ES2980475T3 - Inflatable article by venturi effect - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable device (10) comprising an inflatable bladder (12) and an inflation device (14), the inflation device comprising a vacuum tube (20) extending inside the inflatable bladder, and a venturi device (22) configured to be mounted on the vacuum tube and comprising an axial main opening (44) configured to be connected to an air source, for the axial entry of a primary air flow, and at least one secondary opening (46) for the entry of a secondary air flow drawn in by the vacuum created in the vacuum tube by the primary air flow. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Inflatable article by venturi effect

Technical sector

The present invention relates to the field of inflatable equipment and, more specifically, to inflatable articles such as inflatable mattresses.

State of the art

Inflating an inflatable bladder with a conventional pump, for example to inflate a camping mattress, can be a long and tedious process. In particular, the use of a hand or foot pump is often very restrictive. To remedy this problem, electric pumps are known that can inflate a mattress more quickly. However, electric pumps are very bulky and often require an electrical power supply, making them particularly difficult to use during hiking.

Inflation devices for inflating an inflatable bladder by venturi effect are also known, such as that proposed in US 1943 187, the inflation device being a detachable part separate from the inflatable bladder. The inflation device takes the form of a tube, the first flared end of which comprises a nozzle configured to be connected to the pump in order to receive a main air flow, while a second end is configured to be connected to a valve of the inflatable bladder in order to introduce air into it. Venturi inflation consists of using the pump to send a main air flow to the inflation device, creating a vacuum. This vacuum then draws in a secondary air flow in addition to the main air flow, thus multiplying by ten the amount of air sent to the inflatable bladder.

This makes inflation with a pump much easier, as it multiplies the amount of air sent to the inflatable bladder by up to three times. It is therefore understandable that this type of inflation drastically reduces the time and effort of pumping. It is thus easy to quickly inflate an inflatable bladder with a simple hand pump.

The disadvantage of such an inflation device is that it can be bulky, easily lost and difficult to connect to the inflatable bladder. In particular, it is necessary to ensure that the valve of the inflatable bladder is adapted to cooperate with the inflation device and, failing that, to use specific connection elements to ensure the connection. In addition, there is a risk of leaks occurring at the connection with the valve of the inflatable bladder.

Inflation devices such as that shown in document DE7925382U are also known, which comprise a tubular part intended to be connected to a valve of an inflatable bladder.

Object of the invention

An object of the present invention is to propose an inflatable article which remedies the aforementioned disadvantages. To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an inflatable article comprising at least one inflatable bladder having an air inlet and an inflation device extending along a longitudinal axis, said inflation device comprising:

- a vacuum tube having a first end portion attached to the air inlet, the vacuum tube having a length at least equal to the largest transverse dimension of said vacuum tube, the vacuum tube extending into the inflatable bladder;

- a venturi device configured to be mounted on the first end portion of the vacuum tube, the venturi device comprising a main axial opening whose cross section is smaller than the cross section of the vacuum tube, the main axial opening being configured to be connected to an air source, for the axial entry of a main air flow generated by said air source, and at least one secondary opening, distinct from the main axial opening, for the entry of a secondary air flow generated by the vacuum created in the vacuum tube by the main air flow.

To inflate the inflatable bladder, the air source is connected to the main opening of the venturi device and a main air flow is generated. The air source can be, among others, a hand pump, a foot pump, an electric pump or even the user's own lungs.

The primary airflow passes through the venturi device and into the vacuum tube, where it creates a vacuum. This vacuum draws a secondary airflow through at least one secondary opening in the venturi device. This secondary airflow is added to the primary airflow and these two flows are transported through the vacuum tube and into the inflatable bladder.

By dividing the inflation device into a vacuum tube and a venturi device, the effectiveness of the venturi effect is improved. The venturi device supports the injected and aspirated flows, while the vacuum tube ensures the onset of a vacuum and transports the air to the inflatable bladder.

According to the invention, the vacuum tube is connected to the inflatable bladder. Furthermore, the vacuum tube is arranged in the inflatable bladder, whereby the inflation device is at least partially integrated into the inflatable bladder.

