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: Winding and unwinding system for an inflatable flexible 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 to comprise a frame with airtight inflatable tubes, or more generally, without specifying a shape, airtight inflatable chambers most often contained within a structural envelope comprising a reinforcing fabric or merging with the structural envelope in the case of fabrics made airtight by impregnation with a waterproof matrix. The inflatable chambers are most often equipped with inflation valves, which are a form of access, but not necessarily or exclusively so. The inflatable structure can be maintained under pressure by being connected to a pump regulating a nominal pressure or operating pressure specified by the structure's manufacturer, for example, via a connecting tube. The pump compensates for any losses of inflation fluid due to potential imperfections in the airtightness.After inflation, the airtight chambers ensure the shape and rigidity 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 platforms or other furniture elements, in the case of inflatable furniture such as tables or seats.

[0004] One of the problems with inflatable structures is their deployment and storage. Even if their deflated volume is much less 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, flexible structures is to roll them up on themselves or on a drum (FR3019195A1). These structures, however, have the particularity of being open at their ends. This is not the case for all structures. Indeed, the problem with rolling up complex inflatable structures is, among other things, the presence of residual inflation fluid in certain sub-parts of the inflatable structure, which can become pressurized during rolling. Rolling systematically generates a tension of The winding of the object corresponds to the force required to move the rest of the inflatable structure being wound, a force often related to the weight of the remaining inflatable. This tension compresses the inflatable onto the drum, reducing its volume. If the inflation fluid cannot escape from the inflatable, 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 increased pressure. While it is possible to install valves at points on the inflatable structure prone to residual inflation fluid retention to prevent such failures, an additional valve always presents a potential source 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 when used in the inflated state are so contacted, or so that the inflatable structure cannot interact with passers-by at any time during its use: during its deployment, during its inflation, in use, during its deflation, during its folding, and this for various reasons of the safety of passers-by or the integrity of the inflatable structure.For example, the deflated structure may have a larger ground surface area than the inflated structure, and therefore, once deflated, if it is not rolled up as it is unrolled, it may rest on a surface that could contain sharp objects such as shards of glass which could damage the inflatable tubes and puncture them, rendering them unusable.

[0007] The inventors have set themselves the objective of solving these problems related to the storage of flexible inflatable structures by winding them onto a drum, in particular to avoid the risks of overpressure by retention of the inflation fluid without adding valves, to be able to unroll an inflatable structure by inflating as it is unrolled the unrolled part of the inflatable structure.

[0008] This objective was achieved by a winding and unwinding system for a flexible inflatable structure comprising: - A drum of 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 the 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 deflation pressure Pd, - at least one access point 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 deflation 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 access of the inflation fluid 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] The term "drum" refers to any system for winding an inflatable structure, its winding surface not necessarily being continuous. Indeed, there are winding drums made up of a series of disjointed support zones, particularly for garden hoses. This type of drum is included in the invention. For certain applications where the inflatable structure supports fabrics, sails, or ropes, a continuous winding surface is advantageous because it prevents these elements from passing between the support zones and potentially catching on them, thus hindering the proper operation of the subsequent 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 its maximum on the drum and the volume of inflation fluid in the inflatable structure is at its minimum. The deployed or unfurled, inflated state is the state where the inflatable structure is fully unfurled from the drum and the volume of inflation fluid in the inflatable structure is at its maximum. In certain very specific cases, these two optima are not simultaneous; these states are considered to be the minimum and maximum of inflation fluid in the inflatable structure. Here, the expressions "the deployed inflatable structure" and "the unfurled inflatable structure" have the same meaning.

[0011] The inflatable structure has a free portion designed to move 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 access point for the inflation fluid. The inflatable structure may have an access point for the inflation fluid at the inflation surface or in the drum, or possibly protruding from the drum.

