Mounting adapter for attaching a protective bellows to a mechanical component

Abstract

The invention relates to a mounting adapter (13) for attaching a protective bellows to a mechanical component. The mounting adapter (13) comprises a sleeve (15) having an outer wall (17) configured to be inserted into one end of the protective bellows and an inner wall (21) configured to be clamped onto the mechanical component by clamping means so as to hold the sleeve (15) in position relative to the end of the protective bellows and the mechanical component. The sleeve (15) comprises 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 the mechanical component. The invention also relates to a protective assembly comprising such a mounting adapter (13) and a mechanical device comprising such a protective assembly. (See Figure 2 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Mounting adapter for attaching 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 onto a mechanical component, a protective assembly comprising such a fixing adapter, and a mechanical device comprising such a protective assembly.

[0002] A protective bellows is generally intended to protect a mechanical component, particularly a moving one, by isolating it from the external environment. For example, such a protective bellows protects the mechanical component from dust, ultraviolet radiation, humid or sea air, oils, hydrocarbons, solvents, and even impacts. Typically, a protective bellows comprises a flexible, sealed casing, one end of which is attached 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 the seals and / or the cylinder rod can lead to an oil leak. Without proper maintenance, the hydraulic cylinder can malfunction or even become inoperable.Thus, the protective bellows serves, among other things, to isolate the cylinder rod from the external environment.

[0003] Attaching the protective bellows to the mechanical component is nevertheless complex. For example, to ensure proper attachment using a clamp, the shape, such as the diameter, of the protective bellows must be specifically 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 proper mounting on each mechanical component. Installing the protective bellows is also complex, requiring, for example, the use of hydraulic clamps or an expansion cone, or complete disassembly of the device containing the mechanical component that the protective bellows is intended to protect, in order to allow passage of the protective bellows for installation. Such a device is, for example, a hydraulic or 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 on a mechanical component, the mounting adapter comprising a sleeve including - an external wall configured to be inserted into one end of the protective bellows and - an inner 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 the mechanical member, the sleeve comprising a longitudinal slot extending from the outer wall to the inner 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 the mechanical member.

[0006] The presence of such a slot allows for easy installation of the mounting adapter on the mechanical component, and this secure positioning ensures the sealing of the interfaces between the mounting adapter and the mechanical component, and between the mounting adapter and the protective bellows. Furthermore, 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 mounting adapter, and between the mounting adapter and the mechanical component, is maintained. Thanks to the mounting adapter, it is possible to use a protective bellows whose end is not dimensionally matched to the mechanical component. Thus, by using such a mounting adapter, the adaptability of the protective bellows is improved, and its installation on the mechanical component to be protected is simplified.

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

[0008] Depending on other optional features of the mounting adapter, sockets 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 complete 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 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 dimension transverse between 0.2 and 0.8. Thus, tightening the sleeve is possible while limiting its thickness.

[0014] - The end of the sleeve configured to be inserted first into the bellows of The protective element includes a chamfer connected to the outer wall. This facilitates the insertion of the sleeve into the protective bellows.

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

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

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

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

[0019] - The inner wall has a corrugated profile. Thus, the adhesion between the inner wall The sleeve and the mechanical component are augmented in a simple manner, which ensures that the sleeve is held in position once it 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 sector The angular sector is between 5° and 45°, preferably between 10° and 30°, and preferably equal to 30°. This makes mounting the mounting adapter onto the mechanical component particularly simple. The mechanical component 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 easy, while still allowing contact between the opposite faces of the slot through moderate tightening.

[0021] - The sleeve has at least one through hole disposed between the inner wall and The outer wall, preferably with a plurality of regularly spaced through holes, more preferably arranged equidistant from the inner and outer walls and parallel to a central axis of the sleeve. Thus, the through hole(s) allow for one or more additional functions, for example, aeration while limiting the entry of particles from the outside.

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

[0023] - The mounting adapter includes ventilation means, configured to Allowing ventilation air to pass through the sleeve. Since ventilation means enabling airflow between a chamber delimited by the protective bellows and the outside are provided on the mounting adapter, it is not necessary to provide ventilation means on the protective bellows itself if the mechanical component being protected requires ventilation. The same protective bellows can therefore be used regardless of whether the mechanical component requires ventilation or not.

[0024] - The ventilation means consist of the sleeve material, which is under open-cell foam form. Thus, such a material allows for aeration while greatly limiting the entry of particles from the outside.

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

[0026] - 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 has an elliptical cross-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 clamping means, the through hole has a circular cross-section.

[0029] - At least one through hole is closed by a filter cartridge, preferably a carbon filter cartridge or an open-cell foam cartridge. This allows ventilation while limiting the entry of particles and / or pollutants from outside.

