WO2014023473A2

WO2014023473A2 - Rapid bellows compression and expansion tool and method

Info

Publication number: WO2014023473A2
Application number: PCT/EP2013/063519
Authority: WO
Inventors: Herve RAMBEAU
Original assignee: Cern - European Organization For Nuclear Research
Priority date: 2012-08-07
Filing date: 2013-06-27
Publication date: 2014-02-13
Also published as: WO2014023473A3; EP2882572A2

Abstract

A rapid bellows compression and/or expansion tool comprises a plurality of adjusting means that allow to adjust an axial distance between a first engaging member adapted to engage a bellows at a first portion thereof, and a second engaging member adapted to engage said bellows at a second opposing portion thereof. Transfer means are provided to mechanically couple the plurality of adjusting means, thereby providing for a uniform and synchronous bellows compression and/or expansion.

Description

Rapid Bellows Compression and Expansion Tool and Method

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a tool and method for compressing and expanding a bellows, in particular for applications in ventilation, air conditioning and vacuum technology.

BACKGROUND AND RELEVANT STATE OF THE ART

Bellows are substantially rigid, yet flexible, components that connect two pipes or conduits, and find applications in a variety of technical fields, ranging from heating, ventilation and air conditioning piping systems to vacuum and high-vacuum technology as well as high voltage switch gear applications. A sufficient amount of rigidity is required so that the bellows maintains an airtight or fluid- tight connection with the adjacent piping. At the same time, the bellows needs to be sufficiently flexible to withstand engine vibrations and to compensate for thermal pipe expansion or contraction. To accommodate these demands, bellows are com- pressible and/or expandable along an axial direction. A bellows is usually manufactured and delivered to the customer in the decompressed state, and hence has a length greater than the length of the space in which it will typically be installed. To allow for installation, the bellows hence needs to be compressed. A conventional and widely used bellows compression tool comprises two plates connected by four thread rods. The plates each comprise a circular opening with a rim portion to engage the flanges at the opposing ends of the bellows. Nut keys and spanners may then be used to consecutively span each of the four thread rods, thereby adjusting the axial distance between the plates and hence compressing the bellows. This bellows compression tool is reliable and easy to manufacture. However, since the user needs to adjust the distance at each of the four thread rods independently, compression of the bellows is cumbersome and time-consuming. A uniform compression along the entire circumference of the bellows requires a fine manipulation of nut keys, which may be difficult to achieve in areas with poor or restricted access to the bellows. United States patent application US 2006/0225542 Al discloses a pair of pliers whose arms each comprise a flange portion adapted to engage with respective flanges of the bellows. The bellows may be compressed or expanded simply by moving the handles. These pliers allow compressing and expanding the bellows more quickly than the compression tool described above. However, the pliers do not engage the bellows along the entire circumference of the bellows, which may result in a lopsided or asymmetric compression. Moreover, the pliers require long handles in order to impart a sufficiently high compressive force. Because of the long handles, the tool is rather heavy and may also be too bulky to be used in spatially confined areas where bellows are often employed. The long handles also entail the risk of damage to surrounding elements and machinery.

Japanese patent application JP 2000-350316 A discloses a bellows compressor with at least three pairs of grasping means that engage the opposing flanges of the bellows at three positions along the circumference of the bellows. A hydraulically operated driving means is con- nected to each of the grasping means. The bellows compressor disclosed in JP '316 allows for a uniform and quick compression of the bellows. However, the hydraulic driving means, supply hoses and hydraulic pumps require a lot of space and are also complex and costly.

What is needed is a simple and small, yet reliable, bellows compression tool that allows com- pressing bellows quickly and uniformly.

OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

This objective is achieved by means of a tool for imparting an axial movement on a bellows according to independent claim 1, as well as by a method for imparting an axial movement on a bellows according to independent claim 12. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments.

