Vulcanization bonding instead of seam

Abstract

The present invention provides a vulcanization bond in lieu of a seam, relating to a bellows as a passage protection for a transition bridge between two movably connected carriage bodies of a multi-part vehicle or between two movably connected parts of a passenger bridge or passenger elevator, the bellows having a top and two side walls arranged opposite each other, wherein at least the two side walls or the top or a connection region between one of the two side walls and the top each has a plurality of folds or corrugations, and wherein the plurality of folds or corrugations comprise at least a first blank made of a flexible sheet and a second blank connected to the first blank, and the first blank and the second blank are at least partially bonded to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a corrugated pipe, which is used as a passage protection for a transition bridge between two movably connected carriage bodies of a multi-part vehicle or between two movably connected parts of a passenger bridge or a passenger ladder. The corrugated pipe has a top and two side walls arranged opposite to each other, wherein at least the two side walls or the top or the connection area between one of the two side walls and the top each has a plurality of folds or corrugations, and the plurality of folds or corrugations at least includes a first blank made of a flexible sheet and a second blank connected to the first blank.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a corrugated pipe, which is used as a passage protection for a transition bridge between two movably connected carriage bodies of a multi-part vehicle or between two movably connected parts of a passenger bridge or a passenger ladder. The corrugated pipe has a top and two side walls arranged opposite to each other, and the method includes the following steps: i) providing a first blank made of a flexible sheet; ii) providing a second blank made of a flexible sheet; iii) forming at least the two side walls or the top or the connection area between one of the two side walls and the top with the first blank and the second blank, so that each of at least the two side walls or the top or the connection area between one of the two side walls and the top has a plurality of folds or corrugations. Background Art

[0003] In public transport such as buses and trains, as well as in passenger bridges and passenger ladders, it is common practice to protect the passage between two carriage bodies or aircraft and the ends of the bridge or ladder for passengers from weather, air flow and other environmental influences. The corrugated pipe required for this purpose closes the passage at least in the areas of the top and the side walls arranged opposite to each other.

[0004] Individual corrugated pipes are usually constructed from flexible sheets at least in the area of the side walls, in the area of the top or in the connection area between one of the two side walls and the top, so that the corrugated pipe can compensate for the relative movement between the carriage bodies or parts.

[0005] The corrugated pipes known from the prior art are formed by stitching together a plurality of blanks from flexible sheets. When stitching, the flexible sheet is pierced with a needle and the thread is passed through the material. This makes it necessary to subsequently seal the resulting seams. Otherwise, moisture and dirt will enter the area actually protected by the corrugated pipe through the holes in the flexible sheet. The formation of the seams is complex and does not always result in a visually perfect appearance of the corrugated pipe in the area of the seams.

[0006] In the prior art, for example in patent applications EP3210802 A1, EP4186771 A1 or US6085403 A, only adhesive bonds are mentioned without details of their implementation being given. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Accordingly, compared with the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corrugated pipe and a method for producing such a corrugated pipe which reduce or avoid at least one of the mentioned disadvantages.

[0008] According to the invention, the above object is achieved by a corrugated pipe having the features of independent claim 1. For this purpose, in a corrugated pipe of the above type, a first blank and a second blank are at least partially materially bonded to each other. The first blank and the second blank overlap or are adjacent to each other along one of their edges, wherein an adhesive is arranged between the first blank and the second blank. The adhesive can comprise both at least a partially viscous substance and a self-adhesive flat element (such as a tape), the latter preferably being formed of or formed with an elastomer. When referring to the at least partially viscous substance, for the sake of simplicity, the term "viscous" will sometimes be used hereinafter.

[0009] The viscous substance used as an adhesive is available in various degrees of viscosity (ranging from liquid to viscous). This enables precise customization according to the specific requirements of the corrugated pipe. The viscous adhesive can easily penetrate small gaps and defects, thus ensuring a uniform and strong bond. The adhesive containing an elastomer provides additional flexibility and elasticity. This is particularly beneficial when the corrugated pipe is subjected to movement and stretching, as the adhesive can absorb these movements without tearing or separating.