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

[0031] - At least one through hole receives a tubular element. The addition of such an element The tubular structure stiffens the through hole, thus ensuring ventilation after the 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 allows for the detection of leaks within the protective bellows without requiring disassembly or specific modifications to the bellows. For example, an oil leak from a cylinder can be detected without disassembling the cylinder.

[0034] - The contamination indicator is a transparent window or a cartridge of A chemical reagent, preferably one that reacts with oil. This allows for a simple contamination indicator.

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

[0036] - At least one through hole receives the contamination indicator. The installation of The contamination indicator in the fixing adapter is thus made in a particularly simple way.

[0037] - The sleeve is one-piece. Thus, the manufacture of the fixing adapter and its Recycling is particularly simple.

[0038] - The sleeve is made of plastic material, for example polymer-based material, copolymer or elastomer, preferably polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, or silicone. Such materials allow for simple manufacturing and are generally They are not recyclable. Preferably, the sleeve is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyethylene, or silicone foam.

[0039] - The foam is open-celled or closed-celled, preferably with cells Open-cell foam, for example, allows the air necessary for the proper functioning of the protective bellows to pass through. The mesh formed by the open cells then acts as a filter, preventing dust contamination of the chamber enclosed by the protective bellows. Closed-cell foam ensures a watertight seal while reducing the weight of the sleeve, and consequently, the weight of the mounting 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, without deterioration, the tightening by the tightening means.

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

[0042] - The sleeve is made of cork or rubber. The use of this material is economical and ecological.

[0043] - The sleeve is made of foam, preferably foam The sleeve is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate, surrounding a retaining insert with an inner wall configured to be clamped onto the mechanical component. The retaining insert is preferably a silicone ring. The presence of this retaining insert facilitates securing the sleeve to the mechanical component. In particular, the insert material, preferably silicone, can be chosen to increase adhesion between the sleeve and the mechanical component, thus facilitating positioning.

[0044] The invention also relates to a protective assembly comprising: - a protective bellows preferably being a cylindrical, expandable tubular element in its elongated state, - a fixing adapter as previously described, the outer wall of whose sleeve 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 the mechanical component.

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

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

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

[0048] The invention also relates to a mechanical device, such as a hydraulic or electric cylinder, comprising: - a support, - a mechanical component that moves relative to the support, - a protective system as previously described, in which the fixing adapter is interposed between the protective bellows and the mechanical component 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 mounting adapter as previously described, so as to hold the other mounting adapter in position relative to the other end of the protective bellows and the support, or - directly onto the support.

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

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

[0051] - The mechanical component or support is an extension ring, onto 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 component 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 screw balls, a universal joint, a shock absorber or an actuator. Brief description of the figures

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

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

[0056] [Fig.2] is a schematic exploded view of a protective assembly equipped with a fixing adapter according to a first variant of the first embodiment;

[0057] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to the first variant of the first embodiment;

[0058] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a second variant of the first embodiment;

[0059] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a third variant of the first embodiment;

[0060] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a fourth variant of the first embodiment;

[0061] [Fig.7] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a fifth variant of the first embodiment;

[0062] [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a sixth variant of the first embodiment;

[0063] [Fig.9] is a schematic perspective view of a fixing adapter according to a second embodiment;

[0064] [Fig. 10] is a schematic perspective view of a mounting plate;

[0065] [Fig. 11] is a schematic perspective view of an extension ring.

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

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

[0068] In the description, certain elements can be indexed, for example, first element or second element. In this case, it is simply indexing to differentiate and name elements that are similar but not necessarily identical. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present invention. Nor does this indexing imply any chronological order.

[0069] Figure [Fig.1] shows a mechanical device according to a first embodiment, designated by the general reference 1.

[0070] In this example, the mechanical device 1 is a hydraulic cylinder or a jack electric. In variants not shown, the mechanical device is a ball screw, a cardan joint, a damper 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 protective assembly 7

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

[0073] The mechanical element 5 is a rod, preferably a hydraulic cylinder rod, an electric cylinder rod, a ball screw rod, a universal joint, a shock absorber rod, or an actuator rod. In this example, the mechanical element 5 is a hydraulic cylinder rod or an electric cylinder rod. In this example, the mechanical element 5 is translationally movable relative to the support 3. For example, the mechanical element 5 and the support 3 define a sliding joint between them or a sliding pivot joint between them. Preferably, the mechanical element 5 and the support 3 define a sliding joint between them.