A tool for imparting an axial movement on a bellows according to the present invention com- prises a first engaging member that may be adapted to engage said bellows at a first portion thereof, a second engaging member that may be adapted to engage said bellows at a second portion thereof, and at least first and second adjusting means, wherein each said first and second adjusting means connects said first engaging member to said second engaging member and allows to adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member. The tool further comprises a transfer means for mechanically coupling said second adjusting means to said first adjusting means such that an action of said first adjusting means is transferred to said second adjusting means.

By mechanically coupling said second adjusting means to said first adjusting means, an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member may be adjusted quickly and uniformly by actuating only the first adjusting means, allowing for a convenient and reliable means of compressing or expanding the bellows. At the same time, the tool is compact, and hence can be employed even in confined spaces. The transfer means may reciprocally transfer an action between said first adjusting means and said second adjusting means. Hence, said transfer means may also be adapted to transfer an action of said second adjusting means to said first adjusting means.

In a preferred embodiment, said transfer means and said first adjusting means and said second adjusting means are adapted to synchronously adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member when an action is imparted on said first adjusting means or on said second adjusting means.

In the context of the present invention, two or more adjusting means may be understood to synchronously adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member if these adjusting means adjust the axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member at the same rate and/or at the same speed. This allows to expand or compress a bellows uniformly along the entire circumference of the bellows.

Said axial movement may be a compression movement decreasing an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member, or may be an expansion movement increasing an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member.

In the context of the present invention, an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member may be a distance along an axial direction, i.e. a distance measured along an axis of rotational symmetry of said tool and/or said bellows. In a preferred embodiment, said second adjusting means is spatially separated from said first adjusting means.

The transfer means allows to mechanically couple said spatially separated adjusting means, and thereby allows to distribute a compression or expansion force over a circumference of said first and second engaging members, and hence the circumference of said bellows.

The first engaging member may be adapted to engage said bellows at a first end portion thereof, whereas the second engaging member may be adapted to engage said bellows at a second end portion thereof, wherein said second end portion is opposite to said first end portion.

In a preferred embodiment, said transfer means is adapted to convert a rotational movement of said first adjusting means into a rotational movement of said second adjusting means.

Preferably, said transfer means comprises a belt or a chain engaging said first adjusting means and said second adjusting means, in particular, a revolving belt or a revolving chain.

The inventors found that a belt or chain is a particularly simple and reliable means of mechan- ically coupling said second adjusting means to said first adjusting means.

In a preferred embodiment, said first adjusting means comprises a first screw thread or thread rod. Said first thread rod may be adapted to convert a rotational movement of a screw head of said first thread rod into an axial movement for adjusting an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member.

Similarly, said second adjusting means may comprise a second screw thread or thread rod. Said second thread rod may be adapted to convert a rotational movement of a screw head of said second thread rod into an axial movement for adjusting an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member.

In a preferred embodiment, the tool comprises an actuation means for imparting an action on said first adjusting means. In particular, said actuation means may be adapted to impart a rotating action on said first adjusting means.

From said first adjusting means, the action imparted by said actuation means is transferred to said second adjusting means via said transfer means. Hence, imparting an action on one of the adjusting means by said actuation means allows to simultaneously or synchronously activate all the adjusting means so as to uniformly compress or expand the bellows.

In a preferred embodiment, said actuation means is adapted for manually imparting an action on said first adjusting means.

A manually actuated tool is particularly simple, reliable and small. However, motorized or automated actuation means may also be employed. In a preferred embodiment, said actuation means is adapted for coupling with a crank.

A long crank may be provided to operate the tool from a considerable distance, which is an advantage for compressing bellows in restricted or poorly accessible areas. In a preferred embodiment, said actuation means comprises a first wheel, in particular a serrated wheel, wherein said first wheel is coupled to said first adjusting means.

Said actuation means may also comprise a second wheel coupled to said second adjusting means. Said second wheel may also be a serrated wheel.

The wheels may serve for a coarse adjustment of the distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member.

The first and/or second adjusting means may be detachably connected to said first engaging member and/or second engaging member. This allows to exchange the adjusting means so as to adapt the tool to bellows of varying length.