[0010] On the other hand, the self-adhesive tape is easy to apply and does not require special tools or curing time. This reduces the manufacturing cost and accelerates the production process. These tapes can be manufactured in different widths, thicknesses and material combinations to meet specific requirements. They provide a uniform adhesive layer, which ensures a consistent bond. Both the viscous adhesive and the self-adhesive tape provide a strong and durable bond between the blanks. This increases the structural integrity of the corrugated pipe. The viscous adhesive and the elastomer tape are generally resistant to extreme temperatures. This makes them ideal for applications where the corrugated pipe is exposed to (very) high or low temperatures.

[0011] Surprisingly, it has been found that the material bond formed by gluing between the first blank and the second blank can withstand high transverse strains similar to those of a stitched connection between the first blank and the second blank. By eliminating the need to pierce the first blank or the second blank at specific points (as is the case with stitching), the material bond according to the invention means that no additional seam sealing is required. This also improves the appearance of the corrugated pipe.

[0012] By reducing the number of processing steps in joining the first blank and the second blank, an overall reduction in production time, personnel costs, material costs, and machine costs can be achieved.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two blanks joined by material bonding are not additionally form-fittingly connected to each other. In another embodiment, the two blanks are only joined to each other by material bonding.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to material bonding, the first blank and the second blank are also non-form-fittingly connected to each other by means of a clamping profile.

[0015] In principle, the present invention can be implemented, wherein the material bonding between the first blank and the second blank is achieved only on one of the two side walls or on both side walls. It is also possible to implement the bellows according to the present invention only by at least partially joining the first blank and the second blank at the top to each other by material bonding. In addition, the bellows according to the present invention can also be implemented, wherein: the first blank and the second blank in the connection region between one of the two side walls and the top are at least partially connected to each other in a coherent manner. Such a connection region between one of the two side walls and the top can be a corner or an edge of the bellows.

[0016] A fold or corrugation is a part or section of the corresponding side wall, top, or the connection region between one of the two side walls and the top, which describes a path from the inner side of the bellows towards the outer side and back to the outer side or vice versa in cross-section. A number of such parts or sections can form a complete bellows. In order to extend longitudinally in the passing direction of the bellows, a number of folds or corrugations are arranged one after another. For a bellows spanning a passage, the corrugations or folds can be aligned with each other and connected to each other, such as the corrugations of the side wall and the top or the connecting part to the top.

[0017] The corrugations and folds are composed of (longer) longitudinal edges and (shorter) transverse edges. The corrugations have vertices at the points where the gradient changes. In addition, the respective adjacent corrugations converge with each other via the inner corrugation edges.

[0018] In one embodiment, the two side walls, the top, and optionally the two connecting parts between each side wall and the top have a plurality of folds or corrugations.

[0019] The first blank and the second blank can be only partially joined to each other by material bonding, while the other part has a non-material-bonded connection. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first blank and the second blank are completely joined to each other by material bonding, that is, all parts of the connection are at least also but preferably only joined by material bonding.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bellows is a folded bellows, wherein the folding portions are arranged in a zigzag manner in a transverse plane. Each folding portion of the folded bellows has an approximately V-shaped profile in the transverse plane. In one embodiment of the folded bellows, each folding portion has two approximately straight blanks.

[0021] In one embodiment, the folding portion includes exactly two blanks, herein referred to as the first blank and the second blank. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first blank and the second blank are connected to each other at the apex of the folding portion. Each folding portion is also connected to at least one adjacent folding portion. According to the present invention, the connection between the two blanks at the apex of the folding portion and the connection of one folding portion to an adjacent folding portion can both be designed as a material bond.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bellows is a corrugated bellows, wherein each corrugation extends in an arc shape in a transverse plane. The corrugations of the corrugated bellows have an approximately U-shaped profile in the transverse plane.

