Winding and unwinding system for a flexible inflatable structure

Abstract

A winding and unwinding system (1) for a flexible inflatable structure (2) comprising a drum (3) of diameter D, at least one inflatable structure (2) capable of being inflated by an inflation fluid to a working pressure, and capable of being wound and unwound, and having one end (23) connected to the drum (3) and to an access point for the inflation fluid, and a distal end (22). The inflatable structure (2) contains a drain (24) permeable to the inflation fluid at a pressure at least equal to the collapse pressure of the structure, and one end of the drain (24) is capable of establishing the circulation of the inflation fluid from at least one access point (4) for the inflation fluid to another end of the drain (24), the length from one end of the drain to the other being at least equal to 3.14*D. (Shortcut figure: Figure 2)

Description

Title of the invention: System for rolling up and unrolling a flexible inflatable structure

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of inflatable objects or structures, more particularly of the type comprising at least one inflatable tube and more particularly large inflatable structures, or comprising one or more inflatable tubes.

[0002] In this field, inflatable structures are known comprising a frame comprising airtight inflatable tubes or, more generally, without any implied shape, airtight inflatable chambers most often contained in a structural envelope comprising a reinforcing fabric or merging with the structural envelope in the case of fabrics made airtight by impregnation with a airtight matrix. The inflatable chambers are most often provided with inflation valves which are a form of access but not necessarily or only, the inflatable structure being able to be maintained under pressure by being connected to a pump regulating a nominal pressure or working pressure proposed by the manufacturer of the structure, for example through a connection tube, the pump compensating for any losses of inflation fluid due to any imperfections in the sealing.After inflation, the sealed chambers ensure the shape and stiffening of the structure.

[0003] Some of these structures are self-supporting (FR2980341_Bl, FR3044958Al). Once inflated, they maintain their shape and support covers or doors, in the case of enclosures or shelters. They also support trays or other furniture elements, in the case of furniture, such as tables or inflatable seats.

[0004] One of the problems with inflatable structures is their deployment and storage. Even if their deflated volume is much smaller than their inflated volume, their surface area can remain extremely large and their storage requires the intervention of several people, following a folding procedure.

[0005] A well-known method for storing bulky and flexible structures is to roll them up on themselves or on a drum (FR3019195A1). These structures nevertheless have the particularity of being open at their ends. This is not the case for all structures. Indeed, the problem of rolling up a complex inflatable structure is, among other problems, the presence of residual inflation fluid in certain sub-parts of the inflatable structure which can become pressurized during rolling up. Rolling up systematically generates a tension of the wound object corresponding to the effort required to move the rest of the inflatable structure to be wound, effort often linked to the weight of the inflatable structure remaining to be wound, this tension compresses the inflatable structure on the drum, reduces its volume and if the inflation fluid cannot exit the inflatable structure, this increases the pressure. This residual inflation fluid either increases the volume occupied by the winding or, in the worst case scenario, can cause the structure to fail due to the increase in pressure. Certainly, in some structures it is always possible to put valves at points of the inflatable structure subject to the retention of residual inflation fluid to avoid these failures, but an additional valve is always a possibility of leakage.

[0006] Furthermore, for certain applications, it may be advantageous to unroll not a deflated structure and then inflate it but to unroll a structure which inflates as it unfolds, for example so that only the elements intended to be in contact with the ground during use in the inflated state are in contact with the ground, or so that the inflatable structure cannot interact with passers-by regardless of the time of its use: during its deployment, during its inflation, in use, during its deflation, during its folding, and this for various reasons of safety of passers-by or integrity of the inflatable structure.For example, the deflated structure may have a larger floor area than the inflated structure and therefore once deflated, if it is not rolled up as it is, it may rest on a surface which may contain sharp objects such as shards of glass which could damage the tubes and pierce them, rendering them unusable.

[0007] The inventors set themselves the objective of solving these problems linked to the storage of flexible inflatable structures by rolling them up on a drum, in particular of avoiding the risks of overpressure due to retention of the inflation fluid without adding valves, of being able to unroll an inflatable structure by inflating the unrolled part of the inflatable structure as it unrolls.

[0008] This objective was achieved by a system for rolling up and unrolling a flexible inflatable structure comprising: - A drum with a diameter D comprising a rotation axis and a winding surface, - at least one inflatable structure capable of being inflated by an inflation fluid to a working pressure, and capable of being wound and unwound on the winding surface during rotation of the drum around its axis, the inflatable structure having at least one end connected to the drum, called the proximal end, and at least one distal end, - the inflatable structure having a breakdown pressure Pd, - at least one access for the inflation fluid intended to inflate the inflatable structure is located at at least one proximal end of the inflatable structure, - the inflatable structure containing a drain permeable to the inflation fluid at a pressure at least equal to the breakdown pressure Pd of the structure, - one end of the drain being fixed to at least one proximal end of the inflatable structure and capable of establishing the circulation of the inflation fluid from at least one inflation fluid access to another end of the drain, - another end of the drain being fixed in the inflatable structure in the direction of the distal end of the inflatable structure, the length from one end of the drain to the other being at least equal to 3.14*D.