In a preferred embodiment, said first engaging member comprises a first collar defining a first opening, in particular a circular opening. Said first collar may be adapted to at least partially surround said first portion of said bellows such that a first rim portion of said first opening engages said first portion of said bellows.

Similarly, said second engaging member may comprise a second collar defining a second opening, in particular a circular opening.

Preferably, said second collar is adapted to at least partially surround said second portion of said bellows such that a second rim portion of said second opening engages said second portion of said bellows.

Preferably, said first engaging member and/or said second engaging member comprises a metal plate into which a circular first opening and second opening, respectively, is cut.

In a preferred embodiment, the tool further comprises adaptation means for adapting a size or a diameter of an opening of said first engaging member and/or said second engaging member in accordance with a size or a diameter of said bellows. Said adaptation means may be connected to or detachably connectable to said first engaging member and/or said second engaging member.

In a preferred embodiment, said adaptation means comprises shells or half- shells for engaging with a rim of an opening of said first or second engaging member.

In an alternative configuration, said adaptation means comprises pistons that are connected to the first engaging member and/or second engaging member and may be adjusted in a radial direction so to adapt to different diameters of said bellows.

The adaptation means enhance the flexibility and versatility of the tool according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, said first engaging member comprises a first element and a second element and a first pivot axis pivotably connecting said first element to said second element. By means of said pivot axis, said first engaging member may be pivoted from a closed position engaging said bellows to an open position disengaging said bellows, or vice-versa.

This two-part configuration provides a first engaging member that fully surrounds or encloses said bellows and is adapted to engage said bellows along the entire circumference of said first portion thereof. This allows to impart an expansion or a compression movement uniformly along the entire circumference of said bellows in said closed position of said first engaging member. Yet, by pivoting said first engaging member from said closed position into an open position, the tool may be quickly removed from said bellows.

Similarly, said second engaging member may likewise comprise a first element and a second element, and may further comprise a second pivot axis pivotably connecting said first element to said second element such that said second engaging member may be pivoted from a closed position engaging said bellows to an open position disengaging said bellows, and vice-versa.

Preferably, the tool further comprises securing means for securing said first element to said second element in said closed position.

The invention is not limited to a tool with only two coupled adjusting means, but may com- prise any number of coupled adjusting means. By providing more than two coupled adjusting means, the uniformity of the compression or expansion movement may be further enhanced.

Said further adjusting means may share the features and characteristics of the first and second adjusting means.

In a preferred embodiment, the tool further comprises third and fourth adjusting means, wherein each said third and fourth adjusting means connects said first engaging member to said second engaging member and allows adjusting an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member.

Said transfer means may be adapted to mechanically couple said third and fourth adjusting means to said second and first adjusting means such that an action of said first adjusting means and/or said second adjusting means is transferred to said third adjusting means and said fourth adjusting means. Providing four adjusting means circumferentially along said first engaging member and said second engaging member allows distributing the compression or expansion forces uniformly along the circumference of the bellows.

In a preferred embodiment, said transfer means and said first adjusting means and said second adjusting means and said third adjusting means and said fourth adjusting means are adapted to synchronously adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member when an action is imparted on said first adjusting means.

The invention also relates to a method for imparting an axial movement on a bellows, comprising the steps of engaging said bellows at a first portion thereof with a first engaging member, and engaging said bellows at a second portion thereof with a second engaging member, wherein said second engaging member is connected to said first engaging member by at least first and second adjusting means, and wherein said second adjusting means is mechanically coupled to said first adjusting means by a transfer means. The method further comprises the step of imparting an action on said first adjusting means to adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member, thereby imparting an axial movement on said bellows, wherein said action is transferred from said first adjusting means to said second adjusting means via said transfer means.

In a preferred embodiment, said first adjusting means and said second adjusting means synchronously adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member and said second engaging member, and thereby synchronously impart an axial movement on said bellows.

In a preferred embodiment, said first portion of said bellows is a first end portion of said bellows.