[0023] In one embodiment, the corrugation is formed by exactly one blank, which extends from the inner side to the outer side and then returns to the inner side, or vice versa. In one embodiment, the first blank forms the first corrugation, and the second blank forms the second corrugation, wherein the first blank and the second blank are materially bonded to each other to connect the first corrugation to the second corrugation.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first blank and the second blank each have a narrow side and a long side. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first blank and the second blank are substantially rectangular. In one embodiment, the first blank and the second blank are connected to each other along their long sides.

[0025] When installing the bellows, the narrow transverse sides of the blanks for forming the corrugations or folding portions of one of the two side walls extend substantially parallel to the transition bridge between the car body or the passenger bridge or the part of the passenger ladder. In the case of the bellows for the transition bridge between two movably connected car bodies, the narrow sides of such blanks of the two side walls extend substantially horizontally. In contrast, when installing the bellows, the long sides of the folding portions or corrugations of one of these side walls extend substantially vertically or perpendicular to the transition bridge.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first blank and the second blank overlap along one of their sides, wherein an adhesive is provided between the first blank and the second blank. In an alternative embodiment, the first blank and the second blank are adjacent to each other along one of their sides (i.e., they do not overlap), wherein an adhesive is provided between the first blank and the second blank.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible sheet includes a polymer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymer is an elastomer.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the polymer of the flexible sheet is selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM, such as Hypalon), neoprene (such as Neoprene), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAC or EVA) or combinations thereof.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of elastomeric adhesives, silicone rubbers, acrylate adhesives (such as cyanate acrylate adhesives), polyurethane adhesives, resin adhesives (such as resorcinol resins), dispersion adhesives, and polyvinyl acetate adhesives or combinations thereof.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive includes a tape having a silicone rubber.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tape has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, and particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm. It has been found that the specified minimum thickness is necessary to prevent the adhesive bond from breaking under tensile stress, especially when lateral strain occurs. The thickness of the tape between the first blank and the second blank determines the elasticity of the form-fit connection. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tape has a thickness of at most 3 mm. In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the tape is less than the thickness of the first blank and less than the thickness of the second blank. In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the first blank and / or the second blank has a value in the range of 2.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymers of the flexible sheets of the first blank and the second blank and the base material of the polymer of the adhesive are similar to each other. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymers of the flexible sheets of the first blank and the second blank and the base material of the polymer of the adhesive are the same.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tape thus includes a silicone elastomer and the flexible sheets of the first blank and the second blank.

[0034] In one embodiment, there is a similarity between the polymer of the flexible sheet and the base material of the polymer of the adhesive when each of the polymer of the adhesive and the polymer of the blank has a broad, preferably similar, molecular weight distribution.

[0035] In one embodiment, there is a similarity between the polymer of the flexible sheet and the base material of the polymer of the adhesive when each of the polymer of the adhesive and the polymer of the flexible sheet has a narrow molecular weight distribution.

