Fixing adapter for fixing a protective bellows to a mechanical member

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing adapter (13) for fixing a protective bellows to a mechanical member, the fixing adapter (13) having a sleeve (15) comprising an outer wall (17) configured to be inserted into one end of the protective bellows and an inner wall (21) configured to be clamped on the mechanical member by clamping means so as to hold the sleeve (15) in position relative to the end of the protective bellows and to the mechanical member, the sleeve (15) comprising a longitudinal slot (23) such that the opposite faces (25a, 25b) of the slot (23) are in contact when the sleeve (15) is held in position relative to the end of the protective bellows and to the mechanical member. The invention also relates to a protective assembly comprising such a fixing adapter (13) and to a mechanical device comprising such a protective assembly.

Description

Fixing adapter for fixing a protective bellows to a mechanical component

[0001] The invention relates to the field of protective bellows. More specifically, the invention relates to a fixing adapter for fixing a protective bellows to a mechanical member, a protection assembly comprising such a fixing adapter, as well as a mechanical device comprising such a protection assembly.

[0002] A protective bellows is generally intended to protect a mechanical component, particularly a mobile one, by isolating it from the external environment. For example, such a protective bellows protects the mechanical component from dust, ultraviolet radiation, moisture-laden air or sea air, oils, hydrocarbons, solvents, and even shocks. Usually, a protective bellows comprises a waterproof flexible casing, one end of which is fixed to the mechanical component by means of a clamp. The mechanical component is, for example, a hydraulic or electric cylinder rod, a ball screw rod, or a universal joint rod. For example, in the case of a hydraulic cylinder, deterioration of seals and / or the cylinder rod can cause an oil leak. Without proper maintenance, the hydraulic cylinder may malfunction or even be out of service.Thus, the protective bellows has the function of insulating the cylinder rod from the external environment.

[0003] The attachment of the protective bellows to the mechanical component is nevertheless complex. For example, in order to allow proper attachment using a clamp, the shape, such as the diameter, of the protective bellows must be locally adapted to that of the mechanical component to which it is attached. It is therefore necessary to have a large number of different and specific types of protective bellows to allow for suitable mounting on each mechanical component. The installation of the protective bellows is also complex, requiring, for example, the use of hydraulic clamps or an expansion cone, or complete disassembly of the device comprising the mechanical component that the protective bellows is intended to protect, in order to allow the passage of the protective bellows for its installation. Such a device is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder, a ball screw, a universal joint, a shock absorber or an actuator.

[0004] The invention aims in particular to improve the adaptability of a protective bellows while simplifying its installation on a mechanical component to be protected.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a fixing adapter for fixing a protective bellows to a mechanical member, the fixing adapter comprising a sleeve comprising - an external wall configured to be inserted into one end of the protective bellows and - an internal wall configured to be clamped onto the mechanical member by clamping means configured to clamp the end of the protective bellows onto the sleeve, so as to hold the sleeve in position relative to the end of the protective bellows and to the mechanical member, the sleeve comprising a longitudinal slot extending from the external wall to the internal wall, the slot being such that the opposite faces of the slot are in contact when the sleeve is held in position relative to the end of the protective bellows and to the mechanical member.

[0006] The presence of such a slot makes it possible to obtain a simple installation of the fixing adapter on the mechanical member, and such holding in position makes it possible to ensure the sealing of the interfaces between the fixing adapter and the mechanical member and between the fixing adapter and the protective bellows. In addition, because the opposite faces of the slot are in contact when the clamping means are tightened, the sealing of the interfaces between the protective bellows and the fixing adapter and between the fixing adapter and the mechanical member is preserved. Thanks to the fixing adapter, it is possible to use a protective bellows whose end is not dimensionally adjusted to the mechanical member. Thus, thanks to the use of such a fixing adapter, the adaptability of the protective bellows is improved, and its installation on the mechanical member to be protected is simplified.

[0007] It is understood that when tightening by the tightening means, the sleeve is deformed due to the action of the tightening means on the end of the protective bellows.

[0008] Depending on other optional features of the mounting adapter, taken alone or in combination:

[0009] - The sleeve is deformable between a free position and a clamped position in which the sleeve is held in position relative to the end of the protective bellows and the mechanical component.

