateral orifice 45, which opens (towards) the internal space defined by the peripheral wall 7 of the expandable tubular element 3. Figure 7 In the example shown, the lateral bore 45 is threaded to allow connection to fluid supply and / or discharge elements, such as flexible tube end fittings. Each end 41 also includes a retaining bore 47, which performs a similar function to the retaining bore 33 described above. Each end 41 is made of a material similar to that described above for end 5.

[0094] exist Figures 8 to 10 Different variations of the first embodiment are shown in the figure. Figure 8 and 10 The expandable tubular element 3 is omitted so that the internal space defined by the peripheral wall 7 of the expandable tubular element 3 is visible.

[0095] exist Figure 8 In the variant shown, the inflation cylinder 1 includes a guide device 49 capable of guiding the reciprocating movement of the expandable tubular element 3 between its retracted and expanded modes. The guide device 49 is arranged within an internal space defined by the peripheral wall 7 of the expandable tubular element 3. The guide device 49 includes a retractable guide rod 51, which is, for example, metallic.

[0096] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated variant, the inflation cylinder 1 includes a guide device 49 capable of guiding the reciprocating movement of the expandable tubular element 3 between its retracted and expanded modes. The guide device 49 is disposed outside the internal space defined by the peripheral wall 7 of the expandable tubular element 3 and is preferably regularly distributed around the periphery of the expandable tubular element 3. The guide device 49 includes a guide rod 53, which is, for example, metallic. The guide rod 53 is fixed, for example, in a fixing hole 33 at one end 5 and slides in a fixing hole 33 at the other end 5 to achieve linear guidance. At least one guide rod 53 may include an end stop to limit the stroke of the inflation cylinder 1 by preventing sliding beyond the distance required to obtain the expanded mode of the expandable tubular element 3; the end stop contacts the end 5 that slides relative to the guide rod.

[0097] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated variant, the inflation cylinder 1 includes an energy transfer device 55, preferably a fluid transfer pipe and / or cable, arranged within the internal space of the expandable tubular element 3. The energy transfer device 55 allows energy to be transferred from one end 5 to the other, and allows energy to be transferred, for example, to other inflation cylinders and / or sensors and / or actuating elements, such as valves or distributors, connected to the inflation cylinder 1. The energy transfer device 55 may also, for example, when in the form of a cable, function to limit the stroke of the inflation cylinder 1. Figure 10 As shown, the energy transfer device 55 may have a curved shape.

[0098] exist Figure 11In the illustrated variant, the inflation cylinder 1 includes a stroke limiting device, which is, for example, a sleeve 57 disposed outside the peripheral wall 7 of the expandable tubular element 3, preferably woven. These stroke limiting devices allow for restriction of movement of the expandable tubular element 3 between its retracted and expanded modes. Thus, they prevent slippage beyond the distance required to achieve the expanded mode of the expandable tubular element 3 without hindering its movement between its expanded and retracted modes. The sleeve 57 is secured at its end to the end 5, for example by a restraining device that tightens the diameter of the sleeve at its end. Therefore, the installation of the sleeve 57 on the inflation cylinder 1 is particularly simple: the sleeve 57 thus passes through the end 5, and then the strap is tightened to hold the sleeve 57 on the end 5. Figure 11 In the example shown, the expandable tubular element 3 is in an expanded mode, which causes the sleeve 57 to be tensioned between the ends 5 to achieve its stroke limiting function.

[0099] An example of a method for manufacturing expandable tubular elements will now be described.

[0100] This method includes the following steps:

[0101] -Manufacturing pipes that are mostly made of plastic materials,

[0102] - Multiple patterns can be achieved on the tube using engraving and / or marking devices.

[0103] - The pattern is deformed so that the deformed pattern forms a connector. The deformation step is carried out by depressurization (pressure reduction) inside the tube, preferably to a pressure of 0 to 0.9 bar; and / or by simultaneously applying mechanical pressure to the patterns arranged on the same transverse section of the tube.

[0104] The pattern is, for example, a cylindrical pattern known as Yoshimura, Waterbomb, Kresling, or ChickenWire pattern, preferably of the Kresling type.

[0105] The process of deforming a pattern is, for example, a folding process. The process of manufacturing a tube that is mostly made of plastic is, for example, the process of manufacturing a tube that is made entirely of plastic.

[0106] The manufacturing process of tubes, primarily composed of plastic materials, is achieved through thermoforming, injection-blow molding, molding, or rotational molding. Engraving devices include lasers. Marking devices include rollers. The process of creating multiple patterns on the tube using engraving and / or marking devices is achieved through laser engraving followed by roller marking.

[0107] If the desired resting mode of the inflating cylinder is a retracted mode, the method preferably includes a baking step after the pattern deformation step, which uses tempering (re-firing, French recuit) to make the resting mode a retracted mode of the expandable tubular element.

[0108] To manufacture the inflatable cylinder, an expandable tubular element manufactured as described above is attached to the end. More specifically, one or each end of the expandable tubular element is arranged on the flange of the end and secured to the flange by a retaining element of the end. Alternatively, the expandable tubular element can be glued to the end.

[0109] An operational example of the filling cylinder according to the first embodiment will now be described.

[0110] like Figure 1 As shown, the expandable tubular element of the inflation cylinder 1 is in expansion mode. The fluid pressure inside the expandable tubular element 3 is between 1 and 12 bar. Fluid is discharged from the expandable tubular element 3 through the fluid supply and / or discharge device 19 arranged on the end 5. As a result, the fluid pressure in the expandable tubular element 3 decreases, causing the expandable tubular element 3 to retract until the expandable tubular element 3 is in expansion mode. Figure 2 The retraction mode is shown. In the retraction mode, the fluid pressure inside the expandable tubular element 3 is between 0 and 1 bar.