[0013] It is advantageous for the inflatable structure to include reinforcing elements, preferably textile reinforcing elements. For example, the inflatable structure may include a membrane comprising textile reinforcements embedded in a polymer matrix ensuring the cohesion of the reinforcements and the airtight seal. The inflatable structure may also be composed of a series of layers, preferably from the inside to the outside of the structure, consisting of a waterproof polymer layer and reinforcing layers that withstand the pressure forces. The reinforcements are preferably natural or synthetic textile fibers to maintain the flexibility of the structure when deflated while providing rigidity when inflated, particularly in bending, torsion, compression, and tension. There may be several layers of reinforcing elements depending on the intended use, for example, to protect the airtight chamber or to increase rigidity.The angles of the reinforcement elements can also vary depending on the requirements. The failure pressure (Pd), which is lower than the working pressure, is the minimum pressure at which the inflatable structure will either lose its airtightness or cause the reinforcement elements to rupture. One method for measuring this failure pressure is to increase the pressure in the inflatable structure until it loses its airtightness or until the reinforcement elements rupture. A qualified professional will be able to implement a suitable measurement method, using, for example, acoustic means to measure this pressure.

[0014] The invention therefore consists of installing a drain that allows the inflation fluid to circulate between the ends of the drain, even if the inflatable structure is wound onto the drum in this section, preventing the inflation fluid from circulating except through the drain on a portion of the winding. Indeed, during winding, the winding surface and the various turns of the inflatable structure exert pressure on a portion of the inflatable structure, preventing, in the absence of the drain, the circulation of the inflation fluid between the access port 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 port at the proximal end of the inflatable structure during winding without the need to add a valve at 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 rupture pressure of the inflatable structure. The invention is applicable in a wide range of applications. Due to the pressure and numerous applications, it is therefore difficult to quantify a priori the pressure resistance that the drain must possess. To ensure the drain functions correctly in all circumstances where 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 fail. The invention may also include a safety valve for use with a compressor, particularly at the compressor's air outlet.

[0015] Furthermore, this invention allows for the automatic storage of a large number of inflatable structures with appendages that tend to twist. This is achieved by placing a drain on either side of the point where the inflatable structure twists, which is most often the same point. With the drain in place during winding, the twisted section of the inflatable structure still drains. If the twisted section of the inflatable structure risks becoming located anywhere within the chamber, the drain can be placed along the entire length of the inflatable structure, from the access point to the point furthest from the access point. In effect, the drain doubles the torsional torque applied by the inflation fluid to the twist.Indeed, some structures prone to twisting will untwist on their own during inflation when the torque exerted by the inflation fluid on the inflatable structure exceeds the resisting torque that holds the airtight chamber in the twisted position. Generally, this torque is related to the mass of a part of the structure. In this case, or in the case of a fold that can also impede the circulation of the inflation fluid between the ends of the drain, the object applying a pressure greater than the nominal pressure is the airtight chamber itself, or the inflatable structure. When this torque is insufficient, one can increase the pressure, at the risk of damaging the airtight chamber, or double the torque by using a drain without increasing the pressure and therefore without any risk to the chamber.

[0016] By inflatable flexible structure, it is understood that, when the inflatable structure is deflated, certain points on the wall of the inflatable structure which, in the inflated state, are separated by a non-zero distance, can be in contact when deflated. The inflatable structure essentially consists of a single-layer or multi-layer membrane, excluding the drain, whose flexural rigidity is negligible compared to its tensile rigidity. Negligible means at least 100 times lower. Due to this low flexural rigidity, an inflatable structure can be wound onto a drum.

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

[0018] The drain unfolds along a mean curve, or neutral line, between its ends As and Bs. Perpendicular to this curve, it is possible to define a cross-section S of the drain which, in its state at atmospheric pressure, can be enclosed within a rectangle of smallest area, this rectangle having a length and a width. The length of this rectangle is the greatest length Ld of the drain's cross-section, and its width is the smallest length of the drain's cross-section. The same applies to the inflatable structure to define the smallest length Le of the inflatable structure's cross-section. If the inflatable structure, particularly if it is made up of several tubes, and / or the drain, have varying cross-sections, the lengths of the tubes' cross-sections will be measured at the points that maximize the surface area of ​​the inflatable structure or the drain.