This increases the overall compactness of the inflatable item, making it easier to store and transport.

Furthermore, since the vacuum tube extends inside the inflatable bladder, it is possible to wrap said inflatable bladder around the vacuum tube so that the inflatable article can be folded and stored in the smallest possible space. Furthermore, the arrangement of the vacuum tube inside the inflatable bladder eliminates the problem of connecting the inflation device to the inflatable bladder, which appears in US 1943 187. Inflation can be carried out immediately, without any prior positioning or connection stage. It is not necessary to use an additional connection element or to ensure that the inflation device is adapted to the inflatable bladder. Furthermore, the connection between the vacuum tube and the inflatable bladder makes it possible to limit air leaks at the connection between these two elements. It should also be noted that there is no risk of the vacuum tube being lost, since it is attached to the inflatable bladder.

In a non-limiting manner, the vacuum tube is shaped like a cylinder of revolution that extends around the longitudinal axis of the inflation device.

In particular, it is understood that the vacuum tube is in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable bladder and forms an air transport channel.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the vacuum tube has a length at least equal to its largest transverse dimension. Consequently, the vacuum tube has a length sufficient and conducive to the formation of a vacuum that causes the Venturi effect.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the vacuum tube further comprises a first end portion extending between the interior and the exterior of the inflatable bladder. This first end portion further comprises an inner portion, disposed within the inflatable bladder. The first end portion also comprises an outer portion disposed outside the inflatable bladder and on which the venturi device is mounted.

According to another aspect of the invention, the first end portion allows the vacuum tube to be connected to the inflatable bladder. The term “main axial opening” refers to an opening arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inflation device.

The advantage of having the main opening of the venturi device axially is to limit the angle of incidence between the direction of entry of the main air flow into the venturi device and the axis of the inflation device, the axis of the vacuum tube and therefore the direction of air transport in the inflation device. Limiting this angle of incidence makes it possible to improve the transport of air inside the inflation device, from the venturi device to the vacuum tube, which has the effect of improving the efficiency and speed of inflation.

Furthermore, it is also understood that the main axial opening and the at least one secondary opening of the venturi device are different, so that the main and secondary air flows are located within the venturi device, downstream of the main axial opening and the at least one secondary opening.

In a non-limiting manner, the diameter of the vacuum tube is much larger than the diameter of the main axial opening. This allows for a significant space to be freed up in the venturi device in order to provide at least one secondary opening of sufficient size to enhance the venturi effect.

Advantageously, said at least one secondary opening is axial. Said main opening and said at least one secondary opening of the venturi device are therefore both configured to allow axial entry of the main and secondary air flows into the venturi device. Thus, the inlet axes of the main and secondary air flows are substantially parallel, so that these two flows meet at an angle of incidence of practically zero in the vacuum tube, creating the least possible turbulence. In this case too, the venturi effect is improved and inflation is much faster.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the vacuum tube extends inside the inflatable bladder for at least half of its length, which further improves the compactness of the inflatable article. In particular, this facilitates its storage and transportation.

According to another aspect of the invention, the venturi device is removably mounted on the end portion of the vacuum tube. An advantage of this is that it is easy to deflate the inflatable bladder using the inflation device. When the venturi device is removed, an opening is created to allow the air to escape from the inflatable bladder, in the first end portion of the vacuum tube. This opening has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the vacuum tube, allowing the air to escape very quickly from the inflatable bladder.

Another advantage of being able to remove the venturi device is that the inflatable article takes up less space when it is no longer in use. In particular, this makes it easier to store and transport the inflatable article. In addition, the detachable venturi device can be attached to the inflatable bladder by means of a flexible connection.

In a non-limiting manner, the inflation device may comprise connection means for connecting the venturi device to the vacuum tube. These connection means may comprise, for example, a thread arranged on the external part of the first end portion of the vacuum tube, intended to cooperate with a thread arranged on an inner wall of the venturi device. It is understood that the venturi device is screwed to the vacuum tube. Preferably, said at least one secondary opening is arranged at least partially on the periphery of said main axial opening. It is understood that, in this configuration, the air source connected to the main axial opening extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inflation device. Therefore, there is no risk that the air source will obstruct, even partially, the at least one secondary opening and limit the flow of secondary air drawn through said at least one secondary opening, by the venturi effect.