[0009] By drum is meant any system for rolling up an inflatable structure, its rolling surface not necessarily being continuous. Indeed, there are rolling drums made up of a series of separate support zones, in particular for watering hoses. This type of drum is included in the invention. For certain applications where the inflatable structure supports fabrics, sails, ropes, a continuous rolling surface has the advantage of preventing these elements from passing between the support zones and risking getting caught there, preventing the correct operation of the following unwinding. For such non-perfectly cylindrical drums, the diameter D is the maximum distance between two diametrically opposed support zones.

[0010] The rolled-up and deflated state is the state where the inflatable structure is rolled up to the maximum on the drum and where the volume of inflation fluid in the inflatable structure is minimum. The deployed or unrolled, inflated state is the state where the inflatable structure is unrolled to the maximum from the drum and where the volume of inflation fluid in the inflatable structure is maximum. In certain very specific cases, these two optimums are not concomitant, these states are considered as the minimum and maximum of inflation fluid in the inflatable structure. Here the expressions "the inflatable structure deployed" and "the inflatable structure unrolled" have the same meaning.

[0011] The inflatable structure has a free portion intended to extend away from the drum. The portion of the inflatable structure furthest from the drum in its inflated deployed state is the distal end of the inflatable structure. There may be several distal portions and relative distal portions if the inflatable structure is divisible into inflatable substructures. In this case, each inflatable substructure will be considered. The portion closest to the drum or attached to it in the inflated deployed state is the proximal end of the inflatable structure. There may also be several proximal portions.

[0012] The proximal end is an inflation fluid access. The inflatable structure may have an inflation fluid access at the inflation surface or in the drum, or possibly protruding from the drum.

[0013] It is advantageous for the inflatable structure to comprise reinforcing elements, preferably textile reinforcing elements. For example, the inflatable structure may comprise a membrane comprising textile reinforcements coated in a polymer matrix ensuring the cohesion of the reinforcements and the sealing. The inflatable structure may also be composed of a superposition of layers, preferably from the inside to the outside of the structure, of a polymeric waterproof layer, the reinforcing layers absorbing the pressure forces. The reinforcements are preferably natural or synthetic textile fibers to maintain the flexibility of the structure in the deflated state while giving it rigidity in the inflated state, particularly in bending, torsion, compression and traction. There may be several layers of reinforcing elements depending on the needs of the use, to protect the waterproof chamber for example, or to increase the rigidities.The angles of the reinforcing elements can also vary according to requirements. The breakdown pressure Pd, lower than the working pressure, is the minimum pressure at which the inflatable structure will either lose its watertightness or cause the reinforcing elements to rupture. One method of measuring this breakdown pressure is to increase the pressure in the inflatable structure until the watertightness is lost or the reinforcing elements rupture. Those skilled in the art will be able to set up a suitable measurement method using, for example, acoustic means to measure this pressure.

[0014] The invention therefore consists of providing a drain allowing the circulation of the inflation fluid between the ends of the drain, even if the inflatable structure is wound on the drum in this part, preventing the inflation fluid from circulating except through the drain on a part of the winding. Indeed, during winding, the winding surface and the various wound turns of the inflatable structure exert pressure on a part of the inflatable structure, preventing, in the absence of the drain, the circulation of the inflation fluid between the access and the distal end of the inflatable structure. This increases the pressure in the rest of the inflatable structure, risking failure of the inflatable structure. With the drain, the inflation fluid can be evacuated from the distal end through the access to the proximal end of the inflatable structure during winding without the need to add a valve to the distal end.Indeed, the drain remains permeable to the inflation fluid even when compressed to a pressure higher than the nominal or operating pressure, preferably the drain remains permeable to the inflation fluid even when compressed to a pressure equal to the burst pressure of the inflatable structure. The invention can be used in a wide range of pressures and for many uses, it is therefore difficult to quantify a priori the pressure resistance that the drain must have. To ensure operation of the drain in all . the circumstances in which the inflatable structure is likely to be found, the drain must remain permeable to the inflation fluid even when compressed to a pressure equal to the burst pressure of the inflatable structure. Beyond this pressure, the inflatable structure will suffer a breakdown. The invention may also include a safety valve in the event of use of a compressor, in particular at the air outlet of the compressor.