[0019] The inflatable structure comprises a flexible, waterproof material such as a plastic film of polyvinyl chloride, rubber such as butyl or any other material known to manufacture reinforced or unreinforced waterproof chambers.

[0020] The invention is more particularly dedicated to inflatable structures with air or inert 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 coil the drain with the inflatable structure, it is not advisable that the placement of the drain within the inflatable structure result in an unreasonable increase in the rigidity of the inflatable structure. The drain is therefore deformable, elastic, and also flexible enough to be bendable and maintain the flexibility of the structure. This excludes drains made of metal pipes or rigid plastics, without, however, excluding the use of these materials in combinations that achieve such flexibility. To maintain this property, a preferred solution is for the drain to be elastic and its compressive modulus to be at most 1 MPa, preferably less than 0.1 MPa. For measuring the compressive 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 drain's cross-section.A qualified professional will either use existing standards, such as ASTDM D3574 for foams, or generalize their principles. The drain does not necessarily have a constant cross-section, but for ease of installation, it is advantageous for the cross-section to be consistent. If the cross-section is not constant, several measurements can be taken if necessary.

[0022] A preferred solution is for the drain to be a three-dimensional fabric, called 3D fabric, or a foam, or a pipe, plastic, rubber, reinforced or not, multi-perforated, Specifically, these solutions feature numerous perforations that allow the inflation fluid to circulate throughout the inflatable structure between the drain's ends, while maintaining compression rigidity. Such solutions are flexible enough to be wound onto a drum. A skilled professional will know how to dimension the 3D fabric, foam, and rubber or plastic tubing so that the drain always allows the inflation fluid to circulate between its ends, or, if necessary, between all points located between the drain's ends. The advantage of these solutions, particularly 3D fabrics, is that in certain applications, even at pressure levels far exceeding the nominal inflation pressure, these fabrics become compression rigid while remaining porous to the inflation fluid, especially an inert gas.A 3D fabric is a fabric comprising at least two superimposed woven layers comprising a plurality of warps and wefts, the different warps and wefts creating a fabric with thickness, either such as two superimposed thin fabrics are linked by one or more threads thus creating thickness, or such as the warps and wefts 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 achieved by any known physical means, such as stitching, 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 where the drain joins the inflatable structure is for the drain to adhere to the inflatable structure at at least one point between the two ends As and Bs of the drain, preferably at numerous regularly spaced points with a distance of no more than 20 cm, preferably continuously between As and Bs.

[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 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 have a thickness at atmospheric pressure of no more than 5 cm, preferably 2 cm. This solution was used for an inflatable structure composed of several 10 m long, substantially cylindrical tubes with a diameter of approximately 45 cm in the inflated state, with acceptable operation.

[0026] For certain intended uses, it is preferable that the drain have a volumetric flow rate under nominal pressure of at least 1 m³ / h, which allows for inflation and deflation of the structures at an acceptable speed. The purpose of the drain is not to assist in the inflation of the entire structure, but to allow for the minimum inflation of all the sections where it is present. Once this initial inflation has occurred, the structure When the inflatable is slightly inflated, the inflation fluid naturally passes through the inflatable structure.

[0027] If the winding and unwinding system of the inflatable structure is designed to perform X drum revolutions to wind and unwind the inflatable structure, it is advantageous that the length from one end of the drain to the other allows access to the part of the inflatable structure that is likely to inflate once winding is complete, and therefore that this length of the drain be at least equal to 3.2*D*X. It is also advantageous that one end of the drain be attached to a distal end of the inflatable structure, to avoid the need for a valve; more generally, it is advantageous that one end of the drain be attached to any distal end, whether relative or not. By relative distal end, we mean an end of the inflatable structure where closing an access point 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 links between certain parts to stiffen them under tension. It can be advantageous to have the ability to wind or unwind these links 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 winding, unwinding, or use of the inflatable structure, it is advantageous for the winding or unwinding system to be equipped with a winch capable of winding and unwinding at least one rope independently of the rotation of the drum.