In particular, said first portion of said bellows may be a first flange portion of said bellows.

Said second portion of said bellows may be a second end portion of said bellows, said second end portion opposite to said first end portion.

In a preferred embodiment, said second end portion is a second flange portion of said bellows. In a preferred embodiment, said action is imparted manually or automatically on said first adjusting means. Said action may be a rotational action imparted on said first adjusting means.

In a preferred embodiment, said action is imparted on said first adjusting means by means of a crank and/or a wheel. The method according to the invention may comprise a step of compressing or expanding said bellows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The features and numerous advantages of the invention will be best apparent from a detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic drawing of an embodiment of a bellows compression and expansion tool according to the present invention, shown in an open configuration ready to engage a bellows;

Fig. 2 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of a bellows compression and expansion tool according to the present invention, engaging a bellows;

Fig. 3 is a schematic front view illustrating the operation of the compression or expansion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4a is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of a bellows compression and expansion tool according to the present invention, provided with adaptation means for adapting a diameter of the tool to the diameter of the bellows; and

Figure 4b is a front view of an embodiment of the bellows compression and expansion tool according to the present invention, comprising a different type of adaptation means. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bellows compression and expansion tool 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A bellows, in the sense of the present invention, may be understood to denote any compressible and expandable component such as may be used to connect two pipes or conduits in a ducting system, e.g. an exhaust system, a heating, ventila- tion or air conditioning piping system, or a vacuum system. Fig. 1 shows the tool 10 in an open configuration without a bellows, whereas Fig. 2 is a perspective side view of the tool 10 engaging a bellows 12.

The tool 10 comprises a first or front-side engaging member 14 and a second or back-side engaging member 16. The first engaging member 14 and second engaging member 16 may be formed from aluminum or any other suitable metal.

Both the first engaging member 14 and the second engaging member 16 comprise two half- collars 14a, 14b and 16a, 16b, respectively, that are pivotably connected about a common axis z to move from an open or disengaging position (shown in Fig. 1) to a closed or engaging position (shown in Fig. 2), and vice-versa.

The first half-collar 14a and the second half-collar 14b of the first engaging member 14 comprise openings 18a, 18b, respectively, in the shape of a half circle. In the closed position, the openings 18a and 18b together define a circular or ring-like opening that may receive a first flange element 22 of the bellows 12. The first flange element 22 may form an end portion of said bellows 12, and may be adapted for connection with a hose or pipe (not shown). Rim portions 20a, 20b of the openings 18a and 18b, respectively, serve to contact and engage the first flange element 22.

The first half-collar 16a and the second half-collar 16b of the second engaging member 16 may be formed and shaped like the half-collars 14a, 14b of the first engaging member 14, and may likewise comprise openings with rim portions adapted to engage the bellows 12 at a second flange element (not shown) opposite to the first flange element 22. The first flange ele- ment 22 and second flange element of the bellows 12 may be provided with projections or grooves (not shown) that allow the first engaging member 14 and second engaging member 16 to reliably and tightly attach to the bellows 12 during the compression or expansion. Pin openings 24 are provided at a lower part of the first half-collar 14a and second half-collar 14b of the first engaging member 14, and similarly for the first half-collar 16a and second half-collar 16b of the second engaging member 16. When the tool 10 is moved into the closed position by pivoting the half-collars 14a, 14b of the first engaging member 14 and second engaging member 16 about the axis z, the pin openings 24 of the half-collars of the first engaging member 14 and second engaging member 16, respectively align, and metallic pin elements 26 may be inserted through the pin openings 24 to fix and secure the tool 10 in the closed position. As can be best seen from the perspective side view of Fig. 2, the first engaging member 14 and the second engaging member 16 are connected by four metallic thread rods 28a to 28d located at the four respective corners of the tool 10 and extending along an axial direction a of the tool 10 and bellows 12. Only three thread rods 28a, 28b and 28c are shown in Fig. 2. Each of the thread rods 28a to 28d is rotatably received at one end thereof in a respective threaded nut 30a to 30d attached to the second engaging member 16. At their respective opposite ends, the threaded rods 28a to 28d are provided with respective pinion heads 32a to 32d that are rotatably mounted to the first engaging member 14. Rotation of the thread rods 28a to 28d in the threaded nuts 30a to 30d allows to vary the axial distance between the first engag- ing member 14 and second engaging member 16, i.e. to either increase or decrease the axial distance, depending on the direction of motion.