[0015] Furthermore, this invention allows automatic storage of a large part of the inflatable structures with appendages which tend to twist on themselves. To do this, it is sufficient to put a drain on either side of the place where the inflatable structure twists, which is most often the same. With the drain during rolling, the twisted part of the inflatable structure drains all the same. If the twisted part of the inflatable structure risks being positioned at any point in the chamber, it is sufficient to put the drain along the entire length of the inflatable structure from the access to the inflatable structure to the point of the inflatable structure furthest from the access. In fact, the drain makes it possible to double the torque applied by the inflation fluid to the twist.Indeed, some structures tending to twist, untwist by themselves under the effect of inflation when the torque exerted on the inflatable structure by the inflation fluid is greater than the resistive torque which keeps the sealed chamber in the twisted position. In general this torque is linked to the mass of a part of the structure, in this case, or in the cases of a fold which can also prevent the circulation of the inflation fluid between the ends of the drain, the object applying a pressure greater than the nominal pressure is the sealed chamber itself, or the inflatable structure. When this torque is not sufficient, to increase the torque, it is possible to increase the pressure at the risk of damaging the sealed chamber, or to multiply the torque by two by using a drain without increasing the pressure and therefore without any risk for the chamber.

[0016] By inflatable flexible structure, it is meant that the inflatable structure being empty, certain points of the wall of the inflatable structure which in the inflated state are distant from each other by a non-zero distance, can be in contact in the deflated state. The inflatable structure consists essentially of a membrane, single-layer or multi-layer, excluding drain, whose bending rigidity is negligible compared to its tensile rigidity. By negligible, we mean at least 100 times lower. Due to this low bending rigidity, an inflatable structure is capable of being wound on a drum.

[0017] For the winding to be a storage tool, it is necessary that the length of the drain corresponds to at least one turn of the drum and therefore that the length from one end of the drain to the other is at least equal to 3.14*D.

[0018] The drain extends along a mean curve, or neutral line, between its ends As and Bs. Perpendicular to this curve, it is possible to define a section S of the drain which can be in its state at atmospheric pressure circumscribed in a rectangle of smaller area, which rectangle having a length and a width. The length of this rectangle is the greatest length Ld of the section of the drain, its width the smallest length of the section of the drain. The same applies to the inflatable structure to define the smallest length Le of the section of the inflatable structure. If the inflatable structure, in particular if it is made up of several tubes, and / or the drain, have variable sections, the lengths of the sections of the tubes and on the parts which maximize the surface area of ​​the section of the inflatable structure or the drain will be measured.

[0019] The inflatable structure comprises a flexible, waterproof material such as a polyvinyl chloride plastic film, rubber such as butyl or any other material known for manufacturing reinforced or non-reinforced waterproof chambers.

[0020] The invention is more particularly dedicated to inflatable structures with air or neutral gas such as nitrogen but it can be used for any inflatable structure with an inflation fluid for which the sealed chamber is suitable.

[0021] In order to be able to roll up the drain with the inflatable structure, it is not appropriate for the installation of the drain in the inflatable structure to involve stiffening the inflatable structure beyond what is reasonable. The drain is therefore deformable, elastic and also flexible to be foldable and maintain the flexibility of the structure. This excludes drains being metal pipes, rigid plastics without however excluding the use of these materials by combinations making it possible to obtain such flexibility. To maintain this property, a preferred solution is for the drain to be elastic and its compression modulus to be at most equal to 1 MPa, preferably less than 0.1 MPa. For the measurement of the compression modulus, a force-displacement curve measurement will be adapted over a significant length of the drain by applying the force perpendicular to the vector normal to the section of the drain.The person skilled in the art will either be able to use existing standards such as the ASTDM D3574 standard for foams, or to generalize their principles. The drain does not necessarily have a constant section, but for ease of construction, it is advantageous for the drain section to be constant. In the case of a non-constant section, several measurements can be taken if necessary.

[0022] A preferred solution is that the drain is a three-dimensional fabric, called 3D fabric, or a foam, or a pipe, plastic, rubber, reinforced or not, multi-perforated, namely with a multitude of perforations allowing the circulation of the inflation fluid at all points of the inflatable structure between the ends of the drain while maintaining compression rigidity. Such solutions have the flexibility necessary to be wound on a drum. Those skilled in the art will know how to size the 3D fabric, the foam and the rubber or plastic hose so that the drain always allows the circulation of the inflation fluid between the ends of the drain or if necessary between all the points located between the ends of the drain. The advantage of these solutions, in particular 3D fabrics, is that in certain uses, even at pressure levels much higher than the nominal inflation pressure, these fabrics become rigid in compression while remaining porous to the inflation fluid, in particular an inert gas. A 3D fabric is a fabric comprising at least two superimposed woven layers comprising a plurality of wefts and warps, the different wefts and warps creating a fabric with a thickness, for example, such that two superimposed fabrics of low thickness are linked by one or more threads, thus creating thickness, or for example such that the wefts and warps pass from one superimposed layer to the other (US6103641A1, EP3545124B1).