[0029] In certain configurations, it is necessary that the rope 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 wound onto the drum—can very easily be used as a cutting tool for that object, and it is undesirable for the winch rope to damage all or part of the inflatable structure. Thus, it is sometimes advantageous for the winch to be located inside the drum. When properly positioned, it may be possible to avoid any risk of the inflatable structure being cut by the winch rope.In the most advantageous configuration, at least one rope will pass over the axial end of the drum and may also wind around the drum without contacting the inflatable structure, or at least one rope will be connected to the winch via a groove located in the drum's winding surface, with a fixed point relative to the rope's unwinding area. In such a configuration, where the rope's passage groove is in an area where the inflatable structure is likely to wind, once the drum has wound around the inflatable structure, and the rope is trapped between the inflatable structure and the rope, the winch can no longer operate the rope except by rubbing against it. on the inflatable structure. Thus, if the groove is positioned so that, when the inflatable structure is unfurled, the rope is wound around the drum for 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, then, by winding the inflatable structure a quarter turn and up to five quarter turns, the winch is able to operate without generating friction on the inflatable structure. Beyond five quarter turns, the rope makes a dead turn on the drum, and going further would be damaging to either the winch or the rope. Furthermore, to achieve this value, the rope must be wound around a portion of the drum onto which the inflatable structure does not wind, a portion offset axially (in the direction of the drum's axis of rotation) from the winding area of ​​the inflatable structure. Limiting this to 0.95*3.14*D, that is to say slightly less than one turn, avoids all these constraints. This arrangement of having a portion of rope wound around the drum greatly simplifies the automatic winding and unwinding of the winch and the drum.

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

[0031] Advantageously, the winding and unwinding system is provided with a reel containing an interlayer, the reel and the interlayer being configured to insert the interlayer between two consecutive turns of the inflatable structure when the inflatable structure is wound onto 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 lines, from interacting and potentially forming knots. The reel is equipped with a motor to wind the interlayer when the inflatable structure is unwound.Proper adjustment of the reel motor speed also allows the interlayer to be placed under tension, generating a clamping of the inflatable structure, particularly the part being wound, and thus pressurizing the inflation fluid in this part, allowing for faster evacuation of the inflation fluid through the drain.

[0032] As one of the advantages of the solution is to allow for improved inflation and deflation methods, either through automation or by limiting human intervention, the following is included in the invention: - A method of winding or unwinding an inflatable structure using a winding and unwinding system for an inflatable structure according to the invention in which the inflatable structure being deployed and inflated, the drum is set in rotation causing the inflatable structure to wind under tension around the drum, the winding putting under pressure the wound part of the inflatable structure and the inflation fluid which can be evacuated through the drain to the inflation fluid access to the inflatable structure connected to the drum. - Method of winding or unwinding an inflatable structure using a winding and unwinding system for 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 to at least one distal end of the inflatable structure, the drum is rotated to unwind the structure, the unwound part being at least partially inflated. - Winding or unwinding method according to the previous methods using a winding and unwinding system of an inflatable structure according to the invention equipped with a winch located in the drum in which the winch keeps under tension at least one rope during a part of the winding or unwinding of the inflatable structure. - Winding or unwinding method according to the previous methods using a winding and unwinding system for an inflatable structure according to the invention equipped with a winch located in the drum in which at least one rope is capable of being wound or unwound by the winch during the winding of the inflatable structure onto the drum at an angle substantially equal to or greater than 350°, then wound onto the winding surface securely with the winding of the inflatable structure.

[0033] By "the inflatable structure being deployed and inflated," we mean that the inflatable structure is in its operating position, under operating pressure. As the drum rotates, it winds the inflatable structure, and its pressure on the drum surface creates a natural compression that increases the pressure within the structure. The pressurized inflation fluid can then escape through a valve or through the drain connecting the inflatable structure to the access point, which in this case serves as the inflation fluid outlet. It is always possible to increase the compression pressure by using a mechanical component that applies pressure to the inflatable structure as it winds around the drum, thereby improving the compression of the inflatable structure on the drum and thus the compactness of the storage unit.