[0010] - The opposite faces of the slot are in full contact when the sleeve is held in position relative to the end of the protective bellows and the mechanical component.

[0011] - The opposite faces of the slot are parallel to a central axis of the sleeve.

[0012] - The sleeve has a thickness of between 5 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably equal to 15 mm.

[0013] - The sleeve has a ratio of its thickness to its largest transverse dimension between 0.2 and 0.8. This makes it possible to tighten the sleeve while limiting its thickness.

[0014] - The end of the sleeve configured to be inserted first into the protective bellows includes a chamfer connected to the outer wall. Thus, insertion of the sleeve into the protective bellows is facilitated.

[0015] - The fixing adapter is in the form of a split sleeve.

[0016] - The fixing adapter is in the form of a split ring.

[0017] - The internal wall has a profile of a shape complementary to that of the mechanical part, preferably a circular or polygonal profile, for example square.

[0018] - The external wall has a profile with a shape complementary to that of the protective bellows, preferably a circular or polygonal profile, for example square.

[0019] - The inner wall has a corrugated profile. This increases the adhesion between the inner wall of the sleeve and the mechanical component in a simple manner, which guarantees that it is held in position once the sleeve is tightened onto the mechanical component by the clamping means.

[0020] - The slot forms an angular sector around a central axis of the sleeve, the angular sector being between 5° and 45°, preferably between 10° and 30°, preferably equal to 30°. Thus, the mounting of the fixing adapter on the mechanical member is particularly simple. Indeed, the mechanical member can be easily inserted into the sleeve thanks to the specific shape of the slot. An angular sector between 10° and 30° makes insertion particularly simple, while allowing contact to be maintained between the opposite faces of the slot by moderate tightening.

[0021] - The sleeve comprises at least one through hole arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall, preferably a plurality of regularly distributed through holes, more preferably arranged at an equal distance from the inner wall and the outer wall and parallel to a central axis of the sleeve. Thus, the through hole(s) make it possible to fulfill one or more additional functions, for example a ventilation function while limiting the entry of particles from the outside.

[0022] - The sleeve has a longitudinal notch leading from the outer wall to a through hole in the sleeve. Such a notch thus allows the through hole to receive an electrical connection cable or a sensor.

[0023] - The fixing adapter includes ventilation means, configured to allow the passage of ventilation air through the sleeve. Thus, since the ventilation means allowing ventilation between a chamber delimited by the protective bellows and the exterior are provided on the fixing adapter, it is not necessary to provide ventilation means on the protective bellows in the case where the mechanical component to be protected requires ventilation. The same protective bellows can thus be used, whether the mechanical component requires ventilation or not.

[0024] - The ventilation means are made of the sleeve material, which is in the form of open-cell foam. Thus, such a material allows for ventilation while significantly limiting the entry of particles from the outside.

[0025] - The ventilation means are formed by at least one through hole in the sleeve. Thus, the ventilation means are made in a simple manner.

[0026] - The at least one through hole is parallel to the central axis of the sleeve.

[0027] - The at least one through hole has a maximum cross-sectional dimension greater than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0028] - The at least one through hole is of elliptical section, the major axis of which is oriented from the inner wall to the outer wall. Thus, the shape of the through hole is such that, after tightening the fixing adapter by the tightening means, the through hole has a circular section.

[0029] - The at least one through hole is closed by a filter cartridge, preferably a carbon filter cartridge or an open-cell foam cartridge. Thus, ventilation can be achieved while limiting the entry of particles and / or pollutants from the outside.

[0030] - The filter cartridge is fitted, welded or glued into the through hole.

[0031] - The at least one through hole receives a tubular element. The addition of such a tubular element stiffens the through hole, and thus ensures ventilation after installation of the fixing adapter and tightening via the clamping means.

[0032] - The tubular element is made of metal or plastic material.

[0033] - The mounting adapter includes a contamination indicator carried by the sleeve. This makes it possible to detect a leak in the internal space of the protective bellows, without requiring any disassembly or specific adaptation of the protective bellows. For example, it is thus possible to detect an oil leak from a cylinder without disassembling the cylinder.