[0023] The drain is at least adherent to the inflatable structure at its ends in order to perform its function. This adhesion can be done by any known physical means, seams, glue, thermal or chemical welding, laser, etc. A preferred solution to prevent the movement of the drain between its two ends from creating stresses at the points of junction of the drain to the inflatable structure is that it is adherent to the inflatable structure at at least one point between the two ends As and B s of the drain, preferably at numerous regularly spaced points whose distance is at most equal to 20 cm, preferably continuously between As and B s.

[0024] A preferred solution is that the volume of the drain represents at most 10% of the volume of the inflatable structure in its inflated state at the nominal pressure, the drain not having to significantly increase the volume of the structure, particularly in its deflated state.

[0025] It is preferred that the drain has a thickness at atmospheric pressure at most equal to 5 cm, preferably 2 cm. This solution was used for an inflatable structure composed of several 10 m long tubes, substantially cylindrical with a diameter of approximately 45 cm in the inflated state with acceptable operation.

[0026] For certain intended uses, it is preferred that the drain has a volume flow rate under the nominal pressure at least equal to 1 m3 / h, which allows inflation and deflation with an acceptable speed of the structures, the objective of the drain not being to assist in the inflation of the entire structure but to allow the minimal inflation of all the sections where it is present, once this first inflation has been done and the inflatable structure is slightly inflated, the inflation fluid passes naturally through the inflatable structure.

[0027] If the winding and unwinding system of the inflatable structure is intended to perform X drum revolutions to wind and unwind the inflatable structure, it is advantageous for the length from one end of the drain to the other to reach the part of the inflatable structure capable of inflating once the winding is finished and therefore that this length of the drain is at least equal to 3.2*D*X. It is also advantageous for one end of the drain to be fixed to a distal end of the inflatable structure, to avoid any need for a valve, more generally it is advantageous for one end of the drain to be fixed to any distal end, relative or not. By relative distal end, we mean an end of the inflatable structure in which closing an access to this area would isolate it from the rest of the inflatable structure, but which would not be of the greatest length.

[0028] Some inflatable structures include textile ties between some of their parts to stiffen them in tension. It may be advantageous to have the ability to wind or unwind these ties independently of the winding or unwinding of the inflatable elements of the structure. Thus, if the inflatable structure includes at least one rope intended to exert tension on all or part of the inflatable structure during the winding, unwinding or use of the inflatable structure, it is advantageous for the winding or unwinding system to be provided with a winch capable of winding and unwinding the at least one rope independently of the rotation of the drum.

[0029] In certain configurations, it is necessary for the rope to always be positioned in the same way relative to the inflatable structure and the drum. A rope wound on a winch with an independent moving element - here the inflatable structure being wound on the drum - can very easily serve as a tool for cutting said object and it is not appropriate for the winch rope to damage all or part of the inflatable structure. Thus it is sometimes advantageous for the winch to be located in the drum. Properly positioned, it may thus be possible to avoid any risk of the inflatable structure being cut by the winch rope.According to the most interesting configuration, at least one rope will pass at the axial end of the drum and may possibly also be wound on the drum without contact with the inflatable structure or at least one rope will be connected to the winch by passing through a groove located in the winding surface of the drum having a fixed point with respect to the unwinding zone of the rope. In such a configuration where the groove for the passage of the rope is on an area where the inflatable structure is likely to be wound, from the moment when the drum having wound the inflatable structure, the rope is trapped between the inflatable structure and the rope is wound on the winch, the rope is no longer actuable by the winch except by rubbing on the inflatable structure. Thus, if the groove is placed in such a way that, with the inflatable structure unwound, the rope is wound on the drum over a length at least equal to 3.14*D / 4 and at most equal to 1.25*3.14*D, preferably at most equal to 0.95*3.14*D, so that by winding the inflatable structure through a quarter turn and up to 5 quarters of a complete turn, the winch is able to operate without generating friction on the structure. inflatable. Beyond 5 quarter turns, the rope makes a dead turn on the drum and going further would be damaging either to the winch or to the rope. Furthermore, to go up to this value, the rope should be wound on a portion of the drum on which the inflatable structure does not wind, a portion axially offset (in the direction of the axis of rotation of the drum) from the winding area of ​​the inflatable structure. By limiting ourselves to 0.95*3.14*D, that is to say a little less than one turn, we avoid all these constraints. This arrangement of having a portion of rope wound on the drum, makes it possible to greatly simplify the respective winding and unwinding automation of the winch and the drum.