[0034] Conversely, the structure being deflated and wound under tension around the drum means that it is in its storage position. Inflation fluid may remain in at least one distal end of the inflatable structure or in another part of the inflatable structure not compressed by the winding system. In this position, to deploy the inflatable structure, it is still possible to unwind it by rotating the drum in the appropriate direction, but it is also possible to unwind the inflatable structure while inflated by synchronizing the rotation of the drum and the inflation as the inflatable structure unwinds via the drain, which first supplies at least one distal end of the inflatable structure and then the parts being unwound. Furthermore, it is possible to synchronize the inflation of the inflatable structure and its unwinding. Indeed, as it inflates, the inflatable structure By applying a pressure-related force, using a mechanical component against which the inflatable structure rests, it is possible to generate a force pulling the inflatable structure to unwind it from the drum. If necessary, it is also possible to control a motor driving the drum, for example, based on the pressure at the distal end of the inflatable structure, in order to coordinate the unwinding and inflation of the inflatable structure.

[0035] Maintaining a tensioned rope prevents knots or entanglements with other parts of the inflatable structure, or allows all or part of the inflatable structure to be held in a specific position. The winch can be controlled to perform this tensioning function.

[0036] Before completing a nearly full rotation, i.e., 350°, the rope exit groove on the winding surface can be positioned so that winding or unwinding the rope on the winch is completely independent of winding the inflatable structure onto the drum. Once a full rotation has been completed, to avoid friction of the rope, operated by the winch, on all or part of the inflatable structure (rope being generally very abrasive due to friction), it is not advisable to operate the winch when all or part of the rope is wound on the drum in contact with an inflatable part of the structure. This risks causing friction with compression, as the rope is crimped onto a part of the inflatable structure that was previously wound and is itself crimped onto another part of the inflatable structure that is now being wound around it.Such friction would very quickly lead to wear on the inflatable structure. When the point of contact or attachment of the rope and the inflatable structure begins to be wound onto the drum, the rope becomes de facto fixed to the winding of the inflatable structure unless one accepts friction that can wear down both the rope and the inflatable structure, or one provides lubrication, which greatly complicates the installation.

[0037] By pump, or compressor, we mean any device that allows the inflation fluid to be moved and / or pressurized: pump, compressor, fan...

[0038] The invention will be better understood from Figures 1 to 5, Figure 1 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 drawn to scale showing, from Figures 2 to 5, the winding and deflation of the inflatable structure by the winding and unrolling system according to the invention, the movements being indicated by solid arrows. These same figures show, from Figures 5 to 2, the unrolling and inflation of the inflatable structure, the movements being indicated by dashed arrows. The invention is not limited to the shade structure of Figures 1 to 5 but includes any winding or unwinding equipped with a winding drum and whose inflatable structure, whatever its function or shape, is equipped with a drain allowing it to be wound and unwound at least once.

[0039] Figure 1 represents a shade structure comprising a flexible inflatable structure (2) capable of being rolled up and unrolled by a winding and unrolling system (1) according to the invention, contained within a housing (7). The inflatable structure is composed of several pressurized tubes (21), six predominantly horizontal tubes (212) regularly spaced and connected to each other in pairs by fabrics (26) used to provide shade or protection from the elements. The fabrics (26) can be cut or perforated to offer minimal wind resistance. A vertical inflatable tube (211) ensures the horizontal position of the other tubes (212) by means of guy wires (51). These guy wires (51) are connected to a rope (5) wound on a winch (6) within the housing (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, guy wires, fabrics among other things, without intervention on the inflatable structure, the inflatable structure deploying by inflating and folding by deflating without touching the ground or being near any passers-by.