[0034] - The contamination indicator is a transparent window or a cartridge of chemical reagent, preferably reacting with oil. Thus, the contamination indicator is made in a simple way.

[0035] - The transparent window is made of plastic material.

[0036] - The at least one through hole accommodates the contamination indicator. The installation of the contamination indicator in the mounting adapter is thus carried out particularly simply.

[0037] - The sleeve is a single-piece design. This makes the mounting adapter particularly easy to manufacture and recycle.

[0038] - The sleeve is made of plastic material, for example based on polymer, copolymer or elastomer material, preferably polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate or silicone. Such materials allow simple manufacture and are generally recyclable. More preferably, the sleeve is made of ethylene vinyl acetate or polyethylene or silicone foam.

[0039] - The foam is open-cell or closed-cell, preferably open-cell. The use of open-cell foam allows, for example, the passage of air necessary for the proper functioning of the protective bellows. The mesh formed by the open cells then forms a filter ensuring non-contamination by dust from the interior of the chamber delimited by the protective bellows. The use of closed-cell foam guarantees watertightness while limiting the weight of the sleeve, and consequently that of the fixing adapter.

[0040] - The foam has a density between 120 kg / m3 and 250 kg / m3. The density is measured, for example, according to the ASTM D-792 standard. Thus, the foam has an optimal density allowing the sleeve to withstand tightening by the clamping means without deterioration.

[0041] - The sleeve material, preferably foam, has a Shore A hardness of between 30 and 80. Shore A hardness is measured, for example, according to ASTM D-2240. Thus, the sleeve material has an optimal hardness allowing the sleeve to withstand, without deterioration, tightening by the clamping means, while being sufficiently deformable to ensure sealing.

[0042] - The sleeve is made of cork or rubber. Using this material is economical and environmentally friendly.

[0043] - The sleeve is composed of a foam, preferably ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, surrounding a holding insert comprising the inner wall configured to be clamped onto the mechanical member, the holding insert preferably being a silicone ring. Thus, the presence of a holding insert makes it easier to hold the sleeve in position on the mechanical member. In particular, the material of the insert may be chosen, preferably silicone, in order to increase the adhesion between the sleeve and the mechanical member, which makes it easier to hold it in position.

[0044] The invention also relates to a protection assembly comprising:- a protective bellows preferably being a cylindrical expandable tubular element in the elongated state,- a fixing adapter as previously described, the external wall of the sleeve of which is inserted into one end of the protective bellows,- clamping means configured to clamp the end of the protective bellows onto the sleeve, so as to hold the sleeve in position relative to the end of the protective bellows and to the mechanical member.

[0045] Depending on other optional features of the protection set, taken alone or in combination:

[0046] - The clamping means are formed by a clamp, preferably made of stainless steel. Thus, the clamping means are made in a simple manner, and installation is facilitated.

[0047] - The protective bellows is an expandable tubular element, preferably cylindrical in the elongated state, preferably straight cylindrical in the elongated state. For example, the protective bellows is a cylindrical expandable tubular element in the elongated – in other words expanded – state, as disclosed in document WO 2021 / 156240 A1.

[0048] The invention also relates to a mechanical device, such as a hydraulic or electric jack, comprising: - a support, - a mechanical member movable relative to the support, - a protection assembly as previously described, in which the fixing adapter is interposed between the protective bellows and the mechanical member at one end of the protective bellows, the other end of the protective bellows being fixed to the support, preferably by clamping means configured to clamp the other end of the protective bellows: - on another fixing adapter as previously described, so as to hold the other fixing adapter in position relative to the other end of the protective bellows and to the support, or - directly on the support.

[0049] Depending on other optional features of the mechanical device, taken alone or in combination:

[0050] - The mechanical member is a rod, preferably a hydraulic cylinder rod, an electric cylinder rod, a ball screw rod, a cardan shaft, a shock absorber rod or an actuator rod.

[0051] - The mechanical member or support is an extension ring, on which are fixed in series a first protective bellows on a first end by means of a first fixing adapter and a second protective bellows on a second end by means of a second fixing adapter.