Even more preferably, said at least one secondary opening extends annularly around said main axial opening, whereby the main axial opening and said at least one secondary opening are concentric. This configuration favors the meeting and homogenization of the main and secondary air flows within the venturi device. In effect, the secondary air flow enters the venturi device at a practically zero angle of incidence with respect to the main air flow entering through the main axial opening, substantially surrounding said main air flow. As a result, little turbulence is created when the main and secondary flows meet.

Preferably, the venturi device comprises a plurality of secondary openings. Thus, even if one of the secondary openings is blocked, the secondary air flow is still admitted into the other secondary openings and the venturi effect is not interrupted.

In a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, the venturi device comprises a plurality of secondary openings separated from one another by radial walls extending between an outer casing and an inner casing, the inner casing defining the main axial opening. The inner casing separates the main and secondary air flows and guides the main air flow into the interior of the venturi device, while the outer casing guides the secondary air flow into the interior of the venturi device.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the venturi device has four secondary openings.

Advantageously, the venturi device comprises at least one first non-return valve configured to close the main axial opening in order to prevent air from exiting the bladder to the outside through the main axial opening. Said at least one first non-return valve prevents air from exiting the inflatable bladder, in particular during the step of connecting or disconnecting the air source to the main axial opening.

Preferably, said at least one first non-return valve extends along substantially the entire cross section of the main axial opening. When a main air flow is injected by the air source into the main axial opening, said at least one first non-return valve opens and allows the passage of the main air flow. On the other hand, when no air flow is injected into the main axial opening, for example between two strokes of the pump, the valve closes under the pressure of the air present in the inflation device, preventing the escape of air.

Preferably, the venturi device comprises at least one second non-return valve configured to close said at least one secondary opening to prevent air from flowing out of the bladder, through said at least one secondary opening. Again, said at least one second non-return valve opens when an incoming secondary air flow is drawn by the vacuum created in the vacuum tube, through said at least one secondary opening. Said at least one second non-return valve closes when the vacuum in the vacuum tube is not sufficient to draw a secondary air flow.

In other words, said at least one first non-return valve and said at least one second non-return valve open during inflation and close when inflation is interrupted.

It is understood that, once the bladder is close to its fully inflated state, the pressure inside the inflatable bladder and the inflation device is such that the vacuum created in the vacuum tube will no longer be sufficient to open said at least one second non-return valve and draw in the secondary air flow. In this case, the venturi effect no longer occurs. However, since the main axial opening and said at least one secondary opening of the venturi device are different, it remains possible to adjust the inflation by continuing to inject a main air flow through the main axial opening.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the venturi device further comprises a removable plug configured to simultaneously close the main axial opening and the at least one secondary opening. The advantage of said plug is that it prevents any escape of air from the main axial opening and from the at least one secondary opening. It also makes it possible to protect the non-return valves and prevents the main axial opening from being blocked by an external body, such as a stone or earth.

Furthermore, if the venturi device comprises a first non-return valve and possibly at least a second non-return valve, it is understood that air leakage may occur through these non-return valves, in particular in the event of high pressure inside the inflatable bladder and in the event of manipulation of said inflatable bladder. In this example, the plug makes it possible to compensate for these possible air leaks.

In a non-limiting manner, the plug may take the form of a cap with a cross section substantially equal to the cross section of the venturi device. The main purpose of the plug is to place the venturi device in a closed position once the inflation of the inflatable bladder has been completed.

Still without limitation, the inflation device may comprise mounting means that allow the plug to be removably mounted on the venturi device. For example, the mounting means may comprise a thread arranged on an outer wall of the venturi device and an internal thread arranged on an inner wall of the plug. In the particular embodiment in which the venturi device comprises an inner casing, the thread may be arranged on an outer wall of the inner casing.