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

[0041] Figure 2 represents a flexible inflatable structure (2) capable of being wound and unwound by a winding and unwinding system (1) according to the invention, contained within a housing (7). The inflatable structure (2) comprises several pressurized tubes (21), two predominantly horizontal tubes (212) in the deployed, inflated state, equipped with a textile ball joint (25) or a zone specifically designed to bend, for example, by locally reducing the tube's cross-section, connected to a drum (3) of diameter D and axis of rotation (32). It also includes a horizontal mast tube (211) connected to the drum (3) supporting guy wires (51) connected to a rope (5) partially wound around the winding surface (31) of the drum (3) and connected via a groove (61) to a winch (6) located within the drum (3). At this stage, the winch can wind or unwind the rope (5) independently of the winding of the drum (3).Each inflatable tube has a drain (24) connecting its distal end (22) to its proximal end (23), which is connected to an inlet (4) for the inflation fluid propelled by a pump, fan, or compressor capable of pressurizing the inflatable structure (2), although this machine is not shown here. Another option is to have a single inlet (4) with... The assembly of inflatable tubes (21) connected to it can lead to the deflation of the entire inflatable structure if one tube (21) leaks. 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 point (4) for the inlet and outlet of the inflation fluid to its distal end (22) to allow the inflatable structure (2) to be wound up. 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). When under tension, its role in securing the structure is also evident. It is not shown in figures 3 to 5 for the sake of clarity in understanding the mechanism.

[0042] The first step in 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, over two-thirds of a turn. The winding mechanically clamps the portion of the inflatable structure (2) wound onto the drum (3), increasing the pressure within the inflatable structure and allowing some of the inflation fluid to escape through the drain (24). The innermost, radially positioned tube in the wound section is clamped by the outermost, radially positioned tubes (21), increasing the pressure exerted on it and thus improving the compactness of the winding.To keep the inflatable tubes (212) horizontal so they don't touch the ground and deteriorate, the rope (5) is kept under tension by the winch (6), which winds, in the direction indicated by the solid arrow, a half-perimeter of the drum with a rope length (5) – shown in the illustration, but this can vary depending on the requirements, the size of the tubes, etc. The free end of the inflatable structure (2) therefore descends in the direction of the solid vertical arrows. This length adjustment also reduces the wind resistance of the inflatable structure (2) during the second stage of winding the inflatable structure shown [Fig. 2]. This descent of the inflatable structure (2) can continue at least until the horizontal tubes (211) are close to the casing (7).One could imagine a casing (7) whose edges, via rollers for example, would help to wind the inflatable structure (2) through contact with the casing. However, contact is always wear-inducing and therefore should be avoided for inflatable structures; moreover, the fabrics (26) and other elements of the inflatable structure always have the possibility of getting caught in a rotating object, hence the importance of step 2. Only a drain and a tube are shown on the part of the inflatable structure wound onto the drum for the sake of clarity.

[0043] The second step for winding the inflatable structure is shown [Fig. 4]. The winch (6) winds the rope (5), following the solid arrow, which is attached to the guy wires. The tubes (212) cease to be horizontal and straighten along the solid arrows. Once the tubes (212) are straightened, 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 clipped by the inflatable structure onto the drum and thus wound securely with it. The flow of the inflation fluid continues through the drain. A winch external to the drum, lacking this capability, would require a much more complex control system. Indeed, it would at some point interact with the fabrics (26) unless it were unwound in the opposite direction of the rope's length, risking knots and complicating the mechanism.

[0044] The third step for winding the inflatable structure is shown [Fig. 5]. It simply consists of rotating the drum (3), which finishes winding the inflatable structure (2) and thus the tubes (21). The winch (6) is stopped, and the rope (5) winds securely with the inflatable structure, which fastens it to the drum. The inflation fluid continues to flow through the drain (24) to deflate the inflatable structure. The guy lines (51) are also wound onto the drum. This phase stops once the inflatable structure is completely inside the casing (7).

[0045] To unroll the inflatable structure, the procedure is reversed from Figures 5 to 2, following the dashed arrows. The first step in unrolling the inflatable structure is shown [Fig. 5]. It simply consists of inflating the inflatable structure (2) through the drain from the inflation fluid inlet (6) located on the drum (3). The inflatable structure inflates from 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, and the rope (5) unwinds from the drum (3) along with the inflatable structure (2).