[0052] - The mechanical part or support is a mounting plate, a bearing or a ball bearing.

[0053] - The mechanical device is a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder, a ball screw, a universal joint, a shock absorber or an actuator. Brief description of the figures

[0054] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0055] is a schematic perspective view of a mechanical device according to a first embodiment;

[0056] is an exploded schematic view of a protection assembly provided with a fixing adapter according to a first variant of the first embodiment;

[0057] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to the first variant of the first embodiment;

[0058] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a second variant of the first embodiment;

[0059] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a third variant of the first embodiment;

[0060] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a fourth variant of the first embodiment;

[0061] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a fifth variant of the first embodiment;

[0062] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a sixth variant of the first embodiment;

[0063] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a second embodiment;

[0064] is a schematic perspective view of a mounting plate;

[0065] is a schematic perspective view of an extension ring.

[0066] In these figures, similar elements are designated by identical references. Detailed description

[0067] The following embodiments and their variations are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0068] In the description, certain elements may be indexed, for example first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name close but not necessarily identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and such names can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present invention. This indexing also does not imply an order in time.

[0069] A mechanical device according to a first embodiment, designated by the general reference 1, is shown on the figure.

[0070] The mechanical device 1 is in this example a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder. According to variants not shown, the mechanical device is a ball screw, a universal joint, a shock absorber or an actuator.

[0071] Such a mechanical device 1 comprises a support 3, a mechanical member 5 movable relative to the support 3, and a protection assembly 7

[0072] In this example, the support 3 is secured to a body 4. The support 3 is for example fixed by screwing onto the body 4. The body 4 is for example a jack body.

[0073] The mechanical member 5 is a rod, preferably a hydraulic cylinder rod, an electric cylinder rod, a ball screw rod, a cardan shaft, a shock absorber rod or an actuator rod. In this example, the mechanical member 5 is a hydraulic cylinder rod or an electric cylinder rod. In this example, the mechanical member 5 is movable in translation relative to the support 3. For example, the mechanical member 5 and the support 3 define a sliding connection between them or a sliding pivot connection between them. Preferably, the mechanical member 5 and the support 3 define a sliding connection between them.

[0074] The protective assembly 7 comprises a protective bellows 9, clamping means 11 and a fixing adapter 13.

[0075] The protective bellows 9 is an expandable tubular element, preferably cylindrical in the elongated state, preferably straight cylindrical in the elongated state. For example, the protective bellows 9 is an expandable tubular element cylindrical in the elongated state – in other words expanded – as disclosed in document WO 2021 / 156240 A1. For example, the protective bellows 9 is made of plastic material, preferably a polymer and / or elastomer material.

[0076] The clamping means 11 are formed in this example by a clamping collar, preferably made of stainless steel.

[0077] The fixing adapter 13 is provided for fixing the protective bellows 9 to the mechanical member 5. Thus, the fixing adapter 13 comprises a sleeve 15, visible on the and shown in detail on the according to a first variant. For example, the sleeve 15 defines a central axis X, which also forms in this example a longitudinal axis of the mechanical member 5 and the protective bellows 9. As shown on the, the fixing adapter 13 is interposed between the protective bellows 9 and the mechanical member 5 at one end 14 of the protective bellows 9.

[0078] In this example, the sleeve 15 is one-piece.

[0079] The sleeve 15 comprises an outer wall 17 configured to be inserted into the end 14 of the protective bellows 9. The sleeve 15 also comprises an inner wall 21 configured to be clamped onto the mechanical member 5 by the clamping means 11. Thus, the clamping means 11 are configured to clamp the end 14 of the protective bellows 9 onto the sleeve 15, so as to hold the sleeve 15 in position relative to the end 14 of the protective bellows 9 and to the mechanical member 5. The sleeve 15 is deformable between a free position and a clamped position in which the sleeve 15 is held in position relative to the end 14 of the protective bellows 9 and to the mechanical member 5. In the mechanical device 1 shown in the comprising the fixing adapter 13, the sleeve 15 is consequently in the clamped position.Consequently, the outer wall 17 is inserted into the end 14 of the protective bellows 9, the inner wall 21 is clamped onto the mechanical member 5 by the clamping means 11, the clamping means 11 clamping the end 14 of the protective bellows 9 onto the sleeve 15, so as to hold the sleeve 15 in position relative to the end 14 of the protective bellows 9 and to the mechanical member 5.