The pinion heads 32a - 32d engage with a chain 34. The chain 34 revolves in a chain groove 36 that is provided in the first half-collar 14a and second half-collar 14b of the first engaging member 14, as can be best seen in Fig. 3. Starting from the pinion head 32d at the lower right corner of the first half-collar 14a of the first engaging member 14, the chain 34 runs upwards along an outer side portion of the first half-collar 14a and contacts the pinion head 32c at the upper right corner. The chain 34 then runs along an upper side portion of the first half-collar 14a and past the connection element 38 connecting the first half-collar 14a to the second half- collar 14b of the first engaging member 14, until it is diverted by 90° into a downward direction by the pinion head 32b at the upper left corner of the second half-collar 14b. The chain 34 then runs along an outer side portion of the second half-collar 14b to the pinion head 32a at the lower left corner, where it is deflected by 180° into an upward movement along the second half-collar 14b. A deflection roller 40b deflects the chain by 90° so that it runs horizontal- ly past the connection element 38 and back into the first half-collar 14a, where it is again deflected by 90° by a deflection roller 40a into a downward movement and back towards the pinion head 32d. The chain 34 hence connects, via the pinion heads 32a to 32d, all the four thread rods 28a to 28d, and thus allows to transfer a rotational action from one of the thread rods 28a to 28d to all the other thread rods.

A drive means such as a hand-driven crank or the head of a motorized driller may be connected to one of the pinion heads 32a, 32b, 32c or 32d to drive the chain 34, thereby actuating the thread rods 28a to 28d.

The four thread rods 28a to 28d share a common thread pitch, and hence a rotation of one of the thread rods 28a to 28d will impart, via the chain 34, a synchronous and uniform axial movement of the first engaging member 14 towards or away from the second engaging member 16. This allows for a uniform compression or expansion of the bellows 12 along the entire circumference of the bellows 12.

Wheels, in particular serrated wheels 42a, 42b may additionally be connected to the thread rods 28c and 28b, respectively, so as to allow for a quick and coarse manual adjustment of the distance between the first engaging member 14 and the second engaging member 16.

In further detail, operation of the tool 10 is as follows. Employing the serrated wheels 42a and 42b, the distance between the first engaging member 14 and second engaging member 16 will initially be adjusted manually so that it matches the distance between the first flange 22 and second flange in an initial state of the bellows 12, which may be a compressed or uncom- pressed state. Starting from the opened position shown in Fig. 1, the tool 10 will then be clasped around the bellows 12 such that the first engaging member 14 aligns with the first flange element 22 at a first end of the bellows 12 and the second engaging member 16 aligns with the second flange element (not shown) at a second (opposite) end of the bellows 12. By pivoting the half-collars 14a, 14b of the first engaging member 14 and the half-collars 16a, 16b of the second engaging member 16 about the common axis z, the tool 10 is then moved from the open position shown in Fig. 1 into the closed position shown in Figs. 2 and 3 such that the rim portions 20a, 20b of the first and second half-collars 14a, 14b of the first engaging member 14 tightly engage the first flange element 22, and similarly at the opposite end of the bellows 12. The tool 10 is now secured by inserting the pin elements 26 through the pin openings 24.