[0046] As it inflates while unfurling, the inflatable structure (2) deploys with sufficient rigidity to prevent any interaction with the casing, the ground, or passersby. When the rope (5) is released from the tension exerted by the inflatable structure, the winch can be activated to lower certain air chambers (212), as shown in [Fig. 4] along the dashed arrows, in order to minimize wind resistance.

[0047] In accordance with [Fig. 3] and following the dashed arrows, the inflatable structure (2) can then be inflated while being unfurled by rotating the drum (3) so that it unfolds inflated, while simultaneously releasing tension on the rope (5) with the winch (3) to keep the horizontal tubes (212) out of contact with the ground. Once this phase is complete, the inflatable structure (2) is deployed as shown in [Fig. 2].

[0048] The invention was tested using an inflatable structure as shown in [Fig. 1]. It measures approximately 17 m in diameter. The horizontal tubes (212) are approximately 3.50 m above the ground to avoid any interaction with pedestrians. The end of the mast tube (211) is approximately 10 m above the ground. The tubes are approximately 45 cm in diameter. They consist of a sealed polyurethane chamber surrounded by a structural membrane comprising polyester fibers, ensuring good rigidity of the tubes once inflated to the operating pressure of 0.5 bar.

[0049] For the invention, the inventors have bonded a drain made of 3D polyester fabric, commercially available as "T5683 Millier textile," 6 mm thick and 100 mm wide, to all the inflatable tubes so that all points of each tube (21) are connected by the drain (24) to the inflation / deflation valve (6) of that tube. The drum (3) is a steel drum approximately 1 m in diameter containing a servo winch approximately 10 cm in diameter. The rope (5) and the guy lines (51) are polyester-aramid ropes with diameters of 1 cm. The invention has been tested with a reel (8) and a plastic interlayer (81). The compressor, the rotation of the drum (3), the winch (6), and the reel (8) are powered by electric motors capable of operating on batteries or mains electricity. The casing (7) is fitted 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. 1] under the shade structure are removable for transport. When the inflatable structure is deflated, 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 again as shown in [Fig. 4] using the rope (5) and the winch. The drum (3) and the winch (6) have the same axes.

[0050] In the solution according to the invention, deploying and storing the inflatable structure requires no further human intervention once the process is initiated. There is no need to anchor it to the ground, as its mass serves as ballast. It is therefore easily moved according to the user's needs. It can be stored before nightfall or depending on the weather to prevent any damage to the inflatable structure, for example, in the event of a gust of wind. At no point during the inflation / deflation process does the inflatable structure touch the ground or pose a risk of touching a passerby.

[0051] This demonstrates the interest of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Winding and unwinding system (1) for an inflatable flexible structure (2) comprising: - A drum (3) of diameter D including an axis of rotation (32) and a winding surface (31), - 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 on the winding surface (31) during rotation of the drum (3) about 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 deflation pressure Pd, - at least one access point (4) for 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 deflation 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 point (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, - in that the drain is a three-dimensional tissue, referred to as 3D tissue.

2. System (1) for winding and unwinding an inflatable structure (2) according to claim 1 wherein the system (1) is intended to perform X drum turns (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 winding and unwinding an inflatable structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein one end of the drain is fixed 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 wherein the system (1) is provided with a reel (8) containing an interleave (81), the reel (8) and the interleave (81) being configured to interleave the interleave 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 winding, unwinding or use of the inflatable structure, wherein the system (1) is provided with a winch (6) capable of winding and unwinding 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 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 wherein 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 for 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), after being deployed and inflated, the drum (3) is rotated, causing the inflatable structure (2) under tension to wind around the drum (3), the winding pressurizing the wound portion of the inflatable structure (2) and the inflation fluid which may to be evacuated through the drain (24) to the access (4) of the inflation fluid to the inflatable structure (2) connected to the drum (3).

10. A method for unwinding 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 at least one distal end (22) of the inflatable structure (1), the drum (3) is rotated to unwind the inflatable structure (2), the unwound portion of the inflatable structure (2) being at least partially inflated.

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

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

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