[0080] The outer wall 17 has a profile of a shape complementary to that of the protective bellows 9, preferably a circular or polygonal profile. In this example, the outer wall 17 has a circular profile. According to a variant not shown, the profile of the outer wall 17 is corrugated.

[0081] The sleeve 15 also comprises a longitudinal slot 23 extending from the outer wall 17 to the inner wall 21. The slot 23 is such that the opposite faces 25a, 25b of the slot 23 are in contact, preferably fully in contact, when the sleeve 15 is held in position relative to the end 14 of the protective bellows 9 and to the mechanical member 5. In this example, the opposite faces 25a, 25b of the slot 23 are parallel to the central axis X of the sleeve 15. The fixing adapter 13 is thus in the form of a split sleeve or in the form of a split ring.

[0082] The slot 23 forms an angular sector around the central axis X of the sleeve 15, the angular sector being between 5° and 45°, preferably between 10° and 30°, preferably equal to 30°.

[0083] In this example, the sleeve 15 has a thickness of between 5 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably equal to 15 mm. The sleeve has, for example, a ratio of its thickness to its largest transverse dimension of between 0.2 and 0.8.

[0084] The sleeve 15 is manufactured by milling, laser cutting, water jet cutting, hot wire cutting, or is obtained by press cutting impression. Laser cutting modifies the cutting surface by increasing adhesion.

[0085] The inner wall 21 has a profile of a shape complementary to that of the mechanical member 5, preferably a circular or polygonal profile. In this example, the inner wall 21 has a circular profile. According to a variant not shown, the profile of the inner wall 21 is corrugated.

[0086] Furthermore, the end of the sleeve 15 configured to be inserted first into the protective bellows 9 comprises a chamfer 27 connected to the external wall 17.

[0087] The sleeve 15 is made of plastic material, for example based on polymer, copolymer or elastomer material, preferably polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate or silicone. More preferably, the sleeve 15 is made of ethylene vinyl acetate or polyethylene or silicone foam. In this example, the sleeve 15 is made of ethylene vinyl acetate foam. The foam is open cell or closed cell, in this example open cell. The foam has a density of between 120 kg / m3 and 250 kg / m3. The material of the sleeve 15, preferably the foam, has a Shore A hardness of between 30 and 80. According to a variant not shown, the sleeve 15 is made of cork or rubber.

[0088] The fixing adapter 13 comprises, for example, ventilation means, configured to allow the passage of ventilation air through the sleeve 15. For example, the ventilation means are constituted by the material of the sleeve, when the material of the sleeve is in the form of open-cell foam.

[0089] Optionally, according to a variant not shown, the fixing adapter 13 comprises a contamination indicator carried by the sleeve 15.

[0090] As shown in the, the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 is fixed to the support 3. For example, the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 is fixed directly to the support 3 by clamping means 31. Thus, the clamping means 31 are configured to clamp the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 directly to the support 3. The clamping means 31 are formed for example by a clamping collar, preferably made of stainless steel. The support 3 is for example a fixing plate provided with an end piece onto which the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 is fitted.

[0091] Alternatively, the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 is fixed to the support 3 by clamping means 31 configured to clamp the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 on another fixing adapter similar to the fixing adapter 13, so as to hold the other fixing adapter in position relative to the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 and to the support 3.

[0092] According to a second variant of the first embodiment of the fixing adapter 13a, shown in the, this fixing adapter 13a differs from the fixing adapter 13 according to the first variant described previously in that the sleeve 15 comprises at least one through hole 33 arranged between the inner wall 21 and the outer wall 17, in this example a single through hole 33. The at least one through hole 33 is parallel to the central axis X of the sleeve 15. Furthermore, the at least one through hole 33 has a maximum dimension in cross section greater than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. In this example, the ventilation means of the fixing adapter 13 are formed by the at least one through hole 33 of the sleeve 15. Optionally, the at least one through hole 33 is closed by a filter cartridge, preferably a carbon filter cartridge or an open-cell foam cartridge.For example, the filter cartridge is nested, welded or glued into the through hole 33.