[0030] To avoid variations in rope speed, it is advantageous for the axis of the winch to coincide with the axis of the drum.

[0031] Advantageously, the winding and unwinding system is provided with a reel containing an interlayer, the reel and the interlayer being configured to interpose the interlayer between two consecutive turns of the inflatable structure when the inflatable structure is wound on the drum. The interlayer is useful for separating two consecutive turns of the inflatable structure and preventing elements of two consecutive turns, in particular ropes or guy ropes, from interacting with the risk of knots. The reel is provided with a motor in order to wind the interlayer when the inflatable structure is unwound.Adequate adjustment of the speed of the reel motor also allows the interlayer to be laid under tension, generating hooping of the inflatable structure, particularly of the part being wound, and therefore pressurizing the inflation fluid in this part, allowing faster evacuation of the inflation fluid through the drain.

[0032] As one of the advantages of the solution is to allow improved inflation and deflation methods either by automation or by limiting human intervention, the invention includes: - A method of winding or unwinding an inflatable structure using a system for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure according to the invention in which the inflatable structure being deployed and inflated, the drum is rotated causing the inflatable structure to be wound under tension around the drum, the winding pressurizing the wound part of the inflatable structure and the inflation fluid which can be evacuated through the drain towards the inflation fluid access to the inflatable structure connected to the drum. - Method for winding or unwinding an inflatable structure using a system for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure according to the invention in which the inflatable structure being deflated and wound around the drum, the inflation fluid is sent through the drain towards the at least one distal end of the inflatable structure, the drum is rotated to unwind the structure, the unrolled part being at least partially inflated. - Method of winding or unwinding in accordance with the preceding methods using a system for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure according to the invention provided with a winch located in the drum in which the winch keeps the at least one rope under tension during part of the winding or unwinding of the inflatable structure. - Method of winding or unwinding in accordance with the preceding methods using a system for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure according to the invention provided with a winch located in the drum in which the at least one rope is capable of being wound or unwound by the winch during the winding of the inflatable structure on the drum over an angle substantially at most equal to 350°, then wound on the winding surface integrally with the winding of the inflatable structure.

[0033] By the inflatable structure being deployed and inflated, it is meant that the inflatable structure is in the use position, under the use pressure. The drum, while rotating, will roll up the inflatable structure and its support on the drum surface will create a natural hooping which will increase the pressure in the structure, the inflation fluid under pressure may possibly escape through a valve or through the drain connecting the inflatable structure to the access, which here becomes the evacuation of the inflation fluid. It is always possible to increase the hooping pressure by the use of a mechanical part putting pressure on the inflatable structure being rolled up at the level of the drum in order to improve the compression of the inflatable structure on the drum and therefore the compactness of the storage.

[0034] Conversely, the structure being deflated and wound under tension around the drum, means that it is in its storage position. There may remain inflation fluid in the at least one distal end of the inflatable structure or other part of the inflatable structure not compressed by the winding system. In this position for deploying the inflatable structure, it is always possible to unroll it by rotating the drum in the appropriate direction, but it is also possible to unroll the inflatable structure in the inflated state by synchronizing the rotation of the drum and the inflation as the inflatable structure unrolls via the drain which makes it possible to supply first the at least distal end of the inflatable structure and then the parts which are unrolled. It is also possible to synchronize the inflation of the inflatable structure and its unrolling.Indeed, when inflating, the inflatable structure exerts a force linked to the pressure; by using a mechanical part on which the inflatable structure rests, it is possible to generate a force pulling the inflatable structure to unroll it from the drum. If necessary, it is also possible to control a motor actuating the drum, for example to the pressure in the distal end of the inflatable structure, in order to coordinate the unrolling of the structure. inflatable and its inflation.

[0035] Keeping a rope under tension makes it possible either to avoid the creation of knots, or of interlocking with other parts of the inflatable structure or to keep all or part of the inflatable structure in a particular position. The winch can be controlled to perform this tensioning function.

[0036] Before having made an almost complete turn, namely 350°, it is possible to position the exit groove of the rope from the winding surface, so that the winding or unwinding of the rope on the winch can be totally independent of the winding of the inflatable structure on the drum. Once a complete turn has been made, to avoid friction of the rope, actuated by the winch on all or part of the inflatable structure, a rope being generally very abrasive by friction, it is not desirable to actuate the winch when all or part of the rope is wound on the drum in contact with an inflatable part of the inflatable structure, at the risk of causing friction with compression, the rope being hooped on a part of the inflatable structure which was previously wound and being itself hooped by another part of the inflatable structure now being wound on it.Such fretted friction would very quickly lead to wear of the inflatable structure. When the point of contact or attachment of the rope and the inflatable structure begins to be wound on the drum, the rope becomes de facto integral with the winding of the inflatable structure unless it accepts friction which could wear the rope and the inflatable structure, or provides lubrication which greatly complicates the installation.