In the closed position of the tool 10, the bellows 12 may be expanded or compressed by actu- ating one of the pinion heads 32a to 32d, either manually or automatically. The chain 34 transfers the rotational motion to all of the thread rods 28a to 28d, and hence the bellows 12 will be uniformly compressed or expanded (depending on the direction of motion of the chain 34) along the axial direction a until the desired stretch is attained. The tool 10 may be provided with openings 18a, 18b of varying dimensions, thereby accommodating for different diameters of the bellows 12. Different first and second engaging members 14, 16 with varying diameters of the openings 18a, 18b can be provided and can be de- tachably connected to the thread rods 28a to 28d. The different sets of first and second engaging members 14, 16 hence serve as exchange parts or replacement parts, each one for a specif - ic diameter of the bellows 12.

Alternatively, the tool 10 may further comprise adaptation means for adapting a size or a diameter of the first engaging member 14 and/or second engaging member 16 to different sizes or diameters of the bellows 12, as will now be described with reference to Figures 4a and 4b.

Figure 4a is a perspective drawing of a bellows compression and expansion tool 10 as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3, and hence reference will be made to the above description for the components and operation of the tool 10, so to avoid unnecessary duplication. The embodiment shown in Fig. 4a differs from the previous embodiment only in that two half-shells 44a and 44b are provided for insertion into the openings 18a and 18b of the respective first and second half-collars 14a, 14b of the first engaging member 14 so to reduce the diameter of the opening to fit a smaller bellows. Grooves 46a and 46b may be formed at an outer side face of the half- shells 44a, 44b to engage with the respective rim portions 20a, 20b of the first and second half-collars 14a, 14b when inserting the half- shells 44a, 44b. The inner side faces of the half-shells 44a, 44b may then engage with the bellows of reduced diameter. Two further half- shells (not shown) may be provided to adjust the diameter of the second engaging member 16, in the same way.

Figure 4b is a front view of a tool 10 according to a further embodiment of the present inven- tion that largely coincides with the tool shown in Figures 1 to 3. However, the tool 10 shown in Figure 4b in addition comprises an adjustable collar that allows to freely and continuously adjust the diameter of the opening 18a, 18b of the first engaging member 14. The adjustable collar comprises four adaptation pistons 48a to 48d, wherein two pistons 48a and 48b are connected to the first half-collar 14a of the first engaging member 14 and two pistons 48c and 48d are connected to the second half-collar 14b of the first engaging member 14. Each of the pistons 48a to 48d comprises a ring segment 50a to 50d for engaging with the flange surface of the bellows 12. The ring segments 50a to 50d are connected to respective rods 52a to 52b whose radial position can be adjusted by means of respective clamp screws 54a to 54d. This configuration allows to adjust the radial position of the ring segments 50a to 50d, and hence allows to adjust the diameter of the opening 18a, 18b to fit the bellows dimensions. The second engaging member 16 can be provided with an adjustable collar of the same type.

Rods of different length, for instance 5 cm, 9 cm and 25 cm may be provided so that the tool 10 may also be adjusted to bellows of varying axial dimensions.

The description of the preferred embodiments and the Figures merely serve to illustrate the invention, but should not be understood to imply any limitation. The scope of the invention is to be determined solely by the appended claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS

10 bellows compression and expansion tool

12 bellows

14 first engaging member

14a first half-collar of first engaging member 14

14b second half-collar of first engaging member 14

16 second engaging member

16a first half-collar of second engaging member 16

16b second half-collar of second engaging member 16

18a opening of the first half-collar 14a of the first engaging member 14

18b opening of second first half-collar 14b of the first engaging member 14

20a rim portion of the first half-collar 14a of the first engaging member 14 20b rim portion of the second half-collar 14b of the first engaging member 14