Advantageously, the vacuum tube is rigid and non-deformable, so that it cannot be accidentally damaged, for example by being crushed. In addition, the non-deformable nature of the vacuum tube prevents the appearance of compression points that could reduce the cross-section of the compression tube, partially or completely obstruct the channel formed by the vacuum tube and hinder the transport of the main and secondary air flows into the inflatable bladder.

Preferably, the vacuum tube comprises an outer wall covered with foam. This prevents damage to or puncture of the inflatable bladder, thereby protecting the inflatable bladder and the user. The tube may have sharp edges or hard points that could damage the inflatable bladder if rubbed against. Furthermore, as the vacuum tube runs inside the inflatable bladder, it is not visible to the user who could step on it or bump into it. The foam reduces the number of hard points and protruding parts of the vacuum tube. The foam also acts as a shock absorber and prevents injury to the user. The foam is preferably made of polyethylene or another shock-absorbing material. The vacuum tube is preferably made of rigid plastic materials, such as ABS.

Another advantage of foam is that it also allows for improved comfort of the inflatable item. For example, when the function of the inflatable bladder is to support the user, the vacuum tube may form an uncomfortable bulge. The foam then forms a padded comfort layer between the vacuum tube and the user.

Advantageously, the inflatable bladder is an inflatable mattress, with the advantage that the user can lie down and sleep on it. For example, it is understood that an inflatable mattress combined with an inflation device, which constitutes the inflatable article according to the invention, makes sense for camping. Campers often have little space in their backpacks and want to set up camp quickly. The inflatable article according to the invention alleviates the problem of space taken up and allows the mattress to be inflated and deflated quickly and easily.

Description of the figures

The invention will be better understood from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an inflatable article according to the invention, provided with an inflation device;

Figure 2 illustrates the inflation device of Figure 1, in the closed position;

Figure 3A illustrates the inflation device of Figure 1, in the open position;

Figure 3B illustrates the device of Figure 3A, connected to an air source;

Figure 4 shows the vacuum tube and the removable venturi device of the inflation device illustrated in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5A shows a sectional view of the inflation device of Figure 2;

Figure 5B shows the inflation device of Figure 5a, in the open position; and

Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of part of the venturi device shown in Figure 1.

Detailed description of the invention

1 shows an inflatable article 10 comprising an inflatable bladder 12 and an inflation device 14. In a non-limiting manner, the inflatable article 10 may be, among others, an inflatable mattress or an inflatable boat. In this example, the inflatable bladder 12 has an air inlet 16 formed in one of its side walls 18. In addition, the inflation device comprises a vacuum tube 20 and a venturi device 22. The vacuum tube 20 comprises a first end portion 24 that is attached to the inflatable bladder 12 at the air inlet 16 and extends between the interior and the exterior of said inflatable bladder 12. Furthermore, in this example, the venturi device 22 is removably mounted on the first end of the vacuum tube 20 and extends outside of the inflatable bladder 12. The inflation device 14 extends along an axis A that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum tube. In particular, the vacuum tube 20 is in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable bladder 12. In particular, the vacuum tube 20 comprises a second end portion 26 that opens into the inflatable bladder 12.

2 illustrates the inflation device 14 of FIG. 1, comprising the vacuum tube 20 and the venturi device 22. It can be seen that the vacuum tube is formed by a cylindrical body 28 and the first end portion 24, in a non-limiting manner. The cross section of the vacuum tube 20 is circular. The vacuum tube 20 has a length L greater than the diameter D of the cylindrical body. Preferably, the length L of the vacuum tube is between 40 mm and 300 mm, while the diameter D of the cylindrical body 28 is between 20 mm and 70 mm.

In a non-limiting manner, the cylindrical body 28 extends integrally within said inflatable bladder 12, while the first end portion 24 is adapted to pass through the air inlet 16 of the inflatable bladder 12, in order to hold the vacuum tube in position. Preferably, the vacuum tube 20 extends within the inflatable bladder 12 for at least half of its length. The first end portion 24 further comprises an inner portion disposed within the inflatable bladder 12. The first end portion 24 also comprises an outer portion disposed outside the inflatable bladder 12 and on which the venturi device 22 is mounted. The inner portion of the first end portion 24 is further provided with a radial clamping portion 30 and the outer portion of the first end portion is further provided with an axial clamping portion 32.