[0037] By pump, or compressor, we mean any device allowing the inflation fluid to be moved, and / or put under pressure: pump, compressor, fan, etc.

[0038] The invention will be better understood from Figures 1 to 5, [Fig.l] being a realistic perspective view of an inflatable structure according to the invention in its unrolled and inflated state and Figures 2 to 5 being simplified schematic figures not shown to scale showing, going from Figures 2 to 5, the rolling up and deflation of the inflatable structure by the rolling up and unrolling system according to the invention, the movements being given by solid arrows. These same figures show, going from Figures 5 to 2, the unrolling and inflation of the inflatable structure, the movements being given by dotted arrows. The invention is not limited to the shade of figures 1 to 5 but includes any rolling or unrolling system equipped with a rolling drum and whose inflatable structure, whatever its function or shape, is equipped with a drain allowing it to be rolled and unrolled over at least one turn.

[0039] [Fig.l] represents a shade comprising an inflatable flexible structure (2) capable of being rolled up and unrolled by a rolling and unrolling system (1) according to the invention contained in a casing (7). The inflatable structure is composed in this case of several tubes (21) put under pressure, 6 mainly horizontal tubes (212) regularly distributed and connected together two by two by fabrics (26) used to provide shade or protect from bad weather. The fabrics (26) can be cut or perforated so as to offer minimal wind resistance. A vertical inflatable tube (211) ensures by means of guy ropes (51) the horizontal position of the other tubes (212), these guy ropes (51) are connected to a rope (5) wound on a winch (6) in the casing (7), these two elements not being visible in this representation.The entire inflatable structure (2) is equipped with drains allowing it to be unrolled and rolled up in the casing (7) with everything connected to it, shrouds, fabrics among other things, without intervention on the inflatable structure, the inflatable structure deploying by inflating and folding up by deflating without touching the ground or being close to any passers-by.

[0040] The realistic representation of the operation of the storage system being very complex and technically of little interest, to better understand the invention, we have represented it schematically in figures 2 to 5 with 3 tubes (21), two mainly horizontal (212) in the inflated state and the vertical tube (211) or mast tube.

[0041] [Fig. 2] represents an inflatable flexible structure (2) capable of being wound and unwound by a winding and unwound system (1) according to the invention contained in a casing (7). The inflatable structure (2) comprises several tubes (21) placed under pressure, 2 mainly horizontal tubes (212) in the deployed inflated state provided with a textile ball joint (25) or zone specifically designed to bend, for example by locally reducing the section of the tube, connected to a drum (3) of diameter D and axis of rotation (32). It also comprises a horizontal mast tube (211) connected to the drum (3) supporting shrouds (51) connected to a rope (5) partially wound on the winding surface (31) of the drum (3) and connected via a groove (61) to a winch (6) located in the drum (3). At this stage, the winch can wind or unwind the rope (5) independently of the winding of the drum (3).Each tube has a drain (24) connecting its distal end (22) to its proximal end (23) connected to an access (4) for the inflation fluid propelled by a pump, fan or compressor machine capable of putting pressure in the inflatable structure (2), a machine not shown here. Another option is to have a single access (4) with all the tubes (21) connected to it, which can lead to the deflation of the entire inflatable structure in the event of a leak from a tube (21). The distal end (22) of the mast tube (211) is a relative distal end (22) of the inflatable structure (2). It is important that a drain (24) connects its access (4) for the inlet and outlet of the inflation fluid to its distal end (22) to be able to roll up the inflatable structure. (2). The reel (8) and the spacer (81), one end of which is connected to the drum (3) and the other to the reel (8), are also shown. The axis of the reel is preferably parallel to the axis of the drum (3). Thus configured, it is easy to understand that the spacer will be positioned between two turns of the inflatable structure (2). Placed under tension, its role of hooping is also obvious. It is not shown in figures 3 to 5 for the sake of clarity in understanding the mechanism.