[0036] In one embodiment, the bellows includes a top and two side walls arranged opposite to each other, wherein at least each of the two side walls or the top or the connection region between one of the two side walls and the top has a plurality of folds or corrugations, and wherein the plurality of folds or corrugations at least includes a first blank made of a flexible sheet and a second blank connected to the first blank, and the first blank and the second blank are at least partially materially bonded to each other. A tape is arranged between the first blank and the second blank, and the tape has silicone rubber and a thickness of at least 0.1 mm. The bellows is preferably obtained by a method including the following steps: providing the first blank; providing the second blank; applying the uncured tape to the first blank; applying the second blank to the tape; and curing the tape, wherein the curing includes the steps of pressing the first blank together; pressing the second blank and the tape together; and introducing heat, steam, pressure (e.g., by means of an autoclave) or electromagnetic radiation into the tape. The following explains the related processes.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bellows further has a base in addition to the top and the two side walls arranged opposite to each other. In one embodiment, the base extends below the transition bridge between the car body. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base also has a plurality of folds or corrugations made of a first blank and a second blank of a flexible sheet.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more corrugations or folds of the bottom, side wall or top of the bellows are formed only by a single first blank and a single second blank.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more corrugations or folds of the base, side wall and top of the bellows are formed only by a single first blank and a single second blank, such that two bellows portions of a basic U-shape including the side wall, top and base are connected by the first blank and the second blank. Here, the two blanks are joined together transversely to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding corrugation or fold.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is thus possible to longitudinally make a materially bonded connection along the route of the corrugation or fold. However, in one embodiment, the present invention also includes a materially bonded connection produced transversely to the route, for example in order to connect together the entire 360-degree circumferential corrugation or fold half or even bellows halves from several corrugations or folds that have been materially bonded or otherwise connected. This connection that thoroughly connects the circumferential corrugations or folds to the entire bellows half has already been able to be used in bellows production. This solution provides a cost-saving and component-saving alternative to the state of the art: the bellows material at the ends of the corrugations or folds is not held by a retaining frame, but rather the corrugations or folds are interconnected by material bonding. For example, in the end region of the bellows, a retaining frame can optionally be provided, serving as a mounting frame for mounting the bellows on the end face of a vehicle part and as a coupling frame for coupling two bellows halves in the direction of travel. Most of the retaining frames (i.e., all the retaining frames between two separate corrugations or folds within the transition bellows) can be omitted. By connecting the two halves, sufficient overall stiffness is created to replace the previous retaining frames. The rigidity and internal stability of the U-shaped bellows part are due to two reasons: on the one hand, the formed corrugations or folds stabilize each other, thus preventing structural collapse. On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bellows material for, for example, the side walls, top, or corners is based on textiles coated with different elastomers. The mechanical properties of the different textiles are designed according to the loads to which they are exposed due to their positions in the overall bellows. These different textiles and their mechanical properties can be achieved, for example, by using different weft densities in the textiles.

[0041] The basic U-shape of the bellows part is generally advantageous but not necessary. As an alternative, the two halves to be connected can also be partially formed or completely circular, curved, or have a U-shaped interruption. According to an embodiment, the two halves of the bellows can also have different radii and different lengths in the passing direction of the overall bellows.

[0042] The inner side of the bellows defines a passage between two articulated vehicles or vehicle parts. The bellows can be circumferential, but it does not necessarily need to be completely circumferential. In an embodiment of the present invention, the bellows has a mounting frame at one front end for mounting the bellows on the body of a multi-part vehicle or on a part of a passenger bridge or passenger ladder. In another embodiment of the present invention, the bellows has a coupling frame at one front end, particularly at the front end opposite the flange, for connecting the bellows to a second bellows that is mounted on another vehicle body or on another part of a passenger bridge or passenger ladder.

[0043] The above object is also achieved by a transition system and a transition bridge with bellows in the embodiments described above. Such a transition system is supplied to the manufacturers of railway carriages or bus vehicles as a supply part or system.

[0044] In one embodiment, the present invention also relates to a vehicle (in particular a railway carriage or a bus vehicle), on the front end of the carriage body of which a bellows according to the embodiment described above is mounted.

[0045] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention also relates to a part of a passenger bridge or a passenger ladder, on the front end of which a bellows according to the embodiment described above is mounted.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bellows can be obtained by a method comprising the following steps: A) Providing a first blank; B) Providing a second blank; C) Applying an adhesive tape with a non-vulcanized elastomer or a viscous substance to the first blank; D) Applying the second blank to the adhesive tape or the viscous substance such that the first blank and the second blank overlap or are adjacent to each other along one of their edges; and E) Vulcanizing at least the adhesive tape or the viscous substance, and optionally vulcanizing the first blank or the second blank.