The radial holding portion 30 has a cross section larger than the cross section of the cylindrical body 28 and substantially equal to the cross section of the air inlet 16 of the inflatable bladder 12. Thus, this radial holding portion 30 is configured to extend through the air inlet 16 in order to maintain the radial position of the vacuum tube 20. In addition, the axial holding portion 32 forms a support flange on the side wall 18 of the inflatable bladder 12 to maintain the axial position of the vacuum tube 20 relative to the inflatable bladder 12.

Advantageously, the vacuum tube 20 is rigid and non-deformable. Furthermore, the cylindrical body 28 of the vacuum tube 20 has an outer wall 34 which is at least partially covered by a foam layer 36 to protect the inflatable bladder 12 and the user.

The venturi device 22 is removably mounted on the first end portion 24 of the vacuum tube 20. In the example of Figure 2, it is seen that, in a non-limiting manner, the venturi device 22 has a rounded cylindrical shape. In addition, an outer wall 38 of the venturi device is provided with latching elements 40 to facilitate the holding of the venturi device. It should also be noted that a removable plug 42 is mounted on the venturi device 22. This plug 42 prevents the escape of air and, therefore, places the inflation device 14 in a closed position. This plug 42 is particularly useful to prevent air leakage when the inflatable bladder 12 is inflated and in use.

The example of Figure 3a illustrates the inflation device extending along the longitudinal axis A. In this example, the inflation device 14 has been placed in the open position, with the plug 42 removed. Note that the venturi device 22 has a main axial opening 44 and, in a non-limiting manner, four secondary axial openings 46. The main axial opening 44 is substantially circular, with a smaller cross section than the cross section of the cylindrical body 28, and is defined by an inner housing 48, axially arranged, parallel to the longitudinal axis A, and centered on the venturi device 22. The four secondary openings 46 are arranged annularly around the main axial opening 44, between the inner housing 48 and an outer housing 50 integrated into the outer wall 38 of the venturi device 22. The secondary openings 46 are substantially identical in size and shape and are separated by radial walls 52 extending between the inner housing 48 and the outer housing 50. It should be noted that the secondary openings 46 are also arranged axially, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inflation device. Since the venturi device 22 is mounted on the vacuum tube 20, the four secondary openings 46 and the main axial opening 44 all open into the vacuum tube 20.

It can also be seen that the inflation device 14 may comprise mounting means 54 allowing the plug 42 to be removably mounted on the venturi device. In this example, the mounting means 54 comprise a thread 56 provided on the outer wall 38 of the venturi device and a thread 58 provided on a hooking portion 60 protruding inside the plug 42, as shown in Figure 5A. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the means 54 for mounting the plug on the venturi device may comprise a hooking system. In practice, the inflation device 14 allows the inflatable bladder 12 to be inflated by the venturi effect. Figure 3B shows that the user connects an air source 61, such as a pump, to the main axial opening 44 of the venturi device 22. Said air source 61 may be, for example, a hand pump, a foot pump or an electric pump. Using the air source 61, the user injects a primary air flow into the venturi device 22 through the main axial opening 44. This primary air flow is conveyed into the vacuum tube, where it creates a vacuum. This vacuum draws a secondary air flow from the external environment into the inflation device 14 through the secondary openings 46. The primary and secondary air flows meet in the venturi device 22 and are conveyed into the vacuum tube 20 and open into the inflatable bladder 12 for inflation.

It is understood that, since the main axial opening 44 and said secondary openings 46 are arranged axially, the angle of incidence of the main and secondary air flows is substantially zero, so that these flows enter and meet in the venturi device 22 creating a minimum of turbulence. This improves the effectiveness of the venturi effect.

Furthermore, the length of the vacuum tube 20 and in particular the length L of the cylindrical body 28 are adapted so as to allow an optimum vacuum for the occurrence of said venturi effect.