22 first flange element of bellows 12

24 pin openings

26 pin elements

28a - 28d thread rods

30a - 30d threaded nut

32a - 32d pinion heads of thread rods 28a - 28d

34 chain

36 chain groove

38 connection element

40a, 40b deflection roller

42a, 42b serrated wheels

44a, 44b half- shells for adjusting diameter

46a, 46b outer grooves of half-shells 44a, 44b

48a-48d adaptation pistons

50a-50d ring segments of adaptation pistons 48a-48d

52a-52d rods of adaptation pistons 48a-48d

54a-54d clamp screws of adaptation pistons 48a-48d

Claims

1. A tool (10) for imparting an axial movement on a bellows (12), comprising: a first engaging member (14); a second engaging member (16); at least first adjusting means (28a - 28d) and second adjusting means (28a - 28d), wherein each said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) and said second adjusting means (28a - 28d) connects said first engaging member (14) to said second engaging member (16) and allows to adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member (14) and said second engaging member (16); and transfer means (34) for mechanically coupling said second adjusting means (28a - 28d) to said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) such that an action of said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) is transferred to said second adjusting means (28a - 28d).

2. The tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein said transfer means (34) is adapted to convert a rotational movement of said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) into a rotational movement of said second adjusting means (28a - 28d).

3. The tool (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said transfer means comprises a belt or a chain (34) engaging said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) and said second adjusting means (28a - 28d), in particular a revolving belt or a revolving chain (34).

4. The tool (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first adjusting means comprises a first thread rod (28a - 28d).

5. The tool (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuation means (32a - 32d) for imparting an action on said first adjusting means (28a - 28d), in particular a rotating action on said first adjusting means (28a - 28d).

6. The tool (10) according to claim 5, wherein said actuation means (32a - 32d) is adapted for coupling with a crank.

7. The tool (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said actuation means (32a - 32d) comprises a wheel (42a, 42b), in particular a serrated wheel, said wheel (42a, 42b) being coupled to said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) or said second adjusting means (28a - 28d).

8. The tool (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first engaging member (14) comprises a first collar (14a, 14b) defining a first opening (18a, 18b).

9. The tool (10) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising adaptation means (44a, 44b; 48a - 48d) connected or connectable to said first engaging member (14) and/or second engaging member (16), said adaptation means (44a, 44b; 48a - 48b) for adapting a size or diameter of an opening (18a, 18b) of said first engaging member (14) and/or second engaging member (16) in accordance with a size or diameter of said bellows (12).

10. The tool (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first engaging member (14) comprises a first element (14a) and a second element (14b) and a first pivot axis (z) pivotably connecting said first element (14a) to said second element (14b).

11. The tool (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising third adjusting means (28a - 28d) and fourth adjusting means (28a - 28d), wherein each said third adjusting means (28a - 28d) and fourth adjusting means (28a - 28d) connects said first engaging member (14) to said second engaging member (16) and allows to adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member (14) and said second engaging member (16), and wherein said transfer means (34) mechanically couples said third adjusting means (28a - 28d) and fourth adjusting means (28a - 28d) to said second adjusting means (28a - 28d) and first adjusting means (28a - 28d) such that an action of said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) and/or second adjusting means (28a - 28d) is transferred to said third adjusting means (28a - 28d) and said fourth adjusting means (28a - 28d).

12. A method for imparting an axial movement on a bellows (12), comprising: engaging said bellows (12) at a first portion thereof (22) with a first engaging member (14), and engaging said bellows (12) at a second portion thereof with a second engaging member (16), wherein said second engaging member (16) is connected to said first engaging member (14) by at least first adjusting means (28a - 28d) and second adjusting means (28a - 28d), and wherein said second adjusting means (28a - 28d) is mechanically coupled to said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) by a transfer means (34); and imparting an action on said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) to adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member (14) and said second engaging member (16), thereby imparting an axial movement on said bellows (12); wherein said action is transferred from said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) to said second adjusting means (28a - 28d) via said transfer means (34).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said first adjusting means (28a - 28d) and second adjusting means (28a - 28d) synchronously adjust an axial distance between said first engaging member (14) and said second engaging member (16), and thereby synchronously impart an axial movement on said bellows (12).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said first portion of said bellows (12) is a first end portion (22) of said bellows (12), in particular a first flange portion (22) of said bellows (12).

15. The method according to any of the claims 12 to 14, wherein said action is imparted manually or automatically on said first adjusting means (28a - 28d).