[0047] It has been shown that providing an adhesive tape as a non-vulcanized semi-finished product between the first blank and the second blank and subsequently vulcanizing at least the adhesive tape creates a permanent elastic and highly elastic connection between the first blank and the second blank. The key to this is the vulcanization of the adhesive tape in contact with the first blank and the second blank.

[0048] The above object is also achieved by the method according to independent claim 12 below. For this purpose, the method of the above type further comprises the following steps: iv) Joining the first blank and the second blank materials by applying at least a partially viscous substance or an adhesive tape (preferably made of an elastomer or having an elastomer).

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the material joining in step iv) comprises the following steps: - Applying an adhesive with a non-crosslinked polymer to the first blank; - Applying the second blank to the adhesive; and - Crosslinking the adhesive.

[0050] In another embodiment, the material joining in step iv) comprises the following steps: - Applying an adhesive tape with a non-vulcanized elastomer to the first blank; - Applying the second blank to the adhesive tape; and - Vulcanizing the adhesive tape.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible sheets of the first blank and the second blank have been vulcanized before applying the adhesive tape.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, vulcanization is initiated by introducing thermal or electromagnetic radiation into the adhesive tape.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least the vulcanization of the adhesive tape is carried out under pressure.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one surface of the first blank or the second blank to which the adhesive tape is applied is at least cleaned, degreased or roughened before contacting the adhesive tape.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises at least one of the following steps: v) applying a primer to at least the first blank in the area where the adhesive tape is applied to the first blank, or applying a primer to the second blank in the area where the second blank is applied to the adhesive tape; or vi) providing a primer for the adhesive tape.

[0056] Such a primer serves as a pre - coating or primer to improve the adhesion and / or durability of the adhesive tape to the surfaces of the first and second blanks. Description of the Drawings

[0057] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of two embodiments and the drawings. In the figures, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0058] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a multi - part vehicle with a corrugated pipe according to the present invention.

[0059] Figure 2 is a schematic cross - sectional view through a folded corrugated pipe according to the present invention.

[0060] Figure 3 is a schematic cross - sectional view through a corrugated corrugated pipe according to the present invention.

[0061] Figure 4 is Figure 2 or Figure 3 an enlarged schematic cross - sectional view of the connection between two blanks in the corrugated pipe of

[0062] Figure 5 is Figure 2 or Figure 3 a schematic view of an alternative connection between two blanks in the corrugated pipe of Detailed Description of the Invention

[0063] Figure 1Schematic view of a bus 1 as a multi-part vehicle in the sense of the present application. The bus consists of a front vehicle 2 and a rear vehicle 3 which are joined together. A transition bridge allows passengers to move from the front vehicle 2 to the rear vehicle 3 and vice versa. To protect the transition bridge from environmental influences, a bellows 4 according to the invention serves as a passage protection for the transition bridge. In this embodiment, the bellows consists of a side wall 17 and a top 16.

[0064] Such bellows 4 are generally designed as folding bellows or as corrugated bellows. Figure 2 Shows from Figure 1 A cross-section through the side wall of the folding bellows 4 along the cutting plane A-A. Figure 3 Shows from Figure 1 A cross-section through the side wall of the corrugated bellows 4 along the cutting plane A-A.

[0065] From Figure 2 The folds 5 of the folding bellows are arranged in a zigzag manner in the cutting plane A-A in Figure 1 . Each fold 5 has an approximately V-shaped profile in the cutting plane A-A. In the variant shown, each fold 5 consists of exactly two blanks (i.e., a first blank 6 and a second blank 7 made of a flexible rubber sheet). The first blank 6 and the second blank 7 are connected to each other at the apex 8 of the fold 5. Each fold 5 is also connected to at least one adjacent fold 5. According to the invention, the connection 9 of the respective first blank 6 and second blank 7 at the apex 8 and the connection 10 of the fold 5 to the adjacent fold 5 are material-bonded. However, in the present invention, embodiments are also conceivable and covered in which only the material bonding of the blanks is achieved without the mutual material bonding of the folds, or vice versa.