Figure 4 shows a variant of the inflation device 14 in which the venturi device 22 is removable, so that it can be disconnected from the vacuum tube 20. In this example, it can be seen that the inflation device comprises connection means 62 that allow the venturi device 22 to be easily separated from the vacuum tube 20. In this example, in a non-limiting manner, the connection means 62 consist of a thread 64 arranged on an outer wall of the outer part of the first end part 24 of the vacuum tube 20, and a thread 66 arranged on an inner wall of the venturi device 22. These connection means 62 are shown in the sectional view of Figure 5A. Without departing from the scope of the invention, other types of connection means 62 could be used, such as a hook or snap-fit system, for example. Referring again to Figure 4, it can be seen that the axial clamping portion 32 of the first end portion 24 of the vacuum tube 20 also allows the tightening of the venturi device 22 to be limited.

The advantage of being able to disconnect the venturi device 22 is that it releases a first axial opening 45 of the vacuum tube, located in the first end portion 24. This large opening 45 allows the air contained in the inflatable bladder 12 to escape, with the result that said inflatable bladder 12 deflates rapidly.

In the example shown in Figure 5A, it can be seen that the main opening 44 and the secondary openings 46 all open into the venturi device 22, so that the main and secondary air flows pass through these openings and are transported towards the venturi device 22, then towards the vacuum tube 20 and finally towards the inflatable bladder 12, without encountering any obstacles.

It is also understood that the plug 42 simultaneously covers the main axial opening and the secondary openings of the venturi device, thus preventing the escape of air.

Figure 5B illustrates a sectional view of the inflation device 14 in the open position. In this case, the main and secondary air flows entering the venturi device 22 are shown schematically, without taking into account the effects of disturbances and turbulence that may occur. Note that the main air flow F1 enters the venturi device through the main axial opening 44 and is transported to the vacuum tube 20, where it creates a vacuum. The secondary air flow F2 is then transported through the secondary openings 46 and transported to the vacuum tube 20, where it joins the main air flow F1. The main air flow F1 and the secondary air flow F2 then form, in the vacuum tube 20, a resulting air flow F3 which is transported to the inflatable bladder 12 for inflation. The resulting air flow F3 can be up to three times greater than the main air flow F1.

As illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B and in the exploded view of Figure 6, non-return valves are provided in the main axial opening 44 and in the secondary openings 46. These valves are configured to close the openings with which they are associated.

In this example, a first check valve 68, substantially circular in shape, is disposed in the main axial opening 44 of the device 70 and is disposed in the four secondary openings 46 of the venturi device. These first and second check valves 68 and 70 comprise membranes 72 and are configured to allow the main and secondary air flows to enter the venturi device 22 through the main and secondary openings 4446. During inflation, the membranes 72 open towards the interior of the vacuum tube to allow the entry of air. On the other hand, in the absence of an incoming main air flow, the membranes 72 are kept closed by the pressure imposed by the air present inside the venturi device. In this way, the non-return valves 68, 70 prevent air from escaping from the venturi device 22 to the outside of the inflation device 14, through the main axial opening and the secondary openings. In this way, inflation of the inflatable bladder 12 is permitted while deflation is prevented when inflation is interrupted.

Once the inflatable bladder 12 is close to its maximum inflation, the pressure within the inflatable bladder, the vacuum tube 20 and the venturi device 22 is such that the vacuum created by the main air flow is no longer sufficient to open the second non-return valves 70 and draw in a secondary air flow. The venturi effect can no longer occur. However, according to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, and since the main axial opening 44 and the secondary openings 46 are different, the user can still inject air through the main axial opening, using the air source. This allows the inflation of the inflatable bladder 12 to be adjusted and refined using a single main air flow.

In Figure 6 it can be seen that the first non-return valve is formed by a membrane 72 held in place by a fixing element 74. Furthermore, the sliding membrane 72 and the fixing element 74 are separated by a sealing gasket 76.