[0042] The first step for winding the inflatable structure is shown [Fig. 3]. A first length of inflatable structure (2) is wound onto the drum (3) in the direction indicated by the solid arrow, in this case two-thirds of a turn. The winding mechanically shrinks the part of the inflatable structure (2) wound onto the drum (3), the pressure increases in the inflatable structure and part of the inflation fluid is evacuated through the drain (24). The radially innermost tube in the wound part is shrinked by the tubes (21) which are radially outer to it, increasing the pressure force exerted on it and thus improving the compactness of the winding.To keep the tubes (212) in a horizontal position so that they do not touch the ground and cannot be damaged, the rope (5) is kept under tension by the winch (6) which winds in the direction indicated by the solid arrow, under control, half a drum perimeter of rope length (5) - in the representation but this can vary according to the needs, the size of the tubes, etc. The free part of the inflatable structure (2) therefore descends in the direction of the solid vertical arrows. This recovery of length also has the advantage of reducing the wind resistance of the inflatable structure (2) during the 2nd stage of winding the inflatable structure represented [Fig.2]. This descent of the inflatable structure (2) can be done at least until the horizontal tubes (211) are close to the casing (7).We could imagine a casing (7) whose edges would help via rollers for example to roll up the inflatable structure (2) via contact on the casing. However, contact is always wearing and should therefore be avoided for inflatable structures, moreover the fabrics (26) and other elements of the inflatable structure always have the possibility of getting stuck in a rotating object, hence the interest of step 2. Only one drain and one sausage are shown on the part of the inflatable structure rolled up on the drum for the simple sake of readability of the representation.

[0043] The second step for winding the inflatable structure is shown [Fig.4]. The winch (6) winds the rope (5), following the full arrow, connected to the guy ropes. The tubes (212) cease to be horizontal and straighten following the full arrows. Once the tubes (212) are straightened, the winding continues by rotation of the drum (3). Once the groove (61) in the winding surface passes the highest point of the drum, the rope is hooped by the inflatable structure on the drum and thus wound integrally with it. The flow of the inflation fluid continues through the drain. A A winch outside the drum without this capacity would require a much more complex control system. In fact, it would at some point interact with the fabrics (26) unless it were unwound in the other direction of the rope length, running the risk of making knots and complicating the mechanism.

[0044] The third step for rolling up the inflatable structure is shown [Fig.5]. It simply consists of a rotation of the drum (3) which finishes rolling up the inflatable structure (2) and therefore the tubes (21). The winch (6) is stopped, the rope (5) winding up integrally with the inflatable structure which hoops it onto the drum. The inflation fluid continues to circulate in the drain (24) to deflate the inflatable structure. The guy ropes (51) are also wound onto the drum. This phase stops once the inflatable structure is entirely in the casing (7).

[0045] To unroll the inflatable structure, proceed in the reverse order of Figures 5 to 2 by following the dotted arrows. The first step to unroll the inflatable structure is shown [Fig.5]. It simply consists of inflating the inflatable structure (2) through the drain from the access (6) of the inflation fluid located on the drum (3). The inflatable structure inflates through its distal ends. A rotation of the drum (3) unrolls it as it inflates, also releasing the guy wires (51) and the rope (5). The winch (6) is stopped, the rope (5) unrolling from the drum (3) integrally with the inflatable structure (2).

[0046] Being inflated as it unfolds, the inflatable structure (2) deploys with a rigidity making it possible to avoid any interaction with the casing and the ground or passers-by. When the rope (5) is freed from the hooping exerted by the inflatable structure, it is possible to start the winch to lower certain tubes (212) as shown in [Fig.4] following the dotted arrows, in order to minimize wind resistance.

[0047] It is then possible, in accordance with [Fig. 3] and following the dotted arrows, to continue to inflate the inflatable structure (2) while unrolling it by rotating the drum (3) so that it unfolds inflated, while releasing the rope (5) under tension with the winch (3) to keep the horizontal tubes (212) out of contact with the ground. Once this phase is finished, the inflatable structure (2) is deployed according to [Fig. 2].

[0048] The invention was tested using an inflatable structure in accordance with [Fig.l]. It measures approximately 17 m in diameter. The horizontal tubes (212) are approximately 3.50 m from the ground in order to avoid any interaction with pedestrians. The end of the mast tube (211) is approximately 10 m from the ground. The tubes are approximately 45 cm in diameter. They are composed of a sealed polyurethane chamber surrounded by a structural membrane comprising polyester fibers ensuring good rigidity for the tubes once inflated to the working pressure of 0.5 bar.

[0049] For the invention, the inventors glued a drain composed of a 3D polyester fabric of the commercial reference “T5683 Millier textile” 6 mm thick and 100 mm wide in all the tubes so that all the points of each tube (21) are connected by the drain (24) to the inflation / deflation valve (6) of the tube in question. The drum (3) is a steel drum of approximately 1 m diameter containing a controlled winch of approximately 10 cm diameter. The rope (5) and the guy ropes (51) are polyester-aramid ropes with diameters of 1 cm. The invention was tested with a reel (8) and a plastic-coated interlayer (81). The compressor, the rotation of the drum (3), the winch (6), the reel (8) are made from electric motors capable of operating on batteries or mains power. The casing (7) is equipped with a wheel and its dimensions are compatible with the dimensions of authorized trailers. It can also be mounted on a trailer.The benches visible in [Fig.l] under the shade are removable for transport. When the inflatable structure folds up, the tubes 212 rise to a height of approximately 13 m, hence the advantage of being able to lower the inflatable structure by approximately 2 m with the horizontal tubes (212) before raising them in accordance with [Fig.4] using the rope (5) and the winch. The drum (3) and the winch (6) have axes that coincide.