[0066] In the corrugated bellows as shown in Figure 3 , each corrugation 11 of the cutting plane A-A is significantly curved. The corrugations of the corrugated bellows have an approximately U-shaped profile in the cutting plane A-A.

[0067] The corrugations 11 are formed by exactly one blank 6, 7 of a flexible rubber sheet, which either bends outward from the inside and then back inside or bends inward towards the passenger compartment. In the variant shown here, the first blank 6 forms the first corrugation 11 and the second blank 7 forms the second corrugation 11. The first blank 6 and the second blank 7 are materially bonded to each other in order to connect the first corrugation 11 to the second corrugation 11.

[0068] In the folding and corrugated bellows 4 of the prior art, the connections 9, 10 between the first blank 6 and the second blank 7 are designed as conventional seams. Holes are made in the sheets of the individual blanks 6, 7 and industrial yarns are passed through these holes.

[0069] In contrast, the connecting portions 9, 10 of the bellows 4 from Figure 2 and Figure 3 completely dispense with form - fitting connections and also dispense with non - form - fitting connections. As an alternative, they are specifically designed for material bonding.

[0070] Figure 4 shows how this material bonding between the first blank 6 and the second blank 7 is formed in the corrugated bellows 4 from Figure 2 In this variant, an acrylate adhesive 14 is provided between the front surfaces 12, 13 of the first blank 6 and the second blank 7.

[0071] In contrast, Figure 5 shows how a material bonding between the first blank 6 and the second blank 7 can be formed in the corrugated bellows 4 from Figure 3 A bonding tape 15 made of rubber with a thickness of 0.2 mm is arranged between the first blank 6 and the second blank 7. To create the connecting portion 9, first the first blank 6 and the second blank 7 are provided. The non - vulcanized bonding tape 15 is applied to the first blank 6. Then the second blank 7 is applied to the bonding tape 15, and finally the bonding tape 15 is vulcanized under pressure by introducing heat into the bonding tape 15.

[0072] For the purposes of the original disclosure, it should be noted that all features, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the present specification, the drawings and the claims, can be combined alone or in any combination with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, even if they have been specifically described only in combination with certain further features, provided that this is not explicitly excluded or the technical situation makes such a combination impossible or meaningless. A comprehensive and explicit representation of all conceivable combinations of features is omitted here only for the sake of brevity and readability of the specification.

[0073] Although the invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are merely exemplary and are not intended as a limitation of the scope of protection as defined by the claims. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0074] Variations of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the drawings, the specification and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The fact that certain features are claimed in different claims does not exclude their combination. The reference signs in the claims are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

[0075] Reference Signs

[0076] 1 Bus

[0077] 2 Leading vehicle

[0078] 3 Rear vehicle

[0079] 4 Bellows

[0080] 5 Folding part

[0081] 6 First blank

[0082] 7 Second blank

[0083] 8 Vertex of the folding part

[0084] 9, 10 Connecting part

[0085] 11 Corrugation

[0086] 12, 13 Front surface

[0087] 14 Acrylate adhesive

[0088] 15 Adhesive tape

[0089] 16 Top

[0090] 17 Side wall

Claims

1. A bellows (4) as channel protection for a transition bridge between two movably connected car bodies (2, 3) of a multi-part vehicle (1) or between two movably connected parts of a passenger bridge or passenger ladder, the bellows (4) comprising: Top (16); and Two side walls (17) arranged opposite to each other; in, At least the two side walls (17) or the top (16) or the connecting area between one of the two side walls (17) and the top (16) each has a plurality of folds (5) or corrugations (11), wherein the plurality of folds (5) or corrugations (11) comprises at least a first blank (6) made of a flexible sheet and a second blank (7) connected to the first blank (6), wherein the first blank (6) and the second blank (7) are at least partially materially bonded to each other, It is characterized in that The first blank (6) and the second blank (7) overlap or abut each other along one edge thereof, Wherein, an adhesive (14, 15) is arranged between the first blank (6) and the second blank (7), The adhesive comprises at least a partially sticky substance and / or an adhesive tape (15) having an elastic body.