[0093] In this example, the at least one through hole is of circular section. Alternatively and according to a variant not shown, the at least one through hole 33 is of elliptical section, the major axis of which is oriented from the internal wall 21 to the external wall 17.

[0094] Optionally, according to a variant not shown, the fixing adapter 13 comprises a contamination indicator carried by the sleeve 15, the at least one through hole 33 receiving the contamination indicator. The contamination indicator is for example a transparent window, preferably made of plastic material, or a chemical reagent cartridge, preferably reacting with oil.

[0095] According to a third variant of the first embodiment of the fixing adapter 13b, shown in the, this fixing adapter 13b is distinguished from the fixing adapter 13a according to the second variant described previously in that the sleeve 15 comprises a plurality of through holes 33 arranged between the internal wall 21 and the external wall 17, in this example a plurality of regularly distributed through holes 33, for example eight in number. The through holes 33 are arranged at an equal distance from the internal wall 21 and the external wall 17 and parallel to the central axis X of the sleeve 15.

[0096] According to a fourth variant of the first embodiment of the fixing adapter 13c, shown in the, this fixing adapter 13c is distinguished from the fixing adapter 13b according to the third variant described previously, in that the at least one through hole 33, for example each through hole 33, receives a tubular element 35. The tubular element 35 is made of metal or plastic material.

[0097] According to a fifth variant of the first embodiment of the fixing adapter 13d, shown in the, this fixing adapter 13d is distinguished from the fixing adapter 13a according to the second variant described previously in that the sleeve 15 comprises a longitudinal notch 37 leading from the external wall 17 towards a through hole 33 of the sleeve 15. Such a notch 37 thus allows the through hole 33 to receive an electrical connection cable or a sensor.

[0098] According to a sixth variant of the first embodiment of the fixing adapter 13e, shown in the, this fixing adapter 13e is distinguished from the fixing adapter 13 according to the first variant described previously in that its sleeve 15e comprises two parts. Thus, the sleeve 15e is composed of a foam 39 surrounding a holding insert 41. The foam 39 is for example of a foam material such as that of the sleeve 15 previously described in the first variant. Preferably, the foam 39 is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. The holding insert 41 comprises the internal wall 21 configured to be clamped onto the mechanical member 5. The holding insert 41 is for example a silicone ring.

[0099] According to a second embodiment of the fixing adapter 13', shown in the, this fixing adapter 13' is distinguished from the fixing adapter 13 according to the first variant described previously of the first embodiment in that the sleeve 15' has a square section shape. In this example, the internal wall 21' has a square profile, and the external wall 17' has a square profile.

[0100] La represents a fixing plate 43, which can be inserted into a fixing adapter 13, 13a-13e as previously described. The fixing plate comprises a fixing base 45 from which a tubular end piece 47 extends longitudinally. Such a fixing plate 43 then forms the mechanical member 5 or the support 3. Alternatively and according to variants not shown, the fixing plate 43 can be replaced by a bearing or a ball bearing.

[0101] Larepresents an extension ring 49. The extension ring 49 has a first end 51a, a second end 51b, separated by a shoulder 53 forming a stop. The extension ring 49 is such that a first protective bellows 9 can be fixed therein in series on the first end 51a by means of a first fixing adapter 13, 13a-13e as previously described and a second protective bellows 9 on the second end 51b by means of a second fixing adapter 13, 13a-13e as previously described. The shoulder 53 then forms a stop for the first protective bellows 9 and for the second protective bellows 9.

[0102] An example of a method for mounting a mechanical device 1 such as a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder is described below. Such a mounting method comprises the following steps: - providing a mechanical device comprising a support 3 and a mechanical member 5 movable relative to the support 3, - fitting a protective bellows 9 around the mechanical member 5, the protective bellows 9 preferably being in the elongated state, - inserting the sleeve 15, 15e, 15' of a fixing adapter 13, 13a-13e, 13' into one end 14 of the protective bellows 9, - tightening the end 14 onto the sleeve 15 via tightening means 11 so as to hold the sleeve 15, 15e, 15' in position relative to the end 14 of the protective bellows 9 and to the mechanical member 5, - tightening the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 onto the support 3 via tightening means 31.