Claims (16)

1. Inflatable article (10) comprising at least one inflatable bladder (12) having an air inlet (16) and an inflation device (14) extending along a longitudinal axis (A), said inflation device (14) comprising: - a vacuum tube (20) having a first end portion (24) attached to the air inlet (16), the vacuum tube having a length at least equal to the largest transverse dimension of said vacuum tube; - a venturi device (22) configured to be mounted on the first end portion (24) of the vacuum tube (20), the venturi device (22) comprising a main axial opening (44), the section of which is smaller than the axial cross section, the axial main opening (44) being configured to be connected to an air source, for the axial entry of a main air flow generated by said air source, and at least one secondary opening (46), distinct from the main axial opening (44), for the entry of a secondary air flow generated by the vacuum created in the vacuum tube (20) by the main air flow, characterized in that the vacuum tube (20) extends through the interior of the inflatable bladder (12) for at least half of its length. 2. Inflatable article according to claim 1, wherein said at least one secondary opening (46) is axial. 3. Inflatable article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the venturi device (22) is removably mounted on the end portion (24) of the vacuum tube (20). 4. Inflatable article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one secondary opening (46) is arranged at least partially on the periphery of said main axial opening (44). 5. Inflatable article according to claim 4, wherein said at least one secondary opening (46) extends annularly around said main axial opening (44). 6. Inflatable article according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the venturi device comprises a plurality of secondary openings (46). 7. Inflatable article according to claim 6, wherein the venturi device comprises a plurality of secondary openings (46) separated from each other by radial walls (52) extending between an outer shell (48) and an inner shell (50), the inner shell defining the main axial opening (44). 8. Inflatable article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the venturi device comprises at least a first non-return valve (68) configured to block the main axial opening so as to prevent air from exiting the inflatable bladder (12) through the main axial opening. 9. Inflatable article according to claim 8, wherein the venturi device comprises at least one second non-return valve (70) configured to close said at least one secondary opening to the outside, through said at least one secondary opening. 10. Inflatable article according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the venturi device further comprises a removable plug (42) configured to simultaneously close the main axial opening and the at least one secondary opening. 11. Inflatable article according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vacuum tube (20) is rigid and non-deformable. 12. Inflatable article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the vacuum tube comprises an outer wall (34) covered with foam (36). 13. Inflatable article according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein said inflatable article (10) is an inflatable mattress. 14. Inflatable article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum tube is attached to the inflatable bladder (12). 15. Inflatable article (10) comprising at least one inflatable bladder (12) having an air inlet (16) and an inflation device (14) extending along a longitudinal axis (A), said inflation device (14) comprising: - a vacuum tube (20) having a first end portion (24) attached to the air inlet (16), the vacuum tube having a length at least equal to the largest transverse dimension of said vacuum tube; - a venturi device (22) configured to be mounted on the first end portion (24) of the vacuum tube (20), the venturi device (22) comprising a main axial opening (44), the section of which is smaller than the cross section of the vacuum tube, the main axial opening (44) being configured to be connected to an air source, for the axial entry of a main air flow generated by said air source, and at least one secondary opening (46), distinct from the main axial opening (44), for the entry of a secondary air flow generated by the vacuum created in the vacuum tube (20) by the main air flow, characterized in that the vacuum tube (20) extends through the interior of the inflatable bladder (12), and in that the venturi device (22) is configured to be mounted on the first end portion (24) of the vacuum tube (20) in a detachable manner. 16. Inflatable article (10) comprising at least one inflatable bladder (12) having an air inlet (16) and an inflation device (14) extending along a longitudinal axis (A), said inflation device (14) comprising: - a vacuum tube (20) having a first end portion (24), the vacuum tube having a length at least equal to the largest transverse dimension of said vacuum tube; - a venturi device (22) configured to be mounted on the first end portion (24) of the vacuum tube (20), the venturi device (22) comprising a main axial opening (44), the section of which is smaller than the cross section of the vacuum tube, the main axial opening (44) being configured to be connected to an air source, for the axial entry of a main air flow generated by said air source, and at least one secondary opening (46), distinct from the main axial opening (44), for the entry of a secondary air flow generated by the vacuum created in the vacuum tube (20) by the main air flow, characterized in that the vacuum tube (20) extends inside the inflatable bladder (12) and in that the first end portion (24) of the vacuum tube (20) forms a means of joining said vacuum tube to the inflatable bladder (12), at the air inlet (16).