2. The corrugated tube (4) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The materially bonded first blank (6) and second blank (7) are not positively connected to one another.

3. A bellows according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The flexible sheet comprises a polymer, wherein the polymer is preferably an elastomer, and particularly preferably, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, silicone rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chloroprene rubber and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or a combination thereof.

4. A bellows according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 3, wherein: The adhesive is selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric adhesive, a silicone rubber, an acrylate adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive, a resin adhesive, a dispersion adhesive, and a polyvinyl acetate adhesive, or a combination thereof.

5. A bellows according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The adhesive tape (15) has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm and particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm.

6. The corrugated tube according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The polymer of the first blank (6) and the second blank (7) and the polymer matrix of the binder are similar to each other, preferably identical.

7. A bellows according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein One or more flutes or folds of the corrugated tube are formed from only a single first blank (6) and a single second blank (7).

8. A bellows according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Two substantially U-shaped bellows parts including side walls, a top and a base are connected by a first blank (6) and a second blank (7).

9. The corrugated tube (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The bellows (4) is provided by a method comprising the following steps: A) providing the first blank (6); B) providing the second blank (7); C) applying an adhesive tape (15) comprising a non-vulcanized elastomer or an adhesive substance to the first blank (6); D) applying the second blank (7) to the adhesive tape (15) or the adhesive mass in such a way that the first blank and the second blank overlap or abut each other along one of their edges; and E) vulcanizing at least the adhesive tape (15) or the adhesive mass, and optionally vulcanizing the first blank (6) or the second blank (7).

10. A channel for a transition bridge between two movably connected car bodies (2, 3) of a multi-part vehicle (1) or between two movably connected parts of a passenger bridge or passenger ladder, having a bellows (4) according to any of the preceding claims.

11. A multi-section vehicle having a transition bridge between two movably connected carriage bodies (2, 3) of a multi-section vehicle (1), the transition bridge having a bellows (4) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A method for producing a bellows (4) as channel protection for a transition bridge between two movably connected car bodies (2, 3) of a multi-part vehicle (1) or between two movably connected parts of a passenger bridge or passenger ladder, the bellows (4) having a top (16) and two oppositely arranged side walls (17), wherein: The method comprises the following steps: i) providing a first blank (6) made of a flexible sheet material; ii) providing a second blank (7) made of a flexible sheet material such that the first blank and the second blank overlap or abut each other along one edge thereof; as well as iii) forming at least the two side walls (17) or the top (16) or a connecting area between one of the two side walls (17) and the top (16) using the first blank (6) and the second blank (7), so that at least each of the side walls (17) or the top (16) or the connecting area has a plurality of folds (5) or corrugations (11), Characterized in that the method further comprises the following steps: iv) bonding the first blank (6) and the second blank (7) material together using an at least partially sticky substance and / or an elastomeric adhesive tape (15).

13. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the material combining in step iv) comprises the steps of: - applying an adhesive tape (15) comprising a non-vulcanized elastomer or said adhesive substance to said first blank (6); - applying the second blank (7) to the adhesive tape (15); and - Vulcanizing the adhesive tape (15).

14. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein At least one surface of the first blank (6) or one surface of the second blank (7) to which the adhesive tape (15) is applied is at least cleaned, degreased or roughened before contact with the adhesive tape (15).

15. The method according to claim 12 or claim 14, wherein: The method further comprises at least one of the following steps: v) applying a primer to at least the first blank (6) in the region where the adhesive tape (15) or the adhesive substance is applied to the first blank (6), or applying a primer to the second blank (7) in the region where the second blank (7) is applied to the adhesive tape (15) or the adhesive substance; or vi) Providing a primer to the adhesive tape (15) or the adhesive mass.

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