[0050] In the solution according to the invention, deploying and storing the inflatable structure no longer requires human intervention once the process has started. There is no need to secure it to the ground, its mass serving as ballast. It is therefore easily movable according to the user's needs. It is possible to store it before nightfall or depending on the weather to avoid any damage to the inflatable structure, in the event of a strong wind for example. At no time during the inflation / deflation process does the inflatable structure touch the ground or is likely to touch a passerby.

[0051] This demonstrates the interest of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Winding and unwinding system (1) of an inflatable flexible structure (2) comprising: - A drum (3) of a diameter D comprising an axis of rotation (32) and a winding surface (31), - at least one inflatable structure (2) capable of being inflated by an inflation fluid at a usage pressure, and capable of being wound and unwound on the winding surface (31) during rotation of the drum (3) around its axis (32), the inflatable structure (2) having at least one end (23) connected to the drum (3), called the proximal end, and at least one distal end (22), - the inflatable structure having a breakdown pressure Pd, - at least one access (4) of the inflation fluid intended to inflate the inflatable structure, is located at at least one proximal end (23) of the inflatable structure (2),- characterized in that the inflatable structure (2) contains a drain (24) permeable to the inflation fluid at a pressure at least equal to the breakdown pressure Pd of the structure, - in that one end of the drain (24) is fixed to at least one proximal end (23) of the inflatable structure and capable of establishing the circulation of the inflation fluid from at least one access (4) of the inflation fluid to another end of the drain (24), - -in that another end of the drain is fixed in the inflatable structure in the direction of the distal end (22) of the inflatable structure, the length from one end of the drain to the other being at least equal to 3.14*D.,

2. System (1) for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure (2) according to claim 1 in which the system (1) is intended to perform X turns of the drum (3) to wind and unwind the inflatable structure (2) and the length from one end of the drain to the other is at least equal to 3.2*D*X.

3. System (1) for rolling up and unrolling an inflatable structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 in which a end of the drain is attached to a distal end (22) of the inflatable structure (2).

4. System (1) for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the system (1) is provided with a reel (8) containing an interlayer (81), the reel (8) and the interlayer (81) being configured to interpose the interlayer between two consecutive turns of the inflatable structure (2) when winding the inflatable structure (2) onto the drum (1).

5. System (1) for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one rope (5) intended to exert tension on all or part of the inflatable structure (2) during the winding, unwinding or use of the inflatable structure, in which the system (1) is provided with a winch (6) capable of winding and unwinding the at least one rope (5).

6. System (1) for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure according to claim 5 in which the winch (6) is located in the drum (3).

7. System (1) for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure according to claim 6 in which the at least one rope (5) is connected to the winch (6) by passing through a groove (61) located in the winding surface (31) of the drum (3).

8. System (1) for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure (2) according to claim 7 in which the inflatable structure (2) being unwound, the rope (5) is wound on the drum (3) over a length at least equal to 3.14*D / 4 and at most equal to 1.25*3.14*D, preferably at most equal to 0.95*3.14*D.

9. A method of winding an inflatable structure (2) using a winding and unwinding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the inflatable structure (2) being deployed and inflated, the drum (3) is rotated causing the inflatable structure (2) to be wound under tension around the drum (3), the winding pressurizing the wound part of the inflatable structure (2) and the inflation fluid which can be evacuated through the drain (24) towards the access (4) of the inflation fluid to the inflatable structure (2) connected to the drum (3).

10. A method of unrolling an inflatable structure (2) using a winding and unwinding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the inflatable structure (2) being deflated and wound around the drum (3), the inflation fluid is sent through the drain (24) to the at least one distal end (22) of the inflatable structure (1), the drum (3) is rotated to unroll the inflatable structure (2), the unrolled portion of the inflatable structure (2) being at least partially inflated.

11. A method of winding according to claim 9 or unwinding according to claim 10 using a winding and unwinding system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8 in which the winch (6) keeps the at least one rope (5) under tension during part of the winding or unwinding of the inflatable structure (2).

12. Winding method according to claims 9 or 11 or unwinding method according to claims 10 or 11 using a winding and unwinding system (1) according to claims 7 to 8 in which the at least one rope (5) is capable of being wound or unwound by the winch (6) during the winding of the inflatable structure (2) on the drum (3) over an angle substantially at most equal to 350°, then wound on the winding surface (31) integrally with the winding of the inflatable structure (2).

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