[0074] The protective assembly 7 includes 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 its elongated state, preferably a straight cylindrical in its elongated state. For example, the protective bellows 9 is an expandable cylindrical tubular element in its elongated state – in other words, expanded – as disclosed in document WO 2021 / 156240 AL. 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 mounting adapter 13 is intended for attaching the protective bellows 9 to the mechanical component 5. Thus, the mounting adapter 13 comprises a sleeve 15, visible in [Fig. 2] and shown in detail in [Fig. 3] according to a first embodiment. For example, the sleeve 15 defines a central axis X, which in this example also forms a longitudinal axis of the mechanical component 5 and the protective bellows 9. As shown in [Fig. 1], the mounting adapter 13 is interposed between the protective bellows 9 and the mechanical component 5 at one end 14 of the protective bellows 9.

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

[0079] The sleeve 15 includes an outer wall 17 configured to be inserted into the end 14 of the protective bellows 9. The sleeve 15 also includes 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 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 the mechanical element 5. In the mechanical device 1 shown in [Fig. 1], which includes the fastening adapter 13, the sleeve 15 is therefore in a clamped position. Consequently, the outer wall 17 is inserted into the end 14 of the protective bellows 9, and the inner wall 21 is clamped onto the mechanical element 5 by the clamping means 11. The clamping means 11 clamp the end 14 of the protective bellows 9 onto the sleeve 15, thus holding the sleeve 15 in position relative to the end 14 of the protective bellows 9 and the mechanical element 5.

[0080] The outer wall 17 has a profile with 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 an alternative (not shown), the profile of the outer wall 17 is corrugated.

[0081] The sleeve 15 also includes 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 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 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, waterjet cutting, hot wire cutting, or is obtained by press cutting. Laser cutting modifies the cutting surface by increasing adhesion.

[0085] The inner wall 21 has a profile with 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 an alternative (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 includes a chamfer 27 connected to the outer wall 17.

[0087] The sleeve 15 is made of plastic material, for example, a polymer, copolymer, or elastomer material, preferably polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, or silicone. More preferably, the sleeve 15 is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate, 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 between 120 kg / m³ and 250 kg / m³. The material of the sleeve 15, preferably the foam, has a Shore A hardness between 30 and 80. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the sleeve 15 is made of cork or rubber.

[0088] The fixing adapter 13 includes, for example, ventilation means, configured to allow the passage of ventilation air through the sleeve 15. For example, the ventilation means are made up of 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 includes a contamination indicator carried by the sleeve 15.

[0090] As shown in [Fig. 1], 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 means of clamping means 31. Thus, the clamping means 31 are configured to clamp the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 directly onto 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 mounting plate having an end fitting 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 onto 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 mounting adapter 13a, shown in [Fig. 4], this mounting adapter 13a differs from the mounting adapter 13 according to the first variant described above in that the sleeve 15 has at least one through hole 33 disposed 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 cross-sectional dimension greater than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. In this example, the ventilation means of the mounting 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 fitted, welded or glued into the through hole 33.

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

[0094] Optionally, according to a variant not shown, the mounting adapter 13 includes 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 cartridge of chemical reagent, preferably reacting with oil.

[0095] According to a third variant of the first embodiment of the mounting adapter 13b, shown in [Fig. 5], this mounting adapter 13b differs from the mounting adapter 13a according to the second variant described above in that the sleeve 15 has a plurality of through holes 33 arranged between the inner wall 21 and the outer wall 17, in this example a plurality of regularly spaced through holes 33, for example, eight in number. The through holes 33 are arranged equidistant from the inner wall 21 and the outer 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 [Fig.6], this fixing adapter 13c differs from the fixing adapter 13b according to the third variant described above, in that 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 mounting adapter 13d, shown in [Fig.7], this mounting adapter 13d differs from the mounting adapter 13a according to the second variant described above in that the sleeve 15 has a longitudinal notch 37 leading from the outer wall 17 to a through hole 33 in 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 fastening adapter 13e, shown in [Fig. 8], this fastening adapter 13e differs from the fastening adapter 13 according to the first variant described above in that its sleeve 15e comprises two parts. Thus, the sleeve 15e consists of a foam 39 surrounding a retaining insert 4L. The foam 39 is, for example, made of a foam material such as that of the sleeve 15 described above in the first variant. Preferably, the foam 39 is made of ethylene acetate foam. vinyl. The retaining insert 41 includes the inner wall 21 configured to be clamped onto the mechanical member 5. The retaining insert 41 is, for example, a silicone ring.

[0099] According to a second embodiment of the mounting adapter 13', shown in [Fig. 9], this mounting adapter 13' differs from the mounting adapter 13 according to the first variant described above of the first embodiment in that the sleeve 15' has a square cross-section. In this example, the inner wall 21' has a square profile, and the outer wall 17' has a square profile.