[0103] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will become clear to those skilled in the art. It is in particular possible to combine the embodiments and variants previously described with each other. List of references

[0104] 1: mechanical device3: support4: body5: mechanical part7: protective assembly9: protective bellows11: clamping means13, 13a-13e, 13': fixing adapter14: end15, 15e, 15': sleeve17, 17': external wall21, 21': internal wall23: slot25a, 25b: opposite faces27: chamfer29: other end31: clamping means33: through hole35: tubular element37: longitudinal notch39: foam41: holding insert43: fixing plate45: fixing base47: end piece49: extension ring51a, 51b: end53: shoulderX: central axis

Claims

Fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') for fixing a protective bellows (9) on a mechanical member (5), the fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') comprising a sleeve (15, 15e, 15') comprising- an external wall (17, 17') configured to be inserted into one end (14) of the protective bellows (9) and- an internal wall (21, 21') configured to be clamped on the mechanical member (5) by clamping means (11) configured to clamp the end (14) of the protective bellows (9) on the sleeve (15, 15e, 15'), so as to hold the sleeve (15, 15e, 15') in position relative to the end (14) of the protective bellows (9) and to the mechanical member (5),characterized that the sleeve (15, 15e, 15') comprises a longitudinal slot (23) extending from the outer wall (17, 17') to the inner wall (21, 21'), the slot (23) being such that the opposite faces (25a, 25b) of the slot (23) are in contact when the sleeve (15, 15e,15') is held in position relative to the end (14) of the protective bellows (9) and to the mechanical member (5)., Fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') according to the preceding claim, in which the slot (23) forms an angular sector around a central axis X of the sleeve (15, 15e, 15'), the angular sector being between 5° and 45°, preferably between 10° and 30°, preferably equal to 30°. Fixing adapter (13a-13d) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (15) comprises at least one through hole (33) arranged between the inner wall (21) and the outer wall (17), preferably a plurality of regularly distributed through holes (33), more preferably arranged at an equal distance from the inner wall (21) and the outer wall (17) and parallel to a central axis X of the sleeve (15). Fixing adapter (13d) according to the preceding claim, wherein the sleeve (15) comprises a longitudinal notch (37) leading from the external wall (17) towards a through hole (33) of the sleeve (15). A fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') according to any preceding claim, which comprises ventilation means, configured to allow the passage of ventilation air through the sleeve. A fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') according to any preceding claim, which comprises a contamination indicator carried by the sleeve (15, 15e, 15'). A fixing adapter (13, 13a-13d, 13') according to any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve (15, 15') is one-piece. Fixing adapter (13e) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve (15e) is composed of a foam (39), preferably ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, surrounding a holding insert (41) comprising the internal wall (21) configured to be clamped on the mechanical member (5), the holding insert (41) preferably being a silicone ring. Protective assembly (7) comprising:- a protective bellows (9) preferably being a cylindrical expandable tubular element in the elongated state,- a fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') according to any one of the preceding claims, the external wall (17, 17') of the sleeve (15, 15e, 15') of which is inserted into one end (14) of the protective bellows (9),- clamping means (11) configured to clamp the end (14) of the protective bellows (9) on the sleeve (15, 15e, 15'), so as to hold the sleeve (15, 15e, 15') in position relative to the end of the protective bellows (9) and to the mechanical member (5). Mechanical device (1), such as a hydraulic or electric jack, comprising:- a support (3),- a mechanical member (5) movable relative to the support (3),- a protection assembly (7) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') is interposed between the protective bellows (9) and the mechanical member (5) at one end (14) of the protective bellows (9), the other end of the protective bellows being fixed to the support (3), preferably by clamping means (31) configured to clamp the other end (29) of the protective bellows (9):- on another fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, so as to hold in position the other fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') relative to the other end (29) of the protective bellows protection (9) and to the support (3), or - directly on the support (3).

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