[0111] Conversely, when the expandable tubular element 3 is in the retracted mode and it is desired to switch the expandable tubular element 3 to the expanded mode, fluid is introduced into the expandable tubular element 3 through the fluid supply and / or discharge device 19 arranged on the end 5. This causes the fluid pressure in the expandable tubular element 3 to increase, which causes the expandable tubular element 3 to expand until the expandable tubular element 3 is in the expanded mode. Figure 1 The expansion pattern shown.

[0112] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0113] Alternatively or additionally, in addition to holding the peripheral wall 7 between the ends 5, 41 by means of fastening as described above, the ends 5, 41 and the peripheral wall 7 may also be glued together. The ends 5, 41 may also include fluid and / or electrical connections.

[0114] Furthermore, at least one of the connectors 11 may be formed of an adhesive film that connects two adjacent panels 9.

[0115] Finally, at least one of the panels 9 can be implemented based on an insert with greater rigidity than the connector 11, such as a metal insert encapsulated in a plastic material to form the panel 9. This increases the rigidity of the resulting panel 9.

[0116] List of reference numerals

[0117] 1: Inflating cylinder

[0118] 3: Expandable tubular elements

[0119] 5: End

[0120] 7: Surrounding walls

[0121] 9: Panel

[0122] 11: Connector

[0123] 13: Node

[0124] 15: Flange

[0125] 17: Fixed components

[0126] 19: Fluid supply and / or discharge device

[0127] 21: Center Hole

[0128] 23: Conductive layer

[0129] 25: Base Plate

[0130] 27: Base Plate

[0131] 29: Inflatable cylinder

[0132] 31: Inflatable cylinder

[0133] 33: Fixing hole

[0134] 35: Inflatable cylinder

[0135] 37: Expandable tubular element

[0136] 39: Inflatable cylinder

[0137] 41: End

[0138] 43: Flange

[0139] 45: Side hole

[0140] 47: Fixing hole

[0141] 49: Guiding device

[0142] 51: Telescopic guide rod

[0143] 53: Guide rod

[0144] 55: Energy transfer device

[0145] 57 sets

Claims

1. An expandable tubular element (3, 37) for use in an inflatable cylinder that can be inflated by a fluid, characterized in that, It includes a peripheral wall (7) that is fluid-sealed and is formed by a plurality of panels (9) connected in pairs by straight connectors (11), each connector serving as a pivot. The connector (11) is mostly made of plastic material. The rigidity of the panel (9) is greater than that of the connector (11) so that the two panels (9) adjacent to the connector (11) can rotate about a pivot axis realized by the connector (11). Each end of the connector (11) is connected to the ends of at least two other connectors (11) to define the node (13). Each node (13) has a thickness greater than the minimum thickness of the adjacent connector (11).

2. The expandable tubular element (3, 37) as described in claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the node (13) is the same as the thickness of the panel (9).

3. The expandable tubular element (3, 37) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the connectors (11) has the same configuration as at least a portion of the panel (9) adjacent to the connector (11), and, at least in some places, has a smaller thickness than the panels (9).

4. The expandable tubular element (3, 37) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The peripheral wall (7) is made of composite or multilayer materials.

5. The expandable tubular element (3, 37) as described in claim 4, wherein, The material includes polymer and / or elastomer materials.

6. The expandable tubular element (3, 37) as described in claim 5, wherein, The material includes polypropylene and / or polyethylene.

7. The expandable tubular element (3, 37) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The peripheral wall (7) is made of multiple layers of material and includes a conductive layer (23).

8. The expandable tubular element (3, 37) as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The conductive layer is metallic.

9. The expandable tubular element (3, 37) as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The conductive layer is in the form of conductive ink and / or metal film disposed on the inner and / or outer surfaces of the peripheral wall (7).

10. The expandable tubular element (3, 37) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the connectors (11) is formed by an adhesive film connecting two adjacent panels (9).

11. An inflatable cylinder (1, 35, 39) that can be inflated by fluid, comprising an expandable tubular element (3, 37) as described in any of the preceding claims and an end (5, 41) fixed to one of the ends of said expandable tubular element (3, 37).

12. The inflation cylinder (1, 35, 39) as described in claim 11, wherein, The end (5, 41) includes a fluid supply and / or discharge device (19), and the expandable tubular element (3, 37) is configured to transition from a retracted mode having a first internal volume to an expanded mode having a second internal volume and a cylindrical shape, the second internal volume being larger than the first internal volume.

13. The inflation cylinder (1, 35, 39) as described in claim 12, wherein, The second internal volume is at least 10 times larger than the first internal volume.

14. The inflation cylinder (1, 35, 39) as described in claim 12, wherein, The second internal volume is at least 100 times larger than the first internal volume.

15. The inflation cylinder (1, 35, 39) as described in claim 11 or 12, wherein, The peripheral wall (7) is glued to the end (5, 41), or the end (5, 41) includes a flange (15, 43) and a fixing element (17), the peripheral wall (7) being held between the end (5, 41) by fastening between the flange (15, 43) and the fixing element (17).

16. A method for manufacturing an expandable tubular element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the steps of: - Manufacturing pipes that are mostly made of plastic materials. - Multiple patterns can be achieved on the tube using engraving and / or marking devices. - Deform the pattern so that the deformed pattern forms the connector, by depressurizing inside the tube and / or by simultaneously applying mechanical pressure to the patterns arranged on the same cross-section of the tube.

17. The method for manufacturing an expandable tubular element as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The pressure inside the tube is reduced to a level between 0 and 0.9 bar.

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