[0100] Figure 10 shows a mounting plate 43, which can be inserted into a mounting adapter 13, 13a-13e as previously described. The mounting plate comprises a mounting base 45 from which a tubular end 47 extends longitudinally. Such a mounting plate 43 then forms the mechanical element 5 or the support 3. Alternatively, and according to variants not shown, the mounting plate 43 can be replaced by a bearing or a ball bearing.

[0101] Figure 11 shows an extension ring 49. The extension ring 49 has a first end 51a and a second end 51b, separated by a shoulder 53 that acts as a stop. The extension ring 49 is such that a first protective bellows 9 can be attached in series to the first end 51a by means of a first mounting adapter 13, 13a-13e as previously described, and a second protective bellows 9 can be attached to the second end 51b by means of a second mounting adapter 13, 13a-13e as previously described. The shoulder 53 then acts as 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: - to provide a mechanical device comprising a support 3 and a mechanical element 5 movable relative to the support 3, - to fit a protective bellows 9 around the mechanical component 5, the protective bellows 9 preferably being in an elongated state, - insert the sleeve 15, 15e, 15' of a fixing adapter 13, 13a-13e, 13' into one end 14 of the protective bellows 9, - tighten end 14 onto sleeve 15 via clamping means 11 so as to maintain sleeve 15, 15e, 15' in position relative to end 14 of the protective bellows 9 and to mechanical component 5, - tighten the other end 29 of the protective bellows 9 onto the support 3 via clamping means 31.

[0103] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and other means of The implementation will be clear to a person skilled in the art. In particular, it is possible to combine the previously described methods and variations. List of references

[0104] 1: mechanical device 3: support 4: body 5: mechanical component 7: protective set 9: Protective bellows 11: Clamping means 13, 13a-13e, 13': mounting adapter 14: end 15, 15th, 15': sleeve 17, 17': outer wall 21, 21': inner wall 23: slot 25a, 25b: opposite faces 27: chamfer 29: other end 31: clamping means 33: through hole 35: tubular element 37: longitudinal notch 39: foam 41: retaining insert 43: Mounting plate 45: mounting base 47: nozzle 49: extension ring 51a, 51b: endpoint 53: shoulder X: central axis

Claims

Demands

1. A mounting adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') for attaching a protective bellows (9) to a mechanical component (5), the mounting adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') comprising a sleeve (15, 15e, 15') including - an outer wall (17, 17') configured to be inserted into an end (14) of the protective bellows (9) and - an inner wall (21, 21') configured to be clamped onto the mechanical component (5) by clamping means (11) configured to clamp the end (14) of the protective bellows (9) onto 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 component (5), characterized in 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 component (5).

2. A fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') according to the preceding claim, wherein 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°.

3. A fastening adapter (13a-13d) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (15) has at least one through hole (33) disposed between the inner wall (21) and the outer wall (17), preferably a plurality of regularly spaced through holes (33), more preferably disposed at equal distances from the inner wall (21) and the outer wall (17) and parallel to a central axis X of the sleeve (15).

4. A fastening adapter (13d) according to the preceding claim, in which the sleeve (15) has a longitudinal notch (37) leading from the outer wall (17) to a through hole (33) in the sleeve (15).

5. A mounting adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes ventilation means configured to permit the passage of ventilation air through the sleeve.

6. Fixing adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes a contamination indicator carried by the sleeve (15, 15e, 15').

7. Fixing adapter (13, 13a-13d, 13') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (15, 15') is one piece.

8. A fixing adapter (13e) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve (15e) is composed of a foam (39), preferably of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, surrounding a retaining insert (41) comprising the inner wall (21) configured to be clamped onto the mechanical member (5), the retaining insert (41) preferably being a silicone ring.

9. 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 outer wall (17, 17') of the sleeve (15, 15e, 15') being inserted into an end (14) of the protective bellows (9), - clamping means (11) configured to clamp the end (14) of the protective bellows (9) onto the sleeve (15, 15e, 15'), so as to maintain the sleeve (15, 15e, 15') in position relative to the end of the protective bellows (9) and to the mechanical member (5).

10. A mechanical device (1), such as a hydraulic or electric cylinder, comprising: - a support (3), - a mechanical member (5) movable relative to the support (3), - a protective assembly (7) according to the preceding claim, wherein the mounting 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): - onto another mounting adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, so as to maintain the other mounting adapter (13, 13a-13e, 13') in position relative to the other end (29) of the protective bellows (9) and to the support (3), or - directly